Tag Archive for: Missions

Moments with Missionaries – Joshua Koelpin

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Home missionary Joshua Koelpin shares an update from the mission start, Harbor Lutheran Church, in the Boston, Mass., area. After months of looking for worship spaces, Harbor Lutheran Church found a location to lease that would suit their worship needs in the heart of Cambridge. Worship services will begin soon!
Learn more about Harbor Lutheran Church at harborlutheran.com.

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ā€œIs it really worth it, Pastor?ā€

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I had met Jay earlier that year in the fall when he came to a Bible study on the University of Wisconsinā€“Whitewater campus. He was a charismatic, funny, frustratingly intelligent young man with many questions. Hard questions. Questions that took time, energy, nuance, and well . . . time. Jay was a Christian sponge, soaking up every drop of truth he could. He hadnā€™t grown up Christian. His parents were immigrants from India and practiced a nominal, cultural Hinduism. In Godā€™s Word, he found answers to the biggest questions of lifeā€”answers that were not to be found in the worldview of his upbringing.

These answers, however, came with a cost. According to Jay, Baptism was off the tableā€”his family would view this as an unforgivable betrayal of their culture and possibly disown him. Even without being baptized, consistent contact with Godā€™s Word confronted Jay with a sobering truth: Jesus will not share worship with another. Jay knew he could no longer worship with his parents, brother, and grandfather. Even going through the motions would be dishonest. So he didnā€™t. This caused a rift between him and his family, including his grandfather, a man whom Jay deeply loved and respected.

A few months into the school year, Jay stayed after Bible study to ask questions like normal, but this question was different. This question wasnā€™t about the difference between Catholic and Lutheran concepts of salvation or the Bibleā€™s teaching on the purpose of secular government. With enough theological training, these questions can be answered well. This question, however, was far more difficult:

ā€œIs it really worth it, Pastor?ā€

How ironic that Jayā€™s most devastating question was the only one that could be answered with a single word. “Yes.” After some shared tears, a woefully ineloquent stammering from me, and an embrace between brothers, Jay walked back to his dorm that night. And he came back. He learned over time that he was not alone in his pain. Many Christians before him had met searing rejection and opposition of their closest loved ones for the sake of Christ. During months of meetings, questions, and searching, the Holy Spirit was enlightening him. Jay was baptized into the great family of believers.

His story isnā€™t over. Not by a long shot! He admits he has much to learn and much to unlearn. He continues to pay the price of discipleship. He continues to grow in the Word and often brings his friends along for the ride. He is a Christian: chosen and destined for glory. On the Last Day he will have many painful sacrifices to lay at Jesusā€™ feet. In that final, precious moment, when the Lord proclaims, “Well done,” Jay will rediscover what heā€™s known all along.

He really is worth it.

Written by Samuel Schulz, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Whitewater, Wis.




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Moments with Missionaries – David Wietzke

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Missionary David Wietzke shares an update from the Native American Mission. In his short time on the field, he’s experienced a wide range of ministry and outreach efforts of the Native American mission has. Learn more about the work of the Native American Mission at wels.net/missions/native-american-missions.

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

Planning to move forward in Tanzania

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Planning is a risky business. We donā€™t know the future. We take our best guesses and try to do everything possible so that something goes according to plans weā€™ve made. However, all of that still falls far short of guaranteeing the outcome. God reminds us: “Now listen, you who say, ā€˜Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.ā€™ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrowā€ (James 4:13-14).

God’s plans always prevail

The Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC) is a Lutheran church of about 13,000 souls in Tanzania. Plans for a declaration of fellowship with AMEC didnā€™t come to fruition at our recent synod convention. There was a sudden leadership change and a delay on AMECā€™s side in accomplishing some tasks. Plans that had been made were put on hold. WELS and AMEC mutually decided it would be better to take a little bit more time before proceeding.

God warns us about putting too much hope in our own plans. He also spoke through Jeremiah: ā€œ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11). Though our plans might not work out, Godā€™s plans always do. He knows what he has in store for all of us, and we know that his plans are good.

I donā€™t doubt that his plans for the relationship between WELS and AMEC are good as well. We have made progress even in the short time since the delay. It looks like we will be ready to move forward with AMEC sooner rather than later. During a recent visit to Tanzania, Missionary Roebke and I witnessed good teaching by the leaders of AMEC. They explained to the rest of their called workers a locally written, Swahili-language confession of faith. The called workers thoroughly discussed many of the points in the confession. In the end, 65 men voiced their agreement that these are the things they believe and practice. This was a decision the WELS missionaries certainly rejoiced to hear.

Planning our move to Tanzania

Because of these developments, the One Africa Team has decided to relocate two mission families to Arusha, Tanzania. Missionary Roebke and I will be able to focus on training future church workers in AMEC. Through a program of classroom instruction and practical ministry application, we are planning to train a select number of AMEC men. Those men will become trainers of future gospel workers within their church body. Our prayer is that these men will be able to pass the same kind of training on to others in AMEC. God willing, this will ensure a good future supply of gospel workers for their church body.

Such an endeavor requires even more planning. We are currently working with local lawyers to register our mission organization in Tanzania in order to obtain work permits. The missionary families will be leaving their old residences and searching for new ones. Missionaries are making efforts to maximize Swahili language learning when on the ground. The One Africa Team is weighing how these changes will affect the responsibilities of each member of the team. Our utmost concern is securing our families’ welfare in an area where weā€™ve never had WELS missionaries.

Thereā€™s a lot to think about and plan for but also a lot to be gained. As with everything we do in life, we make our plans as best we can. At the same time, we trust that Godā€™s plan is the one that will actually be accomplished. God will reveal in time how our planning lines up with his plan. We will continue to trust that whatever he has in store, it will be good. We know his planning is good for our missionaries and their families, for AMEC, for WELS, and ultimately, for the kingdom of God. All glory to his name for his marvelous plan!

Written by Ben Foxen, missionary on the One Africa Team




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An unexpected journey

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Cross-cultural outreach centers around diaspora (people group) connections, through which immigrants who have joined WELS congregations in North America are able to take the gospel back to friends and family in their home countries.

I am Wei Nadine Li from Hong Kong, originally from mainland East Asia. I am a non-traditional student studying elementary education at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn. For many years, I was a happy full-time mother until an unexpected journey brought me to the United States in the summer of 2022. During that time, Pastor Titus, from our home church in Hong Kong, strongly encouraged me to visit MLC for my son Benā€™s future college application. I listened and that visit changed my life.

Wei Nadine Li (right) spends time at Oak Hill Living Center with the Anchor Club at MLC

After Ben transferred to East Asia Rising Eagles School, I joined Mrs. Hannah Boughton/Zhangā€™s momā€™s group. Ben was taught religion by Mr. Philip Scriver, a former Friends Network teacher. Soon after, our family of three was baptized together in front of the East Asia WELS church congregation and Friends Network ministry workers.

Now, nine years later, I am a student teacher receiving training in Mr. Scriverā€™s classroom at St. Paulā€™s Lutheran School in New Ulm, Minn. How amazing is that? God is almighty! I am also thankful for my husband, Steve. Without his strong support, I could not have completed this life-changing chance.

I cannot count the times I have cried tears of gratitude. Many times, I wondered how I could survive even a week without all the kind help I have received from so many people. But I know that God remembers every single name. The love shown to me has been the picture of true Christian faith. I feel loved every day, and I often think about how I can repay that love.

