When people hurt, United Methodists help.
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We know what it feels like – fear, disorientation, grief. Because of Sandy we know what those who were in the path of Hurricane Matthew in the United States are going through.
We can only imagine the pain and fear the people of Haiti are facing after experiencing the brunt of the storm. The immense loss and mass devastation needs the full commitment of all our efforts to reach the hurting, the hungry, the frightened and the hopeless.
We also know what the United Methodist family is like. We are family, there for one another during our greatest challenges. It is God’s love in action.
I have been in communication with our bishops in the affected areas and this past Sunday I worshiped with our Haitian congregation, First United Methodist Church of Asbury Park. All are grateful to know that the United Methodists of GNJ are praying for them and will be sharing gifts of volunteers and money to assist with recovery from Hurricane Matthew.
I call all of our congregations to pray and to receive offerings for Hurricane Matthew relief and recovery over the next two weeks. You may send your gifts marked Hurricane Matthew made out to the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey to the Mission and Resource Center 205 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, New Jersey 07753.
We will send the money to the impacted areas through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), and your church will be credited with the donation. Through UMCOR 100% of your gift will be sent to the impacted areas. None will be kept for administrative purposes.
United Methodists from across our connection have assisted us in our recovery from Sandy. In fact, they have sent more than 11,000 volunteers and millions of dollars that helped us to rebuild 247 homes and assist 450 families in their recovery. When people hurt, United Methodists help. I hope your congregation will be a part of helping our sisters and brothers in their relief and recovery so that all of us can have a future with hope.
Keep the faith!
John Schol, Bishop
The United Methodist Church
of Greater New Jersey
Heartline Ministries has been working in Port-au-Prince for 25 years. It offers programs to help the men, women and children of Haiti overcome poverty and transform their lives. The maternity center helps provide education and medical care before, during and after birth. The women’s education center provides training in literacy, sewing, cooking, craft work, business and life skills. It also offers direct individual assistance for health and education, assistance with adoption issues, and men’s discipleship and business training through a on site bakery.