Embody Compassion, Serve as God’s Light, and Be Love in Action

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

In John 3, we learn that Nicodemus came to see Jesus during the night because he was afraid or ashamed to be seen with Him. Nicodemus questioned Jesus and the two had a candid discussion about spiritual matters. Jesus welcomed Nicodemus in the darkness and provided him with the understanding he needed to develop his own faith. As part of that conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

According to Pastor Rick Warren, a life without meaning “has no significance or hope.” Without hope, our lives would be empty. It can be difficult to find hope after a disaster. Those affected by disasters are left with feelings of pain, despair, and loneliness. At a time when it may feel like they have lost so much, survivors need to know there is hope. That’s where UMCOR comes in. 

UMCOR and its volunteers embody compassion and serve as God’s light for people who feel caught in the storms of life. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters to help relieve suffering. They provide a loving, caring, Christian presence during those dark times of need. They share the light of their faith so that others can see and eventually enter the kingdom of God. 

Forrest White, director of missions for the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, said it best after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole devastated his state. “Scripture tells us that we are called to nothing less than to show our Christian love in action. If we show up for people affected by disaster…we are tangible reminders of God’s love and God’s presence.” 

On Sunday, March 10, we will celebrate UMCOR Sunday. Please consider giving generously so that UMCOR can focus on providing compassion, healing, and hope to communities and individuals going through crises and disasters. To give online, visit UMC.org/SSGive. To give by check, mail your checks to: GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203. Please include “UMCOR Sunday” in the note section.

When you support UMCOR, you become part of something much larger than yourself, help that light shine even brighter in the dark shadows of disaster, bring hope to those in need, and allow the church to be a living example of God’s love in action.

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org/drm

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Mission Central

Throughout 2023, Mission Central sought to serve all those in need. Thank you for your assistance in helping us connect God’s resources with human need. We look forward to continuing to do the same in 2024. We often encounter confusion about the difference between Mission Central and UMCOR. In order to make thing clearer, we wanted to provide answers to some of the most frequent questions we receive. 

Mission Central & UMCOR Questions Answered

Is Mission Central UMCOR?

No, Mission Central is its own 501c3 organization. We are not run by the United Methodist Church or UMCOR. We were started by and have a close relationship with the United Methodist Church, but we are ecumenical in nature, working with all those, no matter who they are.

How is Mission Central Funded?

Mission Central is funded almost entirely by contributions from individuals, churches and corporate sponsorships. We receive some private grants as well. We do not receive money from the government or from the United Methodist Church. When you give to UMCOR, you are not giving to Mission Central because we are separately funded organizations.

Mission Central is an UMCOR Affiliate Warehouse. What does that mean?

Mission Central has committed to being a part of the UMCOR Relief Supply Network. There are eight warehouses in the relief supply network. UMCOR Sager Brown is the only warehouse owned, funded, and operated by UMCOR. We pledge to build, verify, collect, warehouse and ship UMCOR kits at our own expense. The network works together in times of disaster to resource kits. Mission Central is ready to send supplies where there is a need. Again, this is at our expense.

We are stronger together - if one of us is down, the others are there to help with supplies, but no money is exchanged. For example, during COVID, UMCOR Sager Brown closed in March 2020 and didn’t reopen until June 2023. During that time, they sent some of the supplies they had on hand to our location since we remained open and continued to operate to keep up with the increased demand around the world and domestically. When supplies were completed, we would send them where inventory was needed.

What are UMCOR kits?

In 2018, UMCOR decreased to three kit types: Cleaning Kit (Flood Bucket), Hygiene Kit, and School Kit. At the end of 2023, they discontinued with the School Kit due to a lack of requests during a disaster. They instituted a disposable Feminine Hygiene Kit instead.

All other kits we talk about are Mission Central kits that we distribute both nationally and internationally. These are completely separate from UMCOR.

Who decides what an UMCOR kit is?

UMCOR decides what is in their kits and often works in collaboration with Church World Services. The items in these kits do not change and are not under our discretion.

When do UMCOR kits get sent?

When a request is put into UMCOR, the kits are sent. UMCOR kits are sent only within the U.S. and mostly in response to disasters.

Should I give money to Mission Central or UMCOR in a disaster?

During international disasters, UMCOR sends relief in the form of monetary grants. UMCOR no longer ships supplies internationally because shipping can be expensive and not as immediate. Because of the way UMCOR is set up, this is the best way for them to steward your donation.

Mission Central, alternately, ships supplies both in the U.S. and internationally because we do not pay for international shipping. We work with partners to receive information on the requested items needed for a disaster. Many times, these are items they are unable to find near the disaster site. Mission Central lets you know what the needed items are, and you can purchase them or send monetary donations to us to facilitate this process.

