MCS gives $538,000 to disaster victims

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN SINGAPORE (MCS) has given more than half a million dollars to victims of the Sichuan earthquake in China and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.

A total of $538,638.95 was raised by MCS members following requests for assistance from the China Christian Council, the Myanmar Council of Churches and The Methodist Church of The Union of Myanmar (Lower Myanmar) after the two areas were hit by the disasters.

After deliberations by the General Conference Disaster Response Team, the MCS disbursed:

• $222,947.47 to the China Christian Council for victims of the Sichuan earthquake (this was the full amount or donations received for the Sichuan earthquake);
• $105,000 to the Myanmar Council of Churches (for Cyclone Nargis);
• $20,000 to The Methodist Church of The Union of Myanmar (Lower Myanmar); and
• $190,691.48 to the Singapore Red Cross Society, specifically for disaster relief work in connection with Cyclone Nargis (this was the balance of the donations received for Myanmar).    
  
  

The China Christian Council had asked for funds primarily for the reconstruction of churches and other buildings.

The Myanmar Council of Churches needed funds for livelihood projects in agriculture and fishing and for the reconstruction of buildings.

The Methodist Church of The Union of Myanmar (Lower Myanmar) asked for money to construct community halls, to buy medical supplies and equipment, and tools for training of mechanics, as well as to conduct training courses for mechanics and midwives. The Disaster Response Team decided to give $20,000 to the church.

The MCS would like to thank its members and local churches for their generous contributions.