During the previous week, the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) organized a Conference called "Becoming". The goal of the seven-day Conference was aimed at connecting ELCA missionaries from different parts of the world. Being a long-term ELCA partner, EHO sent it's representative to this event to present the results of the work within the EHO project "Empowerment of refugee women and children". The project has been implemented since 2020 in reception centers Šid-station and Sombor. Our work with children who are at risk of being involved in life and/or work on the street were also presented. On that occasion, our short film Urban Desert and the products of the work of women, children and young refugees staying in the aforementioned reception centers were presented before guests from Europe and worldwide.

Also, within the framework of the Conference, there were opportunities to visit various contextual services relevant for communities. The Kanosha was also visited, where the Grace Welcome Center has been implementing a support program for the homeless since 2019. During the visit to the center, in addition to learning about the details of the support program, there was also an opportunity for volunteer activities within the center, i.e. breakfast distribution, talking to beneficiaries, and preparing food packages for further distribution.

After the seven-day Conference activities, we met ELCA missionaries who carry out their services all over the world. The exchange of experience among the participants shall contribute to achieving further better results in work.

The above-mentioned Conference was held in Chicago, from August 22 to 28.