Extracted from UMCOR Hotline 24 Feb
2004
New Housing at Bam, Southeastern
Iran
About 4,800 survivors of the Bam earthquake soon will be able to leave their tents for semi-permanent housing. Funded in part by an UMCOR grant, the International Blue Crescent is setting up four housing sites where families can more comfortably await reconstruction of their residences, which were leveled during the 13-second quake in December 2003. Laundry and sanitation facilities, a medical clinic, and two fabricated schools are important parts of the new sites. In addition to the prefab structures, IBC is providing children's social centers. The centers focus on the most vulnerable children, who lost parents, siblings, relatives, teachers and friends in the traumatic earthquake. United Methodists can make a difference in the lives of Iranian earthquake survivors with gifts to UMCOR Advance #623225, Iran Earthquake.
Cyclone Heta Creates "Hidden Disaster"
When tropical cyclone Heta roared through several islands in the South Pacific last month, it created a "hidden disaster" by damaging crops extensively. Now local food supplies are threatened. An UMCOR grant is assisting with international relief efforts to 295 families on the islands of Niua and Tafahi. Coordination is through Action by Churches Together, an alliance of interfaith humanitarian organizations. American Samoa, also in Heta's path, lost crops and homes to the high winds and punishing rains of the storm. UMCOR's partner in American Samoa is Church World Service. Many citizens of American Samoa are eligible for US aid through Federal Emergency Management Assistance, but for those who are not, the needs are great. You can help provide the most vulnerable residents in these remote island communities with basic necessities. You can help both internationally and nationally to counter the effects of Cyclone Heta with your generous gifts to UMCOR Advance #982450, International Disaster Response and to UMCOR Advance #901670, Domestic Disaster Response.
Haiti: "A Great Human Catastrophe"
The crisis that exploded into violent insurrection in Haiti is "a great human catastrophe," according to the Rev. Raphael Dessieu, President of the Eglise Metodiste d'Haiti. He has called for prayers in support of the people, who celebrated 200 years of independence earlier this year. Only local workers remain at the Methodist Guest House, which was closed last week. All United Methodist Volunteers in Mission teams have left Haiti. UMCOR supports several projects in Haiti, including a hot lunch program for the Methodist schools, Grace Children's Hospital, and community agriculture programs. Please pray for sisters and brothers in Haiti and for President Dessieu's Christian leadership. Generous donations to your favorite Haiti Advance or to the Haiti Civil Emergency Advance #418325 for emergency relief, will help in a meaningful way.
Liberia: Rebuilding Ganta
Local charities and humanitarian agencies in the Ganta region have donated some medical supplies as Ganta Hospital's rehabilitation progresses. Herbert and Mary Zigbuo, United Methodist missionaries there, recounted in an email this week their requests for your prayers as they purchase additional supplies and complete the renovation work on the hospital complex. Much remains to be done before the complex is ready for its first patients later this spring. You can help alleviate suffering in the Ganta region by contributing to UMCOR Advance #150300, Liberia Emergency. To assist with the rebuilding effort, please give to Advance #150385, Ganta Hospital Emergency.