Covenant News

Tim Ek Honored for Covenant World Relief Efforts

CHICAGO, IL (April 24, 2001) - Tim Ek was recently honored for his 15 years of service as director of Covenant World Relief by the Commission on Covenant World Relief (CWR).

Ek received a gift and expressions of gratitude for his leadership and personal impact on the lives of commission members.

Ek will continue to serve as director until the end of August. Covenanters in North America contributed more than $14 million during Ek's tenure. Last fall's annual fund drive resulted in contributions of $1,644,723, the third consecutive year of record giving.

"It was our way of saying thanks to Tim on behalf of the entire denomination for his faithful, sacrificial service to feed hungry people in the name of Jesus," said Garth McGrath, commission chair. "But it was also our way of saying thanks for being our friend. Tim made every one of us feel significant and we knew that he valued our relationships with him as much or more than he valued the work we did for the commission. We are going to miss him deeply."

Ek has been recognized by many as the "face" of Covenant World Relief because of his presentations in the annual appeals. Children have sent envelopes to him with instructions on how to disburse their offering, and teenagers on his flight home following CHIC2K received an offering from other passengers to help with world relief.

McGrath praised what he called Ek's work behind the scenes. Ek made certain that North Park seminarians were exposed to the complex nature of relief and development work during classes he taught each year. He also was instrumental in making certain that every seminarian had the opportunity to travel to a developing country to see first-hand the needs of poverty-stricken people.

Ek initiated a joint venture with World Relief International to produce videos designed for children and teenagers to encourage them to participate in the effort to meet the needs of their peers in other lands. The Passport to Hope curriculum now used in many Covenant churches is, in part, a fruit of his labor.

Ek's presentations to high school students at CHIC events since 1988 have resulted in a greater sensitivity to the needs of the poorest of the poor. CHIC offerings to meet those needs grew from $9,500 at CHIC '88 to $125,000 at CHIC 2000.

Covenant World Relief seeks to enhance the effective of Covenant contributions by strengthening relief effort partnerships with other internationally known partner agencies, including Bread for the World and World Relief International. Ek has served on the boards of both those organizations.

"I think our Covenant World Relief effort has been one of the greatest Kingdom ventures the Covenant has been involved with as we have linked with other Christian brothers and sisters, regardless of their denominational handle, to provide help, hope and practical assistance to people in desperate need," said Ek following the dinner. "The effects of these efforts has been to assist these folks in experiencing a practical touch of Christ's love and be aware that our God hasn't forgotten about them, but continues to reach out in love to them through the care and love of His people.

"It has been an honor to be the eyes and ears of Covenant people in developing nations," Ek continued, "and I have prayed that I have been able to bring back an awareness not only of the need, but the life-changing difference Covenant people are making because of their gifts and prayers."

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