At least 51 people were killed in Albania when a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck near the capital Tirana on November 26. Hundreds of aftershocks have struck since the initial quake, including some with magnitudes more than 5.0, and an estimated 2,000 people were reportedly injured. 

Steve Beiler, a Nazarene missionary to Albania, said more than 50 schools are damaged and several buildings around the Kombinant Nazarene Church in Tirana have been declared unlivable. Among the damaged structures is an apartment building that also houses the Kombinant Nazarene Church and several shops on the ground floor. 

The families living in the upper floors are now homeless, and the church has lost its worship space since inspectors determined that the building must be torn down. The congregation held its Sunday morning service in the street. 

Almost immediately after the earthquake, Nazarene pastors, missionaries, and NCM coordinators met to organize a response. Nazarenes from the Kombinant and Yzberisht churches prepared and distributed hundreds of sandwiches and bottles of water to affected people in the community of Shishak. Nazarenes are also offering their homes and other spaces for emergency housing, and church members have made themselves available for prayer and support as many people face trauma. 

Nazarenes from the neighboring country of Kosova are also offering support. Jennifer Mann, a former missionary to Albania and Kosova, explained the connection between the two countries. 

“Twenty years ago, during the war in Kosova, thousands of families walked across the border to Albania to escape the danger and violence,” she said. “Many families from the area where the earthquake hit last week took the Kosovars into their homes. Last week, it was the Kosovars turn to open their homes. Those who had been taken into homes 20 years ago [now have] reached out to their Albanian neighbors and friends.”

How You Can Help

Pray

Please pray for families and individuals affected by the earthquake. Pray especially for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Pray those are experiencing trauma, that they would sense God’s peace and presence. Pray for those who are most vulnerable, especially 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

Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Albania Earthquake Relief fund. Donations will be used to provide for immediate needs, including food, water, and medical supplies, as well as for long-term rebuilding.

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 134408 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 134408 in the Memo area.

For additional countries, please give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Albania Earthquake Response.