World Missions

Face to face for the first time

2026/03/05/in Africa, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

Think, Evaluate, Learn, Lead (TELL) program students across Africa gather faithfully online to study God’s Word together. They meet through video calls, discuss Scripture in WhatsApp groups, and grow in their understanding of the gospel and Lutheran doctrine—all without ever being in the same room. That changed in October, when students from across Kenya gathered in Nairobi for two TELL seminars. For the first time, students who had only seen each other on screens were able to greet one another face to face.

Missionary Jake Vilhauer (L) and Missionary Joel Hoff (R)

Over two Saturdays, participants dug deeply into Scripture, studying how Baptism is not merely a symbol but a powerful means of grace through which God forgives sins, creates faith, and brings people into his family. Together, they explored passages such as Titus 3:5–7 and Romans 6:3–4, seeing clearly how Baptism connects believers to Christ’s death and resurrection.

For some students, these truths were not new, but they were renewed—made clearer and more precious through careful study and discussion. For others, it was their first time hearing the biblical teaching on Baptism as a gift from God rather than a work of man. One student expressed it this way: “I now understand that Baptism is something that God has done for me and not something I do for God.”

The seminars also served as an opportunity for students to learn more about the next steps in the TELL program. TELL is designed to help believers grow in the Word and prepare them to share Christ in their own communities. During the sessions in Nairobi, students heard how they could continue in the program by becoming growth group leaders and gather small groups of new learners with the goal of studying God’s Word together and sharing what they have learned through TELL.

Several of the attendees are already meeting regularly with TELL counselors. They are working toward doctrinal agreement and preparing for service as church planters in their communities. These men and women are eager to bring the message of Christ crucified and risen to people who have not yet heard the good news of forgiveness and life through Jesus. One of those students is Noah Nyagara. Noah moved to Nairobi from west Kenya. He works at a salon and is eager to share the gospel with those who live in the slum areas of Nairobi.

We thank God for providing this opportunity for TELL students to meet in person, grow, and prepare for service in his kingdom. We also give thanks to the many WELS pastors and congregations who support the TELL ministry through their prayers, offerings, and teaching. The Lord is using this ministry to equip his people in Africa to share the gospel boldly and bring the light of Christ to their communities. By God’s grace, many more souls will hear the pure gospel and be led to faith in Jesus as their Savior from sin.

We don’t yet know how far each student will go in the TELL program. Some may study online for a time and then take what they’ve learned to strengthen the congregations where they serve. Others may continue through the full program and go on to become church planters, sharing Christ with the new groups they gather.

But one thing we do know is this: because these students share one faith, one baptism, and one Lord (Ephesians 4:5), by God’s grace they will one day meet once again face to face in heaven.

Written by Joel Hoff, TELL missionary to Africa

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The Liberia Plan

2026/03/03/in Africa, Missions, World Missions

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

On February 7-16, 2026, Missionaries Dan Witte and Dan Kroll visited a group of Christians in Buchanan, Liberia. The One Africa Team has been working with a church there called Lamb of God. Three years ago, Lamb of God left another local group that was teaching false doctrine. They are currently a single congregation due to their unwillingness to compromise on doctrinal matters. Missionary Dan Kroll shares an update:

The building site of Lamb of God’s new school

Making progress one step at a time

Lamb of God has been making slow but steady progress for quite some time. We expect more congregations to form in the near future. We have reviewed extensively Luther’s Small Catechism as well as the Lutheran Confessions. We have seen our Liberian brothers make progress in securing property. They are now building a school in a developing area of Buchanan. This is very likely to bring opportunities for outreach to the community. We have also developed some excellent relationships here and have made inroads into the unique culture of Liberia.

Many groups of Christians approach WELS with a request to join our fellowship. For eight years, the One Africa Team has been using a process to evaluate these requests. In Liberia, under the guidance of Pastor Toye Barnard, we started with what has become known as “The Liberia Plan.” The plan includes a requirement that new groups join the TELL online Bible school. They must also submit monthly reports via the internet and send weekly sermon notes for evaluation and revision.

This week, we reviewed the Constitution of Lamb of God Lutheran Church. We also did a bit more in-depth review of their “Statements of Faith.” This allowed the congregation to show that they are united with WELS in their understanding of the Holy Scriptures. We discussed at length the ministerial practices of the congregation. We saw that these teachings are not just words but are effective for building God’s Kingdom here in Liberia.

Partnering with TELL

In an effort to train lay leaders, we spent two days studying the TELL (Think. Evaluate. Learn. Lead.) method. This method offers a clear template of questions that fit well with any Scripture narrative. Pastor Barnard has been using the TELL method for many years. TELL is his go-to method for Bible studies and sermons. Three of his members are currently enrolled in the TELL program. Our Liberian brothers can see the TELL program in action. They are able to use it for any outreach and home visits they make in the area. It has been a very busy week in Liberia!

Next week, the One Africa Team Outreach Committee will review Lamb of God’s constitution and statements of faith. The One Africa Team will pass on Lamb of God Lutheran Church’s official documents to the WELS’ Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR). Please join us in thanking God for using the Liberia Plan to bring Lamb of God closer to fellowship with WELS!

Written by Rev. Dan Kroll, One Africa Team missionary

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One Latin America Team – Winter 2026 Quarterly Update

2026/02/25/in Latin America, Missions, World Missions

The One Latin America Team gathered January 21–24 in Chicago, Ill., for its annual meeting. The missionaries and administrative committee for the One Latin America Team gathered January 21–24 in Chicago, Ill., for the annual meeting. They were joined by partners supporting the work. Time together focused on prayer, planning, and strengthening collaboration as the team continues its work of making disciples and supporting church planting throughout Latin America.

During the meeting, the team reaffirmed its ten-year goal as they look ahead toward 2034:

10,000 students complete at least one Discipleship Level course
1,000 churches planted (Grupos Sembrador)
100 church plants become members of Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional (ICWI)

To stay centered on this mission, the team recommitted to prioritizing time and energy with church planters (sembradores). Their three-year picture includes 2,000 goal-setting sessions carried out with church planters and 500 in-person visits with those starting new groups. Worship, devotions, and fellowship framed the meeting, including a time of thanksgiving for Rev. Timothy Westendorf and his wife, Kelly, as he concluded 17 years of service as chairman of the One Latin America Team Administrative Committee.

Fast facts

102,580 total students enrolled in Academia Cristo’s Self-Study Level (cumulative)
1,689 students have completed at least one Discipleship Level live course
85 in-person visits with church planters during the past year
57 active church planters (Grupos Sembrador)

Spanish outreach in the United States

In November, the One Latin America Team hosted its first-ever Spanish Outreach Intensive in Denver. Four congregations participated—three from Texas and one from Florida. Each congregation already had Academia Cristo students but no pastor-led Spanish ministry. Participants included pastors and lay leaders, Latinos and non-Latinos, all working together to explore how Academia Cristo can support Spanish-language outreach in their local communities.

New church planters called

During the past quarter, the Academia Cristo governing board called six students to serve as church planters. These individuals come from across Latin America, including Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, and Colombia. Each has completed the Discipleship Level of studies, is in doctrinal agreement, is committed to continued training, and is committed to gathering others around the gospel.

A mobile hub takes shape in Mexico City

In late November 2025, the Sutton family relocated from Paraguay to Mexico City to serve in the first One Latin America Team mobile hub. This approach allows missionaries to be positioned where many students and groups are located, while maintaining flexibility to respond to new opportunities. From Mexico City, Missionary Joel Sutton will focus on mentoring church planters and their groups throughout the region.

Graduation ceremony

A graduation ceremony was held on Sunday, December 14, 2026, for five students who completed their Church Planting Level studies. Four of these students are actively leading a church plant (Grupos Sembrador), and some plan to continue with seminary-level studies.

