Showing posts with label world concern. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world concern. Show all posts

World Concern responds to help victims of Nepal earthquake

Saturday, April 25, 2015


World Concern, a Shoreline-based humanitarian organization, is responding through partners on the ground in Nepal to help survivors of the earthquake that struck the country Saturday. At 11:56am local time a magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook the region surrounding the capital of Kathmandu.

The number of casualties continues to rise, but thousands are feared injured or dead. Hospitals are overcrowded and people are in need of emergency supplies and assistance.

“We at World Concern were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquake in Nepal. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost so many loved ones. Our staff in the region are trained and prepared to help in these types of disasters, and we’re working closely with partners to assess the specific needs of survivors,” said World Concern Senior Director of International Operations Matt Ellingson. 
“Earthquakes and catastrophes are part of our world. But in places already strained by poverty, people are more vulnerable to disasters. It turns a difficult situation into an impossible situation for families.”

World Concern has 60 years of experience in providing humanitarian aid and disaster response programming in some of the poorest countries in the world. The agency’s partnership with 20 other Christian NGOs through the Integral Alliance enables World Concern to respond more quickly to disasters in partner countries, reaching more people in greatest need.

“The fastest way to respond to critical needs in this type of disaster is by utilizing available resources in the region. We need to get funds into the hands of our partners on the ground as soon as possible,” said World Concern Deputy Director of Disaster Response, Chris Sheach. 
“We will work with local agencies and other international responders to provide emergency shelter, water and food as fast as possible for the thousands of people sleeping outside while aftershocks continue.”


World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization, part of the CRISTA organization.


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Participate in World Concern's 7th Annual Free Them 5K in Shoreline

Monday, March 30, 2015

Last year's event raised $167,000

1,500 Runner and Walkers will help stop Human Trafficking through the 7th Annual “Free Them” 5k on May 9, 2015  

On Saturday, May 9, 1500 advocates will take to the streets of Shoreline to protect vulnerable children and women from human trafficking at World Concern’s 7th Annual Free Them 5k. 

Participants will raise awareness and funds for this cause by running or walking the 5k route through Shoreline, beginning at World Concern’s headquarters on the CRISTA Ministries campus.

The event is a favorite for runners, walkers, and families in the Puget Sound region because it offers a fun, tangible way to make a difference in a problem that can otherwise seem overwhelming. 

Worldwide, an estimated 35 million men, women, and – most heartbreakingly – children, are trapped in modern slavery today (*2014 Global Slavery Index). Last year’s event raised $167,000 to support World Concern’s anti-trafficking projects in some of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia – a hub for sex tourism, trafficking, and slavery.

The event is expected to sell out in April, so those interested in getting involved in the fight against human trafficking should register now.

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health.



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Change a Life this Christmas with the Global Gift Guide

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Shoreline's World Concern says "Make this the year you change someone’s life for Christmas."

World Concern’s Global Gift Guide offers tangible, life-transforming gifts like goats, chickens, school supplies, wells, and many others. These gifts equip those who receive them with ways to earn income, live healthier lives, and have hope for a brighter future beyond poverty.

And when you give a life-changing gift in the name of a friend or family member, your gift brings joy to your loved ones, too. Through your gift, you honor their heart for the poor and leave a legacy in their name.

Gig Harbor, Washington resident Renee Smith wanted to bless her sister-in-law Patti with something meaningful for Christmas. Patti was going through cancer treatment and told Renee she didn’t want anything for Christmas. She would rather help children during the holidays. Renee rounded up Patti’s supporters, and together they gave chickens, ducks, goats, and more through the Global Gift Guide in Patti’s name.

“It felt like the best gift I could have given her,” said Renee, who presented Patti with her gifts on Christmas morning. “She looked up at me with tears rolling down her face and mouthed the words, ‘thank you.’”

World Concern’s Global Gift Guide offers gifts that are matched 2x, 3x, even 4x, multiplying the impact of your gift. When you give a cow, mosquito nets to protect a family from malaria, or a rainwater catchment system to provide clean water, your gift will be multiplied— helping even more people! Plus, this year’s gift guide features some brand new ways to change a life, like a bee hive and training for income, or a water filter to provide safe drinking water.

Find something life-changing for every person on your list. Shop the Global Gift Guide online or call 800-755-5022 to order.

