This Christmas, please consider a special gift to the Middle East Emergency, Advance #601740-2. Your gifts will help provide food and other necessary items for Palestinians who cannot work because of the closures. Funds will also help to rebuild hundreds of homes in Palestinian communities that have been heavily damaged or destroyed by shelling. One of the affected towns is Beit Sahour which overlooks Bethlehem and is the traditional site of the shepherd's field where the angels announced the birth of Christ.

   UMCOR has sent an initial emergency response grant to the North Alabama Conference to provide humanitarian assistance following the tornado that struck Tuscaloosa. United Methodists are assisting with cleanup and casework to determine individual needs in both Alabama and Mississippi. Eleven people died in Tuscaloosa, 100 were injured and nearly 400 homes were destroyed. UMCOR has also sent an emergency grant to the Western New York Conference to help restock food pantries in Buffalo. Because of the severe winter weather, homeless shelters and food pantries have been overwhelmed. To join in these relief efforts, please give to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670-1.

   Several communities in Mexico have been evacuated because of the volcanic eruption. The Methodist Church in Mexico is starting shelters for those who have had to leave their homes. UMCOR is sending a financial grant to help provide food, water, medicine, and bedding. Please join in this response by giving to International Disaster Response, #982450-8. Designate "Mexico Volcano."

   In the past weeks and months several Asian countries have been devastated by the worst flooding in decades. Millions of people have been affected. Your gifts are urgently needed to help people recover. Please give to UMCOR Advance #229650-4 "Asia Floods."

   You can help keep North Korean children fed and warm this winter. UMCOR funds will provide food, warm winter clothing, and heating fuel for children in orphanages who continue to suffer from the famine. Please give to UMCOR Advance #226435-0, "North Korea Emergency." Please note that UMCOR is sending financial support only. The clothing will be purchased in China, and we cannot accept gifts of clothing.

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 violence, natural disasters, hunger, and poverty.

Further Information

• United Methodists to Assist Families in Beit Sahour, UMNS, December 5, 2000
• United Methodists Assist in Alabama Tornado Cleanup, UMNS, December 20, 2000