Press Releases

Democratic Republic of Congo & Rwanda face 6.1 magnitude earthquake

More than 300 people were injured and 40 people killed in a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that shook the South Kivu area on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.  The earthquake hit on Sunday, February 3 at 9:35 am (local time).

Those in the city of Bukavu (DRCongo) were asked to spend Sunday night outside for fear that more tremors would collapse people’s homes. Here are the initial reports from NCM Field Coordinator Rev. Celestin Chishibanji:

• 16 church buildings were destroyed. Four of them are Nazarene: Rusizi and Nkombo in Rwanda and Mudaka and Gloire Dieu in Bukavu.
• 12 schools were destroyed, one of them Nazarene.
• 210 houses were destroyed. Among them were 11 Nazarene homes.
• 230 people have been seriously injured and are being treated in hospitals in both Cyangugu, Rwanda (81) and Bukavu, DRCongo (149).
• One wall of the Church of the Nazarene South Kivu District office has fallen down.

This kind of devastation is especially hard on an area that has suffered from political instability and violence.  However, the church is strong here and is already responding to the needs of church members and the community.

World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said, “Please pray for church leaders and those responding in Rwanda and Congo as they care for those who are injured or who have lost their homes to the earthquake.”

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Rwanda/Congo Earthquake Relief 2008 ACM1199” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2008

• On-line using VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express
• OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer
• and mail to:
  General Treasurer
  6401 The Paseo
  Kansas City, MO 64131
• In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
• and mail to:
  Church of the Nazarene Canada
  20 Regan Road, Unit 9
  Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.