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life- saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Lasting change that provides lasting hope. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. Part of the CRISTA family.



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Seattle's Favorite Food Trucks Join the Fight Against Global Hunger

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

2013 Mobile Food Fight for Hunger
August 31, World Concern in Shoreline

Mobile Food Fight for Hunger, a food truck rally to fight global hunger, Sunday, August 31, from 11am to 4pm. World Concern headquarters, 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

What’s better than spending a Sunday afternoon enjoying delicious food from Seattle’s favorite food trucks? Knowing that you’re helping feed hungry families at the same time! Worldwide, hunger kills more people every year than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined, but with your help, World Concern makes a lasting impact in the lives of the poor in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Haiti.

On Sunday, August 31 from 11am to 4pm, 10 of Seattle’s top food trucks will rally to fight global hunger at World Concern's 3rd annual Mobile Food Fight for Hunger in Shoreline.

The toughest part will be saving your appetite to taste the offerings of as many food trucks as possible. From Where Ya At Matt's nationally acclaimed New Orleans-style creole, to delicious sweet frybread from Off the Rez, the event draws hundreds of Northwest foodies. Try a fresh take on old favorites from local food trucks like Cheese Wizards, Crisp Creperie, and Fish Basket, and satisfy your sweet tooth with a sugary delight from Street Treats or Street Donuts.

A portion of the funds raised from the Mobile Food Fight for Hunger will help provide sustainable solutions for global hunger in some of the poorest countries in the world. Off the Rez owner Cecilia Rikard shares her excitement for the event.

“We love World Concern's Mobile Food Fight for Hunger! It allows us to bring our food to a fantastic crowd while helping to bring attention to and contributing to the fight against global hunger,” she said. “We are thrilled to be invited back year after year.” 

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health.


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1,500 participants expected at Saturday’s sold out “Free Them” 5k to fight human trafficking

Friday, May 9, 2014

The start of the 2013 run

A sold out race of 1,500 enthusiastic runners and walkers will lace-up at World Concern’s headquarters in Shoreline, this Saturday, May 10, to help raise awareness and funds to prevent human trafficking.

This is World Concern’s 6th annual “Free Them” 5k event. Last year’s race drew more than 2,000 people, and raised $150,000 to support World Concern’s anti-trafficking programs. This year’s event is expected to raise even more for this important cause. 

Human trafficking is estimated to be the third largest criminal activity in the world, and more than 80% of trafficking victims are women and young girls. World Concern works to protect those vulnerable to modern-day slavery, sexual exploitation, and abuse in some of the poorest places in Southeast Asia and around the world. 

2013 U.S. Paratriathlete of the Year Aaron Scheidies will be the official race starter. The visually impaired runner, an eight-time triathlon World Champion and eight-time National Champion, will also participate in the 5k with a guide.

For more information about the Free Them 5k, visit World Concern. The race is sold out, but participants can still register online for the “Virtual 5k,” which means they can run or walk for the cause at any time or place that works for them.


World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life-saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. 


World Concern is a member of the CRISTA family of ministries, which serve people around the world in the areas of education, global relief and development, youth camps, senior care and media. 


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Shoreline-based World Concern aids families in South Sudan crisis

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

World Concern is providing emergency assistance to families displaced by violence in South Sudan. 

Since December 2013, when fighting broke out after rebels attempted to overthrow the government, as many as one million people have fled violence in their home towns and sought safety in camps, host communities, or other countries. Several thousand from conflict-affected areas have arrived in an area of Warrap State where World Concern implements long-term development programs. 

According to UNOCHA, no other agencies are responding in this area to assist these families. World Concern is responding with emergency aid such as food rations, supplies, access to water, and more.
“It’s so sad. People are just sitting here, trying to find some shade … and a lot of them really traumatized … They won’t go outside, because they are too scared to get shot anyways. What can they hope for?” said Samuel, a young man who is among the displaced in South Sudan.

