UMCOR is responding to the earthquake in Turkey through our ecumenical partners ACT (Action by Churches Together, the relief and development arm of the World Council of Churches) and the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). An MECC staff member is in Turkey to appraise the situation and meet with local church leaders to determine ways in which we can respond. Specific needs will be determined by early next week. UMCOR is sending an initial emergency response grant through ACT. Both ACT and UMCOR staff members are in communication with various church and agency leaders to determine the nature of further relief efforts.

   The greatest need is for monetary donations. Food and any other emergency relief items will have to come from European sources to meet the immediacy of the need. Please give to UMCOR's International Disaster Response, Advance #982450-8 "Turkey Earthquake." Give through your local United Methodist Church, or send financial contributions to: UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, NY 10115. Call (800) 554-8583 to make a credit card donation. One hundred percent of your gift will be used for earthquake relief.

   There is an immediate need for volunteers in Oklahoma to assist with rebuilding from the tornadoes in May. The Kansas West Conference has requested an additional $200,000 from UMCOR for unmet needs following the tornadoes that affected that area in May as well. Please give to UMCOR's Spring Storms '99, Advance #901415-4 and call (800) 918-3100 if you are able to volunteer.

   Please pray for those who have been affected by these natural disasters.

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