Anna Hauge was a Navy nurse on board the USS Tranquility, the hospital ship that rescued the survivors of the USS Indianapolis disaster in August, 1945. Anna is one of those unsung heroes who lived through an epic chapter in American history.

Nick Zanini served in Europe during World War II, crossing the Atlantic on the RMS Queen Mary, landing at Normandy and fighting his way across France and through the Battle of the Bulge.

James Homme is a retired Lutheran (ELCA) pastor. During the Korean War, Jim found himself occupying a forward observation post along the 38th parallel. “In the daytime it was a lark,” Jim relates. “But at night, it was terrifying.” In the video we see how Jim found comfort in the 27th Psalm.

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With the natural beauty of the peoples and culture of Pakistan as the backdrop, UPIC delegates share their thoughts about the need to dispel the fears and misconceptions Americans have of Pakistan and to continue efforts to build relations between our two countries. Reflecting on the importance of this vital goal are; Rev. Dr. Dick Hamm, Former General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Rabbi Dr. Reuven Firestone, Professor of Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, CA; Kelly McGrath, a George Mason University, PhD Student, Rabbi Amy Joy Small, Director of Deborah’s Palm Center for Jewish Learning and Experiences in Morristown, NJ; Riaz Siddiqi, Founder and Managing Partner of Denham Capital and Board Chairman of the American Pakistan Foundation and Fred Johnson, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Intersections International.

Facilitated by Intersections International — in collaboration with the International Islamic University in Islamabad (IIU), the US-Pakistan Interreligious Consortium (UPIC) spent March 11-14, 2014 in Pakistan. UPIC is an initiative undertaken by Intersections that seeks to bring together religious leaders from the US and Pakistan to build relationships, shatter stereotypes, and create an action agenda that will help build bridges of mutual respect and understanding between our two countries.

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Weaving a Global Neighborhood with Rick Steves was used in ELCA congregations to help Lutherans understand the idea of global accompaniment. In the script, Rick and Kevin write,

“Less can be more. Here, in a culture (like Papua New Guinea) where material satisfaction is less elusive, there’s more time for God’s work and for just being human. This road may be bumpy, but then there’s more to life than increasing its speed.

After eating with new friends in PNG, I’m reminded that those of us who use spoons and forks don’t have all the answers. Here in PNG, people paint their faces differently then we do. And they know it. The world is not a pyramid with the USA on top and everyone else trying to get there. Papua New Guineans may go to the United States to study or visit congregations but they wouldn’t swap passports with us. Our world is diverse and it will stay that way. It’s a family — but a multicolored and multifaceted family.

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Building Bridges of Faith with Pakistan is a 30-minute television documentary produced by for Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries with Intersections International. The program will air on ABC7 Chicago, December 29, 2013.

Come with me to Pakistan and watch this compelling eyewitness documentary on the testimonies of key Pakistani and American religious leaders, who met in Islamabad and Lahore to explore faith-based dialogue, policy change on both sides, and building bridges of understanding and respect between our two countries.

For those outside the Chicago market or for those who miss the broadcast, you may view the full program at www.gcbm.org or www.frakesproductions.com following the broadcast.

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The ELCA has made a commitment to encourage all members, from children to adults, to dig deeper into our book of faith, the Bible. The Book of Faith Initiative recommends a new model for the church. A grass-roots approach embracing a common vision in which all are invited to open scripture and join the conversation. Each community is encouraged to decide how the Book of Faith Initiative will become a vital part of its own ministry.

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The Faraja School is one of only two primary schools in Tanzania that serve children with disabilities. Senorina Laurent is an Occupational Therapist and helps children adapt to their environments and gain independence

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It is inevitable that one day, Youtube itself will go away. It’s all chalk art in the end. Or, to get theological, we are dust, and to dust we shall return. Still, it’s nice to peak at the numbers once in a while.

Here is a link for programs I produced which are currently on the ELCA Youtube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ELCAVideo/videos?view=0&sort=da&flow=grid
– Understanding Islam
– Understanding the Roman Catholic Church
– Introducing Jesus of Nazareth
– Opening the Door to Luther
– Lutheran Roots in America
– Holy Communion
– Introducing the New Testament
– Exorcism in Madagascar
– The Story of the ELCA
– The Holy Spirit
– Ready to Forgive: An African Story of Grace

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