News Briefs: January 31, 2006
2006 Lenten Calendar Now Available
Canadian Lutheran World Relief's annual Lenten calendar for use by Sunday schools and congregations is now available.
The calendar provides children and families with an opportunity to learn, act and pray for various projects supported by CLWR, the ELCIC/GHDA and LCC.
This 11 x 17" colour calendar can be ordered by emailing CLWR (clwr@clwr.mb.ca) or by calling the Winnipeg office at 694-5602 or toll free at 1.800.661.2597.
Thousands Displaced as Violence and Tension Mount in South Darfur
Armed militias have driven more than 55,000 people from their homes in South Darfur. Gunmen on camels and horses prompted the mass exodus after shooting and looting in the camps and the town of Mershing, local people said. Now tens of thousands of families huddle on exposed ground in the nearby town of Manawashi - with dwindling stocks of food and little shelter.
ACT-Caritas, CLWR’s partner in South Darfur, has taken part in an assessment of the needs of the displaced people and is responding to the crisis. It is providing basics such as blankets, sleeping mats, and jerry cans. It is also ensuring that people have enough water and that sanitation facilities are built to prevent the outbreak of disease.
People fled in panic as the attacks and looting continued and when neither the local police nor the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force - based 80 kilometres away in Nyala - was able to halt the deterioration in security. The AU sent a patrol on Tuesday and Wednesday and promised local people to return with reinforcements, but did not do so. An AU spokesperson later told ACT-Caritas that they did not return because the Government of Sudan police were not ready to patrol the area with them, which is a requirement.
Local people say the want to go home, but they say they need to feel secure and they want joint patrols between a new police force and an international organisation.
- Reports from ACT and CLWR News Service
Celebrate CLWR's 60th Anniversary
March 14 is CLWR's official 60th birthday. On March 14, 1946 CLWR was organized and began relief and refugee operations here in Canada and in Europe. Since that time, CLWR's refugee and humanitarian work has continued and expanded around the world.
Congregations are encouraged to highlight the work of CLWR on Sunday March 12 or 19. The event does not have to be elaborate. One suggestion is to order some CLWR fair trade coffee and serve it (along with a little cake) after worship. There are many other resources that could be incorporated.
Please order your fair trade coffee and resources early, so as not to be disappointed.
- CLWR News Service
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