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Foreign Facilities To make a donation for the benefit of these project, click "Make a Donation" and select "Foreign Mission Special Project Fund" from the drop-down menu. Thank you for your donation! Make a Donation When the gospel takes root in a new area, the new congregation soon needs a place to gather for service activities and fellowship. The establishment of a regular meeting location creates a sense of stability, commitment, and home. The meeting place also provides a constant visible sign of the congregation’s presence to both believers and unbelievers.  Our experience has shown us that congregations need assistance with funding, building planning, and construction management. The MW3 Facilities Committee works with believers in foreign mission fields to identify service facility needs and find workable and affordable solutions to those needs. Each of the MW3 organizations makes an annual contribution to a foreign facilities fund that is used to pay for approved facility projects. The LLC raises money for its annual contribution to the fund by special donations. Every donation, small or large, is welcome. This web page includes descriptions and photos of pending, in-progress, and completed facility projects. Please take a look. We hope that you will consider supporting the work of the gospel with a contribution to this fund. Every donation, small and large, will help us provide places of worship for our brothers and sisters in foreign lands. If you would like to make a contribution click on the "donate" tab above. Pending Projects Taligbo, Togo The congregation in Taligbo, Togo is about four years old, and comprised of around 25 adults and 70 children. The believers have been meeting outside under a mango tree. They have oven shared their need a request for a facility of their own to call home. There are not any rental possibilities in Tabligbo at this time, and plans are being made to consider buying property to build a church of their own. Mukuma, Rwanda The Rwandan government has established rather strict building code requirements in recent years. This is, at least in part, an effort to eliminate so-called shanty churches, which are often unsafe. The restrictions appear to be quite demanding by African standards. This has significantly affected the operations of the Reformed Lutheran Church of Rwanda(RLCR). RLCR church facilities in Mukama, Cyabayaga, Rukomo, and Karama have been shut down or lost all together. The only facility that is still usable is in Bufunda. The church in Mukama was the site of our seminar during the first mission trip to Rwanda in July 2019. It was closed a few months later because the roof and foundation, the outdoor toilets, and the lot size were all deemed inadequate. There was no possibility to add property to bring the lot up to the required size. In addition, they would have had to tear down the existing facility and rebuild from the ground up. As a result, they sold the property and used the funds purchase an additional land parcel required by code at Bufunda and to complete construction of the Bufunda church. RLCR prefers Mukama as a site for its headquarters because it is centrally located among their congregations. The MW3 Facilities committee and the RLCR are working together to develop a building design, a building committee, and a construction management model, along with locating a suitable property. RLCR had initially provided an estimate for a typical stone foundation and adobe wall facility. These have an estimated life span of 10years. We will develop and estimate for construction using the MW3 model being used for the Atimé facility. The first two images show the former facility in Mukama. The following pictures show some of the new property options that are being being considered. In Progress Projects Bufunda, Rwanda In recent years, the Rwandan government has established rather strict building code requirements. Part of the reason for this is an effort to eliminate what are called shanty churches, which are often unsafe. ByAfrican standards, these restrictions are quite demanding. Right now, theReformed Lutheran Church of Rwanda (RLCR) has only one facility in operation, the Bufunda church. This facility was also in danger of being shut down for failing to meet property size requirements and run-off water requirements.Local officials gave them some time to address the problem, and MW3 approved funds for the purchase of two adjoining parcels of land that allowed them to meet the boundary requirements and for the addition of gutters and cisterns for the collection of run-off water. A recent storm also caused some damage to the roof on an outbuilding used for storage and food preparation, and funds were also provided to repair the damaged building. Atimé, Togo The believers in Atimé, Togo waited many years to begin building a church. Plans were made to begin the project in March of 2020. The proposed building size would be 28ft x 50ft, and the funds for the first phase were sent on March 10th, 2020. However, project has been at a standstill past initial site preparations. Emmanuel Ametsifé, the ELLT Board project contact, departed for an MW3mission trip to Sierra Leone on March 18th and ended up being stranded through August 11th. During his absence, here was no action on the project. With Emmanuel back in Togo, the project resumed on November 22nd. The original time estimated for construction was 5 months. The hope is to complete the project early in this year, but restrictions due to the Covid pandemic may hinder progress Completed Projects Kessibo, Togo The congregation of Kessibo is comprised of about 50 adults and 35 children (as the the last data census in 2019). The project of building a church facility for the congregation was completed in December 2018, and a dedication service was held on January 27, 2019. Kwasi, Tenten The congregation in Kwasi Tenten numbers around 50, 20 adults and 30 children. Busumbala, Gambia The newly constructed church in Busumbala, Gambia is the believers first church in Gambia, and is an important step in helping them to organize and develop a sense of identity. The project began somewhat unexpectedly in late April due to the Covid pandemic. During the initial period, many Gambians were not able to work at their normal jobs but could work on this project. Thus, there was a great deal of volunteer labor, allowing costs to be kept down. The project is now completed. Dedication services were held January 8–10, 2021. Peki, Ghana The believers in Peki, Ghana were having difficulty finding a facility to rent, so when they found a lot for rent, they decided to rent and begin building a facility using their own resources. However, they did not have adequate resources to complete the facility. MW3 provided funds to complete the project. The facility is similar to facilities in Accra and Kwasitenten and should provide a home for the Peki congregation for the foreseeable future.