World Concern is seeking support from donors for this response. It costs about $40 to provide a disaster survival kit to a family in crisis. Donations can be made online or by calling 800-755-5022. 
~~~~~
World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. The solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable, lasting change that provides lasting hope. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health.
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South Sudan Facts
  • In December 2013, fighting broke out between government forces and rebels loyal to former vice president Riek Machar and spread across the country, threatening to push it into civil war. A ceasefire was signed on January 23, 2014.
  • 646,400 people are displaced inside South Sudan. Another 123,400 people have fled to neighboring countries. (Source: UNOCA) 
  • South Sudan has been struggling since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. Prior to 2005, Sudan's two-decade civil war killed 2 million people and forced another 4 million from their homes, according to U.N. estimates. Many southerners continue to return to South Sudan from the north, and many remain displaced.
  • According to the World Food Program, hunger levels in all states but one were above emergency levels in 2012. 
  • According to Refugees International, South Sudan ranks near the bottom in the world in all social indicators including education, literacy, and child malnutrition.

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Community Service Project in Shoreline kicks off SPU’s new school year

Friday, September 20, 2013



Instead of hitting the books right away, students at Seattle Pacific University will spend the first day of Autumn Quarter off campus cleaning homeless shelters, restoring green spaces, removing graffiti, and participating in more than 30 different community service projects throughout Seattle. 

This annual back-to-school orientation event called “CityQuest” gives new students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni the opportunity to live out SPU’s mission of “engaging the culture and changing the world.” This year, more than 800 freshman and transfer students will participate.


On Saturday, September 28, from 10:30am until 2pm, SPU students will be at World Concern at 19303 Fremont Ave N in Shoreline, writing thank you notes to donors and stuffing gift bags.

For more information on Seattle Pacific University’s CityQuest in your neighborhood, call SPU Urban Program Coordinator Owen Sallee at 206-427-1296 (cell).

Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University is a premier Christian university that equips people to engage the culture and change the world. Its comprehensive academic program serves more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Known for both their competence and character, SPU graduates are bringing about positive change in communities around the globe. 


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Seattle’s Top Food Trucks rally to fight Global Hunger

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

2012 Mobile Food Fight at World Concern in Shoreline
Photo by FourFront

Foodies: round up your friends and chow down on gourmet eats from your favorite food trucks, all in one location. Ten of Seattle’s top trucks will rally at World Concern’s headquarters in Shoreline on Sunday, September 15 from noon to 4pm. 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133.

You’ll feel even better about what you spend on goodies, like gourmet sweet and savory crepes from Crisp Creperie, knowing you are helping fight global hunger with your purchase. A portion of the proceeds from the 2nd Annual Mobile Food Fight for Hunger will support World Concern’s sustainable agricultural programs, creating lasting solutions to global hunger in places like Chad, South Sudan and Somalia.

Sample some of the best street food in the Northwest, including nationally-recognized food trucks and returning participants Skillet, Where Ya at Matt, and Off the Rez. Local favorites and first-time attendees Crisp Creperie and Contigo are also ready to cook for a good cause.

Want to avoid lines at your favorite trucks? Purchase one of our VIP passes online for $5 to get in an hour early from 11am to 12pm and enjoy these renowned food trucks without the crowds. This is the best way for hard-core foodies to savor a taste from every truck, minus the long lines!

World Concern headquarters, 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133.

For more information, visit the webpage or call 206-546-7374.

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life-saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty.


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More than 2,000 Participants Expected at Saturday’s “Free Them” 5k/10k to Fight Human Trafficking

Friday, May 10, 2013


Runners in a Free Them 5K event


More than 2,000 enthusiastic runners and walkers will converge at World Concern’s headquarters, this Saturday, May 11, to help raise awareness and funds to prevent human trafficking.

This is World Concern’s 5th annual “Free Them” 5k/10k event. Last year’s race drew more than 1,900 people, and raised $142,000 to support World Concern’s anti-trafficking programs. This year’s event is expected to be larger and raise even more for this important cause. Human trafficking is estimated to be the third largest criminal activity in the world, and more than 80% of trafficking victims are women and young girls. World Concern works to protect those vulnerable to modern-day slavery, sexual exploitation, and abuse in some of the poorest places in Southeast Asia and around the world.

