Sorry for not having a review this week, but things be crazy here in Oregon right now. If you haven't heard, there are major wildfires burning up and down the entire West Coast of America this week. Oregon got hit by 40+ mph winds for 3 days, combined with low humidity and coming at the end of a dry summer, fires either got started when powerlines fell, or got a boost in travel speed.
I lost power for 12 hours on Monday night, and then the smoke rolled in. Thankfully, that's the whole of my problems at the moment. So many more have had to evacuate, and it's not hard to find footage of burned homes and decimated communities.
So in lieu of skipping a week, I'd like to post a link to an organization that does a lot of good work.
The Week of Compassion emerged in the early 1940s, as World War II created a series of humanitarian crises around the globe. The International Convention (General Assembly) of the Christian Church made two recommendations regarding multiple aid and relief projects around the world. These recommendations outlined partnerships with multiple ecumenical ministries and counterparts. The Church designated a “Day of Compassion,” on which congregations would hold a special offering to raise funds to support these mission projects.
In 1943, the “Wartime Service Fund” was approved by the International Convention. At this point, the Disciples of Christ designated a “Week of Compassion” to raise $250,000 for ongoing support of these relief efforts.
In the meantime…
Over the next several decades, the work of Week of Compassion and its partners expanded to include not just humanitarian aid, but also disaster response and refugee resettlement. The ministry’s leadership evolved as well, from a voluntary office to a full-time executive director; additional staff helped expand the reach of the ministry; and the annual fund grew over time from thousands of dollars to millions.
Into the Future
When our ministry began, the idea of different denominations partnering together--in spite of differences in doctrine or practice-- was a radical notion. In many ways, it is still countercultural to work together across many kinds of boundaries. And yet, we remain committed to the partnerships that make our mission stronger, and that allow us to reach those in need with the love of Christ.
As of 2019, Week of Compassion has been in operation for 75 years. We are proud of our history, but also recognize that there is so much work yet to be done. The need to collaborate and address the world’s increasingly complex humanitarian issues--while maintaining unity as a guiding principle--is more critical than ever. Your support enables us to faithfully respond to human need around the world; empower communities to build and rebuild; and partner with other church organizations as the Body of Christ. Around the year and around the world, Week of Compassion remains committed to sustaining this faithful presence far into the future.
I get it if you don't want to donate to a church-run organization. Heck, I don't blame you. But whereas Red Cross uses
a lot of their donations for internal expenses (advertising),
Week of Compassion uses 100% of donations for the cause you specify.
When you make your gift online, you will have the opportunity to designate an amount; choose a particular area of our work or “Where Most Needed;” and let us know what congregation you are connected with so your local church can receive recognition for total giving to Week of Compassion.
So if you want your donation to specifically go toward the West Coast wildfire relief, or the area hit by Hurricane Laura, or some other humanitarian effort around the world, just let them know.
If you can give, please consider doing so. And if you would rather donate to some other organization, that's fine too, just try to be aware of where your money is going.
Stay safe, best wishes, and I'll be back with regular reviews next week.
