Faces of Faith ā€“ Jonathan

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Jonathan Neuman wanted to know more about Christianity. His parents had went to church when they were younger and he was told he went when he was younger, but he had no memory of this. He remembered going to church on the big holidays ā€“ Christmas and Easter and when they visited grandparents in Goodview.

He had seen stuff about Christianity online, like social media influencers talking about their faith and Christianity. He had seen some videos here and there, but Jonathan wanted to go beyond the echoes of Christianity in his childhood and he wanted to be a part of Christianity.

So, he took action and looked up the closest WELS church. It took him to Crown of Life in Saint Paul, Minn., which was only minutes away from his house. There he met Rev. Kom and Rev. Burgess. After that, he began attending regularly on his own.

Since Jonathan was also a student at the University of Minnesota, Rev. Kom connected him to True North, the University of Minnesotaā€™s WELS campus ministry. He became involved in the campus ministry and finished Bible Information Class there. Now, Jonathan divides his time between Crown of Life and St. John’s, which hosts True North, and is served by both churches. He appreciates the community feel and the message of the gospel taught. Through these two ministries, he is getting to know more about Jesus and Christianity.

Now, Jonathan wants others to know more about Christianity, especially his family. His family has recently been attending church during the holidays. His mom often goes with him, and they both want Jonathanā€™s brother and sister to go through confirmation as well. Jonathan has also been having conversations with his dad as he wants them all to know about Christ .

Written by Samuel Lor, campus ministry pastor at St. Johnā€™s in Minneapolis, Minn.

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Faces of Faith – Jerry and Denice

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ā€œIt was like the light bulb came on, and you felt so much more peace when you went to church,ā€ says Denice.

Hear more from Jerry Laster, a trauma surgeon, who draws a powerful parallel between his work of healing physical wounds and the churchā€™s role as a hospital for sick souls. Discover how he and his wife, Denice, found peace and healing through Godā€™s free grace at Christ Alone Lutheran Church, a WELS home mission congregation in Keller, Texas.

Learn more about the WELS 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative at wels100in10.net.

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Faces of Faith – Lincoln

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ā€œPraise the Lord!ā€ I didnā€™t expect him to shout that over his shoulder as he sprinted down the mountain past me and my friend, who were hiking and talking about church that Sunday afternoon. After he stopped and apologized for interrupting us, my first conversation with Lincoln began. ā€œI wouldnā€™t even tell a shrink half of the stuff Iā€™ve done,ā€ he admitted. I responded, ā€œWould you tell a pastor?ā€ After talking for a few minutes about Godā€™s grace and forgiveness, I gave him my business card. He promised Iā€™d see him next Sunday; but to be honest, I doubted I would ever see him again.

But there he was on Sunday and every Sunday after. ā€œI feel accepted, welcomed, and loved. Thereā€™s a comfort in knowing that Pastor Jensen is always going to point me to Jesus,ā€ Lincoln says. Lincoln was confirmed last year and enjoys growing in Godā€™s Word through a midweek Bible Class. ā€œI love how we get deep into the Bible, but I donā€™t feel overwhelmed or confused. Itā€™s actually fun!ā€

As we get ready to start our new building project, Lincoln is all-in. ā€œWeā€™re blessed to have such an amazing church body working together to share the Word of Christ, and Iā€™m grateful and excited to be part of it here in Las Cruces. I want everyone to be able to see whatā€™s going on here and experience Godā€™s love here like I do.ā€

From Nathanael Jensen, home missionary at Cross of Christ, Las Cruces, N.M.

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Faces of Faith – Kim Nga

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I arrived in Garden Grove, California in the first week of October to begin my work to answer the Lordā€™s call to serve at King of Kings. Iā€™ve spent a lot of time visiting nursing homes and care centers. One of the places I often visit is Chapman Care Center. It appears this place is owned by a Korean.

On November 2, I visited and met Uncle Minh, who is Vietnamese. His wife, Ms. Le Thi Kim Nga, had been in the hospital for a while. When he heard me greet him and talk, he was surprised and somewhat excited because heā€™d thought I was a Korean. When I heard their story, I asked for his permission to visit his wife and pray for her. Through the story, I learned that the uncle came back to Vietnam and married his wife and brought her to America recently. A few years ago she had a brain tumor, they removed almost half of her brain. Now she can’t walk, she must stay in bed and have special care. Uncle Minh is retired and takes care of his wife every day. I was very touched by their story!

