ST. LOUIS -- The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) is offering its urban congregations $5,000 grants to create children's programs targeting immigrants.
The "Reaching New Immigrants through Children" program is funded by a $75,000 grant from the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, according to the LCMSNews. Fifteen grants are available.
The denomination is urging its urban congregations to provide a safe place for kids to go after school or while parents are working, said the Rev. Yohannes Mengsteab.
"In the urban setting, people are really struggling with what to do with their children," said Mengsteab, who is the facilitator for LCMS World Mission's new African immigrant and urban ministries. "Parents will really appreciate a children's program that is safe."
Free craft, Sunday school and other resource materials for the project are available through the denomination's Concordia Publishing House. Lutheran Hour Ministries is providing promotional materials and evangelism training for church staff.
Churches interested in applying for the grants should contact Mengsteab at (800) 433-3954, Ext. 1336 or at yhonnes.mengsteab@lcms.org. Deadline for applications is Oct. 30.
