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January 13, 2004: United Methodist volunteer teams may again enter Haiti, but they must keep a low profile and remain flexible on choices of work sites. The Rev. Raphael Dessieu disclosed the terms in a letter received by UMCOR Jan. 6 after having advised teams to postpone travel in December. The president of the Methodist Church in Haiti, Rev. Dessieu writes that unchecked "violence, injustice and corruption are becoming a part of the daily life of Haitians." The government seems to be ignoring what is happening in the country, he says. Protests have increased as Haiti's 8 million people face worsening poverty. UMCOR Advances support many ministries there, including a school lunch program, education projects and a children's hospital. Rev. Dessieu thanks all United Methodist sisters and brothers who continue to keep Haiti in their prayers.
First-time visitors to Bam in southeastern Iran are struck by the sheer scale of destruction caused by the 13-second earthquake that killed more than 30,000 people. UMCOR and its partner relief agencies have installed hundreds of sturdy family-size tents to help people endure the harsh winter weather, but thousands more are still living in the rubble-strewn streets in inadequate shelter. Rebuilding will take five to seven years, according to an emergency liaison for the Middle East Council of Churches. The council, known as MECC, is coordinating UMCOR-supported efforts in and around Bam. Among long-term response projects under consideration are assistance to help rebuild schools and health clinics as well as damaged farms around Bam. Within days of the earthquake, UMCOR launched a special appeal for funds. Your generous gift to UMCOR Advance #624515, Iran Earthquake, will provide support for projects that will restore hope to vulnerable Iranian families.
More than 20,000 people lost their homes when a fire swept through a maze of narrow alleys and wooden bridges jutting out from Manila Bay in the Philippine capital. In another area of the islands, heavy rains, mudslides and tornadoes have swept away 20,000 households. According to Bishop Leo Soriano of the Davao Episcopal Area, the church has identified the most vulnerable families for relief efforts with emergency food, medicine and nonfood items. UMCOR is partnering with the Filipino United Methodists to assist with these basic necessities. You can help in relief efforts with prayers and generous gifts to UMCOR Advance #240235, Philippines Emergency.
Residents of eastern Ohio once again face a messy cleanup after high water and flash floods damaged homes in 13 counties over the weekend. In Indiana flood waters swept over farmland, jeopardizing crops. In disasters like these, UMCOR becomes the heart and hands of United Methodists, assisting those most vulnerable through long-term case management and volunteer building and repair teams. You can assure this healing and hope with every gift of support to Advance #901670, Domestic Disaster Response.
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.
