Indonesia Disaster Relief

Taken From NCNNews.com

Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Tuesday, May 30, 2006

At approximately 6 A.M. local time on Saturday morning, May 27, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake rippled through the major city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. International news agencies are now reporting more than 5,700 people have been confirmed killed, with hundreds more injured and as many as 200,000 homeless. The death toll continues to rise as rescuers clear away rubble from collapsed homes and businesses.

Later on Saturday, Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Regional Director Verne Ward spoke by phone with Sealands Field Strategy Coordinator Bob McCroskey, who lives in Yogyakarta. Although Yogyakarta had felt the brunt of the quake, McCroskey reported that they are safe.

Further investigation by the World Mission Department, the Asia-Pacific Regional Office, and McCroskey's team revealed that several Nazarenes in the community lost their homes, but they were okay. Many lost friends and associates in the quake, including McCroskey.

By Tuesday, May 30, it was learned that four Nazarene churches and parsonages were destroyed. Some missionary homes were also damaged.

Damage to the Nazarene Bible College was extensive. Classes were quickly cancelled for this week in order that students and faculty help with disaster relief. Students have mobilized to cook approximately 150 each day so far. Meals are being wrapped in oil paper and distributed among the wounded. Tools were purchased for teams of students to help clean up rubble from broken houses. A visitation team is also being assembled to meet with patients in local hospitals.

World Mission Director Louie E. Bustle reported on Sunday, May 28, that compassionate ministry outreach was underway almost immediately after the disaster.

In Panggang, the local Nazarene congregation distributed food to neighbors in spite of the destruction to their church building.

Asia-Pacific teams continue to work with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) in Kansas City to coordinate additional outreach efforts.

NCM reports immediate needs are food supplies and water. Long-term needs include sacks of cement, tin roofing, nails, and wood for the rebuilding of homes and churches, as well as household supplies.

“Indonesia is a country battling great crisis.” stated Bustle. “In this time of uncertainty we need to rally around our brothers and sisters in Christ, not only helping them to rebuild, but helping them to show the love of our Lord to their neighbors.”

“The needs are great,” said McCroskey. “The challenges are enormous. But God is greater. We know we have great friends and a great church that will rally around us. As we each do what we can do, God will help us to help the suffering.”

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for Indonesia earthquake relief efforts can mark their checks “Indonesia Earthquake Relief ACM2001” 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. Immediate donations may also be made online at www.ncm.org.

All donations remitted through the General Treasurer’s Office will receive 10 percent Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

"Please join me in continuing to pray for all those who have been affected by this earthquake - many of whom are still suffering the effects of the 2004 tsunami," said Bustle.
--NCN News, NCM, Asia-Pacific Region