CWS Film Library - CWS in Partnership

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BUILDING HOPE: HURRICANE MITCH RECOVERY
(10 Minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1999)
In late 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated many parts of Central America. Church World Service helped first with emergency supplies and medical teams, and is now helping to spur the recovery with volunteer reconstruction teams and more. Learn how you can help.

CELEBRATION
(9 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1986)
From the post-World War II Friendship Food Ships to refugee resettlement, earthquake response, and integrated development - Church World Service celebrates more than 40 years of building partnerships of caring the world over.

A CELEBRATION OF HELP AND HOPE
(9 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1996)
An upbeat journey through our story of help and hope - yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This Golden Anniversary video looks at the people and programs who make the ministry of Church World Service special, around the block and around the world. We see volunteers who give of their time and resources to help people less fortunate, and we see people whose lives have been changed by Church World Service, giving them the opportunity to help their communities and provide for themselves. Blending vintage and contemporary footage, the video explains CWS' role, from emergency response to long-term development. For audiences interested in any or all aspects of the Church World Service ministry. Cleared for TV broadcast.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: 50 YEARS OF HELP AND HOPE
(24 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1996)
A video celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Church World Service, featuring three segments that present up-to-the-minute, up-close and personal glimpses at relief, development, and reconciliation efforts in the former Yugoslavia, Haiti, and Rwanda. Hosted by character actor Joe Morton and former Church World Service Executive Director Lonnie Turnipseed, this piece ran originally on the VISN Cable Network. Cleared for TV broadcast.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: HELPING A HURTING WORLD
(26 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1994)
This program features Rwanda, where violence has exacted a tremendous toll in human life; Haiti, where people have suffered under a cruel dictatorship and embargo; Cambodia, where Church World Service has been at work for the past 15 years and where people are regaining self-sufficiency after years of repression; and Cuba, where an embargo has caused severe shortages of essential medicines and other supplies. The program concludes with a music video on hope, "Child of the Universe." This video was originally broadcast on the VISN Cable Network. Cleared for TV broadcast.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: HOPE AMIDST TRAGEDY
(28 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1993)
Shows Church World Service emergency work in the war-ravaged former Yugoslavia where more than 10,000,000 people have been affected by civil conflict; in the Midwest during the 1993 floods where recurring rains and flooding destroyed crops and tens of thousands of homes and disrupted the lives of millions of people; and in Somalia where civil strife caused the breakdown of the country's infrastructure and widespread famine. Closes with a video collage, "Somebody's Child." Cleared for TV broadcast.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: JOURNEY TO GOMA
(26 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1994)
Journey with a married doctor-nurse team to Goma, Zaire, where hundreds of thousands of refugees from Rwanda are working to rebuild their lives. Also, go to Cambodia, where Church World Service was one of the first agencies to provide assistance following the regime of Pol Pot, and then to Haiti, a country which is struggling, with the churches' assistance, to emerge from oppression, violence, and great poverty. Cleared for TV broadcast.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: JOURNEY TO HOPE
(26 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1993)
Shows Church World Service work around the world. Visit a refugee camp at Kakuma, Kenya where thousands of Sudanese boys and others are working to reclaim their lives; a rebuilding program in war-torn Lebanon; and water resource development in southern Africa where drought has taken its toll. An inspirational song, "We Walk Because They Walk," closes the piece. Cleared for TV broadcast.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: PARTNERS WITH PEOPLE IN NEED
(27 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1994)
People affected by man-made conflicts are finding partnership with Church World Service in their struggles to recover their lives and livelihoods. In southern Croatia, staff at the Church World Service office are working on delivery of humanitarian supplies into war-torn Bosnia. In Kakuma Camp, northern Kenya, Sudanese refugee boys are building a community and learning new skills. And in Somalia, people are rehabilitating their lives following several years of war and famine. Cleared for TV broadcast.

CUBA SCHOOL KITS DELIVERY
(4 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1995)
Because of Cuba's economic crisis, elementary children often do not have enough school supplies. In responding to this need, Church World Service encouraged U.S. churches to put together CWS School Kits for special delivery to Cuba before the 1995-96 school year, with distribution organized by the Cuban Council of Churches. The video includes a media release on the delivery of kits, and a trailer on distribution of kits throughout a classroom. Cleared for TV broadcast.

CWS AFRICA INITIATIVE: A JOURNEY OF PARTNERSHIP AND HOPE
(12 minutes - VHS, DVD - Level Middle School to Adult, 2005)
Church World Service believes that one of the greatest tests of our humanity, of our ability to respond to God's call tobe neighbor to one another, exists in Africa today. Working in partnership, the CWS Africa Initiative is addressing five critical areas of concern: conflict resolution and peacebuilding, refugees and displaced people, hunger and poverty alleviation, water for life, and HIV/AIDS.

