Montana Synod Global Church Testimonials
The Companion Synod Relationship with the Lutheran Church in BoliviaAs we celebrate Global Sunday, we in the Montana Synod lift up our vibrant and ongoing relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bolivia (IELB). We most recently welcomed two of our friends from the IELB, Pastor Presidente Emilio Aslla Flores and Pastor Luis Blanco, to Montana this past July. The primary focus of their visit was to observe and also learn how ELCA congregations in Montana engage diaconal service ministries throughout our Synod.
The American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) Biennial Gathering took place on the Rocky Boy Reservation during their stay. We were fortunate to invite them to this gathering and also partake in what was a very powerful and moving experience for all who attended. Finally, our two visitors spent a day in the company of a large cohort of lay pastoral associates (LPAs) serving throughout the Billings area. Their hope was to take certain aspects of our program home to their church, one that is also demographically rural. We eventually said goodbye with grateful hearts. God is gracious in providing wonderful opportunities for us to be in relationship with our neighbors across the globe. Please continue to hold in prayer the people of the Lutheran Church in Bolivia. If you have questions about the Companion Relationship with the Lutheran Church in Bolivia, please contact Pastor Steve Schmidt or Pastor Stacey Siebrasse |
The Companion Synod Relationship with the Cape Orange Diocese in South AfricaThe bond between the Montana Synod and the Cape Orange Diocese in South Africa continues to be strong. In the fall of 2016 we had hoped to bring a pastor from South Africa to spend two months in ministry with us. Visa problems prevented that, but we are working on making this a reality in the fall of 2018. We are also working on having the newly elected Cape Orange Diocese Bishop, Motsomai Manong visit us around our next Synod Assembly. Bishop Manong spent many years as the executive secretary for the previous Bishop, William Bowles. We ask for your prayers for Bishop Manong as he navigates a new position, and your prayers for our partners in the Cape Orange Diocese and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa as they address continuing challenges to train Pastors and leaders through Seminary education. If you or your congregation would like to help support the cost for Bishop Manong to travel to the Montana Synod, please send a gift to the Synod Office. If you have any questions about the Companion Relationship with the Cape Orange Diocese, please contact Pastor Will Sappington or Pastor Peggy Paugh Leuzinger.
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