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February 7, 2003: In northern Mozambique, an area where about 655,000 people are already suffering from famine, floods have destroyed both homes and crops. Around 100,000 families have been left homeless by the rising waters. Morais Quissico, disaster coordinator for The United Methodist Church in Mozambique, has reached affected families in Zambezia province and is preparing a response. Contributions may be made to the Mozambique Emergency Advance #156500-0.
Hurricane Lili and Tropical Storm Isidore caused massive damage in southern Louisiana late last year. Almost 200,000 requests for assistance were received by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Most of the victims are poor and their claims are too small to qualify for federal assistance. UMCOR, in partnership with the Louisiana Conference, is responding to these needs. You can help by giving to Advance #901518-2. The disaster response team of the conference is requesting individual volunteers, volunteer teams and VIM groups to join in assisting the many victims. Construction teams familiar with water and wind damage repair are the primary need. You may contact the team, toll free, at 1-866-870-1449, for details.
As the world listens to the case being made against Iraq, leaders of The United Methodist Church are calling for peaceful alternatives to military solutions. The people of Iraq continue to need both our prayers and our commitment to humanitarian actions in the midst of these tensions. Your contributions to Iraq Emergency Advance #623225-4 will be used to purchase food, medicine and shelter for those most vulnerable to current embargoes.
During Lent each year, United Methodist churches receive the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering. The suggested Sunday for this year's observance is March 30. UMCOR receives no apportionment or World Service funding. This offering is essential because it keeps UMCOR's lights on and its network in place. OGHS funds also keep resources ready for quick response in times of disaster and assist UMCOR Advance projects that have not been fully covered by designated gifts. You can be of great service to UMCOR by encouraging your congregation to receive the offering and encouraging people to give generously. More information and materials ordering is available by calling 1-888-346-3862 or through UMCOR's OGHS web site http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/oghs.stm.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.
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.
