Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly - Global Ministries

justly mercy humbly
U M C O R A n n U A l R e p O R t 2 0 0 8

C O n tents
Letter from Sam Dixon 1
US Disaster Response 2
International Disaster Response 6
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) 10
Hunger and Poverty 16
Immigration and Refugee Ministries 21
Health 26
Relief Supplies 30
Audited Financials and Summary 34
actlovewalk
Michelle Scott/UMCOR
deAR f R iends
In 2008, UMCOR continued to live out its mission to alleviate human suffering in places where natural and humancaused
disasters have overwhelmed a community’s ability to recover on its own. Our programs seek out the most
vulnerable people, provide them with needed security, assistance and protection, and help them take steps toward
recovery, seek to be the embodiment of justice, mercy and humility.
This last year saw hard fnancial times in the United States, but that did not stop the generosity of United Methodists
and others. Through the support of our donors we were able to help millions of people around the world. Compassionate
responses to Hurricane Ike, severe fooding in the Midwest, cyclone in Myanmar (Burma), crumbling infrastructure and
cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe, war in the nation of Georgia, and countless other tragedies have called United Methodists
and UMCOR into action on behalf of those who have endured so much.
In the pages that follow you will fnd facts and fgures that tally up UMCOR’s work in 2008 as well as stories that tell the
intangible results of reaching out to those whom society may have forgotten.
Sincerely,
Sam Dixon
Deputy General Secretary
UMCOR
Our programs seek
to be the embodiment
of justice, mercy
and humility.
UMCOR
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Susan Meister/UMCOR
response
U s d isA steR RespO nse
UMCOR provides disaster response assistance and support in partnership with annual
conferences. UMCOR also provides training to jurisdictions and conferences to prepare for
potential disasters. Case management to help disaster survivors recover from their losses is the
hallmark of UMCOR’s US disaster response program. UMCOR provides training and assistance
in this area and has been asked by the US Government to provide case management expertise
following Hurricanes Katrina and Ike in recent years.
In 2008, UMCOR’s US Disaster Response program:
• Responded to 57 disasters.
• Hosted 111 trainings.
• Opened a Gulf Coast offce in Mobile, Ala., in December 2008.
• Continued Responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Louisiana and Mississippi. Hurricane
Katrina recovery work in Alabama-West Florida concluded in 2008. So far, more than 11,000
households have been served in the Gulf Coast.
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UMCOR

U S D I S A S t e R R e S P O N S e SUcceSSStORIe S
UMCOR
AnnUAl CO nfeR enC e BU ild O n
tRAining A nd e xpeR ienC e in
“ sUpeR tUesdA y” tORnAdO RespO nse
Preparedness, training, experience, and ongoing relationships enabled United Methodists to be at the
forefront of the response to the “Super Tuesday” tornadoes that cut a destructive swath through Arkansas,
Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama on February 5, 2008.
“With every disaster, we not only see the value of preparation and training,” said Tom Hazelwood, UMCOR’s
US disaster response executive, “we also build on our past experiences and the relationships we’ve made
both within and outside the denomination. In this way, we are able to meet the needs of those most affected
in the emergency, relief and recovery phases.”
While Arkansas grappled with tornadoes and not hurricanes, capacity built during UMCOR’s response to
Hurricane Katrina played a role in how they dealt with the disaster. “Without UMCOR and Katrina Aid Today,
we would not have been so quick to respond to this disaster,” explained Sister Mary Lou
Stubbs of Catholic Charities in Little Rock, Ark. “Trained teams in the parishes can ‘pop
right in’ to start assessments at the local level.”
Catholic Charities was one of nine national consortium partners in Katrina Aid Today,
a nationwide coalition of agencies funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and overseen by UMCOR.
Hurricane survivors in 34 states, including Arkansas, were assisted through this coalition.
“We experience wonderful cooperation among denominations in disaster response,”
Stubbs continued. “On the stuff that counts, we work together.”
“We feel like we’ve ‘grown up’ with UMCOR,” said Cathy Farmer, director of
communications, Memphis Annual Conference. “When we frst dealt with tornadoes like
this in 1999, we weren’t prepared—we had no organization. But with UMCOR, we got
the help we needed: the emergency grants, help with setting up, training in all aspects,
helping start case management.”
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Tom Hazelwood/UMCOR

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i nteRnAtiOnAl d isA steR RespO nse
UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. When disaster
strikes outside of the US—whether a natural or human-caused disaster—UMCOR serves as a primary channel for United Methodist assistance. Wherever possible,
UMCOR forms partnerships with other religious and secular organizations to pool resources and coordinate relief efforts.
