Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Mission Society

There are more than 12,000 African immigrants living in Milwaukee, and the number continues to increase. These immigrants face many challenges adjusting to the American way of life. This is further complicated by those who do not have the financial means to provide for themselves and their families. As food is the staff of life and provides not only important nutritional value but also comfort in many ways, keeping with one’s own diet is important.

Food Pantry Program
Plans for Expansion

Rev. Christian Ikanih, Missionary-at-Large in the South Wisconsin District, realized this and began looking for outlets that would help meet this need for a small group of his congregational members. Pastor Ikanih began formalizing his approach in the neighborhood around Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Working with volunteers, Pastor Ikanih and the South Wisconsin District’s African Immigrant Ministry have created a Food Pantry Program to provide a bimonthly drop-off of foodstuffs and supplements along with emergency baskets as needed. With their outreach they have also begun to develop relationships that go beyond food needs—reaching African immigrants with spiritual support and teaching them about Jesus Christ. This need in Milwaukee is so great that two other locations serving African immigrants at Benediction Lutheran Church and Hope Lutheran Church also want to be part of this specialized food pantry. The potential scope of this ministry can reach 300 families.

Due to the extensive nature of this program and the large capital outlay of finances, management and administrative skills that were necessary, Pastor Ikanih approached the Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Mission Society. His main request centered on a partnership that would manage and administer funds and help with project coordination. The MMLMS is currently serving the African immigrant food needs in the 53208 neighborhood on a limited basis. At our other two locations, congregational members are helping provide supplemental food stuffs on a periodic basis, but there is no organized effort. We have targeted a Director of our food pantry program that has several years experience in setting up, stocking, working with food distributors, and managing these types of services.

We are planning organized distribution starting in October of 2008 at all sites, which recently has grown to five different outreach centers. Our goals for this program include the following:

To meet the nutritional needs of African immigrants who are adjusting to the American way of life here in Milwaukee
To provide an opportunity to build strong Christian-based relationships with those who are hurting and need assistance
To provide assistance with resource direction, allocation, and support leading to internal and external programs related to job training, skills and placement



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	African Immigrant Ministry There are more than 12,000 African immigrants living in Milwaukee, and the number continues to increase. These immigrants face many challenges adjusting to the American way of life. This is further complicated by those who do not have the financial means to provide for themselves and their families. As food is the staff of life and provides not only important nutritional value but also comfort in many ways, keeping with one’s own diet is important. Food Pantry Program Plans for Expansion Rev. Christian Ikanih, Missionary-at-Large in the South Wisconsin District, realized this and began looking for outlets that would help meet this need for a small group of his congregational members. Pastor Ikanih began formalizing his approach in the neighborhood around Gospel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Working with volunteers, Pastor Ikanih and the South Wisconsin District’s African Immigrant Ministry have created a Food Pantry Program to provide a bimonthly drop-off of foodstuffs and supplements along with emergency baskets as needed. With their outreach they have also begun to develop relationships that go beyond food needs—reaching African immigrants with spiritual support and teaching them about Jesus Christ. This need in Milwaukee is so great that two other locations serving African immigrants at Benediction Lutheran Church and Hope Lutheran Church also want to be part of this specialized food pantry. The potential scope of this ministry can reach 300 families. Due to the extensive nature of this program and the large capital outlay of finances, management and administrative skills that were necessary, Pastor Ikanih approached the Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Mission Society. His main request centered on a partnership that would manage and administer funds and help with project coordination. The MMLMS is currently serving the African immigrant food needs in the 53208 neighborhood on a limited basis. At our other two locations, congregational members are helping provide supplemental food stuffs on a periodic basis, but there is no organized effort. We have targeted a Director of our food pantry program that has several years experience in setting up, stocking, working with food distributors, and managing these types of services. We are planning organized distribution starting in October of 2008 at all sites, which recently has grown to five different outreach centers. Our goals for this program include the following: To meet the nutritional needs of African immigrants who are adjusting to the American way of life here in Milwaukee To provide an opportunity to build strong Christian-based relationships with those who are hurting and need assistance To provide assistance with resource direction, allocation, and support leading to internal and external programs related to job training, skills and placement