Every dollar donated to a disaster through Mission Central will be spent towards that disaster. We want to steward your resources well and make sure you are given the proper information to give where is most appropriate for you so that we can all work together to send hope and empowerment in times of crisis around the world and around the corner.

Thank you for your generous support!

Find out more and give at www.missioncentral.org.

Fulfilling the Law by Putting Love into Action

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

On Palm Sunday, I listened as the pastor shared a message focused on the reality that how you treat others will have an eternal impact for us and those with whom we interact. During his sermon, he posed a few questions to the congregation. Who is the person you most admire? Who is that person who has left a lasting mark on your life? Is there someone who has invested time in you and made you feel valued? Who was there for you at just the right time to make a difference?

He went on to explain that no matter who each person in the congregation identified, there were similarities in the reasons they were chosen. When someone takes the time to intentionally lift us up, they are humbly showing and sharing compassion while living and loving like Jesus. In addition to taking a personal interest in us, they are allowing Jesus to use them and to be seen in and through them. And, while we benefit from their actions, their reason for becoming involved is to honor Jesus through the use of their gifts and talents.

Romans 12 urges us to humbly offer ourselves in service to the body of Christ, embracing our confidence in Him as we come to the table and put our love into action. In her commentary, Elizabeth Shively clarifies this concept by saying, “let your love be heartfelt; be eager to show each other honor; be set on fire by the Spirit;...literally ‘participate in’ — the needs of the saints, and pursue hospitality….True love is fervent, relentless, and practical.”

In my video message (youtube.com/watch?v=4vudf6JQDEc) on UMCOR Sunday in March, I highlighted the fact that there is a table prepared for us during our times of need. Everyone is welcome at this table. Some are present because they are hungry, thirsty, or need clothing. Others are there because they have been called to serve. It is because of the goodness and merciful acts of those who are called that this table is plentiful.

In 2022, the congregations of the Susquehanna Annual Conference came to that table and generously gave $523,435 directly to Advances that supported the mission and ministry of UMCOR. Through that financial giving, victims of disasters were being fed and clothed. As a result of your acts of service, homes were being repaired. By putting your love into action, hope was being restored and people you did not know were able to see and experience Jesus and the love He has for them.

My pastor concluded his sermon by asking…Is there anyone in your life who needs to know they are loved? Who in your life needs to feel valued or cared for? Who needs you to be there for them in their time of need? As we move through 2023 and beyond, continue to be present at the table. Allow the Holy Spirit to light a fire in your heart and use the gifts you have been given to humbly serve those in need, whatever that need may be. Follow the calling of Romans 13 to fulfill the law by loving your neighbor. And, do so with confidence, knowing that it is holy and pleasing to God and the eternal impact will be far greater than any earthly benefits.

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Support Tornado Relief Efforts in Mississippi

Widespread atmospheric instability during the evening of March 24, 2023, caused a powerful tornado that was on the ground for more than an hour and traveled at least 170 miles, killing more than 25 people, injuring hundreds and causing damage primarily concentrated in Mississippi. According to weather experts, the supercell that produced the deadly twister in Mississippi also appeared to produce tornadoes causing damage in northwest and north-central Alabama and then Georgia. 

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is currently working with the affected conference and local agencies to assess the damage and determine the needs of the communities affected by tornadoes in Mississippi. Please pray for those communities, the victims, and their families, as well as the first responders working tirelessly to help those who have been affected. 

As we wait for updates, please continue to pray and consider donating to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery Advance.

Is There More to the Disaster Response Ministry?

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

At Annual Conference this year, I had the opportunity to speak with attendees about the Disaster Response Ministry. It was a joy to share all the opportunities the ministry has to offer. During one of those conversations, after explaining to connection to UMCOR and how we respond to “headline” disasters, I was asked whether there was more to the ministry. My reply was an emphatic “YES!”

The mission of UMCOR and the Disaster Response Ministry is to provide assistance to alleviate human suffering as the result of disaster. And, most people associate that with helping people after they have been the victims of a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding. While this is true in the traditional sense, human suffering can occur on so many levels in so many places. All we need to do is watch the news every evening to know our neighbors are hurting as the economy continues to slow down and inflation continues to rise. The everyday problems we face as a result are becoming problematic and these problems present an opportunity for the church to help.

