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July 6, 2004
Sudan: Villages Burnt to the Ground; Nothing Left
Terror, violence, and death permeate the Darfur region of western Sudan. Whole villages of people have been forced out of their homes. UMCOR participates in an ecumenical humanitarian response to this crisis. Aid efforts include shelter, water and sanitation, supplementary food, primary health care, and educational services. Recently church representatives interviewed dozens of men and women living in camps for displaced people, including Isahage Abubaka and "Asha" [not her real name]. Isahage said, "My village is not safe now and not ready for people to move back, because there is nothing. It was burnt down to the ground after we left." The Janjaweed militia stole his possessions, except for one donkey, and killed 18 members of his family. Asha, who was raped by men from the militia, will soon give birth to a child fathered by that violence. Her husband has abandoned her. She plans to love the baby the same as her other children. Stories like Isahage's and Asha's are legion in Sudan. Please donate generously to UMCOR Advance #184385, Sudan Emergency.
Albania: Sunflowers Help "Grow" the Economy
Ceremonies in Tirana June 29 launched UMCOR's new sunflower production program in Albania. Some 50 to 100 Albanian farmers will benefit from the project. Currently Albania imports most of its sunflower products. Introduction of the commodity will help stimulate the local marketplace and create jobs, as well as cover food deficits. UMCOR is combining its agricultural development experience in other Balkan countries with the expertise of the Albanian Ministry of Agriculture and Food plus local processors, producers, and agriculture institutes. Funding for the new effort will come from the sales of crude sunflower oil to be donated to UMCOR by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food for Progress program. To undergird UMCOR's ongoing work with people of this Balkan country, please give to Albania Emergency Advance #328235.
Iraq: UMCOR Committed to Humanitarian Relief
Last week United Methodist mission leaders invited people of all nations and religions to cooperate in reconstructing Iraq and building a global network of peace and justice. UMCOR works with other faith-based groups to provide humanitarian services there. Bishop Joel Martinez, president of the General Board of Global Ministries, UMCOR's parent agency, and the Rev. R. Randy Day, the board's chief executive, voiced concerns over the future of relief and rehabilitation programs as the power shift in Iraq takes place. Some agencies UMCOR works with may withdraw if violence escalates. UMCOR is committed to assist refugee and relief programs in Iraq, particularly those for children, as long as viable systems of service delivery exist. Your gift to Advance #623225, Iraq Emergency will enhance this continuing ministry.
UMCOR Sager Brown: Most Needed Kits and Other Relief Supplies
Many people enjoy hands-on mission projects. A new bulletin insert describes UMCOR's material resource ministry. United Methodists assemble school kits, health kits, and other relief supplies and send the materials to UMCOR's Sager Brown warehouse, which then ships the resources to people in need. The insert also features an up-to-date list of UMCOR's top ten bulk supplies needs. Download this free publication and distribute it with your church's Sunday bulletin or newsletter. Invite your congregation, youth group, church school, and other groups to participate in this worthwhile program. Generous gifts to Advance #901440, Material Resource Ministry, are another way to help UMCOR's mission center and warehouse fill requests from around the globe for kits and relief supplies.
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.
