Yes, check out charities before making any donations. UMCOR is rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator. 100% of designated donations go to that project. Administrative and other overhead expenses are paid for by local church apportionments and special offerings. "UMCOR is dedicated to alleviating human suffering, whether caused by war, conflict or natural disaster" AND without prejudice regarding the religious (or non-religious) beliefs of those in need. Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors.
you said secular charities have abandoned people. religious charities have too.
I just have a problem with religious teaching or converting.. to me.. it is a lack of respect for their beliefs... You probably would not like it if charity collected money to go help haiti while spreading atheism... and I would not like it either... trying to convert those in need to a certain religion or even to atheism is a lack of respect for their beliefs..
There may be dozens of atheists working to help people in Haiti but I doubt any of them are there as part of a charity spreading atheism which is what you brought up.
@sigmet61, some groups preach first & meet needs 2nd. That is not the United Methodist way. We help those in need, regardless of their faith or lack there of. We share our faith in relief only when asked. The head of UMCOR was killed in the earthquake because he was coordinating the thousands of UM Volunteers who go each year to help people who most had forgotten. His salary was paid through church budgets so that 100% of UMCOR donations can go to relief (not evangelism or administration)
You really need to be careful to whom you give in this situation. The Red Cross is fine, but not everything you give will go to Haiti, if that is what you intend. UMCOR give 100% of your donation to the intended relief effort. And yes, this is a Christian organization that supports doctors, medicine, supplies, etc. And as far as "preachers" goes, Haiti definitely needs needs them, too.
Giving cash is the best way to help the Haitians and the Red Cross is excellent, but I would not call UMCOR just preachers. Their mission statement is on their web page. I've heard good things about their work in Haiti prior to the quake, and also their work after Katrina.
grazon.. i do not doubt they would... put given to a secular charity may send the money to the right place... none of it will go to try converting people..
There are many secular charities that are scams or use money to cover the costs of the organization.
UMCOR doesn't do this.
What's more they are known for getting set up first, being able to do more, and staying long after secular charities have abandoned people that are still in need of help.
Yes, check out charities before making any donations. UMCOR is rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator. 100% of designated donations go to that project. Administrative and other overhead expenses are paid for by local church apportionments and special offerings. "UMCOR is dedicated to alleviating human suffering, whether caused by war, conflict or natural disaster" AND without prejudice regarding the religious (or non-religious) beliefs of those in need. Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors.
sukiatl 2 years ago
you said secular charities have abandoned people. religious charities have too.
I just have a problem with religious teaching or converting.. to me.. it is a lack of respect for their beliefs... You probably would not like it if charity collected money to go help haiti while spreading atheism... and I would not like it either... trying to convert those in need to a certain religion or even to atheism is a lack of respect for their beliefs..
Gday
sigmet61 2 years ago
I'm invisioning just what a charity spreading atheism would tell people in Haiti.
"I'm sorry little girl I know you just lost everything but guess what?
There is no heaven there's no chance you'll ever see your family again."
grazon 2 years ago
Grazon. there are 1000s of atheists working for charities in haiti.
You would think they are christians because you have been told all your live that you have to be christians to have good morals... soo wrong.
Every atheist I know respects people's beliefs... they dont try to change them.. they go and help to help.. not to convert..
At my work.. it is the atheist who adopts a family each christmas... it is the atheist who fosters children in his home.
Atheism does not equal bad values.
Gday
sigmet61 2 years ago
There may be dozens of atheists working to help people in Haiti but I doubt any of them are there as part of a charity spreading atheism which is what you brought up.
grazon 2 years ago
@sigmet61, some groups preach first & meet needs 2nd. That is not the United Methodist way. We help those in need, regardless of their faith or lack there of. We share our faith in relief only when asked. The head of UMCOR was killed in the earthquake because he was coordinating the thousands of UM Volunteers who go each year to help people who most had forgotten. His salary was paid through church budgets so that 100% of UMCOR donations can go to relief (not evangelism or administration)
tskumc 2 years ago
You really need to be careful to whom you give in this situation. The Red Cross is fine, but not everything you give will go to Haiti, if that is what you intend. UMCOR give 100% of your donation to the intended relief effort. And yes, this is a Christian organization that supports doctors, medicine, supplies, etc. And as far as "preachers" goes, Haiti definitely needs needs them, too.
lauriecoffel 2 years ago
Giving cash is the best way to help the Haitians and the Red Cross is excellent, but I would not call UMCOR just preachers. Their mission statement is on their web page. I've heard good things about their work in Haiti prior to the quake, and also their work after Katrina.
hch73052 2 years ago
I suggest giving to the Red Cross or Doctors without borders.. they dont need preachers.. they need doctors and food..
sigmet61 2 years ago
What makes you think the UMCOR doesn't send medical personel and food?
prej·u·dice (prj-ds)
n.
1.
a. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.
b. A preconceived preference or idea.
grazon 2 years ago
grazon.. i do not doubt they would... put given to a secular charity may send the money to the right place... none of it will go to try converting people..
sigmet61 2 years ago
There are many secular charities that are scams or use money to cover the costs of the organization.
UMCOR doesn't do this.
What's more they are known for getting set up first, being able to do more, and staying long after secular charities have abandoned people that are still in need of help.
grazon 2 years ago