Margit Rosane Biasibetti
Margit Rosane Biasibetti is married, the mother of two children and the grandmother of one. She was a Portuguese and English teacher, though is now retired and lives in Santa Cruz do Sul in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In her church, she is the coordinator of the church's women's group (OASE - Auxiliary Order of Evangelical Women) and secretary of the OASE Association of the Centro-Campanha Sul Synod.
Why is the ELM important to you?
ELM provided me with an opportunity to experience the mission of being a Christian in a broader environment than I could have ever imagined. Meeting Lutherans from different continents and exchanging experiences among us made me feel I belong to a huge church that has a very well-organized mission, focused on education to eradicate poverty.
What role does ELM play for you as a ‘partner in mission’?
ELM is committed to making the world a better and more peaceful place. As Christians, we are partners in the mission to reduce inequalities, promoting a dignified life for all people. ELM has given me the chance to learn about their work, in addition to promoting networking with other Lutherans around the world, many of them who are already on a long missionary journey.
Was there a special event in your church in which the ELM was influential? If so, could you please describe this event?
My first mission experience happened with my participation in the F2GO camp in Johannesburg, in April 2023. Until then, I had only participated in social service ministries. So I'm still a beginner in a job where there's still a lot to be learned. It was an inspiring event based on devotions, prayers, communion, learning, friendship, sharing of knowledge and experiences. Cultures from 6 countries that are so different but united with common goals moved by the love of Christ. Some people with significant missionary background and others taking their first steps, as in my case. On a Sunday morning, we went to Church Service at Midrand Lutheran Church. It was one of the most touching and inspiring church services in which I have had participated. The singing, the preaching and the kindness of the Midrand people will remain in my memory forever. Also, a rich experience was an exposure trip to Outreach Foundation in Hilbrow, where economically vulnerable people living in the inner city of Johannesburg have the opportunity to develop skills to increase employability, get psychological counseling, educational support, music lessons and social care in a sustainable environment. After I came back to my country, I felt I should share the amazing experience I had had. So, I prepared a presentation with explanations and photos for three synodal and national seminars of our OASE (Auxiliary Order of Evangelical Women – “Frauenhilfe”). To my delight, the subject caught everyone's attention and many questions arose. They were excited to learn that there are such relevant initiatives led by ELM.
What do you hope the ELM will do for your church in the future?
The decline in the number of Lutherans is an issue that concerns our Church. In a social context marked by immense inequalities, but also by large technological advances, it is a big challenge to find a language that is capable of passing on the Christian message to teenagers, young people and adults. People are migrating to other religions, such as Pentecostals or Spiritists or are declaring themselves without religion. So, I hope that ELM can be an efficient way to bring the church closer to people and so listening and caring about their needs. Mission proclaims the Gospel and takes actions to improve people´s lives.
What else I would like to say to the ELM:
Throughout its 175 years of activity, I strongly believe that the mission has played a very important role in preaching the Gospel, via training of people and sponsoring projects that aim for a dignified life. Congratulations to all the missionaries and people involved in ELM work!
