IOCC Volunteer Update – July 2009
Hide thine alms in the bosom of a poor man, and it shall pray for thee (Ecclus. xxix. 15). If then the good deed itself has its voice in the secret ears of God, whether we cry aloud or keep silence, this very thing which you have well done cries aloud. — St. Gregory the Dialogist
July Bulletin Announcements
Uganda — Fifteen percent of Uganda’s children are orphans, the result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and a long-running civil war. As part of IOCC’s new Africa Initiative, IOCC is building a new school in Uganda and improving an orphanage in Katente, both of which are run by the Orthodox Church in Uganda. In Katente, IOCC will build a chicken farm that will teach students improved methods for greater chicken and egg production and provide support to the Orthodox Church so that it can offset the expenses of the orphanage. IOCC is also installing a grain grinder for chicken feed that will also benefit nearby villagers, who will not have to travel long distances to grind their grain. In the northern town of Gulu, IOCC is constructing a high school. “Two years ago Gulu was deserted because of the civil war,” says IOCC Consultant Jim Hanson from the University of Maryland. “The new school will encourage more displaced families to return to their homes.”
To make a donation, call IOCC toll-free at 1-877-803-4622, send a check or give with confidence online at www.iocc.org.
FREE PRAYER JOURNALS AVAILABLE:
IOCC publishes an annual Prayer Journal for children ages 7-12. Each month, children learn about what life is like for kids in a different county, their traditions, the games they play and what IOCC is doing to support kids who are in need around the world. The Prayer Journal is a great tool for Sunday School lessons and Youth Group activities. Pre-order copies of the 2009-2010 Prayer Journal today. Use the order form here to order single copies. To order in bulk, please contact the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at 1-800-566-1088.
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PARISH FESTIVAL SEASON is right around the corner, and what better way to raise awareness about IOCC among your attendees than with an IOCC table? Stock your table with various IOCC informational materials. You can save IOCC money in shipping costs by printing information from www.iocc.org/materials. To request materials be mailed to you, please visit: www.iocc.org/materialsrequest or by calling IOCC toll free at 1-877-803-4622.
METROPOLITAN COMMITTEES: Set your dates for your fall events now! Parish Calendars are filling up fast!
 JULY VOLUNTEER
OF THE MONTH:
Maria Loukaki has been a vital member of the Chicago Metropolitan Committee since 2000. Maria is a pleasure to work with and meets challenges with a smile and without complaining. Over the years, Maria has continued to send flawless financial reports to IOCC after each event (the Chicago committee has 3 events/year). You can view her responses to the questions below:
- When did you learn about IOCC?
I learned about IOCC in 2000.
- How long have you been an IOCC volunteer?
I have been a volunteer and a part of the Chicago Metropolitan Committee for over 8 years.
- Why do you volunteer for IOCC?
Volunteering is a small way for me to do my part to support IOCC in its humanitarian efforts around the world. After going on a study trip to Bosnia and Serbia in 2006, I have felt more connected to IOCC and understand the importance of the help they provide. Meeting the people whose lives have been changed because of IOCC makes it all worthwhile.
- What have you learned/accomplished volunteering for IOCC?
Throughout the years, I have helped raise thousands of dollars through our annual banquet, wine tasting, and walk events. I have chaired the annual Chicago banquet for the past 6 years and always feel a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment after hearing how much people enjoyed themselves and enjoyed learning about IOCC.
- What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to continue to support IOCC by helping organize fundraising events and helping to grow the Chicago Metropolitan Committee to ensure IOCC’s presence in the Chicagoland area for a long time to come.
Daily Prayer for IOCC Volunteers
O Heavenly King, Comforter, who grants all blessings, we thank You for Your abundant grace and mercies. Help us to be good stewards of Your treasury through the ministry of IOCC.
Help us to strip ourselves of our earthly adornment, so that the poor may be sufficiently clothed and fed. And, by so loving our neighbor, adorn us with the everlasting pearls of virtue instead.
Where there is suffering, help us to bring Your mercy.
Where there is despair, Your hope;
Where there is war, allow us to present You who are the Prince of Peace;
Where there is pain, You who are the Comforter;
Where there is hatred, You who are Love;
Where there is death and destruction; You who are the Resurrection and Life.
Daily guide our work in IOCC, so that we may do all things, in every place and at all times,
for Your glory. Amen.
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