Oregon Synod Mission Interpreters

Mission Statement
The Oregon Synod Mission Interpreter Program exists to:

1. 1.Establish connections with and between the congregations of the Oregon Synod;

2. 2. Tell the stories and worldwide ministries of the Oregon Synod and the ELCA beyond the walls of each congregaton; and

3. Assist congregational members to grow and move into deeper understaning of their life in Christ.

Mission Interpreters are layperson volunteers who inform Oregon Synod ELCA congregation members of the ministries that they are carrying out beyond the walls of their own congregation. Said more simply, we tell the stories of the ministries YOU support through your mission support sent to the Oregon Synod. YOU are the foundation of the many varied ministries carried out by Synods and the ELCA which make a difference in the lives of others, domestically and globally. Often, however, members of congregations don’t realize the difference they do make! Mission Interpretation is essential for the continuation of the ministries of the church, including interpretation of congregational, synodical and churchwide ministries.

Mission Interpreters can provide many resources to tell the stories of the worldwide work of the ELCA. We can tell your congregation about Geo, a 12-year old who recalls, “We were all running”. She was at school when the earthquake struck. Two months later, she was still afraid, looking around restlessly, biting her fingernails and displaying a tremendous smile that hid her unsteadiness. Over 20,000 people were killed and 600,000 left homeless by the earthquake. Geo was very thankful for the relief kit she received from Lutheran World Relief. LWR was able to assemble the kits for only $25.00 each! Each kit contained clothing, a blanket, kitchen utensils, a lantern, a tarp to protect her from the rains, dry food rations including 15-1/2 pounds of rice, 4-1/2 pounds of flour, 2 pounds of lentils, a quart of cooking oil, and also matches and candles. The kit made all the difference between living and dying for Geo. This is just one example of what can be done by joining together with the other congregations in the ELCA to maximize the value of each dollar given in mission support.

The country of Sudan gained independence from Great Briton in 1956. The predominately Muslin North has fought for control of the non-Muslin, non-Arab south, keeping the country mired in civil war for 38 of its 48 years of independence. Since 1983, over 2 million people have died and nearly 4 million people have been forced to flee their homes, cities and villages. The “Lost Boys of Sudan”, a group of over 33,000 orphaned young boys fled their captors and spent many years walking from refuge camp to refuge camp. They battled hunger, many died crossing the Sahara Desert, others drowned in the Gilo River. About 4,000 ended up in a camp in Kakuma, Kenya, where they received food, medical attention and schooling. With war still raging in Sudan, the United Nations and U.S. State Department decided to resettle as many refugees as possible in the United States. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service was a major sponsor in this effort, and, through the efforts of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, a number of these boys were resettled in the Northwest.

Would you like to learn more about the Mission Interpreter Program? Are you interested in becoming a Mission Interpreter? Would you like a Mission Interpreter to visit your congregation? If so, please contact the Mission Interpreter for your Cluster, or feel free to contact Doug McDowell, the Synod Mission Interpreter Coordinator, direct at 503-936-4369 or via e-mail at landmcd@comcast.net.

When the voice of the Lord said, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Isaiah answered, Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8 NRSV) It is in this spirit that Mission Interpreters are called, and joyfully answer, “Send Us!” Peace and blessings to you!

Benefits to Congregations

~ Members are helped to look beyond the congregation and see how they are connected personally to mission and ministry around the world.

~ Members understand their identity as partners in the wider church, becoming strong advocates for the mission and ministry we share beyond the congregation through the synod and the churchwide organization.

~ "Mission-minded" congregations grow in membership and in spirit!

Resources
The following can be found at http://www.elca.org/stewardship/interpreting.html

• "Making Christ Known 2007 Bulletin Inserts"
  
• "Mission Support: Where Your Money Goes"

Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships with congregations.
• Offer motivational presentations that describe who we are as the ELCA, tell of the ministries we do together, explain the funding opportunities for ELCA ministries, advocate for regular mission support, tell stories of how people’s giving can make a difference through the ministries we do together, and thank members for their financial support.
• Encourage congregations as they determine how to share their corporate financial resources for synod and churchwide ministries.
• Be a resource to congregations by sharing interpretive materials with congregations.
• Listen to the stories and concerns of the people.
• Assist in recruiting and training other mission interpreters.
• Commit to these responsibilities for at least two years.

Qualifications:

• Faith-filled - love Christ and the Church.
• Active member of an ELCA congregation.
• Willing to make congregational visits.
• Good communication skills.
• Regular financial supporter of his/her congregation.
• Willing to attend training sessions.
• Knowledgeable about the ELCA.
  
  

  Mission Interpreters do not—

  • Raise funds.
  • Promote local activities.