Methodist Church launches Mexico flood appeal

The Methodist Church has launched an emergency appeal for funds following the devastating floods that have swept through south Mexico in the wake of the heaviest rains to hit the country for 40 years.

The Church's Fund for World Mission has already pledged a solidarity grant of £7,500 towards the appeal and charity Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) has offered £5,000 to assist relief work.

The extent of the flooding is massive, with the states of Tabasco and Veracruz particularly affected. At least 500,000 people have been made homeless and are facing the destruction of their crops and outbreaks of disease.

Rev Thomas Quenet, World Church Officer for Americas and the Caribbean, said: "The full extent of this tragedy is yet to be seen, but we do know that thousands of people will be faced with rebuilding their lives from scratch.

"We are encouraging people to offer whatever support they can, not only with their pockets, but also with their prayers."

Those wishing to support the appeal can send cheques, made payable to:
The Methodist Church Fund to World Mission, to Mexico Flood Appeal, World Church Relationships Office, Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR.

People can also give securely online at www.justgiving.com/mexicoflood

This is part of the Church's new easy-to-use online giving facility through www.justgiving.com. UK tax payers can even GiftAid their donations, offering the appeal an extra 28% of their donation at no extra cost to them.