news from MECC12/14/2023 an update from the Middle East Council of Churches Our Disciples & UCC colleagues at Global Ministries (Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ) have shared recent updates from the Middle East Council of Churches, one of our primary partners responding to the ongoing war in Gaza. As violence has continued, MECC's Department of Service for Palestinian Refugees has continued its focus on those forcibly displaced to the southern area of Gaza.
Their attention is especially on women and children, providing psychological first aid, health/nutrition and medical supplies, and cash distributions where possible for those still on the move. We remain in close contact with Global Ministries, MECC, and other ecumenical partners in the region, and hold close in daily prayer those who are placing themselves at great risk to care for these most vulnerable individuals and communities. Shalom. Salaam. Peace. on the Middle East11/13/2023 a statement from the Common Global Ministries BoardLast week, Week of Compassion's Board of Stewards met in Tucson AZ for its fall business meeting. The gathering included a site visit with the Arizona Disciples Border Initiative, exploring the complexities of the border crisis, and the response offered to asylum seekers at Casa de Misericordia in Nogales MX. The Board also spent time in conversation with Tamara Rodenberg, president of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, exploring Week of Compassion’s support for young adults, students, and seminarians in its mission and work.
Between these significant conversations, the Board was joined by Peter Makari, Co-Executive of Global Ministries, for context and updates from partners in the Middle East. This statement, released today by Global Ministries, holds compassion and justice at the forefront. Week of Compassion is grateful to serve with our partners responding in the midst of this crisis. Middle East Crisis10/18/2023 responding with partners to war in the Middle East photo : MECC/DSPR Since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, violence and devastation have escalated in the Middle East, with years of political tension and conflict bearing out in the most horrifying and heartbreaking ways. Thousands of civilians have been killed and thousands more injured as the warfare persists. Week of Compassion has been in frequent contact with trusted partners, including through Global Ministries, the Middle East Council of Churches, and ACT Alliance. These partners are in close conversation about immediate needs in Israel/Palestine and the broader region - food, water, shelter, medical care, sanitation - and know there will be many considerations to come regarding a long-term solution and recovery.
reports from partners10/17/2023 relief supplies in the Middle East We learned yesterday from DanChurchAID and Norwegian Church Aid - Week of Compassion partners through ACT Alliance - that staff colleagues in Gaza (who are themselves displaced) managed to purchase food from local vendors, coordinate with the UN (who provided the trucks), and that six trucks with food reached a UNRWA vocational training center where approximately 25-30,000 internally displaced persons have gathered.
We know the concerns and tragedy are greater than we have even seen or can imagine. Week of Compassion persists in prayer, and in partnership conversation, to respond in the ways we are most able. Gifts to Week of Compassion designated 'Middle East Crisis' will be used for emergency food, water, and medical supplies. Behind the Scenes4/5/2022  Between winter’s severe weather, the Special Offering in February, and the crisis continuing to unfold in Ukraine, you have heard a lot from and about Week of Compassion. We’re grateful for every chance to stay connected - through these emails, at our website, in social media, and with your congregations.
Sometimes we talk about things as if everyone knows what we mean. From time to time, alongside stories of Week of Compassion working with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world, we want to tell you a little about the ‘behind the scenes’ commitments that make that ministry happen.  Photo: B'Tselem, Gaza “I’ve lived through three wars in Gaza and I’ve seen nothing like this. The destruction is everywhere. I can’t describe the horror and fear we feel… The innocent in Gaza and Israel are dying. Men, women and children who have done nothing wrong. We ask God to inspire the war decision makers of Hamas and Israel to stop this new tragedy as there will be no winner in this war.” These are the words of Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.
The hospital is a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) partner through Global Ministries and a front-line responder in the ongoing violence in the region. |
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