My previous advisor, Prof. Tingting Schwartz, once told me, ā€œDo not think of rewarding those who helped you, but reward others.ā€ Through her words, I realized that I owe everything to God himself. His love pours into me through the many Christians I’ve met. They fill my heart, and the love of Jesus wants to flow through me to anyone who needs him, especially those in East Asia.

I love to share my experiences with my friends back in East Asia. My Christian friends and I thank God and marvel that such a place like New Ulm exists in the world. They are encouraged by the Christians I have met there. Even my non-Christian friends are often surprised by the blessings God has given me and say with amazement, ā€œYour God is so good!ā€ Each time, I canā€™t help but smile and reply, ā€œJesus is not only my God, he is yours as well.ā€ Those words often lead to long talks. I admit I am not always able to give the perfect Bible passage, but I know my mission as a Christian is to spread Godā€™s Word with all people in all places. With Jesus leading me, I am on the right path.

Now graduation is coming soon, and I continue to ask myself how I can thank him. My prayer is simple: ā€œSend me, send me, my Lord. Here am I.ā€

Written by Wei Nadine LiĀ 




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A place to belong in this world and the next

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No matter where Corrina lived, she always felt caught between two worlds. The daughter of a US serviceman and a German mother, she never quite fit inā€”not in Germany, not in America, not in school, not even in her church. The church she grew up in focused more on what people must do rather than on what Christ has already done for us. Corrina knew her sins and because of them, she never felt she truly belonged. She longed for a place she could call home.

Years later, Corrina moved to Dallas, Texas, to care for her aging mother. Because of her own health needs, she moved into an assisted living complex, the same one where a member of our congregation lived.

I first met Corrina on a follow-up visit after she attended our Saturday evening worship, invited by that member. I still remember her words: ā€œPastor, it means so much for you to take the time to visit me. I felt so loved at your church.ā€ At the time, I didnā€™t realize the weight of her words, but after hearing her story I understood what she was really saying: ā€œI finally know where I belong.ā€

What made her say that after a lifetime of feeling out of place? Jesus did. Jesusā€™ full and free forgiveness gave peace to her soul. Where he is, she wants to be.

Corrinaā€™s health often makes it difficult to attend worship, but she refuses to let it stop her. A few months ago, after she fractured a bone in her neck, I told her it was okay to rest and that I would come visit. Her answer was immediate: ā€œIf I let this become an excuse to miss church, then anything can be an excuse.ā€ Sure enough, she was there the next day. She wanted to be where she belongedā€”listening to her Saviorā€™s voice.

Corrina continues to face health challenges, but nothing can rob her of the peace she has in Christ. After a difficult diagnosis, she told me, ā€œI canā€™t wait to see the room Jesus has prepared for me with my name on it.ā€ She knows where she truly belongsā€”at her Saviorā€™s side forever.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Corrina has learned where she belongs: in the family of God here on earth and eternally with him in heaven. Who in your life is still searching for that place? A simple invitation to worship may be the way God shows that person, ā€œYou belong with me.ā€

Written by Pastor Ben Schone, home missionary at Calvary Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas.




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Asia Lutheran Seminary fall graduation

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Asia Lutheran Seminary hosted its 12th graduation ceremony at Grace Lutheran Church in Hong Kong on October 19, 2025. It was a celebration of the achievement of 35 individual graduates who received various certificates, diplomas, and degrees. These students are now preparing to enter into the mission field to share the gospel throughout Asia. God’s blessings to these graduates as they share the gospel wherever they may be.

Asia Lutheran Seminary
Learn about the ministry work of WELS Missions.


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Fall 2025 Home Missions milestones

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A number of home mission congregations have experienced major milestones during fall 2025:

Living Stone, Conway, Ark., launch service
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Living Stone in Conway, Ark., hosted its launch service! Conway was approved as a new mission start in 2024 as a part of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative. God’s blessings to the members of Living Stone as they continue to grow in their faith, their mission, and their desire to share the gospel in their community.

Read more about Living Stone from Missionary C.J. Fury in his missions blog, “More than a launch date: Sowing seeds of faith in Conway, Ark.” Learn more about Living Stone at livingstoneconway.com and view additional photos of its launch service in our Flickr album.

Beautiful Savior Oakley, Cincinnati, Ohio, launch service

Eastside Recreation Center in Cincinnati, Ohio

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Beautiful Savior in Oakley, Ohio, launched its public worship. A new mission in the Hyde Park/Oakley area of Ohio was approved in 2023 as a part of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative. Now in 2025, Beautiful Savior Oakley welcomed about 85 people for its first service with about 30-40 being first-time guests. Join them as they continue to worship on Saturday nights at 5:00 p.m. at the Eastside Recreation Center.

Hear more about the launch service from Rev. Jacob Ungemach in his Moments with Missionaries video update and view photos of Beautiful Savior’s new worship location in our Flickr album. Learn more about Beautiful Savior Oakley at bsavior.com.

Forgiven, Kronenwetter, Wis., launch service

On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Forgiven Lutheran Church in Kronenwetter, Wis., hosted its worship launch. The launch took place in the Northland Lutheran High School gym, and Forgiven will continue to gather there each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Kronenwetter was originally approved as a new mission start in 2023 as a part of the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative. May God continue to bless Forgiven as its members share the gospel with those in the Kronenwetter community. Learn more about Forgiven Church at forgivenchurch.com.

Hear more from Rev. Fred Berger in his Moments with Missionaries video update and view photos of their first worship.

Christ Alone in Ammon, Idaho

Christ Alone, Ammon, Idaho, launch service

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, Christ Alone in Ammon, Idaho, hosted its grand opening and public worship launch! God blessed Christ Alone with an overwhelming amount of support and excitement from the community. Learn more about joining them for an upcoming worship service at christaloneidaho.org.

First worship service in new buildingā€”TheMission, Conroe (Willis), Texas

On August 17, 2025, TheMission in Conroe, Texas, held its first worship service in its new church building. We thank God for the blessing of this permanent location for TheMission to worship in. God’s blessings to the members of TheMission as they use this new facility and property to connect with the community and share the good news of the gospel.

Rev. Sam Boeder assigned to Christ the Redeemer in Barre, Vt.

Rev. Sam and Annika Boeder

On October 24, 2025, Rev. Sam Boeder was assigned to serve at Christ the Redeemer in Barre, Vt. Rev. Boeder postponed receiving an assignment while his wife, Annika, fulfilled her military service. The mission in Barre had been vacant since 2019 and in Fall 2024 received approval to become a mission restart. The dedicated core group looks forward to bringing hope in Jesus to one of the least religious areas in the US.

Learn more about the mission in Barre, Vt., at wels100in10.net/enhancement/christ-the-redeemer-barre-montpelier-vt/. View more photos of Rev. Boeders assignment service.

 

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

 

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Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional synod convention

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WELS World Missions Administrator Rev. Larry Schlomer traveled to MedellĆ­n, Colombia, at the beginning of October for the Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional synod convention. This international sister synod of WELS is made up of congregations from across Latin America that work together to do mission work, train pastors, and support each other with prayers and fellowship.

During this yearā€™s convention, Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional formally welcomed two new church bodies into fellowship: a church plant in Tenancingo, Mexico, represented by Juan Reyes, and the Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Churchā€”Puerto Rico, represented by Sergio Cortijo. The new church in Tenancingo is the second church plant established through Academia Cristo outreach efforts to join this growing synodā€”a significant milestone for the Academia Cristo program.

Learn more about outreach efforts in Latin America at wels.net/latinamerica.




