The Council of Bishops in conjunction with UMCOR and the General Council on Finance and Administration has issued a Churchwide Appeal for Major Storm Devastation '99, Advance #982460-1. This appeal will assist persons affected by Hurricane Floyd in North Carolina, the Bahamas, New Jersey, Virginia, Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware and those recovering from the May tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas. Funds will be used to provide relief and rehabilitation for people of the affected churches and conferences and to repair and reconstruct church buildings and property.

UMCOR staff members estimate that at least $5 million will be needed from United Methodists to assist the people of North Carolina and other states recover from flooding caused by Hurricane Floyd. UMCOR and conference disaster workers are developing long-term recovery plans which include: needs assessment, volunteer organization, material resource management and providing pastoral care and trauma counseling.

Because of Hurricane Floyd, the UMCOR Sager-Brown Depot in Louisiana is completely out of cleaning supplies. Please help re-stock the shelves. Flood bucket kits, individual cleaning agents, brooms, mops, sponges, and buckets are needed. Please do not send bleach. Call the Depot at (800) 814-8765 for more information.

UMCOR staff who have been to Taiwan report that media coverage does not capture the immensity of damage from the earthquake. Temporary housing for the next two years is the greatest concern, as is unemployment and emotional support for those who have been traumatized. The churches are developing long-term recovery plans. Please give to UMCOR Advance #201325-3, "Taiwan Earthquake."

Gifts may be made through local United Methodist Churches, or by calling (800) 554-8583. Credit card donations are accepted at that number. Volunteers may call (800) 918-3100.

    Please pray for all who have suffered from natural disasters in so many parts of the world.

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