October 5, 2022 Weekly Update
The scenes of utter destruction in Florida caused by Hurricane Ian are heartbreaking. While authorities have not given the all-clear to enter affected areas, UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief) and its local partners have been hard at work preparing for storm response and recovery. News reports are slowly revealing the devastating impact on residents. It amazes me that the storm downgraded from Hurricane to Tropical Storm, and then back to a Hurricane again as it crossed from Florida to the coast of North and South Carolina.
One of the strengths of being part of the United Methodist Church is that our network of churches and relief agencies – namely UMCOR – are able to respond with support and help in the aftermath of natural disasters.
On Monday, Lara Martin, UMCOR’s director of U.S. Disaster Response, met with the call center team of the Florida Conference of the UMC at their Lakeland, Florida headquarters to hear survivor stories, discuss needs and learn how resources are being deployed. Supplies are headed to Florida and an initial solidarity grant has been given to help the Florida Conference address immediate needs.
You can also support the work of UMCOR and its local partners by giving to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery fund, knowing that 100% of your donations go to help those in need. Click here to donate directly online> You can give credit to your local church when you donate. https://advance.umcmission.org/p-620-umcor-us-disaster-response-and-recovery.aspx?fbclid=IwAR18MjbJMIECqP1Qu58GWTMcPOxICRFiT2ifFAAy9Hf1eCLKPkxHOBme-cQ
Blessings,
Pastor Jared