WELS World Missions: Until every nation knows his love

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 unexpected—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. It’s not just a mission to the nations—it’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 can’t go. Together, we proclaim his name—until every tribe, tongue, and nation knows the love of the Lamb.

This is not our mission. This is God’s mission. And by his promise, it cannot fail.

Learn more at wels.net/missions.

United in Christ, sharing the gospel

Nearly six out of every ten people in the world’s 8.2 billion population live in Asia and Oceania. Yet only 8 percent in this vast region know Christ as their Savior, leaving more than 4.5 billion souls in spiritual darkness. Jesus’ words ring true: ā€œI tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvestā€ (John 4:35).

ā€œThat All May Hear and Believeā€ was the theme of the Asia-Oceania Convention of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC), held June 9-13, 2025, in Bali, Indonesia. The CELC is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies committed to the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the Lutheran Confessions. Since its start in 1993 with 13 churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to 34 member church bodies today.

Geraja Lutheran Indonesia hosted the gathering, welcoming participants from 14 countries representing 17 groups that included current and prospective CELC member church bodies. They were joined by WELS mission workers and several WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) administrative representatives, bringing the total attendance to 72.

WELS has 17 missionaries serving in 18 countries throughout Asia and Oceania, with team members based in Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Australia. Our partners in some countries cannot be named publicly for security reasons. That reality makes gatherings like this convention especially precious as a rare and safe opportunity for church leaders to worship, pray, study God’s Word, and encourage one another in person.

During the convention, WELS Missionary Joel Nitz asked our international partners what blessings they experienced through their time together. Three key overlapping themes stood out:

Encouragement in Christ

Meeting others who share their faith brought participants much-needed encouragement. Many work in places where there are very few Christians, and being together reminded them they are not alone in the work God has given them. Time spent in God’s Word, praying, and talking openly about the joys and struggles of gospel ministry gave them renewed strength.

  • ā€œI experienced great encouragement. We are so small. Here I see our unity in the Word on a larger scale.ā€
  • ā€œIn [our country] we have so few believers; [there is] no fellowship like this.ā€
  • ā€œIt was comforting to see we have the same struggles, big and small, but also to see how God provides for our ministries.ā€

Building connections

Many valued meeting others who serve in gospel ministry across the region. They traded contact information, hoping to support each other in prayer and stay in touch. Some talked about studying the Word together or sharing resources to help one another as they continue serving in their own countries.

  • ā€œIt was a good opportunity for networking for our ministries in Asia.ā€
  • ā€œThe conference helped me see the need for patient endurance. I would like to keep meeting and following up on ideas.ā€
  • ā€œWe hope the connections from this conference will continue.ā€

Sharing ministry practices

Participants gained practical ideas by listening to those who face similar challenges. They enjoyed hearing how others in different countries teach the Word, plan worship, and reach out to their neighbors. These conversations gave them new ideas and fresh motivation for their work. Many hope to keep learning together through online classes, follow-up chats, and by sharing helpful materials.

  • ā€œI learned about planning, studying the Word, and the hardships others face.ā€
  • ā€œEach country has something to offer. I learned how I can help others and they can help me.ā€
  • ā€œHearing how others handle challenges encouraged me to keep serving and look for solutions.ā€

These days in Bali were a compelling reminder that God’s workers are not alone in the harvest. United in Christ, our mission partners returned home encouraged and equipped to continue sharing the good news of Jesus. We pray that God will bless their ongoing work so that all may hear and believe.

Written by Prof. Lawrence Olson, Administrative Committee member for the Asia-Oceania Team





We go together – Five missionaries commissioned at Taste of Missions

At Taste of Missions, held on June 14, 2025, five new missionaries were commissioned to share Jesus in communities across the U.S. and around the world:

  • Mr. James Brandt – Asia-Oceania Team leader
  • Rev. Jacob Bitter – Pan de Vida, Garden Grove, Calif.
  • Rev. Jacob Borgwardt – Crossroads, Chicago, Ill.
  • Rev. Ethan Schultz – Lamb of God, Williston, N.D.
  • Rev. Phillip Valdez – Abiding Savior, Killeen, Texas

When you pray, give, and gather with fellow believers, you’re not just witnessing mission work—you’re part of sending them. From your church pew to mission fields around the world—we go together.

Please pray with us:

Gracious Lord,

At Taste of Missions, we witnessed your grace in action as we in WELS commissioned five men to serve in your harvest field. We lift up to you Mr. James Brandt, serving in Asia-Oceania; Rev. Jacob Bitter, at Pan de Vida in Garden Grove, California; Rev. Jacob Borgwardt, at Crossroads in Chicago; Rev. Ethan Schultz, at Lamb of God in Williston, North Dakota; and Rev. Phillip Valdez, at Abiding Savior in Killeen, Texas.

As you have called them, now equip them and their families. Fill them with zeal to share Christ and him crucified. Strengthen their faith, guard them, and bless the communities they serve with open hearts to hear the gospel. May their work be fruitful, their hearts joyful, and their eyes always fixed on Jesus.

To you alone be all glory, now and forever.

Amen.

Learn more at tasteofmissions.com.

European Regional CELC Conference

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

ā€œThe creation of man—Wonderful news for the world.ā€ This was the topic of our European Regional CELC Conference hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (ELFK) in Nerchau, Germany, on May 22-25, 2025. Nerchau is close to Grimma, the place of the ninth triennial convention of the CELC in 2017. St. John’s Congregation in Nerchau is currently vacant, but a group of volunteers supported the preparation of this regional CELC conference.

Approximately 50 guests from different countries attended the conference. We were especially thankful that Bishop Horpynchuk from the Ukrainian Lutheran Church and Dmytro Maksymenko were among them. The latter serves as the Director of the ā€œGift of Lifeā€ International Charitable Foundation in Ukraine. Our Russian brothers sent a video message, and our brother Iliyan Itsov (Bulgaria) wrote greetings, since he was not able to attend our conference. Dr. Ugis Sildegs (Latvia), who had prepared one of the four papers, could not attend the conference because of problems with his car. As guests from outside of Europe, we welcomed Prof. Tim Schmeling (ELS) as guest presenter, Rev. Larry Schlomer (WELS World Missions administrator), Rev. Jonathan Schroeder (WELS Board for World Missions chairman), and Rev. Tom Heyn (ELS).

We enjoyed a blessed time together with four excellent papers. Two of the papers were prepared by Prof. Tim Schmeling. His first lecture was titled, ā€œMan—Created by God.ā€ His second lecture was our last and titled, ā€œMan—Created in the Image of God.ā€ Our second lecture was prepared by Rev. Nikolla Bishka from Albania, together with Rev. Luke Wolfgramm, the WELS World Missionary and Pastoral Studies Institute adjunct instructor for Europe. ā€œMan—Created as Male and Femaleā€ was the topic of their paper. The third lecture was prepared by Dr. Ugis Sildegs. His paper was titled: ā€œMan—Creation with Body and Soul: Today’s Challengesā€ and was presented by Rev. Holger Weiß, the chairman of CELC European Region.

Rev. Jonathan Schroeder gave a short overview of the WELS worldwide mission work. Rev. Tom Heyn gave some information about the ELS work, especially in Europe, but also worldwide. Larry Schlomer introduced the WELS call for Jennifer Wolfgramm as WELS mobile ministry partner for women in Europe. He explained her tasks and offered her help for all the work among women in the European CELC churches.

