The ELCA World Hunger team had the awesome privilege of journeying with thousands of youth, youth leaders, young adults, partners and companions at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, La. We celebrate that the youth raised nearly $100,000 at the Gathering in support of Generation Zero-Hunger. Gifts continue to be matched — dollar for dollar — until we reach $250,000!
Nearly 17,000 people participated in the ELCA Youth Gathering and, by visiting our ELCA World Hunger space at the Interactive Learning Center, had a unique opportunity to learn about the ways our church is at work in the world. At the center they chose one of two learning journeys (domestic and international) that allowed them to experience and reflect on the complex factors that drive hunger and what can and is being done to address them. The youth leaders were encouraged to use the Generation Zero-Hunger Interactive Journey guide to set up an experience similar to our international learning journey. We invite you to consider how, using this tool, you might encourage and inspire your community to get more involved with ELCA World Hunger.
ELCA WORLD HUNGER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: THE DWELLING, WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.
At the ELCA Youth Gathering, Emily Norris — pastor of The Dwelling, an ELCA World Hunger grant partner — had the opportunity to speak during the evening Mass Gathering about the mission and ministry of The Dwelling.
A message of gratitude from Pastor Emily:
“We are overflowing with gratitude for the extraordinary opportunity to share the story of God’s powerful presence at The Dwelling during the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Standing on that stage and speaking to over 16,000+ youth and leaders was nothing short of incredible. It was an honor to witness our community come alive in celebration as we shared the message of God's insistent love for all people.
“At The Dwelling, we believe that being wholly loved is where each of us begins. It was a profound experience to remind everyone present that in all their intricacies and complexities, God sees them, and they are loved. We are all named and known by God, and in that knowing, we are fully embraced.”
Read Pastor Emily’s full message here.
A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY TO EAGLE PASS
I recently had the pleasure of joining a few ELCA pastors on a border immersion trip to Eagle Pass, Texas. This journey afforded us a closer look at the conditions and realities of the migrant ministry in that area, and it was nothing short of enlightening.
During our trip we visited Iglesia Luterana San Lucas San Lucas Lutheran Church in Eagle Pass, led by the Rev. Julio Vasquez and his wife, Emma. Pastor Julio and Emma exemplify the welcoming and accompanying spirit of the ELCA, leading a beautiful Spanish-speaking congregation that feels more like a big extended family.
Beyond leading a congregation, Julio and Emily run a center that educates newcomers to the United States about their human rights and their legal rights in the U.S. As if that weren’t enough, they have also established a food pantry that delivers food parcels to migrant and other families in the community. Connecting with local food banks, businesses and donors, they collect, sort and distribute essential food items. Their love and dedication is truly inspiring.
These immersion trips can be transformative. They allow us to witness more closely the harsh realities of migration at the border, and they inspire us to get more involved.
Raed AbuJries
Program Manager for AMMPARO U.S. Network, Education and Communication
DOMESTIC PARTNER OPPORTUNITY: COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP
ELCA World Hunger’s Domestic Hunger Grant partners get creative in supporting their communities! One partner, St. Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio, is extending an internship that gives high school students practical experience for personal and professional development while also fostering a strong local network. Interns work with St. Philip’s feeding ministry, support event planning and partner with other local organizations. For more information reach out to [email protected].
