Press Releases

Flooding in Central Africa

As the rainy season in Central Africa continues, the countries located along the Zambezi River – Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia – face increasing rainfall and rising riverbanks.  Major news sources report that 45 people have already died due to the flooding, and tens of thousands have been displaced.  The current flooding compounds an already existing hardship since many people in Mozambique were displaced due to flooding last year.  Authorities anticipate that this year’s flooding will be worse than the flooding of 2001. 

As the rising river threatens resettlement camps in Mozambique, the police and army have forcibly evacuated 65,000 people bringing the total of displaced people to 170,000.  In Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, homes and crops have been destroyed creating a crisis that will continue far after the water recedes.  These countries also face damage to infrastructure, including roads, making it difficult to transport much needed goods such as food to those who are seeking refuge from the water.

Members and leaders in the Church of the Nazarene are currently assessing the situation in each of these central African countries to find ways for the church to partner together to meet the immediate and long-term needs of our sisters and brothers in crisis.  In Mozambique, 31 congregations and hundreds of families have been affected in four districts: Marromeu, Morrumbala, Sofala, and Quelimane.  In Zambezi-Caia and Manica districts in Mozambique, the situation is difficult, but leaders have not been able to report the extent of the damages and displacement.

“We must continue to pray for those who are losing both life and property in yet another flood,” World Mission Director Dr. Louie E. Bustle said. “We must remember them as if we are remembering our own body.”

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Zambezi River Flood Relief ACM1501” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 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
January 23,2008

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• 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.