As the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa enters its 10th month, the Church of the Nazarene continues to respond with food, hygiene supplies, and prevention materials.
Nzerekore, Guinea-Conakry, is just one city away from the epicenter of the Ebola virus in West Africa. Pastor George Thea reported the denomination’s pioneer work in the area now has 10 churches. A local team, in coordination with the other Evangelical churches, distributed 100 chlorine tap buckets and 1,500 Ebola prevention brochures in two major cities and 15 villages. Most of the villages promised properties to the Nazarenes and asked them to come back at the end of the Ebola crisis to plant churches.
Through the endeavor, 4,500 people were informed about Ebola prevention.
Liberia Monrovia District Superintendent Daniel Johnson reports all three area districts are constantly involved in prayer, Ebola prevention campaigns, and food distribution.
As of October, the church distributed rice to 1,123 families, distributed 500 Ebola brochures, and placed 150 tap buckets, thanks to the involvement of 140 Nazarene churches and 130 Nazarene pastors.
In Sierra Leone, Pastor Vidal Cole reports 70 tap buckets were distributed and 700 families were impacted by the rice distribution. Missionary Sharon Martin prepared a seven-page brochure on Ebola and hygiene prevention, of which 25 printed copies were used in 70 churches with the involvement of 45 pastors.
Cole also reports a revival in the midst of this crisis. Attendance at the church’s monthly revivals is growing. In November, the revival’s first day attracted more than 50 people — a new record for the first day. Later in the week, close to 80 people attended.
“We are experiencing God’s presence in great ways during the praise and worship,” Cole said. “Some people burst out in praise; others [lie] prostrate before the Lord in worship; others kneel, cry. It’s just amazing. Recently two young men were saved, and they have not missed service after that. There is so much excitement in church these days, and no one wants to miss out, whether it’s on Sundays or weekdays. Every week comes with a new excitement and longing to experience God in deeper ways.”
Liberia Central District Superintendent Sam Lama reported a renewed interest in theological education.
“This is my third class since October 2014 (in less than three months),” he said. “I taught four classes during the last church year.”
