Global Links - the monthly newsletter from ELCA Global Mission

GLOBAL LINKS – March 2011

Connect to the global church through http://www.elca.org/

Egyptian protests and refugees

Amid the chaos in Egypt sits a forgotten community, tens of thousands of refugees currently in Egypt awaiting the outcome. See www.elca.org/disaster.

Australian floods

Flash flooding overwhelms the city of Toowoomba. The Lutheran Church of Australia responds. See www.elca.org/disaster.

Young people are connecting globally through Lutheran World Federation (LWF)

Over 200 young people from 27 groups in different countries have already registered for LWF together -- the earth needs you, an innovative program sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation. Each group will be matched with two groups in other continents for a six-month period of Bible study, environmental projects, and building relationships through the Internet. Register your group of 2 to 15 members, with a majority in ages 15-30, by April 1, 2011, and receive a handbook and guidelines for the time period of May through October. See http://lwfyouth.org/lwf-together/.

Raising of Lazarus

Make the connection between the story of Lazarus (the Gospel reading for Sunday, April 10) and the ELCA’s work around the world to help communities overcome the crisis of HIV and AIDS. Find a powerful 30-minute documentary and discussion guide on The Lazarus Effect at www.elca.org/aids/lazaruseffect.

How can goats change a village?

Watch as gifts of livestock help the Lingson family in Malawi end hunger. See www.elca.org/hunger/video.

Glocal Mission Gathering in Park Ridge/Chicago, Ill., May 6-7

Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. For more information and registration, visit www.elca.org/glocal.

"For Slaves and Kings"

"As a pilot, I learned the words of another anonymous pilot: ‘Slip the surly bonds of earth and touch the face of God.‘ These words sent shivers down my spine. As a missionary, I get to touch the face of God both in slaves and in kings." Read more from this article by Phil and June Nelson, ELCA missionaries in Cameroon, at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Hand in Hand newsletter, Spring 2011.

Sponsors invited

Pastor Paula Stecker, ELCA missionary in Haiti, is in need of prayer and financial sponsors. Paula is currently working with the Lutheran World Federation to strengthen communications with international partners and build up the network with faith communities and community-based organizations. Sponsors from the Southeastern, Florida-Bahamas, and Southeastern Iowa Synods are especially welcomed to minimize her travel time and maximize her effectiveness while on home leave. For more information, visit www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657.

Final call for Young Adult in Global Mission applications

March 1 is the deadline to apply for the Young Adult in Global Mission program, an opportunity to serve one year in another country. See www.elca.org/yagm.

Regional representative sought in West Africa

This position is responsible for assisting the ELCA in fostering relationships with companion churches, ELCA mission personnel and programs in West Africa, with a focus on Theological Education and Interfaith Relations. Preference given to applications received by March 15, 2011. Starts July 2011. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click Global Service Opportunities to search the database for “West Africa.”

Mission service changed my life

"The whole community had come together." After four years in South Africa, Paula Powell reflects on how the people she worked among with broadened her horizons and understanding. See her video reflections at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/

Three more Companion Synod Profiles

Online profiles have been completed for by the Greater Milwaukee Synod, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and the Upstate New York Synod. Learn what's happening in companion relationships across the ELCA at www.elca.org/companionsynodprofiles

Global headlines at www.elca.org/news (click News Releases)

+ ELCA Provides Input for Federation Regional Committee Work, Coordination
+ ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Veto of Resolution on Israeli Settlements
+ Record-Level Giving to ELCA World Hunger in December 2010
+ ELCA Presiding Bishop Calls on U.S. to Support Resolution on Settlements
+ ELCA Missionaries Left Egypt with Mixed Feelings, Look Forward to Return

In our prayers

Lift up in prayer Randall and Carol Stubbs, teaching music at Makumira University College of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. Rejoice with them and their students as they learn the gifts of music and friendship. (This prayer for March 1 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Prayer-Center/Prayer-Ventures-2.aspx. )

Global Links contains highlights from elca.org of ELCA ministry or connections in other countries. See a current issue, subscribe, or follow on Facebook or Twitter at www.elca.org/global-links. Send your suggestions and comments to lanny.westphal@elca.org or to Pastor Lanny Westphal, ELCA Global Mission, 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago, IL 60631.