UMC Contributes Over $32 Million for South Asia Relief Efforts
In the wake of last year’s devastating tsunami, United Methodists have given $32.4 million to the denomination’s emergency fund.
In the wake of last year’s devastating tsunami, United Methodists have given $32.4 million to the denomination’s emergency fund.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian agency of the Church, will designate $19.2 million for long-term relief projects in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. There are also plans for projects India and Somalia, according to an organization news report.
"UMCOR gives thanks to God for the outpouring of care and concern offered by United Methodists in response to the incomprehensible loss and destruction caused by the tsunami in South Asia," said Bishop Edward W. Paup, president of the agency's board of directors.
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The funds are the largest amount ever received by UMCOR following a disaster. About $5 million will go for projects that include new homes, safe water and sanitation facilities in Indonesia. In addition, $8 million will go to Sri Lanka for similar projects and income generating opportunities. Both efforts will
receive grants for psychological aid to victims.
Already on Sri Lanka’s east coast, some 16 villages have organized fishing societies using an UMCOR grant. These fishing projects have helped in “breaking open constraints,” says David Sadoo, one of the agency’s staff members.
“The Church’s presence in a disaster of this magnitude really makes a difference in breaking open constraints,” such as women taking leadership positions, he said. “We have all had to be more creative than usual because of the extraordinary scope of the disaster.”
In India, UMCOR has partnered with the Christian Medical Society of India to create mobile medical health clinics. The United Methodist agency is also looking assess income generating projects in the nearby islands of Adaman and Madras.
In Somalia’s coastal region, a longtime UMCOR partner, the Center for Education and Development has identified nearly 3,000 destitute families whose breadwinners died or were injured in the disaster. Food, fishing equipment and plastic sheeting been provided.
The agency’s General Board of Global Ministries approved the project proposals on April 12 at its semi-annual meeting. Emergency aid had already been released in the aftermath of the Dec. 26 quake.
Agency officials are thankful for being allowed to work on long term projects in the Indian Ocean region, said the Rev. Kristin Sachen, head of UMCOR’s emergency services. The organization has been allowed work in the areas “until the job is done.” She added, “we can cover the gaps other agencies miss because of their speed,” according to the UMCOR report.
