January 20, 2004: Agricultural development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) receives a significant boost with an agreement outlining cooperation between UMCOR and the agricultural ministry there. UMCOR's agriculture work in BiH extends to agricultural cooperatives throughout the country. The goal is to build the economic capacity of rural communities. Generous donations from United Methodists can help create a thriving, stable society in BiH. Please give to Advance #982353, International Peace and Development, and designate your gift for "Bosnia and Herzegovina."
United Methodist generosity is at work in Bam, southeastern Iran, following what officials are now saying is the country's worst recorded disaster ever. As survivors continue the sad work of clearing the ruined city, the death toll is still rising from 13-second earthquake that has claimed 42,000 lives. UMCOR is assisting local partners in erecting tents and distributing canned food to survivors. Your gifts to Iran Earthquake Advance #624515 can continue this work in the stricken city.
Cold winds and plummeting temperatures are creating more misery for about 250 families who were already suffering from Isabel's destruction on Maryland's shore. Because of the recent severe weather, many have been unable to leave their trailer homes, their temporary housing since September's hurricane. Gifts to UMCOR Advance #982438, Hurricanes 2003, can assist with providing the basic necessities to the most vulnerable families.
In the northern states of India, poor and elderly residents face the bone-chilling cold and heavy snow of record-breaking winter storms. Authorities have lit bonfires in the streets of towns in Bihar State for the thousands of people without adequate shelter. United Methodists can assist with providing relief in India with gifts to UMCOR Advance #274305, South Asia Emergency, designated "India."
Floodwaters have inundated Trinidad, a Bolivian regional capital northeast of La Paz, affecting as many as 50,000 residents. Sixty percent of the city remains under water as septic tanks overflow, creating major sanitary problems. UMCOR Advance #982450, International Disaster Response, provides a way for generous United Methodists to help with relief efforts in Bolivia.
An Interchurch Medical Assistance program popular with local United Methodist churches has received recognition from the World Health Organization for distributing medical products and services valued at $63 million among 72 countries. UMCOR partners with the agency, known as IMA, to provide healthcare in developing countries or in countries stricken by disasters. The Medicine Box roughly replicates the average U.S. medicine cabinet-- acetaminophen and aspirin, multivitamins, antacids, antibiotic soaps, gauze pads, and bandages-- combined with essential prescription drugs. Your church can help assemble a Medicine Box according to carefully designed specifications that meet federal and international regulations. More information on Advance #982630, Medicine Box, is available online at http://gbgm-umc.org/health/medbox/.
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.