The United Methodist Church
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New York West Area
P.O. Box 9
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
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Marcus Matthews
Resident Bishop
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Phone: (315) 635-5027
Fax: (315) 635-5304
Email: nywaumc@frontiernet.net |
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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
