Haiti - First Response is Prayer
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
In these times of trouble we cling to our God who gives us both safety and strength for the days ahead. We come together to create safe spaces for those who mourn deep losses,
encourage one another and gather strength for a new day.
United Methodist Response in Underway
Tragedy struck the already-beleaguered nation of Haiti on January 12. The magnitude-7 earthquake effectively flattened the capital city of Port-au-Prince, affecting an estimated 3 million people and killing untold tens of thousands. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is already responding. “UMCOR has always had a strong presence in Haiti,” UMCOR executive Tom Hazelwood said. “With this tragedy, we’ll just be redoubling our efforts, and we’ll be calling on people across the country to help us.” Give generously. Give prayerfully.
Give with hope for a new day.
Give Generously
You can give through First Church during the weekly offering or by sending a check to the church office. All contributions will be sent to UMCOR. Checks should note UMCOR Haiti Emergency in the memo line. You can also make a gift online at www.umc.org/haiti. You can designate your local church in the online contribution. 100% your gift to the Haiti Emergency will go to help the people of Haiti. UMCOR is rated A+ by the American Institute of Philanthropy, www.charitywatch.org, and a 4 Star Charity by Charity Navigator.
Send Health Kits - We're meeting on January 31 to assemble health kits
Dan Rybaski, SonRise Outreach Coordinator at First United Methodist Church Round Rock, reports that SonRise is having a health kit making event on Sunday, January 31 at 12:30 pm in the Family Life Center. Donations to FUMC SonRise outreach Haiti will go directly to buy bulk amounts of supplies for these kits. SonRise will deliver the kits to the UMCOR collection location. Please spread the word and come out to help on the 31. You can also drop off supplies at the church. Thank you for all your support for others in need.
Click here to see a list of needed supplies.
Prepare to Volunteer
There will be a great need for volunteers to help rebuild. Currently, it is not safe or possible for volunteers to go to Haiti. Those wishing to volunteer should contact their jurisdictional United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) coordinator about opportunities. Learn more at www.umvim.info.
Online Prayer Wall
United Methodists everywhere are invited to share a prayer for those affected by the Haiti earthquake. Visit the Facebook group for 10thousanddoors.org to lift up your praise or concern on the wall.
Haiti We Will Rise
Click here to listen to a moving song about Haiti Relief. It was written after a recent hurricane, but is appropriate and moving message for today.