ELCA News Blog
July 29, 2006
ELCA Global Mission Event offers international learning experiences
by Katherine R. Hinck*, ELCA News Service
Participants of the 2006 Global Mission Event (GME) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) had the opportunity to attend more than 80 Global University workshops. Co-sponsored by the Episcopal Church and endorsed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the event brings together participants of all ages from the United States and around the world July 27-30 to the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. The GME features plenary and workshop sessions, keynote presenters, global music and worship under the theme "Sent! by God's grace for the sake of the world." The Global University workshops addressed issues including global service, building global community, accompaniment skills, congregational outreach and global justice, as well as country-specific workshops. Topics varied from "Shopping with a Conscience" to "The Refugee Experience."
Nancy Thomas, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bronx, N.Y., attended "Living with Slim: Kids Talk about HIV/AIDS." The workshop was "very touching," Thomas said. "It was very powerful to hear the children talk about their experiences -- how they are treated and living with AIDS. What was really enlightening was to see what other churches and other people are doing to help, even little children having lemonade stands to send money over for bandages and medication," she added.
Thomas also attended "Light in Muslim Bangladesh: The Work of Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh," led by Leslie Weed-Fonner, Asia Pacific regional representative, ELCA Global Mission. "Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh (LHCB) is focusing on women and children because of the high infant mortality rate," Weed-Fonner said, referencing an infant mortality rate of about 60 deaths per 1,000 births. In a country that is 83 percent Muslim, LHCB is providing health and community development resources. LHCB is supported by ELCA Global Mission and a consortium of 33 Minnesota congregations.
*Katherine R. Hinck is a senior journalism and religion major at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. This summer she is an intern with the ELCA News Service.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog