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. 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. |
Travelogue: South Sudan
4/25/2023
the impact of healthcare on women and their communities
Recently, Executive Director Rev. Vy Nguyen, along with Week of Compassion supporter Bruce McCoy, joined ecumenical partners Lutheran Disaster Response for a week in South Sudan, seeing first-hand the ways women’s health care, community engagement, and intentional support can uplift and sustain whole communities. These travelogues and photos offer powerful insights from a remarkable visit, highlighting the life-saving programs of Week of Compassion partners serving vulnerable communities.
Education for Girls in Afghanistan
1/10/2023
finding what is possible in troubled times
In the midst of holiday cheer and the turn of year, devastating and difficult news from Afghanistan came to light last week. The Afghan Ministry of Economy has banned women from working in local and international humanitarian organizations. This follows news just days earlier that the Taliban government has again barred women from attending public and private universities (essentially, from pursuing any education beyond sixth grade).
Photo: ACT Alliance, Elisa Iannacone / DKH. Mozambique. On this International Women's Day, Week of Compassion celebrates the strength and resilience of women worldwide. Your gifts to Week of Compassion support development programs that empower women through education and opportunity. When women are empowered to grow crops, go to school, learn a trade, become entrepreneurs, and work together towards their goals, the whole community thrives through their success!
Supporting women’s empowerment is a mission priority for Week of Compassion, especially now. During the pandemic, many of these life-changing programs experienced significant setbacks. Investing in women is of urgent concern and will help communities around the world move forward from the challenges of this season.
From Guatemala to East Africa; from Haiti to Serbia; from Iraq to South America, and so many places in between, the work of empowering women is the work of compassion, and that work empowers whole communities to grow and plan for the future.
If you’d like to honor the women in your life today, consider making a gift to Week of Compassion and designating it to the Women’s Empowerment Fund. Now, more than ever, your investment in the lives and futures of women will have a lasting impact and change lives for generations to come. We are grateful for your continued support in helping women thrive around the world, around the year.
Supporting women’s empowerment is a mission priority for Week of Compassion, especially now. During the pandemic, many of these life-changing programs experienced significant setbacks. Investing in women is of urgent concern and will help communities around the world move forward from the challenges of this season.
From Guatemala to East Africa; from Haiti to Serbia; from Iraq to South America, and so many places in between, the work of empowering women is the work of compassion, and that work empowers whole communities to grow and plan for the future.
If you’d like to honor the women in your life today, consider making a gift to Week of Compassion and designating it to the Women’s Empowerment Fund. Now, more than ever, your investment in the lives and futures of women will have a lasting impact and change lives for generations to come. We are grateful for your continued support in helping women thrive around the world, around the year.
