Books, Hope, and Partnership: New Photos from Martin Luther School in Senegal

New photos and a heartfelt message from Pastor Latyr Diouf of the Lutheran Church in Senegal show the impact of the Grand Canyon Synod’s partnership with Martin Luther School in Fatick. Thanks to synod support for books and school supplies, the school served 144 students this year, with growth expected next year.

The update highlights how our shared ministry continues to make a difference—equipping students for learning while strengthening relationships with Lutheran siblings across the globe.

A Synod Connected: Global Partnerships Transform Lives Near and Far

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team continues to strengthen relationships across borders through companion synod partnerships in Senegal and Mexico, support for the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program, and global ministries rooted in accompaniment. From funding school supplies and water access to walking alongside migrant ministries and young adults in service, discover how our synod participates in God’s work around the world. View this report as a PDF.

Merci from Senegal: Your $6,000 Gift Put Books in 180 Students’ Hands

The Grand Canyon Synod sent $6,000—raised by congregations and our Global Engagement Team—to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Senegal for the Martin Luther School in Fatick. The gift funded books for all 180 students, with remaining funds supporting teacher guides, classroom supplies, and repairs. This week, ELS President Pastor Latyr Diouf sent a heartfelt note of thanks and blessing, celebrating the companionship we share in Christ.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardNovember 4, 2025Lutheran Church of Senegal, Global Engagement TeamComment

$6,000 Gift Supports Students in Senegal: A Testament to Global Partnership

A $6,000 gift from our Grand Canyon Synod—collected through donations and a contribution from the Global Engagement Team—is providing books for 180 students at our companion synod’s primary school in Fatick, Senegal. This tangible act of partnership ensures every child begins the school year equipped to learn.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardSeptember 22, 2025Lutheran Church of Senegal, Global Engagement TeamComment

$25 Can Change a Life: Help Students in Fatick Get the Books They Need

Help the students of our companion synod in Fatick, Senegal, by donating $25 to provide a full set of schoolbooks. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team invites your support by August 20. Every gift equips a child for success. Contact Cheryl Jones at 480-620-8126 to learn more.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2025Lutheran Church of Senegal, Global Engagement TeamComment

Global Engagement Team Annual Report: 2025

The Global Engagement Team of the Grand Canyon Synod actively supports international ministry through companion relationships with churches in Mexico and Senegal, participation in ELCA Global Mission programs like Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), and new initiatives like Sembrando en los márgenes, a Holy Innovation borderlands project. Recent covenant renewals and visits to congregations and development centers in both companion synods highlight our shared work in Christ’s name. Read more in their annual report.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2025Global Engagement Team, 2025 Assembly StoriesComment

Grand Canyon Synod Global Engagement Team Annual Report: 2024

The congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod actively engage with and support many programs globally. Whether it be a direct congregational relationship or project outside the US or programs and partnerships attached to the synod, the ELCA or the Lutheran World Federation!

The Global Engagement team works to support these efforts and our ongoing companion synod relationships; we also support the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program and other ELCA Global Mission programs.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardMay 30, 20242024 Assembly Stories, Global Engagement TeamComment

2023 Global Engagement Team report

The Global Engagement Team shares their 2023 annual report via video.

Apply by March 1, 2023 for Scholarship for International Travel

Grand Canyon Synod pastors who have been ordained for 10 years or less are encouraged to apply for a Scholarship for International Travel Grant by March 1, 2023. Six scholarships of $6,000 over three years are available.

Destination options include: Palestine/Israel; Senegal (GCS companion church- Église Luthérienne du Senegal); Eastern Germany (Luther/Holocaust history): Mexico (GCS companion church- Iglesia Lutherana Mexicana).

A trip of a lifetime for GCS Scholarship for International Travel recipients

In an article and video in this post, Pastor Stephen Hilding, with Tanque Verde Lutheran Church, shares his trip of a lifetime experience going to the Holy Land in 2022.

Click here to learn more about the Grand Canyon Synod’s Scholarship for International Travel Program and apply by March 1, 2023 for the next scholarships of $6,000.

ELCA bishops visit Mexican Lutheran Church

The Grand Canyon Synod continues to build relationship with the Mexican Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Mexicana, ILM). Bishop Hutterer recently joined Bishop Daniel Beaudoin of the Northwest Ohio Synod and President Roberto Trejo Haager for a “get to know you” tour to discuss ways we can journey with ILM.

Bishop Hutterer, Global Church, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 21, 2022Mexican Lutheran Church, Global Engagement TeamComment

2022 ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry assembly report

The Arizona State University Lutheran Campus Ministry shares their 2022 assembly report in this video.

2022 NAU Lutheran Campus Ministry | Canterbury assembly report

The Northern Arizona University Lutheran Campus Ministry | Canterbury shares their 2022 assembly report in this video.

2022 Global Engagement Team assembly report

The Global Engagement Team shares their 2022 synod assembly report in this post, including the news of the first two recipients of the Grand Canyon Synod International Travel Scholarship have been selected. Pastor Lourdes Olson (New Song) and Pastor Stephen Hilding (Tanque Verde).

Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 3, 20222022 Assembly Reports, Global Engagement TeamComment

Rev. Latyr Diouf elected as new President of Lutheran Church of Senegal

The Lutheran Church of Senegal elected Rev. Latyr Diouf as the new President. Église Luthérienne du Senegal is the accompanying church to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of The Gambia. Blessings to the outgoing leader, Rev. Adama Faye, for his leadership.

News, Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 22, 2022Global Engagement Team, Lutheran Church of Senegal, SenegalComment

Grand Canyon Synod is building foundations with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana

The Office of the Bishop is steadily working to build a relationship with the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM, Mexican Lutheran Church).

In this post we share photos of the pastoral home of the Santisima Trinidad congregation. The Grand Canyon Synod is working with others to rebuild the home after extensive earthquake damage.

Apply by March 1, 2022 for Scholarship for International Travel

Grand Canyon Synod pastors who have been ordained for 10 years or less are encouraged to apply for a Scholarship for International Travel Grant by March 1, 2022. Six scholarships of $6,000 over three years are available.

Scholarship for International Travel available

With gratitude to God and in the spirit of continuing education and adventure, a “Scholarship for International Travel” program has been established for Grand Canyon Synod pastors who have been ordained for 10 years or less. Six scholarships of $6,000 over three years is available.

This scholarship program is being made available by a synod pastor and spouse because they are grateful for such experiences in their own lives and ministries, and want to make similar opportunities available to others. The fund will be administered by the Grand Canyon Synod.

Young Adults in Global Mission information session

The Global Engagement Team is hosting a Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) information session featuring Kendra Rose Hernandez, Short-Term Recruiter for ELCA Global Mission. Young adults (ages 19-29) are encouraged to attend the Zoom meeting, December 2, 5:30-7pm MST, 4:30-6pm PST. Register here.

NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2020Global Engagement Team, Young Adults in Global MissionComment

GET involved with the Global Engagement Team

If you have a passion for ELCA World Hunger, Young Adults in Global Mission, or our companion church relationship with Senegal, the Global Engagement Team (GET) team could use you. Our next Zoom meeting is Wednesday, October 21 at 4:00 pm. Click here to attend.

The Global Engagement Team (GET) of the Grand Canyon Synod exists to promote, educate, and engage congregations and individuals in the work of the global church. Learn more at the GET website or email Pastor Karn S. Carroll.

NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 1, 2020Young Adults in Global Mission, Senegal, ELCA World Hunger, Global Engagement TeamComment

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