STORIES
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh // photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
an immersion in international disaster response For many years, Week of Compassion has partnered with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, serving the Filipino people especially through the Program Unit on Faith, Witness, and Service, and its Humanitarian Response Program. This summer, two Disciples seminarians deepened that partnership as part of Week of Compassion’s Disciples Seminarians Immersion Program in International Disaster Response. Katie Varon and Grace Dearhamer, both scholars at the Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago, had the opportunity to explore cultural difference, community resilience, and ecumenical partnership in unique and life-changing ways.
Generations of Partnership in Palestine10/7/2025 "history didn't start October 7, 2023"Every day, the news from the Middle East is more horrifying and heartbreaking. More than 67,000 Palestinians are confirmed dead in what international authorities and humanitarian leaders – and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have termed a genocide. Attacks and bombings, as well as a growing refugee crisis, is affecting not only Gaza and the West Bank, but Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. In this moment of devastation, Week of Compassion is supporting trusted partners on the ground, ensuring that families in crisis receive care, dignity, and hope.
Dr. Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe with Global Ministries, recently returned from a visit to Lebanon and the partners meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), a long-standing Disciples partner through Global Ministries and ACT Alliance. We are grateful for Peter’s work and witness, and for the partnership impact update he offered. From Helene to Hope9/30/2025 1 year past Hurricane Helene, shared values strengthen recovery At a national disaster recovery summit in February, CEO Stephan Kline spoke simply about NECHAMA’s mission. His words resonated with Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold, Week of Compassion’s Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response; she felt an immediate kinship with that clear and descriptive purpose and recognized her Disciples colleagues and ecumenical partners in it as well.
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.
National Preparedness Month 20259/8/2025 be aware & prepared, with plans, resources, networks & training September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) in the United States, and a good opportunity for congregations to consider ways to build or strengthen their capacity to better serve their communities during and after an emergency. In the work of disaster response, Week of Compassion witnesses the difference it makes to a church – and to the whole community – when individuals, families, and communities of faith start the conversation, and take steps to be prepared.
From Hunger to Hope8/14/2025 how farmers, girls, and communities are changing their future In the rural villages of Liberia and Sierra Leone, food security is not just a challenge, it’s a daily struggle. High inflation, rising prices, slowed economic growth and widespread poverty mean that even with good weather and better harvests, more than 80% of households still cannot meet their basic food needs.
But in 18 rural communities, hope is taking root. 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. |
