Blog
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Rev. Robert Lawrence “Lonnie” Turnipseed
February 2, 2026
Church World Service joins colleagues and partners around the world in remembering Rev. Robert Lawrence “Lonnie” Turnipseed, who served CWS with profound dedication and visionary leadership. A memorial service will be held on February 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Derstine Chapel, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, PA. More details about the service can be found here. A Leader Rooted in Global Mission Lonnie’s connection to …
Rapid Support for Displaced Families Along the Cambodia–Thailand Border
January 26, 2026
In response to late‑December 2025 fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border, HEKS/EPER Cambodia and CWS rapidly delivered emergency shelter and protection supplies to 1,550 newly displaced households sheltering in overcrowded pagodas and schools, helping reduce exposure and public‑health risks while restoring safety and dignity. In late December 2025, fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border again forced thousands of families from their homes in search of safety in nearby pagodas, schools and temporary shelters. …
“It All Begins With Water”: How Sustainable Access Sparks Community Transformation in West Pokot
Lenny Blue | January 23, 2026
In the communities of West Pokot, Kenya, lasting transformation starts with one essential resource: water. Through long-term partnership and community-led development, CWS supports families as they move from water access to sanitation to thriving livelihoods. From Water Access to Community Health When we think about transformation in a community, it’s easy to notice the visible things first—gardens full of greens, chickens clucking …
A Future Without Fear: Oksana and Masha’s Journey from Odesa to Moldova
December 22, 2025
Written by program participant Oksana, this blog shares how she and her daughter Masha fled war in Ukraine and found safety, healing and hope through support from CWS’s local partner, Healthy City. Fleeing Odesa with My Daughter My name is Oksana. I am a single mother, and I am raising my daughter Masha, who is now 6 years old. We are from Odesa. Before the war, …
Rebuilding Smiles: Maxim’s Journey to Restart His Career in Moldova
The following blog was written by Maxim, a program participant of CWS’s local partner, Healthy City (also known as Zdorovii Gorod), which supports Ukrainian refugees by providing comprehensive services including food and non-food items, social inclusion and psychosocial support. Starting Over After Displacement My name is Maxim, I am from the city of Mykolaiv. Before the war in Ukraine, I worked as a dental technician. …