In case you missed them the first time around. No images? Click here Hi there,Welcome to 2022! As we enter a new year with new possibilities, I wanted to look back on 2021 and the incredible stories that you made possible. Last year, you gave your time, money and prayers to bring relief, development and peace in the name of Christ to thousands of people here in Canada and around the world. Maybe you didn't have time to read all the stories we sent to your inbox (life happens - I get it). So here are some of the most-read stories from 2021. Zebron harboured a bitter grudge against his neighbour, Mary. After all, it was thanks to her that he was stuck in prison. But when he finally got the chance to confront Mary, Zebron instead chose to seek reconciliation. So, what changed for Zebron while he was in prison? He joined an MCC-supported peace club. Food insecurity is an issue for Indigenous people in urban and rural settings in northern Ontario. Read more about the folks at the Ininew Friendship Centre in Cochrane who recognize the spiritual significance that the land has traditionally held for Indigenous peoples and are working with MCC and the Community Gardening Kit program to address this issue. There was no peace in Anju’s life. For 20 years, she’d endured constant abuse and neglect at the hands of her husband. She had no support, no one to speak for her or listen to her. She didn’t think the police would care about her — if they believed her in the first place. On Aug. 15, Afghanistan was brought back under Taliban rule. The situation continues to cause uncertainty about the country's economic and social future. The cost of food has increased exponentially. Staples such as cooking oil and flour are difficult to find. Tens of thousands need support for the upcoming harsh winter season. Find out what you can do to support the people of Afghanistan. On Aug. 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, leaving over 2,200 people dead and over 600,000 people in need of emergency relief. With help from our partners, MCC was the first organization to deliver supplies to the southwestern region of Saint-Jean-du-Sud. "Thank you for not leaving us alone," said one woman as she received canned meat and a relief kit. Before this land was called Canada, it was home to hundreds of different peoples and nations. Acknowledging and learning about the history of the land we live on is one way we can continue to build relationships between Indigenous and settler peoples. When disaster strikes, people need urgent relief. In precarious situations, necessities like food, water, shelter and hygiene can be the difference between life and death. But how relief arrives can either build peace or ignite violence. Two years ago, Shafiqul Islam bin Abdul Hussin applied for refugee sponsorship for his wife Arafa binti Mugul Ahammad and their three-year-old son Mohammad Nihal bin Shafiqul Islam. Little did they know that a global pandemic and the expectancy of their second child would influence the journey. Learn how a refugee family came to Canada during the pandemic. You made it to the end, congratulations! Thanks for reading and for joining us in 2021. I also want to let you know that tickets are now on sale for our Power of Partnership event. Along with the presenting sponsor, Kindred Credit Union, we feature the best-selling author and podcaster, Malcolm Gladwell. Tickets can be purchased, and more info is available at powerofpartnership.ca. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy 2022! John Head |