Rev. John L. McCullough (left), CWS headquarters staff, and others take part in their local CROP Hunger Walk. Photo: CWS

She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.

...let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

Dear friends,

I'd like to invite you to take a walk with me this fall -- a walk in kinship and solidarity with neighbors near and far. This is the 60th anniversary of CWS's CROP community outreach ministry, and I hope you will be joining in your local CROP Hunger Walk. More than a thousand CROP Hunger Walks will be taking place across the U.S. in September, October, and November. That gives us all plenty of opportunity to walk, donate, and volunteer. (And, by becoming online walkers, we can reach ever further. Find out more at www.cropwalk.org.)

Making this year extra special is the unveiling of an exciting new understanding for the acronym CROP: Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty. If you aren't already part of this people-
to-people network of caring and sharing, please call toll-free 888-CWS-CROP to learn how you
and your community can walk with the world this fall.

Another exciting way you can join with us in ministry is via alternative giving. For your convenience, we have included our Best Gifts Catalog in this issue of SERVICE. For me, this catalog is a perfect alternative to shopping for those who already have more stuff than they can possibly use -- and it allows me to offer help and hope to people who need it most. Please look the catalog over and
see if you don't have a friend or relative who is worthy of a water buffalo or some chickens this year. I know I do! We can celebrate these loved ones with gifts that help build a better world.

Our lead article in this issue of SERVICE is a celebration, as well -- a celebration of our long and successful partnership with India's CASA, the Church's Auxiliary for Social Action. Over the years, CASA has been a role model for ecumenical action, balancing emergency relief needs and development assistance. God bless them for all they've done and all they will do with and for the Indian people in the years ahead, together with CWS and your valued support.

Lastly, I'm pleased to announce the creation of the CWS New Millennium Society, to acknowledge and thank our most generous supporters for their commitment to our life-changing ministry. Please watch our website and future issues of SERVICE for more details.

Yours in service,

Rev. John L. McCullough
Executive Director and CEO
Church World Service

P.S. In this CROP anniversary year, I send heartfelt thanks to those of you who make the CROP Hunger Walk a personal priority every year.