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Syria: Letter to Obama urges diplomacy
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson and four synod bishops have written to President Obama and others in the international community urging them to resolve the Syrian civil war through diplomacy. “Acknowledging the conflict's complexity should not cause us to silence our voices or refrain from acts of compassion,” said Hanson. More than 70,000 people have died in the two-year war. See www.ELCA.org/Syria-letter.
Young adults prepare for year of global service
Sixty-four new Young Adults in Global Mission volunteers will embark on a life-changing year of service in August. As they prepare to share their talents and learn from our neighbors in nine countries, please support them with your prayers and gifts. Donate online to support them all at www.ELCA.org/4missionaries or request a list of the volunteers, their countries of service and groups to support at missionarysponsorship@elca.org or 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.
Haiti: ELCA contributions were vital to relief work
ELCA members donated more than $12.5 million to the recovery effort, recently concluded, in Haiti following the January 2010 earthquake there. Through the immediate and long-term recovery work that rebuilt communities and restored lives, members “can see the fruits of their generosity,” said the Rev. Raquel Rodriguez, director for the ELCA Latin American and Caribbean Continental desk. See www.ELCA.org/Haiti-recovery.
Zambia: Malaria prevention reduces maternity deaths
At the Kashima Rural Health Center in Zambia, the death rate among pregnant women has usually been high. But last year, thanks to a malaria prevention medication program aided by ELCA contributions, there were no deaths, said Abel Makungwe, project coordinator for the Lutheran malaria program in Zambia. See www.ELCA.org/malaria-Kashima.
Uganda: The lifesaving power of goats
Sentongo Abdul and his younger brother and sister struggled to survive after their parents died of AIDS. Their lives are better today because ELCA World Hunger helped provide them with several goats and the training to care for them. See www.LivingLutheran.com/Uganda-goats/.
Peru: Ministry is a family affair
“I may be the one in the family who went to seminary,” says the Rev. Dana Nelson, an ELCA missionary in Peru, “but most days I am convinced that it’s my partner, Tom, the architect, and (our children) Tana and Anthony who are the most gifted in accompanying the church and the most effective in nurturing love and building trust in the Lutheran community.” See www.ELCA.org/Peru-Nelson.
Jerusalem: Support new missionaries!
Danae and Steven Hudson have moved to Jerusalem where Danae uses her skills in photography, video, social media and print communications in service to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Make a gift to support all missionaries at www.ELCA.org/4missionaries or, to learn how to support the Hudsons, send an email to missionarysponsorship@elca.org or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.
Historical photos of missionaries
Lutheran missionaries have been walking and working with people in countries around the world since 1842. There have been many changes during the past 171 years. For photos from the days of the early missionaries who helped create today’s global church, see www.LivingLutheran.com/photos-missionaries/.
Spring newsletter now available in Spanish
Read and share three wonderful stories from the global church by our missionaries and Young Adults in Global Mission. Contact missionary.sponsorship@elca.org or 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, to request Hand in Hand in a copy-ready pdf or request copies of the printed newsletters (limited copies available).
Mexico: Immersion trip, Oct. 24-28
Worship with the Lutheran faith communities in Mexico City on Reformation Sunday during four days of site visits and engaging lectures on the theme of “Lutheran Identity in a Latin American Context.” Experience the realities of poverty, globalization, ecumenism and spirituality in Latin America, with an emphasis on the role of Lutheran and Protestant churches in Mexico. See www.ELCA.org/Mexico.
In our prayers
Include in your prayers the work of the Rev. Philip and Lou Marie Knutson, ELCA missionaries who are regional representatives for southern Africa and are living in Cape Town, South Africa. (This prayer suggestion for June 18 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.ELCA.org/prayerventures.) |