Disaster workers in Kentucky are completing the damage assessment from tornadoes that struck Owensboro and the surrounding rural areas January 3 and are developing plans for long-term recovery. United Methodists will work in conjunction with an interfaith group to assist with rebuilding. Financial gifts and volunteers will be needed in the coming weeks. Please give to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670-1.

UMCOR is responding to requests for additional funds for flood recovery work in Iowa. You may join in this response to last summer's floods by giving to Domestic Disaster Response, #901670-1.

Volunteers will be needed in Virginia for the next year and a half, and even longer in North Carolina to assist with recovery from the flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd. Volunteer teams are still needed for Central America to assist with Hurricane Mitch recovery. Please call the Volunteer Line at (800) 918-3100 if you can give your time, energy and skills as a volunteer.

UMCOR has received long-term recovery plans and requests for funds from New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina and the Bahamas. The need greatly exceeds the available funds for flood recovery. Please continue to support the Churchwide Appeal for Major Storm Devastation '99, Advance #982460-1.

Gifts may be made through local United Methodist churches, or by calling 1-800-554-8583.Credit card donations are accepted. (Read more about how you can help UMCOR's emergency responses.)

UMCOR is providing emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about current UMCOR ministries, please visit the website: http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/ .

Please pray for all who suffer from natural and human-made disasters, hunger, and poverty.