FROM THE FIELD
In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:
CHILE: DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING KENYA: EDUCATION GIVES HOPE TO CHILDREN ORPHANED BY AIDS JFON: HELPING ASYLUM SEEKERS UMCOR: Give a Gift that Serves Others RESOURCES: World AIDS Day, Dec. 1CHILE: DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING
In Chile, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods and mudslides are common disasters that plague this beautiful South American country. UMCOR is providing disaster response training and support to Iglesia Metodista en Chile (IMECH), Ministerio Social Methodista (MISOM) and Equipo Metodista de Acción Humanitaria (EMAH) district coordinators in helping to build a disaster response network to prepare for future disasters.
UMCOR executives Melissa Crutchfield and Tom Hazelwood conducted a three-day disaster preparedness and emergency response training for IMECH district coordinators in Oct. About 20 participants of the Chilean Methodist Church from different districts and regions engaged in the eight-hour a day training, which fostered networking opportunities with local authorities and relevant partners in the emergency response field.
The workshop was a good start for IMECH to create and implement a humanitarian response system in the country in collaboration with UMCOR and the Chilean Oficina Nacional de Emergencia del Ministerio del Interior. Support life saving training workshops like these by giving to International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450.
KENYA: EDUCATION GIVES HOPE TO CHILDREN ORPHANED BY AIDS
Maurine, 16 and Albert 15, half brother and sister from western Kenya, lived on their own for two years, after losing their parents to HIV/AIDS. Children who lose their parents usually sacrifice education to find work to support themselves and their younger siblings.
With funding from the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, 42 students have the opportunity to stay in school through the Umoja Project in Maseno Division, Kisumu District, Kenya. The program is sponsored through the North United Methodist Church in Indiana and the Global Interfaith Partnership.
Albert completed his first year of high school at the top of his class and plans to become a doctor. Maurine completed her second year of secondary school and plans to find a job that will allow her to travel the world.
Support projects that give children orphaned by AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis a hope for the future. Give to the UM Global AIDS Fund, UMCOR Advance # 982345.
Sisters Marshell, 15, and Tamarah Claude*, 14 fled Haiti in 1998 following the disappearance of their father and two brothers. While sailing to the US, a man started harassing Marshall because of her father's political connections. Marshell was forced below deck and raped repeatedly, while her sister stood by and watched helplessly. Their aunt was tragically thrown overboard.
In 2001, the sisters came to Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) for assistance in submitting their asylum applications, which were later denied. JFON scheduled the sisters for individual hearings so their asylum petition would be reconsidered. In September, the immigration judge ruled in their favor. The sisters were overcome with joy.
Support the JFON Ministry which helps asylum seekers like Marshell and Tamarah with your gifts to JFON, UMCOR Advance #901285.
*Names have been changed
UMCOR: GIVE A GIFT THAT SERVES OTHERS
UMCOR's Gift Catalog is filled with alternative gift suggestions that reflect the many programs and projects that UMCOR supports around the world.
Consider giving a gift that serves others such as a gift of education for girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or provide emergency housing for refugees resettling in the US. Giving a gift that serves others honors the birth of Christ and shows our concern for the whole family of God.
Each dollar amount in the catalog represents what your gifts could buy and determines the approximate cost of each item for that region. 100 percent of donations will go to the designated program.
Shop the Gift Catalog now, or view the entire catalog by downloading UMCOR's 2009 Christmas Wish List. You can also support relief efforts around the world by giving to UMCOR Undesignated, UMCOR Advance #999895.
RESOURCES: WORLD AIDS DAY, DEC. 1
World AIDS Day is observed on Dec. 1, however HIV/AIDS is a year-round issue that calls for constant attention.
UMCOR and the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund are equipping United Methodist congregations everywhere with information and tools to educate communities and churches about HIV/AIDS. Working Toward an AIDS-Free World: An Educational Kit for United Methodist Churches is a downloadable, information-packed resource that helps communities learn how to overcome stigma, provides visuals on the transmission of the HIV virus, and provides treatment and care options. The Kit also includes worship resources such as sample sermons for pastors to use on any given Sunday.
Additional AIDS materials including Hope for An AIDS-Free World photo slide show, church bulletin, Power Point slide, poster, brochure, articles, and more are available for you to use. Visit UMCOR's World AIDS Day 2009 page now and help create an AIDS-free world in your community.
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. ]
Health
Working in Relief
Refugees & displacement
Disaster risk reduction
Chile
Kenya
United States of America
