Tag Archive for: Faces of Faith

Faces of Faith ā€“ Olivia and Anne

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Anne and I met on Instagram while searching for roommates before our freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We immediately hit it off, and when I mentioned that I was Christian, Anne said that she had recently started studying the Bible and was looking for a church. I knew we were going to be great roommates and friends.

Anne, who comes from a non-religious household, began studying the Bible on her own in high school, while I grew up in a strong Lutheran family and attended Christian schools. We had very different perceptions and concerns regarding life as a Christian on a diverse campus. We started attending Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, and it immediately felt like home. We found a welcoming Christian community among both peers and staff, joined a Bible study, and grew in our faith together.

Our different backgrounds bring unique perspectives, helping us grow closer to Christ and encouraging each other to shine our Christian light on campus. We are grateful for the community, support, and time spent in Godā€™s Word at the Chapel.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Parker

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When Parker made the trek to Houghton, Mich., to attend Michigan Technological University, church was the last thing on his mind. His schedule was packed with demanding classes; exploring the Christian faith wasnā€™t on his radar. That changed when he moved in with his friend John. Johnā€™s unwavering faith and commitment to attending Wednesday dinners and Bible study at Peace intrigued Parker, who initially believed John was simply avoiding his cooking. Yet friendship and the persistent invitations ignited his curiosity.

Parker decided to check out Peace. To his amazement, he found himself nourished not only by the Bible studies but also by the vibrant campus ministry community that welcomed him wholeheartedly. As he delved deeper, he embraced a thirst for spiritual knowledge and signed up for Bible information classes and joined Peace along with his girlfriend and another student. The transformative moment arrived when he took the step of Baptism, marking a new beginning in his faith.

A simple invitation opened the door to a life-changing experience, where the Holy Spirit worked wonders and Parker found a profound connection with his Savior.

From Thomas Welch, campus ministry pastor at Peace in Houghton, Mich.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Marlene

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Mrs. Marlene Truax lets her light shine as the receptionist at East Fork Lutheran School in Whiteriver, Ariz.Ā  Sheā€™s been a friendly face to students, parents, and visitors since 2016. Sheā€™s been a Lutheran her whole life. She was baptized as a baby at Open Bible Lutheran Church, attended East Fork Lutheran School, and raised her family in the Lutheran church. Being a lifelong church member doesnā€™t mean life is easy. Like many fellow Apaches, Marlene has faced some tough times.Ā  She has learned that ā€œGod is always there, no matter what.ā€

Marleneā€™s humble and faithful service supports the teaching staff on the ā€œfront linesā€ in the classroom. She keeps everyone organized and offers a cheerful wave to students who pass by her office. Besides keeping busy with her receptionist duties, she also functions as the school medic! She comforts hurting kids with adhesive bandages and ice packs, and always with compassion.

Known affectionately by the students as ā€œMiss Marlene,ā€ she enjoys seeing the kids each day and watching them grow in size and in faith. ā€œWe have an excellent school because we teach Godā€™s Word,ā€ says Marlene. One of her favorite Bible verses is Matthew 5:16: ā€œLet your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.ā€ Marlene inspires me with her hard work and dedication and love for God and his Word. Iā€™m so thankful for her!

From Mindy Holtz, world missionary wife

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Pastor Davison

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ā€œI donā€™t know how I was found, but the Lord found me,ā€ Pastor Davison Mutentami of Zambia shared as he reflected on his ministry. He grew up in the church, and the Christian education he received prepared him to serve in ways and in places he couldnā€™t possibly have imagined.

As a young man, Pastor Davison took on responsibility for Sunday activities in his home congregation when the WELS missionary was traveling to other church locations. He was later recommended by his congregation to study for full-time ministry. He was assigned to serve three churches in northern Lusaka before being called back to the seminary to serve Bethel congregation and was elected to be the Lutheran Church of Central Africa-Zambia synod chairman. He went on to serve a congregation in the Copperbelt for several years before arriving at his current ministry in Chongwe.

Pastor Davison became involved with TELL Network in 2020. He has recorded devotional material and helped produce videos that are part of the curriculum. By Godā€™s grace, he will take on a new role in 2025 as a TELL counselor, encouraging and equipping TELL students to share what theyā€™ve learned with others. Through this work, we pray that many others who are lost will be found and brought into the family of God.

