Eastern North Dakota Synod

Global Ministries

The EaND Synod of the ELCA hears God calling us to participate in God’s mission by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed. (Matthew 28:19-20 (exteranl link)) "Global mission" refers to the way the church responds to God’s call to mission outside the United States.

Jump to section: Central African Republic | ELCA Global Missions | Lutheran World Relief

Central African Republic

Our Companion Synod

The Central African Republic, a land-locked country in the middle of Africa, is one of the poorest countries on the continent. This country, about the size of the state of Texas, has a per capita income of about $250 per year. Poor government over he years has devastated the economy and lead to the breakdown of the country’s infrastructure, including roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, telephone, and transportation.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central Africa Republic (EELRCA) has about 60,000 members, a Bible school, and seminary. Even though the majority of the nation's population is Christian, the church struggles to minister to its people by providing educational and medical services that are not provided by the government. The EELRCA is a growing church, in spite of the difficulties.

The Eastern North Dakota Synod is involved in the Central African Republic in many ways including education ministries, scholarships for high school girls, roofing projects, and women's ministries.

Click here to learn more about the Central African Republic and how you can be involved in this ministry...

ELCA Global Missions

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America logo ELCA Global Missions (exteranl link) primarily responds to this calling in six different ways: calls missionaries who serve God and witness to God’s good news; supports evangelism with direct grants and personnel; provides direct grants to companion churches and ministries; provides leadership training for companion churches; disburses about $12 million in World Hunger Funds (external link); and through visits, exchange programs, international scholarships, Companion Synod programs (external link), and Global Mission Events. ELCA members receive the gifts of global companions.

ELCA World Hunger

ELCA World Hunger (external link) is one of the components of ELCA Global Missions that improves the lives of people in need in the United States and around the world by providing relief, assisting communities through sustainable development, advocating for justice, and educating members of the ELCA in awareness of hunger, poverty and justice issues.

Lutheran World Relief

Since its founding in 1945, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) (external link) has worked to end poverty, injustice and human suffering in a sustainable way that brings the lasting promise of a better future. Since then, it has evolved from a relief agency shipping material resources to war-torn Europe to an agency that works with partners worldwide to respond to emergencies, seek lasting solutions to rural poverty, and work for peace and justice for all. LWR works to promote equity, strengthen organizational capacity, and empower communities to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, while continually learning to increase our impact.

Today and every day, LWR Quilts and Kits give families throughout the world a helping hand, a sign of comfort and hope for the future. Any group—big or small—can work together on a Quilt or Kit project. It builds community within your congregation, serves as a faith witness to your community, and brings you closer to distant communities you’ll likely never visit but can positively affect. The work of your hearts and hands is an immeasurable blessing to families in need around the world! Visit the LWR website to learn more (external link)

Backpack Style Book Bag for LWR School Kits

Char Grant (St. John, Fargo) has designed a backpack style book bag for LWR School Kits. Using upholstery fabric samples with grommets, Char offers a step-by-step tutorial for sewing the bags. Download the pattern (download pdf file) and share it with others in your congregation.