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Strengthening WELSā€™ backbone

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The synodā€™s recently adopted long-range strategic plan, entitled ā€œChrist through us,ā€ establishes four main priorities for the next ten years. Those priorities are

  • cultivating a gospel-driven culture,
  • strengthening WELSā€™ backbone in congregations,
  • bringing Christ to the nations as our commission, and
  • living up to our calling to produce workers for a growing harvest field.

In this issue of Together, we focus on the second priority: strengthening WELSā€™ backbone in congregations.

Your congregation is a part of the vital foundation that supports our shared gospel ministry efforts. WELS congregations are where the light and truth of Godā€™s saving gospel is proclaimed to members and where Godā€™s truth is shared with people in the community. And, just as important, through their mission offerings, congregations support the proclamation of the gospel around the world and in newly planted congregations in the United States and Canada. Congregations are also places where members identify and encourage young people to consider preparing for a lifetime of service in the public ministry.

For all these things to happen, we need to encourage WELS members to be actively and personally engaged in the life and work of their congregation. Our goal is to better equip all members to embrace their God-given role in Christā€™s mission. Members will be encouraged to view their friends and neighbors as their personal mission field and their homes as places where children are led by parents to know and serve their Savior. To succeed in equipping our lay members to carry out these tasks, we intend to provide congregations with the necessary resources to enable all members to serve their Savior and his mission joyfully and confidently according to their gifts and talents.

Beyond encouraging WELS members in our congregations, our goal is to continue to help congregations enhance their ministry efforts. That can happen in a number of ways. Maybe a congregation in a changing setting can adjust its ministry plans to reach people more effectively. Perhaps a congregation can re-evaluate the mission and sustainability of its elementary schools and early childhood ministries. Some congregations will explore collaboration or even merger with other congregations to expand efforts to reach more people with the gospel.

And, of course, when we talk about congregations, we also refer to the new home mission congregations that God will enable us to plant. One of the key strategic elements of our mission planting will be to prioritize starting new congregationsā€”outposts for gospel proclamationā€”in places where our confessional Lutheran voice is not yet present. Read more about the seven new home missions that were recently approved.

But mission efforts really begin in the home as the first mission field. We recognize that the high school and college years are when many of our young members are tempted to drift away from congregational life and worship. The more that parents lay a firm foundation of faith in the home, the more our young adults will stay connected to the Savior, to worship, and to their congregations.

It all starts in the home with faithful, God-fearing parents. It continues in the congregation as the gospel works in people to strengthen their faith. And then, as we work together to take the saving message to more people in new places, God will work through us to build his church.

The ā€œChrist through usā€ plan depends on all of us. We encourage you to read more about the planā€”and how you can be part of itā€”at christthroughus.net.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

 

 

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Seven new home mission starts approved

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In September WELS Board for Home Missions met and approved seven new missions toward the synodwide goal of starting 100 new missions and enhancing 75 ministries by 2033.

ā€œWith the approval of these seven new missions, weā€™re not just planting churchesā€”weā€™re expanding the reach of the gospel where there isnā€™t a WELS presence,ā€ says Mark Gabb, Home Missions administrator. ā€œItā€™s also a direct step toward our synodā€™s goals laid out in the ā€˜Christ through usā€™ long-range strategic plan. Our goal is to expand WELSā€™ reach through strategic church planting so that millions more will have the opportunity to hear the gospel. This is at the heart of our 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, and these new missions bring us closer to that milestone. We thank God for the prayers and support that make this bold outreach possible.ā€

The seven new mission starts include:

Altoona, Wis.: Altoona is one of the fastest-growing communities in western Wisconsin. With a population nearing 10,000 and projected to grow, Altoona attracts people seeking a small-town feel with access to urban amenities, which are located in nearby Eau Claire, Wis. A core group from St. Mark, Eau Claire, has been active hosting community events, launching monthly devotional services, and building a growing prospect list since early 2023.

Buffalo, N.Y.: Buffalo is one of the largest metro areas in the United States without a WELS church. The target area has about 95,000 residents within a two-mile radius. A dedicated core group has begun gathering for Bible study and outreach, laying the groundwork for a new church plant.

Naples, Fla.: Ranked among the best places to live and retire, Naples is seeing fast growth and demographic change. The district mission board and mission counselor have made multiple visitsā€”talking with locals, meeting community leaders, and learning about the areaā€™s needs. With strong support and a clear plan, the mission is ready to reach the many unchurched residents eager for spiritual connection.

Olathe, Kan.: Olathe, located in the southwest Kansas City metro area, has seen its population surge, and continued growth is expected. Major employers have fueled this expansion, making Olathe one of the most affordable and family-friendly cities in the nation. A dedicated core group from Mt. Olive in Overland Park, Kan., has been hosting regular Bible studies and planning meetings.

The Sandhills, N.C.: The Sandhills area of North Carolina is growing as retirees and young families move in. Its proximity to Fort Bragg also draws military personnel who often settle there permanently. A core group from Tree of Life, Cary, N.C., has begun outreach and canvassing, building momentum and a prospect list in a region where confessional Lutheran churches are few.

West Richland, Wash.: West Richland, located just outside the Tri-Cities, is experiencing rapid growth. A committed core group from Southridge, Kennewick, Wash., has been working to establish a second site in West Richland since 2024. The group has already begun outreach through community service activities and fellowship events and aims to launch regular worship and ministry activities in 2025.

Wilmington, N.C.: Wilmington is in one of the fastest-growing corners of North Carolina. A core group of 18 people from Ascension, Jacksonville, N.C., meets regularly for Bible study and planning. With no WELS church nearby and easy access along U.S. 17, the group is laying the foundation for a welcoming church that blends in-person and online worship, Bible instruction, and plenty of community service.

Learn more at wels100in10.net.

 

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Building fellowship in Finland

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One of the greatest joys of belonging to the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) is the fellowship we share with believers around the world. For the Europe Team, this fellowship is not an abstract ideaā€”it is real and personal. When we pursue Christ-centered relationships, God is present to encourage us and open doors for gospel partnership.

Greg, Luke, and the ƅkerlund Family from the congregation at St. Johannes

From our base in Leipzig, Germany, Jennifer and I often travel to visit believers across continental Europe. But our Europe Team also builds fellowship through ā€œET Reps.ā€ ET Reps generally live in the United States but are focused on one or two sister churches in Europe. They write, they pray, they encourage, and they develop lasting friendships with pastors, leaders, and church members. Through their work, our Christian unity grows warmer and stronger.

Let me share a recent example.

Greg Schibbelhut teaches science at Luther High School in Onalaska, Wis. Recently he has also begun serving as ET Rep for our two sister churches in Finland. In July, Greg joined Jennifer and me for his first chance to meet our Finnish brothers and sisters face to face.

Our travels first took us to St. Johannes on the western edge of Finland, where people generally speak Swedish. Pastor David ƅkerlund and his wife, Marika, hosted us and arranged outings with other church families. Summer is a happy time in Finland. The long, warm days and beautiful landscape provided a perfect setting for good food and relaxed conversation. Together we shared the joys and challenges of family life and our great Christian missionā€”including a new evangelism effort in Jakobstad. This is how the best friendships are built.

From there, we traveled south to a Bible camp hosted by the Lutheran Confessional Churchā€”Finland (LBK-Finland), a Finnish-speaking church. Here Greg met Pastor Juhani Viitala, his wife, Virpi, and other leaders and laypeople. Greg taught a childrenā€™s lesson on Jesusā€™ death and resurrection, and he listened. Again, God provided encouraging conversations and new possibilities for working together.