Supporting church planters through on-the-ground visits

Throughout the past quarter, One Latin America Team missionaries logged extensive travel across the region to encourage and support church planters (Grupos Sembrador) face to face. In total, team members traveled to 14 cities across five countries, meeting with students for in-person teaching, worship, and encouragement. These on-the-ground visits strengthened relationships and helped ensure that growing groups remain rooted in God’s Word as they develop and multiply.

Looking ahead

With missionaries now fully onboarded in key regions and new roles clarified within the team, the One Latin America Team continues to refine how it supports students, instructors, and church planters. The team remains focused on one goal: sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping believers across Latin America to do the same.

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Laying the groundwork for mission work in Senegal

2026/02/19/in Africa, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

From Feb. 15–21, 2026, WELS Director of Missions Operations Stefan Felgenhauer traveled to Dakar, Senegal, to help prepare for the placement of WELS missionaries in this new mission field—including confirming details for the language and culture immersion program that will be the first step for incoming missionaries. While there, he also explored key logistics for long-term service, including immigration guidance, housing research, and practical cost of living and medical considerations.

Simone (L), Stefan Felgenhauer (center), and Rouba (R)

Missionary Dan and Karen Kroll have accepted the call to serve in Senegal, where their initial focus will be learning the Wolof language and adjusting to daily life as they prepare for longer term gospel outreach among the Wolof people, a group that has had very limited exposure to Christianity.

A central part of Stefan’s week was spent at Africa Consultants International’s Baobab Center, where he learned more about the immersion experience and confirmed how it would work in practice. At the center, he met with Simone, the language coordinator, and Rouba, the homestay coordinator. Together, they walked through what daily life will look like during immersion. Rather than living independently, missionaries will stay with a Senegalese host family, sharing three meals each day and using Wolof as the primary language in the home. Weekdays will also include s

Africa Consultants International’s Baobab Center

tructured language learning, with four hours each morning spent working one on one with a Wolof tutor at the center.

Stefan also observed how immersion students gather at the center’s Jokkoo Kafé—Wolof for “to come together”—a space where students can debrief, build relationships, and process cultural experiences together. While there, he spoke with current students from the United States and Canada, who shared their experiences learning the language and navigating daily life in Senegal.

To better understand living conditions, Stefan visited several potential host homes and met the families who have welcomed immersion students for many years. With the help of translators, they described how students often become part of the family and how those relationships sometimes continue long after the immersion experience ends.

Along the way, Stefan experienced everyday Senegalese hospitality, including a traditional meal of Yassa Poulet, hibiscus juice, and attaya, a sweet mint tea commonly shared in social settings.

Please keep Stefan’s ongoing work in your prayers, and ask the Lord to bless Dan and Karen Kroll as they prepare for this next chapter of service in Senegal.

View additional photos from Senegal.

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A harvest of faith in Guayaquil

2026/02/18/in Latin America, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

In the bustling port city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, a new chapter of spiritual transformation is being written. Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” this vibrant city is now witnessing a different kind of treasure, a harvest of souls responding to the call of the gospel. What a joy to share the incredible news from a local church plant in Guayaquil, where the power of the Holy Spirit is visibly changing lives.

A Milestone Celebration: 11 New Believers

There is no greater joy for a missionary than to witness lives changed by the Holy Spirit through Baptism. Recently, Isidro Chonillo and I had the privilege of baptizing 11 individuals into the body of Christ. This diverse group represents the future of the church plant Isidro leads: two infants, two children, seven teenagers and adults. Each person receiving the baptismal water carried a unique story of grace, but they all shared one common foundation: the faithful sowing of God’s Word.

The Fruit of Faithful Labor
These baptisms are not just numbers, they are the direct fruits of Isidro Chonillo’s tireless and faithful work. For years, Isidro has been dedicated to sharing and teaching the Bible within his own family and community. His commitment to discipleship and biblical training serves as a powerful reminder that the most effective ministry often begins at home.

