* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
NEWS: WEST OHIO FLOOD RELIEF
Last December, the towns of LaRue, Greencamp, and Prospect, Ohio experienced the largest flooding event in history due to heavy rainfall.
The flooding extended through the Christmas holiday and caused major roads to close. It also covered several housing areas including Kiwanis Village, a retirement community. The waters were about two feet deep in some parts, leaving many residents stranded in their homes.
Freezing temperatures added to this event which impacted and delayed the recovery process. About 282 households were affected by the flooding, as identified by the Red Cross, which conducted the initial assessments.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is assisting the West Ohio Annual Conference in establishing case management support for 50 most-affected households in LaRue, and coordinating the deployment of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) teams for housing repairs or rebuilding work.
UMCOR will also train volunteers for disaster case management and provide material assistance for the most-affected families.
You can help UMCOR respond when disasters like this one strike the United States with your gifts to US Disaster Response, Advance #901670.
PRAYER: SELFLESS GIVING
Generosity is an attitude of the heart. As we begin this season of Lent and UMCOR’s work is carried out by office staff, United Methodist supporters, volunteers, and partners, please pray that selfless giving continues to be a practice.
UMCOR works in solidarity with the some of the most vulnerable populations around the world. Pray that new patterns of giving and serving will bring transformation and hope to those in need. Read Deuteronomy 15:7-10.
MEET UMCOR STAFF: JOLIE MARIE CAREY
Jolie Marie Carey is UMCOR’s livelihood’s coordinator in Haiti.
Having worked many years in Africa, Carey is excited to be working in Haiti for UMCOR. She says, “I am impressed by bustling Port-au-Prince and the metal artisans’ craftsmanship. There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit here. It’s great to work on urban livelihood programming and peri-urban agriculture projects.”
Carey shares that UMCOR is sponsoring an International Women’s Day celebration (observed March 8), in collaboration with the Methodist Church of Haiti and the United Nations Development Programme. At this event, most of the 150 participants will be women in UMCOR programs. The Honorable Mrs. Pamela White, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, will be the keynote speaker.
“I am really excited for them to sit among other inspiring women and share experiences,” said Carey.
Carey is an East Coast native from New York and Washington, DC. She is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Cote d’Ivoire and a graduate of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs program.
RESOURCE: UMCOR 40-DAY DEVOTIONAL EBOOK
Today is the first day of Lent. As we prepare our hearts and examine our ways before Holy Week, a new resource presented by UMCOR—One Great Hour of Sharing Devotional eBook —is available to help you reflect, meditate, and pray about the needs of others around the world, as well as those whom UMCOR serves.
This 40-day devotional shares aspects of UMCOR’s work, and recalls the ministries of United Methodists who release faith, hope, and love to those needing relief after a major disaster. You’ll also read stories of hope that will inspire your faith and witness to others.
The One Great Hour of Sharing Devotional eBook, also available on the Kindle platform, provides you an opportunity to share your reflections with others in your congregation. Use this devotional during Bible studies, small group discussions, prayer, in church bulletins, and more.
MEDIA: OGHS PODCAST WITH GREG FORRESTER
View Greg Forrester, UMCOR's assistant general secretary for US Disaster Response, as he talks about his work and his role on this One Great Hour of Sharing podcast. Forrester explains how UMCOR responds to disasters, citing the recent West Virginia chemical spill as an example, and discusses how UMCOR disaster responses are facilitated and resourced.
Forrester also shares the importance of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering which covers UMCOR’s administrative costs that allow for 100 percent of donations to go to designated projects.
Click here to learn more about UMCOR’s vital relief and recovery ministry.
