ELCA Around the World

Be part of a global network of Lutherans

Food distribution in Kakuma, Kenya.Here’s a true story: A Sudanese refugee arrived in frigid Fargo, N.D., and was welcomed by her sponsors. She didn’t speak a word of English – but when she heard the word “Lutheran,” she smiled.

The Lutheran World Federation had sheltered her in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. There, she had been comforted and warmed by a quilt stitched with love by an ELCA member and delivered by Lutheran World Relief. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service arranged her passage to the United States. And ELCA members were there to meet her plane in Fargo.

No wonder she recognized the name Lutheran!

ELCA members are part of a strong global network of people living out their faith and making the world a better place.

Young students attending school in Kakuma, Kenya.
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) manages the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, home to 81,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia. LWF's program manages food ration distribution, water and sanitation, security, education and community services.
  • Through the ELCA Global Mission unit, the ELCA supports missionaries and companion church ministries in over 90 countries. Programs that address the root causes of hunger and poverty are funded through the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
     
  • Through participation in the Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and other Lutheran partner organizations, the ELCA joins Lutherans around the world in seeking solutions for the healing of the world.
     
  • When disaster strikes, ELCA International Disaster Response brings God’s comfort, healing and renewal. When the dust settles and the media go home, we stay – to provide ongoing assistance for the sick, unemployed, homeless and grieving.

There are many ways you can join this global network:

Visit the ELCA Global Mission unit to learn more about our shared work around the world.