From Rev. Vy T. Nguyen, Executive Director
This past year has continued to witness the ravages of COVID-19 across the globe. War in Ukraine persists and recovery for that nation’s people will be extensive and long-lasting. Communities in Kentucky and nearby areas are in the throes of long-term recovery from tornadoes and the destructive forces of massive flooding and rains. Wildfires continue to imperil western U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and drought affects the world’s farmers, ranchers, and tribal communities alike. Unfathomable floods in Pakistan and the Philippines have left indelible images of destruction and tragedy, while the simplest needs—nutrition, shelter, work—seem out of reach for far too many people in far too many places.
In the middle of it all, Week of Compassion calls on God’s mercy and speaks boldly of the Divine goodness made new each day. When it seems that tragedy and hardship is all that rises up, the people of God trust in a holy word, and proclaim with their work, their witness, and their generous giving, that God’s faithfulness will rise up anew, too.
Because God’s compassion never fails, we have seen an abundance of compassion in the face of fatigue. Because God’s compassion never fails, we have seen partnerships forged, communities strengthened, and opportunities blossoming—concrete and tangible ways that Week of Compassion, serving with and on behalf of the whole Disciples church, is part of what God is doing to make things new.
It is about so much more than dollars and cents. Week of Compassion is where Disciples respond to the challenges and the blessings they see and experience in the world. Week of Compassion is a full-body-of-Christ response. As our General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens has often said, “When Week of Compassion is there, the whole church is there”—to bring immediate relief and long-term recovery after disasters; equip churches and leaders for disaster preparedness; respond to assist refugees; and support global development projects that empower communities.
As Disciples, we gather at the table of thanksgiving, where we remember Christ’s very life poured out lavishly for everyone without exception. This abundance and blessing is what we receive, who we are, and who God calls us to be. In the midst of pain that seems too great and challenges that seem too many, God’s great faithfulness remains, and we rise up anew, again and again, to give, serve, and live with compassionate generosity. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership, throughout the year, throughout the world.
In gratitude,
Rev. Vy T. Nguyen
Executive Director, Week of Compassion
In the middle of it all, Week of Compassion calls on God’s mercy and speaks boldly of the Divine goodness made new each day. When it seems that tragedy and hardship is all that rises up, the people of God trust in a holy word, and proclaim with their work, their witness, and their generous giving, that God’s faithfulness will rise up anew, too.
Because God’s compassion never fails, we have seen an abundance of compassion in the face of fatigue. Because God’s compassion never fails, we have seen partnerships forged, communities strengthened, and opportunities blossoming—concrete and tangible ways that Week of Compassion, serving with and on behalf of the whole Disciples church, is part of what God is doing to make things new.
It is about so much more than dollars and cents. Week of Compassion is where Disciples respond to the challenges and the blessings they see and experience in the world. Week of Compassion is a full-body-of-Christ response. As our General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens has often said, “When Week of Compassion is there, the whole church is there”—to bring immediate relief and long-term recovery after disasters; equip churches and leaders for disaster preparedness; respond to assist refugees; and support global development projects that empower communities.
As Disciples, we gather at the table of thanksgiving, where we remember Christ’s very life poured out lavishly for everyone without exception. This abundance and blessing is what we receive, who we are, and who God calls us to be. In the midst of pain that seems too great and challenges that seem too many, God’s great faithfulness remains, and we rise up anew, again and again, to give, serve, and live with compassionate generosity. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership, throughout the year, throughout the world.
In gratitude,
Rev. Vy T. Nguyen
Executive Director, Week of Compassion
