In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:

US: UNITED METHODISTS TRAIN FOR FUTURE DISASTER

On Aug. 1, about 60 United Methodists from five Texas counties assembled at First United Methodist Church in Groves for an UMCOR-sponsored Disaster Early Responder training, as reported by The Port Arthur News, Texas. Disaster preparedness training is a major component of UMCOR's US Disaster Response program.

During the day-long training, participants learned how use a chainsaw, pile debris, clean mud from homes, repair sheetrock and install blue tarps in preparation of a future disaster.

"This is an opportunity to show the world the United Methodist Church cares about their plight. It's an opportunity for Christian service and an opportunity to do something physical, something tangent with your hands," said trainer Chris Norton to The Port Arthur News.

After training, participants are certified as early responders and travel to other parts of the country, or help out at home when a disaster strikes. View UMCOR's training calendar online to locate disaster trainings near your local church or community. Please also give to Domestic Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670.

PHILIPPINES: DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS

Following the disaster response training in late July at UMCOR Philippines, UMCOR's newest office, UMCOR began making connections with potential partners in the region.

Melissa Crutchfield, head of UMCOR's International Disaster Response and Amador Sabado, the disaster response coordinator for the Apayao province, met with Henry Caluducum of the government's provincial center. Caluducum is responsible for the government's response to natural disasters in Apayao, which provides temporary housing, food, and basic commodities when needed.

The Philippines, which is particularly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides and typhoons, is observing a national month of disaster readiness. The government office was recently opened in commemoration of this special month. "We welcome the opportunity to collaborate and develop report with UMCOR," said Caluducum of UMCOR's new office in the Philippines.

To volunteer with UMCOR Philippines, please contact Ciony Eduarte, office manager, at CEduarte@umcor.org. Support for the new office can be made through Philippines Emergency, UMCOR Advance #240235.

MYANMAR: HELPING HIV/AIDS SURVIVORS

In Myanmar (Burma), an estimated 20,000 people die from HIV/AIDS every year. About 240,000 people in the country are living with HIV/AIDS, but only 15 percent of those who need antiretroviral treatment are medically covered.

UMCOR is supporting its partner Church World Service in a project with Myanmar Positive Group (MGP) to improve access to medical treatment for HIV/AIDS survivors. MGP is a network of people living with HIV/AIDS that oversees 87 self-help groups in 77 Myanmar townships. As part of the project, antiretroviral treatment and educational literature will be distributed to 1,600 HIV/AIDS survivors in cyclone-hit areas where health care services were severely affected.

An HIV/AIDS training curriculum will be developed to address Myanmar's current HIV/AIDS crisis and workshops will be created to train participants in counseling and support services. You can contribute to this project by giving to International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450.

UMCOR: EXPERIENCE THE FIELD-UMCOR NOTEBOOK

Interested in learning what a "Gully Sucker" is? Would you rather experience the cheers of thousands of Zimbabwean children as they receive UMCOR school kits? Perhaps you want to learn how a new UMCOR home is changing someone's life in Sri Lanka? Well, now you can.

Through the UMCOR Notebook, you can share in the experience of "being there" with UMCOR in the field. Read personal stories submitted by UMCOR staff, volunteers or field staff as they work to bring relief to those in need around the world.

The UMCOR Notebook will be updated regularly and includes inspirational stories of how lives are being changed through UMCOR's relief and recovery work. Open the UMCOR Notebook now and find out what inspires UMCOR staff.

UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online at givetomission.org. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.

United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org

UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.