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). TLIM 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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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!

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 – 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 Latin America mission team




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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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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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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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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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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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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!

From TELL student to TELL leader

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ā€œThe program has helped me much to grow in my understanding of the gospel and help me know how I can share it with others,ā€ says Opiew Adiew.

Opiew is from Gambella, Ethiopia. Heā€™s a TELL student who not only has completed all of the online courses that make up the TELL Network Christian leader training program, but he also led a recent online recognition service. The recognition service celebrated 72 students for completing eight or more courses. Thirty-eight of those students have finished the full 13-course Discipleship track. The recognition service is usually held once per quarter; this recent Zoom room gathering included Joel Hoff, our TELL missionary, and One Africa Team teacher Dan Kroll along with TELL team members to help facilitate. Each student is individually highlighted among their peers throughout the service. Witnessing a TELL student lead and share in this way was heartwarming and encouraging for all the TELL teachers and students in attendance.

Opiew has served as a visionary founder of Gambella Evangelical Lutheran Church with some others who had realized that their churches’ teachings were not in line with Scripture. Opiew says, ā€œI had been looking for a church with whom we could workā€”a mother church. God connected me with WELS. When I requested to join WELS, they connected me to Pastor John Hartmanā€”at that time the outreach leader of the One Africa Team.ā€

Pastor Hartman encouraged Opiew to join WELS’ Multi-Language Productions (MLP) TELL leader training program. ā€œI enjoyed the TELL classes because the instructor allows, even invites, students to share their thoughts. The program has helped me much to grow in my understanding of the gospel and help me know how I can share it with others. I use the TELL method to share the Word of God in Bible study and in my preaching still today,ā€ says Opiew.

MLPā€™s TELL Network has had some notable successes in the last quarter. God is truly blessing our efforts, and the TELL team continues to refine our proven process. Since the recognition service, 40 more students have completed eight or more courses, and 18 more have finished the Discipleship level. Even more exciting is that two of our Discipleship graduates, both leaders in Lagos, Nigeriaā€”serving different groupsā€”are now teaching The Four Key Concepts (a Bible study on sin, grace, faith, and works) to their own students. This a wonderful example of multiplication in action!

Because of the continued growth of our higher-level study body, we’re working on ways to scale the administration of our current student experience even more. New Doctrine Discovery courses are now in production to bring even more students at one time to becoming group leaders who are also in doctrinal agreement.

TELL has eight students leading groups in six different countries! We expect that number to increase to 32 by the end of 2025. Praise God for these men in training. And please continue to pray for these students as they grow and share the gospel.

Written by Nate Seiltz, director of Multi-Language Productions




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Why we visit

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This article originally appeared in the One Africa Team blog. Subscribe to future updates from Africa at oneafricateam.com.

A pastor who visits people makes people who visit church. Thatā€™s why I devoted two nights a week to visit both members and visitors when I lived in the United States. Sometimes I would call ahead; most times I just showed up at the door. I only got a gun pulled on me onceā€”but thatā€™s how he greeted everyone.

I donā€™t make house calls anymore because I donā€™t have a congregation. However, every other month Iā€™m on the road. My father asked me, ā€œIs it necessary to visit all these people?ā€ Itā€™s true that we can handle a lot of our work online. But this post will show why we visit in person.

What we saw

I just returned home after a two-week visit to Uganda, where we partner with the Obadiah Lutheran Synod. We are also pursuing relationships with two new groups. One is called the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU). Two years ago, conservative pastors broke away from the Lutheran Church of Uganda. They formed their own church body and seminary and are seeking a partnership with WELS.

Missionary Ben Foxen and I were greatly encouraged by what we saw during our visit. Members of Christ the Vine enthusiastically welcomed us. We worshiped in their newly constructed sanctuary, constructed of mud and wattle and roofing sheets. We witnessed baptisms, confirmations, and the installation of four congregational evangelists. They were greatly honored by our visit.

We also visited Mt. Calvary congregation, whose members worship in a schoolroom. Several CLSU congregations have started schools as a means to reach out to the community. Bishop Benson Barahuka, the leader of the CLSU, joined in the dancing and fun. He asked the members to contribute toward a church building project. A visit like ours shows that every member and congregation are valued and connected to the body of Christ.

Missionary Foxen and I sat down with CLSU leaders for a week to study Lutheran teachings and practice. I had met some of them previously, while leading an online course on the Augsburg Confession. We all agreed that meeting face to face is better. Bishop Benson thanked WELS donors for making our visit possible. He told us, ā€œYou care.ā€ He was glad we made a visitā€”and so are we.

What needs work

The other group we are working with in Uganda is the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession Uganda (ECACU). This group also came out of the Lutheran Church of Uganda. Rev. Simon Peter Waako is their leader.

