Tag Archive for: Faces of Faith Home Missions

Faces of Faith – Lincoln

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“Praise the Lord!” I didn’t expect him to shout that over his shoulder as he sprinted down the mountain past me and my friend, who were hiking and talking about church that Sunday afternoon. After he stopped and apologized for interrupting us, my first conversation with Lincoln began. “I wouldn’t even tell a shrink half of the stuff I’ve done,” he admitted. I responded, “Would you tell a pastor?” After talking for a few minutes about God’s grace and forgiveness, I gave him my business card. He promised I’d see him next Sunday; but to be honest, I doubted I would ever see him again.

But there he was on Sunday and every Sunday after. “I feel accepted, welcomed, and loved. There’s a comfort in knowing that Pastor Jensen is always going to point me to Jesus,” Lincoln says. Lincoln was confirmed last year and enjoys growing in God’s Word through a midweek Bible Class. “I love how we get deep into the Bible, but I don’t feel overwhelmed or confused. It’s actually fun!”

As we get ready to start our new building project, Lincoln is all-in. “We’re blessed to have such an amazing church body working together to share the Word of Christ, and I’m grateful and excited to be part of it here in Las Cruces. I want everyone to be able to see what’s going on here and experience God’s love here like I do.”

From Nathanael Jensen, home missionary at Cross of Christ, Las Cruces, N.M.

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Faces of Faith – Bill

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“I’ve never heard that before.” That’s what Bill said after he attended worship the day his six-year-old grandson was baptized. “That” was a line which the pastor said, “Jesus died for all sins.”

Bill grew up attending Catholic schools, so he had knowledge of some of the Bible said. A section of God’s Word that he knew very well was what God said about divorce. So, when Bill got divorced over 20 years ago, he thought he was doomed. For twenty-plus years Bill had been carrying around guilt and fear. But on that Sunday, he heard, “Jesus paid for all sins.” Did that mean Jesus had paid for the sin of his divorce? Bill left his business card with me on his way out of church, saying, “Let’s do lunch.”

After numerous lunches and a few coffee meetings, Bill enrolled in our Bible information class. The first words he said were, “I know I’m going to hell, but. . . I have some questions.” By God’s grace and the power of the Word, Bill no longer thinks he’s going to hell. Now, he cherishes free forgiveness and that Jesus died for all sins, even his.

From Joel Heckendorf, home missionary at Light of the Valleys in Reno, Nev.

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Faces of Faith – Ruth

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Nearly ten years have passed since an email showed up in my inbox. At the time, I was deliberating a call to a new mission in Mt. Horeb, Wis. The email was from a WELS member who had family connections in Mt. Horeb and was delighted to hear about the new WELS mission opening in town. Her son’s mother-in-law, Ruth, was described as “a young 84, with a magnetic personality.” She hoped that if I took the call to Mt. Horeb, I would be able to connect and share the gospel with her.

For the past ten years, God has been busy: I accepted the call to Good News in Mt. Horeb. I looked up Ruth and quickly found out that the description I had been given of her was spot on. She had a young, magnetic personality—along with a little East-coast stubbornness. As a result, it took three years of conversations before she became a member of our church.

During Ruth’s time at Good News, God used her magnetic personality to connect with even more people. There are now three families who belong to our church and another that attends regularly that can all be traced back to Ruth. I’m certain God will continue to use the connections made through Ruth to bring people to Good News and to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

From Jonathan Bauer, home missionary at Good News in Mt. Horeb, Wis.

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Faces of Faith – Steve and Tammy

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Back in 2017, I did some door-to-door canvassing in a neighborhood near my house. I met Steve and Tammy who told me that they were looking for a church. I added them to our prospect list and kept in touch through monthly mailings and invitations to our church, but I never saw or heard from them after that. Six years went by before Steve and Tammy finally decided to attend. When I met them in our parking lot, they said, “You’ve been sending us mailings and invitations every month for the past six years, so we finally decided we wanted to take you up on your offer and attend your church.” By God’s grace, Steve and Tammy have not stopped attending The Vine since. In fact, I had the privilege of baptizing both Steve and Tammy during one of our Sunday services in 2023. And, several months later, they joined us as fellow members of The Vine. Praise God for the means of grace and for giving our congregation the opportunity to be a blessing to them as they are to us.

