“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)
Dear United Methodists of
the Susquehanna Conference:
the Susquehanna Conference:
Grace to you in the name of
Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of our Brokenness, and Hope of the
World!
On Friday, November 8th,
Super Typhoon Haiyan crashed into the Philippines. It was probably the most
powerful typhoon ever recorded. While it is still much too soon to know the
complete effect of the storm, it is feared that over ten thousands lives have
been lost and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced and in dire need of
relief. The cost to rebuild the devastated area will be astronomical. In the
midst of the immediacy of the natural disaster, our beloved connectional church
stepped forward to respond immediately. The United Methodist Committee on Relief
(UMCOR) has already been mobilized to be present. The initial response of UMCOR
is to distribute food and water and offer other urgent care for humanitarian
needs. Then other appropriate responses will follow as time unfolds. At present,
perhaps the most efficient way that the people of the Susquehanna Annual
Conference can initially respond is through our financial gifts. We have been
supported by the general church in the past when we were in need, and now we can
respond again on behalf of God’s people.
Super Typhoon Haiyan crashed into the Philippines. It was probably the most
powerful typhoon ever recorded. While it is still much too soon to know the
complete effect of the storm, it is feared that over ten thousands lives have
been lost and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced and in dire need of
relief. The cost to rebuild the devastated area will be astronomical. In the
midst of the immediacy of the natural disaster, our beloved connectional church
stepped forward to respond immediately. The United Methodist Committee on Relief
(UMCOR) has already been mobilized to be present. The initial response of UMCOR
is to distribute food and water and offer other urgent care for humanitarian
needs. Then other appropriate responses will follow as time unfolds. At present,
perhaps the most efficient way that the people of the Susquehanna Annual
Conference can initially respond is through our financial gifts. We have been
supported by the general church in the past when we were in need, and now we can
respond again on behalf of God’s people.
You and your congregation
can make a gift to your local church in support of the victims of Typhoon Haiyan
through UMCOR. Please be sure to indicate on the memo line of your check that
the gift is in support of International Disaster Response Advance 982450. Your
church treasurer will then send a composite check from your local church to the
Susquehanna Annual Conference in order that your local church is credited with
your gift. You can also give directly through the UMCOR website. Your church can
also be credited with your gift using the UMCOR website. You can go to www.umcor.org and
click on the “Typhoon Haiyan Emergency – Donate Now” box.
can make a gift to your local church in support of the victims of Typhoon Haiyan
through UMCOR. Please be sure to indicate on the memo line of your check that
the gift is in support of International Disaster Response Advance 982450. Your
church treasurer will then send a composite check from your local church to the
Susquehanna Annual Conference in order that your local church is credited with
your gift. You can also give directly through the UMCOR website. Your church can
also be credited with your gift using the UMCOR website. You can go to www.umcor.org and
click on the “Typhoon Haiyan Emergency – Donate Now” box.
I solicit your prayers for
the people of the Philippines. Please continue to pray for them and for the
relief efforts. Despite the gravity of the situation, such moments remind me why
I am glad that I am part of a global, connectional church that has the structure
and the ability to respond immediately. Truly, God has blessed us as a people
that we might be a blessing to others for such a time as this.
the people of the Philippines. Please continue to pray for them and for the
relief efforts. Despite the gravity of the situation, such moments remind me why
I am glad that I am part of a global, connectional church that has the structure
and the ability to respond immediately. Truly, God has blessed us as a people
that we might be a blessing to others for such a time as this.
With You in Christ’s
Ministry,
Ministry,
Jeremiah J. Park, Resident
Bishop
Bishop