Camp Terms & Conditions Limitation of Liability The Laestadian Lutheran Church shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of participation in camp activities. Participants and attendees assume all risks associated with their involvement and release Laestadian Lutheran Church from any and all claims, actions, or liabilities arising from such participation. Child Protection The Laestadian Lutheran Church is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children participating in camp activities. All adult staff and volunteers undergo thorough background checks and training in child protection protocols. Any concerns regarding the welfare of a child should be immediately reported to camp staff for appropriate action. Lost Property The Laestadian Lutheran Church is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Participants are encouraged to keep their belongings secure and to report any lost items to camp staff. Lost items will be held for a reasonable period, after which unclaimed items may be disposed of or donated. Privacy Statement The Laestadian Lutheran Church is committed to protecting the privacy of participants, attendees, and their families. This Privacy Statement outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information during camp events. By participating in our events, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Statement. Collection of Information We collect personal information, including but not limited to names, contact details, and health information, for the purpose of organizing and facilitating camp activities. This information is voluntarily provided by participants, parents, or guardians during registration. Use of Information: The personal information collected is used for the following purposes: To communicate important camp-related information. To ensure the safety and well-being of participants. To organize and plan camp activities effectively. To comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Disclosure of Information The Laestadian Lutheran Church does not sell, rent, or disclose personal information to third parties without consent, except as required by law or for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Statement. Limited information may be shared with authorized personnel, such as camp staff and volunteers, for the purpose of event coordination and safety. Security We take reasonable measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. Access to personal information is restricted to those who need it for camp-related purposes. Children Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): The Laestadian Lutheran Church complies with the Children Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent. Parents or guardians have the right to review and request the deletion of their child's information. Changes to Privacy Statement This Privacy Statement may be updated periodically. Participants and their families are encouraged to review this statement regularly to stay informed about how their personal information is being handled. For any questions or concerns regarding privacy practices, please contact us at camp@llchurch.org Effective Date: December 31, 2023 General Code of Conduct In addition to the privacy considerations, all participants are expected to adhere to the following general codes of conduct during Laestadian Lutheran Church activities: Respect: Treat others with kindness and respect. Safety: Follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by church staff. Compliance: Adhere to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Responsibility: Take responsibility for personal belongings and the well-being of oneself and others. Cooperation: Work together with church staff and fellow participants to create a positive and harmonious environment. Payments Payment Policy To facilitate the registration process for Laestadian Lutheran Church events, the following payment policy is established. Participants are encouraged to review these guidelines before completing the registration process. Registration Fee: All participants are encouraged to pay the suggested registration fee when they attend Laestadian Lutheran Church events, however payment is not required. Full Payment Option: Participants have the option to make full payment for the event at the time of registration. Full payment ensures the participant's complete registration and attendance at the event. Deposit: Participants have the option to make a $10 deposit payment at the time of registration and with the balance paid by November 1 of the event year. Monthly Payment Option: For participants who prefer a more flexible payment arrangement, a monthly payment option is available. Monthly payments must be initiated at the time of registration, with the balance paid by November 1 of the event year. Payment Methods Laestadian Lutheran Church accepts payment through credit/debit cards as specified during the registration process. If participants prefer to make payment by cash or check contact camp@llchurch.org . Refund Policy In the event of cancellation, participants who have made full payment or partial payment are eligible for a refund of the paid balance. Event-Specific Considerations Some events may have specific payment requirements or considerations. Participants will be informed of any such conditions during the registration process. For payment-related inquiries or assistance, please contact camp@llchurch.org . Cancellations We understand that circumstances may arise that require participants to cancel their attendance at Laestadian Lutheran Church events. Participants are kindly requested to provide as much advance notice as possible if they need to cancel their attendance at an event. Cancellations can be made by the participant through their FunJoin account. Refunds Refunds will be provided for event registration fees upon cancellation. Refunds will be processed in a timely manner, and the method of refund (e.g., credit card refund) will be determined based on the original payment method. Effective Date: December 31, 2023

