PROJECTS

EURASIA

Nepal (Food Security & Economic Development)

Through a partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, NCM Canada funded a three-year project addressing food insecurity in Nepal. 90% of people in rural Nepal, Pachthar district, are small-scale farmers. They produce their own food to survive. As weather continues to become more and more unpredictable, local farmers are negatively impacted by extreme rains causing flooding and landslides.

The Food and Livelihood Improvement Project (FLIP) focus was to provide training in improved farming methods, address nutrition challenges, develop farmers groups, empower women in the workforce and provide agricultural inputs to support commercial farming. Farmers were able to participate in workshops that offered education in market linkages, organic pesticides, financial management, saving and loan groups, awareness of enhanced seeds and livestock management.

In year 1, participants were eating 1 to 2 meals a day consisting mostly of just rice. By year 3, participants were able to eat 3+ diverse meals a day. Some farmers have been able to produce enough crops to enter commercial farming which has improved their economic status. Participants are now able to cover household medical and school expenses which was once an ongoing challenge. Many women have also been able to start their own small business or have income-generating activities (IGA’s) that help support their families financially.

Story

When visiting an Agriculture Group in Nepal, NCM Canada staff had the opportunity to discuss the benefit of forming Agriculture Groups and how they help to make communities more resilient. Through discussion, it was learned that many people in the project area fell victim to a microfinance corporation promising the community poverty alleviation. The company ended up stealing from them and disappearing. The communities trust in outside groups was shattered.

Since joining the FLIP project being implemented by NCM Nepal, the community’s perception of outside groups – in this case, the church - has changed for the better. The chair of the Agriculture Group expressed her gratitude towards the church (NCM) for their integrity in carrying out this project.

The Kirat religion, which is similar to animism, is the dominant religion in the project area. As ministries of compassion are being implemented, the perception of the church is gaining strength. In turn, with intentionality and over time, people seek to learn more about the church. Many times, it is the project staff who are the evangelists, leading people to Christ and linking them to a local church.

Jordan (Holistic Child Development)

The Church of the Nazarene’s Schools in Jordan have been operating for more than 70 years. During these 7 decades, the school and church have served thousands of children and young people – helping them develop, grow and reach their potential.

During this period, churches in Jordan have been involved in multiple compassionate ministries initiatives – including the 1991 Gulf War refugee response, 2003 Iraqi invasion refugee response and the more recent 2011 and 2013 Syrian and Iraqi conflicts. Aside from these refugee response efforts, churches have run pre-schools and one church has experience doing adult learning (mainly English).

The Nazarene schools in Jordan serve children primarily of low to moderate-income families (many of which are refugees). NCM Canada has been supporting the schools with much needed repairs to the buildings, upgrades to meet Health & Safety/Child protect standards, and operational support.

Through the schools, and their relevant local churches, The Church of the Nazarene makes deep connections in the lives of children, their families and the wider communities.

"Nowadays Nazarene school is considered one of the best schools in the area. The school's aim is to show students that they are loved and in addition to this it encourages the students to improve their skills. This year the school made many activities in many fields such as the scientific field. The walls of the classrooms are painted with beautiful colors. The students feel very happy to be back to school." – School staff

Middle East (Pastor & Leadership Development)

NCM Canada is supporting Pastor & Leadership development in the Middle East. A Nazarene-based curriculum offers 12-week courses through a hybrid (online and in-person) model. The goal is to prepare new pastors and leaders for ministry, with a special focus on serving communities that are marginalized and persecuted.

In 2023, the implementing church served 300 students. Online presence represented 19 different countries. 65 certificates of graduation were issued, and 40 new students were enrolled. 8 leaders have received a ministers license or were ordained.

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Lebanon (Food Assistance)

NCM Canada is supporting immediate food relief to many displaced people in Lebanon. Due to the ongoing economic crisis, further exacerbated by the war, people need immediate support. 240 families receive monthly food vouchers, which are distributed and managed by local Nazarene churches, who also offer counsel and spiritual care. This project is renewed every six months, following the assessment of impact and evolving needs.

Sri Lanka (Economic Development)

A combination of the economic crises in Sri Lanka and the COVID 19 pandemic both had heavy and lasting impacts on the ministry in Sri Lanka. The district ministry center was temporarily taken over by the government of Sri Lanka during the pandemic to serve as an isolation center, but they were not compensated for usage or wear and tear during this period.

Renovation and upgrading of the accommodation facilities will help to increase guest occupancy and revenue for the district (through retreats, conferences, etc.). The income generated will help with ongoing maintenance of the building and to sustain district ministry initiatives.

Additionally, 17 acres of Tea Estates in the same area that have been under-utilized for several years are being revitalized with support from NCM Canada to help generate income into the future. As the tea estates are revitalized, many job opportunities are being created. A local church presence is also being reintroduced to the community, which would allow for the establishment of a Child Development Centre in the future.

Approximately 4000 people benefit from this initiative.