Serve the Global Community

We live out our faith in the world by building and strengthening relationships with one another.

In 1990, Augustana began a global mission emphasis, living out our faith through the shared practices of prayer, presence, and projects. Today, we celebrate global mission two Sundays every spring. Over the years we have raised more than $1.5 million to share with our global partners in Tanzania, Guatemala, and the Middle East. At least once each year groups from Augustana travel to Tanzania or Guatemala to strengthen our relationships with our brothers and sisters around the world.

Prayer

The practice of prayer, with and for one another, is the first pillar of our global partnerships. Many of our partners say this is the most important practice that we share. Prayer shapes the heart and soul of our relationship with our brothers and sisters globally.

Presence

The practice of being present is the second pillar of our relationships. We grow closer to God and one another through the intentional exchange of people, stories, and shared experiences across continents and cultures. Designed not as work projects but as opportunities for cross-cultural education and immersion, these trips expose visitors to the reality, lifestyle, and cultures of these countries.

Projects

Projects are the third pillar of our relationships. Working with one another to achieve builds and strengthens relationships between individuals and communities. While projects vary from year to year, all proclaim God’s presence in the world. From education to healthcare and economic development, we work together to achieve community sustainability.

Make Your Global Mission Gift

Contact

Pastor Arne Bergland
abergland@augustana.com
651.457.3373

TANZANIA

Ipogoro and Nyamhanga congregations are Augustana’s companion congregations located just outside the city of Iringa. Each congregation has multiple preaching points, each with their own evangelist. Augustana has provided financial support for everything from foundations, roofs, and church pews to motorbikes and agricultural plots.

University of Iringa was the first private university in Tanzania. Graduates from this University have become prominent throughout the country in Lutheran ministry, law, and business. Augustana provides scholarships to theology students each year.

Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha serves the Maasi people in the northern part of Tanzania. Augustana has been a strong supporter of this Gospel-centered healing ministry.

Arusha Lutheran Medical Center is Arusha’s newest and only full-service hospital offering general specialty and emergency care.

The Plaster House is a home in Arusha where children from all over Tanzania recover after corrective, orthopedic, plastic, or neuro surgery for a disability.

Iringa Hope Microfinance Project provides loans and training in economics, investments, and small business start-ups.

Image Secondary School is a boarding school with an enrollment of 320 students, established in 2004 to increase the access and equity of education to the people of rural Tanzania. Augustana provides scholarships to secondary school students.

Huruma Center provides a safe home, nurture, nutrition, and education for children who have no family or others to care for them. The goal is sustainable support for the children.

GUATEMALA

San Agustin Lutheran Church, located in the village of La Esmeralda, Guatemala, has been Augustana’s companion congregation since 2002.

ILAG – Augustana has been instrumental in establishing the companion synod relationship between the Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA, and the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala (ILAG), in which we are hoping to have each of the 17 ILAG congregations matched with a St. Paul congregation in the coming years.

Milagro Women’s Education Center | El Mirador Elementary School

We make annual visits to Guatemala to build relationships of mutual support and learning. We also provide financial support to the ministries in Guatemala, including educational scholarships, support for youth ministry, support for women’s ministry, and support for a variety of building programs.

For more information on our Guatemala connection, please contact Janet Metcalfe.