06/19/2018

ELCA Global Links for June 2018

'Hope Rising in Juba, South Sudan'
In November 2017, the Reconciliation Lutheran Church Community Center and Primary Health Care Clinic opened its doors in Juba, South Sudan, as thousands gathered to worship and celebrate. Hear from those involved in the opening as they share their insights about the impact they envision the center will have in the community. Since November, incredible work has been happening every day at Reconciliation, with youth programs and training classes seeing participation beyond their imagination and nearly 1,000 attending weekly worship. But the need continues, especially as programming and operational costs start to build. You can make a gift to this crucial ministry of hope by visiting ELCA.org/southsudan.

Young Adults in Global Mission endowment fund created
Thanks to a major gift from a generous ELCA family, an endowment fund in support of the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program has been created! The endowment fund will provide support to the YAGM program in perpetuity. You may make gifts to the endowment fund by selecting “Young Adults in Global Mission Endowment” from the drop-down menu.

Help a YAGM volunteer reach their goal!
In mid-April, over 80 young adults were called to serve through the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program, which sends volunteers ages 21-29 into a year of faith formation, relationship building and transformative service alongside our companions in one of 14 countries. On average, the total cost for the ELCA to support one young adult in the program is $15,000, of which the volunteer is asked to raise $5,000. If you or your congregation is interested in supporting a volunteer from your synod or one who is serving with your synod’s companion church, please contact globalchurch@elca.org. Supporters receive newsletters throughout the volunteer’s year of service, and it may be possible to arrange a visit to your congregation before service begins in mid-August.

'Rewriting the narrative'
At Shekinah Chapel in Riverdale, Ill., 41 members came together to pledge $33,000 toward constructing a new church with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia. As a congregation that also receives ELCA Mission Support, Shekinah is rewriting the narrative around giving in our church. Read more in this Living Lutheran article.

An emerging church in Cambodia
In 2010, the ELCA accompanied the Lutheran Church in Singapore as it began a mission in Cambodia focused on service, evangelism and leadership development. In November 2017, the Lutheran Church in Cambodia ordained its first pastor and continues to grow today through evangelism and outreach, including sustainable development projects and teaching English. The ELCA is excited to witness and invest in the capacity building of this emerging church as it empowers families with the resources they need to know God’s promise of life abundant for this world. Learn more about this initiative.

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