Helen Crowe from Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston dumps a load of debris in the front yard of a home flooded by Hurricane Harvey. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS

When people think of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the image of the UMCOR relief supply kits, or “buckets,” often comes to mind. While the buckets are a tangible way to respond to disaster, I am sure you know our efforts extend well beyond the buckets.

As the humanitarian relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church, UMCOR seeks to transform people and communities in ways that support an abundant life. Compelled by Christ, UMCOR works globally to alleviate suffering and advance hope and healing.

To realize this mission, UMCOR is organized into programmatic areas focused on U.S. disaster response and recovery, international disaster response and recovery, sustainable development and migration. Each programmatic area is founded on the belief that positive, sustainable change is best done alongside and in support of communities.

This means migrants in Mexico are given relief and support at an oasis; Tanzania and Liberia gain access to renewable energy; farming and food security is increased in Côte d’Ivoire; communities affected by Super Typhoon Mangkhut can rebuild; and those affected by February’s flooding and tornadoes in Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi are properly supported.

UMCOR’s work can only go beyond the buckets because of your generous support, faithful prayers and countless volunteer hours. Because of this commitment, you enable us to serve others in countless intangible and tangible ways.

I invite you to join UMCOR as we share the depth and breadth of what we do throughout the month of March. Take time to learn more about the types of work in which UMCOR engages and how you can be a part of bringing hope to others across the globe. You may also support our work by giving on UMCOR Sunday, March 31. Donations taken on this day fund the general operation of UMCOR and allow 100 percent of gifts to be applied directly to our work. Thank you for your generous support!

In Christ,

Roland Fernandes
Executive Director, United Methodist Committee on Relief

UMCOR Logo March 2019