The more we do, the more we grow!

Story by Thomas Hampson/CWS

"You can't help but win with Church World Service," says Rev. Robert Kyte of First Congregational Church in Dalton, Massachusetts. "CWS has enabled us to reach outside the four walls of our church to those in need around the world. And the enthusiasm generated by our efforts is attracting new members. The more we do, the more we grow!" With about 400 members at present, First Congregational has made Church World Service a central part of its mission focus, along with its support for the ministries of the United Church of Christ.

In 2002, Kyte was invited to join a CWS Mission Observation trip to Bosnia and Montenegro. His experience made him even more excited about the work of CWS. For him, the partnership with CWS has deepened and broadened the mission of their congregation. "Participating in CWS projects has educated our church members and friends about the lives and difficulties of refugees, disaster victims, and people struggling to improve their lives in poor countries. Through CWS, we feel as if we are participating in their stories. The CWS practice of providing ‘self-help' rather than handouts transcended personal political views and united us. Simply, we believe in and trust CWS. Participating in the ministry of CWS is the most meaningful and satisfying mission work in my ministry."

One key component of their support for CWS is participation in the Dalton CROP Hunger Walk. "In 1994, 46 Walkers raised $2,300. Last October, 140+ Walkers raised $17,000. It has become a major ecumenical and community event that brings together pastors and congregations of different theologies in a common Christian witness. And we have become good friends!"

But the Walk is just the beginning. "Every year, our congregation also holds a ‘Blanket Sunday' on Mother's Day and a ‘tools for hope' Sunday on Father's Day," says Kyte. "In 2005, members of our church provided the leadership for a community fundraising drive for the School Safe Zones project of the CWS Africa Initiative. We took on the challenge of raising $16,000 to support the work in one of the ten Kenyan schools chosen for improvement. And our regular church giving has remained steady in the process!"

Kyte's advice for other congregations? "Participating in CWS will educate and energize your church's mission program. CROP Hunger Walks and Tools & Blankets Sundays are easy to understand and explain to church members. The philosophy and practices of CWS help a congregation move beyond check writing charity to the kind of personal involvement described in Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. CWS provides the way to connect with other religious congregations in a demonstration of common concern. And CWS provides a way for a church to be known in the community as a congregation that adds ‘works of faith' to their ‘words of faith.' CWS projects are the kind of ‘hands on' mission work that many are looking for when they search for a church. And for churches drifting or in despair, nothing works better or faster to get past your internal problems than to get working to make a difference in the lives of people who have REAL problems."

To get your congregation involved in the ministry of CWS, call 888-CWS-CROP.

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