Tag Archive for: Faces of Faith World Missions

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€“ Chong

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I have known Chong for the last ten years. When we first met, he was a young high schooler. Every time I visited East Asia, he never missed any of my training sessions. Sadly, it has been extremely difficult to do faceto- face training for the Miao leaders in East Asia lately. Many of the churchā€™s leaders are disappearing from the community, and nobody knows their fate. Despite all this, Chong continues to hold onto his faith and never ceases to learn the Word of God. Chong also continues to gather a small group of young leaders to continue to serve their congregations. In their hearts, they know that they will be facing the power of the Devil, but through their faith in Jesus Christ, they continue to fight the good fight. Chong said, ā€œThey can only kill my body but not my soul. I am ready at any time to serve my Lord and his people.ā€ Chong asks all of you to continue to pray for him, his family, and his co-workers in Christ. He and his co-workers are eager to receive face-to-face training and pray that the door for the gospel will be opened wider to the Miao and other minorities in East Asia. May the Lord of the church send more workers to harvest his fields!

From an Asia One Team missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Li

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Pastor Liā€™s non-Christian wife tried to get him to understand how embarrassing it was to tell coworkers that her husband was a pastor. She was ashamed of him and ashamed to be his wife. He listened to her complaints, and he continued to pray for her. He highlighted Godā€™s blessings for her whenever there was an opportunity, helped her run her noodle shop, and he took regular walks with her. Eventually she began to ask for his prayers. Eventually she told him that she was also praying. Eventually she asked to be baptized. Now, as a child of God, she looks forward to their weekly worship gathering and communing with brothers and sisters in Christ. She sings in the choir. And, she and Pastor Li pray together that the Holy Spirit would lead their son to faith.

From Matt Doebler, Asia One Team missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ John

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John Michoro, a member at Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ-Kenya, strives to bring more people to Jesus by being a shining example of a servant leader. As a son of a Kenyan pastor, John has always had Jesus as part of his life. He dedicated his efforts this past year to bring the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) to Karima, Kenya, as an outreach tool for their church. He worked closely with CAMM, the Kenyan Kirinyaga County government, and the church to organize the logistics, financials, and communication required for the medical camp in Kenya that was held in February 2024. They served close to 1,500 patients during the four-day camp. With only one percent of the population in the surrounding community professing the Lutheran faith, John has high hopes this clinic has not only served these patientsā€™ physical needs but will also be a way to touch their souls by hearing the love of Jesus. The impact of love and teamwork he has seen during the planning and running of the medical camp solidifies his faith even more. He observed many different groups of varying backgrounds from the community come together and share their love for each other, just as Jesus showed his love for so many. Johnā€™s face lights up in a huge smile as he talks about his faith and shares it with others!

From Angela Sievert, Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) committee chairwoman

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Elijah

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Elijah Adongo is a TELL student from Nairobi, Kenya. In March 2023, he attended a special TELL event in Nairobi. Some students had studied together online for years, but this was the first time seeing one another in-person. Baptism was the topic for the Bible study. In Africa, immersion is considered the only valid form of baptism in many churches, and infant Baptism rarely happens. ā€œThis is our belief and practice concerning Baptism because this was the mantle that was passed to us from others.ā€ Thatā€™s the repeating theme I often hear. Gathered around a table and Godā€™s Word, the Holy Spirit lifted that mantle and replaced it with a clear understanding of Godā€™s gift of Baptism.

Two days later, Elijah invited me to his home where he asked if his four-year-old daughter could be baptized. After a devotion and assuring Mikayla that she wasnā€™t going to be immersed, the angels in heaven rejoiced as another precious child was brought into Godā€™s family through Baptism. By Godā€™s grace, Elijah continues his studies with TELL and shares what he has learned with others.

From Joel Hoff, TELL missionary in Africa

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Bonnie

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Twenty-eight years. Thatā€™s how long Bonnie Lewis has been teaching! Bonnie is an Apache woman living with her husband, Francis, in Whiteriver, Ariz. She started teaching pre-school in the late ā€˜80s, and in 2001 she started teaching at the WELS Lutheran elementary school in East Fork. Sheā€™s been there ever since.

The love of young children has kept Bonnie coming back year after year. She says, ā€œIā€™m privileged to teach the kids Bible stories at our school, and they absolutely love them!ā€ Bonnie chuckled as she reflected on how former students have asked to come back to kindergarten. Even though they obviously canā€™t return to her beloved classroom, they can, like the Apostle Paul said, ā€œcontinue in what they have learned.ā€ By the power of the Holy Spirit working in their hearts through the Word and sacraments, they will do so. Bonnie finds encouragement in the passage: ā€œTrain a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from itā€ (Proverbs 22:6).

