Cyclone Pam devastates Vanuatu islands, impacts local Nazarenes
On-the-ground reports state streets are littered with debris and upturned trees, and entire villages have been blown away.
Cyclone Pam came ashore with 160 mph winds, gusting to 195 mph (257 kph gusts to 315 kph), according to reports. The Bureau of Meteorology is calling Cyclone Pam "one of the most intense cyclones ever recorded in the southern hemisphere."
There are 11 local Nazarene churches in Vanuatu. Church leaders in Vanuatu are requesting prayer and support as they work to minister to members and neighbors who have been affected by this devastating storm.
"Please continue to pray for the people of Vanuatu, our missionaries — the Potters and Isaacs — as well as church leaders and members," said Harmon Schmelzenbach, Melanesia South Pacific field strategy coordinator. "Our missionaries were well prepared and were working with church leaders to help church and community members in preparation for the storm’s arrival."
Before communication lines were cut off, David and Sylvia Potter, Nazarene missionaries serving in Vanuatu, were able to get out the following message:
"In the midst of the wildest storm I’ve ever gone through, God's power and presence is so much more powerful. … Praying hard for those who do not know the God of the Universe and are without His peace right now!"
Schmelzenbach said efforts will continue throughout the weekend to make contact with Nazarene team members on the ground as the team considers Nazarene options for disaster response.
Shelter, food, and water are immediate, urgent needs.
How to help
To support Nazarene disaster response efforts through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, give to the Asia Pacific Disaster Relief Fund.
To send donations by mail, make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, Missouri 64184-3116 United States
Be sure to put ACM1200 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 Canada
Be sure to put ACM1200 in the Memo area.--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in cooperation with the Asia-Pacific Region
Senior Editor: Frank M. Moore
Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Associate Editor: Sarah A. Glass
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