After praying for Ms. Nga, I continued to come back and share Jesus with her, explaining God’s love to her. She was quiet and attentive, and in December when I came back to visit, I asked her if she wanted to be a child of God. She replied that she did and asked me what she should do if she wants to become a child of God? I told her I would help her!

On December 12, 2023, I called uncle Minh as usual. I didnā€™t know how we could talk about Baptism. He shared that he asked a Vietnamese pastor to visit, pray, and baptize his wife, but that pastor was busy and had no time. I said I could help complete the Baptism for her. He agreed. Within a period of 2 hours. I prepared water in a cup, and a certificate along with it, and on December 12, 2023, I baptized Ms. Nga in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One more soul has been recorded in the book of heaven.

When it ended, Ms. Nga told me she was happy, and proclaimed that God is real, and that she wanted to share God with many more people. I replied that she could share with everyone because she was now a child of God.

From Trung Le, home missionary at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Garden Grove, Calif.

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Faces of Faith – Bill

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ā€œIā€™ve never heard that before.ā€ Thatā€™s what Bill said after he attended worship the day his six-year-old grandson was baptized. ā€œThatā€ was a line which the pastor said, ā€œJesus died for all sins.ā€

Bill grew up attending Catholic schools, so he had knowledge of some of the Bible said. A section of Godā€™s Word that he knew very well was what God said about divorce. So, when Bill got divorced over 20 years ago, he thought he was doomed. For twenty-plus years Bill had been carrying around guilt and fear. But on that Sunday, he heard, ā€œJesus paid for all sins.ā€ Did that mean Jesus had paid for the sin of his divorce? Bill left his business card with me on his way out of church, saying, ā€œLetā€™s do lunch.ā€

After numerous lunches and a few coffee meetings, Bill enrolled in our Bible information class. The first words he said were, ā€œI know Iā€™m going to hell, but. . . I have some questions.ā€ By Godā€™s grace and the power of the Word, Bill no longer thinks heā€™s going to hell. Now, he cherishes free forgiveness and that Jesus died for all sins, even his.

From Joel Heckendorf, home missionary at Light of the Valleys in Reno, Nev.

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Faces of Faith – Ruth

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Nearly ten years have passed since an email showed up in my inbox. At the time, I was deliberating a call to a new mission in Mt. Horeb, Wis. The email was from a WELS member who had family connections in Mt. Horeb and was delighted to hear about the new WELS mission opening in town. Her sonā€™s mother-in-law, Ruth, was described as ā€œa young 84, with a magnetic personality.ā€ She hoped that if I took the call to Mt. Horeb, I would be able to connect and share the gospel with her.

For the past ten years, God has been busy: I accepted the call to Good News in Mt. Horeb. I looked up Ruth and quickly found out that the description I had been given of her was spot on. She had a young, magnetic personalityā€”along with a little East-coast stubbornness. As a result, it took three years of conversations before she became a member of our church.

During Ruthā€™s time at Good News, God used her magnetic personality to connect with even more people. There are now three families who belong to our church and another that attends regularly that can all be traced back to Ruth. Iā€™m certain God will continue to use the connections made through Ruth to bring people to Good News and to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

From Jonathan Bauer, home missionary at Good News in Mt. Horeb, Wis.

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Faces of Faith – Steve and Tammy

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Back in 2017, I did some door-to-door canvassing in a neighborhood near my house. I met Steve and Tammy who told me that they were looking for a church. I added them to our prospect list and kept in touch through monthly mailings and invitations to our church, but I never saw or heard from them after that. Six years went by before Steve and Tammy finally decided to attend. When I met them in our parking lot, they said, ā€œYouā€™ve been sending us mailings and invitations every month for the past six years, so we finally decided we wanted to take you up on your offer and attend your church.ā€ By Godā€™s grace, Steve and Tammy have not stopped attending The Vine since. In fact, I had the privilege of baptizing both Steve and Tammy during one of our Sunday services in 2023. And, several months later, they joined us as fellow members of The Vine. Praise God for the means of grace and for giving our congregation the opportunity to be a blessing to them as they are to us.

From Kevin Schultz, home missionary at The Vine in Hayden, Idaho

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Faces of Faith – Bruce and Sheryl

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Northwest Wisconsin is known for its vast resources for hunting and fishing. The members at Our Redeemer in Ladysmith hosted an outreach event and decided to combine two things they do well, cooking wild game and being friendly. One couple in the congregation had befriended their neighbors, Bruce and Sheryll, and invited them to the annual wild game dinner. Not only did they enjoy a great meal of bear, venison, rabbit, elk, fish and more, but they were also welcomed with open arms by the members. Before going they received an invitation to come back for worship and they came. They saw the same welcoming congregation at worship and never stopped coming. After going through a Bible information class, they knew Our Redeemer was their church family. Two people loving Jesus, hearing the Word, and enjoying the fellowship of a new church family; all because they were invited for supper.

From Christian Christenson, home missionary at Our Redeemer in Ladysmith, Wis.

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Faces of Faith – Brandi

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On Easter Sunday 2024, several local families brought their children to the waters of baptism. One woman, Brandi, brought her two sons, Ryan and Ryley. Brandi has been working her way through Bible basics class in preparation for her adult confirmation. Here is what she says about our church: ā€œIntown is not just a church, it’s a home for us – with family, unconditional love, and spiritual healing. It’s our safe place when we don’t know where to go. Itā€™s like a life coach who never lets us feel alone. To sum it all up, itā€™s life, growth, and creation for the better.ā€

Our connection with Brandi and her family began at a community service event called the Christmas Store. Their family is an example of how compassion ministry and providing physical aid can create loving relationships, which ultimately lead to deep spiritual growth.

Written by Lucas Bitter, home missionary at Intown, Atlanta, Ga.

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Faces of Faith – Joann

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Fairview Lutheran Church tried a new way to connect to its school families. Everything was ready, but when the event began, only current church members were there. Five minutes after the event started, evangelism began. Three minivans with over 20 school family members emptied and overfilled the bingo space. Fairview members quickly set up more tables, distributed snacks, and sat with families to assist some of the younger students who had never played bingo. It was busy, loud, and a bit chaotic. It was also blessed.

One of the school moms, Joann, stayed after the event and with her six children, cleaned up the area and made connections with some of the church ladies. They invited her to come to Fairviewā€™s outdoor worship and picnic the following weekend. Joann and her family not only came to worship but found her way into helping serve the main course and clean up after. Before leaving she scheduled her first Bible information class for the upcoming Tuesday.

Despite having a car out of commission, Joann and family have been coming to worship and sitting up front ever since. The entire family was baptized, and the middle school children are enrolled in youth confirmation class. Joann has recently agreed to be trained and begin making evangelism calls to her fellow school families.

From Paul Steinberg, home missionary at Fairview in Milwaukee, Wis.

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Faces of Faith – Paul and Carmen

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Paul and Carmen are my neighbors and quickly becoming our friends. One morning, on a walk with our kids, we met Paul and his wonderful wife, Carmen, on their front lawn. They welcomed us to the city and asked, ā€œWhat brought you to Marquette?ā€ We responded, ā€œWe moved here to start a church.ā€ His reaction was priceless. The Folgers coffee can in Paulā€™s hand was thrown to the ground in excitement, ā€œYou have no idea how hard weā€™ve been praying to find a church home! Are you going to be a church that brings us Jesus every Sunday?” I responded, “You can count on it.” Since that time, they have joined our core group and are actively participating in the ministry leading up to our launch. God is moving, thereā€™s no doubt about it. How many other “Paul and Carmen’s” are there in Marquette? We canā€™t wait to find out.

From Joseph Lindloff, home missionary at Anchor Church in Marquette, Mich.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Chong

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I have known Chong for the last ten years. When we first met, he was a young high schooler. Every time I visited East Asia, he never missed any of my training sessions. Sadly, it has been extremely difficult to do faceto- face training for the Miao leaders in East Asia lately. Many of the churchā€™s leaders are disappearing from the community, and nobody knows their fate. Despite all this, Chong continues to hold onto his faith and never ceases to learn the Word of God. Chong also continues to gather a small group of young leaders to continue to serve their congregations. In their hearts, they know that they will be facing the power of the Devil, but through their faith in Jesus Christ, they continue to fight the good fight. Chong said, ā€œThey can only kill my body but not my soul. I am ready at any time to serve my Lord and his people.ā€ Chong asks all of you to continue to pray for him, his family, and his co-workers in Christ. He and his co-workers are eager to receive face-to-face training and pray that the door for the gospel will be opened wider to the Miao and other minorities in East Asia. May the Lord of the church send more workers to harvest his fields!

From an Asia One Team missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Li

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Pastor Liā€™s non-Christian wife tried to get him to understand how embarrassing it was to tell coworkers that her husband was a pastor. She was ashamed of him and ashamed to be his wife. He listened to her complaints, and he continued to pray for her. He highlighted Godā€™s blessings for her whenever there was an opportunity, helped her run her noodle shop, and he took regular walks with her. Eventually she began to ask for his prayers. Eventually she told him that she was also praying. Eventually she asked to be baptized. Now, as a child of God, she looks forward to their weekly worship gathering and communing with brothers and sisters in Christ. She sings in the choir. And, she and Pastor Li pray together that the Holy Spirit would lead their son to faith.

From Matt Doebler, Asia One Team missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Katarina

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Before coming to college, I had no clue what a WELS church was. Fast forward three years, and it has given me some of my favorite people. I started college off at Coastal Carolina University wanting to improve my relationship with God since being distant from him for so long. So, when a friend invited me to come to church one Sunday, I thought, why not? I went and liked it, but I felt distant. It was not until I got involved in Vacation Bible School (VBS) that I really started to feel like this place was home.

As the next school year started, I made the decision to get more involved with church and campus ministry. I began attending more meetings and making church a mandatory event in my life. When I attended my second VBS, I realized that I wanted more from church. The following school year I started the process of becoming a member at Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and I met amazing people who helped get me through college. Finding this place to grow myself and with people like me has been something that I never expected, but truly needed.

Written by Katrina Elliott, student at Coastal Carolina University and member of Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Nicole

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Nicole found St. Johnā€™s and True North Campus Ministry at a difficult time in her life. Her dad was diagnosed with cancer. Her mom was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and passed away shortly after. As an only child, she was very close to her parents. A close neighbor, Carolyn Curtis, noticed and invited her to church. In Nicoleā€™s own words, ā€œEveryone was so friendly at St. Johnā€™sā€”lots of smiling faces. The pastor even came down to meet me.ā€ Nicole confessed she didnā€™t come from a religious background; she didnā€™t even go to church growing up. But she knew that this was where she was supposed to be. She felt at home.

The church continued to be her home when she faced tough times. When she was struggling with health issues and could only work 10-15 hours a week, she found a natural place to serve as the Administrative Assistant of the church. She was there for the church when it was going through tough times too. COVID plus a long pastoral vacancy meant that there were lots more to do: planning services, newsletters, helping vacancy pastors, and especially keeping everyone together and connected with Godā€™s Word. When the college students couldnā€™t meet on-campus for Bible studies, Diane Hofer (the Events Coordinator) and Nicole helped the students transition to meeting at church. It became their home too.

Nicole continues to serve as the Administrative Assistant of St. Johnā€™s and True North. She mostly does stuff behind the scenes, but she still enjoys making calls and talking to others, being a friendly face. ā€œI love people, I try to make them feel welcome. To make the church a safe place to go.ā€

From Samuel Lor, campus ministry pastor at True North Campus Ministry in Minneapolis, Minn.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Janet

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Janet grew up in a farming family of six kids in East Asia. She was amongst three of the six who attended college. Janet had a private meeting with a teacher where she would answer her questions about class while naturally adding small bits of information about her faith. God planted a seed. Janet later pursued a degree in Aesthetics and studied oil painting, and later opened her own studio to teach children art.

Her painting teacher invited her to his home to study the Bible and pray together. She went regularly, later joining a church. This continued about two years before she recently came to the U.S. as a visiting scholar. While at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, she met a friend who brought her to Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel to study. As the two got to know each other better, Janet was encouraged to be baptized. She discussed this with Jacob, the new International Outreach Coordinator at the Chapel. Then on Sunday, February 25, 2024, Jacob had the amazing opportunity to baptize Janet (pictured above with her face blurred out due to security concerns). It was a very moving and encouraging thing to witness, seeing how God puts all the pieces together!

Janet thanks the Lord for this precious gift! She is so excited to keep studying Godā€™s word with Jacob and others at Chapel. She canā€™t wait to grow closer to God through this fellowship.

From Hannah Zhang, International Outreach Coordinator at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel in Madison, Wis.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Greta

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When I started as a freshman at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in the Fall of 2022, I was nervous about finding people to connect with. A goal of mine was to check out the WELS Campus Ministry called The Point of Grace (TPOG). At the time, I didnā€™t anticipate the impact this decision would have on me. Through The Point of Grace, I have gained friends that feel like family.

I have realized that college is a huge test of faith and a turning point in the lives of young adults. Campus Ministry is something that is close to my heart because it has kept me on Godā€™s path, not the worldā€™s. Being around other Christians who are experiencing this same season of life is encouraging. My time at church or study time with other Christ-focused individuals matures my faith and motivates me to look to God in my daily struggles.

The Point of Grace has become a lifeline for me. I look forward to Wednesday, when the weight of my week is lifted off my shoulders. I always understood that God was important, but I never gave God the time he deserved. Through The Point of Grace, I have gained a community of God-fearing fellow students who show their care for my soul and their own. My experience with campus ministry continues to be a great blessing!

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Wade

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Zijian ā€œWadeā€ Wei (pictured right) was baptized on November 30, 2021, while attending Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix, Ariz. Since he was a foreign exchange student during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was forced to make the U.S. more of a home than perhaps he ever intended. We thank God for the Christian family and friends who were there for him. A family of special note was the Gutierrez family, members of Crosswalk in Laveen, Ariz.

Now as a student at Arizona State University (ASU), Wade remains close to the Gutierrez family. In his first year at ASU, Wade continued to room with the sons of the Gutierrez family, Cole and Jonah (pictured center). Cole and Jonah are officers for the registered student organization, Light in the Valley, the WELS campus ministry.

Every week, Wade joins the Light in the Valley group for food, fellowship, and a Bible study. While studying engineering at ASU, he can continue to grow in his faith. This WELS campus ministry is not the only way that Wade continues to be served with the Means of Grace. Wade and his friends rent a house just a few blocks from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tempe and attend worship every Sunday to receive Godā€™s gifts in Word and Sacrament.

From Christopher Pflughoeft (pictured left), campus ministry pastor for Light in the Valley and pastor at Emmanuel in Tempe, Ariz.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Ismar

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Almost four years ago, Ismar Camacho left Venezuela with her husband and four children. Crossing the border into Colombia, like many other refugees, they thought they had found a new home. Both Ismar and her husband were employed, but something was lacking. They just didnā€™t know what it was.

In July 2023, they decided to travel to the U.S. To save money, they traveled on foot from Colombia to the border of Panama. They continued walking through the forest in Darien National Park. They struggled with muddy paths and highway bandits, often going days without food. But they continued to walk.

When they got to the southern border of Mexico, they found an non-government agency (NGO) that was providing bus rides to Mexico City. Once in Mexico City, they found out that a freight train on the north side of the city was leaving in a couple of days. They walked across Mexico City and hopped on that train. Sleeping in empty freight cars, they took the four-day trip from Mexico City to Ciudad Juarez, where they crossed the border.

They stood in line with other asylum seekers. They were processed and separated: the men going one way to a dormitory and the women and children going a different way. For seven days, Ismar and the four kids didnā€™t see her husband and their father.

Then, one Saturday afternoon in mid-September, the border officials came through the dormitory and asked if anyone wanted to be sent elsewhere. Ismar contacted her husband, and they agreed. With the four children in tow, they boarded a bus for Las Cruces, New Mexico. With one night in the hotel and some cash for food, they were dropped off in the middle of town. Sunday morning, they started walking again.

God blessed that walk because their path went right by Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. Pastor Nathaneal Jensen was standing outside of the rental facility before worship, and they walked up to him. Ismar and her husband hardly know English. Pastor Jensen is a rookie in the Spanish language. But Pastorā€™s wife, Elena? Sheā€™s fluent.

Ismar and her family pictured with Vicar Samuel Boeder at Sure Foundation in New York City

For two weeks, Pastor Jensen and Elena hosted the family in their home, helping them figure out what to do next. I happened to be visiting the congregation on the last Sunday in September, and after a long afternoon of conversation and a Sunday morning worship, Ismar and her husband echoed the words of the Ethiopian eunuch: ā€œHere is some water. What is stopping baptism?ā€

Their two youngest children were baptized that day (pictured above), and now the family doesnā€™t have to walk any more.

Even though they made it to Chicago by air and then on to New York by train, they arenā€™t walking to find God. God used Pastor Seth Haakenson while the family was in the Chicago area. God is using Pastor Tim Bourman and his vicar to help Ismar and her family so they donā€™t have to walk anymore.

The oldest daughter is in confirmation class. The parents are studying for membership. They arenā€™t walking anymore. . . because God has found them and has let them know, ā€œYou are mineā€.

From Timothy Flunker, Hispanic Outreach Consultant for WELS Home Missions

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Faces of Faith – Kehinde

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Kehinde [CANE-deh] is originally from Lagos, Nigeria. He moved to Mississauga to attend school. Though he has some extended family in the Toronto area, he was mostly alone. After attending our church, he found a family in Mississauga. He was included with our lay-led menā€™s group and visited with me regularly for Bible study. He also got a job through one of our members who owns a business. After studying Baptism, he said that he was unsure if he was baptized. We had the privilege of giving him a ā€œpledge of a clear conscience towards Godā€ and officially welcomed him into our church family in February 2024. He is a perfect example of an entire congregation coming together to love and welcome someone new to the country. He is a breath of fresh air with his honesty and willingness to grow together with us. We pray that he continues to grow as a Christian among us.

From Caleb Schultz, home missionary at Cross of Life in Mississauga, Ont., Canada

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Faces of Faith – Jacob and Abby

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Jacob and Abby Hicks were just dating when we first met them. Abby would occasionally come to church with her parents who had just become members a year prior. After visiting a couple times with Jacob, they agreed to take Bible information class. We found out Jacob had never been baptized and by the seventh lesson he wanted to be. We baptized Jacob, confirmed both Jacob and Abby, and later performed their marriage at Cross of Glory. Last November we welcomed their firstborn, Benjamin, baptizing him into the family of God. They continue to be a large part of Cross of Glory and are always excited to hear more of the Word and grow in their relationship with God.

From Andrew Schrimpf, home missionary at Cross of Glory in Baton Rouge, La.

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Faces of Faith – Paulo and Flavia

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Paulo and Flavia moved to Canada from Brazil about seven years ago. They originally moved to the Niagara Falls area but settled in Mississauga for work. When they moved, they were in search of a Lutheran church. Having attended some other Lutheran churches, they loved what they found at Cross of Life. They noticed our love for Scripture and our emphasis on outreach and discipleship and gladly became part of our family. Though we have been able to bless them with a church family, they also have blessed us immensely. Their family gladly serves and supports our ministry. Paulo, Flavia, and their son, Lucas, are all involved with our music team and are active in welcoming new people to our congregation. They encourage and support me, my wife, and our daughters, who are ā€œbest friendsā€ and ā€œsistersā€ in a way only three and four-year-old girls can be. We would not have this wonderful family who adds so much value to our church if it werenā€™t for Home Missions supporting churches in Toronto.

From Caleb Schultz, home missionary at Cross of Life in Mississauga, Ont., Canada.

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Faces of Faith – Grenada

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Cassia is in grade five at Grace Lutheran School. Her parents are not believers, and up until recently, Cassia was not baptized. Brianna, a classmate, is baptized and lives with her grandmother who is not a believer. Samantha, another classmate, is baptized and her parents are believers. These three young ladies are Grenadian, the best of friends, from vastly different backgrounds and families, and all three believe that Jesus is their Savior. Now, we can say they are all born again through baptism and sealed into Godā€™s family.

Cassia was baptized on a Sunday afternoon. As we hiked through the jungle to the major pool of the Seven Sisters Falls, there was laughter and discussion coming from our group. Lucy Bartz and Rachel Ihlenfeldt, two teachers at Grace, and Brianna and Samantha all accompanied Cassia to her baptism. They had played their God-given roles in planting, watering, and tending to the seed of the gospel as it grew into faith in Cassia. A faith firmly planted in her Savior, Jesus Christ. They escorted her into the pool at the base of the falls and rejoiced as she came out born again into Godā€™s ever-growing family.

From Ib Meyer, home missionary at Grace in Grand Anse, Saint George, Grenada

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Daniel

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My name is Daniel, and I was born and raised in East Asia. I attended St. Croix Lutheran Academy in St. Paul, Minn., for high schooland then was accepted at Colby College. I am currently studying Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics. While the courses are intellectually challenging, I was still looking to continue my spiritual education. My studies at Colby enable me to make a living, but my studies with PSI give me a purpose and life as I learn Godā€™s Word and prepare to share the good news of Jesus with others. I even found an opportunity to explain the great exchange on the cross to my Chinese friends at a statistics tournament! I would not have been able to do so without training through PSI.

As I prepare to enter society fully, I often feel anxious that I do not know enough about life and that I am not smart or virtuous enough to face its challenges. It really comforts me that Godā€™s wisdom is always by my side. The modern world is full of temptations, chaos, and sin, and it made me confused and resentful, while at the same time, I am arrogant and sinful from within. Godā€™s Word is like music to my ears and medicine to my soul. It is what gives me direction, courage, and wisdom in life.

I hope to continue growing intellectually, morally, and spiritually through my college and PSI education. I pray that by Godā€™s guidance, I can become someone who lives by faith, and my knowledge can be used in Godā€™s kingdom.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Katelyn and Hali

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Starting college at Coastal Carolina University in 2021 was a challenging time for Katelyn and me. We both grew up in WELS congregations, and we struggled to adjust to an environment that pushed values and beliefs that we did not share. There were many moments when we felt alone on campus.

The family and support we found at church was what encouraged us during difficult times and reminded us of the comfort we could find in God and our church family. Our freshman year was the first year that there was a steady group of college students who attended Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We began having dinners at Katelynā€™s house as a small escape from the pressures of Coastal, with friends who we knew shared the same faith. After a few dinners, our vicar at the time approached us with the idea of starting a Campus Ministry program as an outlet to strengthen our faith and enjoy fellowship. We were all very excited to start!

We began meeting for Bible studies twice a month and have continued for the past three years. There are still only five or six of us who attend, but as Matthew 18:20 says, ā€œFor where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.ā€ We find comfort in this promise and are grateful for the time we get to spend in Godā€™s Word and for the support of our Campus Ministry family on campus.

From Katelyn Baker and Hali Tainatongo, campus ministry students at Coastal Carolina University

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Drake

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What comes to mind when people think of NCAA Division 1 athletics? Dedication, drive, determination, devotion, competition, and so much more. One thing noticeably absent is any reference to faith or a relationship with Christ. I suppose that is not surprising given the culture of universities. But Drake Andrews, a freshman at Ohio State University (OSU) and a D1 menā€™s gymnastics competitor is seeking to change that. While Drake was working hard academically and physically during his first semester at OSU, he felt like something was missing. After being encouraged by close friends to seek out a church, Drake found his way to St. Paulā€™s, and the Holy Spirit ignited a flame of faith that has only gotten brighter. In Drakeā€™s own words, ā€œI knew from the first service I attended that I had found my new home. I am extremely excited to be confirmed. This is one of the most important aspects of my life, and I am thankful for the gifts that God has provided me with: a loving and supportive family, friends, the ability to train and compete in the sport I love, and most of all, the ability to serve him while here on earth.ā€ Drake was confirmed and welcomed into membership on March 10, 2024, and I am excited to see his faith and passion for Christ grow in the years to come.

From Ross Gottschalk, campus ministry pastor at St. Paulā€™s in Columbus, Ohio

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Jake, Gary, and Michelle

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WELS Mission Journeys provides an opportunity for all WELS members to walk together in the Great Commission. Short- or long-term service opportunities in WELS mission fields at home and abroad will prayerfully inspire a lifelong journey of service for all who volunteer. Ascension in Harrisburg, Penn., sent a Mission Journeys team to volunteer at Living Savior, a home mission congregation in Hendersonville, N.C. Hear from a couple of their team members:

Faces of Faith – Jake (pictured second from left)

Our church, Ascension in Harrisburg, Penn., was deemed a home mission restart in 2019. The Lord has blessed our church immensely since then, and we couldnā€™t think of a better way to share our joy in his blessings than by sharing ourselves as blessings to another church in need, as many had done for us!

Mission trips are an incredible way to live the Great Commission. As we shared the Good News with many people of Huntersville, N.C., the Lord found ways to work even more through our trip. He drew our team of five volunteers tighter together, strengthened our bond, and sharpened our outreach skills as we returned to reach out to our local community. We found fellowship within our group and within the greater body of believers as we connected with many members of Living Savior. These mission trips open you up for God to bless you in ways you never imagined!

Faces of Faith – Gary (pictured left)

Iā€™m Gary Piatkowski, and Iā€™m a member at Ascension in Harrisburg, Pa. Itā€™s so exciting to share the Good News of salvation on a Mission Journey trip. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and generosity to spread the gospel amongst the unchurched. With the Holy Spirt guiding us, we let people know how life-changing his word can be. Mission Journeys give you the opportunity to change lives, just as our lives have been changed, in Christ.

Faces of Faith – Michelle (pictured center)

Our Mission Journeys team helped Living Savior go door-to-door in neighborhoods nearby to spread the word about their upcoming youth sports camp. At first, I was nervous and slightly hesitant to participate, as I am more introverted and was only confirmed in WELS less than two months prior. My attitude changed quickly. I really enjoyed the opportunity to go door-to-door in a new community to not only promote the sports camp, but to also shine Christā€™s light and love to strangers. The congregation was very appreciative of the work we completed while we were with them. They were so welcoming and kind, and it was wonderful to experience and interact with a WELS community outside of our own!

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Legacy of Faith – Lorenz and Margaret

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Lorenz and Margaret

Lorenz Rusert was a hardworking, practical man. He was always willing to help others who were in need. He was humble, generous, and a wonderful example of Christian love. Whether it was someone studying to be a pastor or teacher who needed help with tuition, or a local congregation or school that had a building project, or a desire to support WELS mission work, Lorenz was the guy who would help. His love for his Savior was obvious.

His passion for mission work went back to when the family moved to Minnesota. The first Lutheran Womenā€™s Missionary Society (LWMS) national convention was held at their home church and Lorenzā€™s wife Margaret was a founding member of that first action team. The family still holds a deep love for LWMS and enjoys going to the annual convention where they meet all kinds of people and learn about mission work happening all over the United States and around the world. That love for mission work led to gifts that support a variety of WELS ministries such as Home Missions and the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, World Missions, the education center in Vietnam, Mission Journeys, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary scholarships, and more.

Lorenz and Margaret’s sons, Roger and Jerry, along with their wives

Lorenz thought about what his money could do after he was in Heaven and talked about it with his sons. He understood the importance of legacy gifts. Son Jerry encourages, ā€œSo many people are uncomfortable and donā€™t want to talk about what happens with their money when they die.ā€ But working with their dad while he was alive helped the sons ask great questions and understand his wishes; his intentions were very clear. They set up the trust following his desires and now sons Roger and Jerry, along with their wives, manage the family trust. They take out a certain percentage each year and give it to the church to help spread the gospel in local communities and around the globe. ā€œHe will always be an amazing man in our eyes and in our hearts; he had such foresight for mission work for his whole life,ā€ says daughter-in-law Judy.

Lorenz was a living example of how to serve God and share the love of Jesus through WELS mission work. His family continues to serve the church in many ways. They put their faith in action and share these earthly blessings entrusted to them. Now Lorenzā€™s legacy of giving lives on through his children. The family encourages others to think about how they could use their earthly blessings and put a plan in place. Consider what your legacy of faith could accomplish. ā€œWhat good can you do with your money? What better than bringing someone to God,ā€ says son Roger.

To learn more about leaving a legacy of faith to support mission work in a way that works for you and your family, explore the many options offered through WELS Foundation or WELS Church Extension Fund at wels.net/give.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ John

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John Michoro, a member at Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ-Kenya, strives to bring more people to Jesus by being a shining example of a servant leader. As a son of a Kenyan pastor, John has always had Jesus as part of his life. He dedicated his efforts this past year to bring the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) to Karima, Kenya, as an outreach tool for their church. He worked closely with CAMM, the Kenyan Kirinyaga County government, and the church to organize the logistics, financials, and communication required for the medical camp in Kenya that was held in February 2024. They served close to 1,500 patients during the four-day camp. With only one percent of the population in the surrounding community professing the Lutheran faith, John has high hopes this clinic has not only served these patientsā€™ physical needs but will also be a way to touch their souls by hearing the love of Jesus. The impact of love and teamwork he has seen during the planning and running of the medical camp solidifies his faith even more. He observed many different groups of varying backgrounds from the community come together and share their love for each other, just as Jesus showed his love for so many. Johnā€™s face lights up in a huge smile as he talks about his faith and shares it with others!

From Angela Sievert, Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) committee chairwoman

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Elijah

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Elijah Adongo is a TELL student from Nairobi, Kenya. In March 2023, he attended a special TELL event in Nairobi. Some students had studied together online for years, but this was the first time seeing one another in-person. Baptism was the topic for the Bible study. In Africa, immersion is considered the only valid form of baptism in many churches, and infant Baptism rarely happens. ā€œThis is our belief and practice concerning Baptism because this was the mantle that was passed to us from others.ā€ Thatā€™s the repeating theme I often hear. Gathered around a table and Godā€™s Word, the Holy Spirit lifted that mantle and replaced it with a clear understanding of Godā€™s gift of Baptism.

Two days later, Elijah invited me to his home where he asked if his four-year-old daughter could be baptized. After a devotion and assuring Mikayla that she wasnā€™t going to be immersed, the angels in heaven rejoiced as another precious child was brought into Godā€™s family through Baptism. By Godā€™s grace, Elijah continues his studies with TELL and shares what he has learned with others.

From Joel Hoff, TELL missionary in Africa

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