Within 10 days after the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated Haiti, churches in Holston had already donated $122,559 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief ... and the money is still coming in.
The Jan. 22 total is as high as the most successful Holston Annual Conference missions offerings. On Jan. 20, UMCOR announced that total giving for Haiti relief had already reached $2 million.
Also in the two weeks following the quake, Holston churches began collecting health kits at UMCOR's request, inviting non-United Methodist neighbors to join the effort. This week, Holston churches and individuals will deliver their health kits to designated drop-off points in their districts. On Feb. 1, Holston mission workers will begin to collect the kits for delivery to the Sager-Brown Depot in Louisiana for final transport to Haiti.
UPDATED NEWS: The denomination mourned the deaths of two GBGM workers, the Rev. Sam Dixon and the Rev. Clint Rabb, along with an estimated 75,000 to 200,000 others in Haiti. For complete, updated United Methodist coverage of the tragedy, visit UMC.org.
REVISED BULLETIN INSERT: An updated bulletin insert, with a message from Bishop James Swanson, has been prepared for Holston churches.
MISSION TEAMS: Potential mission volunteers are urged to be patient. "While we are encouraged by this spirit of support, we strongly advise that teams and others not set out for Haiti at this time," said Bishop Joel Martinez, GBGM interim top executive.
Special training and insurance are required of UMVIM teams. To sign up for a future mission team, e-mail Melissa Smith at msmith@fountaincityumc.org. Medical specialists are the first category of volunteers needed, according to Martinez.
KEEP GIVING: Churches and individuals are urged to continue giving to UMCOR: Write checks to your local church with the Advance number "#418325" on the memo line. You may also donate directly to UMCOR online at www.umcorhaiti.org.
Church treasurers only: Send payments to Haiti faster by using this address: http://makepayments.holston.org