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March 15, 2002: There is a severe food shortage in southern African developing countries, including Malawi and Zimbabwe. A combination of heavy rains in some areas and severe drought in others has resulted in poor crop yields. The political tension in Zimbabwe, which normally exports food to its neighbors, has also contributed to the poor harvest. Thousands of children under five are becoming severely malnourished. UMCOR is supporting the work of our ecumenical partners to provide emergency food relief to thousands of farming families and children under five. You may join in this response by giving to Africa Famine Relief, Advance #101250-4.
UMCOR is responding to a request from the Central Annual Conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo with a grant that will be used to buy fuel for a shipment of relief goods to the Wembo Nyama mission station. This is a remote area, accessible only by plane or ship, and for the past three years the residents have been cut off by the civil war. The conference owns a boat that can carry more than 300 tons of goods. They will ship soap, clothing, salt, school supplies, medicine and other essential items. A United Nations force will convey and protect the ship from Kinshasa to Wembo and back. Please continue your support of UMCOR's Democratic Republic of Congo Emergency, Advance #198400-0. UMCOR is supporting many relief and recovery efforts throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rebuilding and recovery work from damage caused by the flooding from Tropical Storm Allison continues in Houston. UMCOR has just sent a $50,000 grant that will be used for ongoing home repairs. The need is far greater than available funds. In addition to financial gifts, volunteers are needed to help with the rebuilding, both in Houston and in North Carolina, where people are still recovering from Hurricane Floyd. To support the rebuilding work, please give to Hurricanes 2001, Advance #982350-4. To volunteer, please call (800) 918-3100.
The UMCOR Depot needs kits-- especially health and school kits and layettes. Please call the Depot at (800) 814-8765 for instructions on assembling and shipping kits. Instructions are also available on the UMCOR website: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/kits.cfm.
Gifts may be made through local United Methodist churches, or by calling 1-800-554-8583. Credit card donations are accepted. (Read more about how you can help UMCOR's emergency responses.)
UMCOR is providing emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about current UMCOR ministries, please visit the website: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ .
And, please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them.
