December 7, 2004
Philippines: Residents Flee Flooded Towns
In the northern Philippines multiple typhoons lashed homes, fields, and fisheries last week, leaving some 1,350 people dead or missing. UMCOR recently sent a grant to two of the island nation's episcopal areas to assist with recovery from previous storms. The agency is now assessing additional interventions. Landslides have blocked many roads, hampering relief efforts. You can assist in a meaningful way through a generous contribution to UMCOR Advance #240235, Philippines Emergency.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Bishop Solidifies the Peace
United Methodists in the Democratic Republic of Congo believe food security is a key to the peace agreement that Bishop Ntambo Nkulu helped to broker this September. "The church bought the peace," said the bishop. United Methodist ministries in sustainable agriculture-- growing cabbages (known locally as "Thank-You, Methodists"), raising livestock, and planting moringa trees-- will help strengthen the commitment of fighters not to fight again. Now the bishop is planning for a future where the church can assist with clean water, housing, nutritious food, solid education, and decent livelihoods. See more details on our web site, and participate in Bishop Ntambo's vision with a gift to UMCOR Advance #982188, Sustainable Agriculture and Development.
Alternative Giving: More UMCOR Christmas Wishes
UMCOR wishes all its Hotline readers a meaningful and joyous Christmas. We hope for a season that truly honors the birth of Jesus and shows concern for the whole family of God. Remember God's greatest gift by giving to others in Christ's name. Here are a few ideas for alternative gifts. Provide care and feeding for an explosive-sniffing dog to detect landmines in Mozambique for $700 (UMCOR Advance #982575, Landmine Removal). Or for $2,500 you can deliver materials to build a barn and supply a milk cow for a rural family in Bosnia (Advance #333350, Bosnia Emergency). Visit UMCOR's web site to see other ideas.
You'll feel good when you give a gift of love that extends your hand and heart to others. UMCOR kits are a great way to remember the spirit of the holidays. School kits, health kits, layettes, and flood buckets are at the top of UMCOR's wish list. You can see assembly and shipping instructions on our web site. Or simply give generously to UMCOR Advance #901440, Material Resource Ministry to assure an ample supply of these kits are available.
International: UN Seeks New Landmine Treaty
A new landmine treaty is on the table at the United Nations, and Kofi Annan, secretary-general, has challenged the most powerful nations to sign on. Annan welcomed progress in clearing anti-personnel mines in recent years, but warned that these indiscriminate weapons continue to exact a heavy civilian toll. A $1 million fund established by the General Board of Global Ministries, combined with generous United Methodist donations to the UMCOR's landmine removal project, has helped to make at least one country, Mozambique, a safer place to live, work, and go to school. Since the United Methodist project began in early 2003, over 3 million square meters of land in Mozambique have been cleared of deadly landmines. Get involved! Support the treaty and give generously to UMCOR Advance #982575, Landmine Removal.
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.