An aerial view shows damage to a marina after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the Bahamas for several days beginning Sept.1. The Coast Guard supported the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force, who led search and rescue efforts in the Bahamas. Photo by Hunter Medley, U.S. Coast Guard, courtesy of Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.

September 5, 2019

Dear Friends & Colleagues, 

As you are aware, we are once again witnessing a period of extreme weather conditions with powerful storms that cause hardships for people and communities attempting to deal with catastrophic situations.  As we go through the peak of hurricane season we see so much devastation, especially in the Bahamas. 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), our global humanitarian aid and development agency, is actively providing assistance in the midst of these challenges.  However, we are in need your intentional and faithful support in order to continue this work.  

Hurricanes Dorian, Harvey, Irma, Maria, Michael and Matthew showed us that storms are now more intense and more devastating than ever before, which means those working in disaster response and recovery must become more innovative and creative. This requires additional resources.

Now that summer is drawing to a close and many members of your church family are returning to their regular worship schedule, I invite you to lift up UMCOR when you pray for the people of the Bahamas.  I have attached a beautiful prayer written by Rev. Jack Amick that you might use to center you and your people in these days when the faithful response of God’s people is needed.

This month, many friends of UMCOR will receive an appeal either by direct mail or via email. United Methodist Communications will be running ads in the Daily Digest. 

Contributions in support of United States Disaster Response efforts may be directed to Advance #901670. Contributions in support of International Disaster Response efforts may be directed to Advance #982450. Online giving is available at UMCOR.org. 

I recognize that the large number of climate events – cyclones, fires, floods and hurricanes – may be causing a certain level of donor fatigue.  However, I am respectfully asking you to once again share with your members the message that UMCOR needs their support so that the organization -- known for being “early in, last out” -- can continue to provide assistance to areas that provide immediate relief and long-term recovery assistance to survivors. 

The work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief is widely recognized as something that unites us all. Your contributions will enable the unifying work of UMCOR to continue long into the future.

May God’s richest blessings be with us as we live out God’s calling in the places where we are called to serve.

Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton  

President, Board of Directors 

United Methodist Committee on Relief 

A Prayer After the Storm

God With Us,

Forgive us for expecting forever blue skies, sandy beaches, golden sunrises, and delightful days.

Forgive us for blaming you when bad things happen.

Help us to know the tears you cry when we cry.  

Heal us, as we walk together on our journeys toward recovery and wholeness.

Grant us the courage to share what is needed by those who suffer.

Grant us the wisdom to use our words to build up and not to judge and blame.

Grant us the strength to use our hands and hearts to rebuild and restore.

Grant us the patience to use our ears to listen for grace in healing.

And through it all, help all of us

-those who suffer, and those who seek to alleviate suffering-

To remember that nothing can separate us from your love.

Amen.

Rev. Jack Amick

9/4/19