Desperation Continues in Sudan

Thursday, March 15, A.D. 2007

While most of the world’s governments and media continue to pay little attention to the genocidal violence and growing humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of western Sudan and neighboring Chad, the Darfur Emergency Response Operation (DERO) of the Action by Churches Together alliance and Caritas International continues to aid tens of thousands of the displaced. DERO represents a united and historic effort of Protestant and Orthodox churches in ACT and Catholic churches in Caritas to assist a predominantly Muslim population. The death toll from the violence has now exceeded 250,000 people, and nearly 3 million people have been uprooted and displaced. More than 80% of the villages and communities in Darfur have been ravaged.

ACT has issued an appeal to its members for more than $12 million dollars in 2007 to support DERO’s humanitarian efforts on the ground in Darfur. Because of the strong support and numerous designated contributions from Disciples members, Week of Compassion is now preparing a grant of $100,000 in support of the ACT appeal and hopes it might be able to send at least that much again during the remainder of the year. Designated contributions are welcome and can be made online or sent to WOC, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indpls, IN 46206. Also, you can visit the WOC website for stories, worship resources, study guides and other materials related to Darfur.

Foods Resource Bank Fights Hunger

One of the great joys and repeated wonders of Week of Compassion is seeing how the dollars entrusted to WOC multiply again and again. One of those examples is our participation in the Foods Resource Bank (FRB). FRB is a faith-based response of Christians in the U.S. to combat hunger in the world. In 2006, WOC provided 22 partner grants ($22,000) to 22 local FRB growing projects. The returns from those projects are in and total more than $231,000! Those funds will be used this year by WOC and our partners in FRB to support scores of projects around the world that empower people to become self-sufficient in their own food production. For information on how your congregation can become involved, visit the FRB website or contact the WOC office.

School Kits and Baby Kits Needed

The initial response from Disciples groups and individuals across the whole church to the urgent appeal from Church World Service to help restock their depleted kit inventory has been very gratifying. School kits and baby kits are especially needed. Details on kit contents and mailing instructions can be found by clicking here.

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.