Immediate Oblation aid of $10,000 was sent to help church members recover from an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore of Maule, Chile, February 27. There have been more than 90 aftershocks and a tsunami was generated that devastated coastal areas and evacuated other islands in the Pacific. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it was the fifth strongest quake since 1900. More Oblation aid will be sent as church leaders onsite assess the need.
As of March 1, 708 people were reported dead, most from Maule. Millions were without electricity. Roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure were down. Safe drinking water was unavailable. Although many church members’ homes have been damaged, none were physically injured.
Community of Christ presence in Chile is centered in Santiago with church family and friends also living in harder hit southern areas. Several buildings in Santiago were partially collapsed and roads and bridges were severely damaged.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia arrived in Santiago on February 26. He and Gustavo Vergara, Southern Cone of South America Mission Center missionary coordinator, immediately began visiting nearby church families to see how they were.
Carlos Enrique said, "Thanks be to God that all of our brothers and I are alive. We are looking at how we’ll be able to respond as a church to help them with repairs and provide provisions to those who are running out of supplies and money," he explained. Oblation aid will be delivered to church members through local leaders.
"Yesterday morning we held a worship service of thanksgiving," reported Carlos Enrique. "It was wonderful to see and to hear everyone united singing and saying: God has been good. Everyone shared their testimony and thanked God for having kept us safe."
President of the Southern Cone of South America Mission Center Art Smith had a ticket to fly to Chile on March 1. He said, "The earthquake caused the airport to be closed and our plans to change. Instead we spent all day Saturday huddled around a laptop computer in prayer and hope trying to communicate with the folks in Santiago, not knowing if they were safe or not. … We mourn for those who have lost their homes or lost loved ones. But we are so happy for those wonderful stories of people who escaped tragedy."
The church building in Santiago has some cracks in the walls. It and an attached house remain structurally sound. Some homes and businesses in the neighborhood surrounding the church were badly damaged by the quake. Early reports about people active in church life in the more heavily affected areas show that two families’ homes were destroyed.
Carlos Enrique expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of church members. Apostle Jim Slauter, director of field ministries, said, "I am again overwhelmed with the compassionate caring expressed and prayers offered by church members around the world for the people of Chile and our church community there. This strong sense of worldwide community and generosity is another testimony of what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our world. Thank you Community of Christ for your stewardship of grace and generosity."
Thanks to the generous support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to needs in Chile. Thank you for sharing this news with others, offering prayers, and giving generously. Contribute online at www.CofChrist.org/give/.
12 March 2010
05 March 2010
Daily Bread Stories Requested
Share your story in the 2011 Daily Bread. Writers can reach out to Community of Christ and share stories of blessing and being blessed. From simple to transformative, your story will speak to someone. Share your story of 1,200 characters with spaces (about 200 words), and we’ll do the rest. Due date: March 31, 2010. Send stories to Daily Bread, ATTN: Lu Mountenay, International Headquarters, or lmountenay@CofChrist.org.
Be sure to see Sarah Christian's story this month! You too can be an author!!!
Be sure to see Sarah Christian's story this month! You too can be an author!!!
Prayers Needed for Australe Islands
The Australe Islands of French Polynesia were hit hard by Tropical Cyclone Oli in early February. Members there request your prayers. Hundreds were evacuated from their homes. Some took refuge in a Community of Christ church building that is still standing. A reconnaissance team reported widespread devastation of homes, buildings, and personal property. Church members in French Polynesia, working with the government, continue to collect clothes, food, and money to send to help the people of the Australes. Oblation aid was offered. French Polynesia Mission Centre President Mareva Arnaud responded with gratitude and heartfelt thanks, but said it was not necessary. The generosity of local members is providing for the needs at this time. A lot of rebuilding over a long period of time will be required. Thank you for sharing this information and offering prayers.
Haiti Oblation Update
Oblation Fund contributions for Haiti were over $500,000 as of February 14. Your donations are providing shelter, food, and medical care following the devastating earthquake. An assessment team, a joint effort by Community of Christ and Outreach International, has returned. They report that amidst the rubble and loss, people continue to give thanks to God, worship together, and move forward with hope. See a video report from their work and get additional updates at www.CofChrist.org/news/2010/jan/Haiti-updates.asp. Assistance for Haiti will continue through the rebuilding efforts. Thank you for generously supporting Oblation.
