Earthquake Rocks Peru

Thursday, August 16, A.D. 2007

A massive earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale struck Peru yesterday. Thus far, 337 people are reported killed and hundreds more injured. The cities of Ica, Chincha and Pisco have been especially hard hit. Peruvian members of Action by Churches Together are meeting today and will provide more information to the ACT network on the extent of the destruction as well as plans for a coordinated response. Week of Compassion will respond on behalf of the Disciples.

Flooding in Asia Called "Alarming"

In a story that seems to be inadequately reported in much of the U.S. media, millions of people across central and south Asia are struggling to cope with some of the worst flooding in decades. Reuters reports that at least 35 million are affected in India, Bangladesh and Nepal alone. Pakistan, China and Viet Nam are among other Asian countries also seriously affected.

Mr. Sushant Agrawal, Director of the Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) in India, underscores the difficult situation millions are facing: “When you lose everything it is very hard to recover. People have lost their homes and belongings. The standing crops are gone. The flood has destroyed the total source of their livelihood.” Mr. Agrawal, who is also moderator of the Executive Committee of the global alliance, Action by Churches Together (ACT), noted: “The situation is alarming. This is a time when the global church must come together and stand with the poor and socially excluded and most vulnerable.”

Across the Asian continent, ACT members are working together to offer life-saving support and assistance in hundreds of affected communities. Nearly 300,000 are, or soon will be, receiving assistance from ACT partners in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and China. U.S.-based Church World Service is the lead agency for ACT in Pakistan. Click here to read about ACT partners responding in Bangladesh. Emergency responses include immediate food distribution, safe water, home reconstruction and psycho-social care. As always, ACT members focus on those most vulnerable and in need of humanitarian assistance.

Week of Compassion is currently supporting major ACT appeals for flood assistance in Pakistan, India and China and anticipates receiving additional appeals soon for Bangladesh and Nepal. Designated gifts are very much needed to assure a strong Disciples response and can be made to WOC online or sent to WOC, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

2000 Iraqis Flee Violence Every Day

Another growing humanitarian disaster which also draws little attention in the western media, but to which ACT partners have launched a major response, is the nearly 4.5 million people who have been uprooted and displaced by the war in Iraq. Two weeks ago ACT issued a major appeal to its global network on behalf of refugees in Syria and Jordan, as well as Iraqis displaced internally within Iraq. Syria and Jordan are struggling to host some 2.2 million people who have fled there over the last four years. Estimates put the number of people fleeing the violence at over 2000 a day. Click here for more information on the crisis and for a personal glimpse of its devastating effects.

Week of Compassion has already provided $14,000 toward the ACT appeal and is seeking designated contributions for the appeal from Disciples members and friends.

Work Groups Needed for Hurricane Recovery

Week of Compassion Director, Johnny Wray, has just completed visits to Disciples mission stations along the Gulf Coast. The mission stations are a key component in the two-year Disciples Hurricane Recovery Initiative and together have provided hospitality to hundreds of Disciples work groups from across North America. Stations are housed at First CC, Gulfport, MS; First CC, Slidell, LA, and Grace Disciples Church, Covington, LA; First CC, Metairie, LA; Westside CC, New Orleans; First CC, Lake Charles, LA; First CC, Port Arthur, TX, and Northwood CC, Beaumont, TX; and Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries, Los Fresnos, TX. Wray reports that the spirit in all the stations and hosting congregations remains high and all are eager to begin the second year of the Initiative. While much work has been done as we approach the second anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, much more remains to be done. There is an urgent need for work groups this fall and winter. For details and scheduling, please contact the Office of Disciples Volunteering at 888.346.2631. WOC has a limited number of work trip grants available for hurricane recovery groups.

And speaking of hurricanes, WOC is now monitoring the approach and impact of Hurricanes Erin and Dean.

WOC Map/Poster

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