| World Lutheran leaders survey U.S. Hurricane Sandy damage
In what ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson called a historic visit, leaders of the ELCA and an international delegation of church leaders representing The Lutheran World Federation visited areas of the U.S. damaged by the storms of Hurricane Sandy. Read more at www.ELCA.org/Sandy-leaders. Congo: Refugees flee rebel fighting
Increased fighting by rebels, especially in the major city of Goma, has caused thousands to flee to refugee camps. The ELCA, through its membership in The Lutheran World Federation, is helping provide essential clean water for the camp in Uganda. Read more at www.ELCA.org/Congo-fighting.
Nigeria: Floods and fighting plague millions
Over 7 million people in Nigeria have been affected by recent floods that have followed a severe drought. Increased fighting between militants and the military has added to the turmoil. The ELCA is working with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria on how best to respond. Read more at www.ELCA.org/Nigeria-floods.
Cambodia: An inspiring global mission story
"You could do my baptism!" said the father of a former student of Christa Von Zychlin, who serves in Hong Kong. To read this and more stories from ELCA missionaries, download the autumn "Hand in Hand Newsletter" or bulletin inserts at www.ELCA.org/handinhand. Madagascar: Rejoice with all the saints
In a graveyard, Kate Griewisch experienced Fety 'ny Maty (Party of the Dead), the All Saints Day in Madagascar. An ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission participant, her spirits were lifted by the celebration of the promise of eternal life. Read more at www.ELCA.org/Madagascar-rejoice. Tanzania: Better health care for patients
Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobson, missionaries at the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre in Arusha, Tanzania, are thankful for the support of ELCA members that makes possible ongoing improvements in patient care. Read more at www.ELCA.org/Tanzania-patients.
Mozambique: A positive future despite AIDS
Antonio Ferreira credits local "activistas" for saving his life when he was diagnosed with AIDS. Part of a Lutheran World Federation effort, the activistas work to educate and empower those living with AIDS and HIV in Mozambique. Read more at www.LivingLutheran.org/Mozambique-positive. Central African Republic: Spring boxes save lives
With the village's new spring box, Diko Marie no longer gets sick from drinking bad water. But one out of four children in the Central African Republic still dies before the age of 5 from water-borne diseases. Watch the ELCA World Hunger video at www.ELCA.org/hunger/video.
Kenya: Refugees dream of a better tomorrow
Diadem lives in a Kenyan refugee camp and dreams of a better life living "with my family in peace in a secure place." Ruyika, another young adult, dreams that tomorrow will bring change and "that gives you hope to carry on." Read more at www.LivingLutheran.org/Kenya-dreams.
Mosquito sings for ELCA Malaria Campaign
A musical mosquito at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medford, Wis., promotes the effort to contain malaria in Africa. Consider using the sing-along video during Sunday school and other youth gatherings. Watch it at www.ELCA.org/malaria-mosquito.
Papua New Guinea: Support needed for a new missionary
The Rev. Ann Klavano has begun serving as a seminary librarian and teacher, preparing students for service as pastors and leaders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea. Make a gift to support her ministry, or go further by creating a covenant relationship, which includes prayer and mutual communication. Email missionarysponsorship@elca.org or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.
Egypt: Accountant needed for St. Andrew's
Interested in living and serving in Egypt? St. Andrew's United Church and St. Andrew's Refugee Services in Cairo needs an accountant. For more information, go to www.ELCA.org/Egypt-accountant.
Ecumenical and international Epiphany devotions
Take part in prayers united across international and denominational boundaries. An inspired collection of Epiphany devotions, each prepared by a member of the Lutheran Episcopal Coordinating Committee in the U.S. or the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission in Canada, represents a modest yet visible sign of what our churches can do together rather than separately. Download them at www.ELCA.org/ecumenical. Giving envelopes for Christmas, Epiphany and annual meetings
Remember Christ's mission in our world by taking a special offering to support our missionaries. Order pew envelopes at www.ELCA.org/envelopes, item #ELCADS1027, or email missionarysponsorship@elca.org or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.
Glocal Mission Gathering in Bismarck, N.D., Feb. 22-23
Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. Find more information and register at www.ELCA.org/glocal-Bismark.
In our prayers
Pray for the Rev. Dr. Rosanne Swanson, an ELCA missionary serving in Ethiopia. Rosanne is helping establish a program in pastoral care at the Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa. (This prayer suggestion for Jan. 7 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.ELCA.org/prayerventures.) |
