An Opportunity for Transformation

Thursday, October 18, A.D. 2007

It has now been over two years since the U.S. experienced one of the worst hurricane seasons in meteorological history – the summer of Katrina, Rita, Wilma and a score of other storms that ravaged the Caribbean, Mexico and the U.S. Gulf South. In the ensuing two years, hundreds of Disciples work groups comprised of thousands of Disciples members and friends have lent a hand, first to the relief and clean-up work and now to the ever important, long-term recovery and reconstruction work. Indeed, we recently passed the 2/3rds milestone toward the Disciples Hurricane Recovery Initiative goal of sending 750 hurricane work groups between September 1, 2006 and August 31, 2008.

Of course, one reason Week of Compassion and the Office of Disciples Volunteering have encouraged groups to go is because the work of church volunteers has never been more important in the aftermath of what quickly turned from being one of our nation’s worst national disasters to a national shame. We have heard again and again that the church, as much as any other organization - private, government, secular – and perhaps more than most, has led the way in recovery efforts throughout the Gulf Coast. But there was also another reason – one perhaps a little more theological, a little more ecclesiological, one that is grounded in the belief that ministries of service and compassion can provide remarkable opportunities for transformation and renewal to those who are served and those who do the serving. If a good picture is worth a thousand words, then a good story has to be worth a thousand sermons. I would invite you to click here and read one such story. If you are interested in such an opportunity, call the Office of Disciples Volunteering for information and details. The call is free: 888-346-2631. Week of Compassion will even provide a work trip grant to help.

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.