wfn.org | Week of Compassion approves four priority initiatives

[wshuffit@oc.disciples.org]

 From nobody@wfn.org  Tue Nov 28 00:00:00 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Date: November 28, 2000
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org

00b-63

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- An Africa/AIDS project was among four priority
initiatives recently approved by the General Week of Compassion Committee.

	The group, meeting Nov. 10-11 in Indianapolis, also endorsed WOC support
of an orphanage project in the Ukraine, a poultry project for AIDS victims
in Zimbabwe and a language training program in Armenia.

	The Disciples relief, development and emergency ministry has supported
more than 50 priority programs including water, agriculture, housing,
health, medical and micro-credit projects in 35 countries and five states
during the year.

	Committee members backed a $2.1 million program budget for 2001 and an
operating budget of $291,172 for next year. 

	The group also heard updates on "hidden and forgotten" emergencies in
Africa and a fund-raising project. Week of Compassion provided more than
$327,000 in response to natural catastrophes and armed conflict in 21
African nations since endorsing the hidden emergencies initiative one year
ago.

	The WOC Endowment Fund has accumulated more than $729,000, according to
the Rev. Johnny Wray, administrative director. The goal for the fund is $1
million by Dec. 31. During 2000 Week of Compassion has already received
more than $75,000 in distributions from the Christian Church Foundation, he
added. "Last year that amount was a little over $50,000 and just a few
years ago it was less than $1,000."

	The committee welcomed two co-chairpersons and a new committee member.
Leading the group during the next year will be Judy Meneghin, Beaverton,
Ore., and Dan Webster, Wilmington, N.C. Joining the committee Jan. 1 is
Roger Fishers of Fort Worth, Texas. 

	Committee members also recognized outgoing chairperson, Bob McCallister,
Indianapolis, and affirmed the work of Annell George McLawhorn, Ayden, N.C.
She coordinated the Disciples' response to Hurricane Floyd in North
Carolina.

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