Giving Tuesday 2019 — Making a Difference in a Changing World


2019-2021 Mission Grant #18 — Sri Lanka Multipurpose Building Construction — Office of International Mission — $50,000

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The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has flourished in Sri Lanka since the 1920s, with four active congregations and seven preaching stations. The Ceylon Evangelical Lutheran Church has purchased land to construct a building that will house the sanctuary, administrative offices, and theological classrooms, funded with our mites.

Over the years, Lutherans in Sri Lanka have suffered great persecution. Recently Pastor Edward Naumann wrote to us about the deadly bombings at Christian churches on the island. Learning about the bombings during his Easter service, he preached, “We rejoice for these newly baptized infants, no matter what hardships, persecutions, or difficulties they may face because of their baptism, because we know that an everlasting inheritance is prepared for all who are in Christ.”

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After arriving home safely with his family, he wrote to Lutheran Women in Mission: “Please continue to pray for Sri Lanka, commending us to the care of our loving Father. Lord, have mercy! In these last days, may the light of the Gospel of Christ shine into the darkness, and may we be a light to the nations. Amen.”

Even with all that was happening at the time, Rev. Naumann took time to write to us, asking for prayers. Maybe he knew we’re especially good at prayers. And we are. We’re also good at supporting ministries such as this one through our mite offerings. Pray that Rev. Naumann, his family, and his country be lifted up to God’s care. Thank you for giving this Giving Tuesday, December 3.

Susan Donnelly