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The beginnings of our responsePort-au-Prince, Haiti Wednesday, January 20, 2010 One week after the 7.0 earthquake rocked Port au Prince, Haitian pastor Franckel Formétus describes the scene on the city streets: "Since the earthquake, the street is the home of all Haitians—that is to say their room and also their living room. What can we do to overcome this situation? We should think of another way in Haiti." Finding Another Way Just as Franckel is thinking of "another way" to overcome the overwhelming devastation and minister to members of his flock, the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Petion-ville is already being used in another way. Although the spring semester was about to start, classes are being postponed as the 33-acre campus is now being used to house refugees. Theological education is on hold as the ministers and students there live out theological beliefs. According to the most recent count, 373 adults are camping out on the grounds—a number that does not include the many children accompanying the adults. On campus this week is Field Strategy Coordinator Bill Dawson, along with the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) Coordinator for the Caribbean Region Beth Luthye. They continue to survey the situation and further develop a plan for extensive distribution of aid. NCM is providing for the basic needs of those without anywhere to go. Solving Seemingly Insurmountable Challenges Jack Lummus  Thankfully, the buildings on campus suffered minor damage from the quake, but the perimeter walls were destroyed in many places. This posed a problem for distributing aid to people in an organized manner and from a secure location. Since usable block and mortar for repairs are in short supply, Caribbean Work & Witness Coordinator Curt Luthye started looking for alternate solutions. He determined that a diesel-powered cinder block maker would best accomplish the goal. Because repairs needed to start immediately, the search began in the U.S. to find and ship a block making machine. This seemed an impossible task on such short notice, but nothing is impossible with God. Through the efforts of Jason Evoy, youth minister at the Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene in Bakersfield, California, and a partner with Nazarene ministries in Haiti, a block maker was found, purchased, and prepared to ship. The next challenge was finding a way to transport this 1,100-pound piece of equipment to Haiti. Planes were either too small or too full. But through a remarkable series of connections, a U.S. Navy ship headed to Haiti agreed to load the block maker if it could be delivered and loaded on board before the ship left. Time was short. "Our block maker was delivered two minutes before the ramp was lifted on the USNS 1st LT Jack Lummus," Envoy reported. "Praise the Lord! The guy came down and received the item himself and it's supposed to be on the ship right now!" The block maker will arrive in Port-au-Prince via a U.S. Navy ship on Friday, January 22. Responding to the Need There are many other stories emerging of God moving people to action and making connections where there were none before. People are responding to the overwhelming needs with creative solutions and great generosity. But there is more to do. NCM has provided a list of ways to provide for those affected by the quake. A cargo container in Hialeah, Florida, is currently being filled for shipment to Haiti. Individuals wishing to purchase some of the needed items online and have them directly shipped to Hialeah can click here to access the store specifically set up for NCM purchases. Follow the shipping instructions on the site. When the container is full, it will ship. NCM hopes it can be sent to Haiti at the end of this week. The needs are great, but God is working in powerful ways. In the words of Pastor Walliere Pierre, Coordinator of NCM for Haiti: "This is my responsibility to serve the people if God gave me life. Because when the earthquake happened I was in a very difficult zone." There are many difficulties still ahead for the nation of Haiti. Continue to pray for those affected, the individuals and families at the campus, the Nazarene pastors, and all who are working diligently to provide aid. --Nazarene Compassionate Ministries-Caribbean Posted by admin Thursday, January 21, 2010 (12:41:45)   | Score: 0
Open letter and video from General Superintendent J. K. Warrick on HaitiDear Nazarenes: I want to bring you up-to-date on the latest information available to us regarding the crisis situation in Haiti. This is a first-person account of some of the things I experienced as I arrived in Haiti on the afternoon of 12 January 2010 for district assemblies. The United States Geological Survey reported that the magnitude 7.0 quake-the most powerful to hit Haiti in a century-struck shortly before 5 p.m. Eastern Time and was centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince. It could be strongly felt in eastern Cuba more than 200 miles away, witnesses said. The earth became like an angry ocean. Status Report Here is what we know as of Friday 15 January 2010: • The dire situation in Haiti continues with extreme shortages of food, water, shelter, fuel, and medical care. Roughly one