From Kevin Schultz, home missionary at The Vine in Hayden, Idaho

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Faces of Faith – Bruce and Sheryl

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Northwest Wisconsin is known for its vast resources for hunting and fishing. The members at Our Redeemer in Ladysmith hosted an outreach event and decided to combine two things they do well, cooking wild game and being friendly. One couple in the congregation had befriended their neighbors, Bruce and Sheryll, and invited them to the annual wild game dinner. Not only did they enjoy a great meal of bear, venison, rabbit, elk, fish and more, but they were also welcomed with open arms by the members. Before going they received an invitation to come back for worship and they came. They saw the same welcoming congregation at worship and never stopped coming. After going through a Bible information class, they knew Our Redeemer was their church family. Two people loving Jesus, hearing the Word, and enjoying the fellowship of a new church family; all because they were invited for supper.

From Christian Christenson, home missionary at Our Redeemer in Ladysmith, Wis.

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Faces of Faith – Brandi

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On Easter Sunday 2024, several local families brought their children to the waters of baptism. One woman, Brandi, brought her two sons, Ryan and Ryley. Brandi has been working her way through Bible basics class in preparation for her adult confirmation. Here is what she says about our church: “Intown is not just a church, it’s a home for us – with family, unconditional love, and spiritual healing. It’s our safe place when we don’t know where to go. It’s like a life coach who never lets us feel alone. To sum it all up, it’s life, growth, and creation for the better.”

Our connection with Brandi and her family began at a community service event called the Christmas Store. Their family is an example of how compassion ministry and providing physical aid can create loving relationships, which ultimately lead to deep spiritual growth.

Written by Lucas Bitter, home missionary at Intown, Atlanta, Ga.

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Faces of Faith – Joann

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Fairview Lutheran Church tried a new way to connect to its school families. Everything was ready, but when the event began, only current church members were there. Five minutes after the event started, evangelism began. Three minivans with over 20 school family members emptied and overfilled the bingo space. Fairview members quickly set up more tables, distributed snacks, and sat with families to assist some of the younger students who had never played bingo. It was busy, loud, and a bit chaotic. It was also blessed.

One of the school moms, Joann, stayed after the event and with her six children, cleaned up the area and made connections with some of the church ladies. They invited her to come to Fairview’s outdoor worship and picnic the following weekend. Joann and her family not only came to worship but found her way into helping serve the main course and clean up after. Before leaving she scheduled her first Bible information class for the upcoming Tuesday.

Despite having a car out of commission, Joann and family have been coming to worship and sitting up front ever since. The entire family was baptized, and the middle school children are enrolled in youth confirmation class. Joann has recently agreed to be trained and begin making evangelism calls to her fellow school families.

From Paul Steinberg, home missionary at Fairview in Milwaukee, Wis.

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Faces of Faith – Paul and Carmen

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Paul and Carmen are my neighbors and quickly becoming our friends. One morning, on a walk with our kids, we met Paul and his wonderful wife, Carmen, on their front lawn. They welcomed us to the city and asked, “What brought you to Marquette?” We responded, “We moved here to start a church.” His reaction was priceless. The Folgers coffee can in Paul’s hand was thrown to the ground in excitement, “You have no idea how hard we’ve been praying to find a church home! Are you going to be a church that brings us Jesus every Sunday?” I responded, “You can count on it.” Since that time, they have joined our core group and are actively participating in the ministry leading up to our launch. God is moving, there’s no doubt about it. How many other “Paul and Carmen’s” are there in Marquette? We can’t wait to find out.

From Joseph Lindloff, home missionary at Anchor Church in Marquette, Mich.

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Faces of Faith – Katarina

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Before coming to college, I had no clue what a WELS church was. Fast forward three years, and it has given me some of my favorite people. I started college off at Coastal Carolina University wanting to improve my relationship with God since being distant from him for so long. So, when a friend invited me to come to church one Sunday, I thought, why not? I went and liked it, but I felt distant. It was not until I got involved in Vacation Bible School (VBS) that I really started to feel like this place was home.

