Bishop Calls for Relief Support for Haiti

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the New York West Area,

A devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the island nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, causing widespread destruction. Centered in Port-au-Prince, the earthquake affected millions of people and thousands are feared dead. Many government buildings, schools, and hospitals are damaged or completely destroyed. In the next few days, we will watch as the United States sends rescue and then recovery resources to assist in the aftermath of this event.

This island nation is among the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. It is also a place where United Methodists have served missionally for years, a place where we have strong and historic relationships. Some of those relationships have been forged through the UMVIM mission teams deployed through the Wyoming Conference, one of the Conferences uniting with the North Central New York, Troy, and Western New York Annual Conferences this July to form the Upper New York Area.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is assessing the needs and preparing to respond. UMCOR asks for prayers for all affected by the disaster. Our United Methodist resources can also be part of this immediate and long-term work. Our churches and our members can play a significant role in helping these brothers and sisters in their time of need. Utilizing existing relationships, we will be able to mobilize aid quickly to directly assist communities in both the early and long-term recovery from this destruction.

Gifts for relief efforts can be made through the local church. Simply make your check payable to Williamsville UMC and mark it “Haiti emergency.” All donations will be forwarded immediately to the UMCOR recovery program that is providing relief to Haiti. Additional information about UMCOR’s “Haiti emergency” response efforts is included in an article in the “Outreach and Missions Musings” section of this newsletter.

Our United Methodist Church is uniquely situated to put every dollar donated directly into the communities of need. The administrative expenses of these mission efforts have been covered already by our offerings through the One Great Hour of Sharing. Because of our faithfulness, we can guarantee that 100% of what we receive will be sent to Haiti and its residents.

Please continue to lift up our neighbors in Haiti and those involved in relief efforts in your prayers. And may God help us fulfill the Great Commandment in all we do.

Grace and Peace,
Marcus Matthews
Resident Bishop

 

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