September 18, 1998

See also: Situation Report from Bishop Juan Vera of Puerto Rico, UMCOR, September 24, 1998

Thank you for calling the United Methodist Committee on Relief Hotline, Friday, September 18, 1998.

UMCOR is continuing to assist with recovery efforts from the floods caused by tropical storm Charley. Grants have been sent to the Southwest Texas and Rio Grande Conferences and to the Methodist Church in Mexico. UMCOR consultants are working with the church in Mexico to explore additional ways to provide assistance. To join in relief efforts on both sides of the border, please give to UMCOR's Hurricanes '98, Advance #982515-0.

UMCOR staff and disaster consultants are monitoring closely Hurricane Georges. Georges is expected to be a category 4 hurricane by the time it reaches the Windward Islands in the Caribbean. It may strike other islands after that and either Central America or the U.S. Gulf Coast. A category 4 hurricane is defined as an "extreme" hurricane--the most recent storm of this strength to strike the U.S. was Hurricane Andrew. Please pray for those in the path of Georges and continue your gifts to Hurricanes '98, Advance #982515-0 to ensure that UMCOR is prepared to respond quickly and to the fullest extent.

There is an urgent need for volunteers in Eastern Ohio to help with rebuilding work following this summer's floods. Please call the Volunteer Line at (800) 918-3100. If you are interested in contributing material resources for flood and hurricane recovery work, please call the UMCOR Depot at (800) 814-8765.

Please remember those who suffer from hunger, poverty, disasters, and war in your prayers.

UMCOR Hotline:
Phone: 1-800-841-1235
Web: http://gbgm-umc.org/UMCOR-Hotline/
E-mail: umcor@gbgm-umc.org