ELCA NEWS SERVICE
December 10, 2008
ELCA's Support Prompts Other Lutherans to Address Zimbabwe's Food Crisis
08-204-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America's (ELCA) financial response to Zimbabwe's swelling
food crisis is prompting other church bodies to contribute,
according to the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive
director, ELCA Global Mission. He said Lutheran churches
in Nigeria and South Africa and organizations that focus
on hunger are now sending food and funds to Zimbabwe.
The economic, political and social decline in Zimbabwe
has taken a toll on the country's food supply and medical
institutions, particularly four hospitals of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ). The ELCA is providing
nearly $1 million to help sustain health care services and
to purchase 90 metric tons of seed and fertilizer for the
current planting season there.
"The engagement of churches is good news. Responding to
the food crisis in Zimbabwe must be a collaborative effort,"
said Malpica Padilla. He said the collaboration is empowering
churches to advocate among Zimbabwe's political parties to
address the food crisis urgently. Zimbabwe's power-sharing
process has been at an impasse, hampering humanitarian
assistance.
Malpica Padilla said the ELCA's response is strengthening
its relationship with the ELCZ and enhancing "bilateral
relationships with other companion churches" in Africa. He
said the attention and activity surrounding Zimbabwe's food
crisis has also been maximized by the leadership of the Rev.
Ambrose Moyo, executive director, Lutheran Communion in
Southern Africa (LUCSA), and former bishop of the ELCZ. LUCSA
is receiving calls from its member churches offering
assistance, said Malpica Padilla.
Lutherans in Zimbabwe invited leaders of other
denominations to assist with work surrounding the distribution
of food aid and seeds for the current planting season,
according to the Rev. Benyam A. Kassahun, program director
for Southern Africa, ELCA Global Mission. Lutheran Development
Services, a ministry of the ELCZ, is training Zimbabweans who
will help with the distribution of seeds and food. Kassahun
said this work needs to be done before Christmas.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
