News & Stories

Migration & Refugees

Explore how your gifts and our global partnerships connect local churches and communities in mission to alleviate human suffering around the world.

World Refugee Day reminds us of our personal, scriptural and theological roots to affirm and welcome refugees seeking safety today.

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Global Ministries launches emergency food grants to support U.S. churches and food pantries combating hunger.
In response to the displacement of thousands of people, UMCOR is supplying materials for temporary shelter as well as food, hygiene and health items.
UMCOR’s work with Syrian refugees living in Lebanon and Jordan engages with four partners to provide counseling, rent and medical assistance and clearing of landmines.
More than 500 families affected by severe flooding in April received much needed assistance in the form of food, hygiene items and medical supplies.
In South America, an UMCOR partnership extends the ministries of Methodists in Peru, Brazil and Colombia who offer welcome to those fleeing Venezuela.
Global Ministries launches emergency food grants to support U.S. churches and food pantries combating hunger.
After 20 months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention, J. underwent major surgery and was then released ...
Decades of support and funding from Global Ministries’ Community Developers Program has helped Buena Vista UMC increase outreach within its community.
Asylum seekers in New York, Miami and Houston find a new avenue of hope through an UMCOR, Justice For Our Neighbors and Church World Service partnership. The UMCOR Asylum Project seeks to provide legal representation and case management for those with compelling reasons not to return to their home countries.

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Have questions? Send us an inquiry and we’ll get back to you promptly. Please direct all media inquiries to Susan Clark, chief communications officer for Global Ministries and UMCOR.

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Susan Clark, Chief Communications Officer
media@umcmission.org
800-862-4246

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Six Years, No Solution: A 500-Gallon Tank Carries Hope to West Virginia’s Forgotten

McDowell County is one of the poorest in the U.S., and the communities of Anawalt, Leckie and Gary are some of the hardest hit by the current six-year water crisis. All have Methodist churches that are part of the Welch Charge.

To ease the burden of residents who have to purchase many gallons of drinking water weekly, the Welch Charge contacted the West Virginia Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Jim McCune, for help. McCune’s United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) connection put him in touch with Global Ministries’ Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program. 

A WASH grant allowed them to obtain a 500-gallon “water buffalo.” The conference disaster response team arranged to fill the portable water buffalo from the Welch water system, the county seat of McDowell, and transport it to Gary, where residents have been supplied with refillable containers. Residents of all three towns can come to get water, and volunteers will also continue deliveries for those who need it. Meanwhile, residents, including church members, continue to advocate state and local officials for a permanent solution to their aging, compromised water infrastructure. Full Story