Haiti – In Gonaive, Haiti, one of the cities hardest hit by the recent wave of hurricanes, Haitian Nazarenes are responding. Rev. Walliere Pierre, Haiti NCM coordinator and Dr. Lucien Jean Baptiste, Haiti Nazarene Bible College president, recently distributed Crisis Care Kits in the flooded area (see above photo, dated Sept. 22, 2008). Gonaive and surrounding areas are a part of the North Central District in Haiti, home to 58 Nazarene churches and almost 14,000 Nazarene church members. Four Nazarene churches were completely destroyed ($19,000 U.S. each to rebuild), and many others have been seriously damaged. Of course, Gonaive is just one of the cities affected by hurricane-related flooding and wind damage. Representatives from the Bible school report that the stench of decaying animals is ever present, and lines for food in the area stretch along for about one mile.

Reports of the damage assessment in the 10 other districts in Haiti, home to another 94,000 Nazarenes, are still coming in. Yet each email, phone call, or photo that comes in drives home the desperate situation of the people and churches in Haiti.  

"It is more horrific than I can fathom," said Dr. John Smee, regional director.

While news of ruined crops and damaged churches and homes continue to come in, Nazarenes are working to begin rebuilding lives and livelihoods. Temporary shelter, particularly tents (6 - 8 person) is urgently needed. You can help.

 

The Bahamas - Rev. Kirk Curry, district superintendent of the Bahamas, reported that the district is planning a Work and Witness trip to the island of Andros, one of the 700 Bahamian islands, for November 2008. The All Believers Nazarene Church in Andros has been damaged, and the group of Bahamian volunteers plans to rebuild and repair this church. They are sending people to do carpentry, masonry work, tiling, painting, plumbing repairs and  general  clean-up. Pray that this group who is moving to help those on their own district will have safety and expediency in the clean-up and repair efforts. You can help.
 


Cuba – [Click here for a photo gallery from a Miami Herald report of the slow clean-up.] Nazarene church leaders in Cuba have sent a detailed report of the churches that were damaged during Hurricane Ike.

Maisí Church of the Nazarene: While damage to the church building was minor, church members and other community members have suffered great losses.


In and around the city of Baracoa, witnesses saw a storm surge near the town’s pier that reached higher than a five-story building. Church members near Barigua lost their houses completely, and water destroyed two walls of the church building. At Boma, part of the church’s roof is gone, as is the roof of church members who live next door. In Jamal more than 700 people were evacuated. 



In and around the city of Holguín: San Germán Church of the Nazarene lost their roof. Guabaciabo Church of the Nazarene collapsed partially. At Uñas Church of the Nazarene, the parsonage is uninhabitable. La Manzanas Church of the Nazarene suffered no damage, but many of the church members houses were damaged. A member of the Bocas Church of the Nazarene simply reported, "It was terrible." Niquero Church of the Nazarene lost part of its parsonage, and three members lost their homes.


In and around the city of Santiago: Candlemas Church of the Nazarene lost almost its entire roof, as well as the roof of its parsonage. 



In and around the city of Las Tunas: Community neighbors and church members suffered losses.



Sacred Clara Church of the Nazarene lost its entire banana crop.


Of course, there are many other churches who have not been able to send reports yet.

Rev. Leonel Lopez, district superintendent, said, "Speaking with the coordinator of compassion [ministries], Mabel Fernandez, we agreed that the effects of the storms have been bigger than what we thought. In these moments we don't have funds for these disasters. Local churches in Cuba are taking offerings to help those who need it more than they, although everyone has dire needs after this storm. Some pastors have told me that they will collect clothes and money to give us when we head to the hardest hit in the east."

Rev. Lopez wrote these encouraging words to his district congregation: "In 1895 when a group of around 100 people organized the Church of the
Nazarene, they had as a Christian ideal compassion for the poor and needy of this world. Some days later the new church published its first titled publication, ‘The Messenger.’ In this leaflet an announcement appeared: ‘We are picking up clothes and used shoes and a voluntary offering to help the needy. Those that can give please see the deacons (today we call them stewards and trustees) of the church.’ Today we have us the same opportunity."
These words have never come at a more opportune time. Christians have a choice to focus on current economic difficulties or to attempt to live out the sacrificial compassion Jesus showed us through His lifestyle.

Caribbean people are helping Caribbean people who are hurting. The two districts in Puerto Rico and the two districts in Jamaica are responding to those in need with offerings. The Suriname district and Trinidad districts are lifting up those in need through prayer and have sent their encouragement.

Here are some ways you can help.



Pray for the safety of our Nazarene brothers and sisters, as well as people the local churches can help through this trial. 

This page also at caribnaz.org/prayer



Monetary donations are the best and fastest way for you to help with the immediate needs of the hurricane victims.

A good example of a tent that would be helpful is here. Please contact communications@caribnaz.org to find out shipping information. This information will also help us to keep track of how many have shipped.
Videos:

Download the Hurricane Season 2008 video here.
Here you can watch a video of how Nazarenes helped during 2004 hurricanes. 
Download the videos here and show them to your small group, church and friends.
Download them in any format and in customizable sizes here.

You can find the current Crisis Care Kit packing list and information here.

For additional ways to help, contact communications@caribnaz.org