Edmonds resident Gary Womelsduff will participate in the 10k race, and will lead the crowd in a moment of silence before the race to honor those affected by the April 15 Boston bombings. 
Womelsduff ran the Boston Marathon this year, crossing the finish line about 50 minutes before the explosions occurred. World Concern would like to remember and pray for the families of those who lost their lives, and for those who were injured.

For more information about the Free Them 5k/10k, visit the webpage. Participants can register onsite the day of the event. For stories and photos of World Concern’s humanitarian work around the world, visit the webpage or call Cathy Herholdt at 206-546-7374.

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life- saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. World Concern is a member of the CRISTA family of ministries, which serve people around the world in the areas of education, global relief and development, youth camps, senior care and media,



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5th Annual World Concern “Free Them” 5k/10k Helps Protect Women / Children from Trafficking

Saturday, April 13, 2013



Human trafficking is estimated to be the third largest criminal activity in the world, and more than 80% of trafficking victims are women and young girls. World Concern works to protect those vulnerable to modern-day slavery, sexual exploitation, and abuse in some of the poorest places in Southeast Asia and around the world.

The 5th Annual “Free Them” 5k/10k to help stop human trafficking will take place in Shoreline, on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The event helps raise awareness and funds for World Concern’s anti trafficking programs.

Last year’s event drew nearly 2,000 participants to World Concern’s headquarters, the 55-acre CRISTA Ministries campus in Shoreline. The event also raised $142,000 to help protect women and innocent children from becoming victims—children like Tong:

When we met 12-year-old Tong, she had not been to school for two years and was working on her parents’ rice farm in rural Laos, near the Thai border. Her family of 9 is often hungry. Tong was considering going to Thailand to find work. 
“I heard from friends that it is easy to earn income (in Thailand). I would like to try. Even just a little pay for any work, I will accept,” she said eagerly. 
Thankfully, Tong was offered job skills training through World Concern in her village. She learned to sew, and is now able to earn enough income selling traditional Lao skirts to help support her family. And, since she’ll no longer have to work in the rice fields, she can go back to school.

World Concern helps protect children like Tong with trafficking awareness programs, job skills training, and education. Parents and families are given opportunities to earn income, so their children are not at risk of being “sold” in order for younger siblings to survive. Long-term solutions like this help protect entire communities.

“Free Them” 5k/10k participants can raise funds to help this important cause, and many are enthusiastically sharing their fundraising pages through social media. Kirkland resident Mark LeMaster has already raised $4,536 from friends, family members, and coworkers.

“It was a great experience last year,” said LeMaster, who signed up just a week before the 2012 race after hearing about it on the radio. “I thought, I’m in for next year.” LeMaster has shared his fundraising page with anyone he can think of, and has been surprised at people’s willingness to get involved and donate. On his page he explains his reason for doing this, “(World Concern) is awesome and helps protect people from human trafficking, sexual exploitation (often young girls), and sexual slavery. These people are trafficked through threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power … They are trapped. This charity helps free them.”

Anyone interested in participating in the “Free Them” 5k/10k can register online

World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life-saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Lasting change that provides lasting hope. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health. World Concern is a member of the CRISTA family of ministries, which serve people around the world in the areas of education, global relief and development, youth camps, senior care and media.

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"Free Them" 5k Run/Walk to help stop human trafficking - May 11

Friday, February 15, 2013


Runners get ready at the 2012 Free Them event
Photo courtesy World Concern

The 5th annual "Free Them" 5k Fun Run/Walk to fight human trafficking returns on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at 9:30am, at the Shoreline headquarters of humanitarian relief organization World Concern, 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133. map 

Last year's event drew nearly 2,000 participants and raised $143,000 to protect women and children from trafficking.


The event is a fun, tangible way to take a stand against one of the most horrific crimes of our generation. The "Free Them" 5k raises awareness and funds for World Concern's anti-trafficking programs, which help protect the poor and vulnerable, providing opportunities for education and to earn income safely.

Start Fundraising: As part of this event, you can create a personal fundraising page and raise money for the cause.


See the webpage for registration and information, or email World Concern.


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Join in the Free Them 5k Run/Walk this Saturday

Saturday, May 12, 2012


This Saturday, May 12, an anticipated 1,700 runners and walkers will take to the streets of Shoreline to help protect vulnerable children and women from human trafficking.

World Concern’s annual “Free Them” 5k Run/Walk to stop human trafficking will be held at its headquarters, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., and aims to raise awareness and funds for anti-trafficking programs.

Human trafficking is rampant in many parts of the world. According to UNICEF, as many as 2 million children are entrapped in the global commercial sex trade. But Puget Sound residents are taking action to help stop this horrific crime by participating in the 5k.

Last year, more than 1,000 people participated, raising $107,000 toward World Concern’s programs, which provide education, job skills and safe havens for victims of trafficking in Southeast Asia.

Special guest Jenny Simmons of the band Addison Road will perform songs and share stories about how protecting children is a critical cause to her personally.

The family-friendly event begins at 9:30 a.m. with a 5k fun run/walk, followed by activities for children, booths, prizes for top fundraisers, food and more. Most importantly, the event will raise awareness about the plight of those affected by modern-day slavery.

Anyone interested in participating in the Free Them 5k can register online or in person at the event.

World Concern at CRISTA, 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline 98133. 9:30am



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1,500 participants expected at “Free Them” 5k Run/Walk to help stop human trafficking

Monday, April 16, 2012

On Saturday, May 12, an anticipated 1,500 runners and walkers will take to the streets of Shoreline in a united effort to help protect vulnerable children and women from human trafficking.

World Concern’s annual “Free Them” 5k Run/Walk to stop human trafficking will be held at its headquarters, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., and aims to raise awareness and funds for anti-trafficking programs.

Human trafficking is rampant in many parts of the world. According to UNICEF, as many as 2 million children are entrapped in the global commercial sex trade. But Puget Sound residents are taking action to help stop this horrific crime by participating in the 5k.

More than 1,000 people participated last year
Photo courtesy World Concern
Last year, more than 1,000 people participated, raising $107,000 toward World Concern’s programs, which provide education, job skills and safe havens for victims and those at risk of trafficking in Southeast Asia.

Brier resident Lorene Jansson was a top fundraiser for last year’s event, and will be running the 5k again this year.

Before getting involved in the Free Them 5k, she felt paralyzed by the magnitude of the problem of human trafficking.

“It’s an overwhelming problem. I live in a nice little house in Brier, what can I do? But I realized I can do something. I can register for the run and get involved,” she said. “This is something we all can do. It’s right in our backyard.”

Jansson sells homemade cinnamon rolls and beaded jewelry to friends and coworkers to raise funds for the cause.

“You take your passion, whatever it is, and apply it to what you want to do,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see so many like-minded people wanting to do something about trafficking. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of young people at the event.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Free Them 5k can register.


World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. With our supporters, our faith compels us to extend life-saving help and opportunity to people facing the most profound human challenges of extreme poverty. At World Concern, the solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable change. Lasting change that provides lasting hope. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health.

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World Concern honors aid workers on World Humanitarian Day

Saturday, August 20, 2011

On World Humanitarian Day Friday, August 19, World Concern asks for prayers and support for humanitarian aid workers around the world, especially those working tirelessly to respond to the devastating famine in the Horn of Africa.

“These humanitarians often brave great danger, far from home. They work long hours, in the most difficult conditions. Their efforts save lives in conflict and natural disaster,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in a written statement. “On World Humanitarian Day, we honour these aid workers and thank them for their dedication.”

Emergency Coordinator Tracy Stover in east Africa (left)
Shoreline-based World Concern has nearly 900 staff members serving in 22 countries. A team based in Dadaab, Kenya is providing aid in a cross-border response in Somalia and Kenya to those affected by the famine.

Emergency Coordinator Tracy Stover says the team is being stretched, often working long days with few breaks and traveling for hours each day. Getting water, food and emergency supplies to the most vulnerable populations is the priority right now.

“In the midst of all these priorities," she said, "we need to always keep in the forefront of our minds the main point of being out here is to serve those suffering from the Horn of Africa drought.”

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Shoreline based World Concern responds to famine in Somalia

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Somalia map from Geology.com
By Derek T. Sciba

A famine has hit a large section of Somalia, with severe drought conditions throughout the Horn of Africa.

At least 500,000 children are at risk of death in the region, according to UNICEF. This has been one of the driest years in decades. Families have no more crops, their animals are dying, and now these desperate people are in search of food and water to simply survive.