Background of Counsel to the Church via Steve Veazey
President Steve Veazey shared testimony and talked to Apostle Linda Booth about the counsel to the church. Get insight into the revelatory process as you continue to prayerfully consider this counsel. Pastors in English-speaking areas will receive a DVD. World Church suggests that we get a group or class together to watch the DVD. The interview is also be available to read or watch via webstream at www.CofChrist.org/wc2010/counsel.asp.
03 March 2010
Exploring World Religions
We are excited to announce that Encounter’s Exploring World Religions summer intensive has a new location. We will now be operating this program at the University of Toronto’s Multi-faith Centre. The Multi-faith Centre is a beautiful and modern space, centrally located and with much valued air conditioning for the hot July season!
In addition, due to the economic climate we are extending the window for early bird registrations so that the discounted price of $515 will continue until April 15 (price includes all meals, transportation, classes, etc. for the whole week). This program is unique in North America in the ability to explore 11 religions both academically and experientially in one focussed week. We hope you will make this the year to take part in an event that really will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Information for the week is attached. The schedule and the description may prove the most useful for getting a sense of the week.
Hope to see you this summer…at the Sikh gurdwara, sharing a meal at the mosque and participating in Zen meditation.
Sincerely,
Brian Carwana
Director, Encounter World Religions Centre
519 822 0039
brian@worldreligions.ca
http://www.worldreligions.ca/
Contact Mary Jean Belrose for registration, schedule and further information.
In addition, due to the economic climate we are extending the window for early bird registrations so that the discounted price of $515 will continue until April 15 (price includes all meals, transportation, classes, etc. for the whole week). This program is unique in North America in the ability to explore 11 religions both academically and experientially in one focussed week. We hope you will make this the year to take part in an event that really will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Information for the week is attached. The schedule and the description may prove the most useful for getting a sense of the week.
Hope to see you this summer…at the Sikh gurdwara, sharing a meal at the mosque and participating in Zen meditation.
Sincerely,
Brian Carwana
Director, Encounter World Religions Centre
519 822 0039
brian@worldreligions.ca
http://www.worldreligions.ca/
Contact Mary Jean Belrose for registration, schedule and further information.
Oblation Helps in Chile Earthquake Recovery
Immediate Oblation aid of $10,000 was sent to help church members recover from an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore of Maule, Chile, February 27. There have been more than 90 aftershocks and a tsunami was generated that devastated coastal areas and evacuated other islands in the Pacific. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it was the fifth strongest quake since 1900. More Oblation aid will be sent as church leaders onsite assess the need.
As of March 1, 708 people were reported dead, most from Maule. Millions were without electricity. Roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure were down. Safe drinking water was unavailable. Although many church members’ homes have been damaged, none were physically injured.
Community of Christ presence in Chile is centered in Santiago with church family and friends also living in harder hit southern areas. Several buildings in Santiago were partially collapsed and roads and bridges were severely damaged.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia arrived in Santiago on February 26. He and Gustavo Vergara, Southern Cone of South America Mission Center missionary coordinator, immediately began visiting nearby church families to see how they were.
Carlos Enrique said, "Thanks be to God that all of our brothers and I are alive. We are looking at how we’ll be able to respond as a church to help them with repairs and provide provisions to those who are running out of supplies and money," he explained. Oblation aid will be delivered to church members through local leaders.
"Yesterday morning we held a worship service of thanksgiving," reported Carlos Enrique. "It was wonderful to see and to hear everyone united singing and saying: God has been good. Everyone shared their testimony and thanked God for having kept us safe."
President of the Southern Cone of South America Mission Center Art Smith had a ticket to fly to Chile on March 1. He said, "The earthquake caused the airport to be closed and our plans to change. Instead we spent all day Saturday huddled around a laptop computer in prayer and hope trying to communicate with the folks in Santiago, not knowing if they were safe or not. … We mourn for those who have lost their homes or lost loved ones. But we are so happy for those wonderful stories of people who escaped tragedy."
