We have read the articles about the massive devastation caused in Myanmar (Burma) and seen the pictures of the terrible damage caused by the earthquake in China. Meanwhile, tornadoes have wracked the mid and southern regions of the United States. As Christians, most of us want to do something to help and we can through prayer and financial aid to Episcopal Relief and Development.

Episcopal Relief and Development is actively engaged in responding to these disasters and is an easy way to ensure contributions reach those in need.

In Myanmar, where up to 100,000 people may have been killed by Cyclone Nargis, news reports tell us that foreign aid has been discouraged, held up, or not even allowed by the government there.  However, because Episcopal Relief and Development was already collaborating with Anglican and other ecumenical partners in the area (since the south Asia tsunami), available funds have already reached those in need, providing food, water, and shelter.  An assessment team is currently investigating to see how our funds can best be spent in the future.  Most relief agencies will do their work and leave in several months.  However, it takes from five to eight years for a community to recover from a calamity such as this cyclone.  Episcopal Relief and Development is there to assist in designing a long-term recovery plan and will be there for years to come as the recovery plan unfolds.  Accountability systems are already in place.     

 In China, where the May 12th 7.9 magnitude earthquake has killed over 12,000 people and destroyed over 3.5 million homes in Sichuan Province, the Chinese government has dispatched 50,000 military troops to assist local emergency services. Rescue crews are now reaching the epicenter of the earthquake.  In China, our partner is the Amity Foundation, an independent Chinese Christian organization.  With financial support from Episcopal Relief and Development, Amity has already begun providing food, bedding, and sheltering materials in some of the affected areas.  As more is learned about needs elsewhere, Episcopal Relief and Development teams plan to continue to meet the needs of suffering families.  

 In the United States, where tornadoes swept across the Midwest and Southeast over Mother's Day weekend, killing at least 22 people and leaving thousands homeless in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, and Georgia, Episcopal Relief and Development immediately contacted all the dioceses affected to assess the needs and stands ready to respond once the needs have been identified.

 Please include the victims of these disasters in your intercessory prayers.  Prayerfully consider making donations directly to Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058, by phone at 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129 or online at www.er-d.org, noting "Emergency Relief Fund" (for China) or "Myanmar and Cyclone Response".  It is always beneficial to note your parish and/or the Diocese of Alabama on your donation.

 Parishes are encouraged to include the victims of these disasters in their intercessory prayer during worship and to publicize the opportunity to make donations in Sunday bulletins, newsletters, and during announcements at worship services.   Clergy may also want to consider making this disaster relief effort a parish-wide project.  Donations could be made to your parish, with Episcopal Relief and Development noted on the check. Contributions could be consolidated and sent to the above Episcopal Relief and Development under a parish cover letter.

 It is good to remember that an exceptionally high 92% of each dollar given goes to help people in need. The work of Episcopal Relief and Development depends on the generosity of all Episcopalians. 

 Thank you for your consideration.  Should you have any questions, please contact Judy Quick, Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development (jgquick@bellsouth.net , 205. 669.6862).