Faces of Faith

Faces of Faith: Meet Lynne

2026/08/03/in News, Together

Lynne embarked on a lifelong search for truth that led her from atheism and hostility toward Christianity.

Through the ministry of two WELS home mission congregations, God quenched Lynne’s thirst for truth and gave her a sure foundation for this life and the next. Lynne shares how her journey led to the forgiveness, grace, and certainty found only in Jesus. She says, “There’s nothing he can’t take care of. There’s no hurt, there’s no fear, there’s no insecurity; there’s nothing that he through his Word and his Spirit will not take care of.”

Visit forwardinchrist.net/lynne to learn more about Lynne’s faith journey.

Visit wels100in10.net to learn about WELS Home Missions’ initiative to plant 100 missions in 10 years so that more people like Lynne can hear God’s truth.

Faces of Faith – Rena

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

I grew up in an environment steeped in traditional customs. Every festival involved rituals of worship. Elders murmured prayers while offering sacrifices, and incense smoke filled the air. As a child, I was only a bystander. I watched with confusion, unable to understand the prayers or their meaning. To me, these rituals were simply habits passed down through generations. I dismissed them as superstition, and for many years I was a firm atheist.

As I traveled, I encountered other religions, including Christianity. At first, I was drawn not by belief, but by the beauty of Gothic cathedrals with their vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and sculptures. Sitting quietly, I felt a deep sense of reverence. On another occasion, I heard a choir singing inside a church. Their voices brought joy and peace I could not explain. I loved the feeling, but I didn’t know why.

The real change came through a dear friend and colleague, Ms. Liu, who invited me to a small gathering where we studied the Bible. At first, I listened with curiosity but was still detached from the message. Over time, questions about life that once felt unclear began to come into focus. As a biology teacher, I spend my days studying the intricate structures of life. The double helix of DNA, the workings of a cell, and the balance of ecosystems all display a beauty and order that science alone cannot fully explain. I had once attributed this mystery to the limits of my knowledge. Gradually, I began to see the possibility of a Great Creator behind it all.

If exploring the world allowed me to glimpse God, then the lowest moments of my life allowed me to truly meet him. After betrayal in my marriage and struggles with my child, I found myself exhausted and hopeless. In those darkest days, I remembered Ms. Liu’s encouragement and walked into that Bible study again, this time as a lost soul seeking redemption.

Through the love of fellow believers and the comfort of God’s Word, light slowly broke through my darkness. God had heard my silent cries and had come to save me. Now, when life feels overwhelming, I turn to him in prayer and find strength, comfort, and hope. Step by step, God led me from disbelief to faith and into the light of Christ.

From Rena, a woman recently baptized by an Asia-Oceania Team missionary in East Asia (name and photo changed due to security precautions)

Faces of Faith – Abraham

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Abraham lives in Uganda, where faith is closely tied to community identity. He was raised as a Muslim and firmly grounded in the beliefs of his family and community. Yet God was at work. When Christian leaders began holding meetings nearby, Abraham, a respected community leader, allowed them to gather out of a desire for peace and even opened some of their sessions. Many in the Muslim community became angry and accused him of betrayal.

Those Christians continued to show patience and love. They came to Abraham’s home, prayed with him, and spoke plainly about Jesus Christ. Through their faithful witness, the Holy Spirit worked, and Abraham was brought to faith. He publicly confessed Christ, even writing a letter to the local Muslim leaders declaring that he was leaving the mosque.

That confession came at a steep cost. Abraham faced severe persecution. He was rejected by those who once called him friend and threats were made against his life. Yet Abraham remained steadfast. Anchored in the promises of Christ, he continued to grow in faith trusting that obedience to Jesus is worth the cost, even when the road is painful.

Desiring to serve others faithfully and to share the gospel with clarity and compassion, Abraham joined the TELL Network. The training he has received through TELL has helped him grow in his faith and speak Christ-centered truth rooted in Scripture. This training immediately strengthened his ministry, equipping him to reach people with backgrounds similar to his own. His faith journey is an example of how God may use someone to plant the seed, another to water it, and ultimately it is God who causes it to grow.

The Lord is blessing this work. Today, the majority of Abraham’s congregation consists of former Muslims. Because he understands their questions and fears firsthand, he speaks with humility, patience, and credibility. Abraham is also training other leaders using the TELL method. This ministry bore visible fruit in February 2026 when 17 children and young adults were baptized.

