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NEWS: INDIA FLOODS RESPONSE
In Bihar, India, thousands of people are still suffering after monsoon rains brought deadly flooding to the northern and eastern regions of the state. More than 200 people died and more than six million were displaced from their homes. A total of 108,870 homes were damaged or destroyed by the floods, which affected 20 districts.
Among the biggest needs now is clean drinking water, as the majority of hand-pumps in affected regions have been submerged and contaminated by the floodwaters. Another major concern is the threat of waterborne diseases.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is supporting partner GlobalMedic in providing water purification units that will benefit 9,000 individuals across 20 of the most-affected communities in Bihar.
Support UMCOR’s International Disaster Response, Advance #982450 with your gifts to enable UMCOR to respond to devastating disasters such as this one in India.
PRAYER: PAKISTAN EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS
Last week, an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck large parts of southwestern Pakistan. Tremors were felt hundreds of miles away in New Delhi, the capital of India. The quake was so powerful it caused the seabed to rise and create a small, mountain-like island off Gwadar, in the Arabian Sea. A total of six districts were affected by the earthquake.
Awaran District, with a population of about 300,000, was the most affected. The earthquake caused most of the mud houses to collapse. It claimed the lives of more than 500 people, while also causing several hundred injuries. Please pray for survivors in Pakistan and those who need comfort for the loss of their homes and loved ones.
CAREERS: UMCOR AND GLOBAL MINISTRIES OPENINGS
The General Board of Global Ministries and UMCOR have positions open across multiple units, sectors, and countries. Visit the Careers webpage to learn more.
RESOURCE: REDUCE STRESS—WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, OCT. 10
Resources on practical ways to reduce and cope with daily stress are being offered through the Center for Health of the UMC Health Ministry Network, a ministry of the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church.
Practice Ten Tips on How to Cope with Stress, such as taking time out, doing something you enjoy every day, taking deep breaths, and praying. Or, use the Stress Reduction Toolkit to learn how you can avoid overscheduling yourself and other common stressors. You’ll also learn how laughing, taking up a new hobby, or volunteering can all help relieve unwanted stress.
Observe World Mental Health Day, October 10, by making use of these available tools.
MEDIA: RELIEF SUPPLIES BRING HOPE
When an UMCOR health kit arrives to aid a disaster survivor with basic hygiene needs, or when a new mother receives an unexpected layette kit for her newborn, hearts are strengthened and encouraged to press forward no matter what challenges lie ahead. But, what happens when there are not enough supplies to meet these types of needs?
The inventory of relief supplies such as school kits, layette kits, sewing kits, and bedding kits remains low at UMCOR depots. Help replenish these supplies and be the hope that UMCOR brings with each relief kit.
Learn how you can assemble these supplies at your local church, and watch an example of how relief supplies bring smiles to vulnerable populations around the world.
