Dear NT-NL Leaders:
The global Covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in profound ways both here in the United States and abroad. In Sierra Leone our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone have been steadfastly working to educate communities about health practices and particularly how viruses spread, provide economic opportunity for young people and women, and most importantly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, inviting others into life together. Because of their work during the Ebola crisis, the ELCSL is known and respected by community members, the Sierra Leone government, and NGOs.
Throughout 2020 I have shared with you ways that NT-NL has been able to financially support this work because of your generous gifts. Under Bishop Moses Kobba Momoh’s leadership, these gifts have gone to support programs aimed at developing the people of the church and country. Bishop Momoh has made several requests for funding of specific programs which you have supported with $27,000 in special gifts beyond our quarterly support for the ELCSL (the pictures in this post demonstrate some of the ways those funds have gone to use). I am so grateful when we can respond to these requests in a timely fashion. However, to do so in 2021 we need to replenish our designated fund for support of the ELCSL.
With our NT-NL Synod Executive team’s approval, we are inviting congregations to consider a special gift for the ELCSL designated fund during the Christmas and Epiphany festivals. As we celebrate the light of Christ coming among us it is appropriate to consider how we might share God’s abundance with our friends and fellow co-workers in the gospel in Sierra Leone. The NT-NL and ELCSL have had a strong and powerful partnership for over 30 years. Thank you for considering a special gift during this season. You can make that donation online [select “Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone (ELCSL)”] or by sending the funds directly to the NT-NL office (680 Copper Canyon Rd, Argyle, TX 76226) and indicate ELCSL.
As you prepare for this Christmas like no other, know you are in my prayers, and while we wait, we do so in the hope and promise of the one who is to come, Immanuel, God with us.
In Mission Together:
Bishop Erik Gronberg