Abraham and the members of Adonia Lutheran Evangelical Ministry recently joined in fellowship with the Obadiah Lutheran Synod, WELS’ sister church in Uganda. Through the training and support he has received from TELL, Abraham is being equipped to shepherd others with confidence and Christ-centered care. Abraham’s journey—from persecution to pastoral leadership—stands as a living witness to the power of the gospel.

From Joel Hoff, TELL Network missionary

Faces of Faith – René

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Eight weeks in jail. One book: The Bible.

René Schrader knew something about this book. He had been baptized as a child, went to church at Christmas, and even sang in a children’s choir. In 7th grade, a teacher told him how Jesus was crucified, and how the temple curtain tore from top to bottom the moment of his death. “That story gave me goosebumps! But I didn’t believe it.”

Now René sat in a cell with nothing to do and plenty of time. He picked up the Bible and read. Two weeks later he finished. “I understood the Bible was a good book. The stories were interesting. They had lots of details that didn’t sound made-up.” René wondered if the stories could be true, but he didn’t investigate further.

Thirteen years passed. Much happened. Then one day René woke up from surgery and felt empty. Nothing helped—not friends, games, or drugs. He realized his emptiness was spiritual. It was time to dig into the Bible.

René watched videos and found helpful online commentaries. He started to understand basic Christian teaching. Sin, grace, Christ, redemption. He listened to Christian apologists defend the doctrine of the Trinity. Father and Son were familiar, but who is the Holy Spirit?

René picked up his Bible and searched. This was not easy! He read how Jesus taught his disciples the night before he died. Jesus made a promise, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. The Spirit of truth will testify about me. He will guide you into all truth.” (See John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13).

“The more I looked up passages about the Holy Spirit, the more I figured out about Jesus.” One day René finally understood. It’s true! Jesus is God in the flesh. He died for the sins of the world. “He died for me.” He rose from the dead. “I felt the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. I didn’t have to carry it anymore because Jesus already carried it for me.” René wept, overwhelmed with relief.

Today René is a seminary student in Leipzig, Germany. “I still don’t know how I got here!” he says with a laugh. “When I told my mom that I was studying for ministry, she said, ‘Finally you are doing something good with your life!’”

René now shares the Savior with many people – including his mother. “You know, mom, Jesus loves you. He died for you. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). What do you think about that?”

“That’s beautiful,” she murmurs …

From Luke Wolfgramm, WELS Europe Team Leader

Pictured: René (right) with fellow seminary student Benjamin Hugk (left)

Faces of Faith – Néstor

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

“The blind can’t lead the blind.” That’s what Néstor García Enriquez told me the first time I met him in Oaxaca, Mexico, when I asked why he was studying with Academia Cristo.

A few years ago, Néstor began gathering three people for Bible study. That group has now grown to more than twenty and meets three times a week — on Wednesdays for prayer, Thursdays for Bible study, and Sundays for worship. Néstor has even converted half of his house into a chapel where they gather.

The group began after Néstor left a congregation that was not centered on the truths of God’s Word. Yet he did not take responsibility of leading the group lightly. At first, he asked others to serve as pastors. He was willing to organize the gatherings and provide a place to meet, but preaching and teaching were not something he had planned to do. After working with two different pastors, however, he realized the group needed steady leadership and stepped in to guide the group. . . but he remained concerned about “the blind leading the blind.”

That’s when he found Academia Cristo. Today, Néstor has completed the Discipleship Level of the program and is continuing his studies in the Church Planting Level. Through his training, he has grown in his understanding of how all Scripture points to Christ. He has learned to apply Law and Gospel clearly, and he regularly uses Academia Cristo resources to help guide the group in its spiritual growth.

Over the years, Néstor has had a variety of vocations. He has been a teacher, a car salesman, and the owner of a taco stand. Today he runs a bakery and a small lunch stand. Recently I had the opportunity to spend time with him making bread deliveries and helping during the lunch rush. During countless interactions with customers, Nestor initiated spiritual conversations and invited people to his group. He did it as a well-trained and called Academia Cristo church planter (sembrador), serving faithfully so that more people can see the beauty of God’s grace.

From Matt Behmer, Latin America missionary

Faces of Faith – Durga

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Durga Prasad, his wife, and their two children live in a city of 600,000 people in India. He lives with his extended family, following strict Hindu religious customs and festivals. One of our church members lives near Durga’s house. Whenever I visited that believer, Durga watched me closely. He did not like Christianity and often boasted about his Hindu gods. Then his mother became sick and suddenly passed away, shocking the entire family.

