Tag Archive for: Home Missions

The fruits of the Spirit on full display

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More than a decade ago, a program was established to offer a profoundly transformative experience: a high-quality Christian education at an accessible cost. This initiative, known as the Crossing Bridges program, has since enabled numerous families to access Christ-centered education that would have otherwise been logistically unattainable. Its impact has extended far beyond the classroomā€”equipping young people not only to serve as Christian leaders but also to share the gospel and connect with people in their communities. Recently, God has blessed this program beyond what was initially imaginable.

This year, four students from Palabra de Vida, a home mission church in Detroit, Mich., successfully completed the Crossing Bridges program, graduating from Hope Christian Academy (HCA). All four of these students are pursuing a bachelorā€™s degree, a pursuit undertaken by only 7 percent of individuals from Southwest Detroit, with one of them aspiring to enter the full-time gospel ministry.

Jorge Mitchell (pictured above, right) was born in Honduras, a small country in Central America, but has lived in Southwest Detroit almost his entire life. With support from his pastors, teachers, and family, he has decided to embark on a totally different journeyā€”life in cold, rural New Ulm, Minn., at Martin Luther College (MLC). His reason? ā€œTo be a Spanish teacher and help spread Godā€™s Word in two languages.ā€ Jorge will be the first MLC attendee from Palabra de Vida in Detroit since its inception in 2008.

During the winter of his junior year at HCA, Jorge had the opportunity to visit Martin Luther College with one of his classmates. After touring MLC and New Ulm on a 60-degree day in February (maybe not the most realistic experience), Jorge noticed one thing right awayā€”there werenā€™t a lot of people that looked like him. He made it his mission to change that and said the following about his goals for MLC: ā€œMy heritage can impact Godā€™s kingdom. By knowing both English and Spanish, I can connect and communicate with Hispanic people all across the country.ā€ Praise be to God that he has moved Jorge to pursue being a teacher at MLC. We pray Jorgeā€™s future role as a teacher wonā€™t just shape classroomsā€”it will open doors for the gospel among people who might otherwise never hear it.

Jorgeā€™s story is a testament to the ripple effect of supportā€”how pastors, teachers, congregations, and countless individuals behind the scenes use their time, prayers, and donations to help raise up leaders who in turn reach others for Christ. Please continue to pray for Jorge as he begins his journey at MLC this fall, and pray for Christian education programs across the country, which not only provide a transformative, high-quality education but also multiply opportunities for outreach and gospel connection in communities near and far.

Written by Lucas Martin, staff minister at Palabra de Vida in Detroit, Mich.




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Spring/Summer 2025 Mission Journeys in review

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WELS Missions Journeys has been sending teams on mission trips all over the world, giving both called workers and lay members the opportunity to serve home mission congregations and world mission fields. Some churches have formed partnerships with existing home mission congregations and new mission starts to assist them in regular outreach . Various WELS Campus Ministry students also have participated in Mission Journeys trips over their spring and summer breaks.

Students from the University of Wisconsinā€“Stout Campus Ministry took a Mission Journeys trip to Citrus Grove, Wesley Chapel, Fla.
Students from the University of Wisconsinā€“Stout Campus Ministry traveled to the home mission Citrus Grove, Wesley Chapel, Fla. During their time there, these campus ministry students helped with outreach efforts like canvassing door-to-door and inviting people from the community to come to church.

University of Wisconsinā€“Madison and University of Wisconsinā€“Whitewater students assisted Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Texas.
Six campus ministry students from the University of Wisconsinā€“Madison and the University of Wisconsinā€“Whitewater took a Mission Journeys trip to help Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Texas.
The Concordia University Wisconsin Campus Ministry, Mequon, Wis., traveled to Illume, Seattle, Wash.

Students from the Concordia University Wisconsin Campus Ministry in Mequon, Wis., took a Mission Journeys trip to Illume, Seattle, Wash.

They spent their spring break supporting Illume with hands-on service projects, including painting, property beautification, outreach, and event setup.