The conference ended with a closing worship service including the Lord’s Supper. The liturgy was conducted in German by myself, and Rev. Holger Weiß preached the sermon on Isaiah 55:6-11 under the topic ā€œSeek the Lord!ā€ After the sermon, Jennifer Wolfgramm was installed by Rev. Larry Schlomer. You can watch the video of the closing service on YouTube.

God willing, the next European Regional CELC conference will be hosted by the LBK Sweden on June 18-20, 2027. But before that, we are looking forward to the next triennial CELC Convention in Zambia on May 29–June 1, 2026.

Written by Rev. Michael Herbst, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (ELFK) in Germany

 





CAMM June 2025 Newsletter

Greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, from the Lutheran Mobile Clinic in Malawi as we faithfully serve the communities of Msambo, Suzi, Mwalaulomwe, and Thunga. This month has been marked by God’s continued provision as we maintain our weekly schedule: Tuesday visits to Msambo, Wednesday outreach to Suzi, Thursday services at Mwalaulomwe, and bi-weekly Friday visits to Thunga. Through these consistent efforts, we’ve provided essential outpatient care, nutrition support, HIV testing and counselling, antenatal care, and child growth monitoring to thousands of community members who might otherwise lack access to quality healthcare

It’s June 2025, which means we are halfway through the year! It feels like yesterday when we were celebrating the New Year. We are so grateful for God’s love through all these months. As we are halfway through the year, we are also at the end of CAMM’s fiscal year, and it’s time we reflected on the challenges and opportunities at personal, organizational, national, and global levels. We need to rethink development and global issues. Let us begin by reflecting on recent reductions to U.S. foreign aid, as well as aid from the United Kingdom and the European Union. This has affected many local and international NGOs and has led to aid programs being cut, often leaving little to no assistance for those in need.

At Lutheran Mobile Clinic, we used to benefit from the U.S. malaria initiative, from which we could receive malaria control, diagnosis, and treatment supplies. Most years we treat around 16,000 cases of malaria. Malaria can be particularly life threatening or disabling in children. Prior to the cuts to USAID, we received a good supply of malaria testing kits and the malaria drug we call LA. As the cuts to USAID went into effect, we saw the district hospital requests to ration supplies with other public hospitals who did not have malaria treatment supplies. We had plenty of supplies and were happy to share them with facilities who had little. To date we have not seen a sustainable plan from the Malawi government to provide malaria treatment supplies, and we fear we may have to purchase them from local pharmacies. We have also noted an increase in the number of patients at our clinics. The ability of public hospitals and clinics to provide medications has worsened, with little or no medication available and high prices for consultation and medications at private clinics. People prefer to wait for the Lutheran Mobile Clinic to provide care and medication that is affordable and available. As if this is not enough, Malawi’s poor credit has spiked the rate of inflation which was already around 15% before the credit troubles. The prices of goods and commodities are through the roof, including medications, which makes life very tough for people earning maybe $50 to $100 per month.

In as much as things are not good, we are grateful for how we have managed our expenses at the mobile clinic, and we expect to come in just under budget when our fiscal year ends in late June. As a country, we need to develop strategies and thoughts on the aid structure and how we are going to reduce dependency. We need serious social and economic independence and not just political independence. This makes us value the Lutheran Mobile Clinic’s social and economic efforts and the support that we have from you all in the U.S.

Our HIV testing and counseling services have shown remarkable progress across all four clinic sites, reflecting broader national trends as Malawi advances toward achieving the 95-95-95 HIV targets. The reduced stigma we’ve witnessed demonstrates God’s healing power working through dedicated service. These achievements embody Christ’s command in Matthew 10:8: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Our child growth monitoring and antenatal care programs have revealed both challenges and victories during this dry season, made possible through the generous support of our faithful donors. The funds you’ve provided have enabled us to purchase essential medical and nutrition supplies and maintain our vehicles for reliable community access, while your clothing donations have brought dignity and warmth to families facing economic hardship. Your donated pill bottles have proven invaluable for organizing medications and ensuring proper dosing for various conditions across all four clinic sites. As Proverbs 31:20 teaches us, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” Your contributions have become instruments of his healing grace, enabling us to nurture life from conception through childhood and honor his precious gift at every stage.

May God bless you all for supporting the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM).

Written by Lusungu Mwambeye, clinic administrator at the Lutheran Mobile Clinic in Malawi





Celebrating 20 years of gospel impact through Asia Lutheran Seminary

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

2 Corinthians 6:2

Twenty years ago, Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) officially opened its doors in Hong Kong to train Chinese-speaking pastors and evangelists. Today, thanks to God’s grace and your generous support, ALS is equipping church leaders from across Asia-Oceania and around the world.

From its beginnings as a seminary for Hong Kong and East Asia, ALS has grown into a truly regional seminary with hubs in both Hong Kong and Chiang Mai, Thailand. ALS now supports theological education efforts in more than 18 countries and reaches students across four continents.

Here are just a few ways your support is impacting gospel work through ALS:

  • Training more national leaders: Many ALS graduates now serve as instructors, professors, and church leaders. Two full-time faculty members—Dr. Angus Cheung and Prof. William Zhu—are national pastors who model ALS’ belief that local Asian leaders will serve as the best teachers.
  • Expanding programs for more students: ALS’ program structure allows students to earn certificates, diplomas, and degrees that fit their gospel ministry goals and life stage. Programs like the TELL certificate integrate flexible online learning and are offered in both English and Mandarin.
  • Reaching the Chinese-speaking diaspora: Over the past several years, many Christians have emigrated from Hong Kong. ALS has followed them with gospel training, now serving students in places like New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K.
  • Launching new regional efforts: ALS’ Regional Theological Education Program (RTEP) supports theological education programs across Asia-Oceania, helping build sustainable, confessional Lutheran training with partner churches.
  • Building a new generation of leaders: ALS’ online presence, global faculty, and strategic partnerships mean that more people—lay leaders, pastors, and teachers—can grow in the Word and share Christ in their communities.

From the first worship service in 2005 to the 20th anniversary celebration on June 1, ALS has remained committed to one mission: preparing Christians to serve as leaders of confessional Lutheran groups across Asia-Oceania. The celebration in Hong Kong not only marked two decades of blessings but was also a launchpad for what comes next..

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. The story of ALS is God’s story—and you’re part of it. Now is still the time.

 

P.S. Want to explore more about the anniversary?
Watch the special 20th anniversary video and view photos from the anniversary celebration. You can also watch a recording of the 20th anniversary worship service, flip through the commemorative anniversary booklet, and join us in giving thanks for all that God has done through ALS.

Learn more about mission work throughout Asia-Oceania at wels.net/asiaoceania.

Together Video – June 17, 2025

Asia Lutheran Seminary is celebrating 20 years of training and equipping Christians across Asia. The need for faithful theological education remains strong—and now is still the time to carry that mission forward.

Read more about Asia Lutheran Seminary in this edition of Together.

