Approximately 80 people attended UMCOR's Disaster Response Training Academy at the UMCOR Sager-Brown Depot facility last week. Among those attending were the directors of relief efforts in North Carolina, New Jersey and Virginia. The long-term recovery stage is beginning with intensive case work to determine needs that will not be met through government assistance or private insurance. Please give generously to the Churchwide Appeal for Major Storm Devastation '99, Advance #982460-1.

UMCOR is working with ACT (Action by Churches Together) in Turkey to refurbish elementary schools, establish a youth house and a school for deaf children that will provide rehabilitation and trauma counseling following the earthquake. UMCOR is also working to provide emergency mobile shelters for those left homeless. Please give to UMCOR Advance #675205-6 "Turkey Earthquake."

In the Republic of Georgia, UMCOR is working with a local organization to open another youth house in that country. The youth house will provide a healthy, nurturing environment for children in an ethnically divided area to learn, play and heal from the trauma of violence and displacement. You may support UMCOR's ministries in Georgia and Armenia by giving to Advance #250225-8.

UMCOR is again sending a grant through the Alaska Missionary Conference to provide food for native people in far eastern Siberia. Please give to International Disaster Response, #982450-8.

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

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and please pray for all who suffer from natural and human-made disasters, hunger, and poverty.

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