third of the population of 9 million has been affected, and at least 50,000 are estimated to have lost their lives. • What we take for granted in terms of infrastructure in developed countries (electricity, water, sewers, and roads) simply doesn't exist in Haiti. This lack of basic needs is adding to the difficulties of providing assistance to people. • It is not easy to land planes at the Port-au-Prince International Airport due to congestion. This situation needs to improve quickly so that helpers and larger quantities of supplies can be brought in to meet the overwhelming demands of the dear people of Haiti. • Haitian Nazarenes are working to distribute food, water, tents, and blankets and to provide medical attention. Simultaneously, our international church continues working around the clock to join the efforts of others in meeting the needs. It is worth noting that the value of World Evangelism Fund dollars and the faithful giving you have provided to this country can be found in the 500+ churches and nearly 116,000 Nazarenes who are serving the dislocated people of Haiti on behalf of the Church of the Nazarene. The Immediate Needs The best thing to do is pray: • For all Haitians but especially for our people who need food, water, patience, comfort, and strength. There is no place for people to stay. They sleep on the ground in the open air, sometimes using cardboard boxes to lie on, if they can find them. • For initial responders-search and rescue personnel; medical teams who are setting up clinics on our seminary campus near Petionville; firemen, police, and others who are going into Haiti to stabilize the country. Cash donations are needed in order to provide emergency supplies and assistance: • I ask you to give generously and sacrificially • Connect to this link for important information about giving o www.ncm.org/HaitiEarthquake • This is a link to a video I recorded 15 January 2010 o http://nazarene.org/Haiti The Long Road Ahead In the next few months our seminary and other locations will become staging grounds for scores of Work & Witness teams to build churches and homes and to repair the Nazarene Seminary in Haiti. More information will be available at www.nazarene.org and through your church as details are worked out and logistics are put in place. In Closing Here are some words from John Smee, regional director for the Caribbean: "Sixty years ago the Church of the Nazarene began in Haiti with two members. Now 116,000 Haitian Nazarenes, living in the poorest nation of the Western Hemisphere are facing death and destruction, and yet they remain strong and resilient, true to their faith. They are depending on Nazarenes around the world to pray and give as they seek to rebuild their lives, their towns, and their country. God bless you for your prayers and the support Haitians are already receiving." There is simply no adequate answer to the question "why?" We must leave that for some future time. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12). So let us focus on this question: "How can I help?" As we respond to this question our great Nazarene family around the world will make a difference for the future of the Haitian Nazarenes and the Haitian people. This will please the heart of our Lord! Thank you for your faithful response. J. K. Warrick Chair, Board of General Superintendents Church of the Nazarene bgs@nazarene.org Posted by admin Wednesday, January 20, 2010 (13:44:25) | Score: 0
Catastrophic Earthquake Hits HaitiA major earthquake measuring 7.0 magnitude on the Richter scale hit Haiti Tuesday evening at 5:53 EST. The initial quake lasted about a minute, followed by strong 5.9 and 5.5 aftershocks. The epicenter of Haiti’s earthquake was six miles west of Carrefour, just outside the capital city of Port-au-Prince.  The Church of the Nazarene in Haiti has been holding district assemblies for its 11 districts this week. General Superintendent J.K. Warrick flew into Haiti Tuesday afternoon for those assemblies. Communication with personnel in Haiti has been difficult due to phone lines being down, but Warrick was able to get a text message out from the Nazarene Seminary campus in Petion-ville, outside of Port-au-Prince, to say he and other church leaders on campus are safe. What is not known is the full extent of loss of life or property damage beyond the campus walls. Bill Dawson, French Field Strategy Coordinator, emailed to say that the situation “is grave and urgent. There are many injured all over the city. Major buildings, three and four stories, are down. … Neighbors who work for the UN report many injured, people carrying wounded through the streets.” “We have no news yet of our Nazarene families off campus,” Dawson said. “The earthquake was centered in the mid portion of the Central District. Dr. Lucien Jean Baptiste is the DS (district superintendent) and is on the road for an assembly in the South Central portion of Haiti. We do not know his whereabouts or information on him and the driver yet.” The population in the capital area is about 2 million people, living in dense urban communities, and they continue to experience significant aftershocks. Catastrophic casualties and damage are expected, as Haiti’s weak infrastructure is not prepared for this kind of disaster. More will be known when daylight breaks. “Our prayers and thoughts are with our Haitian family of more than 118,000 Nazarenes who have suffered such loss today,” Caribbean Regional Director John Smee said. Please be in prayer for the Haitian people and the Nazarene churches in Haiti. Pray for those injured in the debris. Also remember Dr. J.K. Warrick, Dr. Bill Dawson and his wife, Martha, and volunteer Rachel Reed, who are in Haiti now. Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks “Caribbean Disaster Response ACM1204” and mail them to the Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116 Kansas City, MO 64184. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Posted by admin Thursday, January 14, 2010 (19:52:56) | Score: 0