 

 

 

 

James Brandt installed as team leader for the Asia-Oceania Team

The Asia-Oceania Team of WELS World Missions is made up of 17 missionaries serving 18 different countries throughout Asia and Oceania. The missionaries live throughout the region in Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Australia and work collaboratively with one another, national partners, and WELS-affiliated organizations. Their primary role is to find, train, and support a network of leaders who will, in turn, reach out with the gospel in their own countries.Ā 

The Asia-Oceania Team, acting on behalf of WELS Board for World Missions, recently called Mr. James Brandt to serve as team leader. He has been led by the Lord to accept that call and has been installed and commissioned for his work.Ā 

Brandt will lead and manage team strategy and hold the team accountable for carrying out its plans. He will facilitate good communication and teamwork, coordinate missionary development, and make field visits as necessary. Ultimately, he reports to the Asia-Oceania Team Administrative Committee and to the Board for World Missions.Ā 

Brandt and his wife, Kathy, will reside in Chiang Mai, Thailand.Ā 

Following his graduation from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1985, Brandt served as a teacher in Fond du Lac, Wis.; principal of schools in California and Illinois; administrator for WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools; vice president at Wisconsin Lutheran College; and academic dean at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. He also served World Missions as a member of the administrative committee for India missions.Ā 

Please join with us in praying for God’s blessings on Brandt’s work in this part of the world where God continues to provide us with incredible mission opportunities.Ā 

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark SchroederĀ 

 

 

Asia Lutheran Seminary celebrates 20 years of gospel ministry

On June 1, 2025, Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special worship service and banquet in Hong Kong. The milestone served not only as a look back on two decades of God’s grace but also as a testament to ALS’ transformation into a regional seminary serving students across Asia and beyond.Ā 

ALS officially opened its doors on May 29, 2005, in a service led by Dr. John Lawrenz, its first president. The seminary was created to train Chinese-speaking pastors and evangelists in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and East Asia. Since then, God has used ALS to equip church leaders from a growing list of countries and cultures. Today, the seminary reaches students on four continents and operates out of both Hong Kong and Chiang Mai, Thailand.Ā 

ā€œAsia Lutheran Seminary stands as a beacon of theological excellence, rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word,ā€ says Rev. Larry Schlomer, WELS World Missions administrator. ā€œWe give thanks for the countless leaders ALS has trained to share the saving message of Jesus Christ. Their work has shaped the church in Asia and inspired our broader mission efforts.ā€Ā 

ALS’ expansion reflects both strategic planning and a Spirit-led response to change. In 2023, WELS World Missions formed what is now known as the Asia-Oceania Team, bringing all Asia-based missionaries together under one vision: ā€œGrace to all in Asia.ā€ ALS was tasked with serving as the regional seminary for this effort, supporting training programs throughout Asia.Ā 

The newly formed Regional Theological Education Program, led by ALS professor Dr. Guy Marquardt, now partners with sister churches throughout Asia. In partnership with the Pastoral Studies Institute, this program provides support through curriculum development, visiting instructors, and consultation—helping local theological education efforts become sustainable and confessional.Ā 

ā€œIt’s been incredible to see how the Lord has used ALS to build leaders not only for Hong Kong and Taiwan but now also for Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Nepal, and beyond,ā€ notes Dr. Jonathan Bare, ALS president. ā€œOur students now include English and Mandarin speakers, both lay leaders and future pastors.ā€Ā 

One indicator of ALS’ impact is the growing number of national pastors now serving as faculty. ā€œThe best teachers will be local leaders who are fully equipped to serve as confessional Lutheran instructors,ā€ says Bare. That vision is becoming a reality. Many adjunct instructors are now ALS graduates, and recent full-time additions include national leaders Dr. Angus Cheung and Rev. William Zhu.Ā 

ALS’ programs are also evolving. While biblical language courses and advanced degrees like the Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity remain central, certificate- and diploma-level programs make theological training accessible to more students, empowering students at all levels to make immediate use of their training in their churches, homes, and the groups they gather. The seminary’s online presence has opened doors to a growing Chinese-speaking diaspora, especially in places like New Zealand, Australia, and England.Ā Ā 

Additionally, an English-language program has been launched, integrating TELL (Think, Evaluate, Learn, Lead), a curriculum from WELS Multi-Language Productions, into certificate-level training. These efforts allow ALS to serve students across Asia regardless of location or language.Ā 

Reflecting on the seminary’s history, Missionary Emeritus Rob Siirila, who helped establish ALS, remarks, ā€œGod’s providence was evident at every step. My greatest blessing has been witnessing his hand at work throughout the process.ā€Ā 

As ALS looks ahead, the message that launched its ministry remains just as relevant. ā€œNow is still the time,ā€ says Schlomer, echoing the words from ALS’ founding passage in 2 Corinthians 6:2. ā€œMay God continue to bless this seminary as it trains the next generation of gospel proclaimers.ā€Ā Ā 

Read more from Dr. Jonathan Bare, Asia Lutheran Seminary president, in this article from the June 2024 edition of Forward in Christ magazine: forwardinchrist.net/now-is-still-the-time.Ā Ā 

Watch a video about the 20th anniversary of ALS.

 

Medicine opening doors for ministry

When we arrived in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, we went straight from the airport to the hospital. No, we weren’t in need of a doctor. But we were there to see one—a doctor who’s also planting a new church in that city.

Eduardo Milanesi is a maxillofacial surgeon who started studying with Academia Cristo five years ago. As he advanced through his studies, by God’s grace he was able to gather a group to study God’s Word with him in his home city of Cochabamba. The group grew and is now a church that belongs to WELS’ sister synod in Latin America, Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional. Eduardo leads them every Sunday in worship.

But last year, God opened a door for Eduardo to start another medical practice in Santa Cruz, Bolivia’s largest city. Eduardo saw that as an open door for the gospel too. Medicine and ministry go hand in hand for him; each patient is an evangelism prospect. As he treats them, he can’t help but share the gospel with them.

And the gospel is bearing fruit in Santa Cruz. When we got to the hospital, Eduardo introduced us to Luis. Luis was in recovery. The day before, Eduardo and his wife, Ingrid—also a surgeon—had removed a tumor from Luis’ face. The surgery saved his life. But the more important work happened in the weeks leading up to it. Eduardo had been sharing God’s Word with both Luis and his family—and the Holy Spirit had worked saving faith in their hearts.

They aren’t the only ones. After changing out of their scrubs, Eduardo and Ingrid took us to meet the rest of the group God is gathering in Santa Cruz. More than 30 souls came together for worship. Eduardo led the service. Two leaders of Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional who were traveling with me—Pastors Henry Herrera and Julio Ascarrunz—shared the Word with them. Many in attendance were Eduardo’s former patients and their families. Others were friends and colleagues. All were eager to hear the good news of forgiveness in Christ.

Eduardo travels weekly between his practices in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. But he can’t be in both places at once. So, he’s encouraging men in both groups to take the same path he did and study in Academia Cristo, where they’ll receive training to help lead worship and Bible studies when he can’t.

In the meantime, he’ll continue in both of his callings—saving lives as a surgeon and sharing the soul-saving gospel.

Written by Abe Degner, missionary on the One Latin America Team





Seeking and strengthening synods in Uganda

What do you get when you add together three Ugandan synods, two missionaries from the One Africa Team, and one representative from our WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR)? A spiritually uplifting and productive cross-country journey!

At the beginning of April, Missionaries Foxen and Mohlke traveled to Uganda, rented a car, and struck out on unfamiliar roads to meet with representatives of two church bodies, or synods, who were seeking a relationship with WELS.

A synod in western Uganda

The first of these was the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU), headquartered in Ibanda in the hilly regions of western Uganda. The area was extremely pastoral, with beautifully green pasturelands and lots of cows. The leaders of the CLSU proved to be equally pastoral—very attentive to the spiritual needs of their people and eager to meet those needs to the best of their ability.

We visited a number of the local congregations and also got to see the site of their functioning seminary—a simple two rooms that housed a small library and a number of crowded bunks for students. A nearby church hall serves as their classroom.

The CLSU serves about 3,000 members with the gospel. Their seminary program has 7 students who will be graduating this December, with another 12 students ready to join the next intake.

