Latest news and stories from Global Mission

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FEBRUARY 2020

“All of these issues are impacted by RACE — so being white and serving in Africa, a distinctly non-white space, puts us in positions that are clearly privileged and often painful.”

—Cynthia Holder Rich and Mark Rich

In a recent blog post, ELCA missionaries Cynthia Holder Rich and Mark Rich reflect on confronting white privilege in Tanzania. “Being white in Africa has changed us,” they write. Cynthia and Mark share how they’ve wrestled with the complexities of that privilege in their work. Read more here.

IELCO and ELCA collaborate on consultation in Colombia
This month, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) partnered with the ELCA’s Domestic Mission and Global Mission units on a consultation, the theme of which was “Ayni, Desde las Orillas” or “Ayni, From the Shores.” Attending were leaders of the Lutheran churches in Latin America and the Caribbean and of the Latinx congregations and Native American communities of the ELCA. The consultation addressed the topics of native communities, migration, congregational vitality and theological education. View photos from the event here.

Accompaniment in Australia
In this new video, Kim Crawford, who serves alongside Henry Martinez as Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) country coordinator for Australia, shares how volunteers walk alongside companions in a spirit of accompaniment. Pete Schilling, camp manager for Luther Heights Youth Camp, describes what a powerful experience that can be. “They are opting in and choosing to take on challenges and grow,” Pete says. Watch the video here.

International Women’s Day is coming on March 8
Double your impact this International Women’s Day! Take an offering and invite your congregation to give to the ELCA’s International Women Leaders (IWL) initiative on Sunday, March 8. Thanks to the generosity of IWL supporters, your gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000. You can download the bulletin insert here.

“I get to prove that I am capable of accomplishing my dreams,” says IWL scholarship recipient Rebeca Amaro Treviño, from the Mexican Lutheran Church. Invest in the future of women leaders and give a gift today.

ICYMI: Check out the 2020 Global Mission Map, Directory and How-To Guide
New 2020 resources can help you meaningfully engage your congregation in global mission. Download these resources or order print copies.

Young Adults in Global Mission endowment fund
In 2018 the ELCA launched an endowment fund to sustain the ministry of the Young Adults in Global Mission program. We are thrilled about this new opportunity to invest in our church’s young leaders as they embark on a year of faith formation, learning and service alongside our global companions. To donate to the fund, visit the Global Mission donation page and select “ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Endowment” from the drop-down menu.

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