A massive earthquake struck Haiti January 12, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. With 19 Haitian churches, 25 Haitian clergy, and more than 3,100 Haitian members, the Florida Conference has a special relationship with Haiti. That relationship is also expressed through the Haiti-Florida Covenant, which has helped organize mission trips to Haiti and worked hand-in-hand with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to offer support.
"I want to express my profound sense of grief at the devastation, pain and misery being experienced in Haiti right now," said Bishop Tim Whitaker of the Florida Conference. "We will do all we can do to be of assistance to our brothers and sisters there."
The first thing to do is pray for the people of Haiti, he said, for those who have survived, those who have lost loved ones, and those who are on-site, offering aid.
Bishop Whitaker has encouraged churches to give generously in their response to the earthquake by using UMCOR. Online donations are being accepted on the UMCOR website.
"Utilizing UMCOR, which partners with numerous ecumenical agencies already on the ground in Haiti, is the most efficient way for our churches to be involved in offering a Christian response," the bishop said.
Haiti Disaster Relief:
If you would like to help the people of Haiti who are suffering from the disastrous effects of an earthquake, you may contribute directly to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) through First United Methodist Church, Winter Park and designate it for UMCOR. One hundred percent of your donation will go to aid the suffering people.
We are also collecting items for health kits, valued at approximately $12 each. These can be dropped off at the church during regular office hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5) and Sunday mornings.
Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
- 1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels)
- 1 washcloth
- 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
- 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
- 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
- 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
- 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
- $1.00 to purchase toothpaste
(NOTE: UMCOR Sager Brown is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire
Donations may be made through UMCOR here.
Donations may be made through First United Methodist Church by giving a check designated to UMCOR or utilizing our online giving option here. If giving online, please also designate the donation "UMCOR" for the disaster relief.