In 2008, UMCOR’s International Disaster Response program responded to needs in 19 countries. What follows are some highlights of the larger responses to some of
our world’s needs.
MAj OR R espO nses
cHINA H AIt I
• Supported severe winter storm and earthquake responses through Hurricane responses:
Amity Foundation. • Provided food relief thru Kansas East Conference.
cUb A
• Obtained US government licenses to provide assistance to Cuba through the
Methodist Church there.
GAzA
• Responded through partners Action by Churches Together and Muslim Aid to
provide assistance to those affected by confict.
• Transported commodities and distribution thru Bahamas Conference and Stop
Hunger Now.
I NDIA
• Supported ongoing responses to regional fooding through CASA.
I RAq
• Provided Iraqi families with food and hygiene kits through the International
Orthodox Christian Charities.
KeN y A
• Provided assistance in response to election violence
through the East Africa Annual Conference, Methodist
Church of Kenya and partnerships with USAID.
• Sent sanitation, food, psycho-social support through
Nakuru UMC/East Africa Annual Conference.
• Distributed commodities through Methodist Churches in
Western Kenya.
MyANMAR (bURMA)
• Responded to Cyclone Nargis by providing shelter,
clean water baskets and seed distributions through
Church World Service and the Methodist Church
(Lower Myanmar).
S OUtH AFRIc A
• Provided disaster response training in response to
xenophobic violence.
• Sent material, educational, and fnancial support to The
Methodist Church of South Africa.
• Supported the Central Methodist Mission in
Johannesburg in their ministry to displaced
Zimbabweans in Johannesburg.
• Gave support to the SHADE program, which
provides reintegration and repatriation services to
displaced people. SHADE also provides referral and
counseling services.
zIMbAbwe
• Provided food relief through ZOE Ministries, a program
of the North Carolina Annual Conference, and later
facilitated the delivery of more than 400 metric tons of
maize meal.
• Enabled United Methodist hospitals to stay open and
functioning with additional salary support, medicines
and supplies.
• Sent school kits and other commodities from UMCOR
Sager Brown and other sources provided additional
assistance to United Methodist hospitals and The
United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
• Delivered water purifcation equipment through a
donation from partner Muslim Aid.
Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR
UMCOR serves as a
primary channel for
United Methodist
assistance.
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INteRNAt IONAL DISASteR ReSPONSe S U cceSSStORIe S
UMCOR
UMCOR BR ings fOOd, MediCAl CARe
A nd WA teR t O ZiMBABWe
UMCOR launched a targeted course of action in response to the dire humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe in
December 2008. A severe food shortage and cholera epidemic combined with the world’s highest infation of
more than 2,000,000 percent has created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.
An immediate food distribution and additional support for United Methodist hospitals began to alleviate the
suffering of many thousands.
UMCOR purchased and delivered 100 metric tons of grain through ZOE Ministry, a program of the North
Carolina Annual Conference. The food went to all 12 United Methodist districts in Zimbabwe—reaching more
than 1,200 households and 11,000 primary school students.
The grain provided each person with an additional meal for 65 days. This was
much-needed relief in an economy where a loaf of bread can cost half of one’s
monthly salary. UMCOR also purchased 400 metric tons of maize that was
delivered to Zimbabwe in early 2009.
While the country’s largest hospitals closed in the midst of a growing cholera
epidemic, United Methodist institutions kept their doors open to treat those in
need regardless of their ability to pay. Special cholera kits were sent to Nyadire
and Mutambara that will allow the hospitals to effectively treat 2,600 people sick
with the treatable but deadly illness.
Additional funds provided food, supplies, and fuel for hospital generators. UMCOR
is also making up for portions of staff salaries that have been lost due to the
country’s economic collapse.
A shipment of 14,000 school kits and 35 Medicine Boxes were sent to Zimbabwe
for arrival in early 2009.
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Michelle Scott/UMCOR

UMCOR works with local
10
communities to help them
restore social stability,
revitalize community
structures, and empower
them to retake control of
their lives.
Melissa Hinnen/UMCOR
nOn-gOveRnMentA l ORgAniZAtiO n (ngO)
When there is a need to establish a long-term presence overseas, UMCOR does that through its non-governmental
organization, which sets up feld offces overseas. They provide direct transitional development and relief assistance by
working collaboratively with local communities to assist them in restoring social stability, revitalizing community structures,
and empowering affected populations to retake control of their lives. The following are some of the key program highlights:
AfghA nistA n h ighlights
• Rehabilitated 2,000 meters of streams and 50 irrigation
tunnels increasing water available for agriculture and
other uses.
• Began construction of a school for 250 students and
distributed UMCOR school kits to all of the district’s
2,350 students.
