GREETINGS, DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST,
Last November, I joined a volunteer team traveling to Kenya to carry out program work for the Lutheran Malaria Initiative.
I thank God for this amazing opportunity and the rich experiences with which I was blessed! I shall forever remember my Kenyan brothers and sisters for their hospitality and the singular experience of worship and prayer in Swahili — it was truly the communion of saints in God’s house!
It was a joy to fulfill the mission of LMI through:
- Distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) door to door and during community-wide distribution events. We distributed 8,520 nets over four days!
- Educational programs to inform local families on the proper use of LLINs.
- Training programs with local volunteers, community and church leaders to prepare them to be advocates for malaria prevention methods.
- Sharing the life-saving Gospel message!
I was truly uplifted by the energy and spirit of my colleagues and our amazing brothers and sisters from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya — each of whom is committed to the mission of LMI.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to each of you, our congregation members, school children and LWML volunteers who have worked so hard to raise funds for LMI. We are truly part of making a difference in the worldwide effort to end malaria deaths in Africa!
— Dionne Lovstad-Jones, manager, Development Outreach, LMI, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Need LMI resources? Contact me at dionne.lovstad-jones@lcms.org or 219-380-1034.