This school year (2023-2024) marks a milestone for Bonnie and East Fork Lutheran School as she has announced her retirement. Though retirement is around the corner, Bonnie isnā€™t one to simply do nothing. She has been an active, faithful member of her home congregation, Open Bible Lutheran Church in Whiteriver, and God-willing she hopes to be able to continue doing so.

From John Holtz, Native Christians Network missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Opiew

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Iā€™m Opiew Okugn Adiew from Gambela, Ethiopia. I was raised in a Christian home. My parents were faithful believers and instilled a love for Christ in me, but by the time I was 30 years old, I began reading Scripture more critically and openly questioning some of the doctrines I was taught. I became dissatisfied with false teachings among my church and many churches in my community. My concerns became large enough that a few friends and I decided to start our own church based solely on Scripture. One of my friends had a little theological education, but we all desired more training. I contacted WELS and was directed to the One Africa Team, which got me connected with TELL. Fast forward to today, and I have become a more confident church leader. When you share the gospel, you need to understand the grace of God. That is what I understand from the TELL program because they understand the Bible well.

I shepherd a congregation, leading worship and Bible study. I share the TELL method of training with other pastors, teachers, and lay workers in the local dialect but continue studying with TELL in English. If you want to become a strong preacher, you need to use the TELL program. . . to think, evaluate, and learn the Scripture, and finally to lead a church to understand the Scripture. You can establish friendships with many pastors around the world!

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Cesar

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Academia Cristo has advanced and changed during the last several years. Technology has changed, curriculum was expanded and revised, new resources for church planters have been introduced. One student who has been with Academia Cristo through it all is Cesar Augusto Narvaez.

When Academia Cristo was just experimenting with live classes, Cesar enrolled. Since 2020, he has completed 16 live courses. He was equipped to gather and lead his own church plant that now meets every week for worship and Bible study. They reach out to their friends, family, and neighbors, and are training members so they can participate in ministry as well. Missionaries from the Latin America mission team regularly make visits to Cesar and his group. On one visit, a missionary asked all the members what prompted them to attend for the first time. Everyone had the same answer, ā€œCesar invited me.ā€

Some aspects of mission work may change over time, but some things remain constant. First, the power of the gospel. Itā€™s the good news of Jesus that leads people like Cesar to share their faith. Itā€™s the message of Godā€™s grace, love, and redemption that keep people coming back. Second, the power of a simple invitation. Today, more people are learning about their Savior and growing in their faith because of a simple invitation from someone they knew.

From Matt Behmer, Latin America missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Alejandro

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WELS has been doing mission work in Puerto Rico for more than half a century, but Academia Cristo efforts in Puerto Rico are only just beginning. Alejandro Hernandez began his Academia Cristo studies in summer 2023 and moved through the program in record time. As he took live courses with Academia Cristo professors, he filled every night of the week with Academia Cristo classes.

These courses, and the work of the Holy Spirit in Alejandroā€™s heart, have brought about a quick succession of events. From January-March 2024, Alejandro finished the entire first level of the Academia Cristo live course work (over 100 hours of time) and completed a one-on-one study of 95 points of doctrine with an Academia Cristo professor, which led him to confess complete doctrinal agreement with what was taught. Now, Alejandro has taken the first steps toward gathering a group of friends and family around the Word of God using provided Lutheran materials.

Only God knows what is next for this work, but when Alejandro was recently visited by missionaries for the first time, in no uncertain terms, he expressed a desire to work toward planting a church in his community. And, if early results are any indicator, Alejandro is not going to waste any time getting started.

From Andrew Johnston, Latin America missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Javier

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Would you change jobs so that you could start a Bible study group? Thatā€™s what Javier Rivas from Buenaventura, Colombia, did. He started studying with Academia Cristo in September 2022. He quickly moved through the Academia Cristo discipleship program. He loved what he was learning and wanted to share it with others. But he worked at a resort about an hour boat ride away. Work would often keep him away from his city for weeks. When he learned more about how he could plant his own church, he decided to look for work in his home city. He knew that being away from home for extended periods of time would limit his potential to plant and lead a group, and being based in his city would give him opportunities to invite, gather, and teach.

Motivated by his love for the gospel, he left his job and looked for a new one in Buenaventura and started gathering a group. First, he shared a course called ā€œThe Four Key Conceptsā€ that covers the topics of sin, grace, faith, and works. Then he taught a course called ā€œLearn from me,ā€ a Bible information course. Today, he continues to gather his friends, family, and neighbors around Godā€™s Word.