• Constructed 75 shelters for recent returnees using a self
help methodology.
UMCOR Afghanistan’s work is supported by the US
State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and
Migration, and UMCOR
A RMeniA h ighlights
• Delivered medicines, medical supplies and UMCOR
health, school, layette and sewing kits to 100 health
facilities and 10 boarding schools/special institutions
serving 150,000 vulnerable people.
• Increased food security at four institutions serving 390
vulnerable people by providing beehives and cows along
with training to produce sustainable nutritious food.
• Prevented human traffcking by training law enforcement
offcers how to identify and assist traffcked people
through a train-the-trainer program.
UMCOR Armenia’s work is supported by the United
Nations Development Program, Norwegian Church Aid,
the Foods Resource Bank, and UMCOR
AZeRBAijA n h ighlights
UMCOR Azerbaijan completed implementation of its fnal project, the DOSfunded
pharmaceutical distribution project as of September 2008. A local
NGO is being established to continue to serve the people of Azerbaijan with
UMCOR support.
deMOCRAtiC RepUBliC O f CO ngO
h ighlights
• Supported 2,356 students for the 2008-2009 academic year through
mentoring, scholarships, health education and other measures.
• Concluded the OFDA-funded food security program which gave support to
13,725 households by providing agriculture training, seeds, tools and mills.
• Distributed mattresses, sheets, mosquito nets and pharmaceuticals to
medical institutions throughout the country through a donation organized
through the Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO.
UMCOR DRC’s work is supported by the Academy for Educational
Development, US Department of Agriculture, and UMCOR
Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR
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geORgiA h ighlights
• Distributed food kits, gas stoves and baby food to 38 centers for people displaced by the South
Ossetia confict.
• Provided pharmaceuticals and UMCOR kits to health facilities throughout Georgia.
• Continued capacity-building activities for farmers and agri-business entrepreneurs through the
Modern Agricultural Quest program.
UMCOR Georgia’s work is supported by the US Department of State, US Agency for
International Development, US Department of Agriculture, United Nations Children’s Fund,
and UMCOR
hAiti h ighlights
The UMCOR Haiti offce closed in December 2008. What follows are some highlights of UMCOR
Haiti’s 2008 accomplishments:
• Enabled farmers to harvest a total of 1,624,595 lbs. of corn through seed and tool distribution
as well as agriculture training through the Dondon Agriculture Development Assistance Project.
• Provided approximately 60 women and 12 women’s associations micro-enterprise
development training.
• Addressed the immediate needs of people following Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna by providing
food, potable water, and water flters to families and displaced people.
Paul Jeffrey/GBGM
service
i ndO nesiA h ighlights
• Completed a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WASH) program that
reached 72,550 people including students, faculty, hospital patients, and
hospital staff.
• Improved the business skills knowledge of 400 entrepreneurs and enabled
130 to start new businesses in Aceh.
• Increased access to 10 tsunami-affected villages by rehabilitating roads,
constructing needed bridges and improved livelihood prospects by
constructing a fsh pond channel.
UMCOR Indonesia’s work is supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund,
American Baptist Churches/USA, American Red Cross, CARE International,
and UMCOR
sRi lAnkA h ighlights
• Distributed building materials for 50 confict-affected families and cleaned 56
wells in these villages with plans to clean an additional 144 wells.
• Continued management of an Offce of US Foreign Disaster Assistance
(OFDA)-funded umbrella grant that supports local and international
organizations in providing emergency response and early recovery assistance
to confict-affected and displaced persons in Sri Lanka.
• Completed the Integrated Settlement Program in tsunami-affected areas of
eastern Sri Lanka, reaching a total of 74,830 families with one or more of its
integrated programs.
UMCOR Sri Lanka’s work is supported by OFDA, American Red Cross,
and UMCOR
sUdAn h ighlights
• Distributed food assistance to approximately 400,000 people in South Darfur.
• Trained 751 hygiene promoters and two water sanitation committees to
oversee UMCOR-constructed water yards in South Darfur.
• Constructed and supported 24 schools that are attended by 10,101 children.
• Provided 17,359 vulnerable students in South Sudan with school materials,
health kits and uniforms.
UMCOR Sudan’s work is supported by the Offce of US Foreign Disaster
Assistance, Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, UNICEF, and UMCOR
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N ON-GO veRNMeNtAL ORGANIzAtION S U cceSSStORIe S
Jeffrey Austin/UMCOR
UMCOR h elps thOUsAnds d isplACe d
in geORgiA n CO nfliC t
Over 6,000 people displaced by the confict in the nation of Georgia received assistance through the efforts
of UMCOR.
