 |
The flow of refugees from Kosovo into Macedonia and Albania has increased over the past couple of days. UMCOR's ecumenical partner ACT(Action by Churches Together, the relief and development arm of the World Council of Churches) continues to respond in Albania, Macedonia, and Montenegro. In addition to providing relief supplies, ACT agencies are running some of the refugee camps. UMCOR is also responding to this crisis through Bishop Heinrich Bolleter and United Methodist Churches in Macedonia. Bishop Bolleter reports that many United Methodists within Serbia are suffering because of the bombing, and he has not been able to communicate with the United Methodist Churches in Kosovo. At the UMCOR Board of Directors meeting next week, UMCOR will ask the directors to approve the release of $800,000 which will bring UMCOR's financial response to the relief efforts close to 1 million dollars. Please continue your generous gifts to UMCOR's International Disaster Response, #982450-8. To make a donation by check or credit card, call (800) 554-8583. Remember that 100 percent of your gift goes toward relief efforts. Health kits and medicine boxes are also needed. For information on these, call the UMCOR Depot at (800) 814-8765.
UMCOR is also participating in the ACT response to victims of the recent earthquake in northern India. Relief sets including traditional clothing, blankets, tarps and household goods are being provided to families living in this remote area who lost all their belongings. Your gifts to Advance #982450-8 will assist with these efforts as well.
UMCOR disaster response staff members have been in communication with the conferences who were affected by recent tornadoes and storms. At this point, churches and conferences are utilizing local resources to respond. UMCOR is exploring avenues for assisting with pastoral care and training for persons who work with children who have been through traumatic experiences.
Disasters workers are on alert with the fires that are burning in Florida. Because of UMCOR's past relationship with disaster personnel in the state, UMCOR will be one of the first agencies called upon if needed.
Please pray for those who suffer from natural disasters and the violence of war.
UMCOR Hotline:
Phone: 1-800-841-1235
Web: http://gbgm-umc.org/UMCOR-Hotline/
E-mail: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
|
