December 18, 1998

See also: Hurricane Mitch News

The Yupik people of Siberia are facing a severe food shortage over the next several months. The Alaska Missionary Conference is working with the Chukotka Native Christian Ministry to provide food to seven communities. UMCOR is assisting with financial grants. To join in these relief efforts, give to Advance #982450 and designate Russia Initiative.

UMCOR has sent an emergency grant to the Methodist Church of Mexico for continued assistance to the victims of flooding in Chiapas. Please give to Advance #982450 and designate Chiapas Flooding.

UMCOR is assisting the Liberia Annual Conference with a financial grant for their efforts to reintegrate children into their communities following the war. Many of these young people were child soldiers who must now learn a very different way of life. Give to the Liberia Emergency, Advance #150300-7.

Please continue to remember the people who were affected by Hurricanes Georges and Mitch in your prayers and in your giving. Give to Hurricanes 98, Advance #982515-0.

Current volunteer needs include: clean up and rebuilding teams in the Florida Keys, Mississippi, Texas, and the Dominican Republic. Spanish-speaking medical personnel are being sent to Honduras. Construction teams may begin to make preparations to go to Central America, but UMCOR will not be able to send these teams until the spring. It will not be possible to coordinate and accommodate teams in the area until then. Call the Volunteer line for further information (800) 918-3100.

Have a joyous Christmas, and please remember those who suffer from disasters, hunger, poverty 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