Stand With Africa
Stand With Africa continues along with the ELCA’s work to overcome HIV and AIDS, banish hunger, and build peace
 |
Stand With Africa (SWA), an emphasis within ELCA World Hunger, assists communities and churches in their work to
- overcome HIV/AIDS
- banish hunger
- build peace
|
Stand With Africa donations given through the ELCA are allocated to Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran World Federation, and ELCA companion churches in Africa. No administrative costs are taken from these funds. Even though a large portion of ELCA World Hunger funds support ongoing relief and development projects in Africa, this special Stand With Africa emphasis allows for new and innovative projects.
African Fund-Raising Idea
In many African countries, church members bring "in-kind" gifts as part of their offering. After worship, the congregation bids on the material goods that were brought, and the proceeds are added to the church offering.
Ask a men's, women's, or youth group to plan a Stand With Africa auction to be held after a worship service. Well in advance of the day you have chosen, publicize why you are doing this, what you are inviting people to bring, and where the auction will take place. You might ask members to bring a special cake or dish from their country of origin, flowers or plants they have grown, or quilts they have made. Youth might offer specific services (e.g., lawn cutting, car washing, etc.) to be auctioned.
Stand With Africa resources
Other Activities
- Include in your worship services regular prayers for our African brothers and sisters, for those who serve with them on our behalf, and for ourselves—that our hearts and wills be moved to respond. Find ways to encourage people to pray at home, perhaps by organizing a Stand With Africa prayer vigil in which groups of families are invited to pray for Africa on a given day or during a given week.
- Host speakers who have been to Africa. Perhaps someone from your congregation has traveled to Africa? Ask him or her to give a temple talk or speak to an adult forum on how that experience changed them.
- Hold a SWA fund-raiser, such as the idea mentioned above. Raise money for Stand With Africa. Get creative! Play Africa music as a call to worship or during the service. Have people wear African clothing. Make a special African food to share at coffee hour. Visit ELCA Global Mission's Country Packets, and click on various regions in Africa to find different recipies.