In a city where urban ministry presents unique challenges, seeing a family come together in faith is a profound testimony to the community. Isidro’s life and teaching have modeled the love of Christ, drawing his loved ones toward a personal relationship with their Savior.

Praise Be to God
We stand in awe of how God is moving in this church plant. In a region where many are searching for hope, the Holy Spirit is providing clarity and peace through the gospel. Witnessing the baptisms of teenagers and adults—alongside the youngest members of the flock—reminds us that the Word of God is living and active across every generation.

We invite you to join us in praising God for these 11 new believers. Please continue to pray for the One Latin America Team as they nurture these children of God and for Isidro as he continues his vital work of teaching and sharing the Good News. The light of the gospel is shining brightly in Ecuador, and we are humbled to be a small part of what God is doing here.

Written by Nixon Vivar, world missionary in Latin America

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Coffee, cribbage, and Christ

2026/02/16/in Asia-Oceania, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

Cindy Lendt recently accepted the call as the Women’s Ministry Facilitator for the Asia-Oceania Team. Cindy participated in a women’s workshop in a predominantly Hindu country in Asia coordinated through the World Missions Asia-Oceania Team.

“Hi Cindy! Synod is looking for names of women who might be interested in teaching woman-to-woman evangelism . . . in East Asia . . .”

Kristi (L), Cindy Lendt (center), Alycia (R)

That text began my part in a team effort between the Asia-Oceania Team and WELS Women’s Ministry for three women to lead a friendship evangelism conference in Asia. It would be for 45 local women—the most that could fit in the hosting church. The lead national pastor wanted to equip them to share their faith with non-Christian women in their lives and also to inspire the other women in their congregations to do so. The plan was that three American Christian women would present at a three-day conference with translation from the lead national pastor, and I was invited to be one of the three.

I thought: I’m the worst evangelist I know. And I’ve never presented at an actual conference in my life.

But I figured, if this is a door that God is opening, then I want in, and he can certainly close it if he wants. He’s given me whatever skills I have, three years’ experience in Asia, and most essentially, himself.

I met Alycia and Kristi, the other two women on the team, in person for the first time at the airport. We’d been collaborating online for months putting the conference together and preparing the handout to be translated and printed for the women. From there, we flew to Asia and met the local missionary, the lead national pastor who translated for us, and the 45 amazing Christian women we were going to teach to be friendship evangelists.

Which begs the question, where do you even start to teach friendship evangelism?

We grounded everything in God’s Word. The Great Commission holds the reason why we share the gospel and the power to do it. Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension are the essence of the gospel we share. Paul and Silas in Philippi’s prison show how our attitudes and behaviors can lead to people asking about what we’ve got that they don’t – yet! Lydia shows how using our gifts opens more doors. Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman models the transition from physical to spiritual—actually sharing the gospel with someone. We practiced through role playing, small-group discussions, and large-group sharing. We sang praise, encouraged each other, and prayed together. The women were all in. They contributed their thoughts, tried out different conversations, and asked questions. Even in the last hours of the conference were seen sketching out a practice of God’s Great Exchange.

For Kristi, Alycia, and me, it was three days traveling to the location, three days of the conference, and three days traveling back home: nine days packed full.

You might wonder, what does any of this have to do with the title? Well, so far, not much! Yet it sums up just how I remember this trip. The missionary, lead national pastor, Alycia, Kristi, and I got to know each other very well. Every morning of the conference, the missionary brought a fresh pot of coffee to the breakfast table—the smell of coffee still takes me back there. Then at the end of each day’s work, he pulled out his cribbage board so we could relax together. Relax might not be the right word, a bit too calm, but we absolutely bonded over it.

That was the coffee and cribbage, and drawing the whole thing together was Christ. You could see Christ in the missionary’s humble consideration of others. You could see Christ in the way the national pastor’s experiences of setbacks and persecution couldn’t block out the joy in his Savior. He practiced caution, and yet I’ve never seen someone personify “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6) the way he did. That joyful smile was contagious. As for Kristi, Alycia, and me, all three of us are very driven people. You could see Christ through serving and putting others first. I experienced working with Alycia and Kristi was some of the most Christ-like teamwork I’ve ever been part of.