DARE TO SHARE
(11 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1995)
This inspirational piece views the work of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. The ancient legend of Stone Soup becomes a metaphor for our Christian commitment to care for and share with others. Seen through the eyes of two teenage girls - Kristen from the United States and Anna from Armenia - a special stone carries a message of compassionate hope. Viewers witness the journey of the stone as it travels to China, Africa, Central America, and Armenia. It illustrates a powerful story. War, earthquake, and poverty have taken their toll, but food, medicine, blankets, potato seeds, fish farming, and educational programs are making a difference in people's lives around the globe.

ETHIOPIA: THE LAND BEYOND THE RIVERS
(30 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1989)
Map of Ethiopia While the only images most people in the United States have of Ethiopia are famine and perhaps, war, this video conveys to the viewer a sense of the rich history and culture of the Ethiopian people. It focuses especially on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the history of which is often considered synonymous with the history of the Ethiopian people. According to Father Tegegne, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is striving to be both a working church and a praying church. This is true not only of the EOC. We are all in this together - learning together. So our partnership with the EOC (and others) is teaching us what it means to be the church; it is part of who we are as the church. Cleared for TV broadcast.

THE FABRIC OF FAITH
(8 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1995)
Dramatic visual imagery, a poetic script, and inspirational music combine to touch viewers' hearts and minds. Viewers confront the harsh realities faced by individuals and communities around the world. From Rwanda to the Caribbean, from natural disasters in the U.S. to places of long-term distress like India, Cambodia, and east Africa. Poignant scenes provide snapshots and help Christians see how their contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing help ease suffering in more than 70 countries around the world.

FROM A DARK HOUSE TO ONE FILLED WITH LIGHT: A REFUGEE JOURNEY TO SOMALIA
(19 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1984)
War, drought, refugees: An emergency situation in the Horn of Africa. Church World Service-assisted development efforts at Ali Matan Camp enabled refugees to learn to care for their own needs, present and future. Cleared for TV broadcast.

HOPE IS THE LAST THING TO DIE
(22 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1990)
In Brazil, 28 million children and youth are trying to survive on the streets. The danger to, as well as the desperation and meager hope of, some of the street children and youth of Sao Bernardo do Campo, near Sao Paulo, Brazil, is conveyed. These children describe their lives, dreams, desperation, and brave hopes. Community Based Alternatives for Street Boys and Girls of Sao Bernardo is supported by Church World Service. Cleared for TV broadcast.

HUMANITARIAN AID TO CUBA
(10 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1992)
A 31-year U.S. economic embargo has tested the endurance and resiliency of the Cuban people. To help alleviate the suffering of people following the break-up of Cuba's trading bloc in Eastern Europe, Church World Service has helped provide much-needed humanitarian supplies - medicines and food - to the Cuban Ecumenical Council for delivery to people who are the most vulnerable. We visit senior citizens homes, hospitals, and schools where the churches' assistance is making a difference. Cleared for TV broadcast.

IRAQ'S YOUNGEST VICTIMS
(14 minutes - VHS - Level: High School to Adult.)
Some 4,500 of Iraq's children under age five are dying from malnutrition and treatable diseases each month due to shortages caused by the UN-imposed embargo. Church World Service humanitarian assistance is helping to save some of these youngsters.

THE JEWEL RECLAIMED
(26 minutes - VHS - Level Middle School to Adult, 1982)
An historical overview of the crisis in Kampuchea (Cambodia) and the role humanitarian aid via Church World Service played in helping to end death due to starvation and disease. A story of hope. Cleared for TV broadcast.

MISSION OF MERCY: HOLY WEEK IN BAGHDAD
(10 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1998)
Some 6,000 of Iraq's children under age five are dying from malnutrition and treatable diseases each month due to shortages caused by the UN-imposed embargo. Church World Service humanitarian assistance is helping to save some of these youngsters.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
(10 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1994)
Vividly depicts several programs carried out in partnership by Church World Service and member communions through contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing. Shows how American churches are reaching out to make a difference to hungry and hurting people throughout the world. In war-torn Bosnia, despite difficulties and dangers, convoys of relief supplies are getting through to refugees and displaced persons. In the flood-ravaged Midwest, people are rebuilding their homes and lives following devastating floods. And in the Kakuma refugee camp, in Kenya, refugee boys from Sudan are building a new community and learning skills.

OPEN WIDE YOUR HEARTS
(10 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1997)
Portrays how One Great Hour of Sharing offers faithful Christians a way to answer God's call. From befriending the stranger, to feeding the hungry, to sheltering the homeless, the call is translated into life-giving ministries in more than 70 countries including Nicaragua, Armenia, the former Yugoslavia, Mozambique, and the United States. Our gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing have been supporting such mission needs for nearly 50 years.

PARTNERS IN TOMORROW'S PROMISE
(14 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1989)
The inspiring story of the vital development work of Church World Service partners in the Dominican Republic. Servicio Social de Iglesias Dominicanas offers extension services through local men and women specially trained in agriculture, health, nutrition, literacy, animal raising, conservation, and reforestation. Cleared for TV broadcast.

