Letter of Solidarity from Bishop Bravo

Bishop of the Methodist Church of Peru

August 16, 2007
Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ:
 
Thank you very much for the letters of solidarity and support that we have been receiving from both within and outside the country from church members, churches and ecumenical institutions, as a sign of Christian brotherly solidarity in this time of pain and suffering among our people, especially in southern Peru (Chincha, Pisco, Ica, and Nazca) where the earthquake of August 15 at 6:40 p.m. reached a magnitude of 8.0 degrees on the Ritcher scale, causing the destruction of 80% of the homes, the death of over 500 people, with more than 1,000 injured and in which many families have lost everything they possess.  Within this context are our Methodist churches.
 
The Methodist Church of Peru is organizing the districts to receive nonperishable food, water, flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, candy, and everything else that will be necessary in this situation.  In addition, a team of volunteers is being organized to go to these areas to deliver the donations.  If you are interested in helping, you may contact us at 424-5970 and 431-8995. 
 
We know that we can also count on the support of many brothers and sisters from within the country and from outside.  But we want to emphasize that at this time, we need all your support:  spiritual, economic, material, (food, clothing, etc.) and professional (health care professionals and support staff) because there are many places where no aid of any kind has arrived.  As children of God, we need to witness to the fact that in spite of the testing we may have, our Almighty God will not abandon us.  “But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.” (II Corinthians 4:7-10)
 
As Christians we know that our love of God is reflected in our love for our neighbor as for ourselves, and a sign of that love in this situation is to give them all the help we can offer. 

In the NC Conference, please make your gift through the UMCOR Advance. 

To make a gift for this recovery effort, simply place your gift in any United Methodist church Sunday offering.  Please designate on your gift:

UMCOR Advance #982450

Peru Earthquake 

You can also mail checks to:

The NC Conference/Raleigh Area

Attention: UMCOR Advance #982450 – Peru Earthquake

 PO Box 60053, Charlotte, NC  28260-0053

Please put the name of your church and district on your mailed check.  

Please know that 100% of your gift will go toward relieving the deep suffering wrought by this disaster.

 
We will greatly appreciate your support.
 
Gratefully in the love of our Lord,
 
Bishop Jorge Bravo-Caballero
Jr. Recuay 152, Brena
Lima 5, Peru
Tele-fax 511 431 8995
http://www.iglesiametodista.org.pe