ERD's online "Crisis Center" provides updates on South Asia response

[ENS] Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has launched a special "Crisis Center" section on its website following the tsunamis in South Asia, featuring program updates and useful resources such as reflections, bulletin inserts and sermons.

"ERD is actively working in South Asia to provide initial emergency relief and staff is currently in affected countries evaluating our long-term response," said Sandra Swan, ERD president. "Our site can be used to get the latest information about our work and find out how the overwhelming generosity from Episcopalians is helping rebuild lives."

One special section, "Stories from the Field," features weekly reports and photographs from ERD staff on a month-long assessment trip visiting devastated countries in South Asia. The objective of the trip is to work with local partners to identify needs and develop a long-term rebuilding program. In the first story posted, Daniel Conway, program associate, provides reflections and images from devastated regions in Thailand.

Visit www.er-d.org/tsunami frequently for the most recent updates on South Asia.

To help families rebuild after the devastating earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia, donate to the South Asia Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/ or call 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, South Asia Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

ERD provides relief after drought in Burundi

[ENS] Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is providing emergency assistance to people in northern Burundi suffering from a severe drought. In the provinces of Kirundo, Muyinga, and Ngozi, rain shortages have caused crops to dry up, food shortages are affecting an estimated 20,000 children who are suffering from malnutrition, and at least 350,000 people are in danger of starvation. The number of livestock has decreased dramatically, resulting in a loss of income and food for many people.

"For the last three years, the rains have either been insufficient or have come at the wrong time for crops to be planted, to grow, or to be harvested," reported the Church of Burundi. "Hope diminishes as the little amount of food people have disappears and they become totally dependent on help from others."

Janette O'Neill, program director for Africa, visited the drought affected area in the Province of Kirundo last week. "The situation is urgent. Each day, more people suffer and many die from malnutrition and related illnesses," she said. O'Neill is in Africa visiting ERD's HIV/AIDS and malaria partnership programs.

On behalf of Episcopalians, ERD is providing emergency funds to the Church of Burundi for assistance such as food, drought-resistant seeds, water, and first aid supplies. The assistance will get basic food supplies to vulnerable families.

To make a contribution to help people immediately after disasters, donate to the Emergency Relief Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

"Wave of Love" tsunami relief benefit concert February 5

The Church Council of Greater Seattle, Seattle First United Methodist Church, City Cantabile Choir, Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church and many other organizations -- including Episcopal Relief and Development -- invite the Greater Seattle community to a service and benefit concert for victims of the South Asian tsunamis at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, at Seattle First United Methodist Church, 811 Fifth Avenue in downtown Seattle.

The service will begin with interfaith prayers, followed by a concert, and will welcome representatives from Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Roman Catholic and Protestant faiths.

A free-will offering is requested, with all proceeds to go to tsunami survivors through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Church World Service, World Vision, Episcopal Relief and Development, and Red Cross/Red Crescent.
 
For further information, phone Micki Kent at 206.622.7278, ext. 24, or e-mail micki@firstchurchseattle.org.

"Wave of Faith" multi-faith fundraising event February 6

An all community fundraiser for helping those affected by the tsunami tragedy in South Asia will be held on Sunday, February 6, from 6 - 10 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Bellevue, Washington.

"Wave of Faith: Helping turn the Tide" will bring together Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists.

Tickets are $20 per person and dinner will be provided.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina, Washington, is one of the sponsoring organizations. Proceeds will go directly to a participating charity, which includes Episcopal Relief and Development. Further information can be found online at: http://www.stthomasmedina.org/.