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July 18, 2003: The crisis in Liberia continues. Children are toting guns. Tens of thousands have been displaced by the civil war. Our United Methodist hospital in Ganta lies in ruins. In the midst of this ongoing tragedy, the United Methodists of Liberia have reached out to care and feed those who have been displaced by the civil war. Your contributions mean so much to them. Today the New York Times published a long story about the hospital. For a letter from Paul Dirdak on UMCOR's continuing response in Liberia and a heartbreaking photograph of a child soldier, go to http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/emergency/childsoldiers.stm. Please give to the Liberia Emergency Advance #150300.
UMCOR is in conversation with staff of the Southwest Texas and Texas conferences regarding Hurricane Claudette. As in other situations, UMCOR stands ready to help if requested. Donations to UMCOR's Hurricanes 2003, Advance #982438 will enable UMCOR to respond quickly when these storms strike.
UMCOR is responding to several emergencies caused by storms. In the wake of incredible flooding in Indiana and Ohio, UMCOR has enlisted the help of volunteer specialist, Don Weaver. He will work in the field with the North Indiana, South Indiana, and West Ohio conferences. Florida Annual Conference has requested funds for a response to recent flooding in the Tallahassee and Sarasota areas. UMCOR is responding to a funding request for long-term recovery in the Memphis and Missouri Conferences due to recent flooding.
UMCOR continues to monitor damage from the wildfires in Arizona. Particular concern has been raised about how UMCOR might be helpful in response to the needs of the Navajo people who have been affected. To enable UMCOR to assist in storms, fires, and other emergencies in the United States, please give to the Domestic Disaster Response Advance #901670.
The need for food support in Zimbabwe will continue through the 2003-2004 growing season. Experts predict that the nation will only meet 30% of its food needs, putting 5.5 million Zimbabweans at risk of acute food shortages. Your donations to Southern Africa Famine Advance #101250 will provide drought-resistant seeds, nutritional supplement stations and HIV/AIDS family kits to those most vulnerable in this food crisis.
Continuous and heavy rains in north and eastern India have created dangerous flood situations in Assam, Bihar and West Bengal. Over 100 deaths have been reported. UMCOR's partner in India, Christian Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) is undertaking relief efforts on behalf of 18,000 families. Please respond generously to South Asia Emergency Advance #274305 so that food, shelter, water and medicines may be provided.
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.
