We're excited that the ELCA has selected our synod to pilot this program for the church, and we're grateful to have the opportunity to begin this journey together with you.

In 2008, an estimated 190 - 311 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 708,000 - 1,003,000 people died. 89% of the malaria deaths worldwide occur in Africa, especially among young children and pregnant women. In fact, every 45 seconds a child under the age of five dies from malaria. The ELCA has started the ELCA Malaria Campaign to contain malaria-related deaths in Africa by the year 2015. And here's the good news: you get to be a part of it! The Northeastern Ohio Synod has been selected by the ELCA to be 1 of 10 pilot synods in the whole church. The Northeastern Ohio Synod has pledged $250,000 to the campaign over its 5-year duration. This breaks down to only $15 per regular worshipping member; that's only $3 a year! But with such a manageable commitment, our synod has decided to complete our entire goal in 2011. And here's where you come in. We are rolling out the initiative in three waves and are looking for congregations to volunteer to be the first to get started. This first wave will kick off with a training event on Saturday, February 26 th from 9am-12pm at the Northeastern Ohio Synod office in Cuyahoga Falls.