In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:

ZIMBABWE: MAIZE DISTRIBUTION BRINGS RELIEF

Mrs. Vhomo, an HIV-positive widow raising six children in the Murehwa district in Zimbabwe was greatly relieved when she received milled maize from UMCOR. She sells vegetables in the market but doesn't earn enough to support her family. When she heard that UMCOR would be distributing maize in her district, she felt her burden lift and said "I am so grateful for The United Methodist Church which is doing great wonders in the country."

In March, UMCOR distributed 408 metric tons of maize meal throughout twelve Zimbabwe districts. It is part of a targeted plan that includes medical treatment, clean water programs to prevent future cholera outbreaks, food distribution and educational incentives to reopen schools.

UMCOR, working with the Zimbabwe Annual Conference and district superintendents, identified more than 30,000 vulnerable families to receive a bag of milled grain.

To support relief efforts in Zimbabwe, please give to Zimbabwe Emergency, UMCOR Advance #199456.

RESOURCES: WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY—MAY 9

The Rev. Mark Terwilliger, pastor of Beach Lake United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania celebrated Palm Sunday by educating his congregation on fair trade issues, Eco-Palms and child slave labor in cocoa producing farms in Africa. The church responded by purchasing fair trade products and reflecting on their own consumer choices.

World Fair Trade Day is May 9. Observe this day by making fair trade purchases today. In doing so, you help small-scale farmers earn fair wages and help further UMCOR's 100-Ton Challenge goal. As of May 2009, United Methodists have purchased 81.3 tons of fair trade products.

Use can also use these available resources in observance of World Fair Trade Day. Download UMCOR's new World Fair Trade Day church bulletin, present UMCOR's World Fair Trade Day Power Point Slide and collect a special offering, or give to UMCOR-SA&D Program, UMCOR Advance #982188.

MEXICO: UMCOR HELPS IN SWINE FLU PREVENTION

The North American influenza, commonly called the swine flu has caused about 26 deaths and 701 people to become ill in Mexico. UMCOR is working with the Methodist Church in Mexico and local authorities to assist them in swine flu prevention by providing protective facial masks.

Through the IMA (Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc.) and other partners, UMCOR is working to procure over 100,000 masks to support the church and the general population in avoiding further spread of the flu. The shipment should arrive in El Paso soon for distribution.

The swine flu is a respiratory disease, characterized by common flu symptoms including sudden fever, muscle aches, sore throat and dry cough. It is passed on by sneezing, coughing or when a person picks up the virus from their hands.

So far, about 286 people in 36 US states have been infected with the virus. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or give to International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450 to support this work

US: UMCOR WEST DEPOT OPENS MAY 30

UMCOR's West Office and Depot is preparing for its official grand opening on May 30 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Local United Methodists and volunteers are donating their time to help prepare for the day's celebration by painting, cleaning and organizing relief supplies.

The official opening is open to all United Methodists and others who are interested in learning more about UMCOR West. Guests are invited to bring assembled kits or donate supplies as a "housewarming gift." The celebration will include a barbeque, a ribbon cutting and consecration ceremony, a relief supplies workshop and a tour of the 22,000 square foot warehouse.

For more information, to volunteer or donate supply kits, please contact the Rev. Brian Diggs at 801-973-7250 or email: WestDepot@UMCOR.org. You can also give to Material Resources, UMCOR 901440.

EVENT: ANTI-HUNGER CONCERT—MAY 7

UMCOR, along with the Interfaith Anti-Hunger Directors, a group of leaders from major denominations and faith communities in the US, is organizing a free concert on Thursday, May 7, 2009 in New York City at St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church beginning at 8:00 p.m.

The live concert will be part of an initiative to encourage the interfaith community to come together, raise hunger awareness and encourage a call-to-action to end hunger and poverty around the world. Neshama Carlebach, a Jewish singer is one of the featured artists who will be performing with an African American choir.

A free will offering will be collected to support the West Side Campaign Against Hunger, a food pantry founded and operated by St. Paul and St. Andrew UMC. For more information, click here. You may also give to World Hunger and Poverty, UMCOR Advance #982920.

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.