At our opening worship service we sang from The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH), which had been donated by LCMS congregations in the U.S. The tunes we sang did not always match what was printed in the hymnal. Almost all of the long meter (LM) hymns were sung to the tune of ā€œI Know that My Redeemer Lives.ā€

The liturgy was conducted in the Runyoro language, although not everyone in attendance spoke that tongue. Throughout our visit, everything we spoke in English had to be translated twice. This slowed us down considerably. Did you know that more than 3,000 languages are spoken on the African continent?

Our visit to God Bought congregation was also a challenge. Our van got stuck in the mud and we had to walk the last kilometer to the church site. A small group of Christians gather every Sunday under a tree. The owner of the adjacent property evicted them from their building because he wants to farm crops there.

The next visit was to Kakasato church, which has 50 members. A local man invited ECACU to start a congregation in his barn. They offer Sunday school and Bible class in addition to worship. We also made a visit to Kabatindule, which means ā€œfelling a tree.ā€ The congregation meets under a lean-to on the property of one of the members. They do not have any Bibles, catechisms, or hymnals.

Our visit showed us thereā€™s a lot of work to be done with ECACU before we declare fellowship. Thereā€™s no way we could know this without coming in person. This is why we visit. And God willing, we will make another visit soon.

Written by Missionary John Roebke, missionary on the One Africa Team




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The first WELS Lutheran in Uruguay

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Viviana and I sat on a ferry, crossing from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. As far as I knew, I was the first WELS missionary to set foot in Uruguay.

We were traveling to meet Nahir, a faithful Academia Cristo student nearing the end of her Discipleship courses. Like many students, she first discovered our ministry through social media when a YouTube video led her to our self-study courses. She enjoyed the thoughtful questions and was eager to earn the certificate offered at the end. When the invitation came to join live Zoom classes, her motivation grew. Many months later, she was about to complete her 13th live course.

Viviana and Missionary Elise Gross take a ferry from Argentina to Uruguay to see Nahir

Nahir picked us up from customs, and we rode an hour east to her home, enjoying glimpses of the coast and Uruguayan culture. Soon, we were gathered around her kitchen table, sharing mateā€”the traditional hot drinkā€”and a few snacks.

But soon the purpose of our visit came into focus. My travel companion, Viviana, herself a graduate and now an Academia Cristo professor, placed a document on the table with the bold title ā€œConfesiĆ³n de fe.ā€ I listened as Viviana guided Nahir through the confession of faith processā€”96 questions giving Nahir the opportunity to confess the biblical truths she had studied.

Throughout her courses, Nahir had learned that faith is not about dramatic emotional displays but about knowing Jesus and his saving work. She was particularly moved by lessons on the sacraments, realizing that there is only one Baptismā€”despite having been told previously that her infant Catholic baptism was invalid. The course Spiritual Identification had challenged her to confront misconceptions, uncovering biblical truths about the end times she had never been taught.

Now, Nahir confidently confessed her faith and thanked God for the work of the Holy Spirit through the pastors and teachers of Academia Cristo. The evening ended with hugs and far too many plates of food, celebrating genuine fellowship. As far as we know, Nahir is the first confessional WELS Lutheran in Uruguay.

Nahir (left) and Viviana (right) at Nahir’s house in Uruguay

Today, Nahir continues studying with Academia Cristo at the ā€œChurch Planting Level.ā€ She leads a Bible study with her neighbors and shares the Word weekly at a local nursing home. She worships weekly online with other confessional Lutherans through services led by the Latin America WELS synod (Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional).

When asked how she would encourage other women to boldly share the faith they profess, Nahir answered: ā€œSharing the Word is our mission. Itā€™s not easy. At first it brings fear and even shame, but as you begin doing it you will see that even if just one person listens, it is wonderful. Even when it feels discouragingā€”itā€™s important not to give up. They need to know the Lord, because their salvation depends on it. Itā€™s worth the sacrifice to serve the Lord and to do it with joy. The Lord is the one who does the work; we are simply instruments in his hands.ā€

Nahir especially enjoys her ministry at the nursing home, preparing others for eternal life with Jesus. Seeing people respond to the gospel moves her to tears. ā€œI see how the Lord is at work in them, and that brings me joy and happiness.ā€ Nahir prays to expand her ministry to other nursing homes soon.

From a YouTube video to Nahirā€™s kitchen table to her faithful studies with neighbors and nursing home residents, the gospel is bearing fruit in Uruguay.

As the Lord himself promises: ā€œSo is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent itā€ (Isaiah 55:11).

Written by Missionary Elise Gross, director ofĀ  Women’s Ministry on the One Latin America Team




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Goodbye and hello

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Originally appears in the Native American Missions (NAM) News from August 2025

Pastor Dave and Jo Bostedt

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Lord blessed the congregations of Canyon Day and East Fork as they celebrated the ministry of Pastor Dave and Jo Bostedt. The Bostedts served God’s people on the White Mountain Apache Reservation faithfully for the past eight years. It was a beautiful day full of heartfelt gratitude and love. We pray the Lord bless them richly in their retirement!

