New U.S.-Japan Partnership will Strengthen Christian Service Work in Asia

Baltimore, November 15, 2002 -- Lutheran World Relief and the Japanese Evangelical Lutheran Association, a service agency for Japanese Lutherans, have agreed to cooperate in supporting community development programs in Asia.

At the invitation of JELA, LWR President Kathryn Wolford visited Japan last month to explain how LWR works with local partner organizations in Asia, how it helps those organizations develop, and also how to access and use government funding where appropriate.

"LWR first came to Japan to provide emergency aid in the aftermath of World War II," Wolford told leaders of JELA and the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. "Today we come to write a new chapter of history together as partners to share Christ's love and compassion with people living in poverty and crisis situations in India and beyond."

LWR and JELA staff traveled from Japan to India to visit possible joint projects where LWR already provides program support, training and networking assistance. The visit included the Comprehensive Rural Health Program in Jamkhed, which is recognized worldwide for its long-term, cost-effective, village-based health care and health promotion work.