At this writing, it feels like our world has changed-- that not only has the World Trade Center collapsed in New York, the Pentagon been struck in Washington, and a hijacked plane been brought down in
Pennsylvania, but that the very foundations of our lives have been shifted. We mourn the people we have lost, the trauma that survivors continue to experience, the effect this has had on our children, and the loss of a sense of security. We fear for what may happen next in our world and we pray for wisdom and painstaking
deliberation as our leaders make decisions that will affect us all.
We find comfort in sharing with friends and families. Above all we cling to our faith and our hope in a God who is loving and who showed us, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that life triumphs over all. In the wake of these tragedies there has been an outpouring of generosity among United Methodists, people throughout the U.S., and friends across the world.
A special Advance has been created called "Love in the Midst of Tragedy," Advance #901125-3. Gifts to this Advance are helping to provide trauma and grief counselors in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. They will be used as needed to assist survivors, the families of those who died, and those who are experiencing economic hardship because they have lost their jobs. Funds will support peace and community building initiatives throughout the U.S. in cooperation with Arab-American organizations. UMCOR will provide training in helping children recover from trauma to any group who requests it.
Because the situation continues to unfold, we do not yet fully know how UMCOR will be needed. Your gifts will be used to respond to the tragedies that began on September 11 and to critical situations that may arise in the U.S. and around the world as a result of these attacks. As we reach out to those affected by these tragedies, please continue to remember in your prayers and in your giving those who suffer ongoing hardships and daily struggles for life in other parts of our world.
Photo: Messages of condolence left in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Tony Biddle, Anglican Church News Service. Cleared for use by religious media only.
