Pastor Kristin’s was asked by the ELCA to make a video to share what it is like to serve as ELCA missionary.
Along with Pastor Kristin (Global Missionary Update)
Pastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA Global Missionary
Faithfulness amidst Changes
I am so thankful for the faithfulness you have shared with me as people and congregations who support my work as an ELCA global missionary. I have served in three different countries since becoming an ELCA missionary (Senegal, Zambia, Madagascar). As of September 2025, my work shifted once again. I continue to live in Madagascar, but I am now the ELCA Regional Representative for Madagascar and English speaking West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone).
Since starting my new call, I am often asked what it means to be an ELCA Regional Representative. The best response I’ve found is that I am a bridge in the relationship between the ELCA and our global companions.
In the ELCA, relationships are the basis for mission. While we can be in relationship through email or online meetings, it is also important to be together, in person. To pray, to eat, to talk together. Just as God came to be with us, in person-in Jesus Christ. As the ELCA Regional Representative, I visit and participate in important events in our companion churches. I also give a lot of speeches, listen in a lot of meetings, and pray often with others.
Another part of my role is to facilitate grants our companions receive from the ELCA. During my visits, I make sure to visit communities and church workers who lead grant supported projects. Then, I can share with you, as members of the ELCA, the good work of God we are doing together.
Accompanying Pastor Kristin
My work as an ELCA Global Missionary is possible thanks to the generosity of many congregations and individuals in the ELCA. Thank you! You can contact me at kristin.engstrom@elca.org. You are also invited to support me as an ELCA Global Missionary here. Previous newsletters are available on my blog alongwithpastorkristin.blogspot.com.