Concert for Syrian Relief raises monies for MCC work in the country
Sunday night, love was sent to those living in difficult situations more than 6,000 miles away.
The musicians provided the catalyst, but all those involved – from planning and organizing, to attending the performance – were integral in making sure that love, in the form of donations of support, began making its way to those in need.
A Mountain Lake Area Relief Committee fundraiser for Syrian Relief was held Sunday evening, April 10, at Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake. This fundraiser, a Concert for Syrian Relief featured instrumental and vocal talent from the area. Free-will donations were collected.
Performers included:
+ Wendy Becker and Marlene Harder.
+ Mountain Lake Public High School Jazz Band.
+ Vicki Beckendorf and Kurt Jahnke.
+ Elmendorf Choir.
+ Eddie Berger.
+ Karen Soutthivong.
+ First Mennonite/Bethel Choir.
+ Doug Becken.
+ Etter Family.
Providing the welcome and opening prayer was Bethel Pastor Galen Kauffman. Pastor Dan Strutz of Community Bible Church served as the program’s moderator. Extending a thank you to everyone was Art Carlson, Chair of the Mountain Lake Area Relief Committee.
In addition to the musical presentations, a video sharing the work of MCC in Syria meeting the needs of those in crisis. As well, Mike Nelson, representing a group of 16 from the area who worked for two weeks on the Greek island of Lesvos attending to the needs of fleeing Syrians through Turkey and across the open sea, presented a video, photos and explanation of the variety of tasks undertaken.
Following the program, homemade ice cream by David and Pratoomporn was dished up in the church’s Fellowship Hall.
Ninety-percent of the funds raised through the concert, as well as an earlier Varenikje Supper, will be distributed to Syria Relief through the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The monies will be used for food and medication for the displaced and vulnerable people of the country. Ten percent of the money raised will be given to the Mountain Lake Community Loaves and Fishes Food Shelf. The goal was to raise $15,000 in order to assist in these humanitarian needs. (In fact, the two events raised approximately $16,000.)
MCC is a global, nonprofit organization that strives to share God’s love and compassion for all through relief, development and peace.
To leave or to stay? Many Syrian families face that question as the conflict continues to rage around them. International humanitarian assistance is dwindling, and the patchwork of resources on which the citizens rely on is wearing thin. To leave is to risk their lives over dangerous seas and through countries hesitant to open their doors. But to stay is also a great risk. MCC is in-country providing a humanitarian response – and advocating for a long-term solution so that Syrians can have enough food, water, shelter and work to survive.
Since 2012, MCC has partnered with MECC in Syria to distribute items such as hygiene supplies, blankets, winter clothing and heaters. In Daraa Governorate from June to September MECC provided hygiene kits, children’s clothing and feminine hygiene supplies to 4,300 households.
These distributions were done with a $1.5 million grant from the Government of Canada, which is again matching donations from individual Canadians to relief work in Syria. In the United States, individual donations to MCC support Syrians in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and other parts of Syria.
In countries like Syria it’s only through partnerships with local organizations that MCC is able to do this work. Local partners understand and work within security constraints and also have longstanding connections in communities like Daraa.
Part of that relationship is getting input from people receiving the supplies. MECC has an extensive database documenting the needs of each family registered with them. They also have volunteers who are displaced themselves who consult with others and report back about what the needs are.
This makes sure that MCC’s programs with MECC are providing what people actually need.
Following is a photo gallery of those who performed in the concert:
