From Rev. Vy T. Nguyen, Executive Director
Dear Friends,
“Let Love Flow.”
This directive is the theme for our 2021 Special Offering. As the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Week of Compassion works with partners to alleviate suffering. As I reflect on what it means for our wider Church to “let love flow,” I think of all the ways that your support truly enables the love of Christ to flow freely to the places where it is most needed.
Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Week of Compassion has been able to respond immediately to other disasters, while continuing support for refugees and development projects around the world, all while working to meet new and evolving needs from COVID-19. We have remained connected with our global network of partners, maintaining our far-reaching presence in spite of being ‘grounded’ and unable to travel. And we have learned how to best support their work as they adapt for distancing and other guidelines.
No one knows how long the pandemic itself will last-- but what we do know is that its effects will ripple far into the future and that the world’s vulnerable will suffer most. This challenging season has reminded us of the importance of remaining adaptable and planning ahead for an uncertain future.
That flexibility is critical as many communities find themselves facing compound disasters. With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, we have seen communities in Central America, as well as the U.S., impacted by multiple hurricanes in short succession. We’ve supported congregations in Tennessee, as they respond to both a pandemic and severe tornadoes, and in Oregon, as churches serve neighbors in need from COVID-19 while also navigating a historic wildfire season.
At the same time, we continue support for global partners and the development work that empowers communities. Projects related to food security, safe water, and women’s vocational opportunities are more important than ever in moving forward from the pandemic. That work has been adapted, and at times even put on hold, in order to keep people safe. And yet, we know that because of our investment and partnership over the years, these communities are more resilient and better prepared to thrive; we are committed to walking alongside them as they do.
It is often a delicate balance: supporting those in need “right now” and responding with urgency to disaster while also looking forward. But because of your generosity, we don’t have to choose whether to help now or later. Your generosity ensures that we can respond now, letting love grow-- and flow-- into the future!
I encourage you to explore our website and learn more about the scope of our work around the world. Together, our wider church has a presence and impact in the places of deepest need, sharing hope and compassion that endures even in uncertain times.
Peace,
Rev. Vy T. Nguyen, Executive Director
“Let Love Flow.”
This directive is the theme for our 2021 Special Offering. As the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Week of Compassion works with partners to alleviate suffering. As I reflect on what it means for our wider Church to “let love flow,” I think of all the ways that your support truly enables the love of Christ to flow freely to the places where it is most needed.
Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Week of Compassion has been able to respond immediately to other disasters, while continuing support for refugees and development projects around the world, all while working to meet new and evolving needs from COVID-19. We have remained connected with our global network of partners, maintaining our far-reaching presence in spite of being ‘grounded’ and unable to travel. And we have learned how to best support their work as they adapt for distancing and other guidelines.
No one knows how long the pandemic itself will last-- but what we do know is that its effects will ripple far into the future and that the world’s vulnerable will suffer most. This challenging season has reminded us of the importance of remaining adaptable and planning ahead for an uncertain future.
That flexibility is critical as many communities find themselves facing compound disasters. With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, we have seen communities in Central America, as well as the U.S., impacted by multiple hurricanes in short succession. We’ve supported congregations in Tennessee, as they respond to both a pandemic and severe tornadoes, and in Oregon, as churches serve neighbors in need from COVID-19 while also navigating a historic wildfire season.
At the same time, we continue support for global partners and the development work that empowers communities. Projects related to food security, safe water, and women’s vocational opportunities are more important than ever in moving forward from the pandemic. That work has been adapted, and at times even put on hold, in order to keep people safe. And yet, we know that because of our investment and partnership over the years, these communities are more resilient and better prepared to thrive; we are committed to walking alongside them as they do.
It is often a delicate balance: supporting those in need “right now” and responding with urgency to disaster while also looking forward. But because of your generosity, we don’t have to choose whether to help now or later. Your generosity ensures that we can respond now, letting love grow-- and flow-- into the future!
I encourage you to explore our website and learn more about the scope of our work around the world. Together, our wider church has a presence and impact in the places of deepest need, sharing hope and compassion that endures even in uncertain times.
Peace,
Rev. Vy T. Nguyen, Executive Director
