HAITI Relief

Dear United Methodist Friends,
                   
United Methodist Communications continues to provide news coverage of the situation in Haiti, including how the church is responding, at http://www.umc.org/haiti.  We also want you to know of other resources available for churches and members who want to help.
                   
Volunteers and Health Kits
According to UMCOR (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=ovLYL8MRLmK3LnI&s=bsIRK8PHJ8INI7NPLtE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF) (United Methodist Committee on Relief), there will be a great need for volunteers to help rebuild once the initial crisis is past, but it is not safe or possible for volunteers to go to Haiti at the present. However, UMCOR's two relief supply warehouses are asking United Methodists to provide health kits that will be sent to Haiti. Instructions for assembling and shipping health kits are available here (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=krKQJWOCIaLMIbI&s=bsIRK8PHJ8INI7NPLtE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF).
                   
Donations
We are grateful that donations continue to come in online (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=jgLOITNyHaINKaJ&s=bsIRK8PHJ8INI7NPLtE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF).Donors may also contribute by placing a check in the offering plate at a local church or by mailing it to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Checks should indicate "Advance #418325" in the memo line.  United Methodist Communications is creating a special bulletin insert for churches' use, which will be available Friday at www.umc.org/haiti.
                   
Ministry Resources
Following the Asian tsunami, United Methodist Communications produced a video and study guide titled "God, Why?" to help people cope with the spiritual and emotional impact of disasters. The resource, available from EcuFilm (http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=khKQJWOCIeLMI7I&s=bsIRK8PHJ8INI7NPLtE&m=iiJSK9PPLjIZF), explores why such tragedies happen and God's role in them.  The study guide provides a basis for group study and discussion.
                   
During this time of pain and suffering, let us take comfort in the promise of Psalm 46:1, NRSV: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."