Hurricane Debby caused flooding in the mountains of Puerto Rico early this week. The disaster response coordinator for Puerto Rico and other trained individuals are at work to contact those affected by the flooding and assess their needs. The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico has requested $10,000 to assist in this recovery effort. To join in relief and recovery efforts please give to Hurricanes 2000, Advance #982350-4.

Forest fires have torn through north central Washington state affecting people in the Okanagon Valley and surrounding area. At least 34 families have lost their homes due to the fires. UMCOR is responding to Bishop Galvan's request for $10,000 to assist the community and families with their recovery needs.

Two weeks of flooding in the West Virginia Annual Conference has caused significant but localized damage. Flooding last week in central West Virginia and current flooding in the Sissionville area has caused flooded basements, garages, and underpinning damage. Repairs teams will be needed in West Virginia when the houses dry enough to start repairs. Please give to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670-1 to assist with the fires and flooding across the county.

A second AIDS conference was held in Zimbabwe this week. This conference was attended and led by the United Methodist youth of Zimbabwe. It focused on the church's response to AIDS, its prevention, education and care. The conference was attended by 80 youth across from the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. An initial general conference on AIDS was held in January. Your gifts to Global HIV/AIDS, Advance #982345-7 will assist in future efforts to address the AIDS crisis.

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.

See Also

• AIDS in Africa
• UMCOR Hurricanes