We live in an age of screens. Video calls and e-mails are wonderful blessings, but there is something specialā€”necessaryā€”about face-to-face fellowship. Conversation across a kitchen table, joint worship, Bible study, and good food foster openness, understanding, and trust. Greg carried home not only knowledge of these churchesā€™ blessings, challenges, and opportunities but also real friendships.

Fellowship doesnā€™t end when the plane touches down back in the United States. Greg continues to pray for our Finnish brothers and sisters. He stays in touch online and looks for ways to support their gospel outreach. Greg shared, ā€œWhat an exciting, wonderful, and humbling opportunity it has been learning about our synodā€™s work in Europe. The pastors and members of our sister churches in Finland graciously welcomed me into their homes and churches. Their deep love for their Savior Jesus and desire to share that love is very evident. I look forward to continuing to foster this relationship with our brothers and sisters in Finland as we encourage their work with prayer, communication, and in-person visits.ā€

We thank God for all our ET Reps and their growing connections with believers across the ocean. Please pray that God would strengthen our fellowship and open new doors for sharing his good news.

Written by Luke Wolfgramm, world missionary for the Europe Team.




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More than a launch date: Sowing seeds of faith in Conway, Ark.

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There tends to be so much focus on the ā€œlaunch serviceā€ when youā€™re starting a brand-new church. Over the past 15 months, it felt like I was constantly pointing people forward to September 28, 2025. When planting a church, the outreach and preparation leading up to that big Sunday is a key focus of ministry. So, how do you invite people to a church plantā€™s launch service? What does outreach leading up to launch look like?

We at Living Stone Lutheran Church in Conway, Ark., decided to take a scattershot approach. As we continually learned more about our new community, we sought to find creative and effective ways to form relationships and connections with new faces. Although a new name, brand, logo, and new website are a huge part of marketing for a new congregation, our marketing consultant (Grace Ungemach with Lutheran.marketing) helped us figure out some great ways to carry out these pre-launch outreach efforts. When we met with Grace to figure out our pre-launch strategy, she walked us through a marketing model called the ā€œbuyerā€™s journey.” The conclusion we came to wasnā€™t all that novel. The best way for people to learn about a brand-new church in town is to have genuine conversations with us. The best way for someone to want to come check out Living Stone for worship is to interact with those people long before our launch ever came to be.

So, we came up with a number of outreach strategies. Of course, personal connections and friendships formed in the community have been the best ways to show Christā€™s love. Still, on a corporate level, we came up with a few ideas. First, we held Food Truck Night three nights this summer. The goal of Food Truck Night was to make connections and introduce Living Stone to our community. Food Truck Night was an outdoor gathering with three food trucks, a bounce house, live music, yard games, and lots of fellowship! We were blessed with an average of more than 100 in attendance for each Food Truck Night. We were also able to hold a school supply giveaway to serve families in our community in late July. In August, we put up booths at various community events, such as a popular market that a local coffee shop created and a community outreach event at freshman welcome week at the University of Central Arkansas. In August and September, we were blessed to canvass hundreds of homes. We also held a three-week paper bag food drive that allowed us to connect with our neighbors and show love to those struggling with food insecurity in our county. Finally, we sent more than 9,000 postcards through a mass mailer and ran multiple Instagram and Facebook ads. All these efforts joined together to form our pre-launch outreach. Much of it seemed like throwing paint at a wall. Plenty of times, I found myself asking, ā€œIs this effort worth it? Will this be fruitful?ā€

This past Sunday, September 28, 2025, Living Stone finally held its official launch worship service! The Lord blessed us with 96 souls in attendance. It was wonderful to have so many people there to encourage us, celebrate that big day, and most importantly, hear the gospel of forgiveness of sins through Jesus! As I looked out at the group of people in front of me, I thanked God that the faces I saw came from all sorts of avenues. Some came from our mass mailer. Some came from our food drive. Some we had seen again and again through our Food Truck Nights and personal contacts. Some saw our ads online, and some just came because they were friends and family of our members.

I think thereā€™s a better analogy for our pre-launch outreach efforts besides ā€œthrowing paint at the wall.ā€ We were sowing seed. We scattered and sowed that seed and let the Lord Jesus take care of the rest.

Written by C.J. Fury, home missionary at Living Stone Lutheran Church in Conway, Ark.




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Moments with Missionaries – Jacob Ungemach

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Hear an update from Rev. Jacob Ungemach, home missionary at Beautiful Savior Oakley in Cincinnati, Ohio, following their worship launch service. God’s blessings to Beautiful Savior as they strive to share the gospel with he Cincinnati community. Learn more about Beautiful Savior Oakley at bsavior.com.

Learn more about the approval of the Oakley mission is 2023 at wels100in10.net/new-starts/cincinnati-oh/.

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

A season of planting and growing

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Small group ministry is the heart of the work thatā€™s begun in Australia. From small group leader training to groups that meet in homes in different cities, the theme of our work to reach this large continent has been to start small.

Take our Melbourne group. Our two Aussie leaders, Tom and Ann Belcher, have returned to Australia by way of Hope Lutheran Church in Toronto, which played an integral part in their faith formation. Now they meet weekly with four other people for Bible study, prayer, singing, and fellowship in their homes. Their group is growing slowly as they invite friends to join.

The Melbourne group

In Brisbane, we have spent the last year getting to know our community. We offer English classes to immigrants at two different local libraries, one of which has basically adopted our program as their own. Through these classes we can connect with people from all over the worldā€”Colombia, Iraq, China, Japan, France, and Taiwan, just to name a few!

To develop deeper relationships with our students, we offer several social activities throughout the month such as hiking, cultural festivals, game days, and holiday parties. These larger gatherings lead to one-on-one interaction or opportunities in smaller settings, such as dinner in our home, coffee in local cafes, or private English tutoring. God has blessed our efforts with many opportunities for personal gospel presentations. As a result of all this, we have started some small group Bible studies, sometimes at the request of the students themselves.

Our experience has taught us that there are seasons in ministry. Seasons of plowing, planting, growing, pulling weeds, and harvesting. By Godā€™s grace, we seem to be in a season of planting and growing. But we know that just as Jesus taught us in the parable of the sower, not all seeds we plant will produce a fruitful crop. There will be heavy stones to unlodge and razor-sharp thorns to uproot. Realizing that hardships and persecution are inevitable gives us a deep appreciation for this season. It is a giftā€”each baptism, each profession of faith, each student who receives his or her instruction with joy and gratitude. We wish you could have witnessed the sheer delight of our Colombian friend when we introduced her to Academia Cristo and she heard Missionary Nixon Vivar welcoming her to study the Bible in Spanish! We do not take these experiences for granted. We wish you could hear our new sister in the faith thank God for being her faithful Father every day. We wish you could see how the leaders grow in facilitating studies, addressing challenges, and modeling their faith. Itā€™s a great season!

Leader meeting

One way we prepare for every season is through our weekly prayer time, established by former Asia-Oceania Team Leader Dr. Steve Witte. We pray for all the ministries, local leaders, churches, small groups, missionaries, and families in Asia-Oceania. Another way we prepare is by developing resources for small groups and training for leaders in cultivating character and preparing solid Bible studies. There is a special emphasis on reaching those who are not native English speakers and/or are brand new to Christianity.

Small groups. English classes. Seasons. You are our partners in all of these efforts. We appreciate your ongoing prayers, offerings, and local efforts that move the mission forward!

Written by Matt Doebler, world missionary on the Asia-Oceania Team

P.S. – If you would be interested in volunteering in Australia through a Mission Journeys trip in Fall 2026, visit wels.net/mission-journeys-volunteer-opportunity-in-brisbane-australia/ to learn more.