UMCOR Georgia distributed medicines and medical supplies to hospitals throughout Georgia that are
treating those wounded not long after the confict began.
The supplies, consisting of antibiotics, syringes, sterile gloves and other necessary items, were part of US
Government-sponsored airlifts for humanitarian assistance. UMCOR coordinated and distributed the
medical supply portion of the shipment, while four other organizations coordinated the distribution of other
kinds of assistance.
A shipment of relief supplies from UMCOR Sager Brown
provided additional health, school, bedding, sewing, and
layette kits.
“The personal commitment of our local staff to help is
commendable,” says Thomas Dwyer, UMCOR’s director of
operations for its non-governmental organization. “Not only have
UMCOR staff contributed fnancially, they have also given the
best of their time and talent to bring relief to thousands uprooted
in the confict.”
The majority of UMCOR’s work has been with refugees in and
around the capital city of Tbilisi. Some UMCOR staff members
provided assistance in the isolated town of Kutaisi, located west
of Gori—a major Georgian city that saw much of the fghting.
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Jeffrey Austin/UMCOR

hUngeR A nd pOveR ty
UMCOR provides short and long-term solutions to bring hope to hungry people and empower them to self-suffciency. A multi-pronged approach to combating hunger
and poverty includes advocacy, collaboration with other organizations and a sustainable-agriculture and development program that primarily helps farmers in Africa
improve their food security and nutrition.
ReC ipe fOR hOpe: RespO nding tO the glOBAl fOOd CR isis
UMCOR partnered with Bread for the World to promote a six week online campaign to raise awareness, educate and encourage action to address the Global Hunger
Crisis. Thousands of people from many denominations signed up to learn more about the causes of the crisis and how to take action. Hundreds of calls and emails
reached members of Congress encouraging them to respond to the hunger crisis.
100-tOn ChA llenge
UMCOR initiated the 100-Ton Challenge, a year-long challenge to raise United Methodist awareness of fair trade. Beginning on World Fair Trade Day, May 10, 2008,
and ending on May 9, 2009, United Methodists were challenged to purchase 100 tons of fairly traded goods through UMCOR’s partner, Equal Exchange. UMCOR
receives 15 cents from every pound purchased, which has raised over $24,000 for UMCOR’s Sustainable Agriculture and Development program.
eCO- pAlMs
UMCOR began promoting the use of Eco-Palms in 2008. This partnership promotes the purchase of fair trade palm fronds by United Methodist Churches for Palm
Sunday. More than 36,000 palm fronds were used this year by United Methodist churches across the US.
Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR
sUstA inABle AgRiCUltURe
A nd d evelOpMent
Each year at least 3,300 people beneft from UMCOR’s Sustainable Agriculture
and Development program. Through this unique program, farmers learn from
other farmers how to improve the yield and quality of their crops. Farmers also
learn how to cultivate, process and sell nutritious foods such as honey, soy and
Moringa. Some program highlights from 2008 follow:
• Liberia: focused on market development of honey produced resulting in over
$35,000 in income for farmers since harvesting began in 2004. Sixty people
were also trained in managing livestock through the Liberia program.
• Ghana: more than 114 people trained in nutrition and beekeeping.
• Other activities: 20 people trained in Integrated Crop and Pest Management;
promotion of Moringa with over 25,000 seeds distributed.
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H U N G e R A N D P O v e R t y SUcceSSStORIe S
June H. Kim
M ORingA MiRACle
It’s lunchtime at a Hope for the Nations (HFTN) feeding center in Ganta, Liberia. A healthy, four-year-old boy
sits with other children in his age group to enjoy his afternoon meal. On the menu is porridge mixed with rice,
honey and Moringa.
His name is Survivor Kennedy and he is a true testament to his name. Looking at Survivor, one would never
know that just a few months ago when he arrived at HFTN he was severely malnourished. His father brought
him to the center because he was unable to fnancially care for his son. HFTN, a non-proft organization
that operates orphanages and development centers worldwide, took Survivor in and their care, along with a
Moringa-rich diet, were an important part of saving his life.
UMCOR has been ensuring best practices in Moringa production and
use through its Sustainable Agriculture & Development Program (SA&D)
since 2001. The training program encourages farmers to pass on what
they have learned to other farmers in the community and has helped
numerous people throughout Africa experience better health. The
cultivation of Moringa is a special focus of UMCOR’s SA&D program—as
it is a nutritious and cost-effective supplement for those who do not have
adequate food supplies. Its leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, C,
iron, calcium, potassium, protein, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.
Survivor gained substantial weight in just two short months. His diet
included other nutrient-rich grains and vegetables that aided his weight
gain, but many believe that Moringa played a critical role. Today, Survivor
is just that—a survivor. “It is a miracle!” Ruth Zansi, national director of
programs for HFTN in Liberia.
