"Behold, I make all things new!" (Watchword 2026)
As the new Director of the ELM, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you. I invite you to be part of our journey together at ELM. Together, we can shape the gift of God's promise for the year ahead: "Behold, I make all things new!"
Discovering new things and reshaping the tried and tested is what we are travelling towards together with the people in our internationally connected churches.
New things are made possible by donations. We rely on your support in order to realise the projects of our partner churches. For us, donating means doing good and making a financial contribution.
But it is also so much more: an expression of gratitude, sharing God's gifts and faith.
Together with the employees in the partner churches, we can make many things new. I am delighted by reports like this, for example:
- 35-year-old Asiya Abduraman received three goats and training through a project after fleeing to Ethiopia. Through hard work, she succeeded in breeding them and was able to sell the animals. She uses the proceeds to feed her children, send them to school and pay for medicine.
- Moe Luthuli is experiencing a new start at the theological seminary in Umphumulo (South Africa): "The seminary offers spiritual fellowship, discussions & experiences that shape my theological perspective and prepare me for the ministry as a Lutheran pastor."
- The team at the soup kitchen in Paarl (South Africa) has long wanted to offer children "more than just food". At Easter, 80 of the children had their first children's week with Bible stories, songs, activities, handicrafts, healthy meals ... and love, friendship and care in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Bertha Munkhondya, General Secretary of the Ev.-luth. Church in Malawi, sees changes and growing awareness in the fight against gender-based violence. She says: "In Malawi, clergymen enjoy a special status in society and throughout the country. They are highly respected. If they use their opportunities from the pulpit and other platforms to raise awareness of violence and protection against violence at different levels (family, society, church, etc.), a lot can be achieved."
In this way, many people - young and old - experience new hope or new perspectives every day through the dedicated work in the partner churches and are given new courage.
Thank you for your donation, with which new things can be created and people can experience the good news and holistic love of God in a very practical way.
I greet you warmly and thank you for your support through donations and prayers.
