The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United States of America (ELCA) held a new Global Mission Gathering that was held at Zion Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX. Lutheran leaders met to discuss and continue the important work of global action in order to strengthen the relationships with the Lutheran community worldwide.
Nombre de autor: Comunicación y Relaciones
The theme of this event was "Inspiring Leaders" and experts, leaders, and special guests were invited to share experiences and practical resources in order to continue the work of integrating local and global ministries.
ILCO was represented by Rodolfo Mena, who introduced the mission of accompaniment, which the church uses in its efforts with excluded and marginalized populations in Costa Rica. He also presented at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Canyon Lake, TX and at the Lutheran Ministry at the University of Texas in Austin.
The Bishop of the southwest Synod of Texas, Ray Tiemann, said in his opening address:
“Thanks to God for the ways he guides our church and that God gives us strong hands, open hearts, and courageous words as we serve others.”
The leaders of this Global Mission Gathering invited participants to take part in many activities like worship services, musical presentations, workshops, and time to reflect on and discuss the strengthening of relationships within the Lutheran community worldwide. Many important issues were discussed, including world hunger, the campaign against malaria, and the relationship between the southeast Texas Synod and Lutheran brothers and sisters across the world.
A very important theme discussed was the vision of the global and local communities regarding mission trips. In October, a delegation from the Texas synod will visit ILCO to learn more about the day to day realities of the communities and to complete a work project in the indigenous community of Guatuso. We welcome them gladly.
The Synod of Southeast Texas has already supported ILCO in many ways, including work on Indigenous, Migrant, and Youth programs, and contributed to maintenance and improvement projects at Center Lodge Manu.
Also, this experience facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences in relation to fair trade activities through the sale of Artisan handicrafts made by women in Costa Rica. The artists can receive a fair payment for their products and the All’s Fair store is a representative of this movement in Texas.
For more information about this Fair Trade Gift Boutique, please visit the following address: www.allsfairworldgifts.com.
Translation
Denae Wanwestrienen