UMCOR / News Room / News & Features / Archives 2008
News & Features Archives 2008
December 2008
- UMCOR Sager Brown Ships over $4.7 million of Relief Supplies in 2008
UMCOR Sager Brown, the material resource ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, has shipped over $4.7 million in relief supplies internationally and in the continental United States in 2008. - UMCOR Trained Early Response Teams Assist in Texas
Early Response Teams (ERTs) trained by the United Methodist Committee on Relief have come from near and far to begin the clean up and rebuilding process for survivors of Hurricane Ike in southeast Texas. - Responding to Humanitarian Needs in Postville
An immigration raid has had a ripple effect resulting in extreme instability in this Iowa community; people now struggle with basic necessities. - Keeping Hospitals Open in Zimbabwe
United Methodist hospitals in Zimbabwe are keeping their doors open in spite of great hardship. - UMCOR Opens Gulf Coast Office
The United Methodist Committee on Relief’s new Gulf Coast Office in Mobile, Ala., opened its doors Dec. 16. This new UMCOR site will serve as a satellite location for UMCOR’s Emergency Services Office. - United Methodist Church in Germany Contribute to Zimbabwe Emergency
"The gift from Germany is an outstanding example of the international connection of our denomination,"said the Rev. Sam Dixon. "United Methodists are truly one in the spirit." - Malaria Initiatives Join for 1st Time in Côte d’Ivoire Outreach
The distribution of nearly a million mosquito nets in this West African country represents the first collaboration of two anti-malaria programs supported by United Methodists. - UMCOR Brings Food, Medical Care and Water to Zimbabwe
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) launched a targeted course of action in response to the dire humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe this week. - UMCOR Armenia Receives Grant from State Department
Thanks to a generous grant, there is new hope for people in Armenia who are subjected to human trafficking. - Church Clinic Sponsors AIDS Day Observance in Guinea
More than 3,000 people in three communities took part in World Aids Day observances sponsored by a United Methodist clinic in the West Africa country of Guinea. - Churches Continue Ministry, With and Without Buildings
Two United Methodist churches impacted by Hurricane Ike have proven that they can continue ministry, both with and without buildings. - Hundreds Tested for HIV/AIDS in Kenya
In Nakuru, Kenya, World AIDS Day marked an important event as more than 2,000 Kenyan residents lined up for HIV/AIDS testing. - New Points of Hope
After months of research, anticipation and community support, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has finalized plans to establish a material supply depot in the western part of the United States.
November 2008
- Texas Conference Begins Organizing for Long Term Response in Galveston
Eddie Hilliard combines his heart for mission and background in business to organize the response to Hurricane Ike in Galveston County with UMCOR. - A Special Family Reunion
"There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing you have been able to help bring a family together," says Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) attorney TJ Mills who recently had the privilege of going to the airport with a client, Barnabe, where he joyfully greeted his family after eight years of separation. - Community Education Is Critical to Ending Malaria Deaths
Leaders in the fight against malaria gathered at the United Nations Nov. 19 to discuss the problem of malaria in a panel discussion hosted by the US Mission to the UN. - Hope for Haiti
In the August and September months of 2008, Hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike all took their turn striking Haiti by force. - California Wildfire Response Begins
With many of the fires in southern California contained, the California-Pacific Annual Conference in partnership with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, are determining the next steps to respond to this latest disaster. - UMCOR Offers Hope in DRC
As fighting in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo intensifies, it is estimated that more than 250,000 people have had to flee their homes since August. - Knowledge is Power in the Fight against Malaria
Magan Ekoua smiles as her young children take an afternoon nap in the blue glow cast by their new mosquito net. - Positive Towards HIV/AIDS
"As someone who has received a death sentence—as long as I take my medication, there's hope," says Anthony Holscher from Phoenix, Arizona. - Prime Ministers Speech at UN Interfaith Conference
Saif Ahmad, Chief Exec of Muslim Aid, and Rev. Dr. Sam Dixon, Deputy General Secretary of UMCOR, congratulate The Right Honourable Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP. - UMCOR Collaborates to Bring Relief to Cuba
Leaders of the Methodist Church in Cuba residing in the United States have publicly expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the General Board of Global Ministries and especially by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. - One Million Nets: A Promise Realized
In the midst of excitement, celebration, and worship, the dream of two bishops who live worlds apart began to be realized. - Nets Distribution Campaign Kicks off in Côte d’Ivoire
This is the first month in a long time that Diakite' Aichata has not had to take one of her children to the hospital because of malaria. - Houston Church is “Overblessed” In Its Ministry After Ike
Burt Palmer, pastor of Bear Creek UMC, Houston, recounted in an email to family and friends the effects of Hurricane Ike and the resulting outpouring of ministry that he experienced one week after the storm. - UMCOR Provides Help for Kenyans Still Displaced by 2007 Election Violence
Eleven months after post-election violence in Kenya, tens of thousands of people still languish in camps, afraid or unable to return home. - UMCOR to Commence Hurricane Relief Work in Cuba
The United Methodist Committee on Relief will immediately begin relief work in Cuba in response to September hurricanes under new licenses the US Government has given to the General Board of Global Ministries. - Stepping Up to HIV/AIDS
The global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has robbed millions of people of their lives, their husbands, wives, daughters and sons.
