01/21/2015

ELCA Global Links for February 2015

Cuba: ELCA leaders welcome renewing relations
Lauding the decision by the Obama administration to reinstate diplomatic ties with Cuba, the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for ELCA Global Mission, said the move may lead to the reunification of families and follows more than 25 years of encouragement by the ELCA to normalize relations between the two countries. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/7714.

Central America: Severe drought causes hardships
Nearly 2.5 million people are suffering through the region’s worst dry spell in 30 years. Lutheran Disaster Response is working with The Lutheran World Federation to help those affected. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/ELCALutheranDisasterResponse/282.

Holy Land: Palestinian Authority pays hospital
A payment by the Palestinian Authority has relieved some of the financial stress on Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem. The hospital is a program of The Lutheran World Federation and provides crucial health care to Palestinians. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/NewsBlog/69.

Burundi: Malaria care provides a safer pregnancy
Aline Ndayizeye is having a healthier pregnancy thanks to your contributions to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. With help of a community worker, a position supported by the campaign, she has been treated for malaria. See www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/ELCAMalariaCampaign/287.

Kenya: A live – and lively – nativity scene
A white Christmas in Nairobi isn’t a possibility for ELCA missionaries Michael Fonner and Leslie Weed-Fonner, but a lively nativity scene is guaranteed. The only question is – who will get to ride the camels? See www.ELCA.org/Living-Lutheran/Stories/2014/12/141210-Who-gets-to-ride-the-camels.

A journey of wonder and discovery
Patricia Cuyatti's journey of faith began in Peru at age 7 with vacation Bible school, and now she has an impact on churches throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Share this inspiring story with your congregation. For a colorful Word document to display on a bulletin board or use in a newsletter or PowerPoint presentation, visit www.ELCA.org/resources/globalchurch.

Help build up Christ's global church in 2015!
You can make a difference by responding to requests from our global companions for more Missionaries and Young Adults in Global Mission, scholarships for International Leaders-Women, and Global Ministries of evangelism and education. For more information, including up to five free brochures, contact globalchurch@elca.org, call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657, or order up to 200 free brochures at:
http://resources.ELCA.org/Products-ELCA_Global_Church_Sponsorship_brochure_1.html.

Malaysia: Outreach among indigenous neighbors
Despite encroaching development and other challenges, the Orang Asli (indigenous) communities in central Malaysia have growing Lutheran congregations that seek to preserve cultural traditions, develop their own pastors and offer their children educational opportunities. Learn how you can help at www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/HandInHand/471.

Mexico: Young Adults in Global Mission
Eight young-adult missionaries are serving in a variety of urban and rural settings in Mexico. Learn more at www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/HandInHand/448. Support their work at https://community.ELCA.org/mexico.

Colombia: Support needed for new missionaries
Your support is needed for Curtis and Katie Kline who work with the church in Colombia, by promoting human rights and peace building and by developing women's and youth ministries. The 2015 sponsorship goal for them is $25,000 in covenant support. Learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/News-and-Events/blogs/HandInHand/456 or by contacting globalchurch@elca.org.

Link to Global Links
Help people to stay informed, be inspired and get involved. Link your website to the latest edition of Global Links at http://download.ELCA.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/ELCA%20Global-Links%20Newsletter.pdf.

To view a PDF version of Global Links, visit http://www.ELCA.org/Resources/ELCA-Global-Church-Sponsorship