And of course, you could see Christ in the women who attended the conference, daring to step out of their comfort zones so that even one soul wandering down the path to hell might hear the powerful song of the gospel.

Some of their struggles are similar to ours in the U.S.: People think we’re hypocrites. They say, “You Christians also do bad things. Why bother to be a Christian then?” God’s distinction between men’s and women’s roles often rubs people the wrong way in their country, too. Some of their struggles are different. A teenage Christian high schooler got her cross necklace confiscated by a teacher at school, and other Christian women have faced some pretty harsh estrangement from their community. Yet these women know that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16), and they want their loved ones to know that, too!

May Christ fill the women from this conference with daring to resist the devil’s lies and share God’s light with their friends and neighbors. May Christ continue to walk with the missionaries and national pastors in Asia so that the trials don’t ever block out the huge hope God’s given us. And may Christ give you some adventures in his kingdom, hopefully that involve coffee, cribbage, and—most definitely—Christ!

Written by Cindy Lendt

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Moments with Missionaries – Jon Gross

2026/02/12/in Missions, World Missions

Missionary Jon Gross shares an update on his new role as the innovation consultant for WELS World Missions. He supports the outreach of Academia Cristo through video projects and various publications. He also connects with mission fields around the world to help them grow and become more well known in their community – opening doors for new church plants and gospel outreach. Learn more about the work of Multi-Language Productions and Jon Gross new position at wels.net/mlp.

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

The Europe team goes to Brazil

2026/02/03/in Europe, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

Yes, you read that correctly. I don’t know much about Brazil, but I do know it’s not in Europe. So why is the Europe Team going to Brazil?

Remember middle school social studies? During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal led the world in exploration. Portuguese-speaking colonies sprang up across the globe, including one very large region in South America. As a result, Brazil and Portugal still share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties—and strong connections among believers too!

Dr. Artur Villares, president of the Lutheran Church of Portugal, actively fosters relationships with Portuguese-speaking Christians in Brazil and with our sister church there, the Brazilian Lutheran Church. Because the Europe Team treasures these partnerships, we not only support missionaries on the ground but also appoint stateside representatives to focus on specific churches. We are especially blessed to have Rev. Dr. Ken Cherney of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., serving as our representative to Portuguese speakers. Prof. Cherney is a former missionary in Brazil, speaks Portuguese, and enjoys a long-standing friendship with Pastor Villares. Over the Christmas holidays, Dr. Cherney and his wife, Kris, traveled to Brazil to build relationships, encourage leaders, and—most joyfully—celebrate the ordination of a new pastor.

Pastor Gilberto, Marta, Missionary Charlie Flunker, and Dr. Cherney

Saying they “traveled to three locations” sounds simple, but the reality is closer to visiting congregations in Maine, New Mexico, and Florida on a single trip. Brazil is larger than the continental United States, and these small congregations are separated by vast distances. That isolation means they rarely have the opportunity to gather with fellow believers for encouragement. Dr. Cherney’s visit, therefore, was especially meaningful.

Their first stop was Fortaleza, a city in northeastern Brazil. There, Dr. Cherney met two gifted Lutheran leaders, Daniel and Marcelo, who hope to join fellowship with the Lutheran Church of Portugal. Daniel pastors a small congregation, holds a PhD in philosophy, and has written several books, including a defense of the doctrine of objective justification. Marcelo, a member of Daniel’s congregation, is currently completing graduate studies. Both men are warm, passionate about Lutheran theology, and deeply committed to ministry.

