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Recent reports from those who have visited North Korea indicate that the food crisis has stabilized but the situation remains fragile. U.S. Representative Tony Hall, after a recent visit to North Korea, said "hunger still plagues the overwhelming majority of its people. They seem to be surviving–but just barely." If international aid ceased, there would be widespread deprivation within a month.
United Methodists, through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) continue to reach out to the people of North Korea. UMCOR recently sent a container shipment of seed packets for 700,000 families. The seeds were carefully selected to be appropriate for the environment, and the packs were re-labeled in Korean. Each packet is designed to provide fresh produce for a family for a year. In addition, 13 containers of food were delivered.
Other recent assistance from UMCOR includes $50,000 to ACT (Action by Churches Together) for their North Korea appeal, and $50,000 to the World Food Program of the United Nations which continues to provide logistical support for relief shipments once they arrive in North Korea.
In a few weeks UMCOR will participate in a North Korea team strategy meeting. The goal of this meeting is to evaluate the next step and design future relief efforts.
Please join in this ongoing response to the people of Korea by giving to UMCOR's Advance #226435-0, North Korea Emergency. Gifts may be made through your local United Methodist Church, or by calling (800) 554-8583. Credit card donations are accepted at this number.
September 8, 1999