December 10, 2008

CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) financial response to Zimbabwe's swelling food crisis is prompting other church bodies to contribute, according to the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director, ELCA Global Mission. He said Lutheran churches in Nigeria and South Africa and organizations that focus on hunger are now sending food and funds to Zimbabwe.

The economic, political and social decline in Zimbabwe has taken a toll on the country's food supply and medical institutions, particularly four hospitals of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ). The ELCA is providing nearly $1 million to help sustain health care services and to purchase 90 metric tons of seed and fertilizer for the current planting season there.

"The engagement of churches is good news. Responding to the food crisis in Zimbabwe must be a collaborative effort," said Malpica Padilla. He said the collaboration is empowering churches to advocate among Zimbabwe's political parties to address the food crisis urgently. Zimbabwe's power-sharing process has been at an impasse, hampering humanitarian assistance.

Malpica Padilla said the ELCA's response is strengthening its relationship with the ELCZ and enhancing "bilateral relationships with other companion churches" in Africa. He said the attention and activity surrounding Zimbabwe's food crisis has also been maximized by the leadership of the Rev. Ambrose Moyo, executive director, Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA), and former bishop of the ELCZ. LUCSA is receiving calls from its member churches offering assistance, said Malpica Padilla.

Lutherans in Zimbabwe invited leaders of other denominations to assist with work surrounding the distribution of food aid and seeds for the current planting season, according to the Rev. Benyam A. Kassahun, program director for Southern Africa, ELCA Global Mission. Lutheran Development Services, a ministry of the ELCZ, is training Zimbabweans who will help with the distribution of seeds and food. Kassahun said this work needs to be done before Christmas.

ELCA News Service