Impact of TELL teaching
Where will my mission ļ¬eld be? As I sit in class in my last year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, sometimes my thoughts drift toward the end of the year. A place. Faces waiting. People who need to hear about Jesus. But for now, waiting.
Or at least thatās how I thought I would feel.
As my wife, Grace, and I made the move back to Mequon after my vicar year, I learned that the TELL Network was looking for teachers for their live courses. I decided to sign up, thinking it might be a good way to practice teaching while I wait for parish ministry.
I underestimated the impact teaching for TELL would have on me.
Logging on for my ļ¬rst lesson, I was greeted by 25 names, faces, and voices. Separated by half a world, here were a couple dozen people who wanted to gather, learn, and grow in the word of God. An instant mission ļ¬eld. Bingo. I was excited to teach these eager students from South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, and even Pakistan.
Once again, I underestimated the way this would impact me.
As we studied the stories of persecuted prophets and Godās faithfulness to the exiles, my faith was strengthened as I learned about Godās hand working through the lives of these ambassadors for Christ Jesus.
Like Isaac, a student who faced considerable danger. As we studied Daniel in the lionās den, he boldly shared, āEven if Daniel had died, God wins. That is comfort for me.ā Isaac and his classmates were committed to the study of the word in mission ļ¬elds ļ¬lled with danger. They live like modern Daniels, committing themselves to prayer and witnessing despite the obstacles.
Or Emmanuel, who would ļ¬nd a shady place under a tree to park his truck in the heat of the day. Taking a break from his commute to join live class. He is like that ātree planted by streams of waterā as he thirsts for the Word of God.
Or Joseph, who recently gave me a reminder about witnessing to any mission ļ¬eld. As the class discussed the fears and apprehensions we have when sharing the Word of God, I reļ¬ected on failed opportunities and fears that Iāve had. I couldnāt help but think ahead, knowing that those fears will be there in the future. Thatās when Joseph spoke up, sharing the verse he recalls whenever he has a witnessing opportunity: Luke 12:12, āThe Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.ā
I pray that this is my conļ¬dence and yours, too. That wherever the mission ļ¬eld might be, that God the Holy Spirit gives us the words to speak through his Holy Word.
Written by Seminarian Jacob Ungemach, senior at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.Ā
Subscribe to future Missions Blogs at wels.net/subscribe.
WELS Missions
Learn about the ministry work of WELS Missions.
SUPPORT MISSIONS
Support the ministry work of WELS Missions.