Acronyms save a lot of time, but they can also load up a conversation with meaningless references. So first, let's make sure we all know what we are talking about:

The mission of the ELCIC is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people in Canada and around the world through the proclamation of the Word, the celebration of the Sacraments, and through service in Christ's name.

That last phrase, especially leads us to GHDA. One way in which you can serve in Christ's name is to donate money to help others. GHDA is the primary means by which the ELCIC raises money for development and relief work. As a program of the ELCIC, GHDA receives and distributes the regular donations of ELCIC members to fund ongoing projects in Canada and around the world. Right now ELCIC members are helping to support projects that:

• alleviate hunger
• uncover and understand the causes of hunger and poverty
• walk with the poor to find solutions to these injustices

Notice that the GHDA does not do this relief work—it distributes donations. Think of it as a funnel through which your donations flow—but a very smart funnel that knows where your money will do the most good. GHDA redirects about 70% of your donation internationally through CLWR and it sends about 9% of the funds back to our own Synods who are supporting community projects.

Other support is given to interchurch organizations like PLURA, KAIROS and LOPP.

Some money is also used to educate, inspire and report to our members (like this article is doing). That is how your church receives resources periodically—like posters, brochures, and donation envelopes. You can also read about GHDA in Canada Lutheran and on our website. And there are consultants in each Synod eager to come to your congregation.

One strong partner working internationally is CLWR, which supports projects in South America, Africa, India and the Middle East. Most of the funds that CLWR sends overseas are matched, dollar for dollar by CIDA—a fact that really stretches your gift! Their projects vary from emergency aid to long-term development.

It is a common misconception that GHDA and CLWR are in competition for your donation dollars. This is not true. If you make a donation directly to CLWR, (or designate your GHDA gift to a CLWR project) your entire donation will go out of Canada. The need is there and if that is where your heart lies, then the ELCIC adds its blessing to your gift.

If you want to see your money divided between international and Canadian projects; between relief, development, advocacy and education, trust your church to make good choices about that and donate through GHDA.

Ready for more in-depth information? Try the Internet: