January 13, 2015
Heartfelt-gratitude and asking for your help: On behalf of our South Dakota Synod Companion Synods Committee, our most heart-felt gratitude to congregations, W/ELCA Groups, Sunday Schools and individuals whose generosity has made possible to complete the mission goal of 25 roofs for congregations in Cameroon as well as providing the financial support for the National Youth Retreat of the Lutheran Church of Faith & Hope of Nicaragua which took place just this past week. Our shared generosity, as Paul reminds us “not only provide for the ministry needs of the saints (our companions) but overflow in many thanksgivings to God.” Please continue to keep our mission companions in Cameroon and Nicaragua in your prayers and in your generous giving.
Furthermore, we also need your help in helping us identify the person who will hear the call of God go to Nicaragua and do the vital work which Michael Busby has been doing. If in your congregations there are young adults who speak Spanish ( initially they do not need to be completely fluent) and care deeply about making a difference, please forward their names to us. Ideally a two year commitment will better yet we are also willing to take a person even for one year. Please address any possible names to Pastor Natanael at sdsynodcompanion@augie.edu or call us at 605-261-7450. We will contact interested people. Muchismas gracias! God’s work. Our hands!
December 17, 2014
Advent greetings from Pastor Natanael Lizarazo! With great joy, I have accepted our Synod’s invitation to coordinate the mission relationships we share with brothers and sisters in Christ in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon and in the Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope of Nicaragua. I am deeply honored to offer my gifts and passion for this valuable work. In doing so, I am deeply aware of the mission generosity of congregations and individuals throughout the Synod. I praise God for such mission generosity and extend to you the gratitude of our Companion Synods in Cameroon and Nicaragua.
Whether it is roofs for new congregations, scholarships for children to attend school, youth leadership development, medical projects, sustainable agricultural development or training for new pastors, our mission gifts matter immensely to our Companion Synods. These mission gifts significantly enhance their capacity to proclaim and live out the holistic Gospel of our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ.
As we now enter into the Season of Christmas with its gift-giving spirit, we are invited to remember our Companion Synods. Mission gifts are now welcomed toward the National Youth Retreat in Nicaragua and our Roof Project in Cameroon. Send your gifts to our Synod Office and clearly earmark the project you are sponsoring. I can be contacted at 605-261-7450 or via email at lizwan@midco.net.
On behalf of our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Cameroon and Nicaragua, Blessed Christmas to all of you! May Immanuel,” God with us” bless our ministries into the New Year 2015!
