The images from Tennessee strike close to home. Many of us want to help.  The best way at this time is with prayers and financial donations through UMCOR Special Advance #901670. After the affected communities have had time to access damage, to account for all their residents and to make the communities secure, there will be opportunities to “go and help.” PLEASE DO NOT simply go at this time.

There are currently many opportunities to help all over the country. Since January 2020 we have had disasters in Puerto Rico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska and the Pacific Northwest. Parts of Western Iowa are still recovering from flooding a year ago.  

If you want to be able to go and help, consider getting trained as an ERT (Early/Emergency Response Team Training). This training helps responders to know the best and appropriate ways to help. This is an UMCOR Certified Training and will connect you with other ERT Trained people from around the country. ERT Training benefits ALL volunteers after disaster and long term responders as well.  

ERT Training will be Offered Saturday March 14, 2020, 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, at the Iowa Annual Conference, Conference Center in Des Moines.  Registration is still open. Click here for details.

For those who have been ERT Trained but their certification has ended (every three years) ERT Re-Certification will be offered Friday, March 13, 2020, 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Iowa Conference Center. Click here for details.

Blessings,

Pastor Catie Newman
Iowa Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
disaster.response@iaumc.org
712-899-4067
iaumc.org/disasterministries