February Special Offering: Week of Compassion

Dear Friends,

As the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Week of Compassion works with partners to alleviate suffering around the world.

We know that the hardship in recent months—both locally and globally—has been significant. But with the help of faithful congregations like Washington Avenue Christian Church, we make a big difference in the lives of many.

The theme for this year’s WoC special offering is “Let Love Flow,” and that is exactly what your giving does. Your gifts truly enable the love of Christ to flow freely to the places where
it is most needed, sharing the presence of our wider Church all over the world.

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Week of Compassion has been able to respond immediately to disasters, continue support for refugees and development projects around the world, and also meet new and evolving needs from COVID-19.

The economic impact of the pandemic is affecting even more people than the virus itself, with many around the world facing crisis-level hunger. Together with our partners, WoC is working to promote food security by supporting Disciples congregations that are working to fill gaps and feed their neighbors, and working with our global partners in development projects and food sustainability programs that will empower communities for years to come.

With your help, WoC provided over $3 million in urgent relief support in 2020. And we know that challenges remain. The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters means that more of our neighbors face the reality of compound disasters—from Portland Oregon, where COVID-19 did not stop for a historic wildfire season, to the Gulf Coast where two hurricanes arrived in quick succession.

We anticipate that need will continue to grow as the ripple effects of this global pandemic continue to touch every aspect of our work; as the worldwide refugee crisis continues to escalate; and, as climate change continues to affect weather patterns. With your help, we continue to put your compassion to work “around the world, around the year,” making sure that help reaches those who need it most. We give thanks for the continued witness of your generosity, and pray that God will bless your congregation abundantly in the coming season. We are grateful to share in this life-changing ministry with you!

Peace to you,
Your Friends at Week of Compassion