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Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR

iMMigRAtiO n A nd RefU gee MinistR ies
UMCOR’s immigration and refugee programs offer a ministry of hospitality to those seeking safety and security in the United States. Thousands of families receive help
each year through immigration legal assistance and resettlement services.
jUstiC e fOR O UR n eighBORs (jfOn)
JFON provides free, professional legal services to immigrants in monthly clinics. This UMCOR program connects a national network of church-based, volunteer-led
immigration clinics to asylum seekers and immigrants who need a helping hand to navigate the maze of rules and laws that affect their lives in the United States.
• JFON has 26 clinics in nine states and Washington, DC.
• In 2008 JFON added clinics in Dover, Ark; Nashville, Tenn.; Little Rock, Ark.; Yonkers, NY; Pharr, Tex.
• The program has 11 attorneys, including a new attorney who was added to the national program staff in 2008.
2008 jfOn stAtistiC s
• Served 2,170 new clients and 2,600 follow up clients served during 2008.
• Reunited more than 1,350 individuals with their families.
• Represented more than 750 clients for political asylum, protection of unaccompanied minors, survivors of
domestic violence, etc.
• JFON attorneys represented more than 220 cases in court.
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Roze Mraz/UMCOR
Jeffrey Austin/UMCOR

Michelle Scott/UMCOR
reunion
A s peCiAl fAMily ReU niO n
“There is nothing more fulflling than knowing you have been able to help bring a family
together,” says JFON attorney TJ Mills who recently had the privilege of going to the airport with
a client, Barnabe, where he joyfully greeted his family after eight years of separation.
Barnabe was a medical assistant in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Because
the hospital where he worked treated civilian, rebel and government patients, he was accused
of being a government collaborator. He was arrested, interrogated, detained and beaten. His
parents, three brothers and two sisters were all killed because of their ethnicity. In 2000,
Barnabe fed the DRC and in 2001 arrived in the US. He was separated from his wife and fve
children in the process.
After a number of appeals and with support from First United Methodist Church of Shelton,
Conn., and friends in the community, Barnabe was granted political asylum in the US in 2005.
He immediately petitioned to have his family join him. The church helped raise the money for
airfare, stocked the refrigerator, donated clothes and furnished Barnabe’s home for his wife and
fve children. A generous friend even donated a minivan.
Meanwhile, in Zambia, the US Consulate required DNA testing to prove that the family members
were all related. All of them passed and were told to arrive at the US Embassy with their airline
tickets to receive their visas. When they arrived, they were surprised when the Vice Consul
began questioning the authenticity of the marriage certifcate and the adoption certifcate for one
of the children. The child in question was the biological son of Barnabe’s brother who had been killed along with the child’s mother in the civil war. Barnabe and
his wife adopted their two-year-old nephew in 1998.
JFON worked with a local attorney in the DRC to authenticate the adoption and marriage certifcates. Mills submitted a 70-page rebuttal on behalf of his clients and
the Department of Homeland Security reaffrmed the approvals and expedited the fles back to the Vice Consul in Zambia. The Vice Consul apologized to the family
and on November 6th, the family entered the US—reunited with an overjoyed husband and father after eight years.
RefU gee MinistR ies
UMCOR is at the forefront of those who work to protect and serve refugees and other displaced persons around the world and in the United States. UMCOR’s longtime
partnership with the Church World Service (CWS) Immigration and Refugee Program has helped thousands of refugees to begin new lives in the United States.
Michelle Scott/UMCOR
i n 2008, RefU gee MinistR ies
• Supported 1,389 refugees through CWS Immigration and Refugee Program.
• Provided over $11,000 in emergency assistance.
• Provided support for emergency food to refugees in Myanmar; micro-enterprise loans for Colombian
refugees in Chile; and emergency resettlement for a family displaced from Gaza.
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Jeffrey Austin/UMCOR
R e F U G e e SUcceSSStORIe S
RAdiCAl hOspitA lity OffeR s
hOpe tO n e WCOMeRs
Wesley Park United Methodist Church in Wyoming, Mich., is walking in the footsteps of Jesus as they
“welcome the stranger” by co-sponsoring families who come to the United States as refugees.
Three years ago, Kathy Carruthers, a member of Wesley Park, received a call from PARA, a Church World
Service (CWS) affliate, asking if she would lead her church in sponsoring Amir’s family. “I wanted to say
no so badly,” Carruthers recalls. “I just could not imagine taking on that kind of responsibility or time
commitment.” She continues, “I am so happy I agreed, though. Helping this family has been such a blessing
to me. It helps me understand what it means to be Christ with skin on.”
