November 9, 2004
Liberia: Demobilization Continues Uninterrupted
Against a backdrop of sporadic violence in Monrovia, Liberia's capital city, UMCOR's demobilization of former soldiers continues without interruption. At a camp near the city, the United Methodist humanitarian aid organization has assisted over 23,000 ex-combatants to return to their communities. Another 1300 are receiving job skills training. Demobilization is critical in stabilizing and reintegrating ex-combatants who, as members of a violent fighting force during Liberia's 14 years of turmoil, may have experienced little of ordinary daily life and relationships. The term "ex-combatant" refers to former soldiers as well as to cooks, porters, and others who accompanied them. UMCOR invites you to sustain this and other efforts in Liberia by giving to UMCOR Advance #150300, Liberia Emergency.
United States and Caribbean: Hurricane Recovery Roundup
Grants from UMCOR to annual conferences in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania are at work on hurricane relief, and volunteers have donated over one million hours to recovery projects. Housing remains a critical issue in some of the hardest hit areas. Some 400 homes need to be rebuilt in Western North Carolina, according to press reports. In the Pittsburgh region of Pennsylvania, rebuilding won't start until flooded areas are dried out. Some workers estimate a two-year recovery effort.
In the Caribbean UMCOR has funded ecumenical partners. Initial grants went to Action by Churches Together for quick-impact relief efforts in Haiti. In addition, the Methodist Church of Haiti received funding from UMCOR to provide additional assistance while a team assessed other initiatives. Relief goods went to hurricane survivors in the Bahamas through a grant to the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church.
Thank you for your generous response to the Hurricanes 2004 appeals. UMCOR anticipates additional annual conference requests as storm damage assessments and case management plans mature. The need for funds is still critical. Your continuing gifts to Advance #982410, Hurricanes 2004, will assist in a meaningful way.
World AIDS Day: Resources to Augment Your Observation
"Generation of Hope" has been reissued in time to observe World AIDS Day December 1. Now there are two ways to obtain this dramatic 10-minute movie about the resilience of children living on their own because their parents have died of AIDS. Watch the movie on the UMCOR-Health and Relief web site or order your free DVD from UMCOR. Download, print, fill out and mail the order form to UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115. One per person, please.
Some church leaders, such as Health and Welfare coordinators and General Board of Global Ministries board members, will automatically receive a copy of the DVD (all these groups are listed on the order form). Gifts contributed to UMCOR Advance #982345, Global AIDS Fund, are assisting many children in sub-Saharan Africa to secure a livelihood, learn about health issues, and find emotional support in their communities.
UMCOR Christmas Wish List: Concern for the Whole Family of God
This holiday season, wish for a Christmas that truly honors the birth of Jesus and shows our concern for the whole family of God. Remember God's greatest gift by giving to others in Christ's name. For example, with a gift of $250.00, you can provide one hour of legal work for an immigrant family caught in post-9/11 rules (UMCOR Advance #901285). For other ideas, visit UMCOR's web site or get Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?, a catalog full of suggestions for alternative gift giving. The first 20 copies are free. To order, call the General Board of Global Ministries' Service Center toll free, 1-800-305-9857. Through your generosity this Christmas, you and United Methodists everywhere can respond to Christ's commands to feed the hungry, care for the sick, comfort the heartbroken, and welcome the stranger in our midst.
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.