Empty Bowl Gathering

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Evergreen UU Fellowship
Gathers in Common Purpose

to honor the Microcredit Efforts
of the Hèrè jè Center in Mali, West Africa

On April 6, 2008, Evergreen friends and members gathered to share a simple meal together called the Empty Bowl Gathering. During this time, we symbolically experienced that too often bowls are left empty in developing countries. Yet, microcredit organizations and donors are working hard to fill what was once empty. These microcredit organizations are providing help to the poorest of the poor in our world.

All donated funds from Empty Bowl went to a microcredit project called the Hèrè jè Center in Mali, West Africa. With the enormous outpouring of love and contributions at the Empty Bowl Gathering, we raised $1,062 for the Fabric of Life Foundation's Hèrè jè Project. Deep in the hearts of these Malian girls, they have yearned for a way out of extreme poverty. With our contributions and common purpose, a new sewing machine will enable them to practice their developing skills and further their confidence for the future.

This experience has allowed us to make a new, global connection at Evergreen.  We are privileged to assist by providing "a ladder" in which those living in poverty can use to "climb out."  We have witnessed how these girls have "climbed the ladder" out of the streets of Bamako and are empowered to take charge of their lives.  The girls are doing the climbing with skill and determination.

Our congregation has spent years leading with our hearts and hands to assist various projects that deal with local/global hunger and poverty concerns. Here was our opportunity to make a difference through a common purpose. As we learn together about the power of microcredit through the Empty Bowl Gathering and other events, we will continue to build a strong faith community where social justice issues are acted upon on numerous levels. For more about the Hèrè jè Center, go to: www.schillios.com


Words from our very own, Teresa Rugg:
"Thank you again for your kind hearts! You have made a difference in the world today!