I went to his house with the church believer to try and provide comfort. I asked them, “Shall I pray for you?” They agreed. Then I read Jesus’ words in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life ” and prayed for them.

I returned one week later. He asked me, “What is the meaning of your reading?” I explained that Jesus is the only God and way to heaven. He asked, “What about my gods? They are the way to Moksha (heaven).” But I showed him the Bible verses that say we’re all sinners, but God sent his Son Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for the whole world. After hearing these verses, he was silent. I prayed for the family’s comfort and left. The Holy Spirit started to work in him as he thought about these Bible verses.

Two months later, I went to his house and invited his family to our Christmas program. He came and heard the Christmas message that Jesus was born to save us from our sins and gives life those who believe. He started coming to church with the believer who lives next to his house and listened to God’s Word. When the new year came, he asked me to baptize him. He confessed that he is sinner, was baptized, and received Christ’s forgiveness. He began bringing his wife and children to church.

But his family got very angry. They scolded both of us and set up an intervention with his relatives. His father said, “He is not my son. He doesn’t belong to my family. I hate Christianity, and I don’t want my son to be Christian.” The relatives urged Durga to return to their traditions and avoid being cast out of the home. But Durga said, “I need Jesus more than anything you could give to me.”

His relatives abandoned him and his family and sent them out of their house. But God provided for him. He found another small house for his family as the church encourages and prays for him. We thank and praise God for his salvation. Please keep him in your prayers as he grows in his faith.

From Pastor Manikumar, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Ministries (CELM) in India

Faces of Faith – Miguel

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

A busca is what Argentinians call someone who scours garage sales, auctions, and thrift shops for items of value to sell. The Spanish word busca literally means “searcher,” because they’re always searching for the next treasure. They have an eye for things of value that they can pass on to others.

Miguel Ancarola is a busca and makes his living buying and selling. He is always searching. Our paths crossed because of a different kind of search. Although baptized as a baby in the Catholic Church, Miguel was not instructed in God’s Word and later fell away. He was an unbeliever until he met a Christian woman who brought him back to God’s Word. Miguel began attending church and studying Scripture, reading everything he could find. Before long, he realized the church he was attending was not teaching God’s Word in its truth and purity.

And so began his search. Miguel moved from church to church and searched online for a group that taught directly from Scripture. He compared his experience to the words of 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us.” Miguel reflected, “The Spirit gave me discernment and said, no, this isn’t it.”

Then one day he stumbled upon a site that seemed to offer something of real value: Academia Cristo. And it was free! He completed the self‑guided portion of the studies in a week and entered live classes. After about a year and a half in the Discipleship program, and with a storehouse of treasures from God’s Word, Miguel was ready to share.

Today, he speaks with anyone in his community who will listen. He tells them about his search and about the treasure we have in Jesus, who considered us a treasure and came to find us. The profit is far greater than any earthly gain. These are treasures stored up in heaven, for Miguel and for all who hear the good news.

From Zach Satorius, Latin America missionary

Faces of Faith – Alexander

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Raised in a small village in Kenya, Alexander Omollo did not grow up as a Christian. In 1993, he was imprisoned and faced a possible death sentence. While in prison, members of the Lutheran church regularly visited him to preach and teach God’s love and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit was at work. After serving 11 years, he was released, an experience he describes as life-changing. Alexander found hope through Christ, which helped him see beyond his despair. Today, he is grateful to be alive, reunited with his family, and serving the Lord. He shared his newfound faith with his family, who also grew to love and believe in Christ. He generously donated land to the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ-Kenya so the Luara congregation would have a place to worship. The land he donated was also the location for the 2026 Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) medical camp where members of the church, CAMM, and government volunteers interacted with close to 2400 patients. Thankful for the faith he received through God’s Word, Alexander saw the medical camp as a blessing and a chance to serve others with Christ’s love while sharing the hope of Jesus with patients.

From Angela Sievert, Central Africa Medical Mission chairwoman

Faces of Faith – Marisol and Esteban

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Amazing Grace celebrated a baby the evening we first met Marisol and Esteban. They had received a postcard from Amazing Grace and found their way to our church rental for Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship. We gathered that night to worship the little baby who came to save us from our sins. But God’s Word would bring even more peace and joy that Christmas night. There was another baby in the room. Marisol quietly shared that she was expecting. This little girl would change their lives. And through this baby, too, God would show us again what he promises and what he does for all people.

