February 10, 2004: Envoys to an international conference at the United Nations late last week pledged $520 million to rebuild war-ravaged Liberia, according to a New York Times report. Ninety-six countries are involved in the funding. Colin Powell, US Secretary of State, spoke of the critical need to find a place in society for the thousands of children who were forced into combat. But immediate humanitarian assistance for Liberia goes largely unfunded except by private and faith-based charities. UMCOR has begun preliminary work on a proposal to provide training for ex-combatants in farming and blacksmithing in the Lofa and Margibi regions. Relentless war displaced half of Liberia's residents from their homes-- the needs there will be profound for years to come. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, said, "It will be hard, if not impossible, for Liberians to start rebuilding their country while large numbers [of people] still lack the most basic necessities of life." You can help with a generous donation to UMCOR Advance #150300, Liberia Emergency.
American Samoa is still reeling from the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Heta that leveled cropland and residences and wiped out fruit trees in early January. Ninety percent of affected families live below poverty level. UMCOR has sent an emergency grant to assist with restoring basic services, such as electricity and water, and shoring up structurally unsound homes of elderly residents who do not qualify for federal assistance. UMCOR will also participate with an interfaith coalition in long-term recovery initiatives. Please keep all the people of this US territory in your prayers, and consider a donation to UMCOR Advance #901670, Domestic Disaster Response.
Two strong earthquakes killed 48 people in Indonesia Feb. 6 and 7. Scores of the injured packed emergency clinics in the eastern province of Papua. When disasters like this occur, UMCOR can embody the heart and hands of United Methodists in providing both immediate relief, such as cleanup, and long-term recovery, such as rebuilding houses and restoring basic services. Please remember to give generously to UMCOR Advance #982450, International Disaster Response.
Your prayerful and big-hearted support of UMCOR programs like these keeps United Methodists connected with people in crisis. Remember to give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing when the offering plate comes your way on Sunday, March 21. The offering, usually received on the fourth Sunday of Lent, enables UMCOR to go on your behalf-- to feed, shelter, reconcile, heal or bring comfort to the most vulnerable people. Donations to this offering help underwrite the administrative costs of UMCOR so the United Methodist humanitarian aid agency can continue to deliver resources that enable the transformation of entire communities. If your church hasn't ordered its One Great Hour bulletin inserts and offering envelopes, posters and worship resources, please call toll free 1-888-862-3242today.
Primetimers (United Methodist adults age 50 and above) can go to the beautiful Bayou Teche area west of New Orleans for an educational and mission service experience, October 24-30. Home to UMCOR Sager Brown, the conference center and warehouse for worldwide shipment of relief supplies, Bayou Teche embraces multiple cultures, cuisines, music and industry. Participants will learn all about these regional specialties as well as the global work of UMCOR. The registration deadline for "Life on the Bayou Teche: History, Culture and UMCOR Sager Brown" is September 10-- but act now! Call toll free for details, 1-877-882-4724.
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.