STORIES
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh // photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
an immersion in international disaster resposnse For more than three decades, Week of Compassion has partnered with Community World Service Asia (CWSA) to accompany vulnerable communities in Pakistan. This summer, that long-standing partnership took on a new dimension through the International Disaster Response Immersion Program, as seminarian Leigh Larson joined CWSA for ten weeks of ministry and learning. Leigh Larson, a student at Phillips Theological Seminary and a candidate for ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), brought her gifts as a chaplain, author, and scholar into a context of profound challenge and resilience.
Women's Empowerment in Ukraine8/7/2025 business ownership brings hope and community The continuing conflict in Ukraine has led to significant internal displacement, with many people migrating from the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine to safer western regions which are less affected by the ongoing conflict.
In the initial phase of displacement, humanitarian assistance from international organizations and the Ukrainian government included shelter, food, medical care, and essential supplies. While these efforts helped to address immediate needs, the transition from emergency aid to sustainable solutions continues to be a critical challenge. Medium and long-term livelihood development, which includes integrating internally displaced people (IDPs) into local economies, will be essential if stability and well-being is to be achieved. Girls' Education in Pakistan4/15/2025 supporting partners in shifting circumstancesDear Disciples,
We are often asked about our global partners and how their work is impacted by the policies of the U.S. administration. We will continue to share the stories of their transformative work, even as we listen to them and discern the best ways to go about our mission – working with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world. Thank you for the ways you connect with and invest in the ministry of Week of Compassion. Currently, all our partners are facing significant challenges in humanitarian work, both in development programs and refugee resettlement. Refugee Center Brings Hope4/8/2025 in Indonesia, a young woman becomes her own hero The Republic of Indonesia is made up of 17,000 islands with nearly 280 million residents; it shares land and sea borders with nearly a dozen other nations, and is home to hundreds of ethnic and language groups.
Hanifah is a 23 year old Afghan refugee who arrived to this island nation as a teenager, separated from her family, and today is grateful for the care and support of the ASPIRASI Project run by Yayasan Cita Wadah Swadaya (YCWS) with support from Week of Compassion. Week of Compassion and World Council of Churches |
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On Saturday October 7, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake and several aftershocks shook Afghanistan, leaving at least 2400 killed and thousands injured. Week of Compassion is in contact with partners in the region, who are already planning to respond and assist communities in distress, providing winterization kits; food supplies, especially for children and pregnant and nursing mothers; home repair and reconstruction; and community resilience shelters. Our prayers are unending for those killed, injured, and mourning; and for the partners and communities who bring comfort and aid. |
As we pray fervently and look to respond to the recent quake in Afghanistan, we lift up the ongoing work of our partners in the area, including the programs for girls’ education, the focus of a recent visit by Executive Director Rev. Vy Nguyen and three Disciples colleagues. We are grateful for this poignant reflection from Rev. Brandon Johnson, Senior Minister of First Christian Church, Burbank CA. |
