WOC Director Returns from Tsunami Recovery Visit

Thursday, April 12, A.D. 2007

Last week’s earthquake and tsunami in the South Pacific that devastated parts of the Solomon Islands was an unsettling reminder of the tsunami that ravaged several countries ringing the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004. As many as 250,000 people were killed and millions more lost family, home and livelihood in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and other southern Asia countries. Through Week of Compassion, Disciples in the U.S. and Canada have provided more than $2 million to support relief and initial recovery efforts and now, long-term recovery and rehabilitation. March 25-30, WOC Director Johnny Wray traveled to India with a delegation from the Church World Service Emergency Response Program to view first-hand some of the home rebuilding and livelihood restoration programs of long-time Indian church partner, CASA (Churches Auxiliary for Social Action.) Click here to read one story of how our compassionate dollars are being used to bring hope to some of the survivors of that tragedy.

In response to the Solomon Islands’ tsunami, WOC has sent an emergency grant to Action by Churches Together to support the relief efforts of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and its local partners, the United Church of the Solomon Islands and the Church of Melanesia. SICA is providing one-month food parcels, temporary shelter and sleeping materials to 100 of the most needy families (5000 people) in the worst affected areas.

Severe Hurricane Season Predicted

Colorado State University researchers are forecasting that 2007 will be an above average hurricane season, with 19 named storms, of which nine will be hurricanes, including five which will reach category 3 or higher. They are basing their predictions on several factors, including warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and the dissipation of El Nino weather patterns.

With the 2007 hurricane season beginning June 1, Church World Service is reminding its member communions of the urgent needs to replenish its seriously depleted “Gift of the Heart” kit stock in New Windsor, MD. Click here for details.

DHRI Goal Nears Halfway Point

And speaking of hurricane season, the Disciples Hurricane Recovery Initiative (DHRI) continues to move ahead, and we’re pleased to report that any day now we should be reaching the halfway point toward the goal of sending 750 Disciples work groups to the Gulf South by August 31, 2008. Click here for details.

WOC Map/Poster

Click here for the latest additions to the WOC interactive map/poster. For a complimentary copy of the WOC map/poster for your congregation, call the office at 317.713.2442 or send an e-mail to ecleveland@woc.disciples.org.