wfn.org | ELCA Men's Organization Plans for Ministry with Men in Nicaragua

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 28, 1999

ELCA MEN'S ORGANIZATION PLANS FOR MINISTRY WITH MEN IN NICARAGUA
99-116-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM), the men's
organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is
looking for ways to "link in mission and ministry" with Lutheran men in
Nicaragua.  The board of LMM met here April 16-19 and discussed ways to
converse, exchange resources and pray with men from Iglesia Luterana Fe
y Esperanza de Nicaragua (Faith and Hope Lutheran Church of Nicaragua).
     "When we communicate with the heart we go beyond barriers that
separate us, such as language and geographical distance," said the Rev.
Rafael Malpica-Padilla, director for Latin American and Caribbean
ministries, ELCA Division for Global Mission.
     Malpica spoke to the board about his recent trip to Nicaragua and
reflected on the agricultural and economic crisis there.  Widespread
floods and mud slides caused by Hurricane Mitch last October destroyed
entire neighborhoods and thousands of acres of farmland and topsoil.
     Lutheran men in Nicaragua asked LMM for support with the
redevelopment of farmland, said Malpica.  In response, the board passed
a resolution to "appoint a committee and research" how LMM might begin
direct communication with men in Nicaragua and develop ways to address
the specific needs of Nicaraguan farmers and families.
     "Men in the United States and Nicaragua have many commonalities,"
said Malpica.  "All Christian men share the love of Jesus Christ and are
deeply committed to building strong and healthy men's ministries in
church and society," he said.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html