In October 2024, I found myself in Ukraine, immersed in an after-school program organized by our ecumenical partners in response to the ongoing conflict. This program served as a beacon of hope, offering Ukrainian children a chance to pursue their education against the backdrop of relentless conflict. On this particular day, the weather outside mirrored the somber realities of their lives – gloomy and bleak. However, inside the warm and inviting space, a miracle was unfolding. Children nestled around a table, laughter bubbling up as they decorated whimsical animal-shaped cakes, freshly baked by one of their teachers just an hour before. I joined them, my heart swelling with joy as I picked up a brush, ready to bring color to my cake alongside them. It had been far too long since I engaged in such simple pleasures, and I was immediately struck by these children's creativity.
As we decorated, I took a moment to check in with them, curious about their thoughts and feelings. Their replies struck me deeply. Each child expressed how these gatherings had become their cherished ritual, a daily escape that filled their hearts with happiness. They looked forward to the precious moments that not only provided an opportunity to see friends and familiar faces but also offered a reprieve, where the joys of painting, crafting, and camaraderie flourished amid the shadows of reality. Even as the rain continued to fall outside, within that room, a vibrant tapestry of connection and joy was taking shape. This was the work of peacemaking, the work of bringing wholeness in a fragmented world. This is work we do together, across the entire church, and with many partners.
As we decorated, I took a moment to check in with them, curious about their thoughts and feelings. Their replies struck me deeply. Each child expressed how these gatherings had become their cherished ritual, a daily escape that filled their hearts with happiness. They looked forward to the precious moments that not only provided an opportunity to see friends and familiar faces but also offered a reprieve, where the joys of painting, crafting, and camaraderie flourished amid the shadows of reality. Even as the rain continued to fall outside, within that room, a vibrant tapestry of connection and joy was taking shape. This was the work of peacemaking, the work of bringing wholeness in a fragmented world. This is work we do together, across the entire church, and with many partners.
This is the essence of Week of Compassion—the work of the church in creating sanctuaries of healing, joy, and hope in the face of trauma and devastation.
Increasingly severe and frequent weather-related and human-caused disasters continue to fragment communities around the world. Catastrophic flooding and drought alternate across African nations. Wars persist in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. Communities in the United States continue to move through the phases of long-term recovery after widespread tornadoes, repeated hurricanes, and devastating wildfires. In addition to the destructive impact of disasters in these regions, political unrest and climate change are increasing the number of displaced persons worldwide, complicating the work of recovery. For 80 years, Week of Compassion has evolved to meet new challenges, and Disciples have continued to respond to needs around the world.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
The shared work of Week of Compassion matters – to people in crisis, and as people of faith. The gifts you give make an impact around the world, ensuring that the stories, needs, and celebrations of vulnerable communities are heard and seen – and that our whole church is equipped to respond.
The scriptural qualities that are to be our focus – what is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable – are readily found among the people we serve, and the partners with whom we do the work. We praise God for the resilience of people recovering from disaster, navigating resettlement, and surviving the onslaught of war, political and climate crises. With long-standing partnerships around ecumenical tables, especially in times of conflict and division, recovery is a steady and deliberate process. Through Week of Compassion, Disciples commit to the long haul, and keep on about the work before us, undeterred and undistracted.
Over the last 80 years, your gifts have been transformed into the recovery of a community, the welcome of new neighbors, and hopeful futures uncovered in the face of extraordinary challenges. We give thanks for the many ways you embody what you have heard and seen, what you have learned and received in Jesus Christ: the call to care for vulnerable communities, throughout the year, throughout the world.
In gratitude,
Increasingly severe and frequent weather-related and human-caused disasters continue to fragment communities around the world. Catastrophic flooding and drought alternate across African nations. Wars persist in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. Communities in the United States continue to move through the phases of long-term recovery after widespread tornadoes, repeated hurricanes, and devastating wildfires. In addition to the destructive impact of disasters in these regions, political unrest and climate change are increasing the number of displaced persons worldwide, complicating the work of recovery. For 80 years, Week of Compassion has evolved to meet new challenges, and Disciples have continued to respond to needs around the world.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
The shared work of Week of Compassion matters – to people in crisis, and as people of faith. The gifts you give make an impact around the world, ensuring that the stories, needs, and celebrations of vulnerable communities are heard and seen – and that our whole church is equipped to respond.
The scriptural qualities that are to be our focus – what is honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable – are readily found among the people we serve, and the partners with whom we do the work. We praise God for the resilience of people recovering from disaster, navigating resettlement, and surviving the onslaught of war, political and climate crises. With long-standing partnerships around ecumenical tables, especially in times of conflict and division, recovery is a steady and deliberate process. Through Week of Compassion, Disciples commit to the long haul, and keep on about the work before us, undeterred and undistracted.
Over the last 80 years, your gifts have been transformed into the recovery of a community, the welcome of new neighbors, and hopeful futures uncovered in the face of extraordinary challenges. We give thanks for the many ways you embody what you have heard and seen, what you have learned and received in Jesus Christ: the call to care for vulnerable communities, throughout the year, throughout the world.
In gratitude,
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Rev. Vy T. Nguyen
Executive Director, Week of Compassion |
