Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Division for Global Mission.

In 1988, the first year of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, its Division for Global Mission (DGM) work related to mission activities in Namibia fell under the responsibility of the area secretaries for Africa. The Rev. James L. Knutson was responsible for coordinating ELCA mission efforts in Namibia. Quickly a new work area that included Namibia was created in 1989 - French-speaking and Southern Africa. Pastor James L. Knutson remained the area secretary in charge of this work until 1990 when the Rev. Daniel W. Olson assumed responsibility for work in Namibia when the work was transferred to the Area Secretary for Africa (English-speaking Africa). This program restructured again in 1992 and was renamed English-speaking West Africa and Southern Africa. Pastor Olson remained in charge of Namibia work until 1998 when the Rev. Benyam A. Kassahun assumed responsibility. In 2002-2003, there was a restructuring in DGM and responsibility for Namibia mission work was located in the Southern Africa program area. Pastor Kassahun remained the program director, a position still held as of 2007.