Little did anyone else know that the doctors had told the couple that their baby, due soon, would not survive due to a rare genetic disorder. Yet Marisol and Esteban clung to the life God had given them, and God was already working despite the coming tragedy.

When we were able to sit down together, Marisol and Esteban had plenty of doubts, worry, anxiety, and questions. But God would wash that little baby’s sins away. We shared the comfort of God’s Word, the promise of forgiveness, and the gift of baptism—the assurance that even if this child’s earthly life would be short, she would forever be safe in the arms of her Savior.

The baby came early, but in God’s perfect timing. Little Alicia arrived, and God’s Word joined with water. Her adoption into the family of God was sealed by Jesus’ own promise through the gift of baptism.

Then life seemed to come to a halt. Trisomy 13—a consequence of sin and part of this broken world—showed itself in tears, agony, and pain. And little Alicia was no longer in the hands of her loved ones, but in the hands of her loving Father and Savior in heaven. Heaven is now her home. And heaven is our home too. Amazing Grace was able to share that for Christmas, in the delivery room, and at the funeral of this little girl.

Esteban and Marisol are continuing to learn more about God’s Word, the waters of baptism, and the comfort of God’s promises. They are learning what it means that God graciously gives himself to us—as a baby in Bethlehem, as our King, and as the Savior who endured pain, agony, and death so that death would never have the final word for his people. So, we celebrate our babies, our families, our life to come, because that baby in Bethlehem also died for you and me. We don’t just celebrate the baby born for all; we share what he means to all.

From Hans Thomford, home missionary at Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Texas

Faces of Faith – Kyle

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

With nearly 1,900 churches in Chicago proper, finding a church home can feel overwhelming. When Kyle Boone moved into the city permanently after graduating college, he knew he wanted to continue following Jesus, but the search was not easy.

“The example my parents set was a big reason I wanted to stay connected to church,” Kyle says. “I’ve seen firsthand how influential Christ is in their lives, and I wanted that, too. But searching for a church in the city was a struggle. I often left wondering whether the message was really pointing us in the right direction.”

Finally, a friend helped change that. Kyle works alongside fellow Loyola University alum Nathanael in the university’s athletic department, Kyle, as a graphic designer, and Nathanael, as a videographer. “I definitely have Nathanael to thank for bringing up Crossroads. I heard him talking about it and asked if I could join him.” And the rest was history; Kyle officially joined Crossroads in February 2026.

Kyle did not wait long to get involved. As a mission restart, Crossroads was rebranding, including a new logo and social media presence. Nathanael oversees the church’s social accounts, and when it came time to design a logo, Kyle was a natural fit.

Kyle was led to Jesus and is now leading others to Jesus. His parents pointed him in the right direction. A friend led him to a church grounded in that truth. And now, Kyle is ready to lead others in the right direction at Crossroads.

From Jacob Borgwardt, home missionary at Crossroads in Chicago, Ill.

Faces of Faith – Susan

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

My wife, Miriam (pictured second from right), was delivering welcome packets and a small gift from The Vine to new residents in our community when she met Susan (pictured right), a friendly widow who had recently moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Miriam invited her to church, but she didn’t commit right away.

Before Miriam left, Susan mentioned she needed help breaking down boxes from her move. The next day, I stopped by, cleared out the boxes filling her garage, and invited her to church as well. She once again didn’t commit, but she did share she needed help changing a light fixture. One of our members, Dan (pictured left), went over the next day, took care of it, and invited her to church too. She still didn’t commit to coming.

The following Sunday, Susan came to worship. She has been back every week since.

God used simple acts of service and repeated invitations to remind us that helping someone in need and inviting them to church is never wasted time. God blesses mission work, often in unexpected ways.

From Kevin Schultz (pictured second from left), home missionary at The Vine in Hayden, Idaho

Faces of Faith – Pat

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Confession. Penance. Good works. Offerings. Attendance at Mass. Praying to Mary and the saints. Earning indulgences. Praying for the souls in Purgatory. For more than 60 years, that was my “ticket” to eternity, or at least a shorter stay in Purgatory. But when I was elevated in the church’s fraternal organization, a good friend warned me that I was about to see behind the curtain. He was right.