In the last issue, I explained that the ministry works during “blue skies” and “gray skies.” And, part of that process involves training congregations to recognize the needs of their neighbors and doing something to meet them. The ministry does this through the Connecting Neighbors: A Disaster Ready Congregations Curriculum of the United Methodist Church program. This UMCOR developed program was created inspire congregations and communities to be better able to minimize the harm caused to people by disasters. To encourage them to respond to our neighbors’ needs in helpful, cooperative and caring ways on behalf of the church and in the spirit of Jesus Christ. And, it enables them to practically and proactively support the most vulnerable, while honoring cultural and faith values and differences within the community.

Attendees learn how to identify types of disasters likely to impact the community, assess the immediate needs of their neighbors, and identify resources the church may have to meet those needs, while connecting the church with the community.

The modules in this training focus on preparing congregants for disasters and guiding them through a process to help others. It also addresses how churches can protect its property and people before and immediately following a disaster, as well as how to appropriately use church property in disaster response. Finally, the training encourages churches to explore their capacity for various disaster response ministry opportunities and to consider ways to become engaged in, and become an integral part of the fabric and culture of the community.

What if America’s greatest asset—its faith-motivated and God-centered people—rose up to embrace the belief that protecting people, places and ministry is our responsibility? What if we saw preparation and planning to be equal partners with building projects and new fellowship halls? What if we understood that stewardship of our bodies (eating healthy foods and exercising) and stewardship of our gifts (teaching, praying, tithing) are twin pillars supporting stewardship of our church family and church home to become the best gifts we have to give to our communities when trouble comes? As one attendee described it, disaster response is about “RESPONSE-ABILITY.”

Scripture tells us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10: 23-24). And, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11: 1).

As followers of Christ, we are all called to be engaged in strengthening our communities, making them resilient, and being the hope and comfort in time of need. We are encouraged to earnestly live out our faith in ways that can transform communities—and the lives of those who are our neighbors—to alleviate suffering, including disaster response. As the visible presence of the body of Christ, the local church is well equipped to minister. And, when it gets involved, the door is opened to more ministry opportunities than the headlines will ever reveal.

Congregants and churches that are prepared to respond to their neighbors needs have an opportunity to restore hope, be a caring, Christian presence, and, share the love of Jesus to a world (and community) that is desperately searching.

For more information about the Disaster Response Ministry and the Connecting Neighbors program, contact me.

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog:  susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

The Power to Make a Change!

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

“If you walked by a house fully engulfed in flames and you could hear people screaming, would you keep walking? If a car crashed in front of you, would you drive by it? If a child was about to cross a busy street without looking, would you stay quiet? Well, it’s not a fire, or a crash, or a busy street, but people ARE dying and our health-care workers are drowning, and they are seeing things they will never forget….”

These words were shared by a friend on social media a few months ago. Like many of us, she has been frustrated with the pandemic, a lack of concern for those who are suffering, and the declining support for the decision-makers attempting to guide us. 

My friend went on to share that “we have the power to change the outcome, to lessen the burden. We can be part of the solution.” 

As I read her post, my thoughts turned to a cold day in October when I met with some residents of Knoxville (Williamsport District). That meeting was born out of frustration. Flooding had affected this community in August and, because there was no disaster declaration, it was difficult for them to get the assistance they needed. As I listened to their stories and pleas for help, I couldn’t help but think about their suffering. Most were without heat, their furnaces ruined. Some had mold growing in their basements. I could see the suffering in their eyes and hear it in their voices as they shared their circumstances. Colder weather was coming and snow was in the forecast. Without help, they would spend the winter without heat.

As I left that community, I knew something had to be done. After making some phone calls and sending some emails, I was able to arrange some help. With help from an UMCOR Solidarity Grant, our Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams and VOAD partners went to work. And, by Christmas, the majority of the needs had been addressed.

Recently, I received a text from one of the families thanking me. As a result of the “help your group has given to our family after the flood it is slowly looking like a house again.” 

As I shared in the January issue of the Susquehanna LINK, your generosity allowed the Disaster Response Ministry to support this work, share in their burden, and make a difference.

This month, we will celebrate UMCOR Sunday (March 27). And, communities around the Annual Conference, across the nation, and worldwide continue to suffer from hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires. Your support on this special Sunday allows UMCOR to train Conference Disaster Response Coordinators like me, certify Early Response Teams, keep the office lights on, and maintain its promise that 100% of any financial support to a specific UMCOR project will go towards that project and not administrative cost.

Your sustaining gifts on UMCOR Sunday and throughout the year lays the foundation for UMCOR to equip local churches, annual conferences and nonprofit organizations to be in mission with their communities, respond to those left most vulnerable during these challenging times, and share God’s love with communities everywhere.

