FROM THE FIELD
In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:
US: Georgia Flood Response COLOMBIA: Helping Refugees US: UMCOR West Gets a "Lift" RESOURCES: World AIDS Day, Dec. 1US: GEORGIA FLOOD RESPONSE
On Monday, Sept 21, 17 counties in the state of Georgia were hit hard by massive flooding from severe storms moving northeast from the Gulf of Mexico. About five people are dead after Georgia creeks and rivers burst from days of torrential rain.
UMCOR is in contact with the North Georgia Annual Conference to assist with recovery efforts, as disaster response personnel assess the situation. Cleaning buckets from UMCOR's Relief Supply Depots are ready to be dispatched to areas in need.
Support the North Georgia Annual Conference during this initial phase of recovery with your gifts to US Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670.
COLOMBIA: HELPING REFUGEES
Years of armed conflict in Colombia generated one of the largest displacements in the world, with more than three million people fleeing their homes. UMCOR is helping Colombian refugees resettle in Chile by expanding micro-enterprise opportunities for the most vulnerable.
Through a $33,000 grant from UMCOR and in partnership with Church World Service Refugee Integration Program and United Methodist Volunteers in Missions (UMVIM), volunteers will be sent to Chile to work with the micro-enterprise program. The program will increase congregational involvement in the Refugee Integration Services Program (PROSIR) in Chile, as well as increase and strengthen the capacity of Methodist church leaders.
Santiago, Chile and the northern city of Arica, where the refugee program is taking place, host significant populations of displaced Colombian refugees and asylum seekers. If you are interested in volunteering with this project, please visit the UMVIM website or email UMCORRefugee@gbgm-umc.org for more information. Support sojourners by giving to Refugee Response Advance #982540.
US: UMCOR WEST GETS A "LIFT"
When UMCOR West Office and Depot opened its doors on May 30 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the people of the western jurisdiction responded with generous support.
Recently, Park City UMC in Park City, Utah gave UMCOR West the "lift" it needed to operate more efficiently. The church raised over $12,000 for the purchase of a forklift to use in the processing and storing of relief supply kits at the 22,000 square foot depot.
"We are so excited to be able to provide UMCOR with the means to help reach so many people around the world," said the Rev. Bob Kaylor of Park City UMC. "It is so exciting to have a general church presence like UMCOR here in Utah."
Christ UMC in Salt Lake City also raised money during their annual 5K run to purchase a much-needed pallet scale for weighing shipping materials to people in need around the world.
Support UMCOR West Depot with your gifts to Material Resources, UMCOR Advance #901440.
RESOURCES: WORLD AIDS DAY, DEC 1.
United Methodist congregations are encouraged to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS around the world by creating awareness about this deadly disease. A new brochure and a poster supporting the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund are now available.
Use and share Working Toward an AIDS-Free World brochure or poster, and support global programs engaged in advocacy, education, prevention, health care and training in response to HIV/AIDS.
World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. Join the fight against HIV/AIDS by using these resources on Sundays leading up to World AIDS Day.
Order Working Toward an AIDS-Free World brochure for the small cost of shipping, or download the poster now. Look out for more HIV/AIDS resources to come and give to the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, UMCOR Advance #982345.
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. ]
