April 13, 1998

Thank you for calling the United Methodist Committee on Relief Hotline, Monday, April 13, 1998.

This is a special update on the relief efforts following the tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia. More than forty people were killed as tornadoes hit Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia last week. At least seven of those who died were United Methodists. More than 1,000 houses were destroyed and thousands more were damaged. Several churches were also destroyed or damaged.

Conference disaster response coordinators are working with local residents and churches to provide immediate relief and to begin the work of evaluating and assessing needs for long-term response. UMCOR staff and consultants are on the scene in Georgia and will be traveling to Alabama later this week.

The Edgewater United Methodist Church in Alabama was totally destroyed. UMCOR is sending tents for the church to use for their worship services.

Please give to UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response, #901670. You may designate your gifts Alabama/Georgia Tornadoes. Material resources, especially rebuilding supplies, may be sent to the UMCOR Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana. Call (800) 814-8765 for a list of resources and shipping instructions. It is too early for volunteers to arrive in the area, but to register your interest, please call the Volunteer Line at (800) 918-3100.

Please pray for the victims of these storms and others who suffer from disaster, war and hunger.