FROM THE FIELD
In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:
WORLDWIDE: UMCOR Responds to Recent Disasters RESOURCES: Emergency Response Church Bulletin and Power Point SlideIn the wake of three devastating disasters--Typhoon Ketsana and Parma in the Philippines, four tsunamis in Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa, and an earthquake in Indonesia--UMCOR is reaching out to help those most vulnerable. Working with established partners on the ground, UMCOR is meeting the most basic needs of survivors while setting a foundation for longer term rebuilding.
WORLDWIDE: UMCOR RESPONDS TO RECENT DISASTERS
Philippines Typhoon Parma and Ketsana
UMCOR is working closely with Action by Churches Together (ACT) partners including the National Council of Churches and Church World Service in addition to local United Methodist connections such as the Manila Episcopal area, Harris Memorial College, Asuncion Perez, and KKFI (Kapaatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc.) to bring relief to those most in need.
Mobilizing its network of local volunteers including United Methodist district superintendents and disaster response coordinators, UMCOR Philippines is conducting needs assessments in areas which were impacted by both Ketsana and Parma. More than 30 volunteers, including students from Union Theological Seminary, assisted relief efforts by repacking goods for distribution.
UMCOR's initial focus is on Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna and Rizal which have been identified as areas receiving little or no aid. Volunteers are distributing food and relief supplies to 500 families. A partnership with Global Medic is providing potable water in these areas.
Support UMCOR's relief work in the Philippines by giving to Philippines Emergency, UMCOR Advance #240235.
South Pacific Earthquake and Tsunamis
Four powerful tsunamis crashed into the South Pacific islands of Tong, Samoa and American Samoa on Sept. 29 killing more than 170 people and displacing tens of thousands.
Tom Hazelwood, UMCOR's disaster response executive, spoke with Dr. Finau Ahio, president of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga (FWC) who reports that 90 percent of the homes were damaged in some way by the tsunami. FWC is reaching out to families to help with immediate needs such as food and clothing.
The Rev. Afereti Samuelu, president of the Methodist Church of Samoa reports that one church and parsonage was completely destroyed, along with the homes of many parishioners. The church is supplying shelter, food and clothing to affected families.
UMCOR is supporting a medical mission from Wesley UMC of Honolulu, HI which will facilitate community-level planning and immediate re-establishment of rural district health care services in the Aleipata and Falealili districts of Western Samoa.
Please give to South Pacific Earthquake and Tsunamis, International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450.
West Sumatra Earthquakes
Two devastating earthquakes struck West Sumatra within two days, killing more than 600 people, The earthquakes triggered landslides that swept away thousands of homes, ripped up trees, demolished buildings, and blocked roads. Only about 10 percent of the homes are still standing, according to news reports. The provincial capital of Padang and Pariaman District was most affected.
UMCOR Indonesia executive, John Holveck, is in Padang and working closely with Church World Service and agencies active in the area to determine the needs and coordinate the provision of emergency food and non-food items. UMCOR is also assessing recovery and longer term reconstruction work.
UMCOR Indonesia continues to help those affected by the 2004 tsunami and the 30 year conflict preceding it. To support these relief efforts, please give generously to Indonesia Emergency, UMCOR Advance #217400.
RESOURCES: EMERGENCY RESPONSE CHURCH BULLETIN AND POWER POINT SLIDE
While food, water, blankets, and hygiene supplies are the materials mostly needed by survivors, the best way to give is financially.
Download UMCOR's Emergency Response church bulletin or Power Point slide and share with your local congregation to collect a special offering.
United Methodists everywhere are encouraged to use these resources to encourage your congregation into giving and helping affected survivors recover from these devastating disasters.
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. ]
Earthquakes
Working in Relief
Indonesia
Philippines
Samoa (Western)
Tonga
United States of America