Everything I thought earned my place before God was null and void. All the time, effort, and money I believed were necessary for salvation had already been taken care of on the cross. Yet these ideas had been drilled into me since childhood. For the first 20 years of my life, I never studied the Bible. Scripture came only through readings during Mass, and as a child, they were in Latin. God’s Word was something I heard, not something I knew. Change does not come easily later in life, but change was unavoidable.

My wife and I retired to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and began visiting community churches. I did my research before getting involved. While many churches were Bible-based, there were still requirements placed on faith and salvation.

Then I met a neighbor, Kevin (pictured right). He invited me to try Amazing Grace. I went, mostly to satisfy Kevin. I was looking for reasons not to come back. I had been warned about Lutherans. But after that first service, something stirred in my heart. Reading Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses helped me understand why.

I went back. After meeting with Pastor Ben Zahn, I realized I was not alone. Luther did not set out to change Christian history. He simply wanted to correct errors by returning to Scripture. I found myself questioning the same things.

At Amazing Grace, I found the foundation of true faith. No earning. No extra requirements. No striving for a better seat in a place that does not exist. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the debt had already been paid.

Pastor Zahn led me through Starting Point classes, explaining the fundamentals of faith and how they are grounded in God’s Word. Through daily Scripture reading, my life changed. I no longer question whether I have earned my place in God’s kingdom. It was already done.

I found a second family at Amazing Grace. I found a second chance. Jesus placed a neighbor and pastor in my life when I did not even know what I needed. And all it took was an invitation: “Hey, give us a try.”

From Pat Hogan (pictured left), member at Amazing Grace in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Faces of Faith – Rishin

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

One night, one of our campus ministry student leaders invited a friend to my all-time favorite fellowship activity: laser tag. That friend brought another friend, Rishin Patra.

When Rishin eventually came to one of our Wednesday Bible studies, his interest was piqued. He asked questions, and I suggested that we meet for coffee. There, he told me he considered himself an atheist. I had never really sat down with a self-professed atheist before. But as we talked, it became clear that his questions were the same ones I’ve heard lifelong Christians ask. “Why does God let people suffer? Where did we come from and why are we here? If God is really out there, why doesn’t he just tell us?” He wasn’t trying to win an argument. He genuinely wanted to know if anyone could answer those existential questions.

But after several meetings, the Word did its quiet work on Rishin. He saw not a book of regulations, but a Savior who suffered, died, and rose for him. The Word had sparked faith in his heart. I don’t know exactly when it happened, but I will always remember one conversation. We talked about how prayer is a unique gift for Christians because it’s an act of faith. He paused for a moment, then said, “Well, I guess I can pray now because I think I am a Christian.” I assured him that he was. The Spirit had created faith in his heart through the promises of Jesus, who had died and risen for him.

On paper, it sounds dramatic—a former atheist becomes a Christian. But the Spirit did what he always does. Through the simple Word of Christ, he created faith.

We know the Spirit doesn’t work through laser tag, but we’ll keep playing at least once a semester because sometimes it opens a door. And when it does, the Word does what only the Word can do.

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

Faces of Faith – Andrew

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Growing up in a Vietnamese Buddhist household, my spirituality was more cultural tradition than personal connection. For years I pursued a career and family without ever asking why. I was building my life on a foundation I had never truly examined.

Everything changed when I learned that I had been adopted, something I had never known before. It felt as though the floor dropped out from under me. The life I thought I understood suddenly felt like a script someone else had written. It was a difficult season, a time of deep uncertainty that left me feeling unanchored. I turned to every self-help tool I could find, but nothing quieted the fear that I did not truly belong anywhere.

In the middle of that struggle, I came across a prayer on social media. In that moment, I felt a warmth and security I cannot fully explain, a sense of being accepted exactly as I was. The next day, I bought a Bible. When the cashier asked if I was “beginning a journey,” I could barely hold back my emotions. For the first time, my search was met with a tangible sense of love.

Lauren, my girlfriend at the time and now my wife, walked with me through this season. Together, we began learning about Christianity, watching sermons, and exploring different perspectives online. We were searching for something true. Eventually, we found a YouTube sermon that resonated deeply with us. To our surprise, the pastor was right here in our community.

That search led us to Pastor Caleb Schultz at Cross of Life. Coming from a non-religious background, we arrived with many questions. Pastor Caleb walked alongside us. Through the Faith Builders program, I came to see the gospel not as a set of rules, but as the good news of Christ.

