Northeastern Iowa Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Namibia

In the early 1990’s the ELCA developed the Companion Synod Program to help individual synods develop direct connections with Lutheran church bodies throughout the world, putting a FACE to global missions.

The Northeastern Iowa Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia have been in a formal companion relationship since 1990. We have welcomed many brothers and sisters from Namibia; we have had many who have traveled to Namibia; and we continue to build relationships grounded in faith, with mutual respect and deepening trust. This relationship is now expanding to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia and the German Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Most recently, six representatives of the Northeastern Iowa Synod Traveled to our companion churches in Namibia, May 13 - June 4, 2009. Read a journal from the trip at the Journey to Namibia 2009 Travel Blog. View some of the many colorful photos from the Companion Synod Trip to Namibia and learn how churches, civic groups and organizations can schedule a presentation about the trip and the Companion Synod Program.  

We are called to walk with our companions.....
not ahead, telling them what to do
not behind, pushing them at our pace
rather,
we walk beside them, to hear their stories
and share our own.
We share our joys and sorrows,
our frustrations and challenges.
As we work to support one another in
Ministry.

The ELCA recognizes the gifts of global companions and it is in our sharing that we can, together, make Christ known to the world.

Namibia gained its independence from South Africa in March of 1990. While it is young as an independent nation, it has a long and deep history. The name is rooted in the Namib Desert (which comprises a large part of the land mass), believed to be the oldest desert on the face of the earth.

The Lutheran Church also has a long history with missionary movements from Germany and Finland, among others; the Lutheran presence dates back more than 150 years. A country now estimated to be 90 percent Christian and 60 percent Lutheran, Namibia can teach us much about evangelism and church growth. Since achieving independence, Namibia has made strides in economic development, expansion of its education system and resource management. Yet it still faces significant challenges with a 40 percent unemployment rate, the HIV/Aids pandemic, malaria and TB among the toughest.

To learn more, visit the ELCA Companion Synods Program website where you can download the Companion Synods Handbook.

Purpose of a Companion Synod Program (pdf)
Companion Synod Work Group
Walking Together Newsletter (pdf)