Javier has been blessed with employment in his city. However, he has also become a blessing to others as he shares with them the message of salvation through Jesus.

From Matt Behmer, Latin America missionary

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Dora

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As we look around the space that we might rent for weekly services in central London, Dora Correa turns and gives a decisive nod. ā€œDonā€™t worry, pastor,ā€ she says, ā€œSome fresh flowers, some new curtains. This place can be a home for us.ā€

Dora is a living example of the ripple effect of the gospel. Her mother worked in the house of WELS Missionary Larry Schlomer, Sr. in Colombia, and she heard the gospel message from him. She preached the message to her children, and the whole family became Lutherans. Since then, Dora has moved internationally twice, first from Colombia to Spain, and then from Spain to England. Now, she lives in London with her sister, Marta, and various members of their extended family, including her son and grandson. The family connected with Lutherans in London when Missionary Mike Hartman reached out to arrange a visit. Dora and Marta attend as many worship services in London as possible. Although there is a language barrier between them and most other members of the group, Dora says they feel at home among their fellow Lutherans, especially when they take Holy Communion together.

Dora is familiar with settling into new homes. She knows from experience the things that are most important to take with you when you move. Itā€™s not the curtains, books, or trinkets that matterā€”the Word of God and sacraments with fellow Christians are the things that are irreplaceable.

From Ruth Nitz, world missionary wife in London, England

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Joe

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Killing a pig is one reason for feasting in Village 9. It is even more an opportunity to share the gospel. Pastor Joe, one of our local Lutheran pastors in Thailand, recently did exactly that.
When he decided to slaughter his pig, he obviously had to invite everyone in the village to share in the feast. In fact, not sharing the feast would have cut him off from his community.

Much of the community is not Christian. Many of them have no interest in coming to church. Many of them are not interested in hearing the gospel. Yet Pastor Joe used this feast as an opportunity to show hospitality, Christā€™s love, and the light of the gospel to the community around him. He used it to not only show how God has blessed him with a pig to slaughter, but a Savior who was slaughtered for their sins. He used it not only to let them feast on the pig, but to feast on Godā€™s Word. He used it as an opportunity for his community to hear about the greater community connected to our loving God. Please continue to pray for our pastors in Thailand as they continue to leverage community events to share the gospel with their neighbors!

From Mark Zondag, Asia One Team missionary

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Faces of Faith – Zag

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“John 3:16 says that God loves me, but I did not see or understand it until I started my training. . . Now it is the most precious and special verse to me. God has revealed to me, ‘my love is here’.”

Meet Zag Yaj, a church leader in the Hmong Fellowship Church in Vietnam who is in the second group of 60 students studying to be a pastor. Hear how this training has been “the most rewarding experience in his life” in this special Faces of Faith video.

Learn more about theological training and mission work with the Hmong in Vietnam at wels.net/vietnamhmongoutreach.

Faces of Faith – Num

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“Before, I worked hard to earn grace, but I now know grace is free. God sent his son to die for us.”

Meet Num Ntxawg Yaj, a Hmong regional church leader in Vietnam who’s benefiting from WELS’ rural training program. He also began his pastoral studies in July 2023 as a member of the third cohort of students. Hear how this training has revealed the truth that sets him free in this special Faces of Faith video.

Learn more about theological training and mission work with the Hmong in Vietnam at wels.net/vietnam.

Faces of Faith – Eunita

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“I want to emulate Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ service to his people.”

Meet Eunita Odongo, a deaconess in WELS’ sister church, the Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ – Kenya. Hear how she’s giving back to her community and spreading the gospel message in this special Faces of Faith video.

Learn more about mission work in Kenya and throughout the continent of Africa at wels.net/africa.

Faces of Faith – Eric

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“Surely, when you find the Lord, life changes.”

Meet Eric Kebeno, baptized member at the Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ – Kenya congregation in Soweto. Hear how the gospel has changed his life in this special Faces of Faith video.

Learn more about mission work in Kenya and throughout the continent of Africa at wels.net/africa.

Faces of Faith – Argentina

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Come along with Latin America Missionary Joel Sutton to meet two Academia Cristo students from Argentina: Fabian Gabriel Mandracchia from Rosario, and Luis Bello from Baradero. Hear how the gospel message is changing their lives, and how they’re working with the Latin America mission team to share what they’re learning with those around them.

Learn more about how the Latin America mission team is using Academia Cristo to share the gospel message and make disciples in Latin America at wels.net/latinamerica.