October 2008
- UMCOR and UMVIM Strengthen Connections
Twenty-seven representatives from UMCOR and UMVIM traveled to Colorado Springs to continue the work begun at the “Making the Connection” summit, held at Mt. Sequoyah, Arkansas. . - UMCOR Directors Approve More than $4 Million for Disaster Response
More than $4 million in funds to support relief and development programs in the US and overseas were approved by the United Methodist Committee on Relief's board of directors at their fall meeting October 13-17. - Recent Disaster Responses Highlight UMCOR, UMVIM Working Relationship
When the Louisiana and Texas Conferences invited UMCOR to consult in response to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in September, the domestic disaster response ministry dovetailed with a well-established volunteer network. - Julie Taylor - Profile
Julie Taylor is a parish nurse at Pathways United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri. The work of a parish nurse is a ministry of the local church. - Going the Distance
Luke Yaryar,42 of Tonoetown, Liberia walks a long distance to reach UMCOR's Farmer Field School training in Whiegblekon, Buchanan in Liberia. - Southeast Louisiana Team Brings Rebuilding Expertise to Iowa
Spirits were high among the sixteen member team from Southeast Louisiana while they loaded their trucks for the first day of work in Oakville, IA. - Guilt Free Chocolate for Halloween
Equal Exchange, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of the United Methodist Church have partnered to raise awareness about Fair Trade this Halloween. - Planning Puts Local Church in Forefront of Ministry to Retirement Community
“We are trying to think of a way to thank the people of Christ UMC,” said Ed Bell, executive director, Edgewater Retirement Community. “What they’ve done is too big.” - Bees Go to Work for Farmers
Beekeeping brought me to where I am," says Victor Kpe, 51, UMCOR's top beekeeper trainer. - Lack of Donations Challenges Ike Relief
Even though the Sept. 13 storm left behind miles of demolished homes, businesses and churches along the Texas Gulf Coast, the Wall Street debacle and presidential debates stole its thunder in the national spotlight. - Bayous, Bays and Oceans Sent Waves of Destruction
Sully Griffin has an even better ocean-side view since Hurricane Ike chewed up the houses that once lined the beach in front of his home. - Ike Leaves Behind Damaged Homes, Lost Memories
Vivian Paysse celebrated her 99th birthday a few days before Hurricane Ike washed away the bottom floor of her home and scattered a lifetime of memories along the Texas Gulf Coast.
September 2008
- Local Churches Step Up to Ministry in Their Communities
When a mission team from League City United Methodist Church, Texas returned from a trip to Red Bird Mission, Kentucky in early August, the members were on fire to expand their outreach.
- Preparing to Go Forth and Heal Through Purification
Nearly 200 congregational health conference attendees participated in a service of cleansing and healing lead by the Cherokee United Methodist Church and Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Native American Ministries.
- Southwest Louisiana Station Shifts Focus to Relief Work
For the last three years, the Southwest Louisiana Station of UMCOR partner Louisiana Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry has been helping clients rebuild homes damaged from Hurricane Rita.
- Sabine Pass Begins Clean Up with a “Heavy Heart”
“You know, we accept this possibility as part of living here,” sighed Adam Saunders, lay leader of the Sabine Pass UMC, as he led a tour of the town, devastated by the storm surge of Hurricane Ike. “But we accept it with tears and a heavy heart.”
