self development of people Archives

Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People visits Belize

Posted June 7th, 2018

On a tiny peninsula off the southeastern coast of Belize, tourism is catching hold. As you travel the coastal roads, you’ll notice new development, including high-priced homes and hotels. In between the development is the small community of Seine Bight, a village aiming to grow as well, but with a difference. Unlike the developed areas to the north and south of this village, the residents of Seine Bight hope to keep local ownership of the land.

Belize’s top agriculture official pays tribute to the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People

Posted May 21st, 2018

Workers were busy Thursday morning at the Sandy Beach Women’s Cooperative in Hopkins Village, a coastal community in southeastern Belize. This was a big day, not only for the women-owned and operated restaurant, but for the country’s Departments of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The top official was paying a visit to meet with members of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People.

Farming cooperative finds success and national recognition for their work

Posted May 18th, 2018

The clouds opened up on Wednesday, dropping heavy rain and forcing members of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) to huddle under a thatch roof to meet with Oscar and Maria Zuniga. The couple lives and works on their farm in southeast Belize and are recipients of grant funding from SDOP.

Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People to hold national meeting in Belize

Posted May 10th, 2018

Belize has been described as a country of contrast. The Central American nation is bordered by Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea. To the tourist, it is a beautiful vacation getaway with sandy beaches, abundant marine life and various cultural attractions. But members of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) have found much more beyond this tourist image

SDOP disburses over $100,000 for nine self-help projects

Posted February 7th, 2018

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) approved grants in 2017 totaling $133,753 to fund six self-help projects in the United States and three in Belize. The national committee met recently to approve funding made possible through the One Great Hour of Sharing.

Presbyterian churches to commemorate SDOP Sunday April 8

Posted February 5th, 2018

Presbyterian churches across the denomination will turn their attention to people and communities in need this spring. April 8 is Self-Development of People (SDOP) Sunday, an opportunity for congregations to focus on the work to help disadvantaged people and low-income community groups.

Volunteer celebrates nearly 50 years of opportunity-giving ministry

Posted August 28th, 2017

For almost a half century, Larry Low has been helping people and communities to become resilient. Ordained to the ministry in 1973, the retired social worker from Seattle has found purpose working through the Committee on the Self-Development of People.

Lifelong Presbyterian finds inspiration through Self-Development of People

Posted August 24th, 2017

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People has a long list of volunteers who champion the ministry’s mission. For the Rev. Johnny Monroe, it’s been a lifelong commitment. “I guess I’m what you would call a cradle Presbyterian. I was born into Presbyterianism,” he said. “Back in the late 1800s after slavery, missionaries from the northern church established schools and churches in Sumter County, South Carolina, including the Goodwill Presbyterian Church and Goodwill Parochial School, where I grew up.”

Hundreds dead in Sierra Leone following flooding and mudslides in capital city

Posted August 16th, 2017

The search for bodies and survivors continues in the Sierra Leone capital of Freetown following heavy rains, flooding and mudslides. More than 300 people are known to have died after walls of mud crashed into homes and businesses during the early morning hours on Monday.

Lifelong Presbyterian finds inspiration through Self-Development of People

Posted July 31st, 2017

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People has a long list of volunteers who champion the ministry’s mission. For the Rev. Johnny Monroe, its been a lifelong commitment.