The latest LMI buzz from the National LCMS Youth Gathering

By Dionne Lovstad-Jones

Young people at the National LCMS Youth Gathering in San Antonio in July had a great time visiting the LMI booth and giving generously. Youth from around the country donated more than $17,000 at the LMI booth to support ongoing malaria prevention and treatment in Africa. The LMI booth and information sessions offered many opportunities to learn more about LMI.

During educational sessions, young people learned about fun and easy fundraisers. Some of the most popular included: Smash Malaria (car smash), A Day in the Life Lock-In (walking in the footsteps of someone living in Africa), Bite Out Malaria (hot dog eating contest), Working to End Malaria (hire out for house and yard work) and Mow Down Malaria (lawn mowing).

Youth groups donate to LMI during the National LCMS Youth Gathering in June in San Antonio.

In the LMI booth, participants in a soccer shoot-out snagged LMI-branded Hoo Rags and everyone who stopped by received a special LMI zipper pull for their backpacks. Some Gathering participants decorated educational fliers describing the symptoms of malaria in English and Swahili for distribution by LMI’s African church partners.

Many booth visitors went online to add their voices to those calling for ongoing funding of malaria work in Africa. Thanks to a generous donor, LMI was able to offer tokens of appreciation for these booth visitors – four participants were chosen at random to receive an iPad with a special edition, LMI-orange Griffin Defender Case. Congratulations to: Megan P., Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, Wis.; Stephanie H., Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Georgetown, Ind.; Deedee H., Our Savior Lutheran Church, Burlington, Wis.: and Clark D., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Marshall, Minn.

National LCMS Youth Gathering participants decorate educational fliers about malaria that will be sent to LMI’s African church partners for distribution in their communities.

LMI mascot Martie the Mosquito made appearances throughout the event and was a cheerleader at the Gathering’s 5K, which benefited LMI. The event boasted record participation and LMI netted some $30,000 from the run proceeds. Thanks be to God for these young people and their generosity!

— Dionne Lovstad-Jones is the LMI manager for the LCMS.

(This article appeared in the September issue of the LMI Update.)