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Letter from UMCOR: On the JobPosted: September 30, 2004 "What must we do to perform the works of God?" --John 6:28, NRSV Dear Friend, "A disaster area so large it's difficult to get outside of it to get what you need." That is the assessment of UMCOR disaster workers after four hurricanes in six weeks pummeled parts of Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana, and created havoc in many other communities up to 1,000 miles away. UMCOR has been on the job, assisting annual conference disaster coordinators to mobilize, encouraging volunteers, and caring for storm-weary Floridians one-by-one. Internationally UMCOR officials will assess the worst-hit regions of Haiti, where thousands have suffered loss of life, homes, cattle, and farmlands. Lakes of mud slow the pace of relief there and mask pieces of zinc roofs and other debris that injure survivors who walk barefoot, according to press reports. They will also travel to Grenada, where one storm earned the name "Ivan the Terrible." In addition to in-country and in-state support, UMCOR has sent initial grants to both domestic and international church constituents. UMCOR is profoundly thankful for the spirit and courage of disaster workers and volunteers. Church leaders have been an inspiration in Florida, Haiti, Alabama-West Florida, Western and Central Pennsylvania, Virginia, Western North Carolina, the Bahamas, and Grenada. UMCOR is also grateful to all the generous donors who have responded from the heart to appeals for support. Our urgent call for flood buckets continues to be a priority so that supplies volunteers use to clean up post-hurricane debris and water can be at the ready for the next storm. Specifications are online. Response to our appeal for gifts of money has also been stirring. We know that long-term recovery from these severe storms will take several years. So UMCOR invites you to pass the offering plate again-or donate online at MethodistRelief.org. The needs are still great. Your contributions enable specially trained disaster workers to minister in hard-hit areas, provide direct assistance such as rent payments, and purchase building supplies. Impelled by Jesus' compassion in doing "the works of God," UMCOR employs patience and expertise to organize the long-term response. Your generosity to Advance #982410, Hurricanes 2004, allows UMCOR to stay on the job until the job is done. Thank you, and keep God's vulnerable people in your prayers.
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 Hurricane Charley destroyed these homes in Punta Gorda. The first of four hurricanes to strike Florida in a span of six weeks, Charley was followed by Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. UMCOR has been on the job, assisting annual conference disaster coordinators to mobilize, encouraging volunteers, and caring for storm-weary Floridians one-by-one. Credit: FEMA/Andrea Booher, August 16, 2004 How to Participate in This ResponseDonations for the denomination's response to this years deadly hurricanes should be earmarked for Hurricanes 2004, UMCOR Advance #982410. Checks written to UMCOR can be placed in church offering plates or mailed directly to UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 330, New York, N.Y. 10115. Credit card donations can be made by calling 1-800-554-8583 toll free. Flood BucketsHelp replenish supplies of flood buckets filled with cleaning materials. Contents and specifications can be found online at http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/print/kits/. Completed flood buckets--and $1.50 per bucket to cover reshipping-- should be sent to UMCOR Sager Brown, 101 Sager Brown Rd., Baldwin, LA 70514. UMCOR is also requesting donations to Material Resource Ministry, Advance #901440 for cleaning supplies that the staff and volunteers at the Sager Brown Depot will use to assemble flood buckets. VolunteersIndividuals or organizations interested in coordinating a group to assist with Hurricane relief and recovery efforts can call UMCOR's toll-free volunteer hotline at 1-800-918-3100 or email lknight@gbgm-umc.org. |
