FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2010
Nashville: In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, The United Methodist Church will air a specially produced television spot on CNN Headline News starting today and continuing through Monday, January 18. The 15-second spot will air 17 times during general news programming during the 4-day period. Banner advertisements will also appear online on CNN's home page.
Produced by United Methodist Communications, the commercial's message is a simple, but powerful one. Imposed over an image of praying hands, the text reads, "Haiti. First response is prayer. Second response is up to all of us. Find out how at 10thousanddoors.org. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. The people of The United Methodist Church."
"We hope to encourage people to reflect upon the tragedy and pray for those who have been affected, and we also want to provide an opportunity to act," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. "In the midst of a tragedy, we are in some ways helpless, but in fact we can act in several ways."
At the 10thousanddoors.org Web site, viewers will find opportunities to take action-either to advocate or donate to help the people of Haiti-or to join in a prayer wall. The prayers will be passed along to those suffering from the tragedy, as well as those helping in the relief effort.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), the humanitarian relief agency for The United Methodist Church, is responding to the devastating earthquake with funding and material resources. UMCOR's two relief supply warehouses are asking for health kits that can be sent to earthquake-devastated Haiti.
It's not the first time the third largest U.S. denomination has reached out via local and national media to deliver messages of condolence and comfort.
"When people are hurting, we need a reminder that we are still embraced by the love of a caring God, and we are connected by human bonds as well as spiritual bonds to each other," said Hollon. "That's an important voice to offer."
For more information on how The United Methodist Church is responding to the Haiti disaster, visit www.umc.org/haiti.
Media Contact: Diane Degnan
(615) 742-54106(office) (615) 483-1765
[email protected]
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