Love Knows No Borders: Theology & Christian Leadership Major Speaks at Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention

Ninelihle Dube '26 speaks at the Women of the ELCA 2023 Triennial Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Photo: Asi Sitinjak

By Ninelihle Dube

As one of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) International Women Leaders scholars, I was honored to be an international guest speaker at the Women of the ELCA 2023 Triennial Convention in Phoenix, Arizona on September 22, 2023. The topic of my speech was “Love through the Lens of Migration and Immigration.” I spoke not just about migration, but about the transformative power of love on these journeys. 

I grew up in Zimbabwe in a border town between Zimbabwe and South Africa. My presentation focused on a subject close to my heart, which is how my family had opened their doors to immigrants and refugees in Beitbridge. Because Beitbridge is one of the biggest and busiest borders in the Sub Saharan, refugees came from Malawi, Somalia, Congo, and from as far as Ethiopia. They were all in transit to South Africa to look for better opportunities. I began by describing how my parents, Lutheran pastors, taught me that we are all a human family. They welcomed and sheltered immigrants and refugees. They taught me that we are not bound by nationality, language or culture in our call to love one another. I was young and confused and did not understand what was happening at the time. 

As I went deeper into my speech, I shared the lessons I had learned along the way. Love has the power to empower. It's a force that we can use to foster unity in the face of adversity. By embracing love, we not only help others but also enrich our own lives.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was how much I enjoyed listening to other International Women Leaders speakers sharing their experiences as immigrants in America. Their stories of overcoming adversity and building new lives in a foreign land were both moving and enlightening. It highlighted the strength and determination that immigrants bring to their adopted countries.

Another powerful topic discussed during the conference was the issue of human trafficking in Africa. The speakers shed light on the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals, often exploited and forced into a life of unimaginable suffering. It was heart-wrenching to hear about the extent of this problem, but it also underscored the urgent need for action to end human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable in our society. The ELCA has services like The World Hunger Relief and Cherish All Children organization which seek not only to end human trafficking but to address the root causes as well.

In the end, my experience as a speaker at the conference was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to share a story that was deeply meaningful to me and connect with like-minded individuals who shared a commitment to making the world a better place. It reinforced the idea that by coming together, we can create positive change and provide hope for those who need it most. Love knows no borders. 

Ninelihle Dube ‘26 is a sophomore double major in Theology & Christian Leadership and Global Studies and one of the religion department’s assistants.