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Letter from Methodist Church in Haiti
On behalf of the Methodist Church in Haiti and the Haitian people, we thank you. Thank you all
for your outpouring of love, support and Christian brotherhood in our great hour of need. Haiti
has suffered a great tragedy, and to rebuild, recover and strengthen, it will take us all.
Read more
Haiti Relief Donations Qualify for Immediate Tax Relief People who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card. The new law only applies to cash (as opposed to property) contributions. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both. Click here to see where you can send donations.
How to Help in Haiti Learn more including resources for local churches
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Current News
Earthquake in Haiti
devastates country Haitian officials say the death toll from a magnitude-7 earthquake Jan. 12 that tore through Haiti could exceed 100,000 and that monetary damages are yet undetermined.READ MORE
Apportionment giving
‘exceptional’ in 2009
Apportioned giving was exceptional in 2009, especially considering the economic climate. We began the year with the economic chaos of late 2008 still an active part of everyone’s lives. The first two months showed a continuing precipitous drop in the stock market. Everyone and every church had to look carefully at each dollar spent and each dollar given. The economy improved during the course of the year but remains weak even today. READ MORE
Effective recovery needs
disaster preparation
A natural disaster is enough to throw any victim into a panicked frenzy—even the most organized of victims, said Eugene Hileman, disaster response coordinator for the Southwest Texas Conference.
READ MORE
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Empowering your ministries to make disciples of Jesus Christ,
our website serves as a valuable resource to you—the more
than 120,000 members in 350 congregations across the
southern third of Texas.
Jim DorffBishop
San Antonio Area
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Episcopal letter on Haiti relief
Dear friends in Christ,
I write you with a heavy heart, but with hope which springs eternal. The earthquake in Haiti has now revealed itself to be one of the greatest natural disasters in this, or any other, century. The magnitude and location of this event are such that its effects will be felt for years. The lives of millions of people hang in the balance. The best efforts of global humanity are in various stages of response. This response includes each of us.
I know many of you are very saddened to hear of the tragic passing of the Rev. Clint Rabb. We were all elated when news came of his rescue from the Hotel Montana rub ble in Haiti after being trapped for 55 hours, unfortunately the injuries Rev. Rabb sustained while being trapped were too much. We can take solace in that Rev. Rabb was doing what he loved and what he felt God was calling him to do. Knowing Clint, he would not want us to be sad, however he would want us to continue his work to help the less fortunate around the world.
This is a time for somber, quiet reflection. It is also a time for thoughtful, faithful action. I call upon all United Methodists to pray and give.
-Pray for all of those in Haiti at the time of the earthquake. Pray for their families. Pray for their future. Pray for all those persons from around the world involved in rescue, recovery, and restoration. Pray for Suzanne Rabb and her family,
- Give what you are led to give toward the cause of relief in Haiti. This giving can be done individually or through special congregational offerings. Listed below are the details of how you can give and what you can do to live out your concern within the United Methodist connection. Of course, there are other worthy sources of help which you may feel led to support as well.
Our God is a mighty God. In times of crisis and tragedy we know that our God is continually with us. The support and hope we need is available to us and the people of Haiti. The Christ of the Cross and the Christ of the empty tomb are fully engaged in this ministry. So are we….
We shall keep you updated as events unfold.
How to Help
There will be a great need for volunteers to help rebuild once the initial crisis has settled. At this time, it is not safe or possible for volunteers to go to Haiti.
Gifts to support UMCOR's Haiti Relief efforts can be made to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325.
Please send your individual or special congregational offering money to:
Treasurer, SWTX Conference
Attention: Haiti Relief
United Methodist Church
16400 Huebner Rd.
San Antonio TX 78248
Gifts can be made online via the General Board of Global Ministries/UMCOR website: http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/donations/umcor/donate.cfm?code=418325&id=3018760
100% of gifts made to this advance will go to help the people of Haiti.
UMCOR Sager Brown is coordinating a shipment of health kits to provide individuals with basic necessities. Instructions for assembling and shipping health kits are available at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/health-kit/ .
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