To be part of the solution, make a change, and share the burdens of other, support UMCOR Sunday by giving during your congregational offering time. Financial contributions can be collected and submitted through the Conference Treasurer’s Remittance Report in Section A and mailed to the Conference Office. Checks should be made payable to the Susquehanna Conference, with the UMCOR Sunday designation in the memo. To support the ongoing work of UMCOR, please include the appropriate Advance:  UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 901670); or, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 982450). If you wish to allow UMCOR to determine where to use the funds, the offering can be designated “Where Most Needed” (Advance #999895).

For individual giving, these same options are available and can be accomplished online by CLICKING HERE: www.umcmission.org/umcor/give/how-to-give#Your_Gift

The Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response Ministry Advance (Advance # 8055) provides another opportunity to support disaster response. Funds designated to this Advance will support response, relief, and recovery efforts within the Conference as well as support Conference teams when they mobilize to other areas.

For more information about UMCOR, visit www.umcmission.org/umcor. To learn more about the Conference Disaster Response Ministry, visit www.susmb.org/ and click on the Disaster Response tab; or follow on Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse and on Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Douglas Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator
717-766-7441, ext. 3402
drc@susumc.org

Kentucky Tornado Support

UMNS photo by Mike Dubose

Responding to a disaster can bring together the connectional system of the United Methodist Church and allow us to be actively involved in supporting the affected area. While we wait for assessments to be completed and plans to be established, there is still much you can do. 

PRAY. Spend time, individually and collectively, praying for the victims, leaders, and emergency responders in these communities. This can be a powerful tool in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a disaster. As you pray, petition God for direction and guidance on how you can be involved.

SUPPORT. The financial need after a disaster is great. Your generous giving makes this possible. To provide financial support, click: UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery Advance This will ensure 100 percent of the donation reaches the affected area, supports the work of UMCOR and its partners, and meets the needs of the community.

ACT. While we wait, you can assemble UMCOR cleaning kits, hygiene kits, and school kits. Information about those kits and how to assemble them can be found on the UMCOR website or the Mission Central website.  

UMCOR umcmission.org/united-states-disaster-response/

MISSION CENTRAL missioncentral.org/kits-projects-and-patterns/

Disaster Response Ministry: What’s the Catch?

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator SUSUMC 

Have you ever seen those advertisements offering an all-expense paid, week-long vacation to a tropical location? It’s an offer that seems almost too good to be true, right? Just spend a few hours touring a vacation resort and listening to a salesperson attempting to sell you a condo. No strings attached. Just give them a few hours of your precious time. How bad could it be? Fill out the registration form. Provide them with your mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Convinced it’s worth it because all expenses are paid? It’s a great opportunity because you were planning to take a vacation anyway. Then, you start receiving junk mail and spam e-mails. Your phone rings constantly. The texts never stop. You discover the airfare is free—well, except for the taxes and fees. Suddenly, what seemed like a great opportunity with no “catches” has turned into an expensive, time-consuming nuisance.

Recently, I felt like one of those sales persons. I was assessing a home that had been damaged from one of the storms that passed through Knoxville in north-central Pennsylvania. As the homeowner accompanied me, we documented the damage and discussed what needed to be done to fix it. Remove the mud. Dispose of the debris. Re-build the basement staircase. Replace the hot water heater. Inspect and repair the electrical service. As we talked, I could see the concern becoming evident in his eyes. He was already overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding the flood and being forced from his home. 

Then he asked the question, “What is this going to cost me?” What’s the catch?

This year, the Disaster Response Ministry was active in supporting the relief and recovery efforts for multiple disasters. Of course, supporting the on-going pandemic is at the top of a list that also included helping with storm clean-up at Camp Penn; resourcing various Conference and local church ministries, providing national crisis hotline operators to record disaster needs; doing flood relief, cleanup, and rebuilding in multiple locations throughout the Conference.

We learn from scripture that “God loves a cheerful giver.” More specifically, 2 Corinthians 9:7 clarifies that we should give without reluctance or compulsion. The people of the Susquehanna Conference have been generous with its financial support. And, that generosity has enabled the Disaster Response Ministry and UMCOR to be a caring, Christian presence in the aftermath of these disasters. We have been able to meet the needs of survivors by providing them with temporary heating, replacing medical equipment, paying for utilities, meeting essential needs, and awarding grants to assist with recovery to name a few.

As I spoke with that homeowner a few months ago, I thought about your willingness to give without hesitation. I turned to the homeowner and confidently shared that he would not incur any costs. Immediately, I could see the relief in his eyes. The stress he was experiencing faded quickly as he processed that idea that there was no “catch.”

As we move into a new year, I look forward to continuing in ministry and mission with you, being the hands and feet of Jesus, and sharing His love with those who are suffering ... with no catch! Contact me at drc@susumc.org or call 717-766-7441 ext. 3402.