Introduction to Malaria Campaign

A child dies from malaria every 60 seconds.

Today we are in a special moment where we could turn this around. Working though Lutheran churches in Africa, the ELCA Malaria Campaign (ELCA = Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) is uniquely positioned to provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, health care, education and more to help eliminate deaths from this disease—for good.

The ELCA, through the ELCA Malaria Campaign, is joining hands with eleven Lutheran church bodies in Africa and becoming part of an historic global movement to say, “enough is enough!” No child, no person, should die of a disease that is both preventable and treatable. Therefore the ELCA Malaria Campaign has committed to raise $15 million to help prevent, treat and educate communities in Africa about malaria and eliminate deaths from this disease—for good.

This project is about a year old now, and is already making a significant difference around the world.  The ELCA is one of many partners in this global project.

In late May, as I rode 118 miles across the Eastern Shore (Delaware & Maryland) to our Synod Assembly, and in a fit of exercise induced euphoria, I decided to offer my cycling as motivation for people to give to this campaign.  There would be two parts to the project.

1.  You have the opportunity to pledge funds per mile that I ride over the next year.  My annual goal is 6,000 – 8,000 miles.  Plan your pledge accordingly.

2.  You are invited to join me in a 118 mile ride across the Eastern Shore of Maryland/Delaware on Thursday, May 29, 2014 as we bring the campaign home to our next Synod Assembly.  Riders are encouraged to solicit pledges for this ride … and prepare for riding this distance no matter the weather conditions.

FAQ

How do I pledge?

It is easy!  You can leave a comment here giving me details (name, email address, pledge per mile).  All comments are moderated and I will not make the information public. OR you can email me at earl[at]revrider.net (replace [at] with @).  Please provide the same basic information.

How much should I pledge?

This is really up to you.  Some have pledged 1¢ per mile.  I have one pledge in hand for 10¢ per mile.  You may pledge more.  Assuming 6,000 mile minimum, a 1¢ per mile pledge would be $60 over a year or $5 per month.  A 10¢ per mile pledge would be $600 or $50 per month.  Be warned, I may ramp up the miles to make you sweat as much as I am!  Note that I’m committing at least 400 hours on the bike over the next year or about 7.5 hours per week.  What amount makes sense to you for that kind of time and effort?

How will I know how much you ride?  How can I keep track of the miles?

Follow this blog revrider.net.  You might even subscribe so that all posts come to your email mailbox. I’ll send out a monthly email to all email addresses I’ve collected.

Where do I send my contributions?

One option is to send contributions to: The Delaware-Maryland Synod, 575 South Charles Street, Suite 202, Baltimore, MD 21201-2428.  Mark your check “ELCA Malaria Campaign – Cycling”.

An online option is located at the ELCA Malaria Campaign website.  In the “Additional Information” section, mark Earl Janssen in the “In memory/honor” section and using the drop-down box mark the Delaware-Maryland Synod as the “Synod”.  That will result in proper “credit” to this project.

How often should I send my contributions?

That is entirely up to you.  If you send contributions monthly, they are able to be used more quickly.  I do have people who have said that they are going to wait until the end to write one check.  Frankly, I think that is harder to do.  I recommend at least monthly contributions.

How can I join the ride on May 29, 2014?

Just let me know by email or through the comments that you are interested and I will keep in touch with you as I develop the details.  You don’t have to ride the entire distance with us.  I do ask that you be in a physical condition which will allow you to ride this distance comfortably.  I would suggest that you have at least one ride of 100 miles or more in your recent history.  While the route is flat, winds and heat can make the ride quite a challenge.

Could I ride a much shorter distance?

Join us for our ride down Coastal Highway in Ocean City!  We will travel from the Delaware/Maryland border to the designated finish line, a distance of about 7 miles.  Again, let me know if you are interested and details will follow.

I have questions you’ve not answered.

Leave a comment or email me!