March 14, 2003: Working ecumenically through Church World Service and with other humanitarian groups, UMCOR is responding to the desperate needs of Iraqi children. During the last two decades, the children have suffered at the hands of both internal and external forces. Officials estimate that 500,000 to one million have died. Please support this response by giving to the Iraq Emergency, Advance #623225-4 and designating the "All Our Children" campaign.
Along with the cleanup that continues in Louisiana, case management is a major focus in response to the devastation that Hurricane Lili and Tropical Storm Isidore caused last November. Disaster response personnel continue to find families who are in need and provide them with help and support. Please give to Advance #901528-2. Call 1-866-870-1449 to volunteer to help repair the physical damage.
The International Disaster Response Advance is UMCOR's means for responding to major catastrophes as well as less-publicized emergencies around the globe. All through the year, day in and day out, UMCOR needs these funds to carry out this work. One hundred percent of a contribution goes to the designated response. Please give to Advance #982450-8.
The One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering, which is coming up on March 30, is absolutely essential for keeping UMCOR's network in place around the globe. Please give generously and make sure that the OGHS offering is received in your congregation. More information and materials are available by calling 1-888-346-3862 and visiting UMCOR's OGHS website.
UMCOR has sent a $10,000 grant to support the people affected by last week's Cyclone Japhet in Mozambique. It is the second cyclone this year in a country whose people are already beleaguered by famine, in danger of unexploded landmines, and still recovering from the especially devastating floods of 2000. Damage done by Cyclone Delfina in January in the northern part of Mozambique is still being assessed. UMCOR joins with Bishop João Somane Machado in asking for your help through Mozambique Emergency, Advance #156500-0 for more reconstruction as the flood waters recede.
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.
