FLC Messages and Reports 2011 - Fellowship of the Least Coin

Once again I have the pleasure and honour of writing in the
pages of Messages and Reports as your Treasurer. Having just
completed my second year in this role, I find the respect and
admiration I feel for the work that is carried out around the
world in the name of the Fellowship of the Least Coin grows
with every passing day.
When traveling to the Annual Meeting of the ICFLC each year, I have the privilege
of meeting representatives of our prayer movement from many countries. I am
approached by women who struggle every day to ensure their families have food,
clothes to go to school, and a roof over their heads at night. Yet they cannot wait
to find me to hand their group’s gathering of their “least coins” for this year. And,
my friends, the amount does not matter.
When I return home and deposit these offerings, I take the time to think about
each woman I met and the country from where these coins originated. I think
of the troubles experienced by women in many regions and how important our
prayers for peace, justice and reconciliation are for these women. The Fellowship
of the Least Coin is also cherished by women in many parts of our world that do
not have a daily struggle for the basic dignities of life and, to these women, we
must also pause to reflect on the love and compassion they share for their sisters
with greater needs.
My message to you this year would be to think about our women in small
countries in Africa, and hostile environments in some Asian countries, who
determinedly meet and pray and with great love and pride submit their least coins
to spread the blessings they feel are theirs by being part of this global movement.
We also owe much gratitude to the women in the financial offices at the World
Council of Churches in Geneva who so diligently care for the offerings and tend
to all the necessary banking transactions. As we provide funds for many projects
around the world, there is a great need to pay attention to the details of transmitting
those funds and ensuring they reach the intended recipient. Thanks to the WCC
and their collaboration with our Executive Secretary, Cora Tabing-Reyes, you can
all rest assured that every “least coin” travels to its intended source.
We are entering a new year that once again calls for our fervent prayers in so
many directions. We can pray and offer our coins with the assurance that as
sisters around the world we are helping in the name of the FLC.
Blessings to you all,
Pat
Message and Greetings
from the Honorary Treasurer
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