Puerto Rico

Though Hurricane María devastated much of Puerto Rico in September 2017, the members of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Puerto Rico (CELC), WELS’ sister church, continue to encourage one another and reach out with the gospel of salvation on the Island of Enchantment. 

Thanks to generous offerings, relief efforts, and volunteer service by many WELS members and personnel, one church building damaged in the hurricane and another completely destroyed have been rebuilt and restored. Three groups of believers are once again meeting regularly in Guayama, Humacao, and San Juan. Two pastors who had already been serving in some capacity have been ordained into the ministry.  

WELS provides counseling and teaching visits by WELS pastors and missionaries and mission trips. The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Puerto Rico participates in the biannual WELS Spanish-speaking Pastoral Conference and the international Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) and its Latin America regional meetings. 

Fast Facts

  • Baptized membership: 110
  • Congregations: 3
  • National pastors: 2
  • Academia Cristo mobile app finishers: 5
  • Academia Cristo active students: 2

Praying for Puerto Rico

Please pray for all of Puerto Rico, as many parts of the island are still recovering from Hurricane María and many residents have chosen to leave the island. Pray for the young leaders and future pastors of the church, and pray for the San Juan congregation, as it seeks direction regarding its church building and ministry.