World Vision ACT:S is a network of young people committed to exploring what our faith says about poverty and injustice, using creative activism to bring issues to life and change hearts, and using our voices to advocate on AIDS, malaria, hunger, and child slavery.
If you are not already a member of ACT:S, we encourage you to check out our About page and join the ACT:S network for bi-weekly e-mail updates.
Below are the latest stories, resources, and campaigns. If you would like to contribute, e-mail acts@worldvision.org.
The Only Safe Place
By Richard Stearns, President of World Vision US
Two events last week underscore the fact that the world is a dangerous place for Christians. Ten people working for the International Assistance Mission were shot dead in Afghanistan, allegedly killed because of their faith. Then a militant group in Somalia—where World Vision has worked for 18 years—ordered us and two other Christian organizations to close down operations, claiming the groups are proselytizing. (World Vision provides aid to people regardless of their religion.)
Emergency in the Field: Pakistan Floodings
Just last month, Nasreen, her husband Rasi, and their children lived in a mud house near the river in Mohib Banda, a village in the town of Pabbi, Pakistan. Razi worked as a laborer, and the family owned two cows.
Then, monsoon rains of epic proportions started to fall, and the river began flooding. At 6 a.m. one morning as the water rose toward the roof of their home, Nasreen and her family decided to make a dash for the tallest building in their neighborhood: the local mosque and school.
For three days, they crammed together on the rooftop of the school with more than 100 people from houses close to the river, exposed to the elements and waiting to be rescued — or at least for something to eat.
ACT:S Leadership Council Blog: Simplifying Service
By Julie Smith, Elon University
The day after I graduated from high school, I packed my bags and went to Russia.
It was a big leap, but the truth is that service has defined my life. Spending a month working with orphans in Russia through Global Expeditions was just the logical next step—and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I witnessed the power of prayer; I persevered in overcoming obstacles to show the love of Christ.
Even as far back as sixth grade, I had always been into service. When I eventually started college at Elon University, I automatically joined the Service Learning Community, doing projects several times a month. I joined the service team of my intervarsity chapter. As a sophomore I lead the SLC for the new freshmen. I found a great group of friends, but there was a dilemma: I was not actually enjoying the service aspect.
Volunteering had always been something I’d done, so I figured it was something I was supposed to continue in college. But in continuing service almost as a default activity, I had grown bored. I realized I was missing the point of volunteering.
From the Field: Floods and Hunger in Niger
By Michael Arunga, World Vision Emergency Communicator
Heavy rains are mercilessly pounding Niger. They have swept some villages clean, taking away all possessions that include the little relief food that had been distributed to an already food and nutrition famished country.
Moving a parked car
By Caitlyn Starkey, Whitworth University
Sometimes fear can paralyze you; sometimes the thought of taking a wrong step will prevent you from walking.
I am guilty of doing this, specifically in the context of God’s will and selecting a college. As a transfer student, I got too stress over choosing a four-year college while enduring finals week at another school. But I got so hung up over the “right choice” and the “right school” that I just shut down and was paralyzed by fear.
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Connect with us at: acts@worldvision.org or 1-888-876-2004.
ACT:S is the activism network for World Vision. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. |
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