"People All Over the World Have Been Waiting for This Day!"

Here are the stats: Malaria kills more than a million people a year, but it is easily prevented and treated; Malaria is a disease of poverty. It exacerbates the condition by making people too sick to work or tend their fields; a child dies from malaria every 30 seconds; 3 out of 4 of those who die from malaria are pregnant women and children under the age of five in Africa.

As an expression of faith and of God's love for all, the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (LMI) launches publically this week with several Lutheran congregations and schools hosting special offerings, awareness events, and other activities. LMI is an unprecedented campaign to mobilize U.S. Lutherans in the global effort to eliminate malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. LMI goals are to increase awareness of malaria and raise $45 million to help fight the disease.

LMI is made possible through support from the United Nations Foundation. Contributions from Lutheran congregations, schools (including over $37,000 from Michigan District schools), and individuals have reached nearly $2 million to help the people of Africa whose everyday lives are affected.

Churches, schools, and individuals interested in showing their support of LMI during the public launch might choose to pray a special LMI prayer or read the children's book about malaria, "Little Things Make Big Differences," by LWR President and CEO John Nunes and his wife, Monique.

At a the June press conference in Detroit, Nunes stated, "People all over the world have been waiting for this day."

LCMS President Matthew Harrison also shared, "Why Lutherans? The United Nations Foundation found the LCMS had the ability because we are already 'on the ground' in the remotest places; caring for the least, the lost, and the little."

A mere $10 can provide an insecticide-treated bed net, delivery, and education for a family's protection for 3 years. Churches, schools, and individuals can show their support by joining LMI and receive an "LMI Starter Kit" that gives a step-by-step guide on how to organize and complete a local campaign in congregations, schools, offices, neighborhoods, and communities. More information can be found at www.lutheranmalaria.org.