FROM THE FIELD
In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:
SRI LANKA: Helping the Displaced US: Preparing for the Storm LIBERIA: Electrical Power for Ganta Hospital UMCOR: UMCOR West Opens! RESOURCES: World Refugee Day NewsletterSRI LANKA: HELPING THE DISPLACED
UMCOR is bringing relief to Sri Lanka citizens who were affected by the recent civil conflict which displaced nearly 300,000 people.
UMCOR is providing emergency shelters for 700 families, 3,000 layette and hygiene kits and 34,000 emergency kits for those at Manik Farm, a camp for displaced people located on the outskirts of northern Sri Lanka. In addition, UMCOR is purchasing 20 water tanks to help alleviate water and sanitation problems in the camp. A triage medical center is being established near Manik Farm with assistance from UMCOR, Muslim Aid and the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA).
Many of those who have been displaced by the conflict are suffering from injuries, malnutrition and severe trauma. Help provide relief to the people of Sri Lanka by giving to Sri Lanka Relief and Development, UMCOR Advance #3020630.
June 1 marked the official beginning of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane season. Federal forecasters are predicting nine to 14 tropical storms. The season is expected to include four to seven hurricanes of which one to three storms are likely to be major Category 3 storms.
UMCOR works with annual conference partners to prepare for future storms by conducting disaster preparedness workshops and disaster response trainings . You can help UMCOR respond with your gifts or your contributions toward cleaning bucket supplies by clicking here.
The busiest part of the hurricane season is typically in the August and September months. Your gifts are needed now to help UMCOR respond immediately when a need arises.
Please give now to Hurricanes 2009, UMCOR Advance #3021002.
LIBERIA: ELECTRICAL POWER FOR GANTA HOSPITAL
During Liberia's civil war, Ganta United Methodist Hospital's generators and electrical wiring were looted or severely damaged. The electrical plant, located outside the hospital, is subject to theft and lightning strikes causing frequent power outages, placing lives at risk during surgery.
UMCOR hired Power from the Son, a Texas-based contractor, to correct the electrical problems experienced at Ganta Hospital. They will install a modern underground electrical system and overhead system to protect the plant from future outside threats.
The new system will provide 24-hour reliable electricity, correct voltage and generator support to improve the hospital's medical efficiency and ensure uninterrupted service during surgeries. A new communication system will be installed to give hospital staff consistent Internet and email connections as well as audio and visual conference capabilities.
Support this work by giving to Liberia Emergency, UMCOR Advance # 150300. Your gifts will help save the lives of those under their care.
UMCOR West in Salt Lake City, Utah celebrated its official grand opening on May 30. About 150 people including UMCOR staff and members of local United Methodist churches gathered to consecrate the new office and 22,000 square feet depot.
Bishop Elaine Stanovasky of Rocky Mountain Annual Conference, Colorado, led the consecration of the building and offered a prayer of blessing. Later, a local band entertained guests with praise music while a barbeque style lunch was served. Guests were invited to tour the facility and learn about relief supply kits.
The new depot creates a place in the Western Jurisdiction for United Methodists to participate in mission work. Volunteer groups are invited to spend a week in Salt Lake City to serve at UMCOR West. To volunteer or donate supply kits, please email: UMCOR West Depot, Rev. Brian Diggs at westdepot@UMCOR.org. You can also give to Material Resources, UMCOR Advance # 901440.
RESOURCES: REFUGEE MINISTRY NEWSLETTER
UMCOR, together with Church World Service works with United Methodist congregations and resettlement affiliates across the US to welcome arriving refugees, helping them settle into new homes and new lives./p>
Learn more about refugee ministry through UMCOR"s new Refugee Ministry Newsletter, a publication highlighting the work of United Methodist churches involved in welcoming newcomers into the US. Read testimonies of how lives are transformed and learn how you can help raise awareness about refugee ministry in your local congregation./p>
World Refugee Day is June 20. Use this newsletter to help raise awareness about this ministry or collect a special offering on Sunday for New Hope for Newcomers, UMCOR Advance # 901779. To subscribe to UMCOR's Refugee Ministry Newsletter, please click here.
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. ]
Refugees & displacement
Liberia
Sri Lanka
United States of America
