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United Methodist Churches Respond to the Earthquakes in Haiti

From Rev. Roger Richards, Wyoming Conference Haiti Partnership Chair

The devastating earthquake in Haiti centered near Port-au-Prince has caused tremendous damage and significant loss of life. Patty Kauffman (Hawleyton UMC) of our Haiti Partnership arrived in Haiti on Monday for a meeting organized by the leadership of the Methodist Church of Haiti and their VIM (Volunteer in Mission) partners. She was there at the time of the earthquake. Representatives from other VIM groups and the Board of Global Ministries also attended this meeting. We have received word from Patty that while there is some damage to the Methodist Guest House in Port-au-Prince where they were staying, she and the others are unharmed. She will keep us informed of the conditions in Haiti and how we can best respond.

The Haiti Partnership has a team planning to go to Haiti this Friday, although a decision has not yet been made whether or not they will be able to go. We also have three teams in February and one in March planned. Please remember the people of Haiti and our mission with them during this very, very difficult time.

From Bishop Susan W. Hassinger, Albany Area Resident Bishop

With many of you, I grieve over the news of the earthquake devastation in Haiti yesterday, the tremendous loss of life as well as damage to homes, hospitals, schools, and even the national palace. I call on all persons to pray for the people of Haiti as well as for those who are and will be responding to this crisis. In your worship this coming Sunday, please include prayers for the nation, the people and the first responders.

In addition, I ask that every congregation receive special offerings for this relief effort, either this Sunday or the next. In Wyoming Conference, there has been a long-term Haiti Partnership that is considering what is appropriate and possible for their immediate response. We also know that UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) as well as UM VIM teams will be part of the clean-up and recovery effort. I would hope that people would give generously, with contributions designated to be used wherever most needed in response to this tremendous need.

Persons or churches, who want to respond with financial support for the relief efforts in Haiti, can send them to Wyoming Conference Center (P O Box 58, Endicott NY 13761-0058) made payable to Wyoming Conference and marked "Haiti Relief" or "UMCOR - Advance # 418325.”

If you have information that should be included in an iVoice, please send it to Don Perry at dperry@wyomingconference.org or Nancy Conklin at nconklin@wyomingconference.org. Please do not send information on fundraisers such as breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, yard sales, etc.