Therefore, beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.
– 1 Corinthians 15:58a
Dear Reformation,
On May 31 we had the privilege of welcoming the Rev. Dr. Fursan Zumot to worship with us. He serves as the current pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala. This is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land – one of the closest ministry partners of the ELCA.
For several years, Reformation in Beit Jala has been one of our partner congregations. We provide annual financial support that goes to helping children of the congregation pay for their school tuition fees. With 70% of Palestinian Christians working in the tourism industry, there has been significant financial instability for our Lutheran siblings. This is one small way that we are able to help our neighbors around the world.
I also invite you to learn more about the ELCA’s ministry support in the Holy Land through the program Sumud. (Sumud is an Arabic word that means “steadfast” – a reminder that our call is to be steadfast in our accompaniment just as God is steadfast in love.) Visit elca.org/sumud to learn more.
In peace,
Pastor Alina