Hello! My name is Karen Weckler, and I am so excited to share my calling to serve with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission program! Having spent several years doing seasonal outdoor work, I'm delighted to pursue this next adventure in serving overseas. 

With great excitement I have accepted the opportunity to serve as a Young Adults in Global Mission volunteer in Cambodia, starting in August. I will be one of about 30 young adults serving on behalf of the ELCA in 6 different country programs around the world!

During this time, I will be working with ELCA partner organizations to serve the community I'm with. YAGM's work is rooted in accompaniment- walking together in a solidarity that practices interdependence and mutuality. Our mission is to provide services that will be sustained and supported by these communities long-term. 

How You Can Help:

Any kind of support- financial or otherwise - is so appreciated! One specific way I am asked to seek support is through raising at least $8,000 toward the much larger cost of sending young adult volunteers to the ELCA partner communities abroad. I ask that you prayerfully consider helping me reach my goal by supporting my fundraising efforts with a donation today.  If you are unable to donate financially, I ask that you keep me and my cohort in your prayers throughout our year of mission.

This page is set up to receive donations from individuals only. If you’re giving on behalf of a congregation or other organization, please visit ELCA.org/YAGMgive or get in touch with me for information on how to give via check. This page is only active through mid-September, but donations can be accepted throughout my year of service via credit card through the ELCA website or by phone (800-638-3522).

The ELCA estimates that $50-$80 will support me for one week, but any amount is greatly appreciated. 

As a supporter, you will receive bi-monthly newsletters from me as I share how truly transformational this experience of living and serving in Cambodia is! I am so blessed to participate in this program and am excited to share my experiences with everyone! 

About Young Adults in Global Mission:

The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program provides young adults the opportunity to grow in their faith and work in partnership with our global companions. Young adults in the program serve in churches, schools and social service ministries. Currently the program is engaged in work in Argentina and Uruguay, Central Europe (Hungry), Cambodia, Mexico, Senegal, and the United Kingdom.

The total cost for one young adult in the program is $24,000. Each young adult is tasked with raising a minimum of $8,000 to help support their year of service. The ELCA commits to raising the additional $16,000 per volunteer through generous congregations and individual donors. If more than $8,000 in gifts is received, the additional funds will help support other young adult volunteers and the future of the Young Adults in Global Mission program.