Starting a church is many things

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Starting a church is many things. Itā€™s exciting and exhausting, humbling and rewarding, daunting and wonderful ā€“ often all at once. Oh, and itā€™s one more thing: unpredictable.

The lead-up to our launch service felt less like following a carefully planned timeline and more like learning to keep our footing as the waves kept coming. Thatā€™s oddly fitting, considering our church is planted in a beach town.

For those unfamiliar with the process, hereā€™s some context: veteran church planters recommend holding a ā€œpreview serviceā€ in each of the three months before your launch service. Think of it as a way to find your footing before the big day. But because of several major delays, our first preview service didnā€™t happen until November 16, 2025 . . . just four weeks before our December 14 launch.

Suddenly, the pace changed. We were about to do three monthsā€™ worth of work in four weeks.

The unpredictability showed up from the start. Our portable church equipment hadnā€™t arrived yet due to delays, so our first preview service included a borrowed sound system, a folding table for an altar, and worshipers sitting at cafeteria tables. Why not chairs, you ask? Because we discovered that morning we didnā€™t have a key to the chair closet. Still, we gathered, and God was there with us.

The weeks that followed were fluid and full of improv. On November 30, we walked into a cafeteria in need of some serious cleaning, so we added ā€œfull-blown sweep and mopā€ to our list of set-up duties. And again, we gathered, this time for a communion service.

December 6 was a big dayā€”our church equipment finally arrived! We spent five hours discovering how to turn our cafeteria into a sanctuary. There was a lot to learn, but even more excitement.

We came back four days later to set back up for a midweek Advent service, only to find the after-school program didnā€™t get the memo that weā€™d be there. So, we had an audience of two dozen elementary school students watching as we transformed their cafeteria into our church. Mid-service, our brand-new sound system suddenly went silent. Uh oh. I used my ā€œbig boyā€ voice to finish the service and later discovered the problem: a dead battery. Whew! Could have been worse.

The day before our launch service, we came in to set everything up. Setup took a total of three hours. We handled (and I think this number is accurate) about 976 last-minute details, deep-cleaned the cafeteria, and, yes, made sure there were fresh batteries in the microphone. We had to be Martha that day so we could be Mary the next.

December 14 arrived quickly. Too quickly, but thatā€™s how it goes. Despite the limited rehearsal time, despite months of delays, and despite a season marked by constant adjustment, the launch service went beautifully. About 60 people attended, including over 2 dozen guestsā€”even the cityā€™s mayor. After three monthsā€™ worth of preparation condensed into a fluid, fast-moving few weeks, we could finally breathe in the beauty of it all.

And hereā€™s the most remarkable part: God used our humble, imperfect, continually pivoting efforts to proclaim sin and grace to 60 people that day. Those 60 people heard forgiveness pronounced and salvation proclaimed. They heard about Jesus, their Savior and anchor for their souls. Now we have the privilege of bringing that good news to this community every week.

So yes, starting a church can be unpredictable. It can feel like standing in the surf: never fully in control, constantly adjusting, surrendering just enough to stay upright.
Turns out, thatā€™s where God does some of his best work.

Written by Evan Chartrand, home missionary at Anchor Lutheran Church in Panama City Beach, Fla.




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Another trip I canā€™t tell you about

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We boarded the plane from our Asia-Oceania Team (AOT) base in Chiang Mai, Thailand. After two transfers, an overnight stay, and 36 hours of travel, we arrived. Unfortunately, I canā€™t tell you where we went. I canā€™t tell you who we met with either. Donā€™t worry, we were in a safe place, but sharing this information would be dangerous for the people with whom we spent time.

I canā€™t tell you where they came from. I canā€™t share the road they took on their difficult tripā€”two days on the bus over bumpy roads, past guarded checkpoints, waiting for mudslides to be cleared. I canā€™t show you the pictures or videos of them that I took. I wish I could. You wonā€™t be able to see their weary faces as they reflect on their war-torn country. You wonā€™t see and hear their joy, either, as they sang praises together. I canā€™t show you their smiling faces as we discussed the teachings of Godā€™s Word.

Iā€™d love to show you a video of one elder who asked, ā€œWhat do you believe about Baptism and the Lordā€™s Supper?ā€ When he heard the answer, he jumped out of his seat in joy and reached out his hand for a handshake. An excited thumbs up said it all: our teaching was exactly what they believed as well. As we parted ways, he shared, ā€œWe are very, very happy and grateful that you are confirming what we believe in the sacraments of the Lordā€™s Supper and Baptism.ā€

The WELS Asia-Oceania Team is bringing grace to all in Asia and Oceania. ā€œAllā€ is a big group. Thatā€™s something like 4.6 billion peopleā€”over 60 percent of the worldā€™s population.

Why would we include ā€œallā€ when we canā€™t possibly carry that out?

We include ā€œallā€ because it reminds us that Godā€™s mission includes men and women like those I canā€™t tell you about today. Godā€™s commission doesnā€™t recognize the line between safe and unsafe areas, between those who will be persecuted for their faith and those where faith is openly accepted. It doesnā€™t separate war-torn places from those of peace.

And so we set out on yet another trip to another place I canā€™t tell you about.

I so wish that I could tell you about this small Lutheran church body with whom we are carefully studying Godā€™s Word as we work toward declaring church fellowship. They want to know us and our beliefsā€”and we theirs. They want to walk together with us one dayā€”and we with them. They want to know about you, too: about your faith, your family, and your church. And they long to pray for you in your struggles.

When it came time to leave, I wish you could have been there to see the handshakes and hugs. I wish you could have felt their embrace, their appreciation, and their love. I wish I could show you all of that. Our trip home was a bit shorter than our trip thereā€”only 24 hours of travel. When we left, they didnā€™t know yet how long theirs would take.

This will have to remain one more trip that I canā€™t tell you about. Iā€™ll add the pictures to a folder I canā€™t ever share. My notes about their lives will be added to a growing pile of stories untold.

One day, though, the wars will cease. The threats will end. The trips will stop. Christ will returnā€”just as he promised. Then, when weā€™re in heaven, come find me. Remind me about the trip I couldnā€™t tell you about. Together, we can go find themā€”theyā€™ll be there, standing around the throne.

Then they can tell you all about this trip. Theyā€™ll tell you how the Lamb of God brought his salvation to the ends of the earth. And together, weā€™ll join our voices in praise!

Written by Jon Bare, president of Asia Lutheran Seminary




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Collaboration in Kisii

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Let me share an incredible story from Kisii, Kenyaā€”a story of transformation, faith, and collaboration.

It Begins with a Boy

It begins with a boy who grew up never hearing about Jesus in his church. Everything changed when he attended a Christian school. There, his teacher spoke about the good things Jesus had done, and curiosity sparked in his heart. Over time, that boy learned more about Jesus and eventually felt a deep desire to share the gospel with others.

That boy is now Pastor Kenedy, a faithful leader who gathers and shepherds two congregations in Kisii. Whatā€™s remarkable? Over 80% of the people in these congregations are former Mormonsā€”just like Pastor Kenedy himself.

His title doesnā€™t come from a seminary degree but from years of dedicated service, guiding people with Godā€™s Word. But Pastor Kenedy and his group wanted more. They longed to understand Scripture better so they could clearly share the truth with othersā€”especially those questioning or leaving Mormonism.

Collaboration with TILM and OAT

Thanks to the blessing of the internet, they connected with Truth in Love Ministry (TILM). TILM is an organization committed to communicating the gospel to people with a Mormon background. For the past couple of years, Pastor Mark Parsons from TILM has been meeting regularly with Pastor Kenedy and other leaders online, offering instruction and encouragement.

While these virtual meetings were fruitful, it became clear that a deeper connection was needed. Thatā€™s where the WELS One Africa Team (OAT) stepped in. In November, my wife Leslie and I traveled to Kenya to meet Pastor Kenedy and his congregations in person. Over several days, we gathered with more than 200 men and women to review the basics of Christian faith and to discuss what collaboration OAT can offer to local ministries in sharing the gospel.

Looking Ahead

The result? A renewed sense of mission and plans for ongoing collaboration between TILM, OAT, and our partner churches in Kenya. Together, we aim to strengthen outreach to Mormons and equip local leaders for this important work.

Please keep Pastor Kenedy, his congregations, and all these ministries in your prayers. Your continued financial support makes this possibleā€”and we are deeply grateful.




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A vision powered by God’s grace

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With Godā€™s blessings, Risen Savior Academy strives to be the premier Christian school in Lakewood Ranch, Fla.,ā€”a place where the hearts and lives of children and their families are eternally changed by the love of Jesus. This is our prayer and our vision. But this vision is more than a statement on paper; it is the foundation that shapes every classroom, every relationship, and every moment within our community. Hereā€™s our story.

Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Lakewood Ranch has been a part of WELS Home Missions for the past ten years. In 2020, we stepped out in faith and opened our preschool with the intentional goal of using our school as outreachā€”to children and their families. We started in 2020 as a preschool of around 20 children. With Godā€™s blessings, we now have 150 children from ages two through second grade. And looking to the future, we plan to grow to a preschool-through-eighth-grade school of 350 children.

As weā€™ve grown, weā€™ve embraced the importance of having a vision to guide us moving forward. Thatā€™s where our vision statement came in: With Godā€™s blessings, Risen Savior Academy strives to be the premier Christian school in Lakewood Ranchā€”a place where the hearts and lives of children and their families are eternally changed by the love of Jesus.

Being a premier Christian school means pursuing excellence with purpose. At Risen Savior Academy, Christ-centered teaching and academic rigor go hand in hand. Our teachers are deeply committed to nurturing both the souls and minds of students, recognizing that true success is measured not only by knowledge gained, but by the character of a God-given faith that is being nurtured and formed. Therefore, each subject is taught through the lens of Holy Scripture, helping students understand Godā€™s truth and see his presence in every aspect of life.

Our vision also speaks to transformationā€”hearts and lives eternally changed by the love of Jesus. The love of Jesus is at the center of everything we do. Through chapel services, prayer, scripture, and daily interactions, students are reminded that they are deeply loved by God and called to share that love with the world around them. This transformation begins with children, but it does not end there. We are intentional in sharing the transforming power of the gospel with the parents of our students as well. We pray we capture both the children and their parents so that Risen Savior isnā€™t just where their kids go to school, but where their family goes to church and together are filled with the love of their Savior. This culture of outreach is the ā€œwhyā€ behind the existence of Risen Savior Academy.

The ā€œhowā€ of our vision ultimately depends on Godā€™s blessings. We acknowledge that every success, every moment of growth, and every transformed life is the result of his grace at work among us. With trust in his guidance, we move forward with confidence and humility, committed to the mission he has placed before us.

Risen Savior Academy is more than a schoolā€”it is a community shaped by faith, driven by excellence, and united by the life-changing love of Jesus. Through Godā€™s blessings, we look forward to continuing this mission for years to come.

Written by Caleb Free, home missionary at Risen Savior Lutheran Church and Academy in Lakewood Ranch, Fla.




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Merry Christmas from WELS Missions

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Are you one of those who delights in the first Christmas card arriving in your mailbox? This season, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, weā€™re reminded of the angelsā€™ proclamation to the shepherds:

ā€œDo not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.ā€ ā€”Luke 2:10

What a powerful message! The angels announced not just joy for a few, but for all peopleā€”reminding us that the gift of Jesus is meant to be shared far and wide. This is the heart of our mission: to bring the Good News to every corner, every community, every soul in need of hope.

We invite you to watch a few short Moments with Missionaries videos. These updates offer a glimpse into the lives of those serving in Home and World Mission fieldsā€”and the incredible impact your generosity makes possible.

Because of your support, WELS Home and World Missions continue to reach out to the lost and hurting, proclaiming the message of salvation. Together, we echo the angelsā€™ song: ā€œJoy to the World!ā€ Letā€™s pray for Godā€™s continued blessing as we bring this Good News to new hearts and homes.

May the peace and joy of Christ fill your family this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

WELS Home and World Missions

P.S. – Want to learn more about WELS mission work? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @WELSMissions or subscribe to Missions Blogs and Update Newsletters at wels.net/subscribe. And save the date for Taste of Missions, our annual Missions event in Mequon, Wis.ā€”June 13, 2026!

Reaching every nation

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The synodā€™s new long-range plan, entitled ā€œChrist through us,ā€ has four main priorities. One of those four involves bringing Christ to the nations through our world mission efforts. Rev. Larry Schlomer, administrator of WELS World Missions, provides the following summary of how we plan, under God, to carry out those efforts in the next ten years.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

Christ through us: Commission

As part of Christā€™s church on earth, we believe that God has commissioned us as his ambassadors, sending us out with a purpose: to proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ to every nation under heaven. Through us, Christ reaches the nations.

Reflecting on 175 years of grace-filled ministry in WELS, we are filled with gratitude for the countless lives transformed by the gospel. WELS now has working partnerships with churches and missions in 49 countries around the world.

Yet, the mission is still unfinished. With renewed urgency and prayerful confidence in Christ, we look to the future, asking God to continue using us to reach lost souls with his Word of salvation.

Borderless support network

To expand the reach of the gospel, we are forging a borderless support network, built on international ministry partnerships.

Read more about WELSā€™ partnership with a new Latin American synod (scroll to the bottom to ā€œA growing sister churchā€).

A global missionary force

Historically, WELS has sent missionaries from the United States to plant the gospel in new lands. This model has borne much fruit, but the present reality demands more workers than ever before. The solution lies in empowering pastors and evangelists from our global sister churches. These leaders are uniquely equipped to bring the gospel to their own people, cultures, and regions.

Read more about Juan Reyes, a new church planter in Tenancingo, Mexico, who learned not only what Godā€™s Word teaches but also how to share it through Academia Cristo.

Confessional Lutheran seminaries

As the gospel gains ground in new regions, emerging Lutheran church bodies recognize the need for seminaries grounded in the authority of Scripture and the clarity of the Lutheran Confessions. Our goal is to establish confessional Lutheran seminaries in key global locations.

See recent graduates from Asia Lutheran Seminary, a confessional Lutheran seminary located in Hong Kong.

Multi-language mission efforts

By producing and translating gospel resources, training materials, and worship aids, we aim to make Godā€™s Word accessible to all people, regardless of their language.

Missions in high-risk and unreached areas

Despite progress, vast regions of the world remain unreached, places where sharing Christā€™s love is not only challenging but sometimes dangerous. Our vision is to pioneer WELS missions in these difficult contexts, working diligently to identify and develop approaches tailored to each unique situation.

Read more about how WELS is sending missionaries to share the gospel with two unreached people groups: the Wolof people of Senegal in West Africa and the Hindi-speaking population of India.

With hope, humility, and boldness, we entrust our efforts to the Lord of the harvest, confident that he will accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine. This is Christ through us!

Adapted from ā€œChrist through us: Commission,ā€ Forward in Christ, December 2025.

Read the full article.

 

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God-given gifts in motion

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Greetings through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I pray you all are having a wonderful Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.

During this season of Advent and Christmas celebrations, we here at East Fork Lutheran School have so much to celebrate, including some major school events. This year, many of our youth sports teams are enjoying successes, including the robotics team.

East Fork Lutheran School is in the middle of our robotics season, and the students are continuing the successes of past seasons. Robotics is the newest activity we have been offering our students. We are now in our fourth year, and what started as a small pilot program with six 5th-grade students using hand-me-down equipment has grown into a year-round activity with more than 20 students in 5th-8th grade participating and establishing a level of excellence that is truly God-given through the talents and abilities he has given them. This year we have seven teams comprised of three or four students per team.

Robotics is not easy. This is not battle bots or anything like that. Some STEM schools and private schools build their entire curriculum around robotics! This is truly an educational program that requires hard work, dedication, problem-solving, communication, writing, and critical thinking. We have students that come into it thinking itā€™s all fun and games, but they quickly realize the amount of work, time, and dedication that goes into it.

East Fork is a smaller school of 116 students, so many students are involved in more than one sport at a time. Naturally, we practice and meet less often than most sports team would. Another unique aspect is that robotics is entirely student driven, meaning we as coaches and parents are prohibited from telling students how to build their robots and what designs to use. We arenā€™t allowed to touch or handle their robots. The students really have to use their problem-solving skills and communicate with fellow teammates in order to be successful. What a unique sport and what a great opportunity!

Our students have worked hard and stayed dedicated, and by God’s grace they have been successful beyond what we as coaches, teachers, and parents could have ever imagined. East Fork Lutheran School has quickly become the most successful robotics program on our reservation and in our region of the state and also has become one of the most successful programs within the state of Arizona. We have become the first Native American school in Arizona to win the Arizona State Championship event, and from that God has blessed our teams with so many ā€œfirstsā€ for our school.

The students have truly been blessed in the short three and half years of the program’s existence. God has provided opportunities for these students’ success that we never thought would be possible.

This robotics program is more than just “another sport” and has had an impact on more than just the students. The program started as a way for students to get involved beyond a traditional sport but led to a support system of teachers, coaches, and parents reminding these students that God will bless them beyond what they can imagine. What a great reminder that our God is almighty. Robotics gives the students a chance to showcase their abilities using their brains and intelligence, and that too is a blessing from God. We as coaches want them to believe in themselves and the abilities that God has given to the team. Not only has the robotics program brought unique experiences to these students, but it has also allowed for them to proudly proclaim who they are: Christian Apache, no matter where they go!

There have been so many supportive parents and families as well as sponsors and local entities that have helped support our program. The blessings that God has provided are tremendous, and our students truly know what it means to overcome adversity, commit themselves to their challenges, and show their Christian and Apache pride everywhere we go.

God is truly great. All the glory we have goes to him.

Written by Jonathan Brooks, principal at East Fork Lutheran School




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Moments with Missionaries – Paul Biedenbender

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Missionary Paul Biedenbender shares an update from Christ Lutheran in Denver, Colo. This congregation celebrates the Christmas season with some timeless outreach events like Advent by Candlelight and a kids’ Christmas program. It also participates in community-focused events like “Shop with a Cop” and hosting a traditional Mexican Christmas meal. God’s blessings this Christmas season as members of Christ share the good news of the Savior in Colorado.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks and months!

A mission on the move

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Agree or disagree: Where we worship God matters. A group of 14 considered this statement on a Sunday morning in a small, rented office suite. As the adults in Bible class were processing the question, the Sunday school children sang a loud rendition of ā€œFather Abrahamā€ in the hallway of the commons area. Does it matter where we worship God?

For those in Bible class that Sunday morning in Williston, North Dakota, that question led to a retelling of their mission churchā€™s history. Over the last 15 years, the ā€œwhereā€ of worship had been all over: a living room, then a basement, a nursing home, a hotel conference center, and a rented office suite. Each location brought its own blessingsā€”and its own challenges. Folding chairs instead of fixed pews, hallways for Sunday school instead of classrooms.

After so many years of nomadic worship, itā€™s easy to feel the strain. Most churches have a brick-and-mortar building to call home. But right now, God has our little mission on the move.

Oddly enough, that puts us in good company.

Before Jerusalem ever had a temple, King David worshiped in shifting settings too. The ark of the covenantā€”the visible sign of Godā€™s presenceā€”had no permanent home, but was set up in tents. When the ark was finally brought to Jerusalem, ā€œDavid was dancingĀ before theĀ LORDĀ with all his mightā€ (2 Samuel 6:14) not because of an impressive buildingā€”in fact, the ark was still in a tent! David danced because the Lord was present with his people.

David had his heart set on building a permanent house for the Lord, but the Lord declared that he would be the one building a house for David (2 Samuel 7:11). The fulfillment of this promise was not limited to a brick-and-mortar building but came to life in a flesh-and-bone Savior.

Sunday school children singing “Father Abraham”

Thatā€™s a powerful reminder for us in Willistonā€”and for any church ā€œbetweenā€ locations. Yes, real estate is tight. Yes, building costs are high. Yes, setting up and tearing down can get old. But the Lord who was present with David is present with us. Whether our location is a cafeteria or a conference center, the Savior, who is personally familiar with nomadic ministry, ministers to us.

Does it matter where we worship God? As the adults quietly considered the question, the children in the hallway sang out the answer:

ā€œFather Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So letā€™s all praise the Lord.
Right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot!ā€

Like David, they were dancing.

Written by Ethan Schultz, pastor at Found Lutheran Church in Williston, N.D.

Learn more about Found Lutheran in this video update.




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Moments with Missionaries – Peter Janke

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Missionary Peter Janke, missionary on the Asia-Oceania Team, gives an update about life and ministry in Brisbane, Australia. This holiday season may look a little different from others, but the goal is the same, to share the good news of the Savior no matter where we are. Learn more about the world in Australia at wels.net/asia-oceania.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks and months!

In God’s hands

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On October 31, 2025, the familiar words rang through WELS sanctuaries across the country: ā€œA mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon.ā€ Meanwhile, across more than 20 different countries in Latin America, ā€œCastillo Fuerte Es Nuestro Diosā€ could be heard over cell phone speakers, computers, and headphones as more than 120 people gathered to celebrate the Lutheran Reformation with their new family they have found in Academia Cristo. Upon tuning in they received a warm welcome by master of ceremonies Missionary Luis Acosta. He kicked off the reunion with an opening prayer.

Then Missionary Nixon Vivar guided the participants in a devotion, ā€œIn Godā€™s Hands.ā€ He reminded the group gathered of our Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep, who said, ā€œI give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s handā€ (John 10:28-29).

Those in attendance then heard a presentation by the newest member of the One Latin America Teamā€”me! I presented on ā€œHistory Is in Godā€™s Hands,ā€ highlighting how God used Martin Luther as a tool to bring his Word back to the church. I drew a connection between how Martin Luther used recent technology to share the gospel and how Academia Cristo seeks to bring Godā€™s Word to the people through technology they already have in their hands. While Gutenbergā€™s printing press was instrumental in the Reformation more than 500 years ago, modern smartphones and apps like WhatsApp and Zoom are instrumental in bringing the Lutheran Reformation to many in Latin America.

The group received updates from Pastor Henry Herrera, president of our sister synod Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional. He explained how we work hand in hand to put sound doctrine in the hands and hearts of people across Latin America. People find Academia Cristo through social media publications, then take a series of self-study courses similar to a Bible information class. Upon self-study completion, students are invited to enroll in live classes with missionaries as instructors. Once they finish the 13 courses of discipleship, students who are interested in sharing what they have learned are invited to begin the ā€œSembradorā€ (planter) level, in which they begin looking for opportunities to plant a small group gathering to study the Word in their homes. With the help of a visiting missionary counselor, the group matures in its knowledge and practice of Scripture and can apply for and be welcomed into fellowship in Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional. Pastor Herrera had the privilege to announce the most recent group that had officially been recognized as a church in the fellowshipā€”a group in Tenancingo, Mexico, which is a light in a very dark place. (I got to visit there last month. Itā€™s a whole story for another Missions blog!)

To wrap up the event, Academia Cristoā€™s president, Andrew Johnston, greeted the group. He reminded us why we celebrate the Reformation. It isnā€™t to give honor to any one man or to remind us to continue his teachings. We remember the day because it marks a period of rediscovery of the Word, sola Scriptura, the only source of truth. He reassured the students that whenever they see any publication or log on for any class in Academia Cristo, that is what they will hear: only Scripture.

After a closing prayer, the participants were invited to remain for a picture to commemorate the event. They were asked to raise their hands in a symbolic gesture of working together in gospel ministry. People stayed for a few minutes to express their thanks, wish others a happy Reformation day, and say goodbye. The video of the whole event is up on Academia Cristoā€™s YouTube channel, and I invite you to check out the gospel joy that is shared, even online, in more than 20 different countries. They know that they are in the hands of their Savior, whose name the academy bears: Cristo (Christ). On their behalf, I say thank you to all who support this ministry.

Written by Zach Satorius, missionary on the One Latin America Team




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Moments with Missionaries – Joshua Koelpin

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Home missionary Joshua Koelpin shares an update from the mission start, Harbor Lutheran Church, in the Boston, Mass., area. After months of looking for worship spaces, Harbor Lutheran Church found a location to lease that would suit their worship needs in the heart of Cambridge. Worship services will begin soon!
Learn more about Harbor Lutheran Church at harborlutheran.com.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks!

ā€œIs it really worth it, Pastor?ā€

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I had met Jay earlier that year in the fall when he came to a Bible study on the University of Wisconsinā€“Whitewater campus. He was a charismatic, funny, frustratingly intelligent young man with many questions. Hard questions. Questions that took time, energy, nuance, and well . . . time. Jay was a Christian sponge, soaking up every drop of truth he could. He hadnā€™t grown up Christian. His parents were immigrants from India and practiced a nominal, cultural Hinduism. In Godā€™s Word, he found answers to the biggest questions of lifeā€”answers that were not to be found in the worldview of his upbringing.

These answers, however, came with a cost. According to Jay, Baptism was off the tableā€”his family would view this as an unforgivable betrayal of their culture and possibly disown him. Even without being baptized, consistent contact with Godā€™s Word confronted Jay with a sobering truth: Jesus will not share worship with another. Jay knew he could no longer worship with his parents, brother, and grandfather. Even going through the motions would be dishonest. So he didnā€™t. This caused a rift between him and his family, including his grandfather, a man whom Jay deeply loved and respected.

A few months into the school year, Jay stayed after Bible study to ask questions like normal, but this question was different. This question wasnā€™t about the difference between Catholic and Lutheran concepts of salvation or the Bibleā€™s teaching on the purpose of secular government. With enough theological training, these questions can be answered well. This question, however, was far more difficult:

ā€œIs it really worth it, Pastor?ā€

How ironic that Jayā€™s most devastating question was the only one that could be answered with a single word. “Yes.” After some shared tears, a woefully ineloquent stammering from me, and an embrace between brothers, Jay walked back to his dorm that night. And he came back. He learned over time that he was not alone in his pain. Many Christians before him had met searing rejection and opposition of their closest loved ones for the sake of Christ. During months of meetings, questions, and searching, the Holy Spirit was enlightening him. Jay was baptized into the great family of believers.

His story isnā€™t over. Not by a long shot! He admits he has much to learn and much to unlearn. He continues to pay the price of discipleship. He continues to grow in the Word and often brings his friends along for the ride. He is a Christian: chosen and destined for glory. On the Last Day he will have many painful sacrifices to lay at Jesusā€™ feet. In that final, precious moment, when the Lord proclaims, “Well done,” Jay will rediscover what heā€™s known all along.

He really is worth it.

Written by Samuel Schulz, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Whitewater, Wis.




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Moments with Missionaries – David Wietzke

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Missionary David Wietzke shares an update from the Native American Mission. In his short time on the field, he’s experienced a wide range of ministry and outreach efforts of the Native American mission has. Learn more about the work of the Native American Mission at wels.net/missions/native-american-missions.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks and months!

Planning to move forward in Tanzania

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Planning is a risky business. We donā€™t know the future. We take our best guesses and try to do everything possible so that something goes according to plans weā€™ve made. However, all of that still falls far short of guaranteeing the outcome. God reminds us: “Now listen, you who say, ā€˜Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.ā€™ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrowā€ (James 4:13-14).

God’s plans always prevail

The Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC) is a Lutheran church of about 13,000 souls in Tanzania. Plans for a declaration of fellowship with AMEC didnā€™t come to fruition at our recent synod convention. There was a sudden leadership change and a delay on AMECā€™s side in accomplishing some tasks. Plans that had been made were put on hold. WELS and AMEC mutually decided it would be better to take a little bit more time before proceeding.

God warns us about putting too much hope in our own plans. He also spoke through Jeremiah: ā€œ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11). Though our plans might not work out, Godā€™s plans always do. He knows what he has in store for all of us, and we know that his plans are good.

I donā€™t doubt that his plans for the relationship between WELS and AMEC are good as well. We have made progress even in the short time since the delay. It looks like we will be ready to move forward with AMEC sooner rather than later. During a recent visit to Tanzania, Missionary Roebke and I witnessed good teaching by the leaders of AMEC. They explained to the rest of their called workers a locally written, Swahili-language confession of faith. The called workers thoroughly discussed many of the points in the confession. In the end, 65 men voiced their agreement that these are the things they believe and practice. This was a decision the WELS missionaries certainly rejoiced to hear.

Planning our move to Tanzania

Because of these developments, the One Africa Team has decided to relocate two mission families to Arusha, Tanzania. Missionary Roebke and I will be able to focus on training future church workers in AMEC. Through a program of classroom instruction and practical ministry application, we are planning to train a select number of AMEC men. Those men will become trainers of future gospel workers within their church body. Our prayer is that these men will be able to pass the same kind of training on to others in AMEC. God willing, this will ensure a good future supply of gospel workers for their church body.

Such an endeavor requires even more planning. We are currently working with local lawyers to register our mission organization in Tanzania in order to obtain work permits. The missionary families will be leaving their old residences and searching for new ones. Missionaries are making efforts to maximize Swahili language learning when on the ground. The One Africa Team is weighing how these changes will affect the responsibilities of each member of the team. Our utmost concern is securing our families’ welfare in an area where weā€™ve never had WELS missionaries.

Thereā€™s a lot to think about and plan for but also a lot to be gained. As with everything we do in life, we make our plans as best we can. At the same time, we trust that Godā€™s plan is the one that will actually be accomplished. God will reveal in time how our planning lines up with his plan. We will continue to trust that whatever he has in store, it will be good. We know his planning is good for our missionaries and their families, for AMEC, for WELS, and ultimately, for the kingdom of God. All glory to his name for his marvelous plan!

Written by Ben Foxen, missionary on the One Africa Team




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An unexpected journey

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Cross-cultural outreach centers around diaspora (people group) connections, through which immigrants who have joined WELS congregations in North America are able to take the gospel back to friends and family in their home countries.

I am Wei Nadine Li from Hong Kong, originally from mainland East Asia. I am a non-traditional student studying elementary education at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn. For many years, I was a happy full-time mother until an unexpected journey brought me to the United States in the summer of 2022. During that time, Pastor Titus, from our home church in Hong Kong, strongly encouraged me to visit MLC for my son Benā€™s future college application. I listened and that visit changed my life.

Wei Nadine Li (right) spends time at Oak Hill Living Center with the Anchor Club at MLC

After Ben transferred to East Asia Rising Eagles School, I joined Mrs. Hannah Boughton/Zhangā€™s momā€™s group. Ben was taught religion by Mr. Philip Scriver, a former Friends Network teacher. Soon after, our family of three was baptized together in front of the East Asia WELS church congregation and Friends Network ministry workers.

Now, nine years later, I am a student teacher receiving training in Mr. Scriverā€™s classroom at St. Paulā€™s Lutheran School in New Ulm, Minn. How amazing is that? God is almighty! I am also thankful for my husband, Steve. Without his strong support, I could not have completed this life-changing chance.

I cannot count the times I have cried tears of gratitude. Many times, I wondered how I could survive even a week without all the kind help I have received from so many people. But I know that God remembers every single name. The love shown to me has been the picture of true Christian faith. I feel loved every day, and I often think about how I can repay that love.

My previous advisor, Prof. Tingting Schwartz, once told me, ā€œDo not think of rewarding those who helped you, but reward others.ā€ Through her words, I realized that I owe everything to God himself. His love pours into me through the many Christians I’ve met. They fill my heart, and the love of Jesus wants to flow through me to anyone who needs him, especially those in East Asia.

I love to share my experiences with my friends back in East Asia. My Christian friends and I thank God and marvel that such a place like New Ulm exists in the world. They are encouraged by the Christians I have met there. Even my non-Christian friends are often surprised by the blessings God has given me and say with amazement, ā€œYour God is so good!ā€ Each time, I canā€™t help but smile and reply, ā€œJesus is not only my God, he is yours as well.ā€ Those words often lead to long talks. I admit I am not always able to give the perfect Bible passage, but I know my mission as a Christian is to spread Godā€™s Word with all people in all places. With Jesus leading me, I am on the right path.

Now graduation is coming soon, and I continue to ask myself how I can thank him. My prayer is simple: ā€œSend me, send me, my Lord. Here am I.ā€

Written by Wei Nadine LiĀ 




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A place to belong in this world and the next

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No matter where Corrina lived, she always felt caught between two worlds. The daughter of a US serviceman and a German mother, she never quite fit inā€”not in Germany, not in America, not in school, not even in her church. The church she grew up in focused more on what people must do rather than on what Christ has already done for us. Corrina knew her sins and because of them, she never felt she truly belonged. She longed for a place she could call home.

Years later, Corrina moved to Dallas, Texas, to care for her aging mother. Because of her own health needs, she moved into an assisted living complex, the same one where a member of our congregation lived.

I first met Corrina on a follow-up visit after she attended our Saturday evening worship, invited by that member. I still remember her words: ā€œPastor, it means so much for you to take the time to visit me. I felt so loved at your church.ā€ At the time, I didnā€™t realize the weight of her words, but after hearing her story I understood what she was really saying: ā€œI finally know where I belong.ā€

What made her say that after a lifetime of feeling out of place? Jesus did. Jesusā€™ full and free forgiveness gave peace to her soul. Where he is, she wants to be.

Corrinaā€™s health often makes it difficult to attend worship, but she refuses to let it stop her. A few months ago, after she fractured a bone in her neck, I told her it was okay to rest and that I would come visit. Her answer was immediate: ā€œIf I let this become an excuse to miss church, then anything can be an excuse.ā€ Sure enough, she was there the next day. She wanted to be where she belongedā€”listening to her Saviorā€™s voice.

Corrina continues to face health challenges, but nothing can rob her of the peace she has in Christ. After a difficult diagnosis, she told me, ā€œI canā€™t wait to see the room Jesus has prepared for me with my name on it.ā€ She knows where she truly belongsā€”at her Saviorā€™s side forever.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Corrina has learned where she belongs: in the family of God here on earth and eternally with him in heaven. Who in your life is still searching for that place? A simple invitation to worship may be the way God shows that person, ā€œYou belong with me.ā€

Written by Pastor Ben Schone, home missionary at Calvary Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas.




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Asia Lutheran Seminary fall graduation

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Asia Lutheran Seminary hosted its 12th graduation ceremony at Grace Lutheran Church in Hong Kong on October 19, 2025. It was a celebration of the achievement of 35 individual graduates who received various certificates, diplomas, and degrees. These students are now preparing to enter into the mission field to share the gospel throughout Asia. God’s blessings to these graduates as they share the gospel wherever they may be.

Asia Lutheran Seminary
Learn about the ministry work of WELS Missions.


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Fall 2025 Home Missions milestones

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A number of home mission congregations have experienced major milestones during fall 2025:

Living Stone, Conway, Ark., launch service
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Living Stone in Conway, Ark., hosted its launch service! Conway was approved as a new mission start in 2024 as a part of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative. God’s blessings to the members of Living Stone as they continue to grow in their faith, their mission, and their desire to share the gospel in their community.

Read more about Living Stone from Missionary C.J. Fury in his missions blog, “More than a launch date: Sowing seeds of faith in Conway, Ark.” Learn more about Living Stone at livingstoneconway.com and view additional photos of its launch service in our Flickr album.

Beautiful Savior Oakley, Cincinnati, Ohio, launch service

Eastside Recreation Center in Cincinnati, Ohio

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Beautiful Savior in Oakley, Ohio, launched its public worship. A new mission in the Hyde Park/Oakley area of Ohio was approved in 2023 as a part of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative. Now in 2025, Beautiful Savior Oakley welcomed about 85 people for its first service with about 30-40 being first-time guests. Join them as they continue to worship on Saturday nights at 5:00 p.m. at the Eastside Recreation Center.

Hear more about the launch service from Rev. Jacob Ungemach in his Moments with Missionaries video update and view photos of Beautiful Savior’s new worship location in our Flickr album. Learn more about Beautiful Savior Oakley at bsavior.com.

Forgiven, Kronenwetter, Wis., launch service

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Forgiven Lutheran Church in Kronenwetter, Wis., hosted its worship launch. The launch took place in the Northland Lutheran High School gym, and Forgiven will continue to gather there each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Kronenwetter was originally approved as a new mission start in 2023 as a part of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative. May God continue to bless Forgiven as its members share the gospel with those in the Kronenwetter community. Learn more about Forgiven Church at forgivenchurch.com.

Hear more from Rev. Fred Berger in his Moments with Missionaries video update and view photos of their first worship.

Christ Alone in Ammon, Idaho

Christ Alone, Ammon, Idaho, launch service

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Christ Alone in Ammon, Idaho, hosted its grand opening and public worship launch! God blessed Christ Alone with an overwhelming amount of support and excitement from the community. Learn more about joining them for an upcoming worship service at christaloneidaho.org.

First worship service in new buildingā€”TheMission, Conroe (Willis), Texas

On August 17, 2025, TheMission in Conroe, Texas, held its first worship service in its new church building. We thank God for the blessing of this permanent location for TheMission to worship in. God’s blessings to the members of TheMission as they use this new facility and property to connect with the community and share the good news of the gospel.

Rev. Sam Boeder assigned to Christ the Redeemer in Barre, Vt.

Rev. Sam and Annika Boeder

On October 24, 2025, Rev. Sam Boeder was assigned to serve at Christ the Redeemer in Barre, Vt. Rev. Boeder postponed receiving an assignment while his wife, Annika, fulfilled her military service. The mission in Barre had been vacant since 2019 and in Fall 2024 received approval to become a mission restart. The dedicated core group looks forward to bringing hope in Jesus to one of the least religious areas in the US.

Learn more about the mission in Barre, Vt., at wels100in10.net/enhancement/christ-the-redeemer-barre-montpelier-vt/. View more photos of Rev. Boeders assignment service.

 

Stay up to date on news from WELS’ 140+ home mission congregations by following WELS Missions on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional synod convention

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WELS World Missions Administrator Rev. Larry Schlomer traveled to MedellĆ­n, Colombia, at the beginning of October for the Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional synod convention. This international sister synod of WELS is made up of congregations from across Latin America that work together to do mission work, train pastors, and support each other with prayers and fellowship.

During this yearā€™s convention, Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional formally welcomed two new church bodies into fellowship: a church plant in Tenancingo, Mexico, represented by Juan Reyes, and the Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Churchā€”Puerto Rico, represented by Sergio Cortijo. The new church in Tenancingo is the second church plant established through Academia Cristo outreach efforts to join this growing synodā€”a significant milestone for the Academia Cristo program.

Learn more about outreach efforts in Latin America at wels.net/latinamerica.




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Strengthening WELSā€™ backbone

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The synodā€™s recently adopted long-range strategic plan, entitled ā€œChrist through us,ā€ establishes four main priorities for the next ten years. Those priorities are

  • cultivating a gospel-driven culture,
  • strengthening WELSā€™ backbone in congregations,
  • bringing Christ to the nations as our commission, and
  • living up to our calling to produce workers for a growing harvest field.

In this issue of Together, we focus on the second priority: strengthening WELSā€™ backbone in congregations.

Your congregation is a part of the vital foundation that supports our shared gospel ministry efforts. WELS congregations are where the light and truth of Godā€™s saving gospel is proclaimed to members and where Godā€™s truth is shared with people in the community. And, just as important, through their mission offerings, congregations support the proclamation of the gospel around the world and in newly planted congregations in the United States and Canada. Congregations are also places where members identify and encourage young people to consider preparing for a lifetime of service in the public ministry.

For all these things to happen, we need to encourage WELS members to be actively and personally engaged in the life and work of their congregation. Our goal is to better equip all members to embrace their God-given role in Christā€™s mission. Members will be encouraged to view their friends and neighbors as their personal mission field and their homes as places where children are led by parents to know and serve their Savior. To succeed in equipping our lay members to carry out these tasks, we intend to provide congregations with the necessary resources to enable all members to serve their Savior and his mission joyfully and confidently according to their gifts and talents.

Beyond encouraging WELS members in our congregations, our goal is to continue to help congregations enhance their ministry efforts. That can happen in a number of ways. Maybe a congregation in a changing setting can adjust its ministry plans to reach people more effectively. Perhaps a congregation can re-evaluate the mission and sustainability of its elementary schools and early childhood ministries. Some congregations will explore collaboration or even merger with other congregations to expand efforts to reach more people with the gospel.

And, of course, when we talk about congregations, we also refer to the new home mission congregations that God will enable us to plant. One of the key strategic elements of our mission planting will be to prioritize starting new congregationsā€”outposts for gospel proclamationā€”in places where our confessional Lutheran voice is not yet present. Read more about the seven new home missions that were recently approved.

But mission efforts really begin in the home as the first mission field. We recognize that the high school and college years are when many of our young members are tempted to drift away from congregational life and worship. The more that parents lay a firm foundation of faith in the home, the more our young adults will stay connected to the Savior, to worship, and to their congregations.

It all starts in the home with faithful, God-fearing parents. It continues in the congregation as the gospel works in people to strengthen their faith. And then, as we work together to take the saving message to more people in new places, God will work through us to build his church.

The ā€œChrist through usā€ plan depends on all of us. We encourage you to read more about the planā€”and how you can be part of itā€”at christthroughus.net.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

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Seven new home mission starts approved

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In September WELS Board for Home Missions met and approved seven new missions toward the synodwide goal of starting 100 new missions and enhancing 75 ministries by 2033.

ā€œWith the approval of these seven new missions, weā€™re not just planting churchesā€”weā€™re expanding the reach of the gospel where there isnā€™t a WELS presence,ā€ says Mark Gabb, Home Missions administrator. ā€œItā€™s also a direct step toward our synodā€™s goals laid out in the ā€˜Christ through usā€™ long-range strategic plan. Our goal is to expand WELSā€™ reach through strategic church planting so that millions more will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. This is at the heart of our 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, and these new missions bring us closer to that milestone. We thank God for the prayers and support that make this bold outreach possible.ā€

The seven new mission starts include:

Altoona, Wis.: Altoona is one of the fastest-growing communities in western Wisconsin. With a population nearing 10,000 and projected to grow, Altoona attracts people seeking a small-town feel with access to urban amenities, which are located in nearby Eau Claire, Wis. A core group from St. Mark, Eau Claire, has been active hosting community events, launching monthly devotional services, and building a growing prospect list since early 2023.

Buffalo, N.Y.: Buffalo is one of the largest metro areas in the United States without a WELS church. The target area has about 95,000 residents within a two-mile radius. A dedicated core group has begun gathering for Bible study and outreach, laying the groundwork for a new church plant.

Naples, Fla.: Ranked among the best places to live and retire, Naples is seeing fast growth and demographic change. The district mission board and mission counselor have made multiple visitsā€”talking with locals, meeting community leaders, and learning about the areaā€™s needs. With strong support and a clear plan, the mission is ready to reach the many unchurched residents eager for spiritual connection.

Olathe, Kan.: Olathe, located in the southwest Kansas City metro area, has seen its population surge, and continued growth is expected. Major employers have fueled this expansion, making Olathe one of the most affordable and family-friendly cities in the nation. A dedicated core group from Mt. Olive in Overland Park, Kan., has been hosting regular Bible studies and planning meetings.

The Sandhills, N.C.: The Sandhills area of North Carolina is growing as retirees and young families move in. Its proximity to Fort Bragg also draws military personnel who often settle there permanently. A core group from Tree of Life, Cary, N.C., has begun outreach and canvassing, building momentum and a prospect list in a region where confessional Lutheran churches are few.

West Richland, Wash.: West Richland, located just outside the Tri-Cities, is experiencing rapid growth. A committed core group from Southridge, Kennewick, Wash., has been working to establish a second site in West Richland since 2024. The group has already begun outreach through community service activities and fellowship events and aims to launch regular worship and ministry activities in 2025.

Wilmington, N.C.: Wilmington is in one of the fastest-growing corners of North Carolina. A core group of 18 people from Ascension, Jacksonville, N.C., meets regularly for Bible study and planning. With no WELS church nearby and easy access along U.S. 17, the group is laying the foundation for a welcoming church that blends in-person and online worship, Bible instruction, and plenty of community service.

Learn more at wels100in10.net.

 

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Building fellowship in Finland

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One of the greatest joys of belonging to the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) is the fellowship we share with believers around the world. For the Europe Team, this fellowship is not an abstract ideaā€”it is real and personal. When we pursue Christ-centered relationships, God is present to encourage us and open doors for gospel partnership.

Greg, Luke, and the ƅkerlund Family from the congregation at St. Johannes

From our base in Leipzig, Germany, Jennifer and I often travel to visit believers across continental Europe. But our Europe Team also builds fellowship through ā€œET Reps.ā€ ET Reps generally live in the United States but are focused on one or two sister churches in Europe. They write, they pray, they encourage, and they develop lasting friendships with pastors, leaders, and church members. Through their work, our Christian unity grows warmer and stronger.

Let me share a recent example.

Greg Schibbelhut teaches science at Luther High School in Onalaska, Wis. Recently he has also begun serving as ET Rep for our two sister churches in Finland. In July, Greg joined Jennifer and me for his first chance to meet our Finnish brothers and sisters face to face.

Our travels first took us to St. Johannes on the western edge of Finland, where people generally speak Swedish. Pastor David ƅkerlund and his wife, Marika, hosted us and arranged outings with other church families. Summer is a happy time in Finland. The long, warm days and beautiful landscape provided a perfect setting for good food and relaxed conversation. Together we shared the joys and challenges of family life and our great Christian missionā€”including a new evangelism effort in Jakobstad. This is how the best friendships are built.

From there, we traveled south to a Bible camp hosted by the Lutheran Confessional Churchā€”Finland (LBK-Finland), a Finnish-speaking church. Here Greg met Pastor Juhani Viitala, his wife, Virpi, and other leaders and laypeople. Greg taught a childrenā€™s lesson on Jesusā€™ death and resurrection, and he listened. Again, God provided encouraging conversations and new possibilities for working together.

We live in an age of screens. Video calls and e-mails are wonderful blessings, but there is something specialā€”necessaryā€”about face-to-face fellowship. Conversation across a kitchen table, joint worship, Bible study, and good food foster openness, understanding, and trust. Greg carried home not only knowledge of these churchesā€™ blessings, challenges, and opportunities but also real friendships.

Fellowship doesnā€™t end when the plane touches down back in the United States. Greg continues to pray for our Finnish brothers and sisters. He stays in touch online and looks for ways to support their gospel outreach. Greg shared, ā€œWhat an exciting, wonderful, and humbling opportunity it has been learning about our synodā€™s work in Europe. The pastors and members of our sister churches in Finland graciously welcomed me into their homes and churches. Their deep love for their Savior Jesus and desire to share that love is very evident. I look forward to continuing to foster this relationship with our brothers and sisters in Finland as we encourage their work with prayer, communication, and in-person visits.ā€

We thank God for all our ET Reps and their growing connections with believers across the ocean. Please pray that God would strengthen our fellowship and open new doors for sharing his good news.

Written by Luke Wolfgramm, world missionary for the Europe Team.




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More than a launch date: Sowing seeds of faith in Conway, Ark.

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There tends to be so much focus on the ā€œlaunch serviceā€ when youā€™re starting a brand-new church. Over the past 15 months, it felt like I was constantly pointing people forward to September 28, 2025. When planting a church, the outreach and preparation leading up to that big Sunday is a key focus of ministry. So, how do you invite people to a church plantā€™s launch service? What does outreach leading up to launch look like?

We at Living Stone Lutheran Church in Conway, Ark., decided to take a scattershot approach. As we continually learned more about our new community, we sought to find creative and effective ways to form relationships and connections with new faces. Although a new name, brand, logo, and new website are a huge part of marketing for a new congregation, our marketing consultant (Grace Ungemach with Lutheran.marketing) helped us figure out some great ways to carry out these pre-launch outreach efforts. When we met with Grace to figure out our pre-launch strategy, she walked us through a marketing model called the ā€œbuyerā€™s journey.” The conclusion we came to wasnā€™t all that novel. The best way for people to learn about a brand-new church in town is to have genuine conversations with us. The best way for someone to want to come check out Living Stone for worship is to interact with those people long before our launch ever came to be.

So, we came up with a number of outreach strategies. Of course, personal connections and friendships formed in the community have been the best ways to show Christā€™s love. Still, on a corporate level, we came up with a few ideas. First, we held Food Truck Night three nights this summer. The goal of Food Truck Night was to make connections and introduce Living Stone to our community. Food Truck Night was an outdoor gathering with three food trucks, a bounce house, live music, yard games, and lots of fellowship! We were blessed with an average of more than 100 in attendance for each Food Truck Night. We were also able to hold a school supply giveaway to serve families in our community in late July. In August, we put up booths at various community events, such as a popular market that a local coffee shop created and a community outreach event at freshman welcome week at the University of Central Arkansas. In August and September, we were blessed to canvass hundreds of homes. We also held a three-week paper bag food drive that allowed us to connect with our neighbors and show love to those struggling with food insecurity in our county. Finally, we sent more than 9,000 postcards through a mass mailer and ran multiple Instagram and Facebook ads. All these efforts joined together to form our pre-launch outreach. Much of it seemed like throwing paint at a wall. Plenty of times, I found myself asking, ā€œIs this effort worth it? Will this be fruitful?ā€

This past Sunday, September 28, 2025, Living Stone finally held its official launch worship service! The Lord blessed us with 96 souls in attendance. It was wonderful to have so many people there to encourage us, celebrate that big day, and most importantly, hear the gospel of forgiveness of sins through Jesus! As I looked out at the group of people in front of me, I thanked God that the faces I saw came from all sorts of avenues. Some came from our mass mailer. Some came from our food drive. Some we had seen again and again through our Food Truck Nights and personal contacts. Some saw our ads online, and some just came because they were friends and family of our members.

I think thereā€™s a better analogy for our pre-launch outreach efforts besides ā€œthrowing paint at the wall.ā€ We were sowing seed. We scattered and sowed that seed and let the Lord Jesus take care of the rest.

Written by C.J. Fury, home missionary at Living Stone Lutheran Church in Conway, Ark.




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Moments with Missionaries – Jacob Ungemach

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Hear an update from Rev. Jacob Ungemach, home missionary at Beautiful Savior Oakley in Cincinnati, Ohio, following their worship launch service. God’s blessings to Beautiful Savior as they strive to share the gospel with he Cincinnati community. Learn more about Beautiful Savior Oakley at bsavior.com.

Learn more about the approval of the Oakley mission is 2023 at wels100in10.net/new-starts/cincinnati-oh/.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks!

A season of planting and growing

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Small group ministry is the heart of the work thatā€™s begun in Australia. From small group leader training to groups that meet in homes in different cities, the theme of our work to reach this large continent has been to start small.

Take our Melbourne group. Our two Aussie leaders, Tom and Ann Belcher, have returned to Australia by way of Hope Lutheran Church in Toronto, which played an integral part in their faith formation. Now they meet weekly with four other people for Bible study, prayer, singing, and fellowship in their homes. Their group is growing slowly as they invite friends to join.

The Melbourne group

In Brisbane, we have spent the last year getting to know our community. We offer English classes to immigrants at two different local libraries, one of which has basically adopted our program as their own. Through these classes we can connect with people from all over the worldā€”Colombia, Iraq, China, Japan, France, and Taiwan, just to name a few!

To develop deeper relationships with our students, we offer several social activities throughout the month such as hiking, cultural festivals, game days, and holiday parties. These larger gatherings lead to one-on-one interaction or opportunities in smaller settings, such as dinner in our home, coffee in local cafes, or private English tutoring. God has blessed our efforts with many opportunities for personal gospel presentations. As a result of all this, we have started some small group Bible studies, sometimes at the request of the students themselves.

Our experience has taught us that there are seasons in ministry. Seasons of plowing, planting, growing, pulling weeds, and harvesting. By Godā€™s grace, we seem to be in a season of planting and growing. But we know that just as Jesus taught us in the parable of the sower, not all seeds we plant will produce a fruitful crop. There will be heavy stones to unlodge and razor-sharp thorns to uproot. Realizing that hardships and persecution are inevitable gives us a deep appreciation for this season. It is a giftā€”each baptism, each profession of faith, each student who receives his or her instruction with joy and gratitude. We wish you could have witnessed the sheer delight of our Colombian friend when we introduced her to Academia Cristo and she heard Missionary Nixon Vivar welcoming her to study the Bible in Spanish! We do not take these experiences for granted. We wish you could hear our new sister in the faith thank God for being her faithful Father every day. We wish you could see how the leaders grow in facilitating studies, addressing challenges, and modeling their faith. Itā€™s a great season!

Leader meeting

One way we prepare for every season is through our weekly prayer time, established by former Asia-Oceania Team Leader Dr. Steve Witte. We pray for all the ministries, local leaders, churches, small groups, missionaries, and families in Asia-Oceania. Another way we prepare is by developing resources for small groups and training for leaders in cultivating character and preparing solid Bible studies. There is a special emphasis on reaching those who are not native English speakers and/or are brand new to Christianity.

Small groups. English classes. Seasons. You are our partners in all of these efforts. We appreciate your ongoing prayers, offerings, and local efforts that move the mission forward!

Written by Matt Doebler, world missionary on the Asia-Oceania Team

P.S. – If you would be interested in volunteering in Australia through a Mission Journeys trip in Fall 2026, visit wels.net/mission-journeys-volunteer-opportunity-in-brisbane-australia/ to learn more.




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Mission Journeys volunteer opportunity in Brisbane, Australia

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Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve, build relationships, and share Christā€™s love with people from around the world? Mission Journeys is excited to partner with the WELS World Missions team in Brisbane, Australia, to offer a new volunteer opportunity.

The Conversation Partners Program connects Christian volunteers with immigrants in South Brisbaneā€”many from Asian and African backgroundsā€”who want to improve their English and build friendships. Volunteers are paired with students for weekly conversations, both online (before the trip) and in person (during your stay), focusing on language practice, cultural exchange, and genuine Christian care.

Volunteer responsibilities

  • Before the trip: Complete online training in cross-cultural communication and faith-sharing and meet weekly with your assigned language partner via video call.
  • During the trip (dates are flexible, 10ā€“14 days, sometime in fall 2026): Travel to Brisbane, continue weekly conversations, participate in group activities, and help the local missionary team with outreach.

Who should apply?

We welcome mature, patient Christians of all ages who are passionate about cross-cultural ministryā€”no teaching experience required! Weā€™re looking for anywhere from four to eight people to serve on the team.

Estimated costs:

  • Airfare: $1,600ā€“$2,000
  • Airbnb: $3,000ā€“$4,000 (split among volunteer group)
  • Food: $100/day (covers you and your language partner)
  • Transportation: $25/day
  • Sightseeing/touring: optional

Whatā€™s the impact?

  • Help newcomers gain confidence in English and feel welcomed.
  • Help scale the ministryā€™s impact and create opportunities for authentic gospel conversations.
  • Build lasting friendships and share Christā€™s love in practical ways.
  • Experience world mission work in a flexible, relational, and impactful setting.

Ready to join? Contact Mission Journeys Coordinator Mr. Shannon Bohme at [email protected] or by calling 651-324-4218 to learn more. OR fill out the interest sign-up form online today at wels.net/missionjourneys.

Stay up to date on additional Mission Journeys trips by following WELS Missions on Facebook and Instagram.

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Seven new home missions approved

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For generations, WELS congregations have been beacons of Christā€™s light, proclaiming the gospel and nurturing faith. Yet millions in North America still live beyond the reach of a WELS church. Through the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, WELS Home Missions is planting new churches where hope is needed most, while strengthening our synod and building a growing network of gospel outposts.

This vision is coming to life thanks to your prayers and support. At the fall Board for Home Missions meeting, seven new missions were approvedā€”each one a new beacon of Christā€™s light, made possible by your generosity.

The seven new mission starts include:

  • Altoona, Wis.: Just east of Eau Claire, Altoona is rapidly growing. A core group from St. Mark in Eau Claire has been doing outreach since early 2023, steadily building interest.
  • Buffalo, N.Y.: With 95,000 people in the target area and no WELS church nearby, a committed group is meeting to lay the foundation for a new church.
  • Naples, Fla.: Naples is growing quickly and changing demographically. Leaders are meeting with locals and planning outreach to connect with unchurched residents.
  • Olathe, Kan.: A booming, family-friendly city in the Kansas City metro, Olathe is home to a core group from Mt. Olive in Overland Park thatā€™s planning for future growth.
  • The Sandhills, N.C.: This growing region near Fort Bragg attracts retirees and military families. A group from Tree of Life in Cary is actively canvassing and building a prospect list.
  • West Richland, Wash.: Near the Tri-Cities, West Richland is expanding quickly. A group from Southridge in Kennewick began outreach and plans to launch worship in 2025.
  • Wilmington, N.C.: In a fast-growing area with no nearby WELS church, a group from Ascension in Jacksonville meets regularly in preparation to launch their church.

Learn more about these new starts at wels100in10.net.

This isnā€™t a short burst of effortā€”itā€™s the steady building of a lighthouse. Each new congregation is another beacon of Christā€™s light in a darkening world. With your help, weā€™re building a network of gospel outpostsā€”one light, one soul at a time.

Thank you for your partnership. Your gifts are bringing the gospel to new communities and strengthening our synodā€™s foundation for generations to come.

In Christā€™s service,
The WELS Missions Team

 

P.S. Planting new churches isnā€™t just about numbersā€”itā€™s about reaching individual souls with the gospel. Watch Jettā€™s story in our ā€œFaces of Faithā€ video to see how your support helps bring Christā€™s love to people who need it most.

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Faces of Faith – Jill

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ā€œWhen we got here, there was just something right. There was something here that we didnā€™t know that we needed.ā€

Jill never expected to find hope in a church again. Years of pain and anger had left her convinced she was done with faithā€”until a persistent invitation led her and her family to Illumine, a WELS home mission church in Rock Hill, S.C. There, surrounded by a caring church family and the pure gospel message, Jill discovered comfort and purpose she didnā€™t know she was missing.

Watch Jillā€™s story and see how Godā€™s love can reach us in the most unexpected waysā€”bringing healing, belonging, and a future filled with hope.

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

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Moments with Missionaries – Jim Brandt

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Missionary Jim Brandt, Asia-Oceania Team leader, and his wife, Kathy, have now settled into Chiang Mai, Thailand, after a few weeks traveling throughout the field. He shares a glimpse of life in Thailand, the people theyā€™ve met, and the diverse beliefs that surround them. Hear more from Missionary Brandt about the work the Asia-Oceania Team is doing to share the message of the gospel throughout Asia-Oceania.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks and months!