Missions agency expresses support for Russians after tragedy Sept. 7, 2004 By United Methodist News Service United Methodist missions leaders say they are "sick to our souls" for the people of Russia, following terrorist attacks that killed more than 450 people. The Board of Global Ministries extended sympathy and support for Russia in a Sept. 7 statement, "A Message to Russian United Methodists and Their Neighbors in a Time of Trial." Bishop Joel N. Martinez of San Antonio, board president, and the Rev. R. Randy Day, top staff executive, signed the statement. "The directors and staff of the General Board of Global Ministries join hands in faith with United Methodists and their neighbors in Russia in this time of suicide and terrorist attacks that bring fear and uncertainty to your nation and daily life," Martinez and Day wrote. "We are sick to our souls in the loss of lives at the school in Beslan," they said. "Ministry to children and youth is among our mission priorities. The killing and wounding of children, youth and their teachers brings tears to our eyes and pain to our hearts. We are praying for the families of the victims, and we stand with the Russian people in this time of national mourning. Our entire staff is joining today in prayers of remembrance for the victims." The United Methodist Committee on Relief, a unit of the board, will send school kits and health kits to the Beslan area, said Linda Beher, the relief agency’s communications director. Assembling the kits is a good project for a congregation or church school class, she said. Instructions can be found by going to www.umcor.org and clicking on the "Kits" link.More than 350 people - at least half of them children - were killed Sept. 3 in the tragic climax to a three-day hostage crisis at a school in Beslan. A group of militants had seized the school in southern Russia and reportedly demanded independence for the republic of Chechnya, where separatist rebels and Russian troops have been locked in conflict for several years. The hostage crisis ended with a gun battle between the 30 or so militants and Russian security forces. Most of the hostages died in the gunfire or as a result of explosions caused by the militants. The Board of Global Ministries said it also remembered the victims and families of people who died in other incidents leading up to the hostage crisis-two airplane crashes on Aug. 24 that killed 90 people and an Aug. 31 suicide bombing on a subway that killed 10. All of the incidents are believed linked to the war in Chechnya. Martinez and Day said the agency is praying for the United Methodist Church’s leaders in Russia, including Bishop Ruediger Minor, based in Moscow. "We also send our sympathy and loving greetings to the Russian Orthodox Church, which is our ecumenical partner through the World Council of Churches," they said. Martinez leads the United Methodist Church’s San Antonio Area. Day is based in New York. News media contact: Tim Tanton, Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org. The full text of the statement follows: A Message to Russian United Methodists and Their Neighbors In a Time of Trial Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ, the One who upholds and sustains us at all times and in all places. The directors and staff of the General Board of Global Ministries join hands in faith with United Methodists and their neighbors in Russia in this time of suicide and terrorist attacks that bring fear and uncertainty to your nation and to daily life. - We feel your pain for, as St. Paul reminds us, Christians form "one body" and all members suffer together.
- We are sick to our souls in the loss of lives at the school in Beslan. Ministry to children and youth is among our mission priorities. The killing and wounding of children, youth, and their teachers brings tears to our eyes and pain to our hearts. We are praying for the families of the victims and we stand with the Russian people in this time of national mourning. Our entire staff is joining today prayers of remembrance for the victims.
- We also remember the victims and families of those who died in late August airplane crashes and the attack on an underground railway.
- We are praying for the safety of each of you and for an end to the acts of individuals and groups that indiscriminately kill, injure, and threaten adults and children.
- We rejoice in the witness and Christian service that you and your leaders provide to your nation and communities. We are sure that you, acting for all United Methodists through the world, are reaching out whenever possible to bring comfort and healing to those most directly affected by the attacks.
- We are praying for your lay leaders, pastors, district superintendents and your episcopal leader, Bishop Ruediger Minor.
- We also send our sympathy and our loving greetings to the Russian Orthodox Church, which is our ecumenical partner through the World Council of Churches.
May God give all in Russia a strong hope and a resolve in love to bring the Gospel of peace, justice, and salvation to your land, as all of us together seek to be messengers of the Divine Word that is our common light for the future. Amen. Bishop Joel N. Martinez of San Antonio
President The Rev. R. Randy Day
General Secretary General Board of Global Ministries
The United Methodist Church
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