FROM THE FIELD
In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world: LIBERIA: In the Honey Business; UMCOR: One Great Hour of Sharing; US: Ohio Church Helps Sudan; US: United Methodists Show Fair Trade Support; JFON: Reuniting a Family
LIBERIA: IN THE HONEY BUSINESS
Farmers are succeeding in the honey business thanks to UMCOR's beekeeping training in the Ganta region of Liberia.
UMCOR-trained farmers in Liberia sold 200 gallons of honey between September 2008 and January 2009. The Ganta United Methodist Mission Agricultural program supported farmers by purchasing honey by the gallon and reselling it in half-liter jars. The honey venture was recently formalized as a business with the Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of Liberia and UMCOR is working with farmers to determine its pricing, cost analysis and profitability structure.
Three of UMCOR's most successful women farmers were selected to exhibit best practices of honey harvesting and other UMCOR-sustainable activities during the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment and Leadership Development taking place this week in Monrovia, Liberia. You can support key hunger programs like this one by giving to World Hunger and Poverty, UMCOR Advance #982920 and learn about Beekeeping in Liberia here.
UMCOR: ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING—MARCH 22
One Great Hour of Sharing offering makes all of the other UMCOR programs possible because it funds the cost of doing business for UMCOR. Gifts that are over and above UMCOR's administrative costs go to where they are most needed.
One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday is March 22.
It's not too late to order your OGHS envelopes or posters. Please call 1-888-346-3862 to place your order and visit UMCOR's OGHS website for more information or resources. You can also print and share UMCOR's One Great Hour of Sharing bulletin insert, or download UMCOR's latest OGHS video to help you prepare for this special Sunday.
Additional support materials such as a children sermon, liturgy or OGHS talking points can be found here. Please give now.
Since 2004, Ginghamsburg Church has raised more than $3 million in support of agriculture, child protection and water programs in South Darfur. Last year another $725,749 was raised to meet additional needs such as food, employment and constructing primary schools in partnership with UMCOR through Ginghamsburg's Sudan Project.
Because of Ginhamsburg's generosity to UMCOR's work in Sudan, tens of thousands of people are receiving food, shelter, agricultural support, clean water, skills training, the opportunity to go to school. Support this work by giving to Sudan Emergency, UMCOR Advance #184385.
US: UNITED METHODISTS SHOW FAIR TRADE SUPPORT
United Methodists everywhere have demonstrated their support of fair trade through the Eco-Palm Project and UMCOR's Coffee Project. With the 100-Ton Challenge heading into its final months, your continued fair trade purchases are encouraged to help UMCOR meet its 100 ton goal.
United Methodists stirred up coffee and cocoa purchases by 19 percent from 2007, totaling over $1.3 million in sales. Through your support, UMCOR is the single largest partnership for sales in volume with its partner Equal Exchange.
In addition, over 74,920 palm stems have been ordered by United Methodists, making it the second largest denominational order. Eco-palm orders are currently totaling over 400,000 palms churchwide. Orders have already closed for this year but mark your calendar to place your order early next year. Thanks for your support!
Make you fair trade purchases now and support farmers through sustainable agriculture ministries by giving to UMCOR-SA&D, Advance #982188.
In 2000, Nyahn* entered the US with his nine children as a refugee from Liberia. While living in New York, Luseni,* Nyahn's son, became increasingly rebellious. To help his son get his life together, Nyahn sent his son to live with a cousin in Ghana.
After re-entering the US in 2005, Luseni, feeling angry and abandoned, filed a false accusation of abuse against this father. As a result, Nyahn's green card application was placed on hold for over two years. Justice For Our Neighbors' (JFON) NY clinic secured a new interview for Nyahn and after a tough interrogation, Nyahn was found credible. JFON recommended the approval of his pending security checks. Nyahn and Luseni have since reconciled and Nyahn is supporting his son's petition to remain in the US.
Support JFON, a ministry that reunites families, provides much-needed free legal services, counseling and support. Give to Justice for Our Neighbors, UMCOR Advance #901285.
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. ]