Ordination and installation of Gilberto Andrade da Silva

From Fortaleza, Dr. Cherney and Kris traveled 14 hours to Dourados, a city of 265,000 in southwestern Brazil, for a very special event. On December 28, 2025, Gilberto Andrade da Silva was ordained and installed as pastor of Star of Bethlehem Congregation in Dourados (pictured above), as well as a daughter congregation located six hours away. Gilberto is a humble, friendly man who speaks easily about his deep love for the Lord, for Scripture, and for souls. His wife, Marta, is a joyful and supportive partner in his ministry.

Missionary Charlie Flunker and his wife, Beth, began serving in Dourados in 1989, and later served the daughter congregation as well—that’s nearly 40 years of faithful service! Beth has returned to the United States for health reasons, and now that Gilberto has been installed, Charlie plans to conclude his work and join her in retirement. Charlie and Beth, thank you for your tireless dedication to God’s people in Brazil. We pray that the Lord bless you with many happy years ahead, and that he richly bless Gilberto, Marta, and the congregations they serve.

Pastor Gilberto and his wife, Marta

Finally, Dr. Cherney and Kris traveled 24 hours to Governador Valadares, a city of 260,000 more than 1,000 miles to the east. There they met with Evangelist Denício Godoy, who translates materials into Portuguese and manages the Brazilian Lutheran Church’s online presence. Denício also works as a radio announcer and is completing certification to teach in public schools.

Please join me in thanking God for our brothers and sisters in Brazil—for faithful leaders and members, for a new pastor, and for the strong partnership we share with the Lutheran churches in Portugal and Brazil. As Dr. Cherney put it, “If you’re a WELS member, you have Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ who love and respect your church and are excited to partner with you in bringing the unconditional gospel to their country. They would want me to send you um grande abraço em Cristo – a big hug in Christ!”

Written by Jennifer Wolfgramm, world missionary in Europe

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Collaboration in Kisii

2026/01/28/in Africa, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

Let me share an incredible story from Kisii, Kenya—a story of transformation, faith, and collaboration.

It Begins with a Boy

It begins with a boy who grew up never hearing about Jesus in his church. Everything changed when he attended a Christian school. There, his teacher spoke about the good things Jesus had done, and curiosity sparked in his heart. Over time, that boy learned more about Jesus and eventually felt a deep desire to share the gospel with others.

That boy is now Pastor Kenedy, a faithful leader who gathers and shepherds two congregations in Kisii. What’s remarkable? Over 80% of the people in these congregations are former Mormons—just like Pastor Kenedy himself.

His title doesn’t come from a seminary degree but from years of dedicated service, guiding people with God’s Word. But Pastor Kenedy and his group wanted more. They longed to understand Scripture better so they could clearly share the truth with others—especially those questioning or leaving Mormonism.

Collaboration with TILM and OAT

Thanks to the blessing of the internet, they connected with Truth in Love Ministry (TILM). TILM is an organization committed to communicating the gospel to people with a Mormon background. For the past couple of years, Pastor Mark Parsons from TILM has been meeting regularly with Pastor Kenedy and other leaders online, offering instruction and encouragement.

While these virtual meetings were fruitful, it became clear that a deeper connection was needed. That’s where the WELS One Africa Team (OAT) stepped in. In November, my wife Leslie and I traveled to Kenya to meet Pastor Kenedy and his congregations in person. Over several days, we gathered with more than 200 men and women to review the basics of Christian faith and to discuss what collaboration OAT can offer to local ministries in sharing the gospel.

Looking Ahead

The result? A renewed sense of mission and plans for ongoing collaboration between TILM, OAT, and our partner churches in Kenya. Together, we aim to strengthen outreach to Mormons and equip local leaders for this important work.

Please keep Pastor Kenedy, his congregations, and all these ministries in your prayers. Your continued financial support makes this possible—and we are deeply grateful.

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Another trip I can’t tell you about

2026/01/14/in Asia-Oceania, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

We boarded the plane from our Asia-Oceania Team (AOT) base in Chiang Mai, Thailand. After two transfers, an overnight stay, and 36 hours of travel, we arrived. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you where we went. I can’t tell you who we met with either. Don’t worry, we were in a safe place, but sharing this information would be dangerous for the people with whom we spent time.