As the next school year started, I made the decision to get more involved with church and campus ministry. I began attending more meetings and making church a mandatory event in my life. When I attended my second VBS, I realized that I wanted more from church. The following school year I started the process of becoming a member at Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and I met amazing people who helped get me through college. Finding this place to grow myself and with people like me has been something that I never expected, but truly needed.

Written by Katrina Elliott, student at Coastal Carolina University and member of Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

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Faces of Faith – Nicole

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Nicole found St. John’s and True North Campus Ministry at a difficult time in her life. Her dad was diagnosed with cancer. Her mom was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and passed away shortly after. As an only child, she was very close to her parents. A close neighbor, Carolyn Curtis, noticed and invited her to church. In Nicole’s own words, “Everyone was so friendly at St. John’s—lots of smiling faces. The pastor even came down to meet me.” Nicole confessed she didn’t come from a religious background; she didn’t even go to church growing up. But she knew that this was where she was supposed to be. She felt at home.

The church continued to be her home when she faced tough times. When she was struggling with health issues and could only work 10-15 hours a week, she found a natural place to serve as the Administrative Assistant of the church. She was there for the church when it was going through tough times too. COVID plus a long pastoral vacancy meant that there were lots more to do: planning services, newsletters, helping vacancy pastors, and especially keeping everyone together and connected with God’s Word. When the college students couldn’t meet on-campus for Bible studies, Diane Hofer (the Events Coordinator) and Nicole helped the students transition to meeting at church. It became their home too.

Nicole continues to serve as the Administrative Assistant of St. John’s and True North. She mostly does stuff behind the scenes, but she still enjoys making calls and talking to others, being a friendly face. “I love people, I try to make them feel welcome. To make the church a safe place to go.”

From Samuel Lor, campus ministry pastor at True North Campus Ministry in Minneapolis, Minn.

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Faces of Faith – Janet

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Janet grew up in a farming family of six kids in East Asia. She was amongst three of the six who attended college. Janet had a private meeting with a teacher where she would answer her questions about class while naturally adding small bits of information about her faith. God planted a seed. Janet later pursued a degree in Aesthetics and studied oil painting, and later opened her own studio to teach children art.

Her painting teacher invited her to his home to study the Bible and pray together. She went regularly, later joining a church. This continued about two years before she recently came to the U.S. as a visiting scholar. While at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, she met a friend who brought her to Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel to study. As the two got to know each other better, Janet was encouraged to be baptized. She discussed this with Jacob, the new International Outreach Coordinator at the Chapel. Then on Sunday, February 25, 2024, Jacob had the amazing opportunity to baptize Janet (pictured above with her face blurred out due to security concerns). It was a very moving and encouraging thing to witness, seeing how God puts all the pieces together!

Janet thanks the Lord for this precious gift! She is so excited to keep studying God’s word with Jacob and others at Chapel. She can’t wait to grow closer to God through this fellowship.

From Hannah Zhang, International Outreach Coordinator at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel in Madison, Wis.

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Faces of Faith – Greta

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When I started as a freshman at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in the Fall of 2022, I was nervous about finding people to connect with. A goal of mine was to check out the WELS Campus Ministry called The Point of Grace (TPOG). At the time, I didn’t anticipate the impact this decision would have on me. Through The Point of Grace, I have gained friends that feel like family.

I have realized that college is a huge test of faith and a turning point in the lives of young adults. Campus Ministry is something that is close to my heart because it has kept me on God’s path, not the world’s. Being around other Christians who are experiencing this same season of life is encouraging. My time at church or study time with other Christ-focused individuals matures my faith and motivates me to look to God in my daily struggles.

The Point of Grace has become a lifeline for me. I look forward to Wednesday, when the weight of my week is lifted off my shoulders. I always understood that God was important, but I never gave God the time he deserved. Through The Point of Grace, I have gained a community of God-fearing fellow students who show their care for my soul and their own. My experience with campus ministry continues to be a great blessing!

