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In Jesus, we have something better than the perception of permanence. We have the promise of permanence.
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When mission work began in Conroe, Texas, many people expressed interest in visiting—but hesitated because the congregation didn’t yet have a permanent space. Worshiping in living rooms, community rooms, and even a funeral home chapel made it difficult for people to see the ministry as something lasting.
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But through God’s unexpected blessings, that changed. These blessings included donated land, support for construction, and the chance to build a church home far earlier than most mission congregations are able.
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What followed was more than the construction of a church building. It became an opportunity to connect people with something far greater than bricks and walls: the unshakable promises of Christ.
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Read how God used the “perception of permanence” to open doors for the gospel in Conroe, Texas.
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Six pastoral graduates from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary were assigned this morning to serve WELS home mission congregations, and one additional pastor was assigned to a world mission field:
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- Gerling, Stephen P. - World Missions exploratory, Senegal
- Bush, Aaron T. - Jarrell, Texas (new start)
- Neumann, Micah C. - Cedar Lake, Ind. (new start)
- Schroeder, Justin M. - Cypress, Texas (new start)
- Schulz, Jonah W. - Wilmington, N.C. (new start)
- Dimke, Alexander M. - Redeemer, Edna, Texas (enhancement)
- Nguyen, Minh (Ronny) T. - Mount Olive, St. Paul, Minn. (restart)
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Rev. Jacob Borgwardt received his first assignment to be a home missionary to Crossroads Church in Chicago, Ill., at last year's Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary call day.
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Almost exactly a year later, Borgwardt and his wife, Liz, will be joining us at Taste of Missions 2026, not as newly commissioned missionary, but as our home mission presenter. Hear firsthand how the first year of a mission restart in an urban environment can look very different from other home mission settings, along with the unique opportunities and challenges of sharing the gospel in downtown Chicago.
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In 2021, Rev. Mark Zondag received his first call to serve with the Asia-Oceania Team immediately following his graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He and his family relocated to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where they began their work alongside fellow missionaries. In 2024, the Zondag family moved to Bangkok to explore new outreach opportunities in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and fast-paced cities.
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At Taste of Missions, hear more during the World Moments with Missionaries presentation featuring Mark and Sarah Zondag. They will share how God has been working through their unique ministry in Bangkok to spread the gospel in Thailand and beyond.
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Missionary Nixon Vivar and Vicar Jonas Landwehr traveled to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to see firsthand the ministry of Academia Cristo at work through Silvia and Daniel’s Sembrador group, “Héroes de Fe.”
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Each Saturday, Silvia and Daniel gather with their Sembrador group at a community center to share God’s Word. Through these regular gatherings, many people—including children and young adults—have been led to learn more about God’s promises in baptism.
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On May 9, 2026, 42 children and young people were baptized as family, friends, and members of the community gathered together to celebrate. Landwehr had the special opportunity to perform his first baptisms, baptizing 13 children, while Vivar baptized 18 individuals and Daniel baptized 11.
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During the visit, the team also shared a message from Galatians 3:25—29 with the children and youth and witnessed the growing gospel outreach taking place each Saturday in Guayaquil through Academia Cristo.
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What a joyful and unforgettable day it was as God poured out his blessings through the sacrament of baptism. We praise God for these new brothers and sisters in Christ and pray for continued opportunities to share the gospel with their families and community. View additional photos in the Ecuador Flick album.
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Support Home Missions
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Thank you for supporting WELS Home Missions through your prayers, congregational offerings, and special offerings made to Home Missions. If you'd like to support mission work, visit wels.net/hmgift.
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Host a Mission Festival
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Request a mission speaker and let the WELS Missions team help find you a mission speaker for your event.
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Faces of Faith
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Read stories of the Holy Spirit at work in Faces of Faith, WELS Missions' annual magazine. Request free copies for your church or LWMS circuit rally at wels.net/facesoffaith.
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Contact us
We'd like to hear from you! Contact us for assistance or additional information regarding WELS Missions or simply visit wels.net/missions.
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