Why I love the PWRDF (part 2) | The Community
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Why I love the PWRDF (part 2)

This week I want to continue discussing why I love and support the PWRDF so much.  Last week I mentioned the people; this week I’ll touch a bit on the work and the structure – important realities that support the ministry that goes on with the many people.

THE WORK…

THE PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

“PWRDF’s work focuses on Food Security, Health Care, Humanitarian Relief and Refugee Support, Poverty Reduction, and Human Rights and Peace work with its 58 partners.”  The work done really emphasises that another world is possible – and that we are making steps toward that new world.

THE EDUCATION

Looking for info on what the PWRDF is doing?  Just ask the Public Engagement Team – there’s lots of educational opportunities out there.  There’s the website, the blog, the Under The Sun insert in the Anglican Journal, the youth leadership programmes, the speakers, the print materials (from placemats to coin boxes to programme Profiles, &c.) and so much more.  With everything that the PE team presents, anyone who doesn’t know about the PWRDF has made an effort to avoid these resources.

THE CONNECTION

One of the things I love best about the work of the PWRDF is the intentional effort at establishing and maintaining connections – with everyone.  From the child who donates $1 to the partners in the field, from the staff in Toronto to the alliances that the PWRDF supports and works through.  Personally, my passion for the PWRDF began when I travelled on behalf of the PWRDF to visit Indigenous Communities in Brasil and attend the World Council of Churches Assembly.  My favourite memory of that trip was stumbling through language translation and laughing through my inability to dance – connections were made, the focus on the dignity of all peoples was celebrated.  And that event connected me to the bigger picture of the work of the PWRDF.

THE STRUCTURE…

THE MISSION and VISION

They speak for themselves… Our vision is for “A truly just, healthy, and peaceful world.”  Our mission declares that “as an instrument of faith, PWRDF connects Anglicans in Canada to communities around the world in dynamic partnerships to advance development, to respond to emergencies, to assist refugees, and to act for positive change.”  Amen.

THE STRATEGIC PLAN

The most recent Strategic Plan (2012-2015) reflects the evolving culture of the PWRDF within the evolving culture of global relief and development work.  The Values of this plan are articulated as “giving and receiving, mutuality, the beauty and harmony of creation, and solidarity with the oppressed.  To that end, the specific strategic goals for this time period include Strengthening Humanitarian Response, strengthening work in Sustainable Community Development, nurturing dynamic partnerships, and working towards Financial Sustainability for Programmes.

THE FAITH BASE

Everything that is done by the PWRDF is done as an expression of faith, a response to God’s call.  As the PWRDF is an agency of the Anglican Church of Canada, it acts on behalf of Anglicans across the country to put into action our values and theology.  Decisions at all levels are made prayerfully; worship is a regular part of the life of PWRDF folks.

There is SO much more to the PWRDF than can be expressed in a few short paragraphs in this blog.  But it is a profoundly faithful ministry, something that we as Anglicans can be proud of.  I have been richly blessed through my volunteering with the PWRDF; my life and ministry has been enhanced by seeing such faith in action.  I pray that everyone reading this might, at some time, see the grace of God as clearly as I have in the PWRDF, what our beloved Primate refers to as a “good news story” of our church.

About Laura Marie Piotrowicz

I'm a high-energy priest, now serving in the Diocese of Niagara, catching glimpses of the kingdom in daily life. I consider church to be a verb, and I'm passionate about prayer, eco-theology, and social justice. I love travel, reading, canoeing, camping, gardening and cooking, playing with my dogs, and drinking good coffee. http://everydaychristianityblog.blogspot.ca
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