2024 Winter Services Meals When Mar 14, 2024, 7:00 PM – Mar 17, 2024, 12:00 PM Where Cave Creek, 32424 N 43rd St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331, USA Details

Humanitarian Aid LLC Humanitarian Aid Committee Origins The LLC humanitarian aid work began in the spring of 2002 in response to requests by ministers returning from mission trips to both Togo and Ecuador. They saw that the most basic temporal and daily needs of many newly converted believers were unmet. Numerous speakers helped with their own funds and wished there was a way to help more of the brothers and sisters in these areas. After hearing these requests, the LLC decided to form a separate fund designated strictly for humanitarian aid. This separation of funds was seen as essential so that the humanitarian work would not get confused with the LLC’s main mission, “to preach the Gospel.” This new fund would ensure that contributors to the LLC would be able to designate how their donation would be used, for mission work or for humanitarian purposes. At the initial humanitarian aid meetings, the committee chose officers and drafted a charter that detailed its organization, mission statement, and short- and long-term operating plans. This charter was brought to the LLC Board of Directors meeting during the LLC’s 2002 Summer Services. The charter was approved, and the committee was encouraged by the LLC to initiate the work as described in the charter. How Funds are Raised Based on these initial meetings and the approval of the charter, the LLC Humanitarian Aid Committee (LLC HAC) started its formal activities of raising and disbursing funds. The HAC fundraising efforts to date have been at LLC-sponsored events such as summer and winter services, as well as local fundraising events in congregations. Some of the fundraisers held by the congregations have included bake sales, presentations, general collections, meals, and special coffee lunches. God has graciously provided for this work and the most acute needs have always been funded. These include medical needs, housing, subsistence needs, natural disaster relief, and primary schooling needs for the young. Other requests for post-secondary education and entrepreneurial grants have recently been able to be supported as well. How Funds are Used Raised funds are sent to the local humanitarian aid contacts in congregations in Ecuador, Togo, Ghana and Rwanda. A general grant is sent to the humanitarian aid contacts in these countries each quarter. These local HAC committees truly know where and how to best use the funds so that the greatest impact can be made with the resources available. These funds are used to assist in day-to-day requests in each country. In addition to these quarterly grants, money is sent to each country in either March or August to support the educational needs of the children. Additionally, money is sent to each country at Christmas to support the believers with a Christmas meal and a treat for the children. These grants have been greatly appreciated and these believers feel the love from North American Zion. The local humanitarian aid contacts have been crucial in this work. Historically the LLC HAC has, in addition to meeting urgent medical needs, also provided assistance to help entire communities. These projects have included a water pump replacement project for the La Merced community, providing running water for 64 homes in the Riobamba area of Ecuador, providing basic immunizations for the Togolese believers, supporting a small grocery cooperative in Quito, Ecuador to make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable, and to support both a trout farm and a sheep farm for some of the indigenous believers in Ecuador. These small communal farm projects were initiated to help believers support themselves and their extended communities. In recent years, due to the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact, the committee has provided supplemental food grants to the aided countries. It has also supported a water pump replacement project for the La Merced community, a storm demolished kitchen replacement and home repair as well as numerous medical requests. Make a Charitable Contribution The LLC Humanitarian Aid Committee organizes assistance efforts in Togo, Ecuador, Ghana and Rwanda, where LLC mission services are held. Laestadian Lutheran Church is a 501(c)3 organization. Contributions are accepted. Humanitarian Aid Committee Membership Current Membership of the Humanitarian Aid Committee is as follows: Kofi Agbowada Connie Byman Becca Edwards Ignace Hounwanou Brian Johnson Elisa Roiko Dara Simonson Jennifer Simonson Wendy Simonson LLC mission director Adrian Pirness supports the LLC HAC work. Contact the Humanitarian Aid Committee: Email: hac@llchurch.org

