news.zionbuffalo.org

By Warren Mhyre, Global Missions Committee

‘ENOUGH- ALREADY’ is a phrase used by people who are poised for action and frustrated with delay and anxiety.  I, as I am sure you did, felt that way as the world watched anxiously the human suffering in Myanamar (Burma) in early May.  ENOUGH-ALREADY as that nation’s elite looked at their self-interest vs. the suffering of the people hit by the cyclone, and the willingness of relief organizations to help.

What could we do as individuals?  Unfortunately, about the only comfort I had was the knowledge reinforced by information received at the synod convention.  I was most impressed with the reports by synod and national leaders as to the reputation of our aid efforts and global mission. Although it is not unusual for leaders of any type to blow their own horn at major gatherings, it is a well documented fact by other 3rd parties that the ELCA agencies are well administered and targeted for results.

Those results probably come from too much ‘practice’ as our leaders reflected some of their own ENOUGH – ALREADY anxiety concerning the need for resources.  For example Nigeria has the following data regarding infant morality. 2006 Birth rate is 41.3/1000 of population. 2006 Mortality rate for children 0-5 years of age is 197/1000 births or about 20% of the children that die by age 5.  Under nutrition or malnutrition contributes significantly to 53% of the deaths in the 0 to 5 year group.  So- one of the things that we can do is to ensure that our giving is current to global missions. Waiting is less and less of an option for those kids. Worldwide there are many other examples without the impact of natural disasters. Pick up the ELCA Good gifts catalog in the narthax, visit the ELCA web site, ask one of the pastors or come to the next global mission committee meeting.

HURRY UP AND WAIT is an old saying, which once described the ‘army way’ and probably now days fits more closely the “airport experience”.  At any rate – waiting or not, you might as well enjoy summer reading. Four selections from Augsburg Fortress which might be helpful for small groups are: 40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Ron Klug Editor; 40-Day Journey with Joan Chittister, Beverly Lanzetta Editor; 40-Day Journey with Martin Luther, Gracia M. Grindal Editor and 40-Day Journey with Kathleen Norris, Kathryn Haueisen Editor. Check them out for your study or small group. The church library has 1 copy of each. If your group members were to have individual copies, prices are listed at 11.99 each. More information would be available at augsburgfortress.org or 800-328-4648.