I learned that my true identity is not found in my past or in unanswered questions about where I came from. It is found in Christ alone. Lauren and I saw the Holy Spirit quietly at work in our lives and our relationship. I was baptized in 2025, and today we are grateful members of the Cross of Life congregation. What began as a desperate search for identity ended with finding a place where I am truly known.

From Andrew Lu, member at Cross of Life in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Faces of Faith – Huanhuan and Guoyong

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Huanhuan and Guoyong started as dance partners at age 12, unaware that God was already writing a greater story. Both raised in nonbelieving families, they studied at a prestigious dance academy in Beijing, where they were first introduced to Christianity. A friend gave Huanhuan a Bible, and she was captivated by what she read. Around the same time, their English teacher, Mrs. Ma, shared her own newly found faith after experiencing God’s comfort during cancer treatments. She began worshiping at a local church and invited the students to join her. Huanhuan and Guoyong accepted her invitation and eventually decided to be baptized.

After graduating, they married and taught ballroom dance in Beijing before moving to Milan to train under former world champions. Their dedication paid off in 2007, when they won the professional show dance category at the World Dance Council World Championship. Their journey later brought them to Houston, Texas, where they now own a dance studio.

In 2022, Huanhuan was in a serious car accident that left her with neck injuries. Unable to dance, or even drive, the accident took a toll on both her physical and mental well-being. While she never lost faith, she did find herself in a very dark, lonely place. One night, she had a dream in which God was telling her to attend church that Sunday. Still feeling unstable, she managed to go. She was taken aback when images of people in neck braces appeared on the screen, and the pastor began talking about his own neck injuries and the hardships they caused. In that moment, Huanhuan felt God meeting her exactly where she was, reminding her that she was not alone.

Today, Huanhuan and Guoyong are members of Divine Savior, where they love helping visitors feel welcome. And while Huanhuan still lives with the effects of her neck injuries, she doesn’t let them slow her down when it comes to sharing the gospel. She considers it an honor to tell others about the true God, doing so with the same unstoppable passion and enthusiasm that once made her and Guoyong world dance champions.

Huanhuan She and Guoyong Zhang are members of Divine Savior, Sienna, Texas

Faces of Faith – Omar

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

The phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but I answered. Without an introduction, he simply said, “I’d like to get baptized.” He knew Baptism was important to Christians, but he knew next to nothing about Christianity. Still, he wanted to give it a try.

I told him, “Can I teach you what Christianity is all about? Then if you still want to be baptized, I’d be honored to do it.” He couldn’t wait to start.

I got to know Omar. He was in Las Cruces completing a graduate program. He had grown up in a predominantly Muslim country but had come to believe that any truth about God was unknowable. He had never read the New Testament or attended a Christian worship service. But a Christian coworker he respected had mentioned Lutheranism once, and some especially difficult life struggles had left him searching for something more.

As we studied the Bible, Omar got to know Jesus as his God, friend, and Savior who has forgiven him at the cross. Through Jesus’ resurrection, Omar came to know his eternal life was guaranteed. Christ’s promises and unconditional love brought him peace, hope, and purpose, even during extremely trying times.

Four lessons in, Omar said, “I still don’t really know why I called you a few weeks ago or what I believed then. But I believe this. I believe in Jesus.” He attended his first worship services on Good Friday and Easter. Soon after, he was baptized into Christ. Not long after that, he joyfully became a member.

And then, just as quickly, he packed up and moved away. It’s the fastest we’ve ever “lost” a new member. But Omar wasn’t lost at all. He was finally found. Omar had accepted a job in River Falls, Wisconsin. There he continues to get to know Jesus better as a member of another WELS church, Faith. Omar’s story is a reminder that God is at work in ways we do not always see, calling people to faith through his Word and keeping them in his grace wherever they go!

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

Faces of Faith – Cengiz

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

My story begins with Joy, someone whose faith left a deep impression on me. She was one of the most sincere and faithful people I had ever met. As a young single mother, she balanced raising her child, continuing her education, and building a future with patience and dignity. What stood out most was how naturally her faith was visible in her daily life, from praying before meals to her choices and the boundaries she kept.

At the time I did not realize how much those moments were affecting me. When our relationship ended, my heart broke. I found myself replaying memories, especially about how faith seemed to guide her life. In that painful season, something unexpected began to grow. I started asking questions. Why did she pray so naturally? What gave her such peace? Who was the Lord she trusted so deeply?

Because I was raised in a Muslim background, those questions led me on a deeper search. I began reading about the gospel and the life of Jesus Christ. The more I learned, the more I discovered a kind of love I had never known.

