October 25, 2002: UMCOR and the Louisiana Annual Conference continue to work together on clean-up from Hurricanes Isidore and Lili. Together with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), UMCOR is setting up training in case management. The number of anticipated cases has risen to 140,000. One hundred four thousand applications have already been received. Because of the relatively low average income level of families in the affected area, officials expect a higher percentage of applicants will need assistance beyond the government's help. Volunteers are needed. Please call the Volunteer Line at 1-800-918-3100 for specific information on scheduling and instructions.
Your contributions to the Hurricanes 2002, Advance #901185-6 help UMCOR respond to those whose lives are unalterably changed by disastrous hurricanes. At this writing, Hurricane Kenna is one of the strongest hurricanes to menace Mexico's Pacific Coast in 50 years. Thousands have already been evacuated in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan.
The UMCOR Depot needs to replenish its stock of Flood Buckets, which are filled with cleaning and other supplies. For information, visit the website http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/kits.cfm or call 1-800-554-8583.
In Southern Africa, the famine is so severe that much of the seed that usually is planted has already been eaten. The need is great and will continue to increase. November-December is planting season in much of Southern Africa. The next major harvest won't be until March or April. An estimated 1.2 million metric tons of food aid is required to avert famine conditions throughout the region. Although the churchwide appeal for this famine was issued last summer, it has met with relatively minor response compared to our UMCOR tradition. Please give and encourage your church to contribute to the Churchwide Appeal for Southern Africa Famine, Advance #101250-4.
UMCOR Christmas cards are now available, including the new "A Child Is Born" and older "Isaiah" Series. Your order can be made by visiting the website, http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ccards.stm, or by calling 1-800-554-8583. Proceeds from the sales of these cards will support UMCOR's ministries.
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.
