Just days after a typhoon crossing the Philippines on Sept. 26 flooded more than 80 percent of Manila, killing up to 200 people and displacing half a million, a tsunami struck the islands of Samoa and American Samoa. The next day, Sept. 30, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook Indonesia. The Philippines is bracing for another possible typhoon on Oct. 3.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) is working to reach NCM personnel in the affected areas to develop response strategies for assisting victims.

Typhoons
In the Philippines, local Nazarene churches and Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS) have responded with open arms, sheltering the displaced and distributing Crisis Care Kits, food, and clothing. (Read more.)

Meanwhile, "super typhoon" Pepeng (Parma), with winds calculated at 241 kilometers per hour (150 miles per hour), is on a collision course with the Philippines. Landfall is expected on Saturday, October 3. (Read more.)

Tsunami
In Samoa and American Samoa, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake roused island residents from sleep early in the morning of Sept. 29. The terrifying tremors were followed quickly by a series of destructive tsunami waves that flattened villages, flooded cities and carried people and possessions out to sea. Cars have been washed into the ocean and embedded into buildings, fish left floundering on the shore and fishing boats thrown onto reefs. Over 100 people thus far are estimated to have lost their lives. The tsunami also affected the nearby island of Tonga.

Nazarenes on the Asia-Pacific Region have already been deployed for disaster relief in Samoa, working with the 10 Nazarene churches in the area. Please, join Nazarene Samoan family members in the US in praying for and supporting the relief work. (Read more.)

“We are looking at what exactly the needs are there so we can communicate that to our constituents so when they respond it is a strategic response,” said Stephen Gualberto, NCM International project director.

Earthquake

In Indonesia, the Wall Street Journal reports 777 dead following the Sept. 30 earthquake that has left thousands potentially trapped under rubble in Indonesia. Widespread power and phone outages and damaged bridges and roadways have hampered relief efforts with accurate information hard to ascertain. Schools, homes, even hospitals have collapsed and people fear further damage from aftershocks.

“We are trying hard to get updates from the disaster area because the communication system is difficult there,” said Gualberto. “Hopefully over the weekend we can hear some concrete information from the field.”

NCM Response
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries is encouraging individuals and congregations to prayerfully consider how to join local Nazarenes around the world in ministering in this difficult time. Nazarenes in Japan have already donated from reserves, are collecting further donations, and are seeking ways to make a greater impact. Partner with them in prayer and support for our hurting neighbors.

Watch a video from World Mission Communications - Asia Pacific about how NCM works with local churches in an affected area.

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries can mark their checks "Asia-Pacific Disaster Relief AMC1200" and mail them to the Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116 Kansas City, MO 64184. 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. To donate online, click here: ncm.org.