A severe storm hit the south portion of Brazil’s Piauí state November 26, leaving a trail of destruction in several municipalities. One of the most affected areas was the town of Fartura, where the Fartura Church of the Nazarene collapsed, causing at least one death and several injuries.

“Pastor Francildo was conducting a service but needed to close the meeting because of the hailstorm and strong winds, asking everyone to return to their homes,” said Gerson Cardoso, field strategy coordinator for Brazil North.

Two men stayed behind to close up the church and were still inside when the building collapsed.

“Our brother, Florisvaldo Ferreira dos Santos, 56, could not get out in time and was hit by the falling roof,” Cardoso said.

Ferreira was taken to the hospital in critical condition along with several other people. He later died.

”Our attention now will be for the family of our brother Florisvaldo, for homes that were hit, and reconstruction of the church,” Cardoso said.

How to Help

In addition to prayer, churches and individuals around the world can help by giving to the South America Disaster Relief Fund through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

To send donations by mail, use these instructions:

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 ACM125518 in the Memo area.

In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

Be sure to put ACM125518 in the Memo area.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the South America Disaster Relief fund.