STORIES
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh // photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
2024 Year in Review2/5/2025 responding with compassion around the world Dear Church,
During the month of February, many congregations across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will take up a special offering, joining in the mission and ministry of Week of Compassion. For over 80 years, Week of Compassion has been the Church’s relief, refugee, and sustainable development ministry, working with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world. As your church participates in this offering, I also invite you to join in prayer for our partners and the people we serve across the globe. Now more than ever, the work of Week of Compassion is urgently needed. Special Offering 2025 : HEARD AND SEEN1/14/2025  For more than a week, massive wildfires have been burning in Southern California, scarring thousands of acres, destroying thousands of homes and structures, and displacing hundreds of thousands of people under evacuation orders. Week of Compassion remains in frequent contact with pastors and regional leaders, responding as needs emerge and joining partners in conversation about the long-term recovery ahead.
This disaster is just one of many – including hurricanes, war, and famine – to which Week of Compassion is still responding. Increasingly severe and frequent weather-related and human-caused disasters continue to fragment communities around the world. Adding to the destructive impact of disasters in these regions, political unrest and climate change continue to increase the number of displaced persons worldwide and complicate the work of recovery. updates on impact & how you can helpMultiple fast-moving fires continue to burn and spread in Southern California, with extensive drought and significant Santa Ana winds combining to expand fires rapidly, with little-to-no containment. We will not know the full impact until the fires are under control and extinguished. In the meantime, Week of Compassion is in close contact with Regional leadership in the Pacific Southwest Region, the regional Disaster Response Team, state and county VOADs, and local pastors in the area.
Week of Compassion is launching a Summer Immersion program for seminarians (age 21+) currently enrolled in theological institutions and seeking ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Disciples will spend six to eight weeks in the Philippines or in Pakistan, working alongside local faith-based organizations providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. strengthened work with partner, increased global sustainable development support The Week of Compassion Board of Stewards held its annual Fall meeting in New Orleans, LA November 14-16. The Board received the Executive Director’s report and overview of the strategic direction of the ministry in light of current global challenges. In addition, the Board passed the 2025 Budget and approved over $600,000 in sustainable development grants to global partners and multiple projects worldwide. The projects range from girls’ education to food security and disaster risk reduction, serving with partners in Vietnam, Japan, Honduras, Pakistan, and more.
While the agenda included important business sessions, the primary focus was a visit with the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe, an indigenous community in the Terrebonne Basin deeply impacted by Hurricane Ida (2021) and receiving program and long-term recovery support from Week of Compassion. Disaster Response10/21/2024 Week of Compassion connects Disciples in times of crisis In just the last few weeks, many parts of the southeast have experienced multiple hurricanes. As communication is restored and previously inaccessible areas open up across impacted communities, Week of Compassion continues to connect with Disciples Regional leaders and congregational pastors. While assessments by disaster response professionals continue, we anticipate additional needs will emerge. Soon, conversations will turn to long-term recovery efforts, and plans will develop – and Week of Compassion will outline and empower the best ways Disciples can be part of the widespread and critical work to come.
Hurricane Response Update10/11/2024 responding to Helene and MiltonFollowing Hurricane Helene (September 26) and Hurricane Milton (October 9), Week of Compassion is in close communication with Disciples’ Regional leadership and pastors, and with established partners in the impacted areas. Week of Compassion is currently sending solidarity grants to Disciples congregations and households, while connecting with ecumenical partners in the storm centers and surrounding communities, looking ahead and preparing for the immense long-term recovery to come.
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