Peace, Janesville, Wis., partnered with Cornerstone, Centerton, Ark.
Members from Peace, Janesville, Wis., partnered with Cornerstone, Centerton, Ark., for a weekend Mission Journeys trip. Additional members from The Vine, Joplin, Mo., and St. Matthew’s, Oconomowoc, Wis., also assisted with outreach efforts. Together the group gathered donations for a local food pantry and hosted a neighborhood grill out.

St. Matthew’s, Oconomowoc, Wis., took a journey to Yakima, Wash.
St. Matthew’s, Oconomowoc, Wis., sent a Missions Journeys group to Yakima, Wash. The group assisted with hosting two art camps at Grace, Yakima.

Fox Valley Lutheran High School students assisted in Jacksonville, N.C.
A team from Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, Wis., traveled to Ascension, Jacksonville, N.C. Team members helped with many outreach efforts like getting the word out about a new mission church starting up in Wilmington, N.C. They also participated in an incredible fiesta-themed Life Group night and gathered food for NourishNC.

Learn how you can get involved in a Mission Journeys trip and how you church could former a partnership with a home mission congregation at wels.net/missionjourneys. View photos from each Mission Journeys trip on the Missions Flickr.

Stay up-to-date on additional Mission Journeys trips by following WELS Missions on Facebook and Instagram.

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Olivia and Anne

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

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Parker

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

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

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

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

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Adjusting to ministry at Lamb of God

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Ministry is people. Those people live in a particular place. Your home mission at Lamb of God in West Lafayette is ripe for the harvest. Together with Lafayette and Purdue University, it has been a fascinating place to learn and conduct gospel ministry.

Moving into town, I noticed how abruptly the cornfields give way to neighborhoods. A few months later, I see a highly developing area with new housing coming in just about everywhere. In my ten-minute drive to our church, I pass multiple housing developments, and another new apartment complex just started construction. But I also see the fringes of a more pastoral setting. The same drive from my house to church also passes multiple cornfields. In West Lafayette, the farm meets urban life. A town of 45,000 people is quickly outgrowing its agricultural roots and expanding beyond a small college town.

Lamb of God Lutheran Church in West Lafayette, Ind.

Purdue University is a major draw to the area. When school is in session, the student body of roughly 50,000 doubles the population of West Lafayette. Local students may come for the College of Agriculture or College of Veterinary Medicine, but Purdueā€™s reputation as an engineering school has achieved international fame. We see that reflected in the diversity of West Lafayette. We have neighbors from Indiana and all over the States, India, China, and Mexico. We see diversity in grocery stores representing India, Korea, China, Japan, and Mexico, most of which we have visited. Our local libraryā€™s story time for children has connected us to people from Latin America, Europe, and Asia. In West Lafayette, the world comes to us.

With factories and major manufacturers like Subaru and Caterpillar, Lafayette adds more souls to the community. About 75,000 people live on the east side of the Wabash River. During the school year, we have more than 150,000 souls in the area, many of whom donā€™t know the love of our Savior Jesus. That means we can make disciples of all nations just by reaching out to the neighbors around us.

Our church is located in West Lafayette, near the interstate that serves as the most prominent route out of town. As West Lafayette continues to develop, more houses and businesses are starting to creep closer to our church campus. We are blessed with great facilities that feature a playground, a garden, a large yard, and even a hiking trail, all on our property.

Ministry is people in this place, taking action as Godā€™s people. God has blessed us with faithful people. One member just performed an oil change on my car for me. Another cleans the church every Saturday. One member held a professional-caliber paint night; some others participate in campus ministry and exercise nights. Still more have helped put in raised garden beds for our community gardens. We have a weekly newsletter for all our members. We have a diversity of giftsā€”musicians, doctors, engineers, teachers, listeners, encouragers; friendly, caring, tight-knit people dedicated to the everlasting gospel.

