ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 9, 2006  

Lutheran Young Adults Embark in Global Service
06-064-MRC

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Starting August 2006, 39 young adults of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will embark on
one-year journeys to volunteer their time, talents and skills
around the world.  Under the "Young Adults in Global Mission"
program of the ELCA, these young adults, ages 19-30, will be
placed in ministry settings that provide service in social
ministry, youth work, congregational outreach, education, social
justice and health care.
     A new feature of the Young Adults in Global Mission program
is connecting participants with mentors, said Elizabeth Nees,
recruitment assistant, ELCA Global Mission.
     During their service participants "will be able to connect
with one another through e-mail, share their experiences and, at
the same time, hear about the experiences of others," said Nees.
To help facilitate conversation a mentor, someone "with a keen
interest in nurturing young adults as leaders in the church,"
will pose questions and encourage dialogue among young adults,
she said.
     Nees said 63 percent of the young adults attended one of the
ELCA's 28 colleges and universities.  Many have been involved
with other ELCA ministries such as campus ministries and outdoor
ministries, she said.
     Established in 1999 with 10 participants, Young Adults in
Global Mission is a one-year international service opportunity
organized by the ELCA.  For the 2006-2007 service term, young
adults are volunteering in Argentina, Germany, India, Kenya,
Mexico, the Philippines, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.
Service in each area is designed to build leadership skills,
spiritual growth, global awareness and understanding.
     "Especially at this time in the life of our church and in
the world, we need these kinds of leaders," said the Rev. Stephen
J. Nelson, director for international personnel, ELCA Global
Mission.  "It's about relationships.  It's about giving and
receiving.  Through the giving of our gifts and the receiving of
the gifts of those among whom we serve, our church is
strengthened," he said.
     More than 300 ELCA mission personnel serve in 70 countries
around the world, said Nees.  ELCA Global Mission manages the
process of promoting opportunities for service, recruiting,
screening and appointing candidates.
- - -
     Information about Young Adults in Global Mission is at
http://www.ELCA.org/globalserve/youngadults/index.html on the
ELCA Web site.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
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