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In early 2024, Chicago Christian Church, a Korean-speaking Disciples church in the northwest Chicago-land suburb of Des Plaines IL, received an Equity Grant for Refugee Response from Week of Compassion.
Within a few months, Chicago Christian Church was able to partner with Exodus World Service, a local refugee service organization, to provide for and welcome two refugee families, helping them set up new apartments in Chicago and Evanston!
Welcome Kits were delivered by church members, helping the family with everything from mattresses and bedding, to dishes and utensils, to cleaning products and toiletries, plus welcome signs and literal tool kits to make their new houses into true homes. They also returned once the families had settled to spend time meeting them and praying together, welcoming them into their new communities.
Cindy Kim-Hengst, former Week of Compassion Board member, current first vice-moderator for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and a lay leader at Chicago Christian Church shared, “Exodus World Service wanted me to share with you that they are EXTREMELY grateful for the grant dollars that Week of Compassion has specifically allocated to refugee response. They are overwhelmed with refugees coming to Chicago and cannot keep up with the demand. The kits that we are able to provide are a huge blessing to them. We are grateful for these partners in ministry, and for the opportunity to express God's love.”
Week of Compassion continues to pursue the things that make for hope and peace – things that are true, honorable, and just. We eagerly share stories of hope, telling of what we have HEARD AND SEEN: that gifts of compassion matter, and that human flourishing is a hope worth pursuing. Week of Compassion makes an impact around the world, ensuring that the stories, needs, and celebrations of vulnerable communities are heard and seen – and that we respond.
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