Administrative Assistant WantedThe Leo Center is seeking an organized, efficient multi-tasker with a heart for serving others. The successful candidate will anchor reception duties in a busy medical clinic. This competitively paid position includes responsibility for scheduling appointments, greeting patients, originating charts and receiving payment. It includes the satisfaction of knowing the effort contributes to an eternal difference. If you'd like to be a part of a growing Christian team who serve each other while serving the under served, please email your resume to awc51@hotmail.com. Medical background preferred. Accepting resumes until the position is filled. No phone calls please. Posted by admin Tuesday, June 30, 2009 (17:33:33) | Score: 0
Educational and Cultural Interactions (ECI)Educational and Cultural Interactions (ECI) has been conducting programs for international students for ten (10) years. The largest program is the high school exchange program where students from all over the world participate for one school year program staying with American host families and attending American high schools. We are located in Oklahoma City. However, we have Area Coordinators all over the United States We are desperately searching for families to host exchange students arriving this January to participate in our 2008 Spring Semester Academic Program. All the students are covered with accident and medical insurance; they are provided spending money by their parents in the amount of $250 per month to pay for school lunches, school supplies and personal items. The students are ready to adjust and accept the host family household rules and regulations and to act as part of the family. We hope that some members of your church would express interest and host the exchange students thus giving them a unique opportunity to get to know the values, culture, history and education of our great country. Hosting a student is a wonderful opportunity for a family to increase cross-cultural understanding and bridging the gaps between nations. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the church to get involved in friendship ministries to international students. Email administrator@forestview.org for a flyer and portions of some of our students' profiles if you are interested. The students are very eager to come to the U.S. and to learn about their new families. All interested families and the church can contact Kimberly at our toll-free number 1-888-446-5437 or local (405) 810-8314 as well as at our email address eci@ionet.net. Posted by admin Tuesday, January 22, 2008 (19:44:16) | Score: 0
Child Health StandardsOur nursery is for well children. We love your child and will miss the opportunity to have them in our care. We simply do not have the facilities or staff to give the separate, special care that sick children need. If your child has any of the following symptoms, we will not be able to care for him/her in our nursery: · Fever over 98.6 orally or 99.6 rectally. Since fever is so often associated with illness, we cannot chance accepting children with fevers resulting from teething. · Runny nose with a yellow or green colored discharge, or congestion associated with a cough or fever. · Vomiting within the last 24 hours. · Diarrhea within the last 24 hours. · Skin rashes or eruptions of unknown origin including impetigo, measles, chicken pox, etc. (If your child contracts any of these, please notify the church office.) · Persistent coughing associated with respiratory infection, including colds, bronchitis, etc. · Conjunctivitis (pink eye), which may also have a colored discharge or drainage. · Parasites, any form of lice, mites or ringworm. These aren't common but when present are very contagious. Posted by admin Wednesday, January 02, 2008 (18:54:45) | Score: 0
Theme Time!It's that time of year... We need a theme for 2008 We will unveal the 2008 theme and the contest winners this Sunday, the 6th, at 10:15 am.  Contest Rules 1. The theme must rhyme with 2008 2. The theme must be "preachable", with Biblical implications 3. No limit on the number of entries per person 4. The Lead Pastor will make the final selection of the winning theme 5. Prizes are at the sole discretion of the Lead Pastor, who pays for them 6. No entries will be accepted after December 23, 2007 7. Entries may be placed in the offering plate or in the Lead Pastor's hallway box 8. In case of a tie, the earliest entry will win Click here for the form. Posted by admin Tuesday, December 18, 2007 (13:42:11) | Score: 0 |
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