Haiti is still reeling after the 7.2-magnitude quake on August 14. An estimated 2,207 people were killed, more than 12,000 were injured, and tens of thousands are without homes. The greatest concerns as the country recovers include lack of shelter, hunger, and disease outbreaks.

In two Nazarene districts, Grand Anse and Sud, 15 churches were destroyed; some were still in disrepair after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and sustained additional damage during the earthquake (Lazile 2nd Church of the Nazarene pictured above). In the Sud District, one pastor’s home collapsed. About 5,000 Nazarene families are currently in need of food, shelter, and other emergency aid.

The hardest-hit areas are on Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, and impassable roads and violence have made delivering aid extremely challenging. Together with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, the local Nazarene churches are distributing tarps, tents, and food packages that include non-perishable food staples.

While church members want to help provide shelter, only about half the churches on the Grand Anse District have enclosed buildings, which may not be stable. Additionally, many people are afraid of sleeping indoors during aftershocks and prefer to sleep outside using tents and tarps.

It is likely that the recovery in this area will take years, particularly when the response transitions from immediate aid to a holistic model.

How You Can Help

Pray

Please pray for those facing the devastation left by the earthquake, especially those who have lost loved ones and homes. Pray for those who are experiencing trauma after the major earthquake 11 years ago. Pray for the swift and safe delivery of supplies, including shelters, food, and medicine. Pray for those who are most vulnerable, including senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.

Give

Remember that NCM Mesoamerica Region is motivating the entire church in Mesoamerica to raise a special offering in the churches on Sunday, August 29 and September 5, 2021. Offerings collected in churches should be sent by the district to the field office. The full amount will be passed to the regional office.

Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Haiti Earthquake 2021 Fund. Donations will be used for immediate needs, including shelter, clean water, food, and medical supplies, as well as long-term needs in the months and years ahead.

To send donations by mail:

In the U.S., make checks payable to “General Treasurer” and send them to:

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Be sure to put 136361 in the Memo area.

In Canada, make checks payable to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 136361 in the Memo area.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Global Relief – Haiti Earthquake 2021.