UMCOR supports tree-planting project in Philippines

United Methodists are planting native trees in a flood-prone area on the island of Palawan. The reforestation project is a joint venture between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Manila Episcopal Area. Bread of Life United Methodist Church in the area has flooded several times in the past, and residents hope the tree planting will result in a long-term solution. Jhoanna Ragasa, Cedric Sagun and John Rey Velasco report from the Philippines, with photos by Cheryl Regnim and Jerry Dumaya.

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News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

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Disaster Relief
A disaster site hit by a massive debris flow along a tributary of the Bhotekoshi River is seen in Bidur, Nepal, on Aug. 28. Nepalese police said the death toll had reached 469 as of the morning of Aug. 28 after catastrophic flooding and debris flows struck the Nepal-Tibet border region. Photo by Yomiuri Shimbun, via AP.

Churches mobilize after deadly Nepal-Tibet floods

Churches and mission partners are responding after catastrophic floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, as Asian Christian leaders call for prayer, humanitarian support and sustained solidarity with affected communities.
Disaster Relief
The Rev. Heather J. Zisengwe, superintendent for The United Methodist Church’s Bulawayo Midlands District in Zimbabwe, holds a baby at a transit camp set up by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches for migrants who have left South Africa amid anti-immigration protests. The temporary center in the sanctuary of the United Church of Christ in Southern Africa in Njube was the hub for humanitarian efforts by mainline churches in Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Heather J. Zisengwe.

United Methodists respond to South African migration crisis

The United Methodist Church supports thousands of undocumented migrants fleeing anti-foreigner protests in South Africa.
Disaster Relief
Suzette Marzo with the United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship prepares to distribute food to children during a relief operation in Sarangani province, Philippines, after a deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Southern Mindanao on June 8, leaving many in the region displaced. The efforts were led by Central United Methodist Church of General Santos City. Photo courtesy of Marife Cambel.

Relief reaches hard-hit areas after earthquake

The United Methodist Church in the Philippines and church partners have provided food, supplies and spiritual care to more than 700 families following deadly quake.

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