In my brokenness, the Lord met me. Through reading, conversations, and unexpected moments, Christ lifted my eyes beyond what I had lost and toward what would last.

I came to see that the love I thought I had lost was not the end of my story. In many ways, it was the beginning. God used Joy’s quiet faith to point me to a greater love, the love of Jesus Christ, who gave himself so that we might receive forgiveness and eternal life. Today, I walk in faith as a Christian, grateful for the grace that found me when I was most broken.

From Cengiz Telli, member at Ascension, Harrisburg, Pa.

Faces of Faith – Sacha

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

“Throughout my life, I have seen the faithfulness of God guiding my steps, even in seasons when I did not fully understand where he was leading me,” Sacha De Souza says. “Looking back, I can see how he placed people along my path to lead me closer to him.”

Sacha’s journey took shape when she was training to become a teacher. One of her classmates was a member of St. John’s and teacher at the school and would often invite her to St. John’s to study with her.

“Each time I went, I felt welcomed,” Sacha recalls. “It was peaceful and filled with a strong sense of community, and what began as a place to work soon became a place where I felt I belonged.”

Those visits gradually led to something more. Sacha began attending worship and learning about the teachings of the Lutheran church. She enrolled in New Member Foundation classes, became part of the congregation, and today serves as Grade 3 teacher at St. John’s. God knew all along what lay ahead and planned for it—Sacha’s need for a Christian community and the school’s need for a Lutheran teacher.

“Now my greatest desire is to live faithfully for him, serving him in my spiritual walk, in his church, and in the classroom where he has called me to teach,” shares Sacha.

From Jonathan Kehl, home missionary at St. John’s, Saint John, Antigua

Faces of Faith – Sandira

2026/07/31/in Faces of Faith

Last fall, I received a message through our website from Sandira, who wanted to learn more about Jesus. I invited him to attend church and join Bible Information Class. He came the very next Sunday. As we talked, I learned more about his background. Sandira grew up in Sri Lanka, immigrated to Canada with his family, and was raised in the Buddhist faith.

Sandira explained that Buddhism focuses on removing anything that disrupts peace in this life. Yet, despite his efforts, he never found the peace he was searching for. That changed when he watched a short YouTube video that shared the simple truth of the gospel: “You don’t need to work your way to heaven. All you need is to trust in Jesus.” His immediate response was disbelief, followed by a strong desire to learn more about this Savior.

When Sandira came to church, he told me he had never been baptized but wanted to be. After several classes, he learned about God’s gift of baptism. In September 2025, God claimed Sandira as his own, washed, redeemed, and restored. It’s moments like these that make us say, as Luther did, “I did nothing; the Word did everything.”

From Dan Spaude, home missionary at St. John’s, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada

Faces of Faith – Lynne

2026/07/30/in Faces of Faith, Home Missions, Missions

“There’s nothing he can’t take care of. There’s no hurt, there’s no fear, there’s no insecurity; there’s nothing that he, through his Word and his Spirit, will not take care of.”

Lynne shares how a lifelong search for truth led her from atheism and hostility toward Christianity to the forgiveness, grace, and certainty found only in Jesus. Through the ministry of two WELS home mission congregations, God quenched her thirst for truth and gave her a sure foundation for this life and the next.

Read her Forward in Christ Confessions of faith article to learn more about Lynne’s faith journey: forwardinchrist.net/lynne/

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

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One soul at a time

2026/04/30/in Cross-cultural outreach, Faces of Faith, Home Missions, Missions

Aunt Thu Vân Nguyễn is from Vietnam. Her Vietnamese name means “Autumn Cloud.” She was born and raised in the coastal city of Phan Thiết. Her family practiced worshiping ancestors and Buddhism. Yet from a very young age, she was familiar with Christianity because her home was near a church. She loved the Christmas hymns and the joyful atmosphere of the season, especially singing the songs.

Two years after I moved to California for missionary work at King of Kings, I met her for the first time in a citizenship preparation class. After each class, I often invited the students to stay and read a passage from the gospel of John or Luke about the life of Jesus and His love for humanity. She enjoyed listening to the Scriptures and frequently asked thoughtful questions about Jesus.

At that time, her family was going through many conflicts. Her daughter was angry and refused to speak to her, and she herself was struggling with health problems. She came to see me and asked for prayer. We sat together and prayed many times. I asked the Lord to grant her healing and to restore peace within her family.

