FROM THE FIELD
In Today's Hotline:
"The images we are seeing are heartbreaking," commented Sam Dixon, UMCOR's top executive in a release issued by UMCOR on June 16 about severe storms and flooding that are affecting 10 states and approximately 11 million people throughout the Midwest. UMCOR is working with the affected annual conference partners and disaster coordinators to assess and respond to the wide spread damage caused by recent storms and rising flood waters.
UMCOR sent initial emergency grants and flood buckets to assist in recovery and clean up needs. Early response teams have been dispatched to assess the situation and begin long-term response. In Iowa, the National Weather Service is calling the Cedar Rapids flooding a "historic hydrologic event" as the river poured over its banks at 500-year flood levels. One levee has already broken in Iowa and rivers are expected to crest at record levels. About 38,000 people in 26 Iowa cities have been evacuated from their homes, according to an Associated Press news report.
The situation in the Midwest is serious. Dixon urged United Methodists to be in prayer, prepare to volunteer and give to UMCOR's US Spring StormsDomestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670.
In a report issued by UMCOR partner Action by Churches Together (ACT) on June 11, a total of 1.3 million people have been reached with varying levels of assistance by local and international NGOs, the Red Cross and UN agencies.
According to the report, more than 171,600 people have been provided with emergency relief including food, non-food items and tarpaulins. In addition, over 2,815 water baskets were distributed to communities. Each basket supplies approximately 250 people with clean water. ACT partners working with the UN World Food Programme are providing one month and six month food supplies to help more than 60,000 people including those in hard to reach villages in the Irrawaddy Delta region.
UMCOR is working through ACT partners to reach Cyclone Nargis survivors and provide them with emergency relief. Please continue to give to Mynamar Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3019674. as relief reaches those survivors still waiting for assistance.
ARMENIA: PROVIDING QUALITY CARE
More than 150,000 people in rural and urban areas across Armenia are getting healthier because of free access to medicines and medical supplies. The Medicine Box Program, a cooperative effort between UMCOR and the Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. (IMA) provides vulnerable people including women, children, pensioners and the elderly with necessary health care and quality medications.
Since 1994, UMCOR has distributed approximately $20 million worth of medicines, supplies, school kits, health kits and more to primary healthcare facilities and charitable organizations that serve vulnerable people. The IMA has been working with UMCOR's Medicine Box Program to deliver high quality medicine to those who need it most.
Medicine boxes contain antibacterial drugs such as Amoxicillin, Cefprozil, and Metronidazole that treat common bacterial and parasitic diseases. Click here to learn more about how you can participate in the Medicine Box Program. You can also help distribute much-needed medicines and medical supplies to Armenia by giving to Armenia Emergency, UMCOR Advance 250225.
Sandra Weidner from Emory United Methodist in Hancock, NY and Deborah Shelp from Central United Methodist Church in Honesdale, Pa., joined forces in May to promote fair trade during a Wyoming Annual Conference meeting. The Conference provided Equal Exchange coffee to support the 100-Ton Challenge through UMCOR's Coffee Project. Weidner, who came up with the idea for the coffee stand and Shelp sold coffee for the Beach Lake, Pa. United Methodist Church providing information to customers about fair trade. They raised approximately $400 to support one of UMCOR's hunger programs. Thanks for your support!
"I am amazed at how this little 'coffee stand' was able to raise awareness about the Equal Exchange issue, with many churches, including my own, beginning the selling process in their churches," said Andrew Weidner, pastor of Emory United Methodist Church, NY.
The 100-Ton Challenge promotes the use of fairly-trade products to support the livelihoods of small scale farmers and their families while raising awareness about fair trade issues. Send us your stories and photos by email to umcor@gbgm-umc.org and place "Coffee Challenge News" on the subject line of your email. You can also send your gifts of support to UMCOR's Sustainable Agriculture Program, Advance #982188.
EVENT: REGISTER EARLY FOR HEALTH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE
Congregational health ministries are a vital part of any church looking to serve its congregants in mind, body and spirit. This holistic approach empowers the church community to provide a wellness service that is an effective ministry tool.
On September 21-24, 2008 in Lake Junaluska, NC, The Empowering Ministries of Health conference, produced by the United Methodist Church will provide participants the opportunity to share information about successful health ministry programs, determine how to analyze wellness programs for return on investment, learn how to build a wellness team and seek grant funding, as well as identify the tools that mobilize people to develop ministries of health. A parish nurse track on "caring for the caregivers" will examine tools for empowering and working with clergy and helping families in crisis.
Registration is now open for those interested in advancing or incorporating a health ministry in your congregation.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online at givetomission.org. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.
United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org
UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
