April 29, 2002: Tornadoes have devastated areas of Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and Virginia. Several people have died and many homes and businesses have been destroyed. Missouri and Illinois were struck by tornadoes last Wednesday and again this weekend. UMCOR has received requests for emergency response grants from Maryland and Missouri, and others will follow as the damage is assessed and recovery plans are developed. La Plata, Maryland has been especially hard hit. Much of the town was destroyed. Three deaths have been reported and many injuries. About 40 homes were destroyed in Ellsinore, Missouri last Wednesday, and two people died in Marble Hill, Missouri which was struck this weekend. Tornadoes hit several towns in southern Illinois where one woman was killed, several injured, and at least 30 homes destroyed. Many people who lost their homes have low incomes and inadequate insurance. Both volunteers and financial donations will be needed to assist with recovery. Please give to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670-1. For volunteer information, please call (800) 918-3100.
Increased fighting in northern Liberia has caused 6,000 internally displaced people to flee from their camps in Bong County. These people had previously fled their homes in Lofa County as rebel and government troops fought over control of the county. UMCOR has sent a grant in response to a request from the United Methodist bishop in Liberia. The funds will be used to provide humanitarian assistance-- food, shelter, and other basic necessities. Please join in this response by giving to UMCOR's Liberia Emergency, Advance #150300-7.
Your gifts are urgently needed to provide humanitarian relief for Palestinians. An ecumenical convoy brought relief items to Jenin last week. Included were food parcels, blankets, quilts, health kits, layettes for babies, school kits and medical supplies. Your financial gifts will enable UMCOR to continue to respond with support for future ecumenical relief work and with grants for clinics and hospitals serving Palestinians. Please give to UMCOR's Middle East Emergency, Advance #601740-2.
UMCOR continues to respond to the famine in Southern Africa and has recently sent a grant to provide food relief in Malawi. You may join in this ongoing effort to fight famine in Malawi and Zimbabwe by giving to Africa Famine Relief, Advance #101250-4.
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.