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Seven new home missions approved

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For generations, WELS congregations have been beacons of Christā€™s light, proclaiming the gospel and nurturing faith. Yet millions in North America still live beyond the reach of a WELS church. Through the 100 Missions in 10 Years initiative, WELS Home Missions is planting new churches where hope is needed most, while strengthening our synod and building a growing network of gospel outposts.

This vision is coming to life thanks to your prayers and support. At the fall Board for Home Missions meeting, seven new missions were approvedā€”each one a new beacon of Christā€™s light, made possible by your generosity.

The seven new mission starts include:

  • Altoona, Wis.: Just east of Eau Claire, Altoona is rapidly growing. A core group from St. Mark in Eau Claire has been doing outreach since early 2023, steadily building interest.
  • Buffalo, N.Y.: With 95,000 people in the target area and no WELS church nearby, a committed group is meeting to lay the foundation for a new church.
  • Naples, Fla.: Naples is growing quickly and changing demographically. Leaders are meeting with locals and planning outreach to connect with unchurched residents.
  • Olathe, Kan.: A booming, family-friendly city in the Kansas City metro, Olathe is home to a core group from Mt. Olive in Overland Park thatā€™s planning for future growth.
  • The Sandhills, N.C.: This growing region near Fort Bragg attracts retirees and military families. A group from Tree of Life in Cary is actively canvassing and building a prospect list.
  • West Richland, Wash.: Near the Tri-Cities, West Richland is expanding quickly. A group from Southridge in Kennewick began outreach and plans to launch worship in 2025.
  • Wilmington, N.C.: In a fast-growing area with no nearby WELS church, a group from Ascension in Jacksonville meets regularly in preparation to launch their church.

Learn more about these new starts at wels100in10.net.

This isnā€™t a short burst of effortā€”itā€™s the steady building of a lighthouse. Each new congregation is another beacon of Christā€™s light in a darkening world. With your help, weā€™re building a network of gospel outpostsā€”one light, one soul at a time.

Thank you for your partnership. Your gifts are bringing the gospel to new communities and strengthening our synodā€™s foundation for generations to come.

In Christā€™s service,
The WELS Missions Team

 

P.S. Planting new churches isnā€™t just about numbersā€”itā€™s about reaching individual souls with the gospel. Watch Jettā€™s story in our ā€œFaces of Faithā€ video to see how your support helps bring Christā€™s love to people who need it most.

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Faces of Faith – Jill

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ā€œWhen we got here, there was just something right. There was something here that we didnā€™t know that we needed.ā€

Jill never expected to find hope in a church again. Years of pain and anger had left her convinced she was done with faithā€”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 didnā€™t know she was missing.

Watch Jillā€™s story and see how Godā€™s love can reach us in the most unexpected waysā€”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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Moments with Missionaries – Jim Brandt

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Missionary Jim Brandt, Asia-Oceania Team leader, and his wife, Kathy, have now settled into Chiang Mai, Thailand, after a few weeks traveling throughout the field. He shares a glimpse of life in Thailand, the people theyā€™ve met, and the diverse beliefs that surround them. Hear more from Missionary Brandt about the work the Asia-Oceania Team is doing to share the message of the gospel throughout Asia-Oceania.

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

Outreach is a little bit like bull-riding

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Outreach in a home mission congregation can be like riding a bull. Every second is precious when riding a bull. You want to hold on until the 8-second mark for maximum impact on your score. However, with an animal that unpredictable, you never truly know when the ride will end.

So it is with outreach. Every opportunity to meet new people is precious. Every second of conversation with a prospect is important, and you want it to last as long as possible for maximum impact in building a relationship. Most importantly, every opportunity is precious as you share Jesus and grow that relationship. Who knows when the encounter could end because, after all, life is unpredictable.

Opportunities for outreach are also unpredictable at times. It was the summer of 2024 and I received a phone call from a group representing a traveling rodeo that was coming to Ladysmith in July 2025. They inquired about the use of the parking lot of Our Redeemer for their rodeo. It was as if it were meant to be! We had just enlarged the parking lot, put in a big new playset, and made the property more accessible and inviting to the public.

This was great! The rodeo group wanted to pay us rent for the use of our parking lot and encouraged us to use the property to welcome their patrons. Even better, we were given the opportunity to connect with up to two thousand people. But the best part? It would be an opportunity to share Jesus.

Remember that the bull is unpredictable. As plans were being made with the playset and bounce house, free waters and even, just maybe, horse-drawn wagon rides on the church property, the bull started bucking. Two weeks before the event, the rodeo group decided the property next to the church wouldnā€™t be suitable, and they moved the rodeo down the road.

However, the Lord opens doors for outreach in unexpected ways. A local community group was going to be serving food for the event. They asked if we could help them. They needed help. It was the only group serving food for two thousand people. The ride was back on, and what a ride it was! Twelve members of Our Redeemer and I, all wearing our blue Our Redeemer Lutheranā€”Ladysmith shirts, worked nonstop in almost 100-degree heat and let the light of Christ shine.

This group of Christians made a maximum impact as they worked and served and did whatever was asked of them to help at the rodeo. Some also made maximum impact by sharing Jesus that day with those they interacted with. Standing next to the fryer waiting for the French fries to cook allows some downtime for evangelism. The very next day at 8 a.m. worship, two people from the community group the day before were in our church wanting to hear more about Jesus.

Thatā€™s outreach in our communities today. Itā€™s like riding a bull, unpredictable. But we have the assurance that when things donā€™t go as expected or we feel like we have failed, the Lord opens another gate. We pray that we are always prepared for another opportunity to give an answer for the hope that we have in Jesus. It is our joy to do what our Savior has called us to doā€”share the gospel!

Written by Christian Christenson, home missionary at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ladysmith, Wis.




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From TELL student to TELL leader

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ā€œThe program has helped me much to grow in my understanding of the gospel and help me know how I can share it with others,ā€ says Opiew Adiew.

Opiew is from Gambella, Ethiopia. Heā€™s a TELL student who not only has completed all of the online courses that make up the TELL Network Christian leader training program, but he also led a recent online recognition service. The recognition service celebrated 72 students for completing eight or more courses. Thirty-eight of those students have finished the full 13-course Discipleship track. The recognition service is usually held once per quarter; this recent Zoom room gathering included Joel Hoff, our TELL missionary, and One Africa Team teacher Dan Kroll along with TELL team members to help facilitate. Each student is individually highlighted among their peers throughout the service. Witnessing a TELL student lead and share in this way was heartwarming and encouraging for all the TELL teachers and students in attendance.

Opiew has served as a visionary founder of Gambella Evangelical Lutheran Church with some others who had realized that their churches’ teachings were not in line with Scripture. Opiew says, ā€œI had been looking for a church with whom we could workā€”a mother church. God connected me with WELS. When I requested to join WELS, they connected me to Pastor John Hartmanā€”at that time the outreach leader of the One Africa Team.ā€

Pastor Hartman encouraged Opiew to join WELS’ Multi-Language Productions (MLP) TELL leader training program. ā€œI enjoyed the TELL classes because the instructor allows, even invites, students to share their thoughts. The program has helped me much to grow in my understanding of the gospel and help me know how I can share it with others. I use the TELL method to share the Word of God in Bible study and in my preaching still today,ā€ says Opiew.