Faces of Faith – Clarise

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Iā€™m from Bamenda, Cameroon. It was hard not to feel abandoned when my mother passed away when I was very young. I not only lost my mother, but soon found myself caring for my siblings as well. Not only has my family experienced tremendous loss, but now many families in Cameroon are suffering due to the unrest. Yet, I trust that God is working in the background and that I have not been abandoned. The following has kept me going and growing since I was a child: “Every disappointment is a blessing in disguise. . . it might not look like a blessing right away, until the Lord’s work is done and you realize how blessed you were to have been through all those moments you thought he had abandoned you.”

I work for Qatar Airways and on a recent flight from Chicago to Doha, I was reminded of that same truth. During that flight, I met several men who were traveling to Zambia for meetings. At 30,000 feet, I was introduced to the TELL ministry. I read my Bible but don’t always understand what it is saying. Since downloading the TELL app, itā€™s crazy how I have learned so much in just the first course. I have been using TELL since the day I landed back in Doha. It has really helped in my relationship with God, helped organize my Bible studies, and has changed my life a lot. I see so many things differently now. TELL is amazing. I canā€™t wait for the virtual classes!

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Sandra

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Several years ago, Sandra Luz was searching for a way to study the Word of God. Her husband took it upon himself to help her to find a great program. He stumbled upon Academia Cristo online, dug into their resources, and said to his wife, ā€œThis one; this is it.ā€ Sandra quickly began working her way through the self-study lessons on Academia Cristoā€™s mobile app. She was then welcomed into live classes via Zoom led by WELS missionaries. She completed 13 live Zoom courses and officially became a Confessional Lutheran. When asked if she desired to share the gospel message in her community, Sandra responded with, ā€œHow can I not?! People must know.ā€

Now Sandra informally gathers a group of five in her home every Saturday, including the children of these adult students. Guided by a WELS missionary advisor and by her continued courses in Academia Cristo, Sandra is currently leading her group through Bible information classes. Her husband has been regularly attending her gatherings and is now also showing interest in the Confessional Lutheran faith. She prays for a Lutheran church to develop in her border town of Mexico, where there currently is none. She still rejoices in the growth of the members of her group and in those who may soon join her in the Lutheran faith and be able to lead. ā€œLuzā€ means light, and Sandra Luz certainly is a gospel light in her family and in her community.

From Elise Gross, Dean of Womenā€™s Ministry in Ecuador

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Sally

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ā€œWeā€™re sending her to a Christian school. Thatā€™s how weā€™re raising her, and thatā€™s what we want for her life.ā€ It was a big moment in life for Sally. Despite attending elementary school at Peridot-Our Saviorā€™s Lutheran School, some family members wanted Sally to participate in a traditional Apache religious ceremony. Her father was standing firm in opposition to it. He wanted her to be about the Lord and his Word and walk a Christian path throughout life.

These words stuck with Sally, even through the spiritual detours of life. They stayed with her when she moved to the big city and away from God. They supported her when addiction took her husband out of her life. ā€œSeek the Lordā€ was the constant advice given to her during tough times, and had she not been in the Word, sheā€™s convinced she would not have made it through the especially difficult time when she lost her oldest son.

Today Sally is still on the Christian path to heaven. She walks with more experience, more scars, and more thankfulness. Sheā€™s thankful to walk with Malcolm, a Christian husband who has taken over the role of encouraging her to grow in relationship with Jesus. Sheā€™s thankful for a deeper understanding and empathy for the obstacles that people face all around her, and thankful for opportunities to serve the Lord. Her eyes are truly open to see people around her, to pray for those who have gone through what she has, and to pray for everyone to know Jesus and walk the path to heaven.

From Dan Rautenberg, Native American mission field coordinator

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Kanon

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Kanon Haga is a currently a college student and the son of Pastor Haga in Mito, Japan. For the past year, Kanon has been designing and running his own childrenā€™s events and Vacation Bible School programs for Megumi (ā€œGraceā€) Lutheran Church, WELSā€™ sister church. While on break from school, he wondered what he could do to serve the Lord. Around that time, a childhood friend reached out to him to ask if he could come to church. Though his friend didnā€™t identify as a Christian, he mentioned that when he was little, church was always very welcoming and warm for him. That same feeling is what inspired Kanon to start creating childrenā€™s programs. ā€œI wanted to recreate that same feeling for the kids, so they see church as a fun and welcoming place.ā€ After these events, parents often tell Kanon that while they previously felt nervous or scared of church, these events led them to trust Christians and churches. And at these childrenā€™s events, they get to hear the word of God. Kanonā€™s work shows love to the community and gives a positive image of Christianity to the city, while also sharing the message of the Savior with young hearts.

From Peter Janke, Asia One Team missionary

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