I can’t tell you where they came from. I can’t share the road they took on their difficult trip—two days on the bus over bumpy roads, past guarded checkpoints, waiting for mudslides to be cleared. I can’t show you the pictures or videos of them that I took. I wish I could. You won’t be able to see their weary faces as they reflect on their war-torn country. You won’t see and hear their joy, either, as they sang praises together. I can’t show you their smiling faces as we discussed the teachings of God’s Word.

I’d love to show you a video of one elder who asked, “What do you believe about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper?” When he heard the answer, he jumped out of his seat in joy and reached out his hand for a handshake. An excited thumbs up said it all: our teaching was exactly what they believed as well. As we parted ways, he shared, “We are very, very happy and grateful that you are confirming what we believe in the sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.”

The WELS Asia-Oceania Team is bringing grace to all in Asia and Oceania. “All” is a big group. That’s something like 4.6 billion people—over 60 percent of the world’s population.

Why would we include “all” when we can’t possibly carry that out?

We include “all” because it reminds us that God’s mission includes men and women like those I can’t tell you about today. God’s commission doesn’t recognize the line between safe and unsafe areas, between those who will be persecuted for their faith and those where faith is openly accepted. It doesn’t separate war-torn places from those of peace.

And so we set out on yet another trip to another place I can’t tell you about.

I so wish that I could tell you about this small Lutheran church body with whom we are carefully studying God’s Word as we work toward declaring church fellowship. They want to know us and our beliefs—and we theirs. They want to walk together with us one day—and we with them. They want to know about you, too: about your faith, your family, and your church. And they long to pray for you in your struggles.

When it came time to leave, I wish you could have been there to see the handshakes and hugs. I wish you could have felt their embrace, their appreciation, and their love. I wish I could show you all of that. Our trip home was a bit shorter than our trip there—only 24 hours of travel. When we left, they didn’t know yet how long theirs would take.

This will have to remain one more trip that I can’t tell you about. I’ll add the pictures to a folder I can’t ever share. My notes about their lives will be added to a growing pile of stories untold.

One day, though, the wars will cease. The threats will end. The trips will stop. Christ will return—just as he promised. Then, when we’re in heaven, come find me. Remind me about the trip I couldn’t tell you about. Together, we can go find them—they’ll be there, standing around the throne.

Then they can tell you all about this trip. They’ll tell you how the Lamb of God brought his salvation to the ends of the earth. And together, we’ll join our voices in praise!

Written by Jon Bare, president of Asia Lutheran Seminary

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Running with perseverance

2025/12/23/in Featured Ministry

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Dear Friend,

In this race called life, 2026 is another mile marker. How is your race going?

The truth is, “running with perseverance” can be very difficult. While the Father washed our sins away in Baptism and made us his own children, while we have the powerful assurances of the Spirit’s Word, while the Lord feeds our faith with his own body and blood in the bread and wine of Communion, we are still sinners living in a sinful world. Instead of staying focused on Jesus, we’re tempted to get off track. We start to become entangled in sin and pick up burdens that are a drag on our mission of serving Christ and others.

The inspired writer of Hebrews encourages us to throw off the sins and distractions that hinder us from our heavenly goal. We have all we need in Christ, who endured the cross for our sins and rules everything for our benefit. These other things only get in the way if we let them. Though the sinful nature lures us to the false satisfaction of idols, though our weakness of faith causes us to fear the threats of our enemies, with our eyes fixed on Jesus through his good news in Word and sacraments, we can run this race with perseverance. We know where we’re going and why we’re here. This helps us not to grow weary or lose heart. I pray that our Lord Jesus strengthens you as you run his race in 2026.

As you do this, would you help WELS continue its proclamation of Christ’s gospel across the world? Your donation to WELS Mission and Ministry supports all the work of our synod, including ministerial education, opening missions, and supporting the local ministry of our churches and schools.

