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Bishop John Schol has called on the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, to pray for all those affected by the devastation of the recent earthquake in Haiti and to lend support to ongoing relief efforts there.

The bishop noted that in the still-chaotic aftermath of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Port au Prince, Haiti, Jan 12, the United Methodist Committee on Relief was already at work.

UMCOR executive, Melissa Crutchfield says, "We are working with our partners on the ground to provide immediate relief to the people in Haiti. UMCOR has worked in Haiti for many years. We anticipate that there will be years of rebuilding needed and are prepared to work with the people to help them through that process."

Working with partners, Action by Churches Together, Church World Service, Global Medic and the Methodist Church, UMCOR is channeling its resources to respond effectively to the people most in need.

In a statement to Global Ministries staff, the General Secretary said, "Events such as these can challenge both our faith and sense of security. As a church we know that the heart of our ministry is continuing and extending Jesus Christ's ministry of outreaching love."

According to news reports, more than one in three people on the island were somehow affected by the devastating quake, which was centered about 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince.

"It is really a catastrophe of major proportions," Raymond Joseph, Haiti's ambassador to the United States, told CNN. The quake is believed to be the worst to hit the region in about 200 years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

"UMCOR has always had a strong presence in Haiti," said Tom Hazelwood, of UMCOR. "With this tragedy, we'll just be redoubling our efforts, and we'll be calling on people across the country to help us."

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. In order to frame a response that is consistent with the churches' needs, people wishing to volunteer should contact their jurisdictional VIM coordinator to determine when and how to appropriately respond.

Gifts to support UMCOR's Haiti Relief efforts can be made to Haiti Emergency, UMCOR Advance #418325. Checks can be made to UMCOR with Advance #418325 Haiti Emergency in the memo line. Checks can be put in the church's offering plate or mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087.

100 percent 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/.