Global Mission Giving Opportunities for ELCA Outdoor Ministries

Here are a few projects listed with a brief description of what the programs support.  For specific information information about a specific project, please contact David Lerseth (David.Lerseth@elca.org), Director for Global Mission Support, ELCA, 800.638.3522, X2641.

 
1)  Village Education Project in the Central African Republic ---  In this very poor country, the government has closed public schools.  The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic has started a school system in areas where the Lutheran Church works.  A gift of $20.18 will provide a year's education for one child, $3,243.45 will provide education for one school for the year, or $853.54 will provide education for the year for one class.
 
2)  Haik Orphanage and Home Based Care Center in Ethiopia ---  In this country ravaged frequently by drought and the affects of HIV AIDS, there are many orphans.  The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Makane Yesus (EECMY) seeks to minister to these orphans through the Haik Orphanage Center.  For a gift of $45 per month, you may provide for the care (food, shelter, clothing and school) for one child.
 
3)  Bible Camps in Madagascar ---  Since 1995 two Malagasy youth have come to the USA to work at ELCA Outdoor Ministry sites.  As a result of this experience, they have gone back to Madagascar committed to sharing this rich spiritual experience with the youth of their home country.  Since 2004 they have been operating numerous Bible Camp weeks across Madagascar at a cost of $500 per week.  A gift of $500 will provide one week of camp ministry to the youth of Madagascar.
 
4)  Prison Ministry in Madagascar ---   The Malagasy Lutheran Church has a strong ministry to the prisons in their country.  The prisons hold men, women and youth (beginning at 14 years old).  In Madagascar prisons, the families of those held are expected to provide them their food.  Some families can't afford to do so, or neglect the prisoners.  The churches ministry reaches out to assist with food and spiritual guidance.  The cost to provide rice (their main stable) for one prison for one week is:  $180.00, one month $715.00 or one year $9,285; or the cost of one Bible is $6.00.
 
5)  Scholarship in Palestine ---  The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land has a large school system.  Due to the conflict in Palestine, many families are financially handicapped and have difficulty in sending their children to school.  The scholarship program, over half of the students receive one, allows the children to attend school and work towards making a future for them in this area of the world so absorbed in conflict.  A gift of $70 per month will provide for one student to remain in school. 
 
6)  The Emmanuel Housing Project in Nicaragua --- The Lutheran Church in Nicaragua ministers to the poor in the city of Managua and the surrounding rural areas.  The church has seen a need for adequate housing after the affects of Hurricane Mitch five years ago.  They are seeking to build a housing development that includes space for worship, medical care, community development and education.  A housing unit costs $3,000 each and will provide private, adequate housing for one family.  
 

“How to Remit a Level II Gift”
Please follow these guidelines in remitting a Level II Gift:

  1. The check is written out to, “The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America”
  2. On the memo portion of the check write, the name of the project and the words, “Level II”
  3. Write a letter including the following information:
        a. Name and address of the donor
        b. The amount of the gift
        c. The name of the project and the words “Level II” (as in number 2, above)
  4. Send all of the above to:

ELCA Global Mission
Attention: The Rev. David P. Lerseth
8765 W. Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631