Our partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone continues to thrive and adapt. When Bishop Momoh was here in August he shared with me a vision to work for sustainability for the church. For all of its existence the ELCSL has financially been entirely dependent on mission funding from the ELCA and NT-NL Synod, ELCA.
Bishop Momoh, wisely realizing the changing realities of church finances locally and globally understands that this dependency is not healthy. They are actively teaching stewardship however the reality is the income of the people in the ELCSL also cannot be expected to support the ministry as well. So other sources of income and opportunity need to be found.
Which brings us to the “Luther Springs Water Project.” The ELCSL has access to a clean water well and with the right equipment could package that water to sell in the city (a common practice and accepted business). This project then both provides jobs for ELCSL members but also supports the work of the church.
The NT-NL synod council affirmed a gift of $20,000 for this adaptive solution and the water packaging facility is now in place and operational. As a result income is being generated, jobs provided, and the ELCSL continues to look towards a sustainable future. Grateful to God for Bishop Momoh’s foresight and our ability to respond.
Also pictured are school materials for the Willie Hunt School. Named for the late Rev. Willie Hunt who served in NT-NL for many years. This school is just one of many ministries the ELCSL provides to communities. #NTNL #ELCSL #InMissionTogether