It was more than a helpless feeling.  It was tragic.  It was horror.  It was a nightmare, except, he wasn’t asleep.  This was life, and all he could do was to sit by, hold hands, wipe faces and pray.  Yet, even the deepest yearnings of his heart could not stop the assault.  Even his most earnest prayers did not bring about healing, for Marvin is a child caught in one of the most horrific pandemics of our time.  Marvin is a child who watched his father die from the ravaging disease of Aids, and then, one year later, watched his mother die as well. 

Marvin is 16, and as a young man who could work, life might have been tolerable following his parent’s deaths.  He might have been able to earn enough on which to live and maybe even save a bit of money as well, but Marvin has a younger brother and sister.  And so, he struggles.  He struggles to stay in school so that he might have some hope in his future.  He struggles to work so that his brother and sister will have enough to eat.  He struggles each and every day … and he continues to pray … that someone might help … that someone might care enough to hear his story and respond. 

Marvin is just one of the tens of thousands of orphans in Zimbabwe who have lost their parents due to Aids.  And Zimbabwe is just one country of dozens where the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) seeks to proclaim the love of Christ through ministries of compassionate action. 

On March 18, 2007, the forth Sunday of Lent, United Methodist around the world come together to support UMCOR’s ministries, our ministries, through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS).  UMCOR’s ministries are a voice of hope for so many who have little hope.  It is the portrait of life for so many who live in the shadow of death.  UMCOR is our response to such disasters as refugee crises, famine, pandemics, flooding, tornados, violence, and earthquakes.  It is our response of love to a world in the midst of tragedy.  If you are unable to give on March 18th, your gifts are welcome on any day!  

OGHS is the major funding source for our response in the world.  Please prayerfully consider a generous gift on this special day. 

Remember ... One Great Hour of Sharing ... It's not just a program, it is a way to reach out and touch the face of Christ!

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