Ammunition storage area rains explosions on Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo, Mozambique--On the afternoon of Thursday, March 22, disaster literally began to fall upon the city of Maputo, Mozambique as a military ammunition storage area on the outskirts of the city caught fire and began to erupt in a series of powerful explosions. Projectiles, shrapnel, and unexploded bombs were sent flying through the storage complex into surrounding communities and beyond. The affected areas, which were located near the Maputo airport, were under fire for more than five hours after the blasts started at 3:30 P.M.

As many as 90 people were killed and nearly 400 injured. Casualties included military personnel working on the site and civilians--many of them children--living in nearby houses in a poor, densely populated neighborhood. Additional police were called in to stop looters from raiding evacuated houses after the explosions ceased.

Reports from the Associated Press (AP) said prolonged and unusually high temperatures (approximately 93 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday) were to blame for the disaster. Excessive heat caused a similar incident at a nearby weapons depot in January where three people were injured.

According to the AP, the Interior Ministry ordered police and firefighters to help the military in destroying all remaining ammunition at the depot, which was built by the Soviet Union in 1984 when Mozambique and other African countries were the proxy front line in the Cold War between Moscow and Washington. The depot, which was poorly maintained, was stocked with obsolete Soviet-made weapons used during Mozambique's long civil war, which ended in 1992.

As the firestorm began on Thursday, students and faculty at the Seminário Nazareno em Moçambique (SNM), located within a mile (1.5 kilometers) of the storage complex, ran for shelter as buildings shook and suspended ceilings buckled and came crashing down around them. Balls of flame and black, mushroom-shaped clouds of smoke were visible rising over the roof of the chapel.

SNM Academic Dean David Restrick and his wife, Rhoda, were among the students and families on campus that day who huddled together on the covered walkways of the married student apartments facing away from the source of danger. The Restricks watched throughout the evening hours and prayed as missiles, mortar shells, and other ammunition whizzed overhead before crashing somewhere in the neighborhood.

By 9 P.M., the flames had died down and the sound of loud explosions had ceased. The neighborhood was quiet and residents returned to their homes for the night. As students entered their apartments, they were greeted by the sight of ceilings, once suspended, now on the floor.

Temporary repairs and cleanup began immediately and will continue in the days and weeks ahead.

David Restrick stated everyone at SNM is grateful that no one from the seminary community was injured during the explosions. He reported the 12 Kilometre Church of the Nazarene lost one of its members in the disaster. The church office and pastor's home suffered significant damage. The home of Rev. and Mrs. Jonas Mate, who pastor the Palmeiras Church of the Nazarene, was also damaged.

"We are all grateful for the Lord's protective hand that sheltered us through the harrowing hours of the blasts," Restrick stated.

Prayer is requested for the Restricks and members of the SNM community and surrounding areas as they recover and reach out to those in need. Prayer is also requested for the citizens of Mozambique who continue to endure hardship in 2007.

Heavy rains have swamped much of the country since January, causing flooding and forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. A cyclone hit coastal resorts last month, killing 12 people and battering the nation's declining tourist industry. Earlier last week, more homes on the coast were evacuated and sea defenses breached by exceptionally high tides. The southern part of Mozambique, which includes Maputo, continues to cope with the drought and blistering heat wave blamed for the March 22 explosions.
--David Restrick for NCN News-Africa, with additional information and photo taken from the Associated Press

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ONU Provost Gary Streit named president of Malone College

Bourbonnais, Illinois--John C. Bowling, president of Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), announced on Friday, March 23 that University Provost Gary Streit will be leaving ONU. After a rigorous, nationwide search, Streit has been elected to serve as president of Malone College.

Malone College, a Christian college for the arts, sciences, and professions in the liberal arts tradition, is affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church. Located in Canton, Ohio, Malone has a student body of 2,300. The motto of the college is "Christ's kingdom first."

Bowling said that it was with mixed emotions he accepted Streit's resignation. "Dr. Gary Streit is an outstanding educator, administrator, churchman, and a gifted leader," he said. "He has everything it takes to be an outstanding university president, and we wish him well in this exciting and prestigious endeavor."

For nearly 35 years, Streit has served ONU in various capacities and was named university provost in June 2006. Under his leadership, ONU has undergone numerous positive changes, including 2005's restructuring of the 23 academic departments into four Schools and one College. He has also played a key role in launching the university's first-ever doctoral program, the Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership.

Accompanying Streit in this move will be Marla Streit, a well-loved professor within ONU's School of Education. "Marla is an exceptional educator who brings to the classroom strong academic preparation and a wealth of educational experience. She will be missed by the entire Olivet community," said Bowling.

Bowling also announced he will be leading the search for someone to carry on Streit's responsibilities as university provost. An advisory committee to assist in this search will be formed in the coming weeks. Persons interested in the position should send their letters of interest and resumes to Susan Wolff, executive assistant to the president. Contact information is available at www.olivet.edu.
--ONU

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Donor Services launches on-line giving tools

Kansas City--Marilyn J. McCool, general treasurer and Headquarters financial officer for the Church of the Nazarene, has announced the development of a key partnership with a leading provider of on-line giving and fundraising services to nonprofits. This strategic collaboration will benefit a broad range of constituents, including individual donors, local churches, districts, and denominational ministries.

The partnership will also allow flexibility in giving.

Local churches and districts with accounts in the U.S. banking system will be able to set up recurring electronic payments to the World Evangelism Fund, Alabaster, Faith Promise, Pensions and Benefits Fund, and other donor-funded areas.

Churches and districts will receive additional details outlining helpful aspects of the new partnership this spring.

Additionally, Nazarene Financial Services is responding to the denomination's mission "To Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations" by partnering with Youth in Mission--a short-term summer ministry opportunity for college and university students--in the initial roll-out of the product. By accessing http://web.nazarene.org/youth_in_mission, individuals may search for a Youth in Mission participant, receive updates on the student's area of ministry, and provide financial assistance. Similar support will be available in the near future to facilitate a variety of Nazarene-related events.

Questions may be directed to the Donor Services team at Nazarene Headquarters at donorservices@nazarene.org.
--Nazarene Financial Services

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Damaging flood affects Nazarenes in Haiti's Northeast District

Ouanaminthe, Haiti--Walliere Pierre, newly appointed Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) coordinator in Haiti, reports Nazarenes in Haiti's Northeast District are recovering after flooding this week due to high rains. Pierre was contacted by Dumarsais Mesadieu, a pastor in the town of Ouanaminthe. Mesadieu said more than 15 families have been affected by this disaster.

Pierre stated, "I was very sad to hear [Mesadieu's] heart breaking as he explained that all families lost houses, furniture, plantations (farms), animals, etc."

NCM has already responded with emergency funds and clothing. Additional help is needed and donations may be made online at the following Caribbean NCM web page: Caribbean Flooding - ACM1204.
--Caribbean Communications Office

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NCN News Briefs for March 30, 2007

• For the 2006 calendar year, SENDAS (Nazarene Seminary of the Americas based in San Jose, Costa Rica) offered 342 courses in all its programs to 961 students in 70 different study centers in 13 countries of Iberoamerica. Making this possible were 147 associate professors, including the school faculty.

Tigers developing the next generation of champions
Bourbonnais, Illinois--In the spirit of "Winning championships-developing champions," the Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) men's basketball team recently partnered with the Chicago Heights Church of the Nazarene for a weekend of basketball and worship. read more

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