The ELCA
has launched a Malaria Campaign in Africa that has the goal of ending deaths
from malaria by 2015. Synods and churches across the country are joining in to
be apart of God’s work around the world. And it’s not just bishops, pastors, or
congregational leaders starting campaigns, but youth in our own synod are
leading the way! Here are 2 stories of inspirational youth that are taking
their faith beyond words and putting it into action.
Last
summer, camp Lutherhill supported the ELCA Malaria Campaign by educating
campers about malaria and giving the campers ideas on how they could help (you
may have seen the “Buzz Off” bracelets!).
“One student who attended camp,
Haley a ten year old from Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas,
was very engaged in the educational activities led by the counselors about the
ELCA Malaria Campaign. In September (many weeks after camp) she shared how
important the malaria initiative is with her family and began thinking about
ways she could get involved with the project. For several weeks, Haley did
research on how malaria impacts children around the world, what can be done to
help, and which organizations are doing research and making a difference. She
complied her research into a presentation and paper that she presented to her
elementary school and to her Sunday School Class at Christ the King. Haley
organized several bake sales and lemonade stands and raised over $200 to donate
to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Then she spread the word further as she helped
with the mission offering at church. Camping at Lutherhill is an important part
of Haley’s faith journey as she finds concrete ways to put her faith in
action.”
-Alicia
Goodrow
Christ
the King Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas
We are a
church that stands together, and not divided. Youth of our synod come together
from different congregations at camp or synod events to be God’s hands in the
world.
“A
letter to the Youth Minister at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas:
Dear
Jason, I understand via Living Word’s website that you are “the high school
youth ministry guy.” If possible, I would appreciate your assistance in
conveying a thank you to a 16-year-old member of Living Word named Brittany. I
don’t have her last name. Brittany sent a letter to me in January regarding the
ELCA Malaria Campaign. Our confirmands
had been looking for a group service project and I gave them Brittany’s letter.
They sincerely took it as a sign from the Holy Spirit to take Brittany’s
invitation to learn more about malaria, pray and help our congregation get
involved. Over these last several weeks they have learned, prayed, done a skit
for the congregation, created a video on YouTube, and raised money with a Gaga
Ball tournament. They raised over $2,100! Though a small amount compared to
what is needed, they learned a great deal from the experience and their growth
will continue to make a difference in the lives of the people they touch for
Jesus’ sake. I wanted to know that her letter was used by the God who loves and
calls us all and to thank her for making a difference in the lives of our youth
and in the lives of those who will be assisted by the ELCA Malaria Campaign.”
-Pastor
Deb Grant
Faith
Lutheran Church in Dickinson, Texas
Praise
God for the youth leaders, parents, volunteers, and others who are shaping and
growing the faith of our youth! Through your gifts, the youth of our synod can
experience life-changing moments at camp, synod events, and through their youth
leaders. Thank you!
For more
information on the ELCA Malaria Campaign, visit www.elca.org/malaria
For more
information on how your congregation can start it’s own campaign, click here.
To
download a video about the ELCA Malaria Campaign to share with your
congregation, click here.
Our
youth cannot be quiet about what they have seen and heard!
-Christine
Donahue
TLGCS
ELCA Mission Interpreter Coordinator