God is blessing our efforts too. One by one, more souls are hearing about Jesus. A couple of new members joined recently; one of them was an adult baptism. Now, his wife and daughter have started to attend church as well. His daughter asked to be baptized, and his wife would like to start instruction classes. It seems every time I finish one Bible information class, God sends me new students who want to learn his Word.

Written by Andrew Ewings, home missionary at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Lafayette, Ind.




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Faces of Faith ā€“ Chattanooga, Tenn.

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Chantel

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Eian

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

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ The Joseph Family

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

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Reece and Caroline

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Johnathon

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

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Thomas

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Channel

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

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

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Todd and Rochelle

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

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Cheri

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

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

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

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

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

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Moments with Missionaries – Jeremy Mattek

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Rev. Jeremy Mattek shares an update from TheMission in Willis, Texas, as they will soon complete their building project. June 21 marked the one year since breaking ground for the new building and now it is near completion and ready to host members and be an outreach tool in the community. Hear more from Missionary Mattek about TheMission and its building project and how it will serve both the members at TheMission and the community.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks!

Faces of Faith – Jett

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

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

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

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Summer 2025 Home Missionsā€™ milestones

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A number of home mission congregations have experienced major milestones during spring and summer 2025:

Foundation in Peyton, Colo. – New church building
On March 23, 2025, Foundation Lutheran Church in Peyton, Colo., was able to have their first worship service in their brand new church building! God’s blessings to this home mission congregation as they continue to spread the gospel and welcome the community into their new space. View photos from their first worship service and of their new building in our Flickr album.

Christ the King Buffalo, Wyo. – Worship launch (pictured above)
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Christ the King Lutheran Church officially launched their public worship services in Buffalo, Wyoming. The celebration was a joy and faith-filled milestone for this growing church family! May God continue to bless the mission and ministry of Christ the King as they share the gospel in Buffalo and beyond. View photos from their launch in our Flickr album.

Sure Foundation, Brandon, S.D. – New church building
In April 2025, Sure Foundation Lutheran Church in Brandon, S.D., celebrated the grand opening of their new church building and hosted a formal dedication worship service in July 2025. God’s blessings as they continue to share the gospel in their new space with the people in the community. Hear more about the new church building from Rev. Craig Wilke in his Moments with Missionaries video update and view photos of their new building in our Flickr album.

Huntersville Lutheran Church – New church building
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Huntersville Lutheran Church in Cornelius, N.C., dedicated their new facility in a special worship service. The purpose is more than just the square footage and number of rooms; its a place for people to learn about Jesus and a place for future generations to hear that Good News. Learn more about their building project at www.huntersvillelutheran.com/building.

Stay up-to-date on news from WELS’ 140+ home mission congregations by following WELS Missions on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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Moments with Missionaries – Paul Krueger

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Rev. Paul Krueger shares an updates from Christ Alone Lutheran Church in Ammon, Idaho. Rev. Krueger and his family joined the core group in early 2024 and since then have grown. God has also blessed them with a facility to host their weekly worship and invite others in as well. Hear more from Rev. Krueger about Christ Alone Lutheran Church and some of their upcoming milestones, and save the date for next year’s Taste of Missions on June 13, 2026, at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks!

Ready to talk about Jesus

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Evangelism is not easy. It becomes easier over time, thatā€™s true; but it is not a simple task to discipline oneself to constantly be ready to talk about Jesus, to share the Good News. At St. Marcus, we are seeking to challenge, first and foremost, our comfort level, educating our congregation to be evangelists themselves and to become more aware of the Spiritā€™s intimate movements in getting Godā€™s Word to those who live in our very city of Milwaukee but do not yet know or believe the truth. This is our task. And not only are we an urban church, but we are also a church directly connected to a school system that, every day, educates more than 1,200 students. Of those roughly 1,000 families, only 25 percent share that they have a vibrant faith life and are connected to a church. This is our mission field!

