submitted by Week of Compassion
Almost exactly eight months since the Las Vegas mass shootings, the Week of Compassion Committee held its Spring meeting at First Christian Church, Las Vegas, May 29-31, 2018. Senior Pastor Steve Willis graciously hosted the Committee, and thanked them for coming to Las Vegas as a sign of solidarity with the community in the face of that October 1, 2017 tragedy, as well as for all the expressions of support received from Week of Compassion staff and Committee members.
Along with the usual tasks of reviewing 2017 financials, the Committee also heard from Disciples Home Missions’ Refugee and Immigration Legal Counsel, Tana Liu-Beers, concerning the current immigration situation and how Week of Compassion, congregations, and individuals can help those seeking safety from violence and persecution. Christian Church Foundation Vice President Jerry Lang gave the Committee an overview of the Foundation’s work and structure, and celebrated with the Committee the growing balance in Week of Compassion’s Endowment Fund, money that will help increase the ministry impact while also defraying administrative and other costs. The Committee also heard updates from Disciples Home Missions President Sotello Long and Global Ministries staff Jane Sullivan-Davis about partnership initiatives between these ministries and Week of Compassion.
The Committee worked with its Vision Team’s proposal concerning Week of Compassion’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values statements. Vigorous discussion was had on this important work, which will guide Week of Compassion’s ministries of relief and development over the next decade. A final version of these updated statements will be considered and shared to the Committee in the coming months.
The Committee also considered and approved several emergency appeal requests from Week of Compassion partners, such as Somalia and East Africa drought and famine, as well as sustainable development programs for work in women’s empowerment in Central America and children’s education in Serbia. In all, over $300,000 was approved to partners to support these causes. The Committee received reports concerning the ongoing recovery situation in Puerto Rico and celebrated the ongoing partnership on the island for continued recovery work.
Executive Director, Rev. Vy Nguyen, says “The work of Week of Compassion is as vital now as ever. There is still much pain and hurt in our world, and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), through Week of Compassion, is called to walk with these vulnerable communities, to provide healing and love, and to share God’s compassion.”