A synod in central Uganda

After our time in Ibanda, we set out on the road again and headed east for eight hours to arrive in Jinja in central Uganda, on the north banks of Lake Victoria, one of the sources for the Nile River. Here, we met with representatives from another synod, the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Uganda (ECACU). Though smaller than the CLSU (it serves about 950 members), we found them to be no less eager to share the truth of God’s Word with others in their communities.

A large focus of their strategy for reaching out is schools, which they organize in communities that lack them. They then organize congregations out of the people making use of the schools. Their largest school serves about 300 children.

Our visits with the leaders of both ECACU and CLSU were very encouraging when it came to discussing our respective beliefs about Scripture and their focus on gospel ministry. We are looking forward to continuing discussions to see if fellowship with these synods will be possible.

The Obadiah Lutheran Synod

After our time was done with ECACU, we drove back to the airport, where I dropped off Missionary Mohlke and picked up MLC Professor Nicholas Schmoller, who also serves on the WELS CICR. The two of us then drove farther east, past Jinja to Bugiri, where our brothers in the Obadiah Lutheran Synod (OLS) are located.

We were meeting with them to help them organize a written confession of faith, which would be used as they apply for membership in the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC), the worldwide fellowship of churches of which WELS is a part. We spent three days with Pastor Musa and other leaders of the OLS, studying Scripture and putting on paper articles of faith especially important to them for their churches, communities, and context. The Lord blessed our work and allowed us to accomplish everything in the time we had available.

So, after 16 days on the road and about 1,300 kilometers driven, what did we have to show for it? New friendships established, old friendships reaffirmed, and more opportunities to marvel at the grace of our Lord Jesus, who makes us his coworkers in the ministry of his gospel! May he continue to bless our work with these three Ugandan synods!

Written by Ben Foxen, missionary on the One Africa Team





Two Pastoral Studies Institute students graduate

Mark Jiang and David Shang have graduated from the Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) and will be continuing their current Chinese outreach in North America.

Mark Jiang serves Apostles in San Jose, Calif., as outreach pastor to the Chinese community. A growing Chinese fellowship and Bible study already meets every Sunday afternoon. In addition, Mark will continue teaching international high school students at Apostles Lutheran High School, offering classes like Bible Information Class and Intro to Christianity. David Shang will continue serving in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he is helping grow a local Chinese ministry supported by Hope Lutheran Church and another active PSI student. Additional details regarding his ministry are still in the works. Both of these efforts are currently supported by the Joint Mission Council.

The Pastoral Studies Institute provides pre-seminary and seminary training to students from a variety of countries and cultures. As WELS congregations reach out to immigrants with the gospel, the PSI team equips future spiritual leaders—often right where they live and serve. In many cases, this training leads to international gospel connections as well.

Please keep Mark and David in your prayers continue to share the gospel and serve their communities. We thank God for raising up leaders through the PSI to bring Christ’s love to the nations!

Still building on an age-old tradition

For more than 100 years, WELS congregations have been operating Christian elementary and secondary schools. Many WELS members grew up learning Bible history and the teachings of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism right along with reading, writing, and arithmetic as well as social studies and science. In the 21st century, more than 400 WELS congregations operate early childhood educational centers to foster our children’s relationship with their Savior.

While understanding the world around us is important, the understanding of eternal life supersedes it all. We understand that life-learning starts early, and the earlier the better. The age of 2 or 3 is not too soon to introduce our children to the teaching of salvation.

The One Africa Team is working with a group of Christians in Buchanan, Liberia, that understands the importance of educating children in the truths of Scripture. Lamb of God Lutheran Church is hoping to start with ABC Kindergarten. Their hope is that the kindergarten will quickly grow into a primary school and even a secondary school within just a few years. Pastor Toye Barnard, Lamb of God’s leader, expresses confidence that the program will grow fast.

Pastor Barnard

Lamb of God Lutheran Church broke away from another group the One Africa Team had studied with for several years. That group had decided to hold to the Pentecostal teachings of its leaders, which included a refusal to baptize infants, among other misunderstandings. Pastor Barnard and his members endured many false accusations from that other group when Lamb of God agreed to hold to the truth of Scripture and to continue studying with the One Africa Team. A benevolent group of WELS Christians in California continues to support this budding ministry, which is focusing much attention on building a school as a foundation for their congregation.

Currently, 44 adults and 22 children worship at Lamb of God. The congregation owns three quarters of an acre on which to build a small school near the edge of town. Pastor Barnard, together with several members who are also teachers, is confident they will be able to build a large school and even a church building. They will need more land and more funds to actualize the plan. They will also need the Lord of the Church to put his hand of blessing on this effort, so that his church may grow in Liberia. Your prayers and support are hugely appreciated!

Written by Rev. Dan Kroll, world missionary on the One Africa Team





Moments with Missionaries – Erik Landwehr

Missionary Erik Landwehr shares and update from Peridot Lutheran School on the San Carlos Reservation. Rev. Landwehr shares some goals the Native American mission team has for the mission field and the work being done to train Native American leaders through the Apache Christian Training School (ACTS) program. Hear more from Missionary Landwehr and save the date for this year’s Taste of Missions on June 14, 2025, at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis.

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

CAMM May 2025 Newsletter

Last December the clinic lost one of our members of staff, a nurse/midwife by the name of Mayase Banda. Mrs. Banda had worked at the clinic for 13 years. On Sundays, she would attend Martin Luther Church, which is on the grounds of the clinic. Pastor Titus Mbele conducted her funeral service. Is there anything one can talk about that happens without God being involved? I am not sure of anything, but one thing is that God exists everywhere and, at the end of the day, there is nothing that happens for no reason. She was one of the senior nurses, and we appreciate her work and time spent at the clinic.

Working as a member of the administrative staff at the Lutheran Mission Rural Health Centre, I am grateful for God’s grace. The facility has seen people come to the health center from as far as 15 kilometers to seek medical services, and we have heard people say, ā€œWe came this far because the medicines in this facility are prayed for and we trust that we shall find the help.ā€ Others still say because of the name of God they trust they will be healed.

Appreciating God is acknowledging that while we were lost in sin, God did everything according to his plan to save us from the powers of Satan and power of death and indeed purchased us with his blood. Jesus Christ suffered death for the whole world to be saved. It’s a gift worth appreciating. Maybe a question would be this: How do we show appreciation for what God has done in our lives? How do we as individuals, parents, children, families show this appreciation? When you are alone and look around at how far God has brought you, do you pause for a moment and appreciate him?

Appreciating God comes in many ways. I would rather raise a generation that will have fear for the Lord at all times. There are times when I see children who do not always live as God and their parents have taught them to live.

Finally, it would be a great thing if children would be encouraged to maintain the legacy of a Christian family, so that even when the parents are gone the faith will remain. As people, we discuss how well-mannered the children are, but sometimes I find it difficult to help families realize that they could do more to help their children to be faithful, truthful, honest.

I ask that you continue to pray for families and children and encourage them to grow strong in their faith.

Written by Alisad Banda, clinic administrator in Zambia





Moments with Missionaries – Mike Hartman

Missionary Mike Hartman shares and update from the mission in London! London’s international population brings together a diverse range of religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds. Rev. Mike Hartman shares how his ministry is reaching communities across England and beyond, and and save the date for this year’s Taste of Missions on June 14, 2025 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

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

From learners to leaders: the global impact of TELL

Welcome
“Hello, Arase. Hello, Ayorinde. Hi there, Effiong.”

“Welcome, Tawose! Glad you are here. Hi, Rwakilembe. Hello, Wangaya. Welcome.”

Learning to pronounce foreign names correctly is a small challenge—one of many faced in global ministry. But as I greet each student signing in for our third TELL Student Recognition Celebration, I’m reminded of something greater: the diverse, determined students who are stepping up to lead others to Christ.

Maybe I could have welcomed them with “good morning,” but for many, it was already evening where they live. Maybe I should have said, ā€œHowdy,ā€ ā€œHiya,ā€ ā€œYo,ā€ or ā€œSup.ā€

Maybe not.

It’s a small challenge to personally greet so many students. One hundred and fifty of them, to be exact!

But each student signing in represents a bigger challenge they’ve embraced—the challenge of learning to lead. That’s why we’re here today: to recognize students who have completed more than eight TELL courses and are stepping forward as Christian leaders in their communities.

What does it mean to learn to lead?
It means becoming part of a movement—one that equips believers to share the gospel and plant churches worldwide.

TELL, a program of Multi-Language Productions, follows the TELL method: Think, Evaluate, Learn, and Lead others to Christ. The curriculum includes 20 online courses designed to equip students to share the gospel and start churches in their communities. In short, TELL is a church multiplication program. More than 1,500 students have enrolled in TELL so far. Of those, 149 have gone beyond the basics, dedicating themselves to deeper learning and leadership. That’s a reason for celebration!

These students join TELL classes online from their homes and offices in places like Africa, the United Kingdom, parts of Asia, India, and Trinidad. But TELL’s reach extends even further—into countries where WELS missionaries cannot safely go, like Pakistan and Nigeria.

Stories of impact
Binyameen, a TELL student from Pakistan, shares: ā€œTELL has given me knowledge to share with others. We go to villages and teach women and children. TELL has made me brave.ā€

TELL prepares students to gather and lead groups through a curriculum that begins with 13 Discipleship courses followed by seven Multiplication courses. Students committed to the program are assigned a TELL counselor who, in turn, is committed to them—encouraging them to gather groups and share the saving message of the gospel with people in their communities.

Effiong from Nigeria says: “I really appreciate the invaluable work TELL is doing for Nigerian students of the TELL Bible teaching method in Nigeria. Your commitment to raising Christian leaders in Nigeria through this program is commendable. The TELL USA initiative is truly empowering individuals like me to spread the Word of God effectively.ā€

WELS does not have on-the-ground missionaries in Nigeria. That’s where TELL provides essential training and support through our online curriculum, preparing Nigerian men to learn and spread the gospel on their own. Watch a short video featuring some of our accomplished Nigerian students here.

TELL students from around the world are sharing God’s Word even in challenging places!

Kurapati, a TELL student from India, describes the social pressure as a Christian in his country: ā€œIt is not popular being a Christian in India. I profess my faith through witnessing, friendship evangelism, and through my deeds. We are carefully watched by Hindu extremists. But TELL changed my life in an effective way. It changed my understanding about Scriptures in a wonderful way. Thanks to all of you for giving me this opportunity.ā€

Overcoming challenges together
TELL does not come without its own challenges. Keeping up with the growing demand for teachers and instructors is tough—but what an incredible challenge to face! Every day, I feel blessed to be working with TELL students, sharing God’s Word, to help them overcome their own challenges.

Emmanuel from the United Kingdom shares: ā€œTELL has increased my confidence, helping me achieve milestones and overcome earlier challenges. I now have greater self-assurance in my abilities.ā€

Congratulations
“Congratulations, Percy! Great job, Pierre! So proud of you, Ransford!”

As I recognize each student one by one, I’m amazed at how God is working in ways I had never imagined. As these students go forward, carrying the torch of faith into their communities, we celebrate not just what they have achieved but the lives they will impact for Christ.

Written by Rev. Nate Seiltz, director of Multi-Language Productions





New chairman for SALEM

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

In the 1960s, WELS missionaries were sent to Hong Kong to assist local Chinese Christians. In 1977, a Lutheran church body named SALEM (South Asian Lutheran Evangelical Mission) was established.

In 1997, Rev. Titus Tse (pictured left) from Hong Kong was called and installed as the first chairman of SALEM. By God’s grace, under Rev. Tse’s leadership, the SALEM church body grew and matured into a stable, developing, and faithful community of believers.

After many years of faithful service, Rev. Tse has now entered a new chapter. Having ā€œretiredā€ from his pastoral ministry at the congregation in accordance with SALEM’s policies, he was immediately commissioned as a missionary to establish a Chinese Lutheran church under SALEM’s mission work in Auckland, New Zealand.

The mantle of leadership in Hong Kong has now been passed to another capable leader, for God always provides the right people at the right time. Rev. Alex Wong (pictured right) officially assumed the role of chairman of SALEM on January 1, 2025, with the installation ceremony taking place on March 2. He now steps into this new role with over a decade of pastoral experience and a shepherd’s heart.

When Rev. Tse assumed leadership in 1997, Hong Kong was undergoing historic transitions. Now, as Rev. Wong takes office, the city once again faces new challenges amid shifting times. Through these eras of change, God continues to expand his kingdom and raise up fitting leaders for each season. These pivotal moments create unique opportunities for his people, and we rejoice in his unfailing wisdom and grace.

Rev. Wong’s leadership is a gift to the church. By God’s power, SALEM is poised to embrace this new chapter, strengthen believers, and seek the lost. We praise God for all he has accomplished through his people in Hong Kong and pray that he grants Rev. Wong and all church leaders strength and wisdom equal to their calling.

Written by Missionary Tony Barthels, WELS’ liaison to SALEM

 





A partnership for the gospel

When I was a girl, I remember learning about church fellowship. It was always something negative. ā€œDon’t commune with them,ā€ or ā€œI can’t worship with her.ā€ Now, on the Europe Team, I am blessed to see the positive, warm, happy side of church fellowship. And I see it every day! The Europe Team partners with about a dozen sister churches—churches with whom we share fellowship. What does that actually mean? Does it mean that when I visit Berlin, or Tirana, or Stockholm, there is a worship service that I can gladly join? Yes, absolutely, and much, much more!

In Philippians 1:4,5, St. Paul gives thanks for believers with whom he shares a ā€œpartnership in the gospel.ā€ Fellowship means working together to proclaim Jesus’ good news. None of our churches is large, or has all the ideas, or has all the gifts. Fellowship means partnering to share experiences, ideas, resources, and gifts.

Meet Benni (Benjamin Hugk)—a seminary student at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary from the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church—Germany (ELFK), our sister church in Germany.

Let me give you a concrete example.

Meet Benni. Benjamin (Benni) Hugk is a seminary student from the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church—Germany (ELFK), our sister church in Germany. For a while, Benni was the only student in the ELFK seminary. Benni loves people, so studying alone was not so easy. Benni applied to study for a year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis. He wanted to meet and study with many brothers as well as have the opportunity to get to know WELS better.

Benni arrived in Mequon in August 2024, eager to make the most of his year in the United States.

Benni’s love for people goes hand-in-hand with his special gift for evangelism. He finds it easy to talk with people and naturally directs their conversation to Christ. Benni set the goal for himself to develop his evangelism skills even more at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Here are a few examples:

  • He’s taking as many evangelism courses as possible. For one course, he and a partner set up a donut stand at Marquette University in Milwaukee. The price of a donut? Asking Benni a spiritual question and discussing it.
  • During Winterim, he joined Prof. Allen Sorum on an evangelism trip to Houston for canvassing and a food drive. There he learned to ā€œbe comfortable with the uncomfortable.ā€
  • At Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary’s Mission and Ministry event in February, he listened to presentations about encouraging and motivating others in our congregations to do personal evangelism. He loved the mission mindset throughout the event: ā€œI want to keep that mindset and bring it home to Germany.ā€

Benni appreciates that Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary holds the students to high standards but also provides great support. ā€œThe professors are real people who care about the students and understand struggles. They provide support and encouragement so that no one falls through the cracks.ā€

When I spoke with Benni, he had just returned from a ten-day tour singing with the Seminary Chorus at churches in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The first concert of the tour at St. John’s on the Hillside in Milwaukee drew more than 1,100 listeners! Almost every night, the choir stayed with host families. ā€œI got to know very different families and how they live, their view on church and things in the world. It’s nice to have this point of view.ā€

So far Benni’s favorite experience has been spending Christmas vacation with a host family in Connecticut. ā€œStaying with a family 24/7 gives you a chance to get beyond the usual questions and have a chance to open up.ā€

Throughout the tour Benni saw that WELS is a ā€œlarge and strong synod across the ocean who recognizes and supports us. We share the same faith with them.ā€ Being part of a large fellowship is very encouraging, and it’s even more amazing when you are blessed to see this large fellowship with your own eyes!

But Benni isn’t the only one who has been blessed by the year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Prof. Sorum says, ā€œBenni has been a wonderful addition to our seminary family. He brings an important perspective to our classroom discussions. He brings a special charm to every interaction with his American cohorts. Benni’s visit has expanded our grasp and appreciation of an international Lutheran fellowship.ā€

ā€œIn all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.ā€ When you think of fellowship, remember Benni—the German seminary student with a heart for people—having conversations about Christ from Leipzig to Mequon to Connecticut to Houston to Denver.

Written by Jennifer Wolfgramm, wife of a world missionary on the Europe mission team





CAMM April 2025 Newsletter

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are in the season of Lent, where we reflect on the suffering and death of our Lord. Isaiah 53:4,5 says, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.ā€ This passage reminds us that the punishment and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ brought us everlasting life and forgiveness of our sins.

This month’s newsletter tells the story of Smith Patulani, an under-5 child who is a patient at our Msambo clinic. Smith was born in October 2023 at Daeyang Luke Hospital in Lilongwe. According to Smith’s mother, Modester Patulani, Smith was born through a normal spontaneous vertex delivery, and there were no complications during birth and throughout the postpartum period. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Patulani hails from Kabula village, Traditional/Authority Chimutu in Lilongwe District. The village is not far from our Msambo clinic.

In February 2025, Smith got sick. He was presenting with fever, vomiting, and general body weakness. Upon seeing this, his parents took him to a local hospital, the Chankhungu Health Center. Chankhungu Health Center is one of the government health centers close to Smith’s village. At Chankhungu, Smith was tested for malaria, and the result came out positive. He was given a first line malaria treatment (lumefantrine artemether), which he took for three days at home, and he got well.

One Monday morning in early March, Smith’s father discovered that Smith’s lower limbs were not functional. He informed the mother, and they were both shocked, knowing that the child was fine after completing his malaria treatment in February. They then visited the Lutheran Mobile Clinic at Msambo on 17th March 2025, where they met one of our clinical officers, Davie Khumula.

At the clinic, Davie asked the mother some questions, including the medical history of the child. The mother explained everything and of course the malaria that he had in February. Davie also asked if the child received the polio vaccine, and the mother said the child completed all the vaccines, including the polio vaccine. The child was then examined for any possible signs of malaria, and there were none. Davie then examined the child’s legs for muscle strength, reflexes, and muscle tone.

He found that the muscle strength and reflexes were absent, and there was decreased muscle tone. Davie then explained more about the child’s condition to the parents, his plan of referring him to a hospital, and its importance. Smith was then referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for further investigation for the possible cause of the paralysis, management, and initiation of physiotherapy treatment. We look forward to hearing more from Smith’s parents and how he is coping with physiotherapy treatment.

Lastly, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the people who think about us. Your prayers keep us going. Your various donations have been of great impact to us, and that is why we keep running. May the good Lord continue blessing you and all that you do. As we journey through this season of Lent, may we embrace reflection and renewal, fostering a spirit of compassion and gratitude in our hearts.

Written by Violet Chikwatu, nurse in charge





CAMM March 2025 Newsletter

HYPERTENSION AT LUTHERAN MISSION RURAL HEALTH CENTER (MWEMBEZHI)
The hypertension program started when the clinic saw the need. Patients were traveling to hospitals in Lusaka (the capital of Zambia) for drugs refills. This is about 50 miles from the Mwembezhi area. Due to lack of funds, most of the patients were unable to travel to Lusaka. In 2004, we had seven patients who suffered strokes in our catchment area; of those, three of them died the same month because of hypertension. Seeing the need, we began the program for those who were not able to go to Lusaka for treatment and medications.

The program began with only ten patients. The number has kept on increasing so much that now we have 561 hypertensive patients. To make sure we attend to patients in line with the Ministry of Health policy, members of staff sat and started a special blood pressure clinic one Saturday per month. Since Saturday is not a working day, it helped members of staff to decongest patients on treatment days. On Blood Pressure day, all members of staff report for work at 8:00 a.m. Blood pressure check-ups are done. We have essential hypertension (the diastolic blood pressure between 90 to 99mmHg) and crisis hypertension (the diastolic blood pressure above 100mmHg). All patients with essential hypertension are given their monthly drugs refill. Patients with crisis hypertension are admitted for observations. They can only be discharged when their blood pressure stabilizes. If it fails to stabilize, we refer to the hospital for investigations and further management.

However, hypertension has no signs and is not painful. As a result, it is very difficult to convince patients to take drugs for life. Some older people still believe in witchcraft. In 2019, we lost one Village Headman who came to clinic because of an abscess. He was also found to have hypertension. He was given drugs for the abscess and hypertension, but when the abscess healed, he refused to take the hypertension drugs. He said he cannot continue taking drugs. After four months, he was brought to the clinic with a stroke. We referred him to the hospital, but the hospital could not help. After his death and burial, Mr. Kalekwa called for a meeting with the Village headmen to explain his death. Headmen who believed in witchcraft saw the need for taking hypertensive drugs. The senior headman told other headmen to stop believing in old beliefs. He said they should always work hand in hand with health personnel to avoid disease complications. All the headmen promised to educate their citizens.

Drugs for hypertension are purchased by our clinic administrator, Mr. Banda, through the help we get from CAMM. The clinic staff work hard to provide good quality health services to all hypertensive patients. We start every morning with devotion and a prayer, followed by health education. All hypertensive patients are happy with and appreciate the services we provide.

May the almighty God bless you all in helping the poor in Zambia.

Written by Jackson Kalekwa, clinical officer in charge





Continuing education workshop in Thailand

In late February this year, 14 church leaders from 9 church bodies throughout 8 Asian countries met in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for three days of intensive Bible study in one common language.

The workshop was a collaborative effort between Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) and the Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. The goal was to encourage church leaders from partner churches served by WELS in Asia to commit to a plan of continuing education by whetting their appetite for more. To that end, PSI Director Prof. Harland (Skip) Goetzinger taught a ten-hour mini-course on Christology, demoing the use of ā€œDialogue Education,ā€ an educational approach that emphasizes student participation.

While a primary focus of their time together was the review of the doctrine of the two natures of Christ, the participants—almost all of them pastors and/or theological educators themselves—also engaged in topical discussions, Bible studies, uplifting conversations, and devotions led by these same Asian church leaders. Representatives from both ALS and PSI also presented information on formal continuing education programs.

The workshop schedule was full but still left room for outings to see some local sights like elephants, temples, and markets—and even an evening round of mini golf (which almost none of the men had ever played before). These casual outings (and the inevitable laughter while learning to putt in the dark) provided additional opportunities to cultivate cross-cultural relationships among the participants from a wide range of cultures and experiences.

One participant commented afterward, ā€œThe study portion was very valuable in that it not only refreshed and reinforced what I have already learned during my seminary study but added new insights and info. The time spent with the brothers was even greater; it gave me a lot of encouragement and inspiration.ā€

Organizing the workshop and the various visas, flights, and food preferences was challenging, but ALS staff worked hard to make it happen. As the director of ALS’ Regional Theological Education Program, I explained that the hope for that week was not only to cultivate a greater thirst for professional and spiritual growth in the Word but also to further enhance the bonds of fellowship between these confessional Lutheran leaders who have had limited face-to-face time together. We knew we were trying to do a lot, but by God’s grace, we feel like we knocked it out of the park in every area. Good connections were made between the participants, we have at least half a dozen signed up for a new master’s program, and all expressed an eagerness to gather like this again.

This workshop served as an initial trial run for the new English master’s degree programs (M.Div., M.A.R.) offered by Asia Lutheran Seminary. Since its founding in 2005, ALS has developed a strong theological education program aimed at preparing Christian leaders in East Asia. Now, however, the seminary is expanding to serve students from countries across the continent with courses taught in English, a common second language for many. God willing, this program and all the training provided through ALS will strengthen the church across East Asia and its leaders for generations to come.

Written by Guy Marquardt, world missionary on the Asia-Oceania Team.





Blessed be the tongue that ties

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave each of Jesus’ disciples the ability to speak in a foreign tongue instantly. God tied three thousand people to himself in one day through the message they proclaimed in their listeners’ mother tongues. Would the results have been similar if the disciples had preached in Greek or Latin? On Pentecost, God did more than perform a miracle. He displayed his love for people of every tongue and tribe.

Speaking to someone in their heart language does more than convey information. If you speak three sentences to someone in his native tongue, you will instantly establish trustworthiness. You show that you are committed to your listener’s culture and language. Your tongue ties you to his community.

Time to teach the tongue
More than three thousand languages are spoken in Africa. People speak some of them within their ethnic group. Other languages like English, French, Arabic, and Swahili cross tribal boundaries. Most people speak at least two or three languages. There are some similarities between languages of the same family (like Bantu, Nilotic, or Khoisan), but it still takes time to learn any language.

God has given me an aptitude for picking up foreign tongues. My experience speaking Chichewa for seven years in Malawi has helped me speak Swahili at a basic level. Swahili is spoken primarily in Tanzania and Kenya and in some parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

Before my last trip to Kenya and Tanzania, I found a Swahili-speaking Malawian who teaches at a local language school. My wife and I met with him in January. We have both studied some Swahili independently but made significant progress with our teacher’s instruction. And this helped us immensely the next month when we traveled to Kenya.

Home advantage
WELS Central Africa Medical Mission sponsored a rural health clinic near the town of Sagana in central Kenya. My wife’s job was to weigh patients and calculate their body mass index. I sat with the local pastors who shared Jesus with visitors in both Swahili and Kikuyu, a Bantu language spoken by people in central Kenya.

I am thankful for my brothers in Christ who shared the gospel in their native tongue. At one point I was left alone, and I struggled to communicate with our camp visitors. Local Kenyans will always be able to connect with their fellow Africans more easily than I can. I am glad that God gave them the desire to share Jesus’ love with others.

The week after the medical camp, my wife and I traveled to western Kenya. We offered a preaching workshop near the town of Kisii. The participants were laymen who lead worship services and laywomen who are leaders of small group Bible studies. Few of them had received formal ministry training in an academic setting. These people serve congregations of the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ-Kenya (LCMC-Kenya). Due to a shortage of ordained pastors, the church relies on laymen to lead worship services in many of its congregations.

My class led members through the process of preparing a sermon from beginning to end. I presented my material in English, and they worked through various learning tasks in their local tongues. My prayer for these men and women is that they proclaim Christ’s love to their fellow Kenyans no matter what tongue they are speaking.

Tongue twisters
At the end of our two weeks in Kenya, my wife flew back to Malawi. I continued to Tanzania to meet with pastors from theĀ Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC). WELS and AMEC intend to tie themselves together in fellowship at this summer’s WELS synod convention. Along with my fellow Missionary Ben Foxen, we presented topics of special interest to AMEC pastors. As English is not used as widely in Tanzania as it is in Kenya, Ben and I did our best to teach our lessons in Swahili.

Ben held up his end of the communication well, partially as a result of the two months he spent studying Swahili in northern Tanzania. For my part, I communicated at a kindergarten level. It wasn’t pretty, but you do whatever you can and leave the rest to God.

On Sunday morning, our hosts asked both Ben and me to preach in their churches. It is an expression of the ties that bind our two church bodies together. We eagerly embraced the opportunity, even though I relied on Google to translate my sermon from English into Swahili. I know enough Swahili to recognize and change the mechanically-translated parts. I twisted my tongue around familiar and unfamiliar words as I read the sermon to my listeners. An occasionally-shouted ā€œAmen!ā€ indicated when they got my point.

Now back in Malawi, I have a plan to meet with my Swahili teacher. I hope to visit our friends in Kenya and Tanzania in the upcoming months. I want to move from being tongue-tied to having a tongue that ties others to Christ.

Written by John Roebke, missionary on the One Africa Team





New WELS mission work in Australia brings the gospel to growing communities

WELS has launched a new world mission effort in Australia. With a large focus on the country’s growing immigrant communities, two WELS missionaries and their families relocated to Brisbane, Queensland, in the summer of 2024 to plant the seeds of the gospel in a region that has been described as largely post-Christian.Ā 

ā€œPeople in Australia have asked us for help,ā€ says Rev. Larry Schlomer, WELS World Missions administrator. ā€œWELS members who moved there, brothers and sisters from Hong Kong, and longtime partners in Brisbane reached out. It is a joy to meet these needs with WELS missionaries.ā€Ā 

Missionaries Rev. Dr. Matthew Doebler and Rev. Peter Janke, both members of the Asia-Oceania Team, are leading this effort. While they continue to work with contacts throughout Asia, their physical presence in Australia allows them to establish a firm foundation for ministry within local communities. They are collaborating with two existing churches in Australia: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Brisbane and Fountain of Life in Maryborough. These congregations, members of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, provide vital connections and a foundation for expanding ministry efforts. This partnership strengthens the mission by providing existing worship spaces, local insights, and a community of believers eager to spread the gospel.Ā 

Australia is highly diverse. ā€œNearly 30 percent of people here were born overseas,ā€ Doebler explains. ā€œLast year, over 500,000 new immigrants arrived. Many are searching for community and deeper meaning.ā€ The missionaries are focusing on relationship-building as the first step in sharing the gospel. Their families have immersed themselves in the local culture, engaging in neighborhood activities, visiting community centers, and forming friendships through English-language programs. Simple interactions, like two little boys playing together, lead to ongoing relationships and opportunities to share the gospel. These small connections are how ministry begins.Ā 

In addition to local work in the greater Brisbane area, WELS’ approach to ministry will model early Christianity—small gatherings of believers meeting in homes to study God’s Word and share in fellowship. The missionaries’ goal is to train and mentor local leaders to establish and lead house churches. This grassroots approach is already bearing fruit. In Melbourne, a new group has formed, including believers from diverse backgrounds.Ā Ā 

Though still in its early stages, the mission in Australia is making an impact. Through everyday interactions and steadfast commitment, the gospel is taking root, one soul at a time. ā€œWherever the gospel is deployed, the Lord is at work,ā€ Schlomer notes. ā€œWe trust his Word will bear fruit.ā€Ā 

Look for this month’s WELS Connection at your local congregation to learn more about mission work in Australia.

Christine Doebler, wife of Missionary Doebler, shares the importance of family ties when serving in a mission field in this month’s edition of Forward in Christ magazine.

 

Moments with Missionaries – Lucas Bitter

Rev. Lucas Bitter, home missionary at Intown Lutheran Church in Atlanta, Ga., shares an update from the South Atlantic region. Through the support of WELS Home Missions and by God’s grace, they found and purchased land near their current rental property to begin building a brand new church. Later this year, they hope to break ground and begin building a worship space where they can continue to share the gospel with those in their community. Hear more from Rev. Lucas Bitter about the work being done in Atlanta, Ga., and save the date for this year’s Taste of Missions on June 14, 2025 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

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

The gospel takes root in Nicaragua

If you had to point out Nicaragua on a map, could you do it? For many people, this small Central American country isn’t well known. Its neighbors often get more attention. Its capital, Managua, doesn’t make headlines like other cities in Latin America. Nicaragua isn’t often in the global spotlight. But our Lord of the harvest hasn’t forgotten about this little nation. Instead, he’s putting it on the map in a way that truly matters.

In 2024, we saw a significant jump in the number of students from Nicaragua who began studying with Academia Cristo, a church planting training program facilitated by the WELS One Latin America Team. Eleven new students completed their first course last year. Multiple students are interested in recognizing doctrinal agreement with the teachings of the Lutheran church. I’m currently teaching a live course on the Great Commission, and several Nicaraguans are participating.

However, the gospel is not only being learned in Nicaragua—it’s also being shared. I recently had the opportunity to visit and see this firsthand. I watched an advanced student, who is called to serve as a church planter, preach a sermon to his group. His law and gospel message was shaped by a text study he had participated in earlier that week with an Academia Cristo professor. I also saw him lead the liturgy—assuring people that their sins were forgiven, leading them in the confession of our Christian faith, and pronouncing the closing blessing upon them. I stood in the home of a student as she showed me the space where she gathers children from her neighborhood each week to teach them about Jesus. She proudly shared how she painted the space so it would have a more welcoming environment, and she had printouts of Bible verses on the walls. I listened to another student talk about her desire to plant a group with her husband so their friends and family would have a place to hear the truths of God’s Word.

What puts Nicaragua on the map? It’s called the “land of lakes and volcanoes.” It has coasts on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It’s famous for its coffee, rum, and cigars. Yet despite these things, it often goes unnoticed. But not by our Lord. Perhaps Nicaragua will be best known as a place where the gospel is taking root—where more and more people are being connected to Christ. And that’s something truly worth putting on the map.

Written by Matt Behmer, world missionary on the One Latin America Team.





Photo gallery – One Latin America Team

Academia Cristo, the primary ministry of the One Latin America Team, seeks to make disciples in Latin America by sharing the message of God’s grace with as many people as possible, identifying and training potential church planters, and encouraging those church planters to make disciples who plant even more churches. Read more in the One Latin America Team quarterly update.

There are 37 Academia Cristo students who have taken steps to plant a church (Grupos Sembrador) with support from an Academia Cristo mission counselor. Meet some of these church leaders, active students, and missionaries committed to spreading the gospel message throughout Latin America.

A Lutheran church body in Tanzania is recommended for fellowship with WELS

The WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR) has the responsibility of overseeing our synod’s relationships with other Lutheran church bodies in the United States and around the world. The vast majority of the commission’s time is spent strengthening the bonds of fellowship with our sister church bodies. But the commission also monitors what is going on in other Lutheran church bodies with which we are not in fellowship.

The CICR also communicates with Lutheran church bodies that are seeking fellowship with WELS. In recent years, discussions with such churches have led our synod to declare fellowship with Lutheran churches in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

This beautiful trend continues as the worldwide fellowship expands. After several years of detailed doctrinal discussions between WELS representatives and the Africa Mission Evangelism Church of Tanzania, the CICR is recommending that our synod publicly and officially declare fellowship with the Africa Mission Evangelism Church at this summer’s synod convention. Such celebrations of newly established fellowship are always one of the highlights of a synod convention.

The Africa Mission Evangelism Church is a growing Lutheran church body that separated from its previous affiliation because of doctrinal reasons. It consists of 12,000 members in 78 congregations and is served by approximately 65 pastors. The head of the Africa Mission Evangelism Church is Bishop Baltazar Kaaya. Bishop Kaaya will be attending our convention this summer to tell us more about our new partner in Africa.

We thank God that he continues to build his church.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

God’s plan flourishes in Vietnam

It has been 14 years since Hmong church leaders in Vietnam invited WELS to train their pastors in the truth of the gospel. It has been seven years since the communist government in Vietnam invited WELS to build a theological education center in the capital city of Hanoi. From the very beginning, we knew that the Lord had opened a door to reach the more than two million Hmong people who live in Vietnam and the surrounding countries. We also knew that this door could close at any time. Our WELS World Missions team worked quickly to ensure WELS took full advantage of the time the Lord had provided. And God’s work moved forward in ways we could have never predicted.

With the generosity of faithful donors, we built a sturdy building—complete with classrooms, sleeping quarters, and a kitchen—meant to house 60 students at a time and train pastors for Christ’s service. Almost two years ago at the dedication, it stood ready, a beacon of hope. But government regulations have kept us from using it for now. The paperwork continues, and the delay has a story of its own. A local church body that once supported us began demanding practices contrary to Scripture—insisting we stop baptizing babies and allow non-Lutheran teachers to train our pastors. In a Martin Luther-esque stand, our partner church broke away, choosing faithfulness over compromise. Since then, they’ve lost government recognition, which has slowed the process for gaining occupancy of the theological education center. Yet we trust that access could come any day, because God’s timing is not ours.

Some might see this as a delay, a plan stalled. But God has provided paths we never expected. Since we began, our sister church has grown to over 160,000 souls, hungry for the Word. Fifty-five pastors have been trained—not in that building but in rented spaces and internet classrooms where God gathered them to learn. Another 120 seminary-level students are studying now, their hearts set on preaching the gospel. Catechism classes, led by trained leaders, echo through every congregation in the rural training program that was developed by WELS missionaries and is now being supported by 12 fully trained Hmong pastors. This flock proudly calls themselves Lutheran, not because of a building but because of the truth they’ve learned through WELS training.

Take a pastoral student and his brother, for example. When they feared funding had faltered, they sold their family’s water buffalo—a sacrifice that cut deep in their rural life—so one could join the biblical training they feared might pass them by. Today, that student is a pastor, shepherding souls, his brother’s faith beside him. What earthly hurdles could stop God’s Spirit at work?

These twists and turns and extra red tape have given us more time—time to train, time to grow, and time to stand firm without interference. We thought we needed that building. God knew we needed him—and him alone. In his hands, this work triumphs, brimming with hope for tomorrow.

In Christ,
Rev. Larry Schlomer
Administrator, WELS World Missions

 

Together Video – March 18, 2025

Elise Gross, a missionary on the One Latin America Team, describes her ministry serving women in Latin America. Learn how God is using Gross and her students to spread his Word.