February 8, 2005
One Great Hour of Sharing: March 6 Offering Critical for UMCOR
Within days of the Indian Ocean disaster, UMCOR provided food, clothing, shelter, and medical help to survivors. But the first weeks of a catastrophe are only the beginning. UMCOR will be in the region for years - rebuilding, returning people home, helping create replacements for lost livelihoods, giving comfort. One hundred percent of every dollar you donate to a specific UMCOR project goes to that project - not to agency administrative costs.
Such works of recovery and life-changing ministry don't happen without the broad support of congregations and individuals. That's because, once a year during One Great Hour of Sharing, you and your congregation can join other United Methodists worldwide in a special offering to underwrite UMCOR's "cost of doing business." You can help assure that, when catastrophes cause suffering, your church, impelled by Jesus' love and compassion, will be in the lead to ease the pain.
Act now! Order your free One Great Hour of Sharing materials today. Call toll free, 1-888-346-3862. Then on March 6, receive the offering. Your generosity means UMCOR will be your open hearts and hands in current and future disasters. UMCOR offers additional online resources.
UMCOR receives no World Service funds or any other apportionments. Offering gifts over and above those used to cover administrative expense are channeled to the most vulnerable people whose need is greatest.
United States: Volunteers Will Be Critical for Ongoing Hurricane Recovery
Thousands of volunteers could speed hurricane recovery from multiple storm damage all over Florida. "We're really just now getting into the heavy duty work that needs to be done," said the Rev. Tom Hazelwood, executive for domestic disaster response. On a site visit of damaged areas, Rev. Hazelwood said the priority for volunteers is the "heavy lifting" of rebuilding roofs, walls, and interiors following hurricane season in which four storms swept over the southeast. Blue tarps - temporary coverings for damaged roofs - dot the countryside all over the state. In Arcadia alone, he said about 50 homes have been identified for rebuilding; across Florida he estimates several hundred homes will need refurbishing.
Much work remains in the Florida panhandle and areas of Alabama. UMCOR's volunteer hotline will act as a clearinghouse for the many sites that need volunteers. To find out where the needs are greatest and obtain a local contact, please call toll free, 1-800-918-3100. Or let your generous contributions go for you - please give to UMCOR Advance #982410, Hurricanes 2004.
United States: UMCOR Workers Provide Case Management for Western Flooding
UMCOR dispatched two disaster workers to Utah recently. Don and Carole Falvey will assist with Virgin River and Santa Clara River flood relief in the Saint George area. January floods destroyed bridges and homes in the region. The Falveys will establish case management practices and provide guidance for an interfaith response to the distressed area. You can contribute in a meaningful way through a generous gift to UMCOR Advance #901670, Domestic Disaster Response.
Tsunami: Aid to Somalia and Thailand Adds to Long-term Plans for South Asia
Some 1,500 families in Somalia and 20 Burmese migrant communities in Thailand will receive UMCOR aid. When it swept away homes, fishing boats, and gear on the Somali coast the December 2004 tsunami threatened the livelihood of vulnerable people. Emergency food, plastic sheeting, nets, rope, and hooks will assist in restoring the fishing economy. In another grant from UMCOR, aid workers will rebuild schools and childcare centers for 170 Burmese children living with their families in Thailand.
In Sri Lanka, top priority of UMCOR's long-term recovery efforts will be the reclamation of livelihoods. UMCOR and its Methodist Church partners selected the region around the coastal town of Verugal because local leadership trusts the Methodist Church and the area is underserved. The potential for peace building is high because of the mix of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian populations. UMCOR is at work in India as well. A grant to Christian Medical Association of India assures the continued delivery of emergency health care there.
More than $11.5 million in gifts (received as of Feb. 7) will help to underwrite rebuilding programs in the region - but more can be done. You can assist in UMCOR's long-term effort in a meaningful way with a contribution to Advance #274305, South Asia Emergency.
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.