To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Lutheran Healthcare Bangladesh (LHCB), we welcome guests from near and far for a wonderful weekend of Global Mission ministry. In the spirit of accompaniment, we welcome Dr. Granar Marak, executive director, and Rebecca Quiah, board member from LHCB. The Rev. Dr. Chandran Martin, who serves as the ELCA Regional Representative for South Asia for Diakonia and Disaster Response, will be with us, and the Rev. Dr. Franklin Ishida, Director for Asia and the Pacific with Global Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will join in the celebration as well.
Central’s partnership with LHCB started 30 years ago when a committed group of individuals decided to launch a healthcare center in rural Dumki, Bangladesh, specifically intended to assist women in reproductive health and childbirth. Facilities, including a hospital, pharmacy, housing, and a canteen, were built, and the ministry took root. Since 1995, the programs at LHCB have grown to include health care for the community, coaching for women’s groups, a primary school for children, farming education, and disaster response. LHCB is a beacon of hope for the small community of Dumki.
This weekend, our partners will be here in person to share some history and a vision for the future of LHCB. You are invited to worship with and meet our guests on Saturday night. We will worship again on Sunday and listen as our guests present a look back at the adult forum at 9:30 a.m. and a look ahead at Empowering Conversations at 12:15 p.m. And, on Monday, they will return for a tour of the Restoration Center, worship, and lunch.
In celebration and gratitude for these partners in mission, you are invited and encouraged to join the celebration as we mark this Global Mission weekend. Come and hear their stories of home from the other side of the world.
See you in church,
Pastor Stephanie