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The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is hosting an event this weekend where you can hear about living with HIV and AIDS from a Nigerian woman, or about racism from the great-great-granddaughter of the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history.

“It (global ministry) is not just about working but remembering stories, knowing how to live in hope despite what is happening around the world,” said Sunitha Mortha, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America director for global formation program.

Stories of both happiness and suffering will be a large part of the ELCA’s Global Mission Event, which continues through Sunday at UW-L.

Global ministry is considered the ELCA’s relationship with Lutheran and other churches throughout the world, said Melissa Ramirez Cooper, associate director of ELCA News Service.

“As Lutherans, we are really called to be walking with and accompanying people around the world in justice issues, health issues, when disaster strikes and more,” she said.

During the event, Katrina Browne, a descendent of U.S. slave traders, will lead a discussion about her film “Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North.”

Louise Hemstead, chief operating officer for La Farge, Wis.-based Organic Valley, will speak on providing sustainable incomes for family farmers and scientific studies on the health of organic production.

Hunger, immigration, peacekeeping and much more also are on the agenda for the four-day event.

The event is expected to draw 1,500 people of all ages.

A children’s program also will be offered for ages 3 to 10, along with a junior and senior high program. Child care is provided for ages 2 and older.

Anyone can sign up and walk-ins are welcome. The Sunday events are free.

To see a schedule, register or learn more about the event, go online to www.elca.org/gme or contact ELCA Global Mission at 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2642.