Focus on Self-Development of People

For more than 50 years, through grants that come from your giving to One Great Hour of Sharing, The Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People (SDOP) continues to walk alongside communities who are actively engaged in poverty eradication through the promotion of justice, encouragement of relationship building and established economic equity. These are also the pillars on which SDOP stand. In this issue of Focus, learn more about SDOP Sunday, as well as the incredible work of our domestic and international community partners who, with energy, diligence and love, address a multiplicity of issues connected with poverty. As I think about the work of resiliency and empowerment from amazing communities like the Los Angeles Black Worker Center, I also immediately think about the motifs of resiliency, community and transformation, all key themes in Black History month. Having said this, we also want you to learn more about the incredibly rich history of SDOP, one that was forged from the voices of civil rights and demand for repair in a turbulent time. We hope that the projects that you will read about in this issue will serve as a guide for you and your congregation to become better familiar with the ways that SDOP engages in its work through the church and in communities. The community projects in this issue lift up the powerful witness that exemplifies the love and justice of Christ, which is alive, active and transformative in our communities. ~ Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson Coordinator, Self-Development of People Visit SDOP's website

Find out more about SDOP in the Sunday Resource See the Sunday resource SDOP supports a project transforming a food desert in Flint Learn more

In Panama, an SDOP-supported project is empowering women Learn more SDOP’s ‘Struggle is Real’ webinar series addresses mass incarceration Learn more and see the webinar

Learn more about the LA Black Worker Center, supported by SDOP   Visit the LABWC website

Join SDOP for the next ‘Struggle is Real,’ a look at rural poverty Learn more and register Housing is one of the most pressing issues today. Here’s one way SDOP helps Learn more

Meet SDOP staff, hear about their work on ‘Join the Movement’ March 3 See it here, March 3 The Presbyterian Historical Society looks back at the creation of SDOP Learn more

We are called to share the good news of Christ in word and deed In Matthew 25, particularly verses 31-46, the story of the sheep and goats, Jesus makes clear, that what we do matters to God, how we treat the least of these is important. Jesus counts himself among the least of these. As disciples, we are called to continue the work Jesus began, speaking truth to power and building a world where people are no longer marginalized. As we work to change systems that cause human suffering, we too are part of the least of these. Matthew 25 reminds us that our work is not in vain. What we do matters to God. Read story

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