Men That Matter ministry

Membership challenge: St. Marcusā€™ community council came up with Radical Withness Discipleship. In this program, we pair a member of our congregation with a member of the surrounding community. This pair then informally seeks out a ā€œfriendshipā€ together. Whether it is a meeting over coffee, praying over the phone, sharing an encouraging Bible verse, or sharing a meal, we seek to challenge our members and ourselves to immerse and encourage the community around us in Christ.

Vibrant worship: Through the first five months of 2025, weā€™re more than 94 worshipers greater in attendance per week across services compared to last yearā€™s same time period. We invest heavily in school choirs, allowing our parents to naturally attend our worship services when their children sing. Part of the campus evangelistā€™s job is to oversee all worship operations, including music styles, hymns, and organization of services. This allows our team to, in a prayerful and godly way, make the truth of Godā€™s Word even more accessible and relatable to our inner-city families.

Enhancement of vibrant, small group ministries:

  • Family Ministry has implemented ā€œDiscipleship Steps,ā€ in which we connect our families more deeply to the Word of God. This includes not only ā€œmembersā€ but our surrounding community and school families as well (ex.: Bible handout to primary-grade children, a ā€œserviceā€ morning, study of Habits of the Household book, and practical gatherings).
  • Men That Matter is our official menā€™s ministry. Part of the campus evangelist’s role is to work toward fostering a community of men that seek Godā€™s will in their lives. Events take place on multiple evenings/mornings, and though each welcomes men from all walks of life, each is specifically designed to address a different angle of the churchā€™s ministry, seeking to carry out biblical instruction and provide fellowship opportunities for our school male role models, fathers, single men, and husbands.
  • Embrace Grace and Embrace Life Ministries (pictured in the header photo): St. Marcus has become a hub of godly support for single mothers who are pregnant or have recently had a child. Through a 16-week program on Tuesday evenings, church members gather with these community mothers and offer prayer, support, and grace as they enter motherhood.
  • Fusion is St. Marcusā€™ youth ministry (grades 7-12), held on Sunday mornings in conjunction with the 10:30 a.m. worship service. On average, 15 students, many from the community rather than ā€œmembers,ā€ gather around Godā€™s Word and fellowship. We are in the planning stages of setting up a ride-share network to allow more youth the ability to get to church on the weekends.

Throughout all of this, our largest effort goes into maintaining a cohesive church staff team. Prospects and visitors who have expressed interest in the church are contacted on a regular basis by the team, and weekly meetings allow us to maintain accountability.

Our congregation’s greatest challenge is not to send people to share the gospel in foreign lands but to humbly seek opportunities to share God’s Word with the people of inner city Milwaukee. We pray for God’s continued guidance and help in this.

Written by Brent Krohn, campus evangelist at St. Marcus Lutheran Church and School in Milwaukee, Wis.




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Let the little children come

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Jesus said, ā€œLet the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.ā€ ā€”Matthew 19:14

Abiding Love is dedicated to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to Chinese people in Metro Vancouver. Since we launched on November 27, 2022, our church has experienced both challenges and blessings. One significant challenge we faced was a lack of volunteers in the music ministry. Each week, Pastor Wang faithfully stepped in to play the guitar and lead the hymns all by himself. While we were thankful for his dedication, we also longed and prayed for others to join this important ministry.

God, in his faithfulness, answered those prayers. Earlier this year, we encouraged young Noblessa to try playing the piano during worship services. Though she was nervous at first, she stepped up with courage. Week by week, her confidence grew, and now she blesses the entire congregation through her music.

Noblessa playing piano for worship

Soon after, two young boysā€”Mike and Ivanā€”joined the music team as well. Their enthusiasm and willingness to serve brought fresh joy and energy to our worship services. It was deeply moving to see children take part in leading Godā€™s people in praise. Jesusā€™ words echo in our hearts: ā€œLet the little children come to me.ā€

Even more encouraging, their example inspired two of our adult members to begin leading hymns as well. The childrenā€™s service didnā€™t just fill a needā€”it stirred hearts and created a ripple effect of participation. What began with one young pianist became a growing team of worship leaders, both young and old.