MLPā€™s TELL Network has had some notable successes in the last quarter. God is truly blessing our efforts, and the TELL team continues to refine our proven process. Since the recognition service, 40 more students have completed eight or more courses, and 18 more have finished the Discipleship level. Even more exciting is that two of our Discipleship graduates, both leaders in Lagos, Nigeriaā€”serving different groupsā€”are now teaching The Four Key Concepts (a Bible study on sin, grace, faith, and works) to their own students. This a wonderful example of multiplication in action!

Because of the continued growth of our higher-level study body, we’re working on ways to scale the administration of our current student experience even more. New Doctrine Discovery courses are now in production to bring even more students at one time to becoming group leaders who are also in doctrinal agreement.

TELL has eight students leading groups in six different countries! We expect that number to increase to 32 by the end of 2025. Praise God for these men in training. And please continue to pray for these students as they grow and share the gospel.

Written by Nate Seiltz, director of Multi-Language Productions




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Why we visit

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This article originally appeared in the One Africa Team blog. Subscribe to future updates from Africa at oneafricateam.com.

A pastor who visits people makes people who visit church. Thatā€™s why I devoted two nights a week to visit both members and visitors when I lived in the United States. Sometimes I would call ahead; most times I just showed up at the door. I only got a gun pulled on me onceā€”but thatā€™s how he greeted everyone.

I donā€™t make house calls anymore because I donā€™t have a congregation. However, every other month Iā€™m on the road. My father asked me, ā€œIs it necessary to visit all these people?ā€ Itā€™s true that we can handle a lot of our work online. But this post will show why we visit in person.

What we saw

I just returned home after a two-week visit to Uganda, where we partner with the Obadiah Lutheran Synod. We are also pursuing relationships with two new groups. One is called the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU). Two years ago, conservative pastors broke away from the Lutheran Church of Uganda. They formed their own church body and seminary and are seeking a partnership with WELS.

Missionary Ben Foxen and I were greatly encouraged by what we saw during our visit. Members of Christ the Vine enthusiastically welcomed us. We worshiped in their newly constructed sanctuary, constructed of mud and wattle and roofing sheets. We witnessed baptisms, confirmations, and the installation of four congregational evangelists. They were greatly honored by our visit.

We also visited Mt. Calvary congregation, whose members worship in a schoolroom. Several CLSU congregations have started schools as a means to reach out to the community. Bishop Benson Barahuka, the leader of the CLSU, joined in the dancing and fun. He asked the members to contribute toward a church building project. A visit like ours shows that every member and congregation are valued and connected to the body of Christ.

Missionary Foxen and I sat down with CLSU leaders for a week to study Lutheran teachings and practice. I had met some of them previously, while leading an online course on the Augsburg Confession. We all agreed that meeting face to face is better. Bishop Benson thanked WELS donors for making our visit possible. He told us, ā€œYou care.ā€ He was glad we made a visitā€”and so are we.

What needs work

The other group we are working with in Uganda is the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession Uganda (ECACU). This group also came out of the Lutheran Church of Uganda. Rev. Simon Peter Waako is their leader.

At our opening worship service we sang from The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH), which had been donated by LCMS congregations in the U.S. The tunes we sang did not always match what was printed in the hymnal. Almost all of the long meter (LM) hymns were sung to the tune of ā€œI Know that My Redeemer Lives.ā€

The liturgy was conducted in the Runyoro language, although not everyone in attendance spoke that tongue. Throughout our visit, everything we spoke in English had to be translated twice. This slowed us down considerably. Did you know that more than 3,000 languages are spoken on the African continent?

Our visit to God Bought congregation was also a challenge. Our van got stuck in the mud and we had to walk the last kilometer to the church site. A small group of Christians gather every Sunday under a tree. The owner of the adjacent property evicted them from their building because he wants to farm crops there.

The next visit was to Kakasato church, which has 50 members. A local man invited ECACU to start a congregation in his barn. They offer Sunday school and Bible class in addition to worship. We also made a visit to Kabatindule, which means ā€œfelling a tree.ā€ The congregation meets under a lean-to on the property of one of the members. They do not have any Bibles, catechisms, or hymnals.

Our visit showed us thereā€™s a lot of work to be done with ECACU before we declare fellowship. Thereā€™s no way we could know this without coming in person. This is why we visit. And God willing, we will make another visit soon.

Written by Missionary John Roebke, missionary on the One Africa Team




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Work for the kingdom

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Tom walked into my office in rough shape: drunk and homeless. He needed help. I bought him some food, invited him to church, and told him about Jesus. Over the next year, that pattern repeated. Finally, though, enough was enough. ā€œTom, I just canā€™t keep enabling this kind of behavior.ā€ He got mad and walked out of my office.

I didnā€™t see Tom again . . . until I got back from vacation last summer. I listened to my messages: ā€œPastor, this is Tom. Iā€™m 30 days sober and want to come to church. Am I still invited?ā€ I saw Tom every Sunday after that. He completed our new member class. He was overjoyed. ā€œThis is my church,ā€ he would tell me. His favorite part of the service was Confession and Absolution. He knew his sin. He loved his Savior.

Tomā€™s time at our church didnā€™t last long. Problems at home and his search for a job took him away. Finally, he found a place and a job at a sober living organization. Restrictions in communication have prevented me from talking to or messaging him. I honestly donā€™t know where he is. What I do know is this. For the short time Tom was at our church, he heard the Word of God proclaim forgiveness of sins through Jesus. Godā€™s kingdom spread.

Do you know someone like Tom? Perhaps you have a similar story to mine. Often, we get to share Jesus with people for just a little while before life takes them away. This helped me learn an important truth about gospel work: Itā€™s about Godā€™s kingdom, not about me.

Itā€™s easy for us to get discouraged. ā€œWhy donā€™t we have more baptisms, adult confirmations, visitors, or worshipers?” “Why did that family have to move away?ā€ Itā€™s not about us or our church. We work for the kingdom of Godā€”so that the message of salvation will be proclaimed, so that people will spend eternity in heaven.

This brings joy and delight into our gospel work. Every candle we light, invitation we give, or person we greet is work done for God. Every time we share Jesus, whether itā€™s a quick exchange, over a few months, or for many years, Godā€™s kingdom comes. God delights to use us in his plans, and itā€™s our delight to work for him.

This work is done all the time, whenever we share Jesus or invite someone to hear the good news. Sometimes God grants major victories, as he did to the apostles on Pentecost. But more often, Godā€™s kingdom comes in small, daily, countless victories, as the gospel takes root and grows in hearts. This happens maybe even years after we meet someone. Itā€™s not always for us to know the outcome of our work. Itā€™s our joy simply to do the work God puts before us.

I donā€™t know where Tom is right now. We arenā€™t sure what happens with all the invitations, proclamations, and work done for Godā€™s kingdom. I like to say to my church, ā€œThatā€™s above our pay grade.ā€ But we can be confident of this: Godā€™s kingdom comes. May we always joyfully pray, ā€œYour kingdom come.” No work done for God’s kingdom, no matter how small, is ever in vain.

Written by Orie Thomford, home missionary at Our Savior in Burlington, Iowa




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Moments with Missionaries – Fred Berger

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Rev. Freg Berger, home missionary at Forgiven Lutheran Church in Kronenwetter, Wis., shares how their mission is using available resources and the surrounding community to build up their church by hosting thing like weekly bible studies and worship. God’s blessing to Forgiven Lutheran Church at they prepare for their upcoming worship launch on September 14!

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

The first WELS Lutheran in Uruguay

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Viviana and I sat on a ferry, crossing from Buenos Aires to Montevideo. As far as I knew, I was the first WELS missionary to set foot in Uruguay.