Shoreline-based World Concern’s response includes assistance with water, emergency food and survival supplies in Southern Somalia, an area which was until recently inaccessible due to a high security risk. Our response also extends to Northern Somalia and Kenya, with the primary goal of delivering water to families.

This is the worst drought the region has seen in more than 60 years. An estimated 10 million people are affected in Northeastern Kenya, Somalia and Eastern Ethiopia. This is the first official famine in the region since 1984-85, when one million people died in Ethiopia and Sudan.

Africa map from Geology.com
Christian humanitarian organization World Concern has worked in the region for many years, developing communities by establishing clean water sources, schools, providing agricultural assistance and more. But several consecutive seasons of failed rains, combined with skyrocketing food prices, conflict, and limited humanitarian access, have added to the crisis.

The forecast is bleak. August is expected to be dry. About 1,300 people cross the border from Somalia into Kenya every day, landing in ill-equipped, over-crowded refugee camps. The largest camp is home to nearly 400,000 people. The UN estimates between 40% and 50% of Somali refugee children are acutely malnourished.

To learn more or donate, visit the World Concern website or call 866-530-LIFE (5433).  World Concern is a ministry of CRISTA.


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Record turnout expected for Saturday’s Race to Fight Human Trafficking

Saturday, May 7, 2011

From World Concern staff
World Concern expects more than 1,200 people will run or walk in the “Free Them” 5k on Saturday, a race to stop human trafficking. More people have also signed up to fundraise through social media this year, driven to action because of the reality of modern-day slavery.
“Rain or shine, we’re excited to hold our biggest event of the year,” said World Concern President David Eller. “People get the message: we can prevent this kind of abuse from ever happening.”
World Concern staff and volunteers are putting the course together today and handing out race packets. The event will be held at World Concern’s headquarters, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., in Seattle. The race begins at 9:30 am. Proceeds from the race will go to protect women and children who are vulnerable to trafficking.

Today, nearly 3,000 children will be trafficked around the world. These children are sold as modern-day slaves into the sex industry, forced labor, or used as beggars on the streets.

Carrie Yu, a Seattle resident and mom of two young children, is raising funds through her Facebook and Twitter pages, and will run in the 5k.

“As a parent, it’s heart-breaking to think about,” said Yu. “I can’t imagine having to make the decision to sell a child into slavery in order to survive. I can’t go into the mission field, but I can run for this cause. I can raise money. This is something I can do right now where I am in my life.”
Last year’s event raised $83,000 for World Concern’s anti-trafficking programs, which provide education, job skills and safe havens for victims and those at risk of trafficking in Southeast Asia.

World Concern, part of CRISTA Ministries, is a Christian humanitarian organization that helps lift people out of poverty through activities including microfinance, agriculture, disaster response and small business development. World Concern works with the poor in 22 countries, with the goal of transforming the lives of those we touch, leading them on a path to self-sustainability. Worldwide, World Concern offers life, opportunity and hope to nearly six million people.

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World Concern Africa on High Alert after Osama Bin Laden Killing

Monday, May 2, 2011

From World Concern, CRISTA Ministries
The death of Osama Bin Laden has prompted World Concern’s security director to elevate security awareness across Eastern Africa.
“The potential for some sort of retaliatory move by militant sympathizers is high,” said Nick Archer, World Concern director of security and disaster response.
Archer recommends staff from the Shoreline-based humanitarian organization stay away from public gatherings and transportation hubs.

In the past, Al Quaeda militants have attacked targets in Eastern Africa with ties to America. The most notable attacks include the 1998 bombing of US embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“The news from Pakistan does have an impact on our operations,” said David Eller, World Concern president. “We will continue to work with the communities we’ve been called to serve, but with a heightened awareness of these tensions.”
About 95% of World Concern staff is comprised of people from the countries where we serve. Whenever possible, we work to equip national staff to become leaders and humanitarians in their own country or region.

World Concern offers opportunities for people living in extreme poverty and oppression, without regard to race, religion or gender. One of our primary goals is to foster peace and reconciliation. Whenever possible, we seek avenues for groups in conflict to work together in mutually beneficial ways.

World Concern, part of CRISTA Ministries, is a Christian humanitarian organization that helps lift people out of poverty through activities including microfinance, agriculture, disaster response and small business development. World Concern works with the poor in 22 countries, with the goal of transforming the lives of those we touch, leading them on a path to self-sustainability. Worldwide, World Concern offers life, opportunity and hope to nearly six million people.

