Title: ELCA Lutheran Global Events Set for Summer
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 3, 1997

LUTHERAN GLOBAL EVENTS SET FOR SUMMER
97-22-065-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Look to Jesus, Run the Race" will be the theme when members of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather this summer for two Global Mission Events.  The
events are July 10-13 at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill., and July 17-20 at Texas Lutheran University,
Seguin, Texas.  In 1996 Global Mission Events drew more than 3,500 people.
     According to the Rev. Margarita Martinez, ELCA associate director for global events,
emphasis will be on "how Jesus enables Christians in other countries to run the race."  The theme
text is from the New Testament book of Hebrews (12:1-2).  ELCA members will come together to
"be inspired for mission and renewed in their faith life," she said.
     Dr. Elsa Tamez, one of the best-known women theologians in Latin America, will speak and teach
daily at each event.  Tamez is president of the Latin American Biblical Seminary, San Jose, Costa
Rica.  She is originally from Mexico.  Her writing and teaching address social justice and the
perspective of the poor and marginalized in Latin America.
     Dr. He Qi of the People's Republic of China, will make a presentation at both events.  A teacher
of art at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary and Nanjing University, Qi explores the possibilities
of illustrating Christian stories and themes with indigenous Chinese design.
     The Rev. Bonnie L. Jensen, director of the ELCA's Division for Global Mission, will speak at the
events' opening celebrations.  Jensen was a missionary in Ethiopia and has been on the staff of the
division since the ELCA was formed in 1988.  The Rev. Stephen Larson, an ELCA pastor who
serves a Lutheran congregation in Geneva, Switzerland, will preach for the closing worship.
     Seven "global university" sessions featuring from 75 to 100 courses will be offered during each
event.  Topics range from alternative global travel to contemporary settings for ministry in Hong
Kong, from outreach among "generation X" to work among homeless people, from promoting
gender equity to issues around land mines.
     Missionary staff of the ELCA from many countries will take part along with international guests
from partner churches around the world.  Music to be presented will come from Africa, Asia, Latin
America, North America and Europe.  Youth and children will take part in special global programs
and activities designed for them, with a special emphasis on Asia and Latin America.
     A newly-designed workshop track will train teams from ELCA congregations to bring global
themes to their preaching, education, worship and music ministries.  Two special tracks will feature
concentrated study of Islam at Wheaton and Latino ministry at Seguin.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html