- Hope Restored
In the Neingbein village of Liberia, farmer Bindu Dolo, 52, is all smiles and her head is held high.
- Gathering For Wellness and Healing
“What about my child?” Sam Dixon, top executive, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) asked the 186 clergy, parish nurses, and others who have gathered in Lake Junaluska, NC for the Empowering Health Ministries Conference.
- Texas Conference Staff Brings Ministry of Presence to Communities Affected by Hurricane Ike
Texas Conference Bishop Janice Riggle Huie was on renewal leave at Duke University when Hurricane Ike roared through her conference.
- UMCOR Sager Brown Ships Relief Supplies To Neighbors Nearby And Across The World
Over the past week, UMCOR Sager Brown Depot, UMCOR's relief supply warehouse in Baldwin, La., has been buzzing with activity as volunteers and staff work to assemble and ship relief supplies to locations along the US Gulf Coast and to the country of Georgia.
- United Methodist Leaders Tour Hard-Hit Texas Areas
United Methodist leaders in Texas feared the worst is yet to be discovered as they began touring churches and communities battered by Hurricane Ike and its 110-mph winds.
- Louisiana Conference Assesses Next Steps In Consultation With UMCOR
Louisiana leadership was in the southwestern part of the conference to assess the impact of extensive flooding from Hurricane Ike.
- Morning Miracle
It's lunchtime at a Hope for the Nations (HFTN) feeding center in Ganta, Liberia. A healthy, four year-old boy sits with other children in his age group to enjoy his afternoon meal.
- Messer Elected Chairperson of Global AIDS Fund Committee
Dr. Donald E. Messer, executive director of the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, Centennial, Colorado, has been elected by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee to serve as chairperson.
- President of Bishops Issues Statement on Cuba Relief
Storms continue to leave tragedy and challenging rebuilding across the United States and in other nations.
- UMCOR Seeks to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
In a preliminary report released by the Cuban government today, the damage caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike is the most devastating the country has experienced.
- UMCOR Responding to Needs in Aftermath of Hurricane Ike
Following the weekend landfall of Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Tex., assessments are beginning to uncover the extent of the damage in Galveston and along the Gulf Coast.
- UMCOR Prepares for Ike
As Hurricane Ike churns in the Gulf of Mexico, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is gearing up for yet another September hurricane response.
- UMCOR Responds to Catastrophic Storms
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the four successive catastrophic storms that tore through Haiti in less than a month.
- Cuba and Hurricane Response
After watching Hurricane Gustav tear through Cuba and hearing reports on Hurricane Ike’s approach, many people are asking why the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is not raising funds to assist with storm relief there.
- UMCOR Sager Brown Reopens After Hurricane Gustav
"When we returned [to UMCOR Sager Brown], it was very emotional to see that everything was okay," said long-term volunteer Judi Siler.
- UMCOR Responds to Hurricane Gustav, Fay and Prepares for Next Round of Storms
UMCOR's Domestic Disaster Response program continues to respond to the rash of tropical storms and hurricanes that have developed in the Atlantic over the last week.
- UMCOR Responds to Hurricane Gustav
After a weekend of preparations and evacuations, communities throughout LA and in parts of MS and FL took a direct hit from Hurricane Gustav and have experienced extensive damage.
