Wichita, KS

Environmental disasters, global warming and greenhouse effects arecalling forth a Christian response, and the Adorers of the Blood ofChrist are meeting the challenge. Helping people see the connectionbetween caring for the earth and caring for each other is simplyanother way that ASCs as educators instill the message of God's lovefor all creation.

As women concerned about the planet, ASCs see the connection betweenthe suffering of the planet and the suffering of the poor, thedisplaced and the powerless. In the face of the new millennium, theywish to accept the challenge to make a difference for those who do nothave a voice, including their home, the earth.

After 25 years as a teacher and principal, S. Rita Robl, ASC, felt astronger calling to care for the earth. Through interaction withspeakers on ecology and spirituality, she made changes within herself,thus leading to a change in ministry.

After researching the Northwest Earth Institute in Portland, Oregon,Rita and another woman founded its first sister organization, GreatPlains Earth Institute, in Wichita, Kansas, in 1996. GPEI is anon-profit, grassroots education organization whose mission is toencourage people to examine and transform their relationship withnature, leading to a way of life that is ecologically sustainable. Now,there are 14 additional sister organizations throughout the UnitedStates.

"We use discussion courses to educate people about conserving water,reducing waste, auditing usage, reconnecting with nature andvoluntarily simplifying one's day-to-day life," says Rita. "Thesecourses are conducted in the workplace, through churches, and inhomes," she adds.

GPEI is funded by grants, donations and memberships. Rita serves asthe coordinator of resources and also offers spiritual direction toindividuals and groups. Currently, three other individuals work withRita; a coordinator of outreach and two coordinators of gardens.

"This past year, we organized seven large community gardens," Ritasays. "We gathered local residents who were interested in growing theirown fresh vegetables and willing to maintain the gardens," she adds.

"These gardens, besides providing food, also helped build community.One garden provided food for 24 families in addition to those whomaintained the garden on a regular basis. There also was sufficientfood for a Thanksgiving dinner, which was given for the homeless, aswell as lonely residents. If these community gardens were to become acommon practice nationally, it is possible to reduce the use of fossilfuels for shipping produce to grocery stores. In turn, the gardensmight help reduce pollution and the depletion of natural resources."

GPEI is also developing a program which will educate a fewindividuals from local churches. Those individuals will then take theirknowledge back to their congregations for further learning. Thecongregation will also develop a mission statement from which tooperate.

"I love the earth and nature, and I get energized about it," Ritasays. "It compels me to do what we can to save what we have." "It is aspiritual issue for me; something I can't not do."

For more information, contact:
S. Rita Robl, ASC
Great Plains Earth Institute
316/262-4120