Emma Vizzini, Sunday School Supervisor, reports that as part of the ECLA Missionary Covenant Program, the Sunday School plans to raise at least $1,000 to sponsor an ELCA missionary family serving in Madagascar, the Rev. Andrew and Mrs. Barbara Hinderlie, and their children, Michael, born in 2000; and Kristian, born in 2005.

Emma says, “Here’s why we are so excited about this program.”

1) We have introduced the concept of Mission and Missionaries to our classes as part of the Epiphany Mission emphasis, and we find the children extremely responsive and positive; one child in the Nursery program told his teacher we should send toys as well as food!

2) The Hinderlies need sponsors, according to the ELCA office, and by donating at least $1,000, we will establish a relationship with them. The Covenant Program means that we will receive a photo of the Hinderlies, reports from them, and maybe even a visit when they come to the US on their home leave.

3) It costs $79,000 total to support an ELCA Missionary Family, including salary, expenses, regular trips home, etc. So the more we raise, the better!

4) Because the Hinderlies are in Madagascar, there is a natural connection to our members who trace their heritage to that island nation. We hope our members from Madagascar will be able to share information with the children about their country, thus putting flesh on (incarnating) the sometimes abstract concept of “international” mission.

5) Part of the ECLA Missionary Covenant Program sponsorship includes a commitment to pray for the Hinderlies; we invite the entire congregation to do so.

6) The children will also be writing to the Hinderlies, and we will give out information so other members of the congregation can do so also.

Some back-ground on the Hinderlies: Andrew is a graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota and Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary; has served as a missionary previously in Cameroon, and also as a Pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kenner, Louisiana. Hobbies include guitar, writing, photography, computers. Barbara is a graduate of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a BS in Chemical Engineering; previously worked as a chemical engineer for Shell Chemical Company. Her hobbies are reading, writing, movies. The Hinderlie family has been in Madagascar since January 1, 1998.

The Sunday School will be holding bake and other sales and raising money in all sorts of other ways (we are encouraging the children to come up with creative ideas). Please contribute as generously as you can to our drive to support the Hinderlies. (Make out checks to St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel; memo “Madagascar missionary”)

A closing word from Emma: “This is a tremendous opportunity for our whole church, and especially our children, to broaden our horizons and contribute to spreading the Good News.”