August 2008
- UMCOR Prepares for Hurricane Gustav
On this third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall, Gulf Coast residents find themselves preparing for yet another major hurricane. - Miss Frances’ Home One of Many Rebuilt With Help of UMCOR and Partners
Nicholas, Miss Frances', teenaged grandson says, "This floor feels so good!" when he slides across it in his stocking feet. - Health Ministry as the Cornerstone of Congregational Care
Mary Jane has been a vibrant member of Hughes United Methodist Church in Wheaton, Md. for more than 50 years. - UMCOR Helps Thousands Displaced in Georgian Conflict
Nearly 60,000 people displaced by the conflict in Georgia have received assistance through the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s efforts. - UMCOR Responds to Florida Storm
UMCOR is working closely with the Florida Conference. An emergency grant is on its way and early response teams are on the ground in Glades County. - AREGAK: Celebrating 10 Years of Micro-Financing in Armenia
Under sunny skies and with shining faces of smiling children, AREGAK kicked-off day-long celebrations to mark its 10th anniversary of doing business in Armenia. - Hurricanes 2005: UMCOR Helps 120,000 in Continuing Effort
In the three years since the devastating hurricane season of 2005, nearly 120,000 families and individuals have received United Methodist assistance for long-term recovery on the US Gulf Coast. - Georgia Conflict: UMCOR Brings Assistance to the Sick and Injured
The United Methodist Committee on Relief in Georgia will begin distributing some $190,600 in medicines and medical supplies today to 11 hospitals throughout Georgia that are treating those wounded in the recent conflict there. - Conflict and Relief, UMCOR in Georgia
The United Methodist Committee on Relief in Georgia is serving as the lead coordinating agency for medicines and medical supplies being provided through US Government-sponsored emergency airlifts to the conflict zone. - Iowa Training Addresses Spiritual and Emotional Care for Flood Survivors
Survivors of disasters will also face unique emotional and spiritual challenges that unfold in the months of the recovery. - Finding Hope and Stability in Kenya
Theresa, who is a widowed mother of three, wakes up every morning in a crowded tent at a camp for internally displaced people in Mathare, Nairobi. - New Life for Women in Liberia
In much of the developing world child birth is fraught with danger. In sub-Saharan Africa 1 in 22 women will die giving birth. - Indiana Floods Leave Behind Long-Term Needs
When Asbury United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ind., started sending work teams to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, its members never realized they would one day need the same kind of help. - Creating Shalom through Health – Wholeness – Peace
The developing health ministry at First United Methodist Church in Laurel, MD plays an important role in the congregation's identity.
July 2008
- Ganta UM Hospital Partners with Curamericas
The neonatal unit at Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Liberia will receive a boost thanks to a new partnership with Curamericas Global, Inc. - UMCOR Trains Farmers to Expand Food Supply
When June Kim recently visited Ghana as an executive with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, she asked people there if they were aware of a worldwide food crisis. - Returning Home
Living in poor economic conditions as a single mother of three, Mariam had reached the end of her rope. - Missouri Towns Begin Long-Term Recovery Efforts
Dawn Martin pointed out one flooded home after another in Winfield and Foley, Missouri. “One of ‘my kids’ lives there,” she said, sadly. - A Future Filled with Hope
Today, the children of Brisas del Mar are happy. A visitor brought them a soccer ball and they have played non-stop. - UMCOR Presence is 'Sign of Hope' in Midwest Floods
Marcia Young looked left, then right, at piles of household debris as her minivan crept down Main Street in this small farming community. - Flood Buckets Have ‘Everything We Need’
Teresa Daniels, a resident of Oakland Illinois, has a message for United Methodists who donate tools and cleaning supplies to fill five gallon pails for UMCOR Sager Brown and other distribution locations.
June 2008
- UMCOR Provides Support and Assistance Following Philippine Typhoon
Typhoon Fehgshen battered the central Philippines June 22, capsizing a ferry and taking the lives of approximately 1,300 people, including those who perished in the ferry accident. - Church Looks to Pinpoint Iowa Flood Relief Response
As waters began to recede in central Iowa and the shock of a second "500-year flood" in 15 years became a numbing reality, the focus was shifting from the rescue phase to relief and long-term recovery. - Floods Affect Thousands in Indiana
As powerful storms continue to sweep through areas across the middle of the US, and flood waters rise, residents in Indiana are anticipating a clean-up of historic magnitude. - UMCOR Prepares Assistance as Flooding Continues in Midwest
As the effects of flooding and tornadoes continue to unfold in ten states in the Midwest, UMCOR is working with Annual Conference partners to respond. - NGO's Have a Role in China Relief Relief, Says Amity Staff
The enormous impact of the recent earthquake in China makes the involvement of nongovernmental organizations there more important than ever, according to the staff of a Chinese Christian organization. - Small Churches Doing Big Ministries
When wildfires swept through Palm Bay, Brevard County on the east coast of Florida in early May, the Florida Disaster Recovery Ministry, an UMCOR partner, worked with local churches, the Atlantic-Central district, staff and many volunteers to respond. - Growing Hope in a Time of Hunger
For many of the world’s poor, the food crisis is not looming on the horizon, it has arrived. - UMCOR Responds to Emergency Needs in Polically Charged Zimbabwe
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) responded on June 4 to the need for humanitarian aid in politically charged Zimbabwe. - UMCOR Assists Survivors of Violence in South Africa
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) acted on June 2 to help meet a humanitarian crisis in South Africa caused by violence against foreign nationals, especially from Zimbabwe and Malawi. - Texas and Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conferences Join Forces to Fight Malaria
The Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church is giving $1 million to combat malaria in the Côte d'Ivoire Annual Conference.
