  |
|
September 6, 2002: Floods and food shortages continue to afflict South Asia. Millions in India continue to suffer from famine as a result of both massive floods and severe drought. UMCOR is responding through its ecumenical partner, CASA (Christian Auxiliary for Social Action). Widespread floods have also wiped out large portions of the food supply in Bangladesh, China, and Nepal. Your gifts to International Disaster Response Advance #982450-8 will provide food and help people to rebuild their lives.
UMCOR is responding to floods in other parts of the world through its ecumenical partner, ACT (Action by Churches Together). In Europe, repair and rebuilding is moving forward, with a special focus on Romania and Russia. After summer monsoon rains and three successive typhoons, much of the Philippines has experienced severe flooding. Your gifts to Advance #982450-8 provide ready resources for rapid response to these and developing situations around the globe.
On Labor Day, a devastating tornado hit the town of Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Some 100 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Seventeen homes were completely destroyed and 90 damaged. In June 2001, another destructive tornado hit Siren, WI, which is in the same United Methodist district and still recovering from that storm. Some of the same conference and community disaster team members have moved to Ladysmith to help victims restore their property and their lives. UMCOR has sent a $10,000 emergency response grant to support these efforts. Please give to the Domestic Disaster Response Advance #901670-1 to keep funds available for this and other needs.
Continuing financial support is being channeled through the Rio Grande and South West Texas Conferences to help victims of flooding that took place several weeks ago. Please give to Advance #901315-0 "Texas Floods."
It is not too late to receive a church offering or individual gifts in support of the Church Wide Appeal for the Southern Africa Famine Advance #101250-4. Funds are needed for immediate food supplies as well as long-term recovery.
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.