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, the Lord continued to bless the congregations of Canyon Day and East Fork as they installed Pastor David Wietzke as their new shepherd. It, too, was a beautiful day with participation from all of the Apache congregations and beyond.

Pastor David was born on December 26, 1975, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Will and Charlotte Wietzke. His father and grandfather were Lutheran pastors who served churches in Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa. He moved to Nebraska and attended Lutheran elementary school there. He graduated from Nebraska Lutheran High School in 1994. In 1998, he graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn., with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He attended Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary from 1998 to 2002, including his vicar year at St. Johnā€™s Lutheran Church in Hastings, Minn.

He has previously served as pastor at three congregations: Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford, Wis. (2002-2007), Christ Lutheran Church in Grand Island, Neb. (2007-2015), and Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Pueblo West, Colo. (2015-2025).

Pastor David Wietzke and family

Pastor and Mary met at college in Minnesota. Mary was born in Illinois and grew up in Lusaka, Zambia, and New Orleans, La., where her father was missionary and pastor. She is also a 1998 graduate of Martin Luther College (MLC) and has worked as a teacher and in speech therapy. They were married in 2000 and God has blessed them with four children: Andrew (23) graduated from MLC this spring and is beginning his first year as a science teacher at Northland Lutheran High School in Kronenwetter, Wis. Stephen (21) will be a senior at MLC and Adam (19) will be a sophomore at MLC, both in the pastoral studies program. Joanna (17) will be a senior at Swallows Charter Academy in Pueblo West, Colo.

Pastor and Mary enjoy hiking, camping, and learning about new places. Mary loves animals and helping children. Pastor loves history and driving around the mountains, and is looking forward to exploring a new state. We are thankful that God has brought them safely to Arizona. They are excited to meet new people and share the good news of Jesus with as many as possible as we learn and grow together.

As we say goodbye to the Bostedts, we echo Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servants!” We know that our goodbye is not forever as we remain united in the body of Christ and look forward to forever together.

We also say hello to the Wietzkes, fully confident the Lord will bless their ministry among us. Welcome to the team, Pastor David, Mary, Andrew, Stephen, Adam, and Joanna!

Written by Missionary Nathan Wagenknecht, Native Christians outreach counselor on the Native American mission team




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One Latin America Team – Summer 2025 Quarterly Update

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A snapshot of blessings during the past quarter:

  • The number of students completing Academia Cristoā€™s four WhatsApp self-study courses continues to climbā€”from the 20s to the 50s, and now into the 70s weekly. These courses are the entry point for all students into the Academia Cristo
  • New churches were planted in Puente Piedras, Peru; San JosĆ© de CaaguazĆŗ, Paraguay; ConcepciĆ³n del Uruguay, Argentina.
  • Academia Cristo graduate Dr. Eduardo Milanesi previously started a church plant in Cochabamba that became a member of Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional (ICWI). He has now launched a second group in Santa Cruz, recently gathering over 30 eager listeners to Godā€™s Word.
  • Missionary Nixon Vivar onboarded three new instructors: Shawn Marron, a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary student; Latin America Vicar Matthew Rugen; and Jennifer Proeber, who teaches at Arizona Lutheran Academy. Next quarter, he will help onboard four new instructors: Lester Soto, an Academia Cristo graduate from Nicaragua; Zach Satorius, new One Latin America Team missionary; Alex Dimke, a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary student; and Tim Walsh, a WELS pastor from New York.
  • Missionary Abe Degner visited Manglio Dider, his family, and his church plant in GuayaramerĆ­n, Bolivia (pictured above). During the visit, a memorial service was held for Manglioā€™s son, giving Missionary Degner the opportunity to share the gospel with over 100 attendees.

A look ahead

  • The One Latin America Team will be onboarding Rev. Zach Satorius as a new missionary. He and his wife, Ava, will be spending one month in Argentina for language training. While there, they will visit church planters with other missionaries.
  • Plans are in place to call an additional missionary will be called to serve as a church planting facilitator.
  • The team is planning a Spanish Outreach Intensive event to support Academia Cristo outreach in the U.S.

Fast facts

  • A total ofĀ 50,866 students have enrolled in the Self-Study Level of courses
  • 1,400+ students have completed one Discipleship Level live course
  • 165 students have completed the Discipleship Level (13 live courses)
  • 54Ā students have completed the Church Planting Level (ten live courses)
  • 45Ā Academia CristoĀ students are actively leading church plantsĀ (Grupos Sembrador)Ā 




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CELC Commission on Theology meets in Zambia

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Originally appears in the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) newsletter. Subscribe to future updates from the CELC at celc.info/signup.