May 2008
- UMCOR Partners Reach Cyclone Survivors with Aid
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is taking part in a $5 million appeal by Action by Churches Together to help up to 1.3 million Cyclone Nargis survivors in Myanmar (Burma). - Ministering for Wellness
Julie Taylor encourages local churches to incorporate health ministries as part of a holistic approach to serving the mind, body and spirit of the congregants. - UMCOR Responds to Spring Storms
In less than a week, violent weather struck communities from the Rocky Mountains through the Upper Midwest. - United Methodist Support Initial Relief in China
A United Methodist-supported relief team has been assessing the needs of earthquake survivors in several Chinese villages and distributing emergency supplies. - Recipe for Hope Campaign Targets Hunter
Bread for the World has created its own recipe to help address the growing global food crisis. - Clean Water and Renewed Hope in Indonesia
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has helped nearly 20,000 people over the last three years to have better access to clean water and sanitation through its office in Indonesia. - Radical Hospitality Offers Hope to Newcomers
Wesley Park United Methodist Church in Wyoming, Mich., is walking in the footsteps of Jesus as they “welcome the stranger” by co-sponsoring families who come to the United States as refugees. - Flood Response Grows out of Local Church Outreach
After the severe flooding in western Washington State in late 2007, Brett DeMond heard that people needed help. - Devastating Earthquake Brings Immediate Response from the Amity Foundation
Within five hours of the May 12 earthquake near Chengdu, China, the Amity Foundation, a Chinese social service organization and Global Ministries' partner, had sent staff to the city to initiate relief efforts. - UMCOR Responds to Active Tornado Season
Tornadoes and severe storms raced across the mid-South Saturday evening, May 10, carving up towns throughout the region. - Relief to Myanmar
“The United Methodist Committee on Relief is persistently pursuing all avenues to provide relief in Myanmar,” said Sam Dixon, UMCOR’s top executive. - New Orleans Clinic Offers Healing and Hope
In the heart of uptown New Orleans, historic Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church had its steeple destroyed and sanctuary badly damaged from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. - Flood Buckets Supply Cleaning Items and Encouragement
When Dee Montgomery went into her Watseka, Illinois home after flooding in January and February, 2008, she didn’t know where to begin. That is, until fellow United Methodist Diann Peabody came by with a flood bucket. - UMCOR Provides Help to Myanmar
Cyclone Nargis tore through Myanmar (Burma) May 2 with unexpected fury, causing a tidal surge that swept inland that devastated Myanmar's most populated regions leaving homes and businesses flattened and families forever changed. - United Methodists Support Fair Trade and Small-Scale Farmers
Fair wages for small-scale farmers was among the concerns addressed by The United Methodist Church's quadrennial legislative meeting.
April 2008
- Multiple Tornadoes Destroy Parts of Virginia
As many as eight tornadoes ripped up parts of central and southeastern Virginia on Monday, April 28. - Call for Remembrance and Renewal for Katrina Recovery
General Conference paused on Monday morning to recognize the tragedy and celebrate the resulting witness that grew out of Hurricane Katrina's devastation in August 2005. - Hope for New Mothers
"At the time of civil war, the hospital was seeing three patients a day," said Janet Bio, head midwife at Kissy United Methodist Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. - Food for the Hungry
The nutrition unit at Kissy United Methodist Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, is an integral part of the care families receive at this institution. - Transformation Through Mission
Brother John Bowie volunteered in New Orleans for a week in February, 2008, and came home a transformed man, proud to be a part of The United Methodist Church. - World Malaria Day: A History of Success, High Expectations for the Future
On the first World Malaria Day, United Methodists celebrated their contributions to eradicating this disease. - Global AIDS Event Encourages Participants to "Lighten the Burden"
On the eve of the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, the denomination's Global AIDS Fund celebrated its first four years of work toward an AIDS-free world. - Providing Health to All
The boxes of antibiotics, analgesics and anti-malarial drugs that arrived in late March at Mpasa United Methodist Medical and Nutrition Center outside of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, were the first medicines they have received in over a year. - Two New Disaster Response Executives Join UMCOR
Melissa Crutchfield will serve as the assistant general secretary for International Disaster Response. Sandra Kennedy-Owes began is executive secretary for Domestic Disaster Response. - UMCOR Sudan: Educating Educators
South Sudan continues to make the first fragile steps of recovery after the longest-running civil war in Africa’s history. People are returning by the thousands to restart their lives in their homeland. But first they have to rebuild what was lost. - UMCOR's 100-Ton Challenge
UMCOR is challenging United Methodists to help farmers earn fair prices for their crops by participating in UMCOR’s 100-Ton Challenge. - Hope After AIDS
“I was afraid I was going to die,” said Terrence* one of 63 people who come regularly to the Friends Unit of Kissy United Methodist Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, for group counseling sessions and antiretroviral medication. - Malaria Filling a Deep Need
"Nothing is sufficient," says Henrietta Emmanuel who heads up Kissy United Methodist Hospital's malaria program. The need in Sierra Leone is so great, she goes on to explain, that as soon as they receive nets or medicines they are used. - Arkansas Takes Another Pounding
In a state already reeling from the “Super Tuesday” tornadoes, ice storms and flooding, a night of powerful tornadoes blew through Little Rock, Ark. on Friday, April 4. - Katrina Aid Today Transfers Activity to Local Organizations
The national case management consortium, Katrina Aid Today, led by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), completed its grant-funded activity on March 31. - Early Response Teams Secure Homes After Tornadoes in South Carolina and Georgia
UMCOR-trained Early Response Teams (ERTs) were busy with tarps and chain saws across a wide region of North Georgia and South Carolina in the week following severe storm systems that moved through on March 15.
March 2008
February 2008
- Help Sager Brown Deliver Kits of Hope
In Georgia, happy faces, smiles and hundreds of cheerful voices filled a room when children saw the arrival of school kits, health kits and sewing kits donated by UMCOR last September. - Relief for Kenyans Seeking Safety in Uganda
As the conflict in Kenya continues and the nation’s leaders struggle to find a path to peace, United Methodists are bringing comfort to those left most vulnerable by the conflict. - United Methodist Youth Raise $830,000 for the Hungry
About 2,200 United Methodist congregations and 25,000 United Methodist youth participated in this year's Souper Bowl campaign-raising $830,000 so far this year. - Across Lands
Moe Aung, his wife Naw and their three children fled their home in Myanmar (Burma) and sought shelter in a Thailand refugee camp where they remained for five years.
- Continued Kenya Violence Disrupts Food Supply
Continued violence in Kenya has displaced hundreds of thousands of citizens and disrupted the food supply in parts of that African nation. - Palms Equal Fair Trade
Every year, Christian congregations across the nation purchase palm fronds to celebrate Palm Sunday which commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. - UMCOR Builds Hope After Tsunami
Abu described how the wave came towards him like a mountain, and how he unsuccessfully tried to warn other people to run. - UMCOR Responds to "Super Tuesday" Tornadoes in Five Southern States
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and its regional church partners are responding as rapidly as conditions allow to tornadoes that struck five southern states on Tuesday night, February 5. - Delivering Hope to the Congo
A diverse coalition of organizations have come together to provide medicines worth up to $14 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
January 2008
- Soup's On— at the Souper Bowl of Caring
Sunday, February 3 marks a major sports day for die-hard football fans. As the football line-up begins, United Methodist youth and young adults will be lining up their soup cans for another special event—the Souper Bowl of Caring. - UMCOR Responds to Needs in Kenya
More than a week of violence following disputed elections has left the lives of many Kenyans in shambles. Nearly 200,000 people have been displaced by the crisis—many of them fleeing to neighboring Uganda. - More Refugees Crowd into South African Church
Twelve hundred refugees sleep each night at Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa. - A Hope that Brings Healing
Sounds of painful groans, a child kept from school, and a violent strike from an ex-husband. Life has been far from easy for Layla Ismailova* who lives in the Khirdalan district of Baku in Azerbaijan.
