July 25, 2003: Casualties continue to grow in Liberia, where the rebel factions have attacked the capital city of Monrovia all week. The lack of security is hindering aid workers' efforts to bring emergency relief. UMCOR is monitoring the situation closely and preparing for the time when healing and reconciliation can begin. Your contributions to the Liberia Emergency Advance #150300 are urgently needed. Please find material to use in promoting this appeal at http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/emergency/liberiabulletininsert.stm.
Violent rainstorms hitting China for 24 days during June and July have caused severe casualties and tremendous damage in 11 southern provinces and municipalities and along the Huai and Yangtze rivers. An assistance program is providing rice, medicine and blankets and plans for rehabilitating homes, schools and irrigation facilities. Contributions to Asia Floods Advance #229650 will enable the rebuilding of lives in China.
Rains have also plagued the Assam province in India, flooding over 20 districts. About 2,300,000 people have been affected by the flood waters. Pre-stocked emergency supplies are being distributed by UMCOR's partner CASA (Church's Auxiliary for Social Action). Please give generously to International Disaster Response Advance #982450 to assist the most vulnerable: children, pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response is actively engaged in several areas. In Indiana, UMCOR is working with conference personnel and volunteers in assessment and response efforts. Local interfaith organizations are being formed to coordinate the congregations' response. Don Weaver, UMCOR Disaster Response volunteer, is helping judicatory leaders and others to coordinate these efforts on a statewide basis. UMCOR is providing case management training in the Memphis and Missouri conferences, where recovery continues from storms and floods. In Texas, cleanup of the damage caused by Hurricane Claudette is progressing. You can help bring this kind of support to people whose lives have been changed by storms and floods. UMCOR relies on your donations to Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670.
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.