First United Methodist Church of


First United Methodist Church of Elgin, Texas HAITI RELIEF

Episcopal letter on Haiti relief

Jim Dorff
Bishop
San Antonio Area

Dear friends in Christ,

I write you with a heavy heart, but with hope which springs eternal. The earthquake in Haiti has now revealed itself to be one of the greatest natural disasters in this, or any other, century. The magnitude and location of this event are such that its effects will be felt for years. The lives of millions of people hang in the balance. The best efforts of global humanity are in various stages of response. This response includes each of us.

I want to make sure you are aware that as our United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is actively engaged in its mission in Haiti, three of its primary leaders, including the top executive, were in Haiti at the time of the quake. One of those executives, Rev. Clint Rabb, is a member of the Southwest Texas Conference. As of this moment, no one in the U.S. has heard from any of them.

This is a time for somber, quiet reflection. It is also a time for thoughtful, faithful action. I call upon all United Methodists to pray and give.

-Pray for all of those in Haiti at the time of the earthquake. Pray for their families. Pray for their future. Pray for all those persons from around the world involved in rescue, recovery, and restoration. Pray for Suzanne Rabb and her family as they wait for word concerning Clint.

- Give what you are led to give toward the cause of relief in Haiti. This giving can be done individually or through special congregational offerings. Listed below are the details of how you can give and what you can do to live out your concern within the United Methodist connection. Of course, there are other worthy sources of help which you may feel led to support as well.

Our God is a mighty God. In times of crisis and tragedy we know that our God is continually with us. The support and hope we need is available to us and the people of Haiti. The Christ of the Cross and the Christ of the empty tomb are fully engaged in this ministry. So are we….

We shall keep you updated as events unfold.

How to Help

There will be a great need for volunteers to help rebuild once the initial crisis has settled. At this time, it is not safe or possible for volunteers to go to Haiti. Gifts to support UMCOR's Haiti Relief efforts can be made to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325.

Please send your individual or special congregational offering money to:

        Treasurer, SWTX Conference
        Attention: Haiti Relief
        United Methodist Church
        16400 Huebner Rd.
        San Antonio TX 78248

Gifts can be made online via the General Board of Global Ministries/UMCOR website: http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/umcor/donate.cfm?code=418325&id=3018760

100% of gifts made to this advance will go to help the people of Haiti.

UMCOR Sager Brown is coordinating a shipment of health kits to provide individuals with basic necessities. Instructions for assembling and shipping health kits are available at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/health-kit/ .