NCNYUMC.ORG |

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

New York West Area
P.O. Box 9
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
_________________________

Marcus Matthews
Resident Bishop

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the New York West Area,

A devastating earthquake of 7.0 magnitude, hit the island nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12 causing widespread destruction.

Centered in Port-au-Prince it has affected millions of people and thousands are feared dead. 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.

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.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief is assessing the needs and preparing to respond. UMCOR asks for prayers for all who are 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 quickly mobilize aid to directly assist communities in both the early and long-term recovery from this destruction.

Please consider receiving a special offering, tithing an upcoming fund-raiser, or hosting an event in the coming weeks where the proceeds can be dedicated to Haiti Rescue and Recovery. Gifts for relief efforts can be sent to the Annual Conference office with the notation for Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance # 418325. Each Conference Office will immediately forward all donations to the UMCOR recovery program set up to provide relief. Our disaster response teams are in conversations with UMCOR regarding other possible responses we might offer including sending disaster response teams to Haiti. We will keep you informed as opportunities develop.

Our United Methodist Church is uniquely situated to put every dollar donated directly into the communities of need. The administrative expenses of these missional efforts have already been covered 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 lift up our neighbors in Haiti and those involved in relief efforts in your prayers this Sunday. And may God help us fulfill the Great Commandment in all we do.

Grace and Peace,

Marcus Matthews
Resident Bishop

Stephen Deckard              Lawrence Lundgren
NCNY Director of Connectional Ministry      WNY Director of Connectional Ministry

Carl Chamberlain                      Sylvia Reimer
WNY Disaster Response Coordinator       NCNY Disaster Response Coordinator