The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for ELCA Global Mission, e-mailed this announcement to Lutheran Center colleagues on September 20, 2010.–Sue

On August 22-26, 2010, I had the opportunity to visit Haiti to express the solidarity of our church to the Eglise Lutherienne D’ Haiti (ELH), review the plans for relief and rehabilitation work post the earthquake through the ELH and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and to meet with the LWF Haiti office and other members of the ACT Alliance engaged in reconstruction work. Eight month after the earthquake the situation in Haiti continues to be critical. The enormity of the task ahead is overwhelming.

 One of the challenges we face in the Lutheran Communion is the vacancy for the Field Representative position in the LWF World Service Program in Haiti. This position is responsible for the on-going work of the Haiti programs and our response to the disaster of January 12, 2010. Filling that position is critical for the continuation of our work in Haiti and for the effective coordination of the relief and rehabilitation work of our communion.

 After listening to the concerns presented by representatives of local NGOs, political leaders, and church officials, it became apparent that the person to fill this position should have not only skills and competencies in development work, knowledge of the Haitian society and fluency in the language, but be a trusted person who could bring together different sectors of the Haitian civil society, political leadership, and the faith community to work in a coordinated manner in the reconstruction of Haiti. For that reason, the ELCA has decided to second Mr. Louis Dorvilier to the LWF to serve as Field Representative for a period of three years. During this time Mr. Dorvilier will continue under the employ of Global Mission and will have responsibility for some GM related activities/initiatives in Haiti.

 Mr. Dorvilier will commence his new responsibilities in Haiti on October 11, 2010.  His last day at the GM-Chicago office was September 15.  We thank Louis for his work among us as Director for GM’s International Development and Disaster Response Program. We pray God’s blessing upon Louis as he undertakes these new responsibilities.

 Effective immediately Ms. Lita B. Johnson is assuming new responsibilities as Director for International Development and Disaster Response. Lita has been serving as Associate Executive Director with responsibilities in the management of Global programs. Prior to her coming to Global Mission, she directed the World Hunger appeal and served as Assistant to the Presiding Bishop.

Pax,
The Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla
Executive Director, ELCA Global Mission