A United Methodist disaster response team has assessed the damage from the tornado in the Owensboro, Kentucky area. An interfaith group is working to address needs as they arise. Please give to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670-1.

   Recovery efforts in North Carolina are on hold, and will be set back by two or three weeks due to the severe winter weather. Volunteers teams have been working in the Bahamas to assist with recovery from Hurricane Floyd. Please continue to support the Churchwide Appeal for Major Storm Devastation '99, Advance #982460-1. The need continues to surpass available funds. Volunteers, please call (800) 918-3100.

   UMCOR is providing significant financial support for the peace initiative organized by religious leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The religious community has the support of Congo's President Kabila as they call together divided groups in Congo and from the surrounding countries. The large numbers of people who have been displaced by the ongoing wars cannot return to their homes until the conflicts are resolved. You can support the reconciliation efforts and UMCOR's ministry with the area's refugees and displaced persons by giving to International Disaster Response #982450-8.

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.)

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