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Hurricane Michael: One Year Anniversary Update

10/15/2019

Over the weekend, Typhoon Hagibis brought over 35 inches of rain causing catastrophic flooding in Tokyo and the surrounding region. As of October 15, The death toll is over 50 and may rise as rescue workers continue to search for the missing. Power outages and landslide risks are among the most urgent concerns at this time. We have heard from our partners in the area. All are safe, and they are assessing the situation. Week of Compassion will share updates about needs and responses as we learn more.
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In September of 2018, Hurricane Michael devastated communities along the Florida panhandle, causing severe damage in 12 counties and flooding in many others. Following the storm, Week of Compassion responded immediately through local partners and Disciples congregations to help meet urgent needs in the area.

But recovery does not happen overnight, especially after a storm as severe as Michael.

Mozambique Emergency Response Update

10/1/2019

Mr and Mrs Mauguese in front of their shelter in Muchambonha village, Manica Province of Mozambique. Photo: LWF

Francisco Thuboy Mauguese is a farmer who lives with his wife and six children in Muchambonha village. He is one of the residents in Manica Province, Western Mozambique, who received help from Week of Compassion through our ACT Alliance partner after cyclone Idai. His family had been hard-hit by the storm: their harvest of sorghum, ground nuts and corn was completely destroyed, and all their livestock were swept away by the floods.

Cyclone Idai devastated Mozambique and the surrounding area in March of this year. The intense tropical storm left more than 1,200 dead, and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Refugee Admissions Set At All-Time Low for 2020

9/27/2019

Executive Director Rev. Vy Nguyen has been traveling the past few weeks, visiting our ministry partners in the Middle East--partners who are working to meet the needs of refugees in temporary settlements. This is his reflection on yesterday's announcement that the U.S. will reduce its refugee admissions cap to an all-time low in the coming year.

In 1990, I was one of 125,000 refugees who were lucky enough to be resettled in the United States. My time in those refugee camps throughout Southeast Asia lasted only four years.

As I woke up this morning to leave Morocco for home, I heard the news that the administration set refugee admissions for 2020 at a devastating 18,000--reducing entries to an unprecedented low and further decimating the refugee resettlement program. I am heartbroken. This policy will have a ripple effect all over the world and impact millions of lives.

Maria: Two Years Later

9/24/2019

A volunteer ambassador team repairs the roof of home as part of the work of Programa Edifiquemos. Courtesy of First Christian Church, Madisonville, KY.

As we recall the impact of Hurricane Maria two years ago, we are also monitoring the approach of Tropical Storm Karen, forecast to hit Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands today (Sept. 24). We pray for the safety of those in the path of the storm and for God’s peace to calm anxious minds.

Two years ago, Hurricane Maria destroyed the home where Mrs. Rosa and her husband, Mr. Padilla, lived. They had lived in the home for 20 years, but after the hurricane it was damaged beyond repair. After an application and subsequent appeal for FEMA assistance, they began building a small concrete house. Their funds ran out before they could complete construction.

Working Together To Help Refugees

9/17/2019

Earlier this month, a delegation of Disciples leaders traveled to D.C. to help protect refugees. Rev. Dr. Ike Nicholson, Senior Pastor of South Suburban Christian Church in Littleton, Colorado, was part of that delegation and has this reflection to share. We are grateful for this congregation’s faithful support of Week of Compassion, and for Dr. Nicholson’s powerful story of welcome and compassion. The work that we do to together is more important now than ever.

Sanctuary: A Hurricane Dorian Update

9/6/2019

Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

When we see the devastation, our hearts break for our brothers and sisters.

On September 1, Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas. By the time the storm had passed a day later, the destruction was immense. As of today, September 6, approximately 13,000 homes have been destroyed. An unknown number of lives have been lost, as search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The need is great, and in the wake of such terrible loss, many feel compelled to help. However, knowing how to help can be difficult.

Not If, But When: The Importance Of Preparedness Training

9/3/2019

Josh Baird, Disciples Volunteering; and Caroline Hamilton Arnold, Week of Compassion, training the Oregon and SW Idaho Region in Preparedness

Even as we enter September--National Disaster Preparedness Month-- we are monitoring Hurricane Dorian and preparing to respond to needs that arise in its wake. The storm has already caused significant damage in the Bahamas, and remains a dangerous storm as it approaches the U.S. Please continue to pray for those who have already been affected, and those who wait in the storm’s path. We will continue to share updates on responses as they are available. In the meantime, here is a story about how local churches and regions are taking part in disaster preparedness training through Week of Compassion-- and why preparedness is such a vital part of ministry in the local community.

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