November 1, 2002: In Tanzania, many displaced people are returning to their homes. United Methodist Bishop Ntambo has just concluded the Annual Conference session. Members who had been displaced were finally able to attend after a four-year absence. UMCOR is responding with financial resources to help meet of some of the basic needs of returnees. You can help with these new beginnings by contributing to UMCOR Emergency Advance #198400, "Tanzania."
There has been more flooding in the Houston area. UMCOR is in contact with the Texas Conference regarding the needs of those affected and is monitoring the situation. Please give to Domestic Disaster Response Advance #901670-1.
The massive clean-up in Louisiana following Hurricanes Isidore and Lili is still in process. Thousands will require help beyond the assistance given by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 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. Volunteers are needed. Please call the Volunteer Line at 1-800-918-3100 for specific information on scheduling and instructions.
The southern Africa food shortage began with a few seasons of poor rainfall. Drought alone would have produced a serious food crisis, but it hit a region where the population had already succumbed to HIV/AIDS by the millions. Last year, 2.2 million people died of HIV-related causes in sub-Saharan Africa. The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that, because of AIDS, up to 25 percent of the agricultural labor force could be lost in sub-Saharan Africa by 2020. Relief workers close to the scene say disaster response organizations aren't giving up; they don't see the situation as hopeless. Much more response is required. Please contribute to the Church-wide Appeal for Southern Africa Famine Advance # 101250-4.
As Advent approaches, why not think of ways to give to others? Order UMCOR Christmas cards. Proceeds from the sales of these cards will support UMCOR's ministries. UMCOR's Sager Brown Depot needs to replenish its supply of emergency kits. Since September 11, 2001, donations of material resources to the depot have slowed dramatically. Both items donated in quantity and completed kits can be used. Kit information and card orders can be obtained by calling 1-800-554-8583 or visit the web at http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/kits.cfm and http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ccards.stm.
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/ .
On this All Saint's Day and the week that follows, please remember those who have died and those who remain to mourn loved ones lost in natural and human made disasters.