The church building in Santiago has some cracks in the walls. It and an attached house remain structurally sound. Some homes and businesses in the neighborhood surrounding the church were badly damaged by the quake. Early reports about people active in church life in the more heavily affected areas show that two families’ homes were destroyed.
Carlos Enrique expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of church members. Apostle Jim Slauter, director of field ministries, said, "I am again overwhelmed with the compassionate caring expressed and prayers offered by church members around the world for the people of Chile and our church community there. This strong sense of worldwide community and generosity is another testimony of what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our world. Thank you Community of Christ for your stewardship of grace and generosity."
Thanks to the generous support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to needs in Chile. Thank you for sharing this news with others, offering prayers, and giving generously.
As of March 1, 708 people were reported dead, most from Maule. Millions were without electricity. Roads, bridges, homes, and infrastructure were down. Safe drinking water was unavailable. Although many church members’ homes have been damaged, none were physically injured.
Community of Christ presence in Chile is centered in Santiago with church family and friends also living in harder hit southern areas. Several buildings in Santiago were partially collapsed and roads and bridges were severely damaged.
Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia arrived in Santiago on February 26. He and Gustavo Vergara, Southern Cone of South America Mission Center missionary coordinator, immediately began visiting nearby church families to see how they were.
Carlos Enrique said, "Thanks be to God that all of our brothers and I are alive. We are looking at how we’ll be able to respond as a church to help them with repairs and provide provisions to those who are running out of supplies and money," he explained. Oblation aid will be delivered to church members through local leaders.
"Yesterday morning we held a worship service of thanksgiving," reported Carlos Enrique. "It was wonderful to see and to hear everyone united singing and saying: God has been good. Everyone shared their testimony and thanked God for having kept us safe."
President of the Southern Cone of South America Mission Center Art Smith had a ticket to fly to Chile on March 1. He said, "The earthquake caused the airport to be closed and our plans to change. Instead we spent all day Saturday huddled around a laptop computer in prayer and hope trying to communicate with the folks in Santiago, not knowing if they were safe or not. … We mourn for those who have lost their homes or lost loved ones. But we are so happy for those wonderful stories of people who escaped tragedy."
The church building in Santiago has some cracks in the walls. It and an attached house remain structurally sound. Some homes and businesses in the neighborhood surrounding the church were badly damaged by the quake. Early reports about people active in church life in the more heavily affected areas show that two families’ homes were destroyed.
Carlos Enrique expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of church members. Apostle Jim Slauter, director of field ministries, said, "I am again overwhelmed with the compassionate caring expressed and prayers offered by church members around the world for the people of Chile and our church community there. This strong sense of worldwide community and generosity is another testimony of what it means to be faithful disciples of Jesus in our world. Thank you Community of Christ for your stewardship of grace and generosity."
Thanks to the generous support of Oblation Fund contributors, Community of Christ is able to respond as a worldwide church to needs in Chile. Thank you for sharing this news with others, offering prayers, and giving generously.
02 March 2010
Earthquake in Haiti—Assessment Team Returns Home
23 February 2010
As we start to write this simple report we recognize that words alone will not be able to fully paint a picture of our assessment trip. We can share something of the devastation and destruction we saw. We can share something of the stories we heard, stories of both bad and good news. We can share something of the dust in the air and of the smell of the many bodies still lost in the vast piles of rubble. We can share but we cannot help you experience the true picture of devastation that has come to these people.
The general destruction of buildings that we witnessed will have a big impact on the Haitian people for many years to come. The destruction of housing means people are, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, living in makeshift accommodations. A coming concern is the rainy season beginning at the end of March followed by hurricane season beginning on 1 June. The rains and storms will make the housing situation worse and more dangerous.
As we met with church people there was a universal welcome for us and a real appreciation that we had come to visit with them. They saw this as confirmation that they were indeed part of a larger community. We were able to share with them the concerns of the whole Community of Christ and how these concerns were being shown by generous financial gifts. Your giving to Oblation has reached more than half a million dollars that will aid our brothers and sisters in Haiti directly.
