The LCMS is encouraging all of its Concordia colleges, universities, and seminaries to take part in “Sleep Out to End Malaria” activities in recognition of World Malaria Day, Sunday, April 25.
The “Sleep Out” national event, where participants sleep overnight under protective bed nets, is sponsored by the United Nations Foundation, Nothing But Nets, and other partners on the eve of World Malaria Day, Saturday, April 24. The goal is to raise awareness about the global fight to end malaria deaths.
Participants are encouraged to sign their commitment to end malaria by logging onto www.nothingbutnets.net/sleepout. The names of all those who register and pledge to fight the disease will be delivered to Congress.
Malaria, a preventable disease, has largely been eradicated in the United States, but elsewhere in the world there are an estimated 500 million cases of malaria each year. Of those infected annually, nearly one million die from the disease.
Last year, the LCMS Board of Directors endorsed the Synod’s participation in the Lutheran Malaria Initiative — which encourages Lutherans to join the fight against malaria — as a priority of the Synod. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is an unprecedented collaborative effort to mobilize nearly eight million Lutherans in the United States to join the battle against malaria.
“The LCMS is committed to helping contain the disease of malaria,” said LCMS President Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick. “We will bring the issue of supporting the Lutheran Malaria Initiative for consideration at our convention this summer.
“Meanwhile, we encourage our colleges, universities, and seminaries to participate in events that raise awareness for the need to contain this devastating, but preventable disease around the world.”
Posted April 21, 2010
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