A few months later, after one of the citizenship classes, she came to me with great joy. Her daughter had reached out to her, and they reconciled. With gratitude in her heart, she thanked God for His wonderful grace upon her family.

On October 26, 2025, in Garden Grove, Calif., on a beautiful, cloudy autumn day—fitting for someone whose name means “Autumn Cloud”—I had the privilege of baptizing her as a child of God. Although she has not yet passed her U.S. citizenship exam, citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven is far more important.

One more soul has been written in the Book of Life.

Written by Trung Le, pastor at King of Kings in Garden Grove, California

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Faces of Faith – Jill

2025/10/01/in Faces of Faith, Home Missions, Missions

“When we got here, there was just something right. There was something here that we didn’t know that we needed.”

Jill never expected to find hope in a church again. Years of pain and anger had left her convinced she was done with faith—until a persistent invitation led her and her family to Illumine, a WELS home mission church in Rock Hill, S.C. There, surrounded by a caring church family and the pure gospel message, Jill discovered comfort and purpose she didn’t know she was missing.

Watch Jill’s story and see how God’s love can reach us in the most unexpected ways—bringing healing, belonging, and a future filled with hope.

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

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Faces of Faith – Olivia and Anne

2025/08/01/in Faces of Faith

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 God’s Word at the Chapel.

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Faces of Faith – Parker

2025/08/01/in Faces of Faith

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 wasn’t on his radar. That changed when he moved in with his friend John. John’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 – Marlene

2025/08/01/in Faces of Faith

Mrs. Marlene Truax lets her light shine as the receptionist at East Fork Lutheran School in Whiteriver, Ariz. She’s been a friendly face to students, parents, and visitors since 2016. She’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 doesn’t mean life is easy. Like many fellow Apaches, Marlene has faced some tough times. She has learned that “God is always there, no matter what.”

Marlene’s humble and faithful service supports the teaching staff on the “front lines” 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 “Miss Marlene,” she enjoys seeing the kids each day and watching them grow in size and in faith. “We have an excellent school because we teach God’s Word,” says Marlene. One of her favorite Bible verses is Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Marlene inspires me with her hard work and dedication and love for God and his Word. I’m so thankful for her!

From Mindy Holtz, world missionary wife

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Faces of Faith – Pastor Davison

2025/08/01/in Faces of Faith

“I don’t know how I was found, but the Lord found me,” 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 couldn’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 God’s grace, he will take on a new role in 2025 as a TELL counselor, encouraging and equipping TELL students to share what they’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 – Viviana

2025/08/01/in Faces of Faith

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 God’s message. With time on my hands, I searched for online Bible studies, carefully avoiding groups that didn’t align with Scripture.

That’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 God’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 Christ’s merits, not my own works.

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

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

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Faces of Faith – Henry

2025/08/01/in Faces of Faith

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 wasn’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 God’s truth.

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

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Faces of Faith – Erik

2025/08/01/in Faces of Faith

Erik Pozzato was born and raised in Roman Catholic Italy. “As a boy, I did what everyone did. I studied in confirmation class, got confirmed, and had a big party,” he shares. “Then I left the church.”

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 Erik’s family in obvious ways. They were afraid. That’s when Michela said, “We need protection. We need help from God.”

They found a local pastor to bless their house, but that wasn’t the answer. Then Erik came across a Lutheran pastor online. “The pastor taught us that we are saved by grace alone, through faith in Scripture alone. It was what we were waiting for!” Jesus came into the family’s home and hearts, and the demons left. “Faith alone cleared up everything for me. When we put on the whole armor of God, the devil can’t hurt us,” Erik says.

Today Erik and his family are members of WELS’ sister church, LBK-Sweden. Erik landed his dream job, and he’s also studying for ministry. “When I think about my life and what Jesus did for us, I cannot be silent! I have to share this with everyone.”

From Luke Wolfgramm, Europe missionary

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Faces of Faith – Wynn

2025/07/25/in Faces of Faith

Throughout her life, Wynn had sporadic encounters with God’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 up—he was unrelenting in his pursuit of Wynn, continuing to bring her in contact with his Word. During 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 WELS’s sister synod, South Asian Lutheran Evangelical Mission (SALEM). In 2022, Wynn was baptized and confirmed.

God heard, remembered, and answered Wynn’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 teacher—and now, she teaches the Bible to children on Saturdays as well!

From Tony Barthels, Asia-Oceania missionary

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