Indonesia earthquake, tsunami death toll rises
The country of Indonesia continues to reel after a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck on 28 September. More than 5,000 people could still be missing in the towns of Baleroa and Petobo, where rivers of soil swept away entire neighborhoods. The confirmed death toll from the quake has now reached more than 2,000, with hundreds of people missing in central Sulawesi's largest city, Palu, the spokesperson of Indonesia's Disaster Management Agency told reporters in Jakarta on Sunday.
The Church of the Nazarene in Indonesia is assessing the situation with two separate initial teams and reaching out to partner organizations to pursue a possible coordinated effort. As the long-term recovery needs become clear, so will the response.
The Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Global Relief Fund exists to support this and other disasters around the world. Giving to this fund allows money to be funneled to local congregations as they minister to their suffering neighbors. The Global Relief Fund provides a response that works to meet both immediate and long-term needs.
How You Can Help
Pray
Please pray for those facing the devastation left by the disasters and their after effects. Pray for those who have lost loved ones and homes. Pray for those who are most vulnerable during and after these disasters, especially senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for the swift delivery of the supplies and care they need, and pray for the months of recovery ahead. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.
Give
Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Global Relief Fund. Donations will be used for immediate needs, such as water and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116
Be sure to put 106117 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5
Be sure to put 106117 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Global Relief Fund.