Pictured above, left to right: Michael Smith (ELS), Thomas Nass (CELC President), David Kamwata (LCCA, Zambia), Jonas Schroeter (ELFK, Germany), Mascrif Mulonda (LCCA Chairman, Zambia), Ugis Sildegs (CLCL, Latvia), Joel Otto (WELS)

If youā€™re wondering what it may be like to be in Zambia for next yearā€™s triennial convention, the CELC Commission on Theology can give a hearty encouragement to try your best to be there!

The Commission on Theology met June 10-12, 2025, in Lusaka in the early days of its winter season. The weather was fantastic, and we enjoyed the fellowship of some wonderful brothers and sisters in the faith.

During these days, we focused on two of our commissionā€™s primary tasks: reviewing applications for membership in the CELC and composing articles for the CELCā€™s Eternal Word series. Three church bodies are applying for membership (two from Africa and one from Latin America). The commission is currently reviewing these applications so we can make recommendations for next yearā€™s convention.

We spent time putting some final touches on Article IX of the Eternal Word series, which focuses on our triune God. The commission will bring this article to next yearā€™s convention for ratification. It can be viewed here. We also thoroughly reviewed drafts of Article X, which focuses on civil government.

Five men serve on the commission: David Kamwata (LCCA-Zambia), Joel Otto (WELS), Jonas Schroeter (ELFK), Ugis Sildegs (CLCL), and Michael Smith (ELS). Thomas Nass, president of the CELC, serves as an ex-officio member.

We look forward to returning to Lusaka for next yearā€™s convention.

Written by Michael K. Smith, Chairman of the CELC Commission on Theology

 




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Extending beyond clinic walls

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The work of the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) in Malawi extends far beyond the clinic walls of the four villages of Suzi, Mwalaulomwe, Thunga, and Msambo that we serve. While nurses, clinic staff, and volunteers work tirelessly to care for patients during clinic hours, the commitment of the staff doesnā€™t end thereā€”their service continues long after the last patient has been seen.

The Malawi Ministry of Health requires CAMM to regularly submit detailed reports. These reports include the number of patients seen, ailments treated, and cases referred to government healthcare facilities. This ongoing collaboration ensures transparency and reinforces CAMMā€™s vital role in conducting healthcare in Malawi. For example, the most frequent ailment we saw in April was malaria (1,533 patients) followed by the common cold (1,030 patients). This data is reported on the monthly and annual reports.

All prescriptions, medications, and medical equipment are stored onsite in the clinicā€™s pharmacy in Lilongwe. Once a month, staff conduct a thorough inventory to track what supplies were used and identify any shortages. Violet Chikwatu, nurse in charge, and Lusungu Mwambeye, clinic administrator, play a key role in compiling reports, submitting required documentation, and restocking essential medications. Lusungu often contacts multiple pharmacies to secure necessary stock at the best available prices.

For the Under-Five program, the clinic provides wellness checks and immunizations for all children under five years old. Staff ensure each childā€™s health record is up to date and that vaccines are stored securely and correctly to maintain effectiveness. In April alone, the clinics in Malawi saw more than 4,000 children in the Under-Five program.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated staff of the Lutheran Mobile Clinic in Malawi. Their attention to detail, compassion for every patient, and unwavering commitment to excellence reflect the mission of providing ā€œChrist-centered healthcare that supports the gospel.ā€ Their work is a true blessing to the communities we serve.

We thank all of our supporters who help keep our medications and supplies readily available. Whether itā€™s through financial contributions for purchasing prescriptions or sending packages filled with pill bottles, sunscreen, and other essential itemsā€”we are truly blessed by your generosity.

If youā€™re interested in supporting CAMMā€™s mission, visit their website at camm.us. Your partnership helps us continue providing life-changing, Christ-centered healthcare to those in need.

Written by Angela Sievert, Central Africa Medical Mission chair




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Moments with Missionaries – Ben Foxen

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Missionary Ben Foxen shares an update from Lusaka, Zambia about the work being done with churches in Tanzania and Uganda! One of these churches includes the Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC), which is in the process of reviewing doctrine and working towards declaring fellowship with WELS. Hear more from Missionary Ben Foxen about his work for the One Africa Team.

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

CAMM August 2025 newsletter

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Nutrition challenges in Mwembezhi

Lutheran Mission Rural Health Centre stands as a beacon of hope for communities that face limited access to healthcare and resources. For many families, it is the first and sometimes only line of defense against malnutrition and its far-reaching consequences. At the heart of these efforts lies the Nutrition Department, a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure that no child or mother is left behind in the fight against hunger and poor nutrition.

Mwembezhi Lutheran’s catchment area is predominantly rural, with most households relying on subsistence farming for both food and income. Seasonal food shortages, poor diets, and widespread poverty often make it difficult for families to provide consistent balanced meals. Limited awareness about proper nutrition further contributes to high rates of undernutrition, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies among children under 5. Nutrition is not just a health issue; it’s a barrier to education and overall community development. Recognizing these challenges, Mwembezhi Lutheran Mission Rural Health Centre has a nutrition segment to help in early detection and treatment of malnourished children. We do clinical care, education, and community engagement to create lasting change.