RAINBOW OF CARING
(9 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 2000)
The story of how the Church World Service TOOLS & BLANKETS Program creates a rainbow of help and hope each time the right tool is placed in the hands of people in need. This fast-moving, upbeat video highlights some of the many primary tools that can create a palette of possibilities for people devastated by tragedy, as well as those working to build a better life for themselves and their communities. Among the rainbow of tools are the gift of living water, blankets, a harvest of help and hope, and education for lives and livelihoods. And, you'll meet some of the people who are living hope-filled lives thanks to these tools.

REBUILDING SOMALIA: A CWS PROGRAM REPORT
(17 minutes - VHS - Level: High School to Adult, 1995)
The Somali people are rebuilding their lives following the fall of the Somali government in 1991 and a civil war in which some 300,000 people died. In this piece we see how Church World Service and local groups are working in partnership to promote peace and to provide the Somali people the means to earn a living. From helping to start small businesses to providing health care for families, agricultural assistance, and livestock vaccinations, Church World Service is helping people to help themselves in Somalia.

ROOTS OF HUNGER, ROOTS OF CHANGE
(28 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1985)
Hunger in Africa. It's not new and it doesn't result from drought alone. This award-winning documentary looks at the historical causes of hunger in Senegal and their impact on people today. It documents the negative effect of cash-cropping, a vestige of the French colonial period, and examines a model of community development in which Church World Service has worked in partnership with people to help them grow their own food and take control of their own lives. .An insightful look at one situation which illustrates a common problem not only in Africa, but in many parts of the world. The sequel to this film is SIGNS OF CHANGE. Cleared for TV broadcast.

SHARE THE JOY
(13 minutes - VHS - Level: Elementary School to Adult, 1986)
From emergency assistance in the wake of earthquakes, droughts, and floods, to long-term development assistance and refugee resettlement -- This video illustrates the ministry undertaken by member communions through Church World Service. Cleared for TV broadcast.

SIGNS OF CHANGE
(18 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1985)
In 1983, Church World Service initiated an integrated community development project to increase the food supply in drought-stricken areas of West Africa. This is the story of a famine that was prevented. We see how through combined efforts in Keur Momar Sarr, Senegal, drought-stricken farmers and herders were able to increase their food supply and avert a famine. This film continues the story begun in the film ROOTS OF HUNGER, ROOTS OF CHANGE, (though each film is complete unto itself. Cleared for TV broadcast.

SIGNS OF HOPE
(59 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School to Adult, 1995)
This piece, aired by ABC-TV in October 1995, gathers up stories and music of hope from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and the U.S. One of the stories is about a SERRV project in Kenya, in the village of Kisii, where artisans sculpt and market soapstone eggs to fund a school for the community. Portrayals also depict Sudanese refugee boys at Kakuma camp in Kenya, African artists and Central American musicians in performance, Cambodians and Somalis in peacemaking ventures and CROP WALKers enlisting community-wide support for relief and development ministries. Includes several inspirational songs. Cleared for TV broadcast.

60 YEARS OF HELP AND HOPE
(9 minutes - VHS, DVD - Level: Middle School to Adult, 2006)
An upbeat journey through the Church World Service story of help and hope -- yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This 60th anniversary video looks at the people and programs that make the ministry of Church World Service special, around the block and around the world. We see individuals and groups that put their caring into action, and we see people and communities that are building a brighter future with support from CWS. Blending vintage and contemporary footage, the video explains the CWS role, from emergency response to long-term development. For audiences interested in any or all aspects of the Church World Service ministry.

THIS ROAD WE WALK/STATESMEN IN OVERALLS
Two historical films from the early days of CROP and Church World Service are once again available. Both titles are on one video cassette.

THIS ROAD WE WALK

(19 minutes - VHS - Level: High School to Adult, 1947)

STATESMEN IN OVERALLS

(14 minutes - VHS - Level: High School to Adult, 1950)

THROUGH THE EYES OF CHILDREN
(10 Minutes - VHS - Level: Middle School through Adult, 1998)
For 50 years, the One Great Hour of Sharing offering has given help, hope, and life to people around the world and in the United States. This ecumenical sharing of gifts has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for emergency relief, development aid, and refugee assistance. Although the harsh realities of war, famine, and natural disasters devastate the lives of all individuals and communities involved, the cries and sadness of children touch our hearts the most. This video portrays 50 years of people struggling for better lives. In contrast, the video also presents contemporary children's perceptions about world relief needs and what we, through One Great Hour of Sharing, can do to help.

TOOLS OF HOPE: SHARE IN A HOPE-FILLED TOMORROW
(8 minutes - VHS - Level: Middle school to Adult, 1998)
This new video takes you to Haiti, one of more than 80 countries where Church World Service is working hand-in-hand with local communities striving to make a better life for themselves and their neighbors. Here you'll see a workshop where people are learning woodworking and an effort to rebuild Haiti's pig population which was destroyed by an outbreak of African swine fever in the mid-80's. TOOLS OF HOPE may be actual tools or a well, a small loan, tree seedlings, beehives, sewing machines or even renewed skills.

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