Wichita, KS

Environmental disasters, global warming and greenhouse gases are calling forth a Christian response, and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ are meeting the challenge. Helping people see the connection between caring for earth and caring for each other is simply another way that ASCs, as educators, instill the message of God’s love for all creation.

As women concerned about the planet, ASCs are the connection between the suffering of the planet and the suffering of the poor, the displaced and the powerless. In the face of the new millennium, the wish to accept the challenge to make a difference for those who do not have a voice, including earth itself, the ASCs are responding.

After 34 years as a teacher and principal, and 13 years as a Spiritual Director, S. Rita Robl, ASC felt a stronger calling to care for earth. Through interaction with speakers 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 Kathy Miller cofounded its first sister institute, Great Plains Earth Institute, in Wichita, Kansas in 1997. GPEI is a non-profit, grassroots educational organization that seeks spiritually integrated solutions to ecological challenges through transformational experiences. It is funded by grants, donations, programs and memberships.

The organization has an extensive webpage which serves as a national resource. Celebrations with meaningful rituals are held at the change of each season. They sponsor environmental retreats and offer individual spiritual direction. Six different discussion courses are available concerning the following topics, (Voluntary Simplicity, Deep Ecology, Sustainability, Global Warming, Healthy Planet/Healthy Children and Natural Foods). Other classes of interest are Compassionate Communication and Free Flowing Writing. The organization has a great VHS/DVD library and shares films with the public once a month. Over the years, community gardens have been developed throughout various parts of Wichita, KS. These gardens, besides providing food, also have helped build community. If gardens became a common practice nationally, it is possible to reduce the use of fossil fuels used for shipping produce to grocery stores.

“I love earth and nature, and I get energized about it,” Sister Rita says. “It compels me to do what we can to save what we have.” “It is a spiritual issue for me; something I can’t not do.” Rita, after 12 years, has recently retired from the organization as Director but continues to serve as a volunteer and as a Board member.

For more information:
Great Plains Earth Institute
316/262-4120