Title: Asian Ministries Director Named ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF March 12, 1997 ASIAN MINISTRIES DIRECTOR NAMED The Rev. Pongsak Limthongviratn has been named director for Asian ministries and multicultural mission strategy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Commission for Multicultural Ministries. He began his new responsibilities March 1. "I hope to create, develop and serve more than 30 new Asian congregational ministries," said Limthongviratn. "More ethnic congregations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be a blessing," he added. A native of Thailand, Limthongviratn was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thailand where he served as pastor, teacher and evangelist. In 1992 he received a call to serve as pastor at Thai Community Church, Forest Park, Ill., the only Thai congregation in the ELCA. Limthongviratn is fluent in the English, Thai, Cantonese, Mandarin, Swatonese and Lao languages. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html