Huron Methodists Donate To Haiti Relief

The United Methodist Church of Huron, 338 Williams St., contributed $1,235 to relief aid to Haiti during their 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday services on Jan. 17. The congregation was especially moved when pastor Roger Skelley-Watts reported that the worldwide head of United Methodist relief services (UMCOR – United Methodist Committee on Relief) perished under the collapsed Hotel Montana before rescue workers could reach him.

The Rev. Sam Dixon was meeting with the head of United Methodist mission volunteers Rev. Clint Rabb and consultant Rev. James Gulley, making plans to improve medical services in Haiti. It was later reported on Sunday afternoon that Rev. Rabb also died of his injuries in a Florida hospital.

UMCOR is one of the most respected relief agencies in the world, usually the first to arrive and the last to leave stricken areas. Because all administrative expenses are covered by congregational gifts during the annual “One Great Hour of Sharing,” 100 percent of any designated donations arrive at their intended project through secure channels. Contributions may be made out to any United Methodist church and labeled “Haiti”.

“Please keep the Dixon and Rabb families in prayer, and the Rev. Gulley who survives, as well as their dedicated staffs who must now attend to this tragedy without their leadership.” Rev. Skelley-Watts requested.

East Ohio Conference Resident Bishop John L. Hopkins issued a statement which reads in part: “My heart aches for the people of Haiti and I know yours does, too … Our prayers and financial support are needed to help our brothers and sisters of Haiti begin to recover from this tragedy.” The East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church has been sending mission trips to Haiti for at least 35 years.