Rebel fighters drove 70 Nazarene congregations and their neighbors from
their homes in southern Sudan and along the border of Ethiopia late last
month. More than 5,000 Nazarenes were among 20,000 people forced to flee
with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. The rebels killed and
looted as they swept through entire communities. Many people, including
three Nazarene evangelists, lost their lives as they fled. Reports
describe civilians being hunted and strafed by planes and helicopters
and chased and shot at by foot soldiers and mounted militia. Said one
Nazarene missionary, "Our members are crying for help. They have no
shelter, no food, no medical attention nothing. If we do not help
immediately, I believe there will be widespread starvation."

Displaced Nazarenes are asking for Bibles and hymnals to minister to
their fellow tribesmen as they use this crisis to share their hope in
Christ. "The incredible thing is that most of these displaced persons
will go hungry for the next few months in order to make sure that as
few as possible will starve," commented the missionary. "That is the
African way to share with those in need."

The government is attempting to put relief efforts in motion but says
it will be a month before they can fully coordinate their efforts.
Because several Nazarene churches are located where the displaced
persons sought safety, the government has asked Nazarene Compassionate
Ministries (NCM) to feed the group for one month. They have requested
one pound of corn per person per day, which costs 10 cents.

"When I was told that 10 cents would buy one pound of corn and keep a
person alive for another day, the Lord challenged me to give my weight
in corn to help the displaced Sudanese people," said Africa Regional
Director Fred Huff. "He reminded me of Matthew 25:34: 'Then the King
will say to those on his right, Come . . . take your inheritance, the
kingdom prepared for you. . . .For I was hungry and you gave me something
to eat. ' Sharing with others in need is more than the African way it's
the Christian way. I challenge every Nazarene who hears of this need to
send his or her weight in corn the weight multiplied by 10 cents to help
these people live."

NCM is seeking individuals and churches willing to help in this crisis.
An initial $60,000 is needed immediately for food. NCM also would like
to send $1,500 for 1,000 Bibles and $2,100 for 700 hymnals. Checks mailed
to Kansas City should be marked "Eastern Africa Relief-ACM1519," made payable
to the general treasurer, and sent to General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo,
Kansas City, MO 64131.

How can we help? Well, take the weight of everyone in your family,
multiply by .10 and let that be your beginning point. Susan and I do not
weigh 500 lbs, but my check for $50 goes in the mail next Monday morning.

Here are the instructions.

1. Write and note and state: I would like to help my brothers and
sisters in the Sudan. Enclosed is my check for $_______________. I
attend the Parkway Hills Church of the Nazarene in Chula Vista, CA.

2. Make your checks to: General Treasurer
Note in memo: Eastern African Relief-ACM1519

3. Send to: General Treasurer (Church of the Nazarene)
6401 The Paseo
Kansas City, MO. 64131

OR IF YOU PREFER:
You can make your donation through your local church. Just note the
"Eastern African Relief-ACM1519" on your check and place it in the offering.

Thanks. This E-letter comes to you with my prayer that you will be moved
to help both at home and abroad.

In His Love,

Pastor Russom