Total amount raised at the 2007 Mennonite Relief Sale:

$119,674.00

In 1920, American Mennonites formed what became known as Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to meet the needs of fellow Mennonites suffering in Russia. Literally tons of food and supplies were shipped overseas during the relief effort. By 1940, MCC began a growth period in response to the agony and suffering of war, and a concern for peace. Since that time the concern for easing the suffering of humanity by Mennonite, Brethren in Christ, and Amish congregations has spread rapidly to include services to people in need throughout the world. MCC is currently involved in overseas development (education, health, agriculture), peace and justice issues, relief work, employment development both in North America and overseas, immigration and refugee assistance and more.

MCC believes that service to one's fellow human is an integral part of Christian life, and a teaching of Christ, which was emphasized in the Anabaptist movement during the Reformation in Europe. MCC seeks to demonstrate God's love through committed women and men who work among people suffering from poverty, conflict, oppression and natural disaster. Volunteers work to remove barriers that separate people from each other and from God in a ministry of reconciliation. MCC's relief work involves providing material aid such as wheat, beans, clothing and medical supplies to meet emergency needs. Long-term development workers including teachers, engineers, nurses and agriculturists promote a better life for individuals and communities. Ninety percent (90%) of MCC's budget goes directly into these ministries.

Since 1920, MCC has channeled supplies to help relieve human suffering in the world. Christians in America put their faith into action. Mennonite Central Committee now serves in 57 countries in personal ways - feeding the hungry, healing the sick, rebuilding homes, helping till soil and plant crops, etc., with over 900 workers.

The Relief sale allows you to be a part of this Ministry in a significant way - you may give money, create a craft or quilt, donate food items or purchase the donations of others. The workers are blessed also by the fellowship experienced in working together, establishing new Inter-Mennonite and ecumenical experiences such as the dinner and entertainment on Friday night or the auction and meals on Saturday. Your contributions are very much appreciated by Mennonite Central Committee and the people who are helped by them.

Highlights of the Oklahoma MCC Relief Sale begin with a dinner on Friday night with live entertainment and a "mini auction". Activities on Saturday include a hearty breakfast to start the day right, a craft auction, a quilt auction, craft and food booths, and a lunch consisting of many traditional Mennonite delicacies. The food booths offer a mix of traditional favorites and not so traditional favorites. Another highlight is the opportunity to shop at the Ten Thousand Villages Market. TTV is another ministry of MCC, TTV goes into economically depressed areas and assists local artisan by buying their wares and distributing them in shops and consignment sales, such as the ones at the Oklahoma and Kansas MCC Relief sales.