June 6, 2003: Liberia's churches are urging U.S. Christians to provide emergency assistance for their war-torn country. Bishop John Innis of the Liberia United Methodist Church has been providing food and blankets to displaced people flooding into Monrovia, the nation's capital. Please give generously to Liberia Emergency Advance #150300-7.
In the US, nine states were impacted by widespread tornados last month. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has made a federal declaration in two hundred twenty-nine counties in seven states. Missouri had the most damage. UMCOR is partnering with Lutheran Disaster Services providing Case Management Training. Clean-up and repair continue in most all areas. United Methodists have responded with financial and human resources. UMCOR has made five grants totaling nearly $100,000 with more pending requests. Please help in this response by giving to Advance #901680 "Spring Storms 2003" or by volunteering at 1-800-918-3100.
Word was received this week from Bishop Skeete, who is providing episcopal leadership in Zimbabwe. He reports that there is a major shutting down of the cities and the atmosphere is tense but quiet. Poor people are caught with no work, no money (none in banks), and no food. The United Methodist Church is seeking funds to purchase grain for distribution. Your support of the Southern Africa Famine Advance #101250-4enables UMCOR's rapid response to this request. Bishop Skeete solicits your prayers for the people of Zimbabwe.
Requests from Armenia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, and Serbia for Medicine Boxes are waiting to be filled. Donations are urgently needed. One Medicine Box can provide basic health care for 1,000 people for three months and are one of the most cost-effective mission projects your church can undertake. The Medicine Box makes an excellent educational project for youth groups and Vacation Bible School. Information is available at http://gbgm-umc.org/health/medbox/ or cash donations may be made to Advance #982630-3.
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.
Telephone: 1-800-841-1235
Web: http://gbgm-umc.org/UMCOR-Hotline/
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