Methodists support those affected by Caribbean hurricanes

Jamaicaa, In August and September hurricanes swept across the Caribbean leaving a trail of destruction in their wake:

Hundreds died in Haiti following floods that left 650,000 people homeless.

The Dominican Republic, one of the poorest countries in the region, suffered hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage to buildings and more than 250,000 people lost their homes.

19 people were killed when Hurricane Ike ripped through Cuba, which normally avoids deaths during hurricanes.

In Puerto Rico, thousands of poorly constructed homes in rural communities were washed away by six weeks of constant torrential rain.

Hurricane Gustav destroyed several rural churches and manses being used as shelters in Jamaica.

The World Mission Group has responded to the devastation with a £26,000 grant.

The Revd Tom Quenet, who works with churches in Latin America and the Caribbean, said, “The need is so vast that it is clear we can’t meet it outright. But this grant from the Fund For World Mission will make a difference and is an expression of our solidarity.

“We would encourage Methodists everywhere to hold the people of the region in their thoughts and prayers.”

Anyone wishing to support the grant should contact -

The Methodist Church Fund for World Mission.
Methodist Church House,
25 Marylebone Road,
LONDON
NW1 5JR


Source: Methodist "E" News 22/10/08