God often builds his church through small, faithful steps. Children are not merely the future of the churchā€”they are an essential part of the church today. When we make space for them, encourage them, and allow them to use their gifts, we witness the fruit of Godā€™s work among us. Their faith, joy, and eagerness to serve are a powerful testimony to all generations.

Mike playing piano

One of the greatest blessings we now enjoy is the regular presence of five to six children in Sunday worship. This has allowed us to launch an in-person Sunday school, where we teach Godā€™s Word to the next generation. There is nothing quite like hearing children recite Scripture, ask thoughtful questions about Jesus, and pray with open hearts. It brings renewal and vitality to our church family.

Childrenā€™s ministry doesnā€™t only impact the kidsā€”it strengthens the entire congregation. Weā€™ve seen children invite their parents, siblings, and friends to church events. One child coming to faith in Jesus can open the door for an entire family to encounter his love. This is how the kingdom of God growsā€”one small step of faith at a time.

Let us be a church that continues to welcome children with open armsā€”not just to attend, but to serve, grow, and lead. Let us never underestimate what God can do through young lives that are open to him. When we create space for children, we reflect the very heart of Jesus.

Thanks be to God for his provision, his blessings, and for each child he brings through our doors. May we continue to nurture, guide, and celebrate the next generation. To God be all the glory!

Written by Rev. Qiang Wang, Abiding Love Lutheran Church, Burnaby, BC, Canada




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We go together – Five missionaries commissioned at Taste of Missions

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At Taste of Missions, held on June 14, 2025, five new missionaries were commissioned to share Jesus in communities across the U.S. and around the world:

  • Mr. James Brandt ā€“ Asia-Oceania Team leader
  • Rev. Jacob Bitter ā€“ Pan de Vida, Garden Grove, Calif.
  • Rev. Jacob Borgwardt ā€“ Crossroads, Chicago, Ill.
  • Rev. Ethan Schultz ā€“ Lamb of God, Williston, N.D.
  • Rev. Phillip Valdez ā€“ Abiding Savior, Killeen, Texas

When you pray, give, and gather with fellow believers, youā€™re not just witnessing mission workā€”youā€™re part of sending them. From your church pew to mission fields around the worldā€”we go together.

Please pray with us:

Gracious Lord,

At Taste of Missions, we witnessed your grace in action as we in WELS commissioned five men to serve in your harvest field. We lift up to you Mr. James Brandt, serving in Asia-Oceania; Rev. Jacob Bitter, at Pan de Vida in Garden Grove, California; Rev. Jacob Borgwardt, at Crossroads in Chicago; Rev. Ethan Schultz, at Lamb of God in Williston, North Dakota; and Rev. Phillip Valdez, at Abiding Savior in Killeen, Texas.

As you have called them, now equip them and their families. Fill them with zeal to share Christ and him crucified. Strengthen their faith, guard them, and bless the communities they serve with open hearts to hear the gospel. May their work be fruitful, their hearts joyful, and their eyes always fixed on Jesus.

To you alone be all glory, now and forever.

Amen.

Learn more at tasteofmissions.com.

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Rethinking Northwoods ministry

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Our Savior in Phillips, Wis., was approved as an unsubsidized home mission congregation in spring 2025. Unsubsidized, or self-funded, home missions do not receive direct financial support but still have access to the many other benefits offered to all home mission congregations: assistance through their district mission board, mission counselors, and synodical support staff plus access to WELS Church Extension Fund and grants from the Board for Home Missions.

We were not unlike dozens of WELS congregations north of a line drawn from Green Bay to Wausau to Eau Claire. We were and continue to be a small Northwoods congregation.

We shared a pastor with another church 90 minutes north of us. He spent at least 40 hours a month on the roadā€”almost as much as he spent in our community. Our building was in disrepair. Architectural engineers estimated it would take $150,000 to bring it up to code. Our numbers were staticā€”well below what was needed to support a pastor. Our congregational meetings usually ended with different opinions on ministry and solutions to our building issues.

