The Northern Illinois Synod (NIS) WELCA group hosted an International Prayer Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12. The virtual call aimed to connect women from NIS WELCA with women leaders from their companion synods in India and Tanzania.

Two of LPGM's global partners, Pastor Jane Anitha and Dora Hemalatha of the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC) in Tamil Nadu, India, were among the call's attendees. 

NIS WELCA hosted Pastor Jane and Dora for the WELCA Triennial Gathering in Des Moines, Iowa, this past July, so the WELCA ladies were looking forward to hearing their reflections during the call. 

In fact, LPGM staff Shannon Mahedy and Bethany Krepela connected with NIS WELCA and Jane and Dora at the Triennial, so Debra Quinn, NIS WELCA Discipleship Chair, invited them to this special Zoom call. Bethany was traveling to Tanzania and wasn't able to attend the call, but Shannon was delighted to attend.  

Premalatha Paul Thomas, wife of Arcot Lutheran Church Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Thomas, also attended the Zoom. She was initially supposed to attend the Triennial with Dora, but she was unable to go. Pastor Jane went in her place. 

Call Recap

Pastor Martha Ambarang'u from Tanzania started the meeting with a prayer, and Pastor Jane followed it with a devotion. 

Pastor Jane shared a story about a newlywed woman entering her in-laws' home for the first time with a lamp. She explained, “Light is a universal symbol of truth and hope”

She added that women all over the world are connected through this light.

“We are united here. I am the light for my fellow sisters' light... Be the lamp. Be the light."

Debra then shared a video of Pastor Jane and Dora's presentation at the WELCA Triennial Gathering and asked Pastor Jane and Dora for their reflections.

Dora mused, “Still the memories are fresh in our minds and hearts.” She remembers feeling supported, hopeful, and grateful at the Triennial. One of the biggest blessings was the element of personal touch. She was thrilled to hug women she had previously known via email and Zoom.

“These are people who really care for us across the miles. They hear our words – the pain of Indian women... They took care of us like friends, sisters, mothers…”

Debra agreed, saying, “There’s nothing like being in person together while talking in the car and eating together. It's fellowship.”

Dora was also inspired by the creativity of WELCA groups from around the United States. She loved that they showed their group identity through matching hats, glasses, and handmade gifts.

One of their main highlights was meeting ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry. They couldn't believe they had had the opportunity to connect with him. 

After they finished reflecting, Debra asked Pastor Martha to recap her Triennial presentation. Pastor Martha shared her notes from the event and then echoed Pastor Jane and Dora's gratitude. She said, “You [NIS WELCA] have given me a lot of opportunities and have connected me with so many people.” 

Debra replied, "You have been a blessing to us."

Debra ended the Zoom by sharing her deep esteem for all of the women on the call. “I am amazed by your intelligence and brilliance. I am blessed to be sisters in Christ with you all.” 

Read our WELCA Triennial recap