October 10, 2005

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I commend you for your compassion and commitment in caring for those who have endured the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Let me encourage you to continue your good work and to understand that the rebuilding will take time.

I write to let you know of two other opportunities to help  the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama and Florida: 1) participate in the Volunteers in Mission Team Leader Training on Saturday, October 29 at First UMC in Boone,– detailed information is available on our Conference website; or 2) assemble flood buckets and bring them to designated drop sites that will be listed in the Menu of Opportunities on the Conference website.   

Several truckloads of supplies have been in recent weeks.  Folks who have made the trip have returned telling stories of destruction beyond imagination.  They also speak about the courage of sisters and brothers who suffered through days with no food, water, or electricity.  Some of those who received what we sent embraced our volunteers, holding on tightly through tears, offering heartfelt thanks for the witness that “someone cares…someone cares.” 

I want to thank the persons and congregations who have been so generous in so many ways.  United Methodist Church have given gifts for Katrina in excess of $11 million.  Iowa United Methodists have given nearly $452,034 to UMCOR and an additional $27,072 through our Annual Conference special offerings.  (And this is in addition to $493,575 for Tsunami relief!) 

Please share your stories and pictures by sending them to Dr. Arthur McClanahan, Conference Communications Director, so that others can learn from what you have done and “go and do likewise.” 

Keep the faith.  “Never tire of doing what is right.” [2 Thessalonians 3:13] 

I remain, 
Yours in Christ, 
Gregory V. Palmer 
† Gregory V. Palmer