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What causes teens who have been raised in the Christian church to walk away? This question troubles churches everywhere. In WELS, about 60 percent of young people leave the church by the time they reach their mid-20s, with the majority leaving in the 17- to 23-year-old age range.
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Jill Gilchrist, a member at Illumine, Rock Hill, S.C., has unique insight into this issue.
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Missionary Justin Steinke shares an update from Manila, Philippines, highlighting the work of the Asia-Oceania Team. Listen as he shares how God is opening doors and creating opportunities to reach hearts and communities with the gospel. Learn more about the work of the Asia-Oceania Team at wels.net/asia-oceania/.
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Register today for Taste of Missions, a celebration of gospel outreach and the commissioning of new home and world missionaries. The event begins with a special worship service, where we’ll joyfully send these missionaries to share Christ’s love around the globe.
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Following the service, enjoy ethnic cuisine from mission fields, connect with fellow attendees, and hear firsthand accounts from missionaries about their work. Explore mission displays, participate in interactive activities, and ask questions during a panel discussion for deeper insights into the joys and challenges of mission work.
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The worship service is free and open to all. Registration is $15 per person for those who wish to receive food tickets. Children 13 and under attend for free. If you can’t attend in person, tune into the livestream and join us virtually!
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Students from WELS Campus Ministry at Peace in Houghton, Mich., recently traveled to Smyrna, Tenn., for a Mission Journeys trip focused on serving and sharing the gospel.
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They partnered with Abiding Faith to distribute 4,500 invitations across Rutherford County for an upcoming free Healthcare Sunday—planting seeds and creating opportunities to connect with others through Christ’s love. Alongside their outreach efforts, the students also spent time in worship, fellowship, and service, growing in their faith together. We thank God for their willingness to go and serve.
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For WELS Home Missions, it’s not a new idea—it’s who they are. Over the past decade, 63 new missions have been planted, reaching more people with the gospel. So when the synod launched the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, it didn’t change the mission—it renewed the urgency behind it.
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But the reality is clear: there are challenges.
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Rising costs. Limited resources. A growing need for pastors and workers.
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So the question comes: Do we press on—or pause and recalibrate?
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This initiative has already done something powerful. It has pushed us beyond comfort, strengthened partnerships, and inspired generous support across the synod. At the same time, it calls for careful stewardship—counting the cost, making difficult decisions, and trusting God while using resources wisely.
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Because ultimately, it’s about balance—trusting God’s promise to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20)… while faithfully stewarding what he has already given.
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So for now, we move forward in faith—praying, planning, and adjusting as needed.
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Maybe God will provide more than we imagined. Maybe he won’t.
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But we go forward trusting that he will bless our efforts in his way and in his time.
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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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