Malaria Synod Assembly Speech Short Version Final

Remarks for Synod Assembly: ELCA Malaria Campaign

[Greet the assembly, introduce yourself, and share your connection to the ELCA Malaria Campaign] Today we have the pleasure of celebrating the progress of the ELCA Malaria Campaign and lifting up the good work of our companions in Africa.

For most of us in the United States, mosquitoes are merely a nuisance. But in many parts of the world, mosquitoes carry malaria- a preventable, treatable disease that can be deadly if left untreated. Malaria claims the lives of 584,000 people each year. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to respond. Through the ELCA Malaria Campaign, you have answered that call. Working with Lutheran partners in Africa, the ELCA Malaria Campaign provides malaria prevention, education and treatment interventions in 13 countries.

The ELCA Malaria Campaign’s goal is to raise $15 million by the end of 2015. We are in the final year of this campaign! Thanks to the efforts of individuals, congregations and synods, the ELCA Malaria Campaign has raised over $13.5 million to date or XX% of our goal. The [NAME] Synod has been an important part of this effort. As of [MONTH], 2015, we have raised $[AMOUNT] as a synod. We are well on our way to our synod-wide goal of $[AMOUNT] (if applicable) OR we have already reached our synodwide goal of $[AMOUNT]! (if applicable). With a disease that only costs $3 to test and treat, this will go a long way.

The ELCA Malaria Campaign has been an example of what we can do as church – together. Since the beginning of this campaign, over half of the ELCA congregations have participated. Congregations have always been at the center of this campaign. Guided by the Holy Spirit and responding to the call to walk with our neighbors in Christ, making malaria history has captured the hearts and imaginations of faithful Lutherans across the country. Congregations have displayed bed nets, swatted swarms of paper mosquitoes, ran “Mosquito Mile” races, danced to African music, and ultimately passed the offering plate, all in hopes of contributing to malaria reduction.

[Consider adding to or replacing these slides with stories from your own synod]

Our Lutheran companions and partners in 13 countries in Africa are leveraging your generosity into real results. Their malaria programs are already beginning to change lives and communities, all over sub- Saharan Africa. Here are a few highlights:

 Since the campaign began, more than 2 million community members have learned about malaria prevention and treatment.

 Nearly 50,000 insecticide-treated bed nets have been distributed to vulnerable households.

 More than 32,000 expectant mothers have received preventive malaria treatment during pregnancy.

These snapshots from our country programs reflect a larger global trend. Worldwide, the change in malaria is MEASURABLE and REAL. The World Health Organization reports that since 2000, the death rate from malaria has reduced by 58 percent. Half as many people die from this disease in Africa than 15 years ago.

The ELCA Malaria Campaign is a part of this – you are a part of this! As we enter the final year of the ELCA Malaria Campaign, and you might be wondering, “What happens next?” Although our fundraising campaign for malaria ends this year, our commitment to walking together with our companions and supporting their health-care ministries will not end. Our global Lutheran partners who choose to prioritize malaria programming after 2015 will seek funding through ELCA World Hunger, which has a long history of supporting health-related programming.

Judith Jere has seen the tremendous impact of the malaria program in Malawi, where she serves as the coordinator for the Lutheran malaria program. She says, “The [malaria] campaign is doing wonders. It’s like a miracle. You know, at first many children were dying. But now the mortality rate has [been] reduced significantly. Women are dancing and singing, because so many lives are being saved, especially among the young children.”

This is certainly something to celebrate.

Together, we are seeing progress — and the progress must continue until no child dies from this preventable, treatable disease. Thank you.