PARA provided the necessary case management and with only a couple of weeks to prepare before Amir
and his family arrived as refugees from Iraq, Carruthers enlisted the help of the entire church who responded
graciously by furnishing a home with everything the family needed. Perhaps more
importantly, the community also befriended the family, making them feel welcome
and secure.
With the guidance and support from many individuals, combined with hard work and
perseverance, Amir and his wife Fadwa have made a true home in what was once a
strange land. They have maintained strong bonds with their friends at Wesley Park who frst
welcomed them to the United States.
After the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, many of the Iraqi civilians who had helped the US
were forced to fee. In recent years, millions of Iraqis have left, seeking asylum from the
escalating violence in their home country. “While the United States has agreed to resettle
thousands of Iraqi refugees, the process often moves slowly. Having people like those in the
Wesley Park community who are willing to co-sponsor a family in need is a true blessing,”
said Naomi Madsen, executive for UMCOR’s refugee ministries.
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Jeffrey Austin/UMCOR

Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR
26
heAlth
UMCOR works within and through communities to promote good health in the United States and abroad. Health
should be attainable, accessible, and sustainable—UMCOR Health programs work to make this goal a reality.
UMCOR Health works internationally with United Methodist hospitals and clinics to reach out to communities
to combat major health issues such as malnutrition, maternal and child mortality, HIV/AIDS and malaria with
education, medication and preventative measures.
Inside of the United States, UMCOR Health connects people to health resources and support networks. UMCOR
Health also works with advocacy networks for people with disabilities.
glOBAl heAlth i nitiA tive
UMCOR Health is part of The United Methodist Church’s Global Health Initiative and Campaign to Fight Malaria.
UMCOR works in partnership with the UN Foundation, Gates Foundation, and Global Fund to strengthen UMC
health boards, increase local capacity, leverage partnerships and funds to support United Methodist hospitals and
clinics overseas.
C OMMUnity BA sed pRi MARy heAlth CARe
Focuses on maternal and child health; potable water and sanitation; transmittable disease and training community
health workers; supports Community Based Primary Health Care programs in nine countries in Africa and Asia.
United MethO dist glOBAl Aids fUn d
This interagency program raises funds to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2008, the Fund granted $652,125 to 67
projects. The majority of those projects are located in sub-Saharan Africa.
C OMMUnity-BA sed MAlARiA C O ntROl pROg RAM
This program provides for malaria education, medication and mosquito nets in eight African countries. In 2008, this
program supported an innovative train-the-trainer program that resulted in nearly 800 volunteer malaria educators from The
United Methodist Church in Côte d’Ivoire. This provided needed support to a net distribution that took place in partnership
with the Texas Annual Conferences and Nothing But Nets in November 2008.
hOspitA l RevitA liZAtiO n
The Hospital Revitalization Program supports 17 hospitals and 41 clinics in Africa, Asia and Latin America by helping them
expand their community health programs and improve quality of care.
Us heAlth
UMCOR works as a resource for churches seeking to establish congregational health ministries with clergy, the congregation
and community. Parish nursing and other health ministers play a key role in health ministries.
UMCOR works to make
health attainable,
accessible, and
sustainable.
Michelle Scott/UMCOR
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Michelle Scott/UMCOR
H e A L t H SUcceSSStORIe S
knOWledge is pOWeR i n
the f ight AgAinst MAlARi A
Magan Ekoua smiles as her young children take an afternoon nap in the blue glow cast by their new mosquito
net. “The net lasts fve years—it will be good for my children in the long run,” she says quietly as her children
sleep. The net creates a barrier between her sleeping children and the malaria-causing mosquitoes.
The day before, Magan stood for four hours in the hot West African sun to have her three children vaccinated
against measles, receive a vitamin A supplement and de-worming treatments as well as the mosquito net—
all for free. This was part of a national vaccination campaign throughout Côte d’Ivoire that took place
Nov. 10-15, 2008.
Along with the mosquito net, Magan and the tens of thousands of parents like her learned some malaria basics
from UMCOR-trained volunteers from The United Methodist Church of Côte d’Ivoire and Texas. Volunteers
taught parents how to hang and use the net, how malaria is spread and how to take simple steps to reduce the
number of mosquitoes in and around the home.
These are important lessons in a region where there are common misconceptions about malaria, including that
it is caused by too much sun exposure, consuming palm oil and witchcraft.
Providing communities with information about this deadly disease and how it can be prevented and treated is
how the battle of malaria can be fought—and won—home by home, community by community all across Africa.
UMCOR’s train-the-trainer program started with just 50 volunteers from the Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conference
who in turn trained individuals from their districts. By the time the campaign began, nearly 800 Ivorian
volunteers were equipped to not only pass along important malaria information to families during the fve-day
vaccination campaign, but also to their own families and communities and who ever else willing to listen about
ways to prevent this disease that kills a child every 30 seconds.
This largest mosquito net distribution to take place in Côte d’Ivoire is a result of a dynamic partnership between
The United Methodist Church of Côte d’Ivoire, The Texas Annual Conference, The United Nations Foundation,
United Methodist Communications and UMCOR.
28 29

Relief sUpplies
Kits and other supplies provided by United Methodists throughout the United States support UMCOR’s work in the US and internationally. In 2008, UMCOR began
expanding its depot network by laying the groundwork for a depot in the Western Jurisdiction in Salt Lake City and in the Philippines. These centers will increase the
capacity of UMCOR’s relief supply ministry which has been based at the Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., since 1992.
UMCOR West
Prepared for new depot and offce opening. In 2008, UMCOR secured a facility, initiated local partnerships, hired staff and prepared for facility opening in early 2009.
UMCOR sAgeR B ROWn d epO t
In 2008, UMCOR Sager Brown sent $4.8 million in relief supplies through:
• 32 domestic shipments • 12,098 Sewing Kits
• 16 international shipments; worth over $3.5 million • 8,094 Layette Kits
• 148,964 Health Kits • 896 Bedding Kits
• 102,882 School Kits • 22,718 Cleaning Buckets
Sager Brown hosted 2,370 volunteers for over 43,053 volunteer hours.
As part of its community outreach, Sager Brown volunteers also completed 43 housing rehabilitation projects and distributed more than 7,880 USDA commodities boxes
to local senior citizens.
30 31
Zaven Khachikian

R e L I e F S U P P L I e S
Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR
k its O f hOpe
SUcceSSStORIe S
In the nation of Georgia, happy faces, smiles and hundreds of cheerful voices flled a room when children saw
the arrival of school kits, health kits and sewing kits from UMCOR. UMCOR Georgia and a local partner, the
Fund to Support Disabled IDP Children, jointly distributed the kits to 300 displaced children. Seven-year-old
Gio said excitedly, “This is the happiest day in my life. Thank you for this.”
Every day lives around the world are touched by these gifts. Large tangible items like food, clothing, shelter
and clean water are gifts of survival. But it’s also the smaller everyday gifts—a needle, thread, a ruler, a pen, a
pillow or sheet—contained in an UMCOR kit that brings hope in a more personal way.
In places like Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, people who are sick, elderly, women, children, refugees and
other vulnerable groups are being cared for
through the distribution of these material
resources. The kits are delivered to primary
healthcare facilities and the institutions that
serve the people in need. Whether they
are school supplies to help a child return
to school, fabric and thread to help make
a dress or a baby blanket to help a mother
care for her child, these kits are meeting
personal everyday needs.
32 33
Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR

Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR
compassion
2008 AU dited f inAnCiAl stAteM ent
l etteR f ROM the tReAsURe R
In 2008, UMCOR continued its compassionate work to reach out to some of the world’s most vulnerable people with
programs that provide healing and hope. We provided $93.3 million to support programs that provided real help to
people suffering from war, natural disaster, poverty and disease. UMCOR’s total expenditures amount to $98.6 million,
representing just $5.2 million spent on administrative and fundraising expenses.
Even in the face of tough economic times, UMCOR experienced a small increase in revenue from 2007, primarily due
to the generous gifts of United Methodists to UMCOR programs designated through The Advance.
The $27.4 million in contributed goods represent medicines and relief supplies that went to people in need through
UMCOR’s international feld operations and assistance that went to disaster survivors in the United States. This
includes a $14.4 million gift of medicines UMCOR delivered to hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
made by Islamic Relief, USA at the request of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO.
UMCOR’s ability to Be There and Be Hope depends on the continued faithful support of United Methodists and others
who give to UMCOR’s programs. Thank you for your trust in us as we work on your behalf to serve all of God’s people
everywhere.
