In Today's Hotline:

• US: Attend "Lighten the Burden II"
• AZERBAIJAN: A Bright Future Secured
• UMCOR Sager Brown: Kit Supplies Needed
• LIBERIA: A Home to Call My Own

US: ATTEND "LIGHTEN THE BURDEN II"

On April 22, The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee will sponsor "Lighten the Burden II", an HIV/AIDS day-long event intended to heighten awareness among United Methodists about HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. The event, which will be held at First United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Tex. from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, will address the realities surrounding these diseases and how the United Methodist Church is responding. United Methodist Global AIDS Fund projects will also be featured.

Keynote speakers include: Kay Warren, a two-time cancer survivor and wife of Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose-Driven Life," Bishop Joao Somane Machado, Episcopal leader in the Mozambique Annual Conference, Shane Stanford, an HIV-positive author and teaching pastor for Main Street UMC in Hattiesburg, Miss., and Bishop Fritz Mutti, chairperson for the UM Global AIDS Fund

For more details and link to register, visit www.umcor.org and click on UMCOR Hotline. You can also send your gifts of support to United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, UMCOR Advance #982345.

AZERBAIJAN: A BRIGHT FUTURE SECURED

Life in Azerbaijan has not been the same for Kamala, 19, since her father passed away when she was five years old. Her mother re-married seeking support from a new family, but her new husband had two children of his own. The family endured long periods without food because there was no available work to support them. This situation left Kamala's mother with one decision - leave her daughter at an orphanage to be cared for.

Kamala's dim beginnings soon changed for the better. Hope arrived for her in a sewing kit and vocational training provided by UMCOR at the local orphanage in Baku. Today, Kamala is a skilled dressmaker making fashionable dresses. "It could be my own business in the future! Now I know what I should do! Thanks to UMCOR!" said Kamala.

UMCOR has trained over a hundred displaced and disabled women in trades such as hairdressing, baking, sewing, and handicrafts so they can earn an income to support themselves and their families. You can help secure the future for more women in Azerbaijan by giving to Azerbaijan Emergency, UMCOR Advance #250135.

UMCOR SAGER BROWN: KIT SUPPLIES NEEDED

UMCOR's relief supply warehouse, the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., is requesting donations for 33,000 layette kits, 64,000 sewing kits and approximately 1,000 bedding kits to meet upcoming needs. Donations for all kits are needed to prepare for uncertain times and future relief efforts.

Sager Brown has received fewer kits over the last year and stocks are becoming alarmingly low. The Sager Brown Depot is accepting complete kits as well as items in bulk.

Please visit UMCOR's Relief Supplies web page (www.umcor.org) to learn about the specific kit contents, the estimated value, the cost for processing and shipping, as well as shipping instructions. Please give generously to Material Resources, UMCOR Advance #901440.

LIBERIA: A HOME TO CALL MY OWN

Edward Nowolo, 33, may have never believed that he would one day be able to purchase a plot of land or construct his very own home. But he is doing just that thanks to the fruitful training he received through UMCOR's Liberia Integrated Crop and Pest Management Agricultural Project. Almost two years since he began training, his wife Sarah, six-month old daughter and two dependents will soon move into their new home by year end.

Edward, one of the original members of UMCOR"s Integrated Crop and Pest Management training in 2006, has successfully grown vegetables and has earned enough proceeds from his vegetable garden to purchase land and build a home he can call his own.

Programs like this can transform lives and generate hope for a brighter future. The results are healthy crops, market goods and a steady income for families. You can help more families like Edward support themselves by giving to UMCOR's Sustainable Agriculture and Development Program, Advance #982188.

UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online at givetomission.org. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.

United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org

UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.