A 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea 26 February, killing at least 31 people. This is the strongest earthquake to strike the interior of Papua New Guinea in almost a century, and officials expect the death toll to climb. 
 
Nazarene sources report that a 7th grade girl, the daughter of Nazarene church members, died when her house collapsed during the earthquake. Three Nazarene church buildings have collapsed, and one Nazarene bush church has been destroyed.

Many of the people, including the area's district superintendent, are living outside of their houses due to fear of them collapsing in one of the aftershocks. The Southern Highlands district superintendent will try to travel out of the area next week to bring a more detailed report to the field office. He asks that the church family around the world pray for and support the people of the Southern Highlands area of Papua New Guinea.

How to Help

Pray

Please pray for families, individuals, and churches affected by the earthquake. Also, pray for those responding to the needs of the people, despite the dangers they may face.

Give

Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Asia-Pacific Relief Fund.

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 128585 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 Ponytrail Drive
Mississauga, ON L4X 1W5
CANADA

Be sure to put 128585 in the Memo area.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific