Dear church,
“They are not coming with technical advice, but with their hearts.”
With these words Marie Renaux, Lutheran World Federation (LWF) World Service, Cameroon, introduced and welcomed the Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CWLR)/ELCIC delegation to the “Friends of Creation” LWF staff at the Program Office in N’Djamena, Chad.
And indeed, we came with our hearts. Yet, we also received deeply from the hearts of the individuals, families and communities whom we—four CLWR staff members, Bishop Ali Tote of the Saskatchewan Synod, Bishop Carla Blakley of the Eastern Synod, and I—encountered along the way.
Over the past 60 years, Lake Chad has shrunk by 90%. Shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have devastated the region. Thousands of farming families who once thrived along its banks now face worsening food insecurity, displacement and environmental collapse. Vulnerable communities experience unequal impacts and rising risks: fragile livelihoods, gender inequality, insecurity and scarcity, and protection risks. The “Friends of Creation” project seeks to restore the land and livelihoods around Lake Chad.
A focus on market gardening along the Logone River, included a visit to a farmer field school where, by combining disaster risk reduction with small-scale vegetable production, communities gain reliable food, income and the capacity to withstand and recover from crises with dignity.
We learned of the stark realities of deforestation in the area from the site management committee and met a community committed to planting and maintaining new seedlings. At the Kabela site in Cameroon, more than 1,800 tree seedlings have already been planted over an area of approximately three hectares, marking a significant step toward restoring local ecosystems. We were each invited to plant a seedling, reaffirming the importance of collective commitment to environmental protection and climate action.
The project supports women in the making of improved clay stoves as a simple, locally made solution that improves household safety, health and environmental sustainability. These fuel-efficient stoves reduce firewood consumption, lower indoor smoke, and ease the daily burden on women and girls, while also helping protect surrounding forests. Through local production and training, these clay stoves strengthen livelihoods and promote climate-resilient, dignified living at the community level.
We were introduced to the Sustainable Fisheries Management project, which includes sustainable fishing practices, distribution of fishing equipment, fish stock replenishment, and enhanced governance of fishing resources, vital for maintaining food security and community livelihoods in the basin.
“Friends of Creation” is touching 69 villages, directly impacting 127,454 individuals and indirectly 624,225 individuals. One million live in the targeted areas, where there are low literacy levels (in some areas 95%) and significant poverty, with women and children affected the most.
“What you have given us is much more than you think,” shared the Imam of one community. “It is changing lives,” added the pastor of the same community.
Individuals, families, communities transformed.
Our ELCIC partnership with CLWR is a significant expression of our church’s commitment to “Living out God’s grace and unconditional love.” Together, this is our ministry.
“They are not coming with technical advice,” Marie said, “but with their hearts.”
“We can work with people who carry us in their hearts,” responded Ngolsou Keting, LWF Country Director for LWF Chad.
Thank you, dear church, for your support and prayers for this life-giving ministry.
In Christ Jesus – Shalom,
Rev. Larry Kochendorfer
ELCIC National Bishop
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