Making the Climb: ELCA Malaria Campaign Update

by Dorothy Sorrell

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How is the ELCA Malaria Campaign doing in our synod? The Metro D.C. Synod has almost reached the $190,000 mark – $189,674.41 to be exact – of our $250,000 goal in recent information from the ELCA Malaria Campaign office. We have also been told that 53% of congregations in our synod have contributed to this total, and we’re hoping for 100% participation. Check out the upward climb in synod giving on the graph since May 2012 when the ELCA Malaria Campaign was introduced at our Synod Assembly!

Total giving from all synods to the ELCA Malaria Campaign is now $8.5 million to help prevent, treat and educate communities in Africa about malaria and eliminate deaths from this disease—for good.

The ELCA Malaria Campaign display at our 2013 Synod Assembly was titled “We Are the Net,” and included pictures of some of our congregations as they set up displays and held children’s sermons using mosquito nets. We really are the net, as our ELCA Malaria Campaign support through prayers and resources provides education, training, prevention and, yes, nets to Lutheran congregations in Africa.

As a result of increased giving during Malaria Week in April, work has begun in Uganda. We will soon plan a program to begin in Namibia, one of our Companion Synods, which will bring to 12 the number of countries in which the ELCA is working to end malaria.

Let’s set a goal now of going OVER the $200,000 mark by the end of the year. Dorothy Sorrell, Metro D.C. Synod Malaria Coordinator, is willing to help your congregation with resources and ideas. Contact her at djsorrell1verizon.net or 703-591-2236.