December 20, 2002: In the United States, response to the devastation caused by storms and tornadoes continues to be in the forefront of UMCOR's work. Right now, conference disaster response personnel are assessing the recent storm damage in Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi. UMCOR is in dialogue with these church leaders; together they will develop a United Methodist response. Such efforts are also undertaken in cooperation with people of other denominations and faiths. A ten thousand dollar grant has been sent to the East Ohio Conference in response to tornadoes that struck in the northern part of Ohio on November 2. The Ottawa and Seneca areas have received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaration. In early January, UMCOR officials will meet with Bishop William Hutchinson and disaster response leaders in the Louisiana Conference. They will discuss the many long-term recovery needs and the appropriate United Methodist response to the widespread damage from the November storms. Louisiana is still in the cleanup phase of response. To help the response in any or all of these areas, please give to Domestic Disaster Response Advance #901670-1. Contributors may designate a state or annual conference.
Internationally, the pressing needs related to the famine in Africa continue. Several factors combine to make this one of the most devastating years in decades for Africa -- drought, widespread violence and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Millions of people, especially women and children, face starvation. While contributions of individuals and churches seem small in the face of the need, these gifts are absolutely life-saving for those who receive our help. Please give generously to the Africa Famine through Advance #101250-4.
This week the need for response to Supertyphoon Pongsona was highlighted in an e-mail from the Rev. Donna Faith Eldredge, pastor of Guam United Methodist Church. She reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has sent 2000 tents to be used by people whose homes have been destroyed or seriously damaged. The United Methodist church is active in Guam Volunteer Agencies Active in Disaster (GUVOAD), which is developing a cooperative recovery plan. Please give to the special Guam Emergency Advance #901190-3.
The International Disaster Response Advance is UMCOR's means for responding to major catastrophes as well as little-known emergencies around the globe. All through the year, day in and day out, there is need for these funds. Please give to the International Disaster Response Advance #982450-8. One hundred percent of a contribution goes to the designated response.
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/ .
This hotline is the last one for 2002. During this holy season, UMCOR is especially grateful for contributions of time, money, and materials given this past year that have enabled us to respond to those in dire need around the world. Thank you, United Methodists and other friends. The world has become more hopeful because of your generosity. May you have Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
