With Hurricane Irene dropping torrential rain on Cuba and Florida and the devastating flooding and mudslides in Mexico, the need for the Churchwide Appeal for Major Storm Devastation '99 becomes even more critical. In addition to these storms, funds will assist individuals, communities and churches as they recover from the May tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas, and the flooding from Hurricane Floyd in the Bahamas, North Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Please give to UMCOR Advance #982460-1. Encourage your church to take a special offering for this appeal and spread the news beyond your church. Let people in your community know about the work of UMCOR and ensure them that 100 percent of their gift will be used to help survivors recover.

UMCOR is working toward having a conflict resolution ministry in East Timor. ACT (Action by Churches Together) is developing further emergency response plans for people in both East and West Timor who have suffered from the civil conflict. A special Advance number has been established for these relief efforts–give to #240225-1.

Volunteers are needed in many places: there is a shortage of volunteers in Texas where there is still much rebuilding work from last year's flooding, volunteers are urgently needed in New Jersey and Virginia and will continue to be needed in North Carolina. Teams are also needed in the Bahamas. Please call the Volunteer Line at (800) 918-3100.

An UMCOR staff person is currently in Turkey assessing damage and developing plans for UMCOR's long-term response. To join in earthquake recovery efforts, give to Advance #675205-6. To help with recovery work in Taiwan, give to Advance #201325-3.

   The UMCOR Sager-Brown Depot in Louisiana needs every type of kit except health kits. They especially need fabric bags for school kits. Call the Depot at (800) 814-8765 for more information.

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

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/