Gayle’s giving journey

“When I was six, we had a visiting missionary from Cameroon. I went to the presentation, came home, and announced I was going to be a missionary in Africa,” says Gayle Moore-Morrans (formerly Johannesson). 

Nearly 50 years later, Gayle found herself on a mission. Not in Africa, but in India. In 2000, she and 17 other women boarded a plane in Winnipeg bound for Chennai, more than 13,000 kilometres away on India’s southern tip.  

The trip, Tour of Discovery, sponsored by Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) and Evangelical Lutheran Women, offered a first-hand look at the Slum Women’s Advancement Program. The initiative was designed to support marginalized communities, with special focus on women and children. Programming included literacy classes, access to safe drinking water and livelihood training in skills such as sewing and teaching, helping build more sustainable futures. 

“It was a fascinating trip. Just life-changing,” Gayle said. Even though shortly before departing Gayle had broken several bones in her leg, she was determined and went ahead with the trip of a lifetime. 

A broken leg didn’t stop Gayle from visiting Chennai’s alleyways in 2000 to learn more about the Slum Women’s Advancement Program and witness first-hand the work of CLWR’s partner, United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India. CLWR Photo/ Diane Ward  

While visiting with community members, one woman welcomed Gayle into her home, which was constructed from palm branches and had no furniture. Mats were brought down each night for sleeping, and outside, cows wandered and chickens clucked freely.   

But the moment that stands out most in Gayle’s memory happened while exploring the narrow alleyways of Chennai. She encountered a young boy soaring by on a platform with wheels, propelling himself forward using his hands — only to realize that he didn’t have any legs.  

“He just kind of waved at me and went whizzing by,” Gayle says. “I remember being speechless.”  

What struck Gayle most was the parallel between them: she, temporarily in a wheelchair because of a broken leg, and the boy, moving through life on a wooden platform with wheels. Unlike her, his situation wasn’t temporary.  

Their brief interaction, along with the whole experience of the trip, opened her eyes to the scale of her own privilege. The experience also strengthened her commitment to philanthropy and inspired her to continue turning her faith into action by supporting those without the same opportunities that she had.  

For more than 25 years, Gayle has supported CLWR’s work, and she plans to continue. “It’s so important for us faithful Lutherans to support the development and faith work of CLWR, both at home and around the world,” Gayle said. “We need to continue contributing in the name of Jesus and progressive Christianity, acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God.”  

Now, at 82 years old, Gayle remains dedicated to the cause. “I would love to go on more of these trips, but I’m grateful to be able to contribute financially,” she says. “That’s the best I can do now, keep informed, stay interested and give.” 

Top image caption: Gayle welcomed CLWR staff into her home, sharing photos and journal entries from her trip. She’s a writer and editor whose mission is beautifully documented. CLWR photo/ Shauna Turnley