Telephone: 1-800-841-1235
Web: http://gbgm-umc.org/UMCOR-Hotline/
October 4, 2002: Millions of people in southern Africa require urgent humanitarian assistance, but the crisis doesn't end there. The lack of food in the south has also affected central African countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Three southern provinces of DRC--Katanga, East and West Kasai--have relied on southern African countries for 80 percent of their basic foodstuffs. Food shortages already exist in the DRC; people are liable to start dying from hunger within three months. United Methodists have been generous in their support the Church-wide Appeal for Southern Africa Famine, Advance #101250-4. Please continue to give to this ongoing emergency.
The state of Yucatan in Mexico has requested UMCOR's assistance in responding to the devastation caused by Hurricane Isidore during the last week in September. There was major damage to the infrastructure. Many people in Yucatan were left without food, water, electricity, and shelter. They are now vulnerable to disease and illness. UMCOR will be responding with health kits and medicine boxes. Information about the The Medicine Box® program is available at http://gbgm-umc.org/health/medbox/, where you can request a free instructional packet.
Cuba, hard hit by Isidore, received the brunt of Hurricane Lili. Though weakened, Lili still slammed into Louisiana with hurricane-force winds that ripped up trees, smashed mobile homes and caused widespread blackouts. UMCOR and local disaster respondents have yet to make a full evaluation. As we go to press, flood buckets filled with cleaning supplies are being sent to Louisiana from the UMCOR Depot. Please give to Advance #901185, Hurricanes 2002.
With the variety of current emergency responses, the UMCOR Depot needs kits in all categories, including flood buckets and health kits. On behalf of those who receive these kits, we extend our gratitude for past contributions and request your continued support of this vital program. For information and details, visit the website http://gbgm-umc/umcor/kits.cfm or call 800-554-8583.
Gifts may be made through local United Methodist churches, or by calling 1-800-554-8583. Credit card donations are accepted. You can also make a a secure online gift at http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ .
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.