Our compassion and service to others reaches around the globe through Social Ministry projects like these.
BIKES FOR THE WORLD
Bikes for the World is a simple, people-centered project that rescues unwanted bicycles wasting away in American storage areas, and puts them to productive use overseas. Beginning in 1995, this simple but powerful idea has mobilized hundreds of Washington DC-Baltimore area volunteers to collect and ship 28,000 used bicycles, plus many hundreds of thousands of dollars of used and new spare parts and accessories, to programs helping low-income people overseas earn more income, get to school, learn business management and bike mechanic skills, and access health services. www.bikesfortheworld.org
KRISTUS CENTER FOR CROSS CULTURAL FRIENDSHIP
First Lutheran has contributed $3000.00 for the purchase of two workstations for the Abatan Hospital Resource & Distance Learning Center in Abatan, Benguet Province in the Phillipines. The Kristus Center is a voluntary, non-profit educational and global outreach organization. Its mission is to promote justice, peace and wholeness among indigent tribal communities in Southeast Asia through health, education and micro-enterprise projects. Web-based technology, documentary film making and the visual arts are the primary tools used to achieve its goals. The contribution by FLC funded 30% of Phase I for the project in Abatan. www.kristusway.org
LUTHERAN FAIR EXCHANGE MISSION
First Lutheran periodically sets aside Sunday’s to support this important Lutheran World Relief Program. Members of the congregation have the opportunity to purchase fair exchange products on the commercial market to support the third world coffee growers and their families. www.lwr.org
THAI COMMUNITY CHURCH OF CHICAGO
First Lutheran provides a $1000.00 scholarship to the Bangkok Institute of Theology for Piriya and Aulasinee Praditon. Our support is through Pastor Pongsac, Director of Asian Ministry for ELCA. There are no alternatives for funding for education for Pastor Pongsac’s prospective students other than support from member congregations like First Lutheran. We are committed to supporting this couple for three consecutive years, at $1000.00 per year.
PANGANI ORPHANS IN NAIROBI, KENYA http://www.kelc.or.ke/women/plcc.htm
The Pangani orphans in Nairobi, Kenya, received a donation from FLC in the amount of $5000.00.Twenty orphan girls were adopted by this center in January 2004 , and for the minimum cost of $205.00 a year, each girl was given shelter, clothes, food and educational skills. Click here to read a newsletter from Pangani.
