“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-4
A companion synod relationship is rooted and grounded in relationships. As we accompany each other, we share with each other. In this relationship, the ELCA companions, including the Eastern North Dakota Synod, are able to share financially in ways that benefit the well-being of our companions. On this trip, I was able to see and learn about some of the work your dollars have been doing.
Yaloke Lutheran Church recently was able to put a roof on their sanctuary, thanks to funds from the 3 companion synods. Building churches is a part of the ELC-CAR’s focus on evangelism so that people will have a place to worship. There are more church roofs to be built!
We visited a village school. Funds from the companion synods have built this school and its furnishings. The building is given to the village in its care for the children and their education. Children came quickly when we stopped to view the building on a late Saturday afternoon.
Emmanuel Health Clinic in Gallo is a very important ministry. It has been negatively impacted by civil unrest and strife as well as other factors. Currently, Dr. Emmanuel Dimla, a Cameroonian doctor, is under contract to reorganize and revitalize the health ministry at Gallo. The challenges are great and the work is impressive. It is clear that in this rural setting, many people are cared for who would not be otherwise cared for. This health ministry is an important part of the work of the ELC-CAR. Healing was very important in Jesus’ ministry. This inspires the work of the ELC-CAR.
Dr. Dimla shared the most common maladies treated at Emmanuel (as captured by Bishop Mike Rinehart):
1. Malaria – The CAR is a malaria zone. Malaria is carried by mosquitoes from someone with malaria to someone who does not yet have it. We slept with mosquito nets every night while there.
2. Malnutrition – The second most common. Three out of five children require transfusions.
3. Vaginal fistulas – these are very common, and there is no other center until you get to Bangui for treatment. A limited number of doctors perform this surgery. Dr. Dimla does perform this surgery at Emmanuel. It has changed the lives of the women who have received the surgery.
4. Ovarian cysts
5. Appendicitis
6. Trauma
Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth 