India

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through ELCA Global Mission, in cooperation with the Presbyterian Church (USA), has positions available in India for ELCA young adults, ages 21-30. Volunteers must be flexible and able to work cooperatively, in good physical health, emotionally resilient, and culturally sensitive. They must also be willing to engage in issues related to race, poverty and class, serve in diverse communities (both racially and socio-economically), have a commitment to live simply and to learn basic communication skills in the language of the region. College degree or equivalent life experience required.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

This program places volunteers in the state of Kerala in south India, an area where there is a strong Christian history and presence. Positions are in the ministries of several different Christian-based urban and rural churches, organizations and institutions. Possible placements include:

• teaching
• administration
• campus ministry
• health related ministries
• elderly/handicapped care centers

Positions will focus on developing a ministry of presence and learning through serving, understanding, developing and using skills in various centers of community ministry involvement in rural grass-roots Christian ministries, partnership with indigenous colleagues and learning about and participating in the rich ecumenical heritage of the Church of South India.

The program in south India is very much oriented toward nurturing the volunteers in the Christian faith that will sustain their response to the challenges of an unjust global economic and political order and to imagine and embody alternative styles of living.

WHAT IS PROVIDED?

As a Young Adult in Global Mission, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself, grow in faith, and increase in understanding of your place in God’s world. In addition, you will receive:

• 35-40 hours per week work assignment
• Housing (varies depending on the site – home stay, shared housing, apartments, on-campus housing, etc)
• Food (either provided with your housing arrangement or by cash allowance)
• Pocket Money
• Vacation time as determined by country program
• Orientation in the US at the start of service
• Training conferences, retreats, and seminars throughout your period of service
• Opportunities for reflection, study, prayer and community building
• Supervision and support through your placement and an in-country program coordinator
• Airfare to and from your home and India
• Medical Insurance
• Student loan deferment

WHAT IS MY COMMITMENT?

• Attend the Discernment Event April 17-20, 2008
• One year of service (beginning in mid-August 2008)
• Raise at least $4,000 towards program and support costs (let staff know if you have questions or concerns)

Applications received by February 15, 2008, will be given first priority. Final deadline for applications is March 1, 2008.