Nutrition services at Mwembezhi
1. Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP)
We provide regular weighing and height checks for children who are under 5. Growth monitoring helps us detect early signs of malnutrition and intervene before problems escalate. Caregivers receive personalized counseling on age-appropriate feeding, hygiene practices, and how to make the most of locally available foods. Early childhood development (ECD) services are integrated into GMP, allowing us to assess developmental milestones and ensure that children are not only well fed but also mentally stimulated through play, laying the groundwork for a healthier future.

2. Management of acute malnutrition
Children presenting with moderate or severe acute malnutrition are given life-saving care. This includes Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), High Energy Protein Supplements (HEPS), and close follow-ups to monitor recovery. Children with medical complications are referred for inpatient treatment to ensure that no case falls through the cracks.

3. Maternal and child education and counseling
Expectant and breastfeeding mothers receive essential information on maintaining a balanced diet during pregnancy and lactation. Health talks emphasize exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, timely introduction of complementary foods, and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. Mothers are also encouraged to incorporate nutrient-rich locally available foods into their family meals.

4. Community outreach and awareness campaigns
Beyond the clinic walls, the staff and community health volunteers work hand-in-hand with villages. They conduct home visits, follow up with at-risk families, and lead cooking demonstrations that teach caregivers how to prepare balanced meals using locally available foods. These outreach activities not only extend the reach but also foster trust and awareness in the community.

5. Integration with other health services
We work together with Maternal and Child Health, HIV care, diabetes and hypertension clinics, and immunization programs. Late last year, one notable success story was of a diabetic patient who was on the verge of giving up life due to his condition. Through consistent counseling, dietary monitoring, and regular blood sugar checks, his glucose levels were brought under control solely through proper nutrition. Remarkably, he has maintained normal blood sugar levels for more than eight months without the need for medication. This integrated approach demonstrates that nutrition is not treated in isolation but as part of a broader continuum of care, addressing both the immediate and underlying causes of poor health.

The human impact
Beyond every statistic lies a story. Mothers who once feared losing their children to malnutrition now return to the center with healthy, thriving toddlers. Caregivers often share testimonials about how simple lessons on meal preparation and hygiene have transformed their family’s health. In October of last year, 1,700 children under 5 were screened for malnutrition, and 12.6 percent (214) were found to be moderately malnourished and 1.8 percent (31) were severely malnourished. This represented an overall malnutrition rate of 14.4 percent. Following close follow-ups and interventions, moderate cases reduced from 214 to 17 (92.1 percent reduction), severe cases from 31 to 6 (80.6 percent reduction), and the overall caseload from 245 to 23, marking a 90.6 percent overall improvement.

All the achievements in nutrition programs are a result of your support, help from CAMM, and the efforts of our dedicated staff.

Looking ahead
Despite successes, challenges remain. Persistent poverty, cultural feeding practices, and seasonal hunger continue to put families at risk. We will continue to encourage parents to bring their children for growth monitoring and promotion, ensuring that no child misses essential health services.

Written by Jackson Kalewka, clinical officer in charge




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Updates from Thailand

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Graduation from Asia Lutheran Seminary’s Regional Theological Education Program

Celebrating a graduation in Thailand may look different, but it is no less exciting. The churches in Thailand just celebrated the graduation of three evangelists from the Pastoral Studies Institute program run with the assistance of Asia Lutheran Seminaryā€™s Regional Theological Education Program (RTEP). Two of these men will continue their work planting churches in two different nearby villages. The third will help support the ministry of another church in the area. Lord willing, we will see more leaders trained in the future by them!

We thank God for these pastorsā€™ many years of training. We thank God for their many teachers over the years, including, but not limited to, Pastor Robert Meister, Pastor Pheng Moua, and President Jonathan Bare. Ultimately, we thank God for his answer to prayers: ā€œThen [Jesus] said to his disciples, ā€˜The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.ā€™ ā€ These men are Godā€™s answers to this prayer. Letā€™s thank God that he continues to answer this prayer with a resounding, ā€œYes! Here they are!ā€

The Zondags move to Bangkok

Our family recently moved from Chiang Mai to Bangkokā€”a journey of about nine hours by car. After packing up our belongings, movers transported everything to our new home on the eastern side of the city.

The transition has felt like moving from the outskirts of Green Bay, Wis., to the outskirts of New York Cityā€”more people, faster pace, and more complexity. While much has changed, our mission remains the same: to bring grace to all in Asia-Oceania, including those living in Bangkok.

Here are a few reasons that led us here:

  1. Around half of Bangkokā€™s population comes from outside the region.
  2. An estimated 30-40 percent of Thai people will live in Bangkok at some point in their lives.
  3. Bangkok is home to 11 million people, but only 1.1 percent identify as Christian.

This means many still need to hear about Jesus. And those who come to faith here often carry the message back to their hometownsā€”potentially spreading the gospel throughout Thailand.

Please pray for us as we settle into our new home, face new challenges, and seek opportunities to share Godā€™s grace with those around us.

Written by Mark Zondag, missionary on the Asia-Oceania Team




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A new bishop in Tanzania

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This article originally appeared in the One Africa Team blog. Subscribe to future updates from Africa at oneafricateam.com.

The apostle Paul once wrote to Timothy, ā€œThis is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good workā€ (1 Timothy 3:1, NKJV). In other translations, the word bishop is rendered ā€œoverseer.ā€ Regardless of the term used, the role carries the same weight: to care for Christā€™s church, to faithfully teach Godā€™s Word, and to lead with humilityā€”much like a father guiding his family. Paulā€™s words remind us that this is indeed a noble calling.

A historic day in Arusha

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, just outside Arusha, Tanzania, a significant milestone was reached. After 17 years of faithful service, Bishop Baltazar Kaaya (pictured above, right) of the Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC) consecrated Pastor Judah Pallangyo (pictured above, left) as the newly elected bishop. Bishop Pallangyo has long been a dedicated servant within AMEC, having served both as a pastor and as secretary of theological training.

AMEC and WELS: A growing relationship

In recognition of the growing relationship between WELS and AMEC, Missionary Howard Mohlke was invited to attend the consecration. The relationship between AMEC and WELS began in 2020 through online conversations with Pastor Makundi Davis, leader of the Kilimanjaro District. The following year, WELS Missionary John Hartmann visited Tanzania, marking the beginning of a deeper partnership.

Over the past four years, WELS missionaries and members of the Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR) have met regularly with AMEC leaders, pastors, and elders. These meetings have focused on studying Scripture together and exploring whether a shared confession of faith existsā€”one that could be publicly affirmed through a declaration of fellowship.

A pause for reflection

Originally, it was hoped that a formal declaration of fellowship could be made at the 2025 WELS synod convention. However, as is often the case in ministry, plans can shift. Bishop Pallangyo has requested more time to revisit the statements of faith with AMECā€™s pastors and elders before moving forward.

While this delay may be disappointing to some, it is also understandable. A new bishop stepping into such a pivotal moment naturally wants to ensure unity and clarity among his church leaders.

Looking ahead with hope

Even now as of this writing, further meetings for study among the pastors and elders of AMEC are scheduled, as well as meetings to discuss the future work of WELS with AMEC. We pray for Godā€™s guidance and blessing on these discussions and on the future of AMECā€™s relationship with WELS. May this new chapter under Bishop Pallangyoā€™s leadership be marked by wisdom, faith, and fruitful collaboration.

Written by Missionary Howard Mohlke, leader of the One Africa Team.




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From a U.K. Baptist to a confessional Lutheran pastor

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In August 2010, my wife Caroline and I moved from Gloucester, England, to the east coast of the United States for a temporary work relocation. Having been active in our local Baptist church in England for more than 20 years, we naturally sought a Baptist church in the area. After attending services at Baptist and non-denominational churches nearby, we had a deep sense of unease and realized something fundamental was missingā€”but we weren’t sure what that might be. After listening to sermons from the local WELS church online, there was something different about them. We thought weā€™d give it a go.

The very first service we attended blew us away: the liturgy, the Christ-centered sermons, worship that put the majesty of God the Father and Jesus Christā€™s sacrifice at its core, Law and Gospel, the knowledge that scripture is Godā€™s Holy Word, using Scripture to interpret Scripture, justification by faith alone, the clear doctrine, the incredible deep teaching of the truth. . . wow! We realized weā€™d been missing so many things for so long that we werenā€™t even aware we were missing.

We completed Bible information class, and after spending some extra time challenging our Baptist understanding of the truth of Scripture on infant baptism and close communion, we became members of Christ Lutheran Church in Clarksville, Md., in early 2011.

Returning to the U.K. in September 2015, we were filled with trepidation. We couldnā€™t go back to the Baptist churchā€”but where would we find a WELS-affiliated, English-speaking church in the U.K.? Did one even exist?

Miraculously, we found that a WELS pastor commuted all the way from Ramstein, Germany, to hold a service on the first Sunday of each month at a place called Northwood, in the suburbs of northwest London. Despite being almost 100 miles away, we were so grateful to God for providing this congregation and a wonderful WELS pastor that the four-hour round trip once a month was no problem. We continued to pray that God would send a permanent WELS pastor to the U.K. so that we could have weekly services.

In 2022, WELS members at Northwood officially invited WELS World Missions to send trained pastors to help establish and serve congregations in the U.K.

In an astonishing answer to prayer, two missionary pastors were sent: Pastor Mike Hartman and Pastor Conifer Berg. By June 2023, weekly services were established in Aldgate, Londonā€”soon followed by a WELS family in Wolverhampton (near Birmingham, U.K.) generously opening their home to host weekly Sunday services. The location in Wolverhampton was led by retired Pastor Paul Hartman, who had graciously committed to spending six months in the U.K. with his wife Carol to help establish the congregation there, while the congregation in London grew under the leadership of Pastor Mike and Pastor Conifer.

As Wolverhampton is only just over an hour drive for us, my wife and I were able to support this fledgling congregation. We started attending weekly services there in August 2023. Our prayers had remarkably been answered! But this wasnā€™t sufficient for Godā€”he had bigger plans!

Pastor Paul and Carolā€™s tourist visa expired in March 2024, so Pastor Conifer Berg stepped in to lead the Wolverhampton house church for one Sunday per month, and two other men and I stepped up as lay leaders to lead the other three Sundays each month. We were soon blessed by the hospitality of the local Anglican church at St. Johnā€™s Church, Essington, who kindly offered the use of their newly built church hall. Our first service there took place in July 2024.

In August 2024, I retired from my secular job and enrolled at the Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) in October 2024, with the aim of achieving a B.Div. (Bachelor of Divinity) to become a full-time pastor and help bring true biblical teaching to the people of the U.K.

In September, Pastor Conifer and his family returned to the U.S., and within weeks, the congregation at Wolverhampton called me to be their pastor! What an honor! Praise God! Since October 2024, I have been leading services, writing sermons and mid-week Bible studies. And although Iā€™ve a long way to go in my training, I can truly call the congregation at Wolverhampton my sheep. It still raises a lump in my throat when they call me “pastor.”

There have been so many miracles along the way that Iā€™m sometimes in danger of taking them for granted. Having the opportunity to reflect and write this blog is a humbling experienceā€”it shows Godā€™s hand is in all that weā€™re doing, and he has an amazing plan for the U.K.

The Lutheran Reformation that swept through Europe in the 16th century bypassed U.K. Christians. But non-Christians in the U.K. are growing in hunger for the truth and the certainty of salvation that can only come from the true gospel. It is our heartfelt prayer that we can help to bring that to the people of the U.K., so that when they walk into our church, they have the same “wow” experience Caroline and I had back in 2010 when we walked into Christ Lutheran Churchā€”and continue to have every time we hear Godā€™s Word.

Written by Mr. Lawrence McCatty, Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) student and leader at Holy Word in Wolverhampton.

Read more about Lawrence and Caroline McCatty in their Confessions of faith story from Forward in Christ magazine.




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WELS World Missions: Until every nation knows his love

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ā€œMy name will be great among the nations,ā€ says the Lord Almighty. Today, that promise is taking root in places both expected and unexpectedā€”through the mission God has entrusted to his people.

Across Africa, Asia-Oceania, Europe, Latin America, and Native American communities, WELS World Missions partners with local believers to plant churches, train leaders, and share the gospel in heart languages around the world. Itā€™s not just a mission to the nationsā€”itā€™s a movement with the nations.

Through your prayers and support, local leaders are reaching their own people and crossing borders with the good news. Seminaries are equipping faithful shepherds. Digital tools are proclaiming Christ where missionaries canā€™t go. Together, we proclaim his nameā€”until every tribe, tongue, and nation knows the love of the Lamb.

This is not our mission. This is Godā€™s mission. And by his promise, it cannot fail.

Learn more at wels.net/missions.

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One Latin America Team – Spring 2025 Quarterly Update

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Changes for the One Latin America Team

With the departure of Missionary Nathan Schulte, who accepted a call to serve at a church in Wisconsin, plans for new locations, personnel, and structure were accelerated.

On May 22, 2025, Rev. Zach Satorius was assigned to the One Latin America Team. Missionary Satorius (pictured above, left, with Missionary Luis Acosta as his installation in June 2025) will be focused on multiplication work, working with advanced students who are in the process of gathering groups. He and his wife, Ava, will initially be based in Doral, Fla. Missionary Satorius previously served as a vicar in MedellĆ­n, Colombia, under Pastor Henry Herrera.

Missionaries will remain in Quito, Ecuador, and Doral, Fla., and those locations will remain as permanent hubs for the team. The plan is to discontinue AsunciĆ³n, Paraguay, as one of the One Latin America Team hubs. Missionaries Joel Sutton and Abe Degner have been asked to redeploy to other locations. Additionally, a new, mobile hub concept is being developed.

The mobile hub is designed to allow the One Latin America Team to remain flexible to pursue emerging opportunities. It also keeps locations diversified in case of regional instability. Using this approach, the One Latin America Team will temporarily place missionaries in various locations. Mexico City has been chosen to serve as the first mobile hub due to feasibility of visas, efficient connections to the rest of the Latin America through its major airport, and the number of active students and church planters. The Behmer family will be moving there after their furlough in summer 2025, with the Sutton family joining them in January 2026.

A snapshot of blessings during the past quarter:Ā 

  • Academia Cristo has their first advanced student from Africa! A student from Equatorial Guinea, Africaā€™s only Spanish-speaking country, has made it through the first 12 live courses of Discipleship Level and is currently participating in the capstone course. He is currently in the doctrinal agreement process with Missionaries Luis Herrera and Luis Acosta.
  • On April 4, 2025, MarĆ­a Vasquez, a called church planter, was called home to heaven after suffering a heart attack. Missionary Matt Behmer was able to travel to Costa Rica and see her and her family after the heart attack and before she passed away. Missionary Angel Otero and his wife Maribel were able to attend a funeral and provide support to the family. On April 27, 2025, an online memorial service was held for the Academia Cristo Missionary Nathan Schulte shared a message of comfort at the service based on Revelation 7:9-17.
  • On April 20, 2025, a special online Easter worship service was held for the entire Academia Cristo student body. Lester Soto from Nicaragua and Camilo Herrera from Colombia, both called church planters, led the liturgy. Missionary Nixon Vivar preached.
  • Over the past several months, 11 students from Paraguay, Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico were welcomed into doctrinal agreement after reviewing 95 key doctrinal questions with a missionary. This means the students have expressed a commitment to the teachings of the confessional Lutheran church and a desire to be doctrinally affiliated with the ministry of Academia Cristo.

Fast facts

  • A total of 37,129 students have enrolled in the Self-Study Level of courses
  • 1,342+ students have completed one Discipleship Level live course
  • 152+ students have completed the Discipleship Level (13 live courses)
  • 53 students have completed the Church Planting Level (ten live courses)
  • 43 Academia CristoĀ students are actively leading church plantsĀ (Grupos Sembrador)Ā 




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Together Video – July 21, 2025

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WELS President Rev. Mark Schroeder previews the work of the synod convention and shares the importance of this biennial event.

 

 

 

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Living as a Native Christian

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ā€œAaron Newman is an active member of Christ the Rock Lutheran Church in Farmington, N.M. Join us to hear how his Christian faith motivates him to serve his church, family, and community. From serving in the Marine Corps to advocating for those affected by abuse and violence in his work at the Family Crisis Center, Aaron will share his desire to help others as a compassionate leader, instructor, and mentor.ā€

That was the invitation I received to a recent presentation and discussion sponsored by the Native Christians Network and Apache Christian Training School. It was another step forward in our goal of equipping Native Americans to lead and to serve in the universal priesthood of all believers.

We asked Aaron to talk about how he combines his Navajo heritage and his Christian faith because he understands both. Aaron is Bitterwater. He grew up mainly in Flagstaff, Ariz., but spent many weekends and summers on the Navajo reservation with his family. He helped his grandparents by herding sheep, hauling water, and many other tasks required to be self-sufficient in the Chuska Mountains. Aaron and his family would herd the flock up or down the mountain depending on the season, much like his ancestors did. He enjoys freshly butchered mutton and steam corn, fry bread, and blue corn with juniper ash pancakes. He learned a good work ethic, appreciation for family and community, and respect for his eldersā€”all hallmarks of Native culture.

Aaron is also a mature Christian and lay leader in his congregation. He was confirmed just before he graduated high school and joined the Marines. After his faithful service in the military, he wasnā€™t sure what was next. He had some long talks with his pastors and studied Godā€™s Word for guidance. The Lord blessed his path into social work and service on the church council.

Sadly, many Native Americans think that to be Christian is to turn your back on your Native heritage. Christians can be treated as traitors and outcasts. Even mature followers of Christ can feel a constant pressure to conform and participate in traditional practices, some of which are diametrically opposed to Christianity.

The struggle and pressure are real. So was the conversation. As Aaron humbly shared his life experience and Bible verses that have guided him along the way, many of the participants, most of whom were Apache, shared their stories too. It was a time of mutual understanding, building each other up, and encouraging each other in their faith. Aaron himself highlighted this as one of the blessings of this time together: ā€œIt was a blessing and a privilege to have that opportunityā€”to share Godā€™s Word and to really just rejoice with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.ā€

When asked what his goal was for the presentation, Aaron answered, ā€œTo share my faith about Jesus, and then also to share my walk in faith . . . that experience of having to look where the Lord has taken me, where Iā€™ve been, where I am now, and to have faith in where Iā€™m going next. Thatā€™s the biggest thing.ā€

It is possible to be Native American, proud of the many positive aspects of Native culture, and Christian, proud above all of our Savior, at the same time. May God bless all who live as Native Christians.

Written by Rev. Nathan Wagenknecht, world missionary on the Native American mission team




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Together Video – July 15, 2025

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Missionary Dan Witte talks about how WELS Missions assists with theological training for WELS’ sister church bodies throughout Africa.

 

 

 

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