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The
West Virginia
Western Maryland Synod

The Atrium 
503 Morgantown Avenue 
Suite 200

Fairmont, West Virginia
26554-4347

304.363.4030

wvwmdsynod
@wv-wmd.com


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Global Missions Committee

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The Global Mission committee’s goal is to promote and support a mutual understanding of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over all of the diverse cultures within the Global community, and the place of the Lutheran church of the
West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod within this understanding.


GO TO AFRICA Without Leaving Home

Global Missions of ELCA

Learn more about our Companion synod, the Betoiky-Atsimo Synod, in South Western Madagascar.

Check out recent Global Mission news.

Join our committee:
contact our committee head.


The Betoiky-Atsimo Synod of the Malagasy Lutheran Church of Madagascar is our companion synod.

turtleMadagascar is an island nation about the size of Texas. It is located below the equator off the southeast coast of Africa. The nation’s population is 16,300,000, and it is the world’s fourth poorest nation. Madagascar is the home of many unique plants and animals. The radiated star turtle is one of the national symbols. atthewell



Our companion synod is in the southwestern part of the nation. The area has frequent droughts. The well at the right was dug with the help of funds from the ELCA. Before this well was dug, the nearest water was about 4 miles. The diet is primarily rice and beans. Many people in this region still practice their animist religions.

NurseThe Malagasay Lutheran church is the fastest growing Lutheran church in the world. Norwegian medical missionaries founded the church in the late 1800’s. The ELCA continues to support medical missions. Our synod has sent money to support this hospital in Ejeda. The hospital supports clinics in the bush that bring Jesus and medical support to people who have never heard the gospel.

DrynesThe Malagasay Lutheran church sponsors schools. This school is the John Drynes school in Bezaha. Future community and church leaders are trained in these schools. Members of our synod have given money to provide books and improve the school’s buildings.


From Rev. Kevin A. Ogilvie:

The country of Madagascar is in political turmoil because of a disputed election. Despite the fact that a majority voted for the challenger, the incumbent called for a runoff election, but the challenger declared himself president. The following is excerpted from a letter from our Mission Administrator discussing the current political unrest in Madagascar.

“When the rest of this demonstration turned violent with both sides clashing, a group of "Shepherds" (basically exorcist/evangelists in the protestant churches' revival movements) walked into the middle of the fray in their vestments. Fearlessly, with tears streaming from their eyes, their hands clutching their Bibles outstretched above their heads, they shouted for the demons to leave and for the Name of Jesus to be sole victor. No one touched them and the shepherds gave no ground. Behind them nuns from the Catholic Church sang hymns and prayed. This was all captured on videotape and even played on French national television as well as stations here!

The matter is serious, make no mistake. It could get much worse and people are nervous. I personally have never seen anything like this. The pro-new government people have been remarkably peaceful given their incredible numbers. No military or police presence at all. They are self-policing. A carnival atmosphere generally prevails. These are people who have discovered their voice through the power of the ballot. They are exercising their Christian faith, by and large, for it is their faith that has taught them the value of their own voices and the dignity of their lives. When the "new" president was inaugurated, it has been reported that many people carried two flags to wave in the streets: the national flag of Madagascar which, like Americans, they prize highly and the American flag whose model of democracy they wish to emulate. I hope we are worthy of that.”

Rev. Kevin A. Ogilvie
Administrator
Missionaries of the ELCA in Madagascar


Contact a committee member if you have a question or to join our committee and assist in promoting Global Missions in the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod.

Committee Members are expected to:

  • Faithfully attend the committee meetings and participate in the planning of programs and events to carry out our goals.
     
  • Encourage others to attend an ELCA global mission event in their vicinity to support and learn of the missionary endeavors of our church.
     
  • To serve as a resource person to the congregations in this Synod in spreading an awareness and appreciation of ELCA Global Mission efforts and our Synod's relationship with our sister Synod in Madagascar.
     
  • Encourage congregations to participate in special Sundays such as Missionary Support Sunday and other programs that promote Christian and Lutheran efforts in the worldwide arena.  

Our Members

Peggy Blatt  
Evelyn Weirick
Lois Broyles
Sherri Schafer
Wendy Bogers
Peggy Glaser
John Unger


A Global Mission Project

Community health Care for the Mahafaly people in Madagascar

 
elsonMeet Dr. Randrianantenaina Elson, a native of Malagasy, who directs the Lutheran hospital in Ejeda.  After taking the position, he soon realized that many of the patients traveled many miles to reach the hospital.  Some came by oxcart (with wooden wheels) while most walked.  At times, the distances they traveled made their condition worse and for some even fatal.  He wanted to provide health services closest to the people so he started primary care centers in villages in the bush.
 
clinicThere are three centers up and running.  A nurse and an accountant staff them.  Dr. Elson visits frequently in a Land Rover provided through Level II gifts to the ELCA.  Wells are dug near each clinic to provide safe drinking water.  Chickens are being raised in an enclosed area rather than running free and searching for food.  This provides eggs that one half of which are given to families with small children to increase the protein in their diets.  The other half are sold to provide funds for the clinic.
 
waitingEvangelists and pastors work with the people who visit the clinic.  Many are becoming Christian.  Even some of the former medicine men have converted.  Each clinic can be kept open and running for $2,000 per year.  You can contribute to this project through the ELCA Division of Global Mission.
Support a Global Mission Project: view Global Mission Projects  on the ELCA Global Mission Website.


Support a Global Mission Project: view Global Mission Projects on the ELCA Global Mission Website.


Global Missions