Our leaders were exasperatedā€”tempted to plod along and just survive.

But then something happened. The Lord emboldened a group of laypeople who pushed the issues and took action. Members were encouraged to unite behind solutions, and a sense of urgency regarding our building developed.

Then God opened our eyes. First, it was an idea we had never considered: what about a different building closer to town that would be handicap accessible and provide more space for ministry? Then, he showed us a local Family Dollar store that came on the marketā€”8,000 sq. ft. of ā€œvanilla box.ā€ The price was not much more than the repair costs for our present building, so within a month we bought it. Next, we received a generous offer for our old building. Phase 1 of renovating the commercial building would eat up nearly $400,000. Our tiny group of average income retirees and wage earners said, ā€œYes.ā€

The more we studied our dual parish arrangement, the more it seemed to hinder ministry to the community. But once again, the Lord opened our eyes to solutions. The congregation called a retired pastor in the congregation to serve part time. Then, we asked three lay leaders to assist the pastor in leading worship. Finally, an outreach team, made up mostly of women, now organizes events to publicize our ministry in Price County.

The Lord blessed our effortsā€”not with large gainsā€”but with individual souls. An unbaptized 19-year-old named Ethan came to live with his grandparents, and they brought him to worship services. In time, he studied the Creed and Baptism and asked to be baptized. Ethan is currently finishing instructions for confirmation. Another example was Bill’s mother, who invited him to a service. In time, Bill brought his girlfriend, Mari. Both Bill and Mari took instructions and were added to our congregation earlier this year, and in May they were married.

In the last two years, we have had three baptisms, and Sunday Bible class attendance frequently exceeds 50 percent of the Sunday attendees. We thank God for each of these souls.

Written by James Naumann, home missionary at Our Savior in Phillips, Wis.




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Moments with Missionaries – Timothy Bourman

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Rev. Tim Bourman shares an update from Sure Foundation Lutheran Church in Queens, N.Y. This year marks a big milestone for the congregation as it celebrates 25 years of mission work in New York. We ask that God bless them as they celebrate this milestone in October 2025 and continue to share the saving news of the gospel with a the wide range of nations, tribes, people, and languages. Hear more from Missionary Bourman about Sure Foundation, and save the date for this year’s Taste of Missions on June 14, 2025, at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis.

P.S. – Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to watch even more videos from our missionaries in the upcoming weeks!

Bringing a gospel message of hope to Ellensburg, Wash.

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The Pacific Northwest District Mission Board is partnering with Grace Lutheran Church in Yakima, Wash., to help restart a WELS congregation in Ellensburg, Wash. More than one hundred years ago, several WELS congregations were established throughout central Washington. A mission-minded pastor in Yakima arrived by train to small cities and looked in the phone book for German-sounding last names to contact and start German Lutheran congregations. This was successful church planting in the early 1900s. Over time, there were seven or eight thriving churches scattered throughout the eastern range and valleys of the Cascade Mountains.

Sadly, many of these churches have either closed or are about to close their doors. This included Good Hope Lutheran Church in Ellensburg, which closed several years ago. But this is not the desire of three WELS families who have moved into the area. Together, they have formed a core group under the direction of Rev. Nathan Zastrow from Grace in Yakima, with prayerful intent to apply for and receive mission restart status from WELS Board for Home Missions.

The committed core group has spent the past year doing extensive work both inside and outside the existing church property. A WELS Mission Journeys team from Appleton, Wis., arrived to assist with landscaping, rebuild stairs to the entrance, and provide a fresh coat of paint. Recently, the interior of the church is slowly being transformed into an open space for worship and will be used as a meeting place for community groups. Currently, a home school co-op rents the facility two days per week. These have been major accomplishments, yet there is still plenty of work to be done.