Attend a Camp / Course Enroll in Camp Confirmation Refresher Course Opisto Program How to use FunJoin Bus Information Camp Calendar 2026 Suggested Camp Fees Everyone is welcome at camp. We do not want cost to prevent anyone from attending. If you are unable to pay the camp fee – or can pay only part of it – contact Maria Fredrickson at maria.fredrickson@llchurch.org to get enrolled. Youth Camp: $65 Pre-Confirmation Camp: $110 Language Camp: $390 Confirmation School: $360 Day Camp: $65 Adult Weekend Camp: $135 Mother-Daughter and Father-Son Camp: $135 plus $17 per child, up to $169 per family. Bus Fee – Round Trip Monticello to Stony Lake Camp: $45 Bus Fee – Round Trip Monticello to Hasscib Lake Camp: $150 Work at Camp Campwork Application Kitchen Volunteers Camp Staff Resources Camp Events Calendar Search for your camp in the list below. Select the search icon, then enter a camp name or location to filter the results. How to sign up for camp on FunJoin Navigate to the correct Location and FUNBOX FUNBOX options: Confirmation: All confirmation and pre-confirmation camps Youth Camps: All youth camps, youth music camps, and youth language camps General Camps: Other adult and family weekend camps Select "View / Select Dates" You will see a "View Availability" page. There is nothing to do on this page, click "Schedule & Reserve Now" to navigate to the registration page. If you aren't logged in, you will be prompted to do so. Enter either your phone number or email. You will be sent a verification code. During the signup, you will be prompted to add new participant Next to the camp name (for example, "Confirmation School, SLC 1") there is a dropdown arrow. Click this. Select the option you are signing up for. If you will be taking the bus (SLC and HLC camps), select this option now. Finalize your reservation by selecting "Secure Reservation" Either use "Pay Now" to pay in full, or "Payment Plan" to select an option to pay a minimum deposit now and the remaining later. You must enter your card information and either pay in full now, or pay a deposit now and the remainder later. If you need the option to pay later, contact the LLC office to finalize your enrollment. Phone: 763-479-2433 email: camp@llchurch.org

Reader Resources Reading for Hearken Click the image above for slides from Reader's Workshop held at LLC Office in Monticello on January 10, 2023. Reader tips and suggestions Reading questions, columns and ads

Christmas Greetings As of this year, we have discontinued printing individual Christmas greetings in the December issue of The Voice of Zion. We have decided to use the space in The Voice of Zion to print other seasonal content. We will continue to print greetings from LLC staff and Board, from SRK and SFC and also from member congregations. The SRK’s Päivämies newspaper will still print individual greetings. The SRK accepts greetings submissions until Nov. 3, 2024. If you would like to submit your greetings to the Päivämies, please go to https://joulutervehdykset.srk.fi/ Contact Maria Fredrickson (mfredrickson@llchurch.org ) with any questions.

About The Laestadian Lutheran Church takes its name from Martin Luther and Lars Levi Laestadius. The name of the reformer Martin Luther and his teachings are well known around the world. The name of Laestadius is less familiar. Lars Levi Laestadius was a Lutheran pastor who served in northern Sweden from 1825-1861. In 1844, after nine years in the ministry, Laestadius was helped into living faith by a woman names Milla Clementsdotter, a member of a group known as "Readers". Following his conversion, Laestadius's sermons were instilled with a new power, the power of the Holy Spirit. A revival movement began and soon spread far beyond the borders of Swedish Lapland. The movement reached North America with Finnish immigrants in the 1860s. Congregations were first formally organized in Cokato, Minnesota in 1872 and Calumet, Michigan in 1873. Since 1890 a number of schisms have splintered the movement on this continent. The subjects of disagreement have primarily been the understanding of justification, God's congregation, and the sacraments. The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) was organized on June 9, 1973 under the name "Association of American Laestadian Congregations" (AALC). The association changed its name in 1995 in order to better convey its spiritual heritage and the nature of its organization. Today the Laestadian Lutheran Church has over thirty member congregations in the United States and Canada. The congregations are served by over 100 ministers. The teachings of Laestadianism are based on the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions. Centermost among these teachings is the sermon of Jesus' suffering, death, and victorious resurrection. The work of Jesus Christ continues in this world as the work of the Holy Spirit in Christ's congregation. Thus the Laestadian Lutheran Church teaches of God's kingdom and preaches repentance and the forgiveness of sins. We hold, in accord with the Lutheran Confessions, that the Bible is the highest guide and authority for Christian faith, doctrine, and life. Position Statements The Kingdom of Heaven Our History Our Mission How We Believe Our Organization LLC Operating Plan Member Congregations Sister Organizations Kingdom of Peace Website Contact Us