Roland Fernandes
Treasurer
sUMMARiZed AU dited stAteM ent O f AC tivities
For the year ending d ec. 31, 2008
O peRAting
R evenU e
Advance Special (Designated) Gifts
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
Contributed Goods
Grants and Contracts
Gifts and Bequests
United Methodist Women’s Gifts
Investment Income
Other Income
Year Ending
Temporarily Permanently Dec. 31,
Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total 2007
$4,750,833
2,964,702
27,422,749
29,649,909
1,007,599
2,206,650
1,082,518
69,084,960
$11,722,536
100,000
130,274
11,952,810
net Assets Released
from Restrictions 32,597,811 (32,597,811)
$16,473,369
2,964,702
27,422,749
29,649,909
1,107,599
130,274
2,206,650
1,082,518
81,037,770
$12,855,168
3,124,679
11,433,211
44,765,442
1,336,375
101,689
2,590,289
1,562,866
77,769,719
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $101,682,771 ($20,645,001) $81,037,770 $77,769,719
34 35

36
O peRAting
expenses
p ROg RAM seR viC es
sUppORting
seR viC es
UMCOR Ministries
Advance Special Projects
Relief Projects (Grant Funds)
Year Ending
Temporarily Permanently Dec. 31,
Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total 2007
$6,118,244
31,878,338
55,337,144
$6,118,244
31,878,338
55,337,144
$4,265,246
33,381,808
55,190,568
total Program Services 93,333,726 93,333,726 92,837,622
Management and General
Fundraising
4,427,231
798,858
4,427,231
798,858
4,280,344
834,163
total Supporting Services 5,226,089 5,226,089 5,114,507
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
Difference in Net Assets
from Operations
Endowment, Planned Giving and
Other Non-operating Activities (Net)
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
98,559,815
3,122,956
(519,416)
2,603,540
(20,645,001)
(72,741)
(20,717,742)
161,249
161,249
98,559,815
(17,522,045)
(430,908)
(17,952,953)
97,952,129
(20,182,410)
1,637,134
(18,545,276)
net assets at Beginning of year 21,622,920 53,631,133 1,329,035 76,583,088 95,128,364
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR $24,226,460 $32,913,391 $1,490,284 $58,630,135 $76,583,088
* UMCOR’s Program Service expenditures are made up of three components: UMCOR Ministries includes UMCOR’s core program expenditures not funded through The Advance or grants;
Advance Projects are designated gifts to specifc programs given through The Advance; Relief Projects includes grant-related expenditures.
NOTE: Complete fnancial statements, audited by Crosslin and Associates, are available upon request. Consolidated fnancial statements are available at www.umcor.org.
R evenU es
Advance special (designated) gifts
$16,473,369
One great hour of sharing Offering
$2,964,702
Contributed goods
$27,422,749
grants and Contracts
$29,649,909
gifts and Bequests
$1,107,599
United Methodist Women’s gifts
$130,274
investment income
$2,206,650
Other income
$1,082,518
expenses
UMCOR Ministries
$6,118,244
Advance special projects
$31,878,338
fundraising
$798,858
Management and general
$4,427,231
Relief projects (grant funds)
$55,337,144

UMCOR’s mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering—
whether caused by war, confict or natural disaster, with open hearts and minds to all people.
COntACt Us
UMCOR
United Methodist Committee on Relief
Health and Welfare Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 330
New York, NY 10115
800-554-8583
UMCOR NGO (Field Offces)
475 Riverside Drive, Room 1374
New York, NY 10115
212-870-3552
UMCOR US Disaster Response Offce
100 Maryland Ave., NE Suite 315
Washington, DC 20002
202-548-4002
UMCOR Sager Brown (Relief Supplies)
101 Sager Brown Road
PO Box 850
Baldwin, LA 70514
800-814-8765
www.umcor.org umcor@gbgm-umc.org
UMCOR is a part of the General Board of
Global Ministries
UMCOR BOARd
2009-2012
Bishop janice Riggle huie
SC - Texas
President
Mrs. gloria holt
SE - North Alabama
Recording Secretary
Mr. sam Aguirre
SC - Oklahoma
dr. timothy l. Bias *
NC - Illinois Great Rivers
Ms. yuland daley
NE - New England
Ms. josephine deere *
SC - Oklahoma Indian Missy
Mr. pontus fred
CC - Europe
Rev. jonathan holston
SE - North Georgia
Mr. Manuel jaramilla
CC - Phillippines
Ms. judith pierre-Okerson
SE - Florida
Mr. thomas kemper *
CC - Central Germany
Vice-President
O f diReCtORs :
Mr. Roland fernandes
(UMCOR Staff)
Treasurer
Mr. turner Arant *
SE - Mississippi
Rev. eduardo Bousson
SC - Kansas East
Rev. Bau dang *
WS - California Pacifc
Ms. jackie euper
NC - Detroit
Ms. Courtney harvey
NE - Central Pennsylvania
Rev. denise honeycutt
SE - Virginia
Ms. tupou seini kelemeni
WS - California Pacifc
Rev. dr. lillian gallo seagren
NC - Iowa
* Executive and Emergency Funding
Committee Members
Cover photo credits:
photo 1: Daria Paprocka/UMCOR
photo 2: Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR
photo 3: Paul Jeffrey/UMCOR