This past spring, the core group received evangelism training and has completed extensive planning to define the core values and direction for the gospel ministries in Yakima and Ellensburg. The group members have put their training into action by going door-to-door, introducing themselves, and bringing the gospel message of what Christ has done to people both personally and digitally. People have been directed to their website, hopeinellensburg.com, to receive a message of true hope found only in Christ. In May, the core group was blessed with an adult baptism: the fiancƩe of one of the members.

This summer, two youth groups from Oconomowoc, Wis., and Fairfax, Minn., are arriving to help lead STEM camps. Andrew and Lauren Lindloff from Fount of Life in Colorado Springs, Colo., arrived in early June to spend four days going door-to-door to proclaim the gospel. Their WELS Mission JourneysĀ experience was a part of celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary.

We donā€™t know how the Lord will bless these faithful efforts, and although there is hard work that still lies ahead, the core group members have embraced the concept that the Lord blesses gospel activity. While concentrating on making Christ known in the community of Ellensburg and on the campus of Central Washington University, they are ā€œkeeping good hope aliveā€ by fully trusting that the power of Godā€™s Word is at work whenever the gospel is proclaimed.

It is a great day to be Godā€™s messengers. And we ask for your prayers that the Lord bless these efforts to rebuild a gospel presence in central Washington.

Written by Mr. Dave Malnes, Pacific Northwest District Mission Board member




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WELS Christian Aid and Relief provides care through humanitarian aid grants

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To help carry out its ministry of compassion, WELS Christian Aid and Relief announced that it has approved $426,357 to support humanitarian aid projects in WELS mission fields throughout the United States and worldwide for fiscal year 2025-26.

ā€œThese grants are huge for our missions,ā€ shares Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief. ā€œThey provide an opportunity to show compassion to those who are struggling and lead to many conversations about our compassionate Savior.ā€

The humanitarian aid projects supported by the grants take many forms, including health care for the sick and dying, borehole drilling to provide clean drinking water, food and warm clothing, school supplies for underprivileged kids, assistance for legal immigrants, scholarships for poor students, mosquito nets, and vocational training.

Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Texas, plans to use grant funds in multiple waysā€”providing school supplies to kids in need, delivering meals door to door in community neighborhoods, and helping feed those who are homeless.

Hans Thomford, pastor at Amazing Grace, says, ā€œThese grants help us to love our community and put ourselves and our new mission around even more people in need of Jesusā€™ love and forgiveness! The compassion net can really go a great distance with these funds.ā€

View a complete list of the humanitarian aid projectsĀ supported by WELS Christian Aid and Relief through your offerings.

To learn more about the work of WELS Christian Aid and Relief or to support its ministry, visit wels.net/relief.

 

 

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Together Video – June 3, 2025

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Crossroads in Chicago, Ill., experienced a long pastoral vacancy, which ended on Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary’s call day when a graduating pastor was assigned to the church. Hear from members of the church as they share their hope about the future of the congregation’s ministry and from Jacob Borgwardt, the graduate who will be starting his full-time ministry there.

 

 

 

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Two Pastoral Studies Institute students graduate

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Mark Jiang and David Shang have graduated from the Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) and will be continuing their current Chinese outreach in North America.

Mark Jiang serves Apostles in San Jose, Calif., as outreach pastor to the Chinese community. A growing Chinese fellowship and Bible study already meets every Sunday afternoon. In addition, Mark will continue teaching international high school students at Apostles Lutheran High School, offering classes like Bible Information Class and Intro to Christianity. David Shang will continue serving in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he is helping grow a local Chinese ministry supported by Hope Lutheran Church and another active PSI student. Additional details regarding his ministry are still in the works. Both of these efforts are currently supported by the Joint Mission Committee.

The Pastoral Studies Institute provides pre-seminary and seminary training to students from a variety of countries and cultures. As WELS congregations reach out to immigrants with the gospel, the PSI team equips future spiritual leadersā€”often right where they live and serve. In many cases, this training leads to international gospel connections as well.