We were traveling to meet Nahir, a faithful Academia Cristo student nearing the end of her Discipleship courses. Like many students, she first discovered our ministry through social media when a YouTube video led her to our self-study courses. She enjoyed the thoughtful questions and was eager to earn the certificate offered at the end. When the invitation came to join live Zoom classes, her motivation grew. Many months later, she was about to complete her 13th live course.

Viviana and Missionary Elise Gross take a ferry from Argentina to Uruguay to see Nahir

Nahir picked us up from customs, and we rode an hour east to her home, enjoying glimpses of the coast and Uruguayan culture. Soon, we were gathered around her kitchen table, sharing mateā€”the traditional hot drinkā€”and a few snacks.

But soon the purpose of our visit came into focus. My travel companion, Viviana, herself a graduate and now an Academia Cristo professor, placed a document on the table with the bold title ā€œConfesiĆ³n de fe.ā€ I listened as Viviana guided Nahir through the confession of faith processā€”96 questions giving Nahir the opportunity to confess the biblical truths she had studied.

Throughout her courses, Nahir had learned that faith is not about dramatic emotional displays but about knowing Jesus and his saving work. She was particularly moved by lessons on the sacraments, realizing that there is only one Baptismā€”despite having been told previously that her infant Catholic baptism was invalid. The course Spiritual Identification had challenged her to confront misconceptions, uncovering biblical truths about the end times she had never been taught.

Now, Nahir confidently confessed her faith and thanked God for the work of the Holy Spirit through the pastors and teachers of Academia Cristo. The evening ended with hugs and far too many plates of food, celebrating genuine fellowship. As far as we know, Nahir is the first confessional WELS Lutheran in Uruguay.

Nahir (left) and Viviana (right) at Nahir’s house in Uruguay

Today, Nahir continues studying with Academia Cristo at the ā€œChurch Planting Level.ā€ She leads a Bible study with her neighbors and shares the Word weekly at a local nursing home. She worships weekly online with other confessional Lutherans through services led by the Latin America WELS synod (Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional).

When asked how she would encourage other women to boldly share the faith they profess, Nahir answered: ā€œSharing the Word is our mission. Itā€™s not easy. At first it brings fear and even shame, but as you begin doing it you will see that even if just one person listens, it is wonderful. Even when it feels discouragingā€”itā€™s important not to give up. They need to know the Lord, because their salvation depends on it. Itā€™s worth the sacrifice to serve the Lord and to do it with joy. The Lord is the one who does the work; we are simply instruments in his hands.ā€

Nahir especially enjoys her ministry at the nursing home, preparing others for eternal life with Jesus. Seeing people respond to the gospel moves her to tears. ā€œI see how the Lord is at work in them, and that brings me joy and happiness.ā€ Nahir prays to expand her ministry to other nursing homes soon.

From a YouTube video to Nahirā€™s kitchen table to her faithful studies with neighbors and nursing home residents, the gospel is bearing fruit in Uruguay.

As the Lord himself promises: ā€œSo is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent itā€ (Isaiah 55:11).

Written by Missionary Elise Gross, director ofĀ  Women’s Ministry on the One Latin America Team




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From decline to resurrection: The story of Saint Mark Mankato

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Churches, like people, can go through seasonsā€”dying to mission and then, in the strength of Christ, rising to it. Saint Mark Mankato is one such story.

You can think of the story like this: Saint Mark is Saint Markā€”not Saint Markā€™s. In other words, the church does not come from Saint Mark. Instead, itā€™s like him. The church has lived his same story.

Markā€™s story, our story
Likely, the first cameo we get of Saint Mark in Scripture is that of the young man fleeing from Gethsemane, running away naked. He makes the same move later, deserting Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey. To Paul, Mark was unreliableā€”a deserter. But Mark rose again in mission. We know that. In one of the most touching reconciliations of the New Testament, Paul, facing execution, asks for Mark, declaring him ā€œuseful to me in ministry.ā€ Mark, once a deserter, rises again and even later writes the gospel of Mark.

Saint Mark in Mankato has lived out that same rhythm of death and resurrection.

A church in need of renewal
Founded about 80 years ago as a Home Missions church plant, Saint Mark quickly grew into a dynamic and mission-focused church. It launched a school, started a campus ministry at what is now Minnesota State University, and stood as a hub of outreach and service.

But over the decades, energy dwindled. Membership slipped. By the time a new pastor arrived three years ago, the congregation described itself as a patient on the brinkā€”needing ā€œpaddles like a paramedic to bring it back.ā€ The pastor recalls walking in prepared for decline but finding the reality even more dire.

And yet, the central question of the Christian faith pressed in: Do you believe that God raises the dead?

Resurrection at work
Instead of rushing to programs or gimmicks, the congregation leaned on the simple power of the gospel to establish the new foundation. ā€œIā€™m not going to change a thing,ā€ the pastor decided when he first got there. ā€œIā€™m just going to preach. Iā€™m just going to teach the gospel.ā€ The results have been nothing short of remarkable. In three years, Saint Mark has grown by more than 40 percent. Entire households have been baptizedā€”something the pastor admits he had never experienced before. Families are returning. The church is seeing new life.

The revival of Saint Mark is even more striking when viewed against its surroundings. Mankato is dotted with large Lutheran congregations, some even ranking among the biggest in their denominations. Yet despite their size, more than 60 percent of the city remains unchurched. The mission field is vast, and Saint Mark has only begun to scratch the surface.

Hope for hollowed-out churches
Saint Markā€™s story is not just its own. Itā€™s a word of encouragement for congregations everywhere. Churches donā€™t have to die. They can rise. They can rediscover purpose, mission, and vitality, resting in Christā€™s power to resurrect what seems lost.

The transformation of Saint Mark in Mankato stands as a living testimony: God still raises the dead. And for churches wondering if their best days are behind them, Saint Markā€™s story whispers back with hopeā€”not yet.

Written by Jonathan Bourman, home missionary at Saint Mark Mankato, Mankato, Minn.




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Goodbye and hello

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Originally appears in the Native American Missions (NAM) News from August 2025

Pastor Dave and Jo Bostedt

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Lord blessed the congregations of Canyon Day and East Fork as they celebrated the ministry of Pastor Dave and Jo Bostedt. The Bostedts served God’s people on the White Mountain Apache Reservation faithfully for the past eight years. It was a beautiful day full of heartfelt gratitude and love. We pray the Lord bless them richly in their retirement!

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, the Lord continued to bless the congregations of Canyon Day and East Fork as they installed Pastor David Wietzke as their new shepherd. It, too, was a beautiful day with participation from all of the Apache congregations and beyond.

Pastor David was born on December 26, 1975, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to Will and Charlotte Wietzke. His father and grandfather were Lutheran pastors who served churches in Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa. He moved to Nebraska and attended Lutheran elementary school there. He graduated from Nebraska Lutheran High School in 1994. In 1998, he graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn., with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He attended Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary from 1998 to 2002, including his vicar year at St. Johnā€™s Lutheran Church in Hastings, Minn.

He has previously served as pastor at three congregations: Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford, Wis. (2002-2007), Christ Lutheran Church in Grand Island, Neb. (2007-2015), and Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Pueblo West, Colo. (2015-2025).

Pastor David Wietzke and family

Pastor and Mary met at college in Minnesota. Mary was born in Illinois and grew up in Lusaka, Zambia, and New Orleans, La., where her father was missionary and pastor. She is also a 1998 graduate of Martin Luther College (MLC) and has worked as a teacher and in speech therapy. They were married in 2000 and God has blessed them with four children: Andrew (23) graduated from MLC this spring and is beginning his first year as a science teacher at Northland Lutheran High School in Kronenwetter, Wis. Stephen (21) will be a senior at MLC and Adam (19) will be a sophomore at MLC, both in the pastoral studies program. Joanna (17) will be a senior at Swallows Charter Academy in Pueblo West, Colo.