From Joel Hoff, TELL missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Viviana

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During the pandemic, churches in Argentina closed their doors, and I felt something was missing. I had always read the Bible, but I longed to truly understand Godā€™s message. With time on my hands, I searched for online Bible studies, carefully avoiding groups that didnā€™t align with Scripture.

Thatā€™s when I found Academia Cristo. The self-study course caught my attention with its biblical questions. It was a study that was rooted entirely in Godā€™s Word. I was so eager that I finished the course in just a day and a half. Then came an invitation to a live class. I signed up right away.

My first course, The Word Grows: Disciple, changed everything. I realized I was a disciple of Christ, called to grow in his truth. At first, I struggled with the idea of salvation by grace alone, as legalism is common in many churches here. But through my studies, I came to fully trust in Christā€™s merits, not my own works.

I never missed a class after that. I learned from incredible teachers, and by Godā€™s grace, I now teach others. Looking back, I see how God prepared me for this path. The best investment Iā€™ve made is not for worldly wealth but for my soulā€”peace, joy, and confidence in Christ alone.

From Viviana Vigna, Buenos Aires, Argentina (pictured second from right)

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Henry

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When Christ found me in November 2022, I knew almost nothing about the Christian faith. I downloaded a Bible app, and every time I opened it, I saw an ad for Academia Cristo. At first, I ignored it. The registration asked for my personal information, and I wasnā€™t ready to take that step.

Months later, curiosity got the best of me. I started filling out the form. At the last moment, I hesitated and backed out. After a few more days, I committed and began studying with Academia Cristo. Their program starts with self-paced Bible courses, where I could watch lessons and answer questions to check my understanding. At first, I skipped the videos and just tried to pass the quizzes. But near the end, I started watching the lessons and realized how much I had missed!

After completing the self-study courses, I was invited to live online classes, where I could interact with teachers and other students. Excited to learn more, I signed up for every class available. Today, I continue studying with Academia Cristo, and through its pastors and teachers, I have come to know Godā€™s truth.

From Henry Isidro Chonillo, Guayaquil, Ecuador (pictured left)

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Erik

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Erik Pozzato was born and raised in Roman Catholic Italy. ā€œAs a boy, I did what everyone did. I studied in confirmation class, got confirmed, and had a big party,ā€ he shares. ā€œThen I left the church.ā€

Erik married Michela, and they moved to Sweden. They were curious about the spiritual world and began dabbling in Masonry and the occult. Evil spirits started troubling Erikā€™s family in obvious ways. They were afraid. Thatā€™s when Michela said, ā€œWe need protection. We need help from God.ā€

They found a local pastor to bless their house, but that wasnā€™t the answer. Then Erik came across a Lutheran pastor online. ā€œThe pastor taught us that we are saved by grace alone, through faith in Scripture alone. It was what we were waiting for!ā€ Jesus came into the familyā€™s home and hearts, and the demons left. ā€œFaith alone cleared up everything for me. When we put on the whole armor of God, the devil canā€™t hurt us,ā€ Erik says.

Today Erik and his family are members of WELSā€™ sister church, LBK-Sweden. Erik landed his dream job, and heā€™s also studying for ministry. ā€œWhen I think about my life and what Jesus did for us, I cannot be silent! I have to share this with everyone.ā€

From Luke Wolfgramm, Europe missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Wynn

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Throughout her life, Wynn had sporadic encounters with Godā€™s Word. She attended Christian primary and secondary schools, where pastors would occasionally visit. Later, friends and co-workers would sometimes bring her along to church. Sometimes Wynn accepted these invitations, and sometimes she rejected them.

But God never gave upā€”he was unrelenting in his pursuit of Wynn, continuing to bring her in contact with his Word. DuringĀ COVID, Wynn began attending an English worship service in Hong Kong. Shortly afterward, she moved to the United Kingdom to study abroad. She found herself spending many hours alone in her apartment after the pandemic shut down in-person classes. With time on her hands, Wynn began to pray earnestly, asking God for opportunities to serve him. When she returned to Hong Kong, she joined a local congregation of WELSā€™s sister synod, South Asian Lutheran Evangelical Mission (SALEM). In 2022, Wynn was baptized and confirmed.

God heard, remembered, and answered Wynnā€™s prayer to serve him. Her congregation invited her to help with a summer Bible camp for kids. Soon after, Wynn was asked to be a Sunday school teacherā€”and now, she teaches the Bible to children on Saturdays as well!