Please keep Mark and David in your prayers continue to share the gospel and serve their communities. We thank God for raising up leaders through the PSI to bring Christā€™s love to the nations!

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Faces of Faith ā€“ Atlanta, Ga.

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

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

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

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

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Graduates and vicars assigned to home and world mission fields

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Seminary pastoral assignments to home mission congregations and world mission fields:

Six pastoral graduates from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary were assigned this morning to serve WELS home mission congregations and one to a world mission field:

  • Bitter, Jacob ā€“ Pan de Vida, Garden Grove, Calif. (Hispanic outreach)
  • Borgwardt, Jacob ā€“ Crossroads, Chicago, Ill.
  • Satorius, Noah ā€“ Northdale, Tampa, Fla. (Hispanic outreach)
  • Satorius, Zachary ā€“ World Missionary, One Latin America Team
  • Schultz, Ethan ā€“ Lamb of God (New mission start), Williston, N.D.
  • Stein, Nathaniel ā€“ Christ, Clarksville, Md.
  • Valdez, Phillip ā€“ Abiding Savior, Killeen, Texas
May God bless these men and their families as they transition to their new roles and reach out with the saving gospel message in their new communities! For the full assignment list, visit wisluthsem.org/about-wls/assignment-list/.

Vicar in a Mission Setting program assignments

Twenty-three Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary students were assigned to serve as vicars through the Vicar in a Mission Setting program, and one additional vicar was assigned to serve a WELS World Missions partner in Colombia. *Denotes home mission congregation

  • Arrowsmith, Adam ā€“ Risen Savior, Chula Vista, Calif.
  • Arstein, Calvin ā€“ Good News, Mt. Horeb, Wis.*
  • Blumer, Ezra ā€“ The Way, Fredericksburg, Va.*
  • Eickhoff, Samuel ā€“ St. Peter, Schofield, Wis.
  • Engel, Samuel ā€“ Christ Alone, Keller, Texas*
  • Escobar, JuanDa ā€“ Sure Foundation, Woodside, N.Y.*
  • Golisch, Nathan ā€“ Beautiful Savior, Marietta, Ga.
  • Gregorius, Zachary ā€“ Carbon Valley, Firestone, Colo.*
  • Guse, Brice ā€“ Gethsemane, Omaha, Neb.
  • Hackbarth, Seth ā€“ Zion, Denver, Colo.
  • Heiman, Alexander ā€“ Beautiful Savior, College Station, Texas
  • Hengst, Caleb ā€“ Christ, Denver, Colo.*
  • Herter, Connor ā€“ Tree of Life, Cary, N.C.
  • Knoll, Cooper ā€“ Our Savior, San Antonio, Texas
  • Landwehr, Jonas ā€“ SantĆ­sima Trinidad, MedellĆ­n, Colombia (World Missions)
  • Maurice, Collin ā€“ Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, Madison, Wis.
  • Pederson, Isaiah ā€“ Christ the King, Bremerton, Wash.
  • Schroeder, Cameron ā€“ Faith, Sharpsburg, Ga.
  • Schwartz, Benjamin ā€“ Living Savior, Asheville, N.C.
  • Sievert, Eli ā€“ Amazing Grace, Myrtle Beach, S.C.*
  • Thiel, Zachary ā€“ Cornerstone, Bentonville, Ark.*
  • Vogel, Jack ā€“ Resurrection, Verona, Wis.
  • Wessel, Joseph ā€“ Abiding Faith, Smyrna, Tenn.
  • Winkel, Josiah ā€“ Bethel, Sioux Falls, S.D.

The Vicar in a Mission Setting program allows third-year seminary students to experience ministry in a mission-minded congregation thanks to financial support from WELS Home Missions and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. For the full assignment list, visit wisluthsem.org/about-wls/assignment-list/.

Martin Luther College graduate to world mission field

  • Rieger, Matthew T. ā€“ East Fork Lutheran School, Whiteriver, Ariz. ā€“ Grades 5-8 Departmentalized Mathematics

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