World Renew gathered with faith and community leaders from across the United States at the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) National Conference, held November 5–8, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The CCDA conference offered a rich space to learn, worship, and grow together while exploring what renewal, justice, and shalom look like in action. Throughout the event, participants engaged in meaningful conversations, shared stories from their communities, and deepened their understanding of how faith shapes the pursuit of justice and flourishing.
Exploring food justice through storytelling
Jodi Koeman, World Renew’s Church with Community Coordinator, led a workshop titled “The Power of Story: Shifting Food Justice Narratives.” The session invited participants to reflect on the deeper systems and structures that contribute to food insecurity.
Using the imagery of the “Tree of Injustice,” participants named the root causes that perpetuate inequity within food systems. From there, the group explored the “Tree of Justice,” imagining how churches and communities can respond with hope, equity, and lasting change through food security and agriculture programs.
Jodi’s workshop also reflected the impact of World Renew’s Church with Community approach, emphasizing that storytelling is a powerful tool—not only for understanding injustice, but for inspiring communities to move beyond short-term responses toward justice-rooted transformation.
Faith reflections on hope, justice, and community
World Renew’s U.S. Executive Director, Carol Bremer-Bennett, also shared a morning devotion titled “Waiting in Hope.” Drawing on both biblical themes and cultural wisdom, Carol reflected on the Navajo (Diné) concept of Hózhó—a vision of balance, harmony, and right relationship that closely echoes the biblical understanding of shalom.
Carol shared the Diné tradition of offering salt at a baby’s Laughing Ceremony, a symbol of joy, generosity, and belonging within community. As a tangible expression of this message, Carol gifted rock salt to conference attendees—inviting them to carry forward this reminder of renewal, connection, and the beauty of shared life. The reflection encouraged participants to embrace both active work and patient waiting, trusting God’s promises while continuing to plant seeds of peace and restoration.
Continuing the work of justice together
Across workshops, worship, and informal conversations, the CCDA conference underscored a shared commitment to pursuing justice that is deeply rooted in faith and lived out in community. For World Renew, the gathering was an opportunity to listen, learn, and contribute to a broader movement that seeks to embody God’s hope in tangible ways.
Each story shared and each connection made served as a reminder that God’s justice and peace are already taking root in communities around the world.
You can continue exploring this work by browsing World Renew’s events, reading more stories about justice and food systems, or contacting us to learn how you can get involved.
