This crisis is a key to the world. The appeal points out that "some churches do not favor special appeals," but that a "crisis transcends all ordinary rules, and even church rules." The appeal is the fruit of "nine thoughtful representative conferences, among church leaders and of a journey, by Rev. Charles S. MacFarland, general secretary of the council, during which he interviewed many responsible men, both in Europe and America." The cooperation of church federations, ministerial associations, denominational boards, religious journals and kindred institutions will be sought, and the initial appeal will be followed up "so long as necessity may exist." The needs for funds are described in the appeal as "immediate, appalling; and increasing." Some of these are classified as follows: In Belgium 3,000,000 persons are virtually destitute, and $5,000,000 is needed at once. In Northern France more than 2,200,000 persons are desperately in need. These include 175,000 children who are refugees. The distress is declared to be even more extensive than in Belgium. In Serbia, 6,000,000 persons have been "deprived of their living and of a chance to make it," and there are thousands of Serbians destitute in France. In Poland, there are 11,000,000 homeless, wandering peasants, mostly women and children.  Of whom 3,500,000 "are in a condition of starvation, with certain death facing them unless relief comes speedily." In East Prussia, thousands have been driven from their homes and deprived of their livelihood, and the suffering is severe. 