We were able to spend some initial oblation aid on temporary shelters for worship, food, water and medical care. The mission centre financial officer and his team are working to share more oblation aid to meet the ongoing needs of church people. This will continue and increase over the coming few weeks.
There are a few things that will stay in our minds for a long time:
The sight of the Haitian people, not just sitting back and losing hope, but working to improve what little they still had. The dust, the piles of waste and the vast piles of rubble were being moved by manual labour. People were starting to rebuild homes that had been destroyed and church members were already starting to consider how they could repair/rebuild their churches.
The Sunday morning worship at the Petionville congregation, with the damaged church building and destroyed school as a backdrop to vibrant praise and worship. Then, as the sun struck the destroyed school, the smell from the bodies buried in the school wafted over the group who were worshipping. Even in the grip of death they wanted to worship and to look forward.
The Friday national day of prayer at the Petionville congregation with 600 people gathered for a time of prayer, but also praise. The scene a little different from the Sunday worship for now you could see oblation dollars at work as the congregation was shaded from the sun by a huge tarpaulin.
As we left the Petionville congregation to make our way to the airport for our flight home we saw many churches with large congregations worshipping outside (as the buildings were not safe) blocking pavements and roads. But who cared as there was need for this opportunity as a nation to pray.
The faith of the people that we met can be expressed best in the words we kept hearing, "due to the grace of God". In this they are giving thanks to God for their survival and for the ongoing blessings that God brings them.
Bunda Chibwe
David Waring
Steve Graffeo
As we start to write this simple report we recognize that words alone will not be able to fully paint a picture of our assessment trip. We can share something of the devastation and destruction we saw. We can share something of the stories we heard, stories of both bad and good news. We can share something of the dust in the air and of the smell of the many bodies still lost in the vast piles of rubble. We can share but we cannot help you experience the true picture of devastation that has come to these people.
The general destruction of buildings that we witnessed will have a big impact on the Haitian people for many years to come. The destruction of housing means people are, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, living in makeshift accommodations. A coming concern is the rainy season beginning at the end of March followed by hurricane season beginning on 1 June. The rains and storms will make the housing situation worse and more dangerous.
As we met with church people there was a universal welcome for us and a real appreciation that we had come to visit with them. They saw this as confirmation that they were indeed part of a larger community. We were able to share with them the concerns of the whole Community of Christ and how these concerns were being shown by generous financial gifts. Your giving to Oblation has reached more than half a million dollars that will aid our brothers and sisters in Haiti directly.
We were able to spend some initial oblation aid on temporary shelters for worship, food, water and medical care. The mission centre financial officer and his team are working to share more oblation aid to meet the ongoing needs of church people. This will continue and increase over the coming few weeks.
There are a few things that will stay in our minds for a long time:
The sight of the Haitian people, not just sitting back and losing hope, but working to improve what little they still had. The dust, the piles of waste and the vast piles of rubble were being moved by manual labour. People were starting to rebuild homes that had been destroyed and church members were already starting to consider how they could repair/rebuild their churches.
The Sunday morning worship at the Petionville congregation, with the damaged church building and destroyed school as a backdrop to vibrant praise and worship. Then, as the sun struck the destroyed school, the smell from the bodies buried in the school wafted over the group who were worshipping. Even in the grip of death they wanted to worship and to look forward.
The Friday national day of prayer at the Petionville congregation with 600 people gathered for a time of prayer, but also praise. The scene a little different from the Sunday worship for now you could see oblation dollars at work as the congregation was shaded from the sun by a huge tarpaulin.
As we left the Petionville congregation to make our way to the airport for our flight home we saw many churches with large congregations worshipping outside (as the buildings were not safe) blocking pavements and roads. But who cared as there was need for this opportunity as a nation to pray.
The faith of the people that we met can be expressed best in the words we kept hearing, "due to the grace of God". In this they are giving thanks to God for their survival and for the ongoing blessings that God brings them.
Bunda Chibwe
David Waring
Steve Graffeo
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