CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM), the men's organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is looking for ways to "link in mission and ministry" with Lutheran men in Nicaragua. The board of LMM met here April 16-19 and discussed ways to converse, exchange resources and pray with men from Iglesia Luterana Fe y Esperanza de Nicaragua (Faith and Hope Lutheran Church of Nicaragua).
"When we communicate with the heart we go beyond barriers that separate us, such as language and geographical distance," said the Rev. Rafael Malpica-Padilla, director for Latin American and Caribbean ministries, ELCA Division for Global Mission.
Malpica spoke to the board about his recent trip to Nicaragua and reflected on the agricultural and economic crisis there. Widespread floods and mud slides caused by Hurricane Mitch last October destroyed entire neighborhoods and thousands of acres of farmland and topsoil.
Lutheran men in Nicaragua asked LMM for support with the redevelopment of farmland, said Malpica. In response, the board passed a resolution to "appoint a committee and research" how LMM might begin direct communication with men in Nicaragua and develop ways to address the specific needs of Nicaraguan farmers and families.
"Men in the United States and Nicaragua have many commonalities," said Malpica. "All Christian men share the love of Jesus Christ and are deeply committed to building strong and healthy men's ministries in church and society," he said.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
