ELCA Global Links – December 2015 – Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rahway NJ

DECEMBER 2015

Building project will strengthen new church in South Sudan
As part of ongoing work to bring peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, the ELCA and local partners broke ground on a new Lutheran center and clinic in the nation’s capital, Juba, in November. The center and clinic are the launching point for the Evangelical Lutheran Church Africa Mission in South Sudan and will be a place of worship, learning, health care and healing for people of many ethnic and religious backgrounds. “This project has been, since day one, a story of hope, reconciliation and rebuilding,” said Andrew Steele, director of ELCA Global Church Sponsorship. “We have only six months to reach our $1.2 million goal and will need support from across the church to ensure our brothers and sisters in South Sudan are able to experience the love, grace and healing of God.”

Presiding Bishop Eaton urges support for refugees
A record number of refugees are fleeing war and poverty to make life-threatening journeys in hopes for a brighter future in Europe. In response, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton issued a statement Nov. 18 to the church: “I urge the members of our church to call upon our elected officials to be leaders in speaking up for refugees already persecuted and traumatized and ensuring that our country continues to reflect the principles and values of a nation committed to freedom.” As a church, we are called to respond to the ongoing refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe. How can you help? Pray for those affected, or click here to donate your support. You can also contact your elected officials through the ELCA Advocacy action alert.

Lutheran leaders respond to Beirut and Paris attacks
Lutheran leaders in the United States and worldwide condemned the Nov. 12-13 deadly attacks in Beirut and Paris. In the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris, gunmen killed more than 120 people and wounded more than 350. More than 40 people died and hundreds of others were injured in suicide bombings Nov. 12 in Beirut. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton tweeted: “It is night in Paris now – a night of grief, anger, loss. Christ is the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.” In a joint statement, the Rev. Munib A. Younan, president of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the Rev. Martin Junge, LWF general secretary, conveyed their condolences “to all people suffering with the loss of the many lives that these attacks have caused.”

Mexico: Immersion trip, Feb. 10-14
This Lent, consider the giving of yourself to work with others toward mutual transformation. Whether your congregation is already involved or is exploring such possibilities as community outreach, a Hispanic or other ethnic mission, or working with a disadvantaged population, this trip offers hands-on training with a methodology used both in Mexico and the United States for more than 30 years.

Young Adults in Global Mission blog about experiences
Our Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) participants have been at their placement sites for a little over three months! As they continue their transformative, year-long journey in international service, they blog about their experiences. Ryana Holt is living in Mexico City volunteering for a human rights organization. Read her reflections on not putting this year (or any other experience) into separate boxes of her life. Mel Hummel volunteers at one of the few domestic violence centers and shelters in Mexico City. Learn how she has been challenged to let go of always trying to be in control and let go of the notion of being “independent.” You can also follow our YAGM at their Twitter account!

Support the growing church in Zambia
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia is growing faster than the space available. The church has 6,000 members and 40 worshiping communities. Most of these communities lack strong, durable buildings for worship. Through a new initiative, ELCA members seek to raise $500,000 to build 15 permanent worship buildings in Zambia.

Learn about ELCA Global Ministry Projects
Over the past few editions of Global Links, we have been highlighting a number of specific Global Ministry Projects. The highlighted initiatives are part of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. If you are interested in learning more about the Global Ministry Projects or to make a donation, please click here. We’ll continue to share these stories and projects and provide additional information as it becomes available.

Consider a Global Mission career
The new ELCA career page is now online. You can learn about the opportunities for long-term and short-term mission work and volunteer opportunities. Our 2016-2017 Young Adults in Global Mission application is also live. If you are interested and feel called to join the Global Mission team, please apply today. If you know of someone who may be interested in applying for Global Mission positions, please share the opportunities via the Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or the email icons available on each of the job descriptions.

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