Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Division for Global Mission.

See also TALC 14/6/4/1 Administrative History, LCA 28/2/4/1 Background

In 1988, the first year of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, its Division for Global Mission (DGM) work related to mission activities in Ethiopia fell under the responsibility of the area secretary for Africa. Quickly a new work area that included Ethiopia was created in 1989 - Middle East and East Africa. Carol J. Birkland was its area secretary from 1988-1991. This work area restructured again in 1992. Middle East work transferred to another area and the Caribbean was added to the East Africa program area. Lynda M. Tidemann was the program director for East Africa and the Caribbean, and eventually Mexico, from 1992-1996. In 1997 responsibility for Ethiopia work transferred to the program area Europe, Middle East, which was renamed Europe, Middle East, and Horn of Africa. The Rev. David H. Nelson was the program director. The Rev. Said R. Ailabouni became program director for this area in 1998. In 2002-2003, there was a restructuring in DGM and responsibility for Ethiopia mission work was transferred to the newly created Africa and East Africa Desk where it remains as of 2007. Gaylord M. Thomas became the director of this desk in 2003, a position still held as of 2007.