CHICAGO — As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread within new regions of the United States and across the globe, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has decided to cancel sending Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteers for the 2020-21 program year. The program was scheduled to begin in August.
Young Adults in Global Mission is an international mission opportunity for young people from the ages of 21 to 29 in which volunteers live and serve with ELCA companion churches and partner organizations around the world.
In his letter to the church, the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for the ELCA's Global Mission unit, writes: "We know that our church and our companion churches are being impacted by COVID-19, and that this is a time of great suffering, uncertainty and grief. We also know our global relationships will continue and grow stronger throughout this pandemic. This sabbath will allow us a time of healing and rest so that we might be renewed and strengthened for the 2021-22 program year."
The young adult volunteers serve in country placements throughout the world, helping with programs that include health and human rights, education, environmental justice, professional support and congregational ministry. Locations include: Argentina and Uruguay, Australia, Central Europe, Jerusalem and the West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal and the United Kingdom.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
