When Libby emailed me this year and asked if I’d put a picture on the CROP web site for our church, I groaned and said under my breath, “not CROP already.” My son overheard my lament and asked me why I’d sounded upset because of the walk. WHY INDEED? The kids enjoy the event and feel they are doing something worthwhile. I enjoy the time with friends walking the course (come join us if you’d like). And the church earns money for an organization that makes a difference around the world and in our local community. As Libby said when I confessed my initial lack of enthusiasm, it catches her that way at first too (she puts in WAY more effort than I do), but in just a few minutes she gets herself fired up and she’s raring to go!

It feels especially good to know we’ve walked for CROP when disasters like the earthquake in Japan strike. While others are trying to figure out how to get money there, we can know our money is already at work:

“Church World Service is providing emergency relief to some 25,000 people now living at 100 evacuation sites in northeastern Japan.  We are focusing on areas where basic needs of food, water, sanitation, electricity and fuel are not being met.

We are working with a coalition of 32 Japanese agencies who know best where resources are needed.

Bringing people together to help communities in need.  It’s been our mandate for 65 years, and it’s how we’re working in Japan.”

To support Hope Church of the Brethren’s team (or an individual on the team) click here.