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World Concern Sudan staff member named CRISTA Employee of the Year

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Harun Ringera, CRISTA Employee of the Year
Harun Ringera has seen the World Concern Sudan staff grow from just three people in 2006 to more than 50 today. He has seen traumatized former child soldiers become literate and employable. And starving families not only survive, but learn to grow their own food. Most recently, he has seen the people of Southern Sudan, who have never known life without war, celebrate their independence.

Harun is being honored next week in Seattle as CRISTA Ministries’ Employee of the Year. He will be recognized at a reception on Monday, February 28, at the CRISTA campus, 19303 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline. World Concern is one of CRISTA’s seven ministries.

As program manager, Harun oversees the day to day operations of World Concern’s vocational training, food security, microfinance and economic development programs in Sudan. Although he works 12-hour days and is away from his wife and children in Kenya for two months at a time, Harun said he feels called to work in Sudan.

“My strength is visiting families in their homes, praying with them, and seeing improvements,” he said. If you want to learn to succeed in Southern Sudan and to motivate people, learn to appreciate them, and give them hope.”

A native Kenyan, Harun attended college in Nairobi and will earn his Master’s degree in Development Studies in October. He is the youngest of seven children and the first in his family to be educated beyond primary school.

Harun said he was very excited to learn he had been named Employee of the Year and for his first trip to the U.S. “I thought that World Concern Sudan was not known,” he said. “I felt like David [from the Bible], a shepherd being anointed king.”

--World Concern staff

World Concern, part of CRISTA Ministries, is a Christian humanitarian organization that helps lift people out of poverty through activities including microfinance, agriculture, disaster response and small business development. World Concern works with the poor in 22 countries, with the goal of transforming the lives of those we touch, leading them on a path to self-sustainability. Worldwide, World Concern offers life, opportunity and hope to nearly six million people.

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World Concern holds prayer vigil for one year anniversary of Haiti earthquake

Friday, January 14, 2011

Photo by Carson Jones, Northshore Baptist Church

Shoreline-based international humanitarian organization World Concern held a candlelight vigil on the Fisher Pavillion rooftop at Seattle Center in Seattle on Wednesday, January 12, to commemorate the first anniversary of the Haiti earthquake.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti on January 12, 2010 will be remembered as one of the worst disasters in recent history.

230,000 lives were lost and 3 million people affected by the earthquake.


World Concern President David Eller on the right
Photo by Carson Jones, Northshore Baptist Church

“We cannot forget that more than a million people are still living in tents in and around Port-au-Prince, and the people of Haiti are still suffering,” said World Concern President David Eller. “On this anniversary, it is our prayer that people will remember the devastation and be moved to join the effort to rebuild Haiti. More than anything, Haitians need hope. That’s what we can offer – hope and the chance to start over.”

Complicating the situation in Haiti, a cholera outbreak that began in October has sickened more than 150,000 people and killed nearly 3,500. Post-election violence in December also hindered the relief efforts.

Photo by Carson Jones, Northshore Baptist Church

World Concern has been aiding earthquake and cholera victims with emergency supplies, and rebuilding homes, constructing transitional shelters and offering income opportunities during the past 12 months. With 30 years of experience in Haiti, World Concern is on the front lines of the humanitarian response.



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Haiti, one year after the earthquake - Shoreline-based World Concern is there to help

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 caused widespread damage in Port-au-Prince.

Shoreline-based humanitarian organization World Concern has been working in Haiti for 30 years, so when the earthquake one year ago devastated the island nation, World Concern was already on the scene and moved quickly into action.

World Concern Haiti staff members distributed emergency supplies to 100,000 people immediately after the earthquake in January 2010.
In spite of the cholera epidemic, political rioting, and continuing problems, or perhaps because of those problems, World Concern celebrates its successes.


Widzer Stevern lost his daughter in the earthquake. He and his surviving family members received a house from World Concern, which Widzer has improved with a porch, bathroom and dining room. He used income earned through World Concern’s Cash for Work program to help pay for the improvements.

See the excellent World Concern report: Haiti:One Year Later

World Concern, part of CRISTA Ministries, is a Christian humanitarian organization that helps lift people out of poverty through activities including microfinance, agriculture, disaster response and small business development. World Concern works with the poor in 22 countries, with the goal of transforming the lives of those we touch, leading them on a path to self-sustainability. Worldwide, World Concern offers life, opportunity and hope to nearly six million people.

Read more...
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