The next two week(Nov 17 & Nov 24) we will be receiving a special offering in
response to the recent disaster in the Philippines. Special UMCOR
offering envelopes will be available. Let us continue to pray for the
people in the Philippines. Below is today's press release.
UMCOR Mobilizes Disaster Response in Philippines
November 10, 2013—In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, the United
Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is actively mobilizing resources
to respond to this latest and largest in a series of disasters to hit
the Philippines over the past twelve months.
Although an accurate casualty toll is yet to be determined, it is
clear that the destruction and disruption of lives due to Typhoon
Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, is massive. Haiyan crashed into the
Philippines on Friday, November 8.
UMCOR Assistant General Secretary for International Disaster Response
Rev. Jack Amick and UMCOR Philippines Head of Mission Ciony Eduarte
worked together to develop an appropriate and strategic response. UMCOR
is making plans to fill the gaps in the disaster-relief delivery network
and go where the need is greatest. “Our goal,” said Eduarte “will be to
reach the yet unreached with supplies that meet their basic needs.”
The initial response from UMCOR will involve the distribution of food
and water purification tablets. UMCOR expects to provide relief
services to at least 1,000 families. In the coming weeks, UMCOR will
begin to assess the viability of longer-term rehabilitation projects.
“This was an extremely destructive storm,” noted Amick, “and UMCOR is
well-positioned through its office in the Philippines to play a
significant role in long-term recovery efforts. “
The General Board of Global Ministries, of which UMCOR is a part, has confirmed that all of its missionaries in the Philippines are safe.
UMCOR Deputy General Secretary Rev. Denise Honeycutt spoke by
telephone this morning with the three bishops of the Philippines, who
are participating in the Council of Bishops meeting in Junaluska, North
Carolina.
She assured the bishops of continuing prayers while resources are
mobilized to assist those impacted by the storm. “UMCOR will be with you
as you care for those in your country who have suffered so much,”
Honeycutt told them in a written follow-up to the conversation