From Tony Barthels, Asia-Oceania missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Ramdin

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Ramdin is from a tribe in a South Asian country. He had eye problems and could not see properly for many years. He went to an eye clinic, but the doctor said he could not help him. He started visiting many temples, asking religious people to bless his eyes. While traveling, he found a Christian who shared the good news of Jesus with him. Then the Christian prayed for him. His eyesight improved, and Ramdin became a believer in Jesus.

He devoted himself to Jesus. He used to walk over eight miles each Saturday to attend worship. When he became a Christian, there were no other believers in his village, so he began a church in his house. Now others have joined him in the kingdom of God. He is so happy to welcome believers into his house.

From a local leader in South Asia

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Anthony

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Anthony Kasonga, a Zambian national, works at the Mwembezhi Lutheran Mission Rural Health Centre in Zambia as a medical laboratory technologist. Mr. Kasonga manages the lab and assists Mr. Jackson Kalekwa, clinical officer in charge, in overseeing clinic staff. With a diploma in biomedical science, he was inspired to pursue his career due to his love for microbiology. The faith-based nature of the Centre appeals to him, and his favorite phrase is ā€œWe treat, and God heals.ā€

Mr. Kasongaā€™s favorite Bible verse is John 14:1, ā€œDo not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me,ā€ which comforts him in times of trouble. As chairman of Martin Luther Church, he is often thanked by patients he meets in various settings, motivating him to always give his best. He acknowledges the blessings from supporters and the importance of showing kindness and Godā€™s love to patients.

From Erin Pigeon, Central Africa Medical Mission public relations coordinator

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Pastor Joseph

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Four times a year, up to 30 pastors and future pastors from Obadiah Lutheran Synod in Uganda gather for two weeks of training and encouragement. We called our study of the gospel of John ā€œWe have a better story.ā€

And that we do. We have a better story than those lying about Jesus, those leading people away from God. We have a better story: Jesus is Godā€™s eternal Son. He died for all. He lives and reigns. Soon he will reappear. By believing in him we have life in his name.

Pastor Joseph was sharing his own story with us all in the tent during one of our trainings. He used to submit to Allah. He used to wear a tight-fitting capā€”sometimes called a kufiā€”to show his submission. Then he took the cap off and started trusting Jesus. It fascinated the brothers in the tent. What happened next? ā€œOh, I got threats,ā€ Pastor Joseph grinned. And yet, Pastor Joseph still follows Jesus, and he leads others to follow Jesus tooā€”with a smile. Nobody in the tent made everyone laugh more than he did.

May Pastor Josephā€™s Spirit-given smile make you glad too. Share your joy. We have a better story! The best story.

From Dan Witte, Africa missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Bishop Kaaya

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The leader of the Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC), Bishop Baltazar Zakayo Kaaya, is a gentle soul. Iā€™ve always been impressed by his respect for others, even if they donā€™t agree with him. He shows care and concern for the individual. This has made him a valuable leader in the years after a split with the much larger Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania, which they broke away from in the 1990s.

Bishop Kaaya has worked to make AMEC a distinctively Lutheran church body, founded on Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. He has led AMEC through the process of getting to know WELS and its representatives on the One Africa Team and has also worked with his leaders to create a written confession of faith document and constitution that are faithful to the biblical principles he holds dear.

When you hear the title bishop and see the clothing Bishop Kaaya wears for a church service, you may instinctively think ā€œRoman Catholic,ā€ but you would be wrong. Though the church has adopted some more formal practices in this regard, their teaching and practice remain true to Scripture. Itā€™s been a joy to work with AMEC and with Bishop Kaaya in particular. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless his efforts to lead the saints there for as long as he is able!

From Ben Foxen, Africa missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Uncle Manh Le

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On Dec. 22, 2024, we held our first worship service in Vietnamese at King of Kings. We also got to baptize Uncle Manh Le.

Uncle Manh came from a family with Buddhist roots and ancestral worship. He had never known God. I first met him through the citizenship class offered by the church. I had the opportunity to help him with his studies, talk to him, and pray with him every Wednesday. He had failed the test many times and had to reapply. He was sad and upset, but I comforted him and introduced him to Jesus Christ. I told him, ā€œPeople may forsake you, but Jesus Christ will never forsake you.ā€ One day I asked him if he believed in God. He replied, ā€œI do.ā€ What a blessing! A week later he called to tell me he passed the citizenship exam.

Four months later, after Uncle Manh finished his Bible information class, I baptized him. Another soul was recorded in the registry of heaven. Despite his familyā€™s opposition, Uncle Manh realized that becoming a citizen of the kingdom of heaven is even more important than being an American citizen.

From Trung Le, missionary at King of Kings Vietnamese Outreach in Garden Grove, Calif.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Chattanooga, Tenn.

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Our Oktoberfest event couldnā€™t have gone any better. In partnership with some local businesses next door, we were able to welcome more than 600 people onto our church campus. But easily the best thing that happened that day was meeting Eborah. Eborah had marked that she was interested in finding a church home and taking a Foundations class. In my initial follow-up with her, the first thing she mentioned was that she was still struggling, mentally and spiritually, after losing her mom earlier in the year. Her mom had been her spiritual mentor, and now she felt sheā€™d lost that connection with God when she lost her mom. After an initial counseling session with me, Eborah agreed to take our Foundations class, knowing her mom would have loved for her to keep studying the Bible. After the first lesson, Eborah asked if her daughter Natosha could join us. After a couple more lessons, she said her son, Amasa, would join us too. The next week her youngest daughter, Lexus, came to study along with her children KJ, Kaā€™myah, and Kenzo. You could just see Eborah beaming with joy as she sat at the table learning about Godā€™s Word every Saturday afternoon with her entire family. The best blessing of all was getting to see Natosha, Lexus, KJ, Kaā€™myah, and Kenzo get baptized in March 2025. Eborah was beaming with joy. Itā€™s amazing how God can turn the story of one hurting soul into a story of baptismal joy for an entire extended family!

From Eric Melso, home missionary at Living Hope in Chattanooga, Tenn.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Chantel

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Chantel (pictured left) was born into a Catholic family, baptized, and put in a Catholic school, but her family did not attend mass except at Christmas and Easter. As she got older, she found the answers the priests and teachers gave to her questions to be unsatisfying. Her teenage and young adult life led her down some dark paths, but all the while, she was being loved by her friend, Katie (pictured center), a lifelong member of our congregation. Katie would talk to her when things were bad and tried to encourage her. Katie invited Chantel to church, but at first it didnā€™t click for her. Katie was a genuine, committed friend and continued to patiently love Chantel. After a few more conversations and invitations, Chantel agreed to try our Bible Basics course. She found not only good answers to her thoughtful questions, but she also found the gospel to be beautiful, almost like she had not heard it before. Chantel is a joy to know and has become a loved and valued member of our church. Is it any wonder why? The work of the Holy Spirit and the genuine love of Christ shown through his people does amazing things.

From Caleb Schultz, home missionary at Cross of Life in Mississauga, Ont., Canada

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Eian

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As a disabled veteran and first responder who was spending his first year in Texas, Eian Poblador was struggling more than words can say. He remembers waking up one night and concluding that it was time for real help and answers. Heā€™d seen churches that would model something spiritual in this world, but what caught his eye was a church that modeled ā€œpeace.ā€ He walked into Amazing Grace. He said, ā€œI felt no fear from God or others . . . the church and its pastor were the first people to take time to know me and spend time to teach me Godā€™s Word, the forgiveness of my sins, and the gift of the Lordā€™s grace.ā€

Eian defended, served, and protected his country, and now he protects the special gifts that he received from Godā€™s Word. Itā€™s no small task to cherish, uphold, and defend how pure the law is and how amazing grace is each day. Today, you will find Eian sitting in the back of Amazing Grace with a friendly smile. Heā€™s keeping watch. Why? He knows that someone else is keeping watch over his soul for eternal life to come. He has a story, just like each person who needs to hear Godā€™s Word and come to know their Savior.

From Hans Thomford, home missionary at Amazing Grace in Amarillo, Tex.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ The Joseph Family

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Jemoye and Kandy wanted a good education for their daughter. Thatā€™s how they found St. Johnā€™s Lutheran School. In 2017, their daughter graduated! The parents celebrated their new gradā€™s achievement and then did what many parents do . . . moved on. Jemoye and Kandy were unchurched, and they really didnā€™t have an interest in joining a congregation.

One day in 2022, they showed up with Jessie, their baby boy. The birth of their son stirred something in them. Their growing family needed something more. They needed a church home. The seed that had been planted years ago at St. Johnā€™s took root! For their family, 2024 was a special yearā€”Jemoye was baptized along with their new baby girl. Jemoye and Kandy married, and the whole family joined their new Christian community! As Jemoye describes it, ā€œSt. Johnā€™s is a place that helps us pursue godliness and follow Godā€™s Word. A place I find support on my journey with Christ.ā€ If the Joseph family is any indication, no matter how long ago seeds of the gospel have been planted, the Lord can cause them to grow!

From Jonathan Kehl, home missionary at St. Johnā€™s, Saint John, Antigua and Barbuda

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Reece and Caroline

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Reece and Caroline started out as classmates, attending the same middle school and high school. Conversations and overall knowledge of each otherā€™s existence was minimal in their earliest years, and their paths split after their 2018 high school graduation. Caroline went on to nursing school, and Reece joined the United States Marine Corps. In many instances, they were on opposite sides of the planet. The culmination of Carolineā€™s four-year education and graduation alongside Reeceā€™s final year of military service led to a reconnection and eventual relationship that would start because of a simple match of mutual interests. Their relationship soon grew to be one rooted in faith, grace, and an overall understanding that to best serve each other, they must center themselves in Christ.

Finding Divine Peace in Rockwall, Tex., was, at first, just a place for weekly worship, but it soon became Reece and Carolineā€™s new home. They are unified and committed to each other as husband and wife, but also to Christ. The two of them appreciate everything they have learned and been provided by Divine Peace, as well as Pastor Gunnar, who has been an invaluable source of support and education for them. As a newlywed couple, Reece and Caroline appreciate the constant spiritual growth opportunities that help them grow in their faith.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Johnathon

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My wife, Sarah, our children, and I have been going to Anchor Church in Marquette, Mich., from the beginning. We were on the hunt for a family church. Our children are eager to learn about Jesus and have a lot of energy and personality, and we were looking for an understanding church that could provide a setting to learn more in a fun and engaging way.

I met Pastor Joe about a year before Anchor opened its doors to the community. Our families loved getting to know each other. One Friday morning on a toddler hike, Pastor Joe asked what we needed in a church, and we got to sit down and brainstorm how Anchor could best serve the community youth.

Fast-forward to now. Our children have fallen in love with their church family. They light up when they see Pastor Joe. Itā€™s the most wonderful opportunity that I have as a husband and father to be empowered and equipped to lead my family in their faith journey. Iā€™m thankful for Anchor Church that gave that to me. As my family grows, I look forward to joining in more and serving our God and our community.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Thomas

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It was a Sunday evening in July when I received an e-mail from Thomas. He and his family were preparing to move from East Asia to Boston so he could pursue further education. Additionally, they were eager to join our home mission church and become part of our community. What joy! From the moment they arrived, Thomas and his family have been an incredible blessing to mission work in Boston. They regularly welcome Thomasā€™ classmates into their home for study nights and meals, hosted a Lunar New Year celebration, and share the gospel freely with anyone who will listen. Their faith and hospitality serve as a powerful example and highlight the many opportunities we have in Bostonā€”both in cross-cultural ministry and among college and graduate students.

From Joshua Koelpin, home missionary at Harbor in Boston, Mass.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Channel

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At the beginning of this year, I found myself a brand-new staff member at an unfamiliar school. As an evangelist, the idea is to connect school families to our church and share opportunities to grow in relationship to Jesus. It was, admittedly, a bit intimidating for me, but God always provides the opportunity.

Within the first week on the job, I was walking up the sidewalk for 3:00 p.m. dismissal and heard beautiful worship music blaring from a car that was waiting to pick up a scholar. I walked up to the window and met Channel McClellan. After a brief initial chat, she attended church and shortly after we were running through virtual membership Bible classes. In addition to her growing faith, she and her fifth-grade daughter, Kellise, have a unique spiritual habit. Every morning at 7:45 a.m., they pull up in front of school, but the car doors donā€™t open; Channel and Kellise remain in the vehicle and pray together. Channel prays over her daughter and the day ahead, inviting Jesus into every moment of their life. What an example of faith, even to the lifelong Christianā€”a humble mother and her daughter, sitting in the chilly Wisconsin winter air, praying before they each run off to their busy days. I need more faith like that in my life. We all do.

From Brent Krohn, campus evangelist at St. Marcus in Milwaukee, Wis.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Todd and Rochelle

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Rochelle and I faced some challenges in our life. We struggled with faith and constantly questioned why evil seemed so pervasive in the world and good was scarce. In the middle of these struggles, like most people, we couldnā€™t find a solid foundation. However, through our family, we discovered The Vine in Hayden, Idaho. When we heard Pastor Schultzā€™s message one Sunday, we realized where our true strength wasā€”in Jesus. The Vine has brought us immense joy, peace, and grace amidst the turmoil of our world. And weā€™ve formed cherished connections with so many others in The Vine family. While life still presents its difficulties, we now can see the goodness of God that was once so elusive in our lives.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Cheri

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In 2025, God led a precious soul to the waters of Baptism through . . . TikTok!

Our congregation has been using a free online ad tool that connects local pastors to people in their zip code who have spiritual questions. One day Cheri was scrolling through TikTok when she saw a video ad and clicked on it. Soon, she found herself messaging with our pastor. After asking about our churchā€™s core beliefs and our worship service, she decided to attend worship the very next Sunday. A new round of Bible Basics class happened to be starting immediately after worship. Cheri agreed to try the class and was immediately hooked! She became a regular at both worship and Bible study, with a boundless appetite for asking deep spiritual questions and finding the answers in Godā€™s Word.

Cheri joined our congregation in fall 2024. She was baptized, confirmed, and received the Lordā€™s Supper all on the same day. Now, she rarely misses a Sunday of worship, a Bible study, or any church event and has become a key volunteer on our AV team.

Who knows how many more ā€œCherisā€ might be out there right now, spending time online while longing deep down to learn more about God. We thank the Lord for every opportunity to connect with peopleā€”even through TikTok!

From Lucas Bitter, home missionary at Intown in Atlanta, Ga.

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Faces of Faith – Jett

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ā€œYouā€™re chasing joy, happinessā€”youā€™re trying to find it in all these other things that arenā€™t Christ, and it leaves you feeling empty,ā€ says Jett. ā€œBut coming back to church and growing my relationship with the Lordā€”itā€™s changed my life.ā€

Hear more from Jett Starzynski, a college student at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich., who found lasting joy not in success or status but in returning to the Savior heā€™d drifted from. Through the welcoming community at Anchor, a WELS home mission congregation, Jett rediscovered what it means to be truly anchored in Christā€”and now shares that hope with others.

Learn more about the WELS 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative at wels100in10.net.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Atlanta, Ga.

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On Sun., March 30, 2025, Intown Lutheran Church welcomed three college students as adult confirmands. These young women impressively completed our 12-lesson Bible Basics class while also managing busy academic schedules and student-athlete responsibilities. All three of them are new to Lutheranism and very excited to be part of our church family!

Grace says: “Intown Lutheran Church not only gave me a place to learn straight from the Scripture and truly understand it, but it also gave me a new family of fellow Christians. This is a place where I can be myself and never feel alone, judged, or out of place.”

Kennedi says:ā€Æā€œUpon arriving in Georgia for college, I hoped to find a local church. Thankfully, a friend attending Intown Lutheran Church invited me to the worship service one Sunday. Being exposed to the great teachings of the Good News and the kind fellowship, I decided to continue attending Intown and even join various Bible study sessions each week. Now that Iā€™m officially a member, I can say that the meaning of Intown Lutheran Church is to cultivate a body of Godā€™s children and teach and learn the meaning and importance of his Word so that we all grow in our faithful walk with him.ā€

Written by Lucas Bitter, Intown Lutheran Church, Atlanta, Ga.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Hakim

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Hakim Kon came to Canada in December 2022 to be with his wife, Nyariek. It wasnā€™t the first time God turned his life upside down. As a young man, he was impacted by the violence in South Sudan but decided long ago that he wanted to use his life to reach others with the words of Godā€™s mercy. When he got to Canada, he was welcomed by the South Sudanese community and found our WELS mission church in Surrey, serving people from the Nuer tribe.

Hakim had a background in theological training, so after getting confirmed in the summer of 2023 while trying to get settled with his wife in a new country and pursue a cybersecurity degree, God turned his life upside down again. This time it was the request of his new congregation to be an elder and to consider training in our Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI).

Hakim is learning what it means that Jesus gives some to be pastors and teachers to build and equip his church for works of service. This new husband, new immigrant, new student, and new worker (and very recently new father!) is adding ā€œPSI studentā€ to his list of vocations as he is equipped to lead in the church. But Hakim believes it is more than worth it: ā€œI focus on the Lord because he continues to surprise me from time to time. His mercy and love changed my life. I have that confidence that he can use me to change others’ lives.ā€

Written by Geoff Cortright, pastor at Saviour of the Nations Lutheran Church in Vancouver, BC

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Julia

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Going into my first year of college was a big change for me. I was headed to Northern Michigan University, which was several hours away and in a different state from my home. I didnā€™t know anybody going there, and for the first time I was focusing the majority of my energy into theatre. All of these changes were honestly intimidating, especially the challenge of having to build an entire new support system and community. Finding Anchor Church in Marquette, and especially their campus ministry program, was the blessing I needed in this time of transition.

On my first Sunday at Anchor, I instantly felt welcomed by everyone in the church whether they were college students or not. I quickly got introduced to the music director, Sarah, as soon as Pastor Joe and his wife, Julie, found out that I play instruments and sing. The very next Sunday, I was singing in church and am now involved with music almost every weekend.

The even bigger blessing though is the campus ministry program. After church, all of us college students head over to Joe and Julieā€™s house to make brunch and have a Bible study. From eating good food to having conversations about difficult topics, I have found the community and reprieve I need. I have never felt closer to my faith than I do when Iā€™m making music at Anchor and digging into the Bible with Pastor Joe and the other college students.

Written by Julia Neuman, student at Northern Michigan University

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Mason

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In 2023, the new mission in North Liberty, Iowa, started a campus ministry program at the University of Iowa and the surrounding colleges. What I didnā€™t expect was Eastern Iowa to be a location that was prime to inspire young men to be pastors. I met Mason two years ago when he started attending Kirkwood College, studying in Beef Science Management. He began coming to campus ministry and church right away, but it was immediately apparent that he had another calling. Soon, he began talking to me about what life would look like going to become a pastor after graduation. I asked Mason how campus ministry inspired him to consider this. He said, ā€œCampus Ministry inspired me to share with others the Word that God has shared with me; to introduce them to my closest friend, my Lord Jesus Christ. Now that he has been accepted into Martin Luther College (MLC), he is, ā€œExcited to dive deep into God’s Word and know day by day that Jesusā€™ grace is abounding in love. And then to leave the doors of the school and express my faith to the world.ā€

Mason wasnā€™t the first student in campus ministry here to show an interest in the ministry. Last year, we had another student (Noah) who went on to become a pastor after graduation. Being a transfer-graduate student myself, I am excited to see young men like Mason and Noah being encouraged and willing to become pastors even when their plans are focused elsewhere.

Written by Lucas Callies, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, North Liberty, Iowa .

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Jonathan

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Jonathan Neuman wanted to know more about Christianity. His parents had went to church when they were younger and he was told he went when he was younger, but he had no memory of this. He remembered going to church on the big holidays ā€“ Christmas and Easter and when they visited grandparents in Goodview.

He had seen stuff about Christianity online, like social media influencers talking about their faith and Christianity. He had seen some videos here and there, but Jonathan wanted to go beyond the echoes of Christianity in his childhood and he wanted to be a part of Christianity.

So, he took action and looked up the closest WELS church. It took him to Crown of Life in Saint Paul, Minn., which was only minutes away from his house. There he met Rev. Kom and Rev. Burgess. After that, he began attending regularly on his own.

Since Jonathan was also a student at the University of Minnesota, Rev. Kom connected him to True North, the University of Minnesotaā€™s WELS campus ministry. He became involved in the campus ministry and finished Bible Information Class there. Now, Jonathan divides his time between Crown of Life and St. John’s, which hosts True North, and is served by both churches. He appreciates the community feel and the message of the gospel taught. Through these two ministries, he is getting to know more about Jesus and Christianity.

Now, Jonathan wants others to know more about Christianity, especially his family. His family has recently been attending church during the holidays. His mom often goes with him, and they both want Jonathanā€™s brother and sister to go through confirmation as well. Jonathan has also been having conversations with his dad as he wants them all to know about Christ .

Written by Samuel Lor, campus ministry pastor at St. Johnā€™s in Minneapolis, Minn.

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Faces of Faith – Jerry and Denice

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ā€œIt was like the light bulb came on, and you felt so much more peace when you went to church,ā€ says Denice.

Hear more from Jerry Laster, a trauma surgeon, who draws a powerful parallel between his work of healing physical wounds and the churchā€™s role as a hospital for sick souls. Discover how he and his wife, Denice, found peace and healing through Godā€™s free grace at Christ Alone Lutheran Church, a WELS home mission congregation in Keller, Texas.

Learn more about the WELS 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative at wels100in10.net.

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