NASHVILLE, Tenn.  The United Methodist Church will use a full-page advertisement in USA Today to offer a message of healing and encourage support for relief efforts following the Dec. 26 earthquake in the Indian Ocean, according to the United Methodist News Service.
The advertisement is scheduled to appear in USA Today's Jan. 3 edition in the United States and in its international editions on Tuesday, Jan. 4. The undersea earthquake caused tidal waves that struck at least 12 countries from Southeast Asia to Africa, killing at least 117,000 people. The ad is a major element of the church's effort to assist victims of the disaster, said Bishop Peter D. Weaver, president of the denomination's Council of Bishops.
"We are called to respond to a loss of life and human suffering that is nearly beyond our ability to comprehend," Weaver said. "The United Methodist Church has a long history of responding to those in need. For more than 60 years the United Methodist Committee on Relief has offered long-term assistance to victims of disaster around the globe."
The ad focuses on weathered hands folded in prayer, with the headline: "In eleven countries, hands folded in prayer are already at work." The text asks people to join in giving "to those who have lost so much. ... Through whatever means that comfort you, let your prayers and generosity be felt across the world."
The ad is sponsored by United Methodist Communications, the denomination's communications agency. UMCom is responsible for the denomination's advertising campaign, "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. The People of The United Methodist Church."
"The struggle of those affected by this disaster is our struggle as well," Weaver said. "As we keep those persons in our prayers, we are getting to work to help them for as long as it takes to rebuild lives and communities."
