In each Connection through October, look for information about the Church World Service fundraiser, CROP Walk. Asheville’s walk will be October 16.
The October CROP Walk will unite several faith communities in an action demonstrating the power of hope, charity, and determination. In 2010, the Walk raised almost $30,000 to be used in the continuing struggle against poverty both here and abroad. The international Church World Service uses 75% of the funds raised here in a wide variety of settings and programs. Their website provides an abundance of information about these efforts. A quarter of the funds raised remain in our community and are divided among Meals on Wheels, Loving Food Resources, MANNA, and ABCCM. These local agencies also have websites which give information about their services.
This winter and spring have brought one crisis after another around the world, with the resulting human deprivation, suffering, starvation, and death. Japan’s continuing struggle to deal with the aftereffects of earthquake and tsunami, radiation, and bitter winter weather challenges resources. Refugees and immigrants from Libya threaten to overwhelm aid organizations. The flooding in Fargo, ND and other midwestern communities as well as the recent spring storms across the south have created situations in our own country that beg to be addressed.
Church World Service works with the International Red Cross and the ACT Alliance, a coalition of 100 churches and humanitarian organizations in a coordinated effort to meet disaster related needs. And there are expansive examples of programs in effect to help family farms in places such as Kenya, Pakistan, Uganda, Guatemala, and Brazil.
So…what can I do?
#1. Visit the Church World Service website; educate yourself about how CROP Walk supports relief efforts and educational/training programs all around the world.
#2. Offer to help Mike Stevenson organize All Souls’ strongest CROP Walk yet this year! Call him now! (254-5227 or 227-4440)
#3. Say “YES” when asked to walk, to recruit walkers, and to pledge to walkers this October.