22 May 2009
Appeal for Sri Lankan Churches struggling with refugee crisis
The Methodist Church's Fund for World Mission is working with
local churches in Sri Lanka to deliver immediate aid and
relief.
The Church is appealing for people to help alleviate the suffering
caused by the conflict by donating to the Fund.
A £15,000 grant from the Fund for World Mission will be sent to Sri
Lankan Church leaders to help assist victims affected by the Sri
Lankan humanitarian crisis and to take initiatives to build peace.
The gift follows an earlier £20,000 Fund for World Mission grant
made in October after around 200,000 residents in the Wanni region
in the north of the country became trapped by heavy shelling and
aerial bombing.
Revd Ebenezer Joseph, President of the Methodist Church in Sri
Lanka, said: "The willingness of the Methodist people in the UK
really strengthens us. The demands are increasing as the number of
refugees rises. Our needs for the next six months may be something
around Rs 20 million (£113,000) at least.
"Please continue to pray specially for the people who are caught in
between. It's God grace alone that enables us to continue with what
could be done without just giving up."
Stephen Poxon, President of Methodist Conference in Britain, wrote
to Church leaders in Sri Lanka last week.
"As I travel around Britain you and your nation are mentioned and
upheld in prayer in almost every church and fellowship meeting I
attend," he said.
"We pray for an end to violence and hatred, for healing and
reconciliation to come and that lasting peace which is born out of
there being justice for all. We continue to stand alongside you and
seek to respond to your growing needs as we are able."
David Bennett, Fundraising Coordinator, said: "People's generous
giving over the years has enabled the Fund for World Mission to
respond immediately to the crisis in Sri Lanka with support
totalling £35,000."
"This, however, is just the start. Donations are still needed by
our Partner Churches to continue this vital work and we now need to
top up our reserves so that we can respond just as quickly to
similar situations. Please support our work with Partner Churches
by making a donation to the Fund for World Mission. You can do this
by sending a cheque to the below address (quoting the reference
SR59) or by making an online payment through www.justgiving.com/mcfworldmission."