Pastor and Mary enjoy hiking, camping, and learning about new places. Mary loves animals and helping children. Pastor loves history and driving around the mountains, and is looking forward to exploring a new state. We are thankful that God has brought them safely to Arizona. They are excited to meet new people and share the good news of Jesus with as many as possible as we learn and grow together.

As we say goodbye to the Bostedts, we echo Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servants!” We know that our goodbye is not forever as we remain united in the body of Christ and look forward to forever together.

We also say hello to the Wietzkes, fully confident the Lord will bless their ministry among us. Welcome to the team, Pastor David, Mary, Andrew, Stephen, Adam, and Joanna!

Written by Missionary Nathan Wagenknecht, Native Christians outreach counselor on the Native American mission team




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One Latin America Team – Summer 2025 Quarterly Update

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A snapshot of blessings during the past quarter:

  • The number of students completing Academia Cristoā€™s four WhatsApp self-study courses continues to climbā€”from the 20s to the 50s, and now into the 70s weekly. These courses are the entry point for all students into the Academia Cristo
  • New churches were planted in Puente Piedras, Peru; San JosĆ© de CaaguazĆŗ, Paraguay; ConcepciĆ³n del Uruguay, Argentina.
  • Academia Cristo graduate Dr. Eduardo Milanesi previously started a church plant in Cochabamba that became a member of Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional (ICWI). He has now launched a second group in Santa Cruz, recently gathering over 30 eager listeners to Godā€™s Word.
  • Missionary Nixon Vivar onboarded three new instructors: Shawn Marron, a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary student; Latin America Vicar Matthew Rugen; and Jennifer Proeber, who teaches at Arizona Lutheran Academy. Next quarter, he will help onboard four new instructors: Lester Soto, an Academia Cristo graduate from Nicaragua; Zach Satorius, new One Latin America Team missionary; Alex Dimke, a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary student; and Tim Walsh, a WELS pastor from New York.
  • Missionary Abe Degner visited Manglio Dider, his family, and his church plant in GuayaramerĆ­n, Bolivia (pictured above). During the visit, a memorial service was held for Manglioā€™s son, giving Missionary Degner the opportunity to share the gospel with over 100 attendees.

A look ahead

  • The One Latin America Team will be onboarding Rev. Zach Satorius as a new missionary. He and his wife, Ava, will be spending one month in Argentina for language training. While there, they will visit church planters with other missionaries.
  • Plans are in place to call an additional missionary will be called to serve as a church planting facilitator.
  • The team is planning a Spanish Outreach Intensive event to support Academia Cristo outreach in the U.S.

Fast facts

  • A total ofĀ 50,866 students have enrolled in the Self-Study Level of courses
  • 1,400+ students have completed one Discipleship Level live course
  • 165 students have completed the Discipleship Level (13 live courses)
  • 54Ā students have completed the Church Planting Level (ten live courses)
  • 45Ā Academia CristoĀ students are actively leading church plantsĀ (Grupos Sembrador)Ā 




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CELC Commission on Theology meets in Zambia

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Originally appears in the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) newsletter. Subscribe to future updates from the CELC at celc.info/signup.

Pictured above, left to right: Michael Smith (ELS), Thomas Nass (CELC President), David Kamwata (LCCA, Zambia), Jonas Schroeter (ELFK, Germany), Mascrif Mulonda (LCCA Chairman, Zambia), Ugis Sildegs (CLCL, Latvia), Joel Otto (WELS)

If youā€™re wondering what it may be like to be in Zambia for next yearā€™s triennial convention, the CELC Commission on Theology can give a hearty encouragement to try your best to be there!

The Commission on Theology met June 10-12, 2025, in Lusaka in the early days of its winter season. The weather was fantastic, and we enjoyed the fellowship of some wonderful brothers and sisters in the faith.

During these days, we focused on two of our commissionā€™s primary tasks: reviewing applications for membership in the CELC and composing articles for the CELCā€™s Eternal Word series. Three church bodies are applying for membership (two from Africa and one from Latin America). The commission is currently reviewing these applications so we can make recommendations for next yearā€™s convention.

We spent time putting some final touches on Article IX of the Eternal Word series, which focuses on our triune God. The commission will bring this article to next yearā€™s convention for ratification. It can be viewed here. We also thoroughly reviewed drafts of Article X, which focuses on civil government.

Five men serve on the commission: David Kamwata (LCCA-Zambia), Joel Otto (WELS), Jonas Schroeter (ELFK), Ugis Sildegs (CLCL), and Michael Smith (ELS). Thomas Nass, president of the CELC, serves as an ex-officio member.

We look forward to returning to Lusaka for next yearā€™s convention.

Written by Michael K. Smith, Chairman of the CELC Commission on Theology

 




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Extending beyond clinic walls

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The work of the Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) in Malawi extends far beyond the clinic walls of the four villages of Suzi, Mwalaulomwe, Thunga, and Msambo that we serve. While nurses, clinic staff, and volunteers work tirelessly to care for patients during clinic hours, the commitment of the staff doesnā€™t end thereā€”their service continues long after the last patient has been seen.

The Malawi Ministry of Health requires CAMM to regularly submit detailed reports. These reports include the number of patients seen, ailments treated, and cases referred to government healthcare facilities. This ongoing collaboration ensures transparency and reinforces CAMMā€™s vital role in conducting healthcare in Malawi. For example, the most frequent ailment we saw in April was malaria (1,533 patients) followed by the common cold (1,030 patients). This data is reported on the monthly and annual reports.

All prescriptions, medications, and medical equipment are stored onsite in the clinicā€™s pharmacy in Lilongwe. Once a month, staff conduct a thorough inventory to track what supplies were used and identify any shortages. Violet Chikwatu, nurse in charge, and Lusungu Mwambeye, clinic administrator, play a key role in compiling reports, submitting required documentation, and restocking essential medications. Lusungu often contacts multiple pharmacies to secure necessary stock at the best available prices.

For the Under-Five program, the clinic provides wellness checks and immunizations for all children under five years old. Staff ensure each childā€™s health record is up to date and that vaccines are stored securely and correctly to maintain effectiveness. In April alone, the clinics in Malawi saw more than 4,000 children in the Under-Five program.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated staff of the Lutheran Mobile Clinic in Malawi. Their attention to detail, compassion for every patient, and unwavering commitment to excellence reflect the mission of providing ā€œChrist-centered healthcare that supports the gospel.ā€ Their work is a true blessing to the communities we serve.

We thank all of our supporters who help keep our medications and supplies readily available. Whether itā€™s through financial contributions for purchasing prescriptions or sending packages filled with pill bottles, sunscreen, and other essential itemsā€”we are truly blessed by your generosity.

If youā€™re interested in supporting CAMMā€™s mission, visit their website at camm.us. Your partnership helps us continue providing life-changing, Christ-centered healthcare to those in need.

Written by Angela Sievert, Central Africa Medical Mission chair




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Moments with Missionaries – Nathan Savage

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Rev. Nathan Savage shares an update from his first weeks at Heritage Lutheran Church in San Tan Valley, Ariz. This rapidly growing community near Phoenix is full of people who need to hear the gospelā€”and Heritage members are already hard at work connecting, serving, and sharing Godā€™s Word. God bless their efforts to reach the lost with the good news of the gospel!

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

WELS