We GIVE THANKS for the partnership between the Virginia Synod ELCA and the New Guinea Islands District of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, as we continue to walk together as brothers and sisters in Christ. THANKS to the diligent planning and preparation by our NGI sisters and brothers and the generosity of the Virginia Synod, Pastor Tobby Eleasar, President of the NGI District, announced that in early February our new joint MALARIA PROJECT will begin, as pastors and youth who will be involved in the educational component will begin their training. Soon after, these prepared leaders will launch Phase One of the Malaria Project: live educational presentations throughout West New Britain Province.
The 2-3 hour presentations will include dramas and songs created by the Bethany Youth, in their culture’s traditional way of teaching the important information that is needed to understand Malaria and how to prevent it and cure it. Local health workers will participate at the different locations and will distribute the treated mosquito nets. Pregnant women and mothers with children, who are the most at risk, will be given preference to receive the nets.
The wonderful support from the Virginia Synod has made this project an excellent example, for other ELCA partnerships to follow, of working together in areas prone to Malaria. Continue with your prayers for our brothers and sisters in the New Guinea Islands that their efforts will be well received and will make a difference in the eradication of Malaria.