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Faces of Faith – Wade

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Zijian “Wade” Wei (pictured right) was baptized on November 30, 2021, while attending Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix, Ariz. Since he was a foreign exchange student during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was forced to make the U.S. more of a home than perhaps he ever intended. We thank God for the Christian family and friends who were there for him. A family of special note was the Gutierrez family, members of Crosswalk in Laveen, Ariz.

Now as a student at Arizona State University (ASU), Wade remains close to the Gutierrez family. In his first year at ASU, Wade continued to room with the sons of the Gutierrez family, Cole and Jonah (pictured center). Cole and Jonah are officers for the registered student organization, Light in the Valley, the WELS campus ministry.

Every week, Wade joins the Light in the Valley group for food, fellowship, and a Bible study. While studying engineering at ASU, he can continue to grow in his faith. This WELS campus ministry is not the only way that Wade continues to be served with the Means of Grace. Wade and his friends rent a house just a few blocks from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tempe and attend worship every Sunday to receive God’s gifts in Word and Sacrament.

From Christopher Pflughoeft (pictured left), campus ministry pastor for Light in the Valley and pastor at Emmanuel in Tempe, Ariz.

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Faces of Faith – Kehinde

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Kehinde [CANE-deh] is originally from Lagos, Nigeria. He moved to Mississauga to attend school. Though he has some extended family in the Toronto area, he was mostly alone. After attending our church, he found a family in Mississauga. He was included with our lay-led men’s group and visited with me regularly for Bible study. He also got a job through one of our members who owns a business. After studying Baptism, he said that he was unsure if he was baptized. We had the privilege of giving him a “pledge of a clear conscience towards God” and officially welcomed him into our church family in February 2024. He is a perfect example of an entire congregation coming together to love and welcome someone new to the country. He is a breath of fresh air with his honesty and willingness to grow together with us. We pray that he continues to grow as a Christian among us.

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

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Faces of Faith – Jacob and Abby

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Jacob and Abby Hicks were just dating when we first met them. Abby would occasionally come to church with her parents who had just become members a year prior. After visiting a couple times with Jacob, they agreed to take Bible information class. We found out Jacob had never been baptized and by the seventh lesson he wanted to be. We baptized Jacob, confirmed both Jacob and Abby, and later performed their marriage at Cross of Glory. Last November we welcomed their firstborn, Benjamin, baptizing him into the family of God. They continue to be a large part of Cross of Glory and are always excited to hear more of the Word and grow in their relationship with God.

From Andrew Schrimpf, home missionary at Cross of Glory in Baton Rouge, La.

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Faces of Faith – Paulo and Flavia

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Paulo and Flavia moved to Canada from Brazil about seven years ago. They originally moved to the Niagara Falls area but settled in Mississauga for work. When they moved, they were in search of a Lutheran church. Having attended some other Lutheran churches, they loved what they found at Cross of Life. They noticed our love for Scripture and our emphasis on outreach and discipleship and gladly became part of our family. Though we have been able to bless them with a church family, they also have blessed us immensely. Their family gladly serves and supports our ministry. Paulo, Flavia, and their son, Lucas, are all involved with our music team and are active in welcoming new people to our congregation. They encourage and support me, my wife, and our daughters, who are “best friends” and “sisters” in a way only three and four-year-old girls can be. We would not have this wonderful family who adds so much value to our church if it weren’t for Home Missions supporting churches in Toronto.

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

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Faces of Faith – Grenada

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Cassia is in grade five at Grace Lutheran School. Her parents are not believers, and up until recently, Cassia was not baptized. Brianna, a classmate, is baptized and lives with her grandmother who is not a believer. Samantha, another classmate, is baptized and her parents are believers. These three young ladies are Grenadian, the best of friends, from vastly different backgrounds and families, and all three believe that Jesus is their Savior. Now, we can say they are all born again through baptism and sealed into God’s family.

Cassia was baptized on a Sunday afternoon. As we hiked through the jungle to the major pool of the Seven Sisters Falls, there was laughter and discussion coming from our group. Lucy Bartz and Rachel Ihlenfeldt, two teachers at Grace, and Brianna and Samantha all accompanied Cassia to her baptism. They had played their God-given roles in planting, watering, and tending to the seed of the gospel as it grew into faith in Cassia. A faith firmly planted in her Savior, Jesus Christ. They escorted her into the pool at the base of the falls and rejoiced as she came out born again into God’s ever-growing family.

From Ib Meyer, home missionary at Grace in Grand Anse, Saint George, Grenada

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Faces of Faith – Katelyn and Hali

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Starting college at Coastal Carolina University in 2021 was a challenging time for Katelyn and me. We both grew up in WELS congregations, and we struggled to adjust to an environment that pushed values and beliefs that we did not share. There were many moments when we felt alone on campus.

The family and support we found at church was what encouraged us during difficult times and reminded us of the comfort we could find in God and our church family. Our freshman year was the first year that there was a steady group of college students who attended Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C. We began having dinners at Katelyn’s house as a small escape from the pressures of Coastal, with friends who we knew shared the same faith. After a few dinners, our vicar at the time approached us with the idea of starting a Campus Ministry program as an outlet to strengthen our faith and enjoy fellowship. We were all very excited to start!

We began meeting for Bible studies twice a month and have continued for the past three years. There are still only five or six of us who attend, but as Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” We find comfort in this promise and are grateful for the time we get to spend in God’s Word and for the support of our Campus Ministry family on campus.

From Katelyn Baker and Hali Tainatongo, campus ministry students at Coastal Carolina University

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Faces of Faith – Drake

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What comes to mind when people think of NCAA Division 1 athletics? Dedication, drive, determination, devotion, competition, and so much more. One thing noticeably absent is any reference to faith or a relationship with Christ. I suppose that is not surprising given the culture of universities. But Drake Andrews, a freshman at Ohio State University (OSU) and a D1 men’s gymnastics competitor is seeking to change that. While Drake was working hard academically and physically during his first semester at OSU, he felt like something was missing. After being encouraged by close friends to seek out a church, Drake found his way to St. Paul’s, and the Holy Spirit ignited a flame of faith that has only gotten brighter. In Drake’s own words, “I knew from the first service I attended that I had found my new home. I am extremely excited to be confirmed. This is one of the most important aspects of my life, and I am thankful for the gifts that God has provided me with: a loving and supportive family, friends, the ability to train and compete in the sport I love, and most of all, the ability to serve him while here on earth.” Drake was confirmed and welcomed into membership on March 10, 2024, and I am excited to see his faith and passion for Christ grow in the years to come.

From Ross Gottschalk, campus ministry pastor at St. Paul’s in Columbus, Ohio

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Faces of Faith – Sean

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“It was amazing. It was the greatest thing. . . just to know that Jesus still loved me and still cared about me and wanted me to be part of his family again, that meant the world to me.”

Hear more from Sean O’Doherty, member at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Nampa, Idaho, about how the gospel shared with him through a WELS home mission congregation brought him back to his Savior.

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

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Faces of Faith – Veronica

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I was driving one Sunday morning, and I needed to stop to use my phone. As I was looking for a safe place to pull over, I saw someone holding a sign that read “The Vine Church – Worship Service Today.” I pulled in and parked as far away from the church building as possible, because I had no plans to go in. I just wanted to use my phone.

A woman approached my car with a big, welcoming smile and said, “Come on in for the service; we’d love to have you.” She was super friendly, so I thought to myself, “Why not?”

I had no idea what kind of church it was, but the people inside were friendly too. After I found a place to sit, a young lady came and sat next to me. She made me feel comfortable and not so alone. Pastor Kevin Schultz was awesome. His message really touched my heart as he told us about the undeserved love of Jesus. I knew I was at the right place.

I came back the following Sunday, and I kept coming back every week after that. I became a member of The Vine in Hayden, Idaho, and I never looked back. It’s been wonderful being part of this amazing congregation. I finally found my church home. . . all because the Lord led me to a church’s parking lot to use my phone. He had so much more in mind for me on that day!

Written by Veronica, a member at The Vine in Hayden, Ida. served by Rev. Kevin Schultz. 

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Faces of Faith – Laura

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Northcross in Lakeville, Minn., sent six members to Nong Khai, Thailand, where we visited missionary Tom Chaleunsouk, his wife, Kaysone, and the congregation there. Facilitating a Vacation Bible School at the church was rewarding for all involved! We all worked together to make cross-cultural connections. I knew traveling to Thailand would be an enriching experience for myself, but I was amazed by how many people across the globe were encouraged in their faith by the trip. It was an honor as well as humbling to be sent as an ambassador to this world mission congregation.

One of the most memorable moments was standing barefoot on a Sunday morning, worshiping with Christian brothers and sisters singing a song I knew in a language I didn’t. It was a small glimpse of what’s to come in heaven!

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Faces of Faith – Angie

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Many may think Christianity can no longer impact the highest levels of academia or the arts. I’m convinced the opposite is true.

Welcome Weekend at Redeemer in Ann Arbor, Mich., is our annual September outreach event for our Campus Ministry program. That weekend in 2021, I met someone new. Angie was born in China, but her family moved to America when she was young. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s in piano performance at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Now she’s earning a doctorate at the University of Michigan. One of her classmates, Allison, who was in the same program had already been attending Redeemer. After church, Angie decided to stay for lunch and then came to Starbucks to help us plan our Campus Ministry activities for the semester. She then started attending our Campus Ministry Bible studies. When she asked about being baptized, we found a spot in central campus, and I listened to Angie share more of her story. That conversation led to starting Bible 101 classes—often meeting on Zoom until 10 p.m.—after she finished classes and I put my kids to bed. In April 2022, Angie was baptized and confirmed, and many other campus ministry students shared that special day with us. Now as a member of Redeemer, Angie shares her talent by playing for church. We’re so thankful to hear her beautiful music in worship, but we’re even more thankful for what God has done in her life.

From Jacob Haag, campus pastor at the University of Michigan

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Faces of Faith – Shawn

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Shawn grew up in South Florida and attended a Baptist church for part of his early life, but never felt like he was good enough to be baptized and be a “real” Christian. As he grew, his life took some twists and turns into darker things. While he would say he never really rejected God, he felt far from him. He eventually moved to Michigan and fell in love with a girl from Ontario. When they got married, he moved to Ontario and they built a family together, but something was still missing.

At the suggestion of a WELS family member from the U.S., Shawn came to visit Cross of Life one Sunday. He appreciated the straightforward preaching right from the text of God’s Word. When I found out he wasn’t baptized, we scheduled to have him baptized at the next Sunday service in February 2023. He is currently taking Bible Information Classes to join our church family in Communion!

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

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Faces of Faith – Dillon

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It was one of my first Sundays as a pastor when Dillon walked into the Community Center. He had a Mariah Carey cap and necklace on, dried mustard in his beard, and fell asleep during the sermon. Members were a little tentative at first. He said he was surprised that he found a church meeting in the Community Center. It was his third service of the day and was excited to worship with us.

I found out from Dillon’s mom that he suffered from schizophrenia and hadn’t found a place where he had been welcomed in the community. He told me no one had taken the time to teach him the Bible. So, over the next year we walked through our Bible Information Class together, and Dillon came to every worship service. Members also came to love Dillon. Every time he walked into service, you would hear everyone chime in “Good Morning, Dillon!” Eventually we got through class, and I asked him if he would like to join our Good Shepherd family. He answered, “I thought I already was?”

Dillon was baptized and became a member in May 2022. He faithfully attends worship and has invited his mother, stepfather, and grandparents to join. You can find Dillon on Sunday morning helping set up church, enjoying the coffee, or talking with other members.

From Lucas Callies, home missionary at Good Shepherd in North Liberty, Iowa

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Faces of Faith – Allison

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After a painful life event, Allison moved to Houston looking to start over. Throughout the years she tried different churches, but nothing ever really felt right. When discussing church options with her neighbor, she agreed to try out a church called Hope in the Heights. Her first service was July 4, 2021, and she has come ever since. There are many things Allison has come to love about her church, including the music selections, the sermons, and the friendly people. However, the gospel and power of Jesus’ grace is superior to all of that. When asked about her faith, Allison shared, “I used to feel that I wasn’t worth anything, but now I know that Jesus wants to remind me of his love daily. Something I used to not feel was possible or even true! My faith is developing each day.”

From Emilee Nemmers, member at Hope in the Heights in Houston, Tex.

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Faces of Faith – Jarrod and Jessica

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Sometimes God plays the “long game.” I met Jarrod and Jessica Bakker when I was first canvassing in Brandon, S.D. They had recently visited our sister church, Good Shepherd. They were interested in our church plant, but we weren’t worshiping yet (we didn’t even have a name yet). We lost touch after a few months, but that wasn’t the end of the story. Two years later, we had an Amazon package delivered to the wrong house two doors down. They came over to drop it off, and sure enough, it was the Bakkers. They began coming to worship and have since taken classes and become members. God certainly played the long game here, and what a cool thing it was to witness!

From Craig Wilke, home missionary at Sure Foundation in Brandon, S.D.

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Faces of Faith – Reno, Nevada

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“Vicar, we’ve been delivering new mover bags for almost three years and never had any response. I want you to come up with another way to get information to people moving into our community.”

That was the assignment in week two for our Vicar Nathan Holz (pictured second from left). He did his homework and came up with a recommendation. But before we pulled the trigger, Vicar delivered new mover bags for what we thought was the last time, one of which landed on Claudia’s doorstep.

Claudia (pictured left) had just moved to Reno from a small town in Nevada. But three years prior, she moved to the U.S. with her family from Chile. Claudia was looking for a community, so she decided to check out the church that dropped off a bag of popcorn that said, “Just poppin’ in to welcome you.”

She wasn’t the only one. Keith and Wendy (pictured right) were looking for the same thing. And just like Claudia, they had a new mover bag dropped on their doorstep. Within two consecutive weeks, we had three first-time guests “pop” into worship.

Fast forward six months. Having completed our Bible information class, Claudia, Keith, and Wendy were all confirmed and communed together. Now Keith has even delivered new mover bags himself (We decided not to scrap the idea).

From Joel Heckendorf, home missionary at Light of the Valleys in Reno, Nev.

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Faces of Faith – Chanti

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Our path to understanding the immeasurable love of God and the absolute forgiveness through our Savior began shortly after our first son Colton was born. My husband Zach and I had recently moved to the area when I heard about the Mornings with Mommy program at Christ Alone in Keller, Tex. We felt so loved and cared for, we continued signing up along with Power Hour.

The interactions and relationships with the people from Christ Alone made us want to learn more. I was invited for a cup of coffee with a member, who is now a dear friend, and she shared with me about her faith in Jesus as our Savior. After Zach and I attended worship with our boys, another member delivered a care package to our door just to thank us for attending. Shortly thereafter Pastor Seeger came to visit us at our home. Each of our interactions personified the selfless love of Jesus. There were no expectations, no strings attached; just genuine love offered from people who kept pointing us to the cross.

When Pastor Seager taught us about God’s Word in Faith Builders classes, Zach and I felt like we were finally beginning to understand the Bible and what it means to receive the gift of salvation through Jesus. We had no idea the wonderful plan God had for us, but I clearly see his hand in all of it when looking back.

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Faces of Faith – Fredericksburg, Va.

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“Let’s not go back!” That’s what Will (pictured left) and Sydney decided after their first visit. But the gospel seed was planted, and they did come back. Someone studied God’s Word with them, including what the Bible says about close communion. Will and Sydney not only came back, but they took our Foundations class and joined as members.

Then Will brought his friend, Chris (pictured right). Chris had questions about the Bible and church. Again, someone studied God’s Word with him, including what the Bible says about baptism. And so, months after Will decided “Let’s not go back!,” Will was a witness as Chris was baptized.

“I’m not going on a second date!” That’s what Chris decided after his first date with Mischa. But they did go on a second date. There were even dates to Foundations class. Now they’ll be married in their church in fall.

“I’d like to come back and learn more.” That’s what Chris’ roommate Matt said after his first visit. Matt grew up unchurched and had many questions (even more than Chris). And now Will and Sydney, Chris and Mischa, and an entire group are studying God’s Word with Matt.

How did this all happen? The gospel seed is planted and someone “hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:23).

From Matt Rothe (pictured center), home missionary at The Way in Fredericksburg, Va.

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