It’s a particularly exciting time to be a WELS member with all the opportunities God is giving us. We have a bold new strategic plan, “Christ through us,” which you can read at christthroughus.net. We are on track to open 100 new home missions by 2033. The Holy Spirit is blessing world mission work so that it is estimated we’ll enjoy fellowship with one million people outside the United States within ten years. Advances in technology are helping us train gospel ambassadors, communicate in other languages, and reach people in countries where we don’t have a physical presence.

The race is indeed marked out for us. Our champion, Jesus, is on the throne. His Word and Spirit guide our lives. Heaven awaits us at the finish line. And we have the privilege of inviting others. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s the adventure of a lifetime! We praise God for all you do for our Savior’s kingdom and for considering making the Lord’s work through WELS a part of that again this year!

In Christ,
Kurt Lueneburg
WELS Director of Christian Giving

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Prayer: Lord, help us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for our salvation and now sits victoriously on heaven’s throne. May your good news in Word and sacrament strengthen and empower us to throw off everything that hinders, including the sins that lead us away from you. Bless us, our churches, and our synod this coming year so that, by your grace, we can continue training workers and sending them out into the world to proclaim your name. Amen.

Merry Christmas from WELS Missions

2025/12/17/in Home Missions, Missions, World Missions

Are you one of those who delights in the first Christmas card arriving in your mailbox? This season, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we’re reminded of the angels’ proclamation to the shepherds:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” —Luke 2:10

What a powerful message! The angels announced not just joy for a few, but for all people—reminding us that the gift of Jesus is meant to be shared far and wide. This is the heart of our mission: to bring the Good News to every corner, every community, every soul in need of hope.

We invite you to watch a few short Moments with Missionaries videos. These updates offer a glimpse into the lives of those serving in Home and World Mission fields—and the incredible impact your generosity makes possible.

Because of your support, WELS Home and World Missions continue to reach out to the lost and hurting, proclaiming the message of salvation. Together, we echo the angels’ song: “Joy to the World!” Let’s pray for God’s continued blessing as we bring this Good News to new hearts and homes.

May the peace and joy of Christ fill your family this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

WELS Home and World Missions

P.S. – Want to learn more about WELS mission work? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @WELSMissions or subscribe to Missions Blogs and Update Newsletters at wels.net/subscribe. And save the date for Taste of Missions, our annual Missions event in Mequon, Wis.—June 13, 2026!

Reaching every nation

2025/12/16/in Missions, News, Together, World Missions

The synod’s new long-range plan, entitled “Christ through us,” has four main priorities. One of those four involves bringing Christ to the nations through our world mission efforts. Rev. Larry Schlomer, administrator of WELS World Missions, provides the following summary of how we plan, under God, to carry out those efforts in the next ten years.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

Christ through us: Commission

As part of Christ’s church on earth, we believe that God has commissioned us as his ambassadors, sending us out with a purpose: to proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ to every nation under heaven. Through us, Christ reaches the nations.

Reflecting on 175 years of grace-filled ministry in WELS, we are filled with gratitude for the countless lives transformed by the gospel. WELS now has working partnerships with churches and missions in 49 countries around the world.

Yet, the mission is still unfinished. With renewed urgency and prayerful confidence in Christ, we look to the future, asking God to continue using us to reach lost souls with his Word of salvation.

Borderless support network

To expand the reach of the gospel, we are forging a borderless support network, built on international ministry partnerships.

Read more about WELS’ partnership with a new Latin American synod (scroll to the bottom to “A growing sister church”).

A global missionary force

Historically, WELS has sent missionaries from the United States to plant the gospel in new lands. This model has borne much fruit, but the present reality demands more workers than ever before. The solution lies in empowering pastors and evangelists from our global sister churches. These leaders are uniquely equipped to bring the gospel to their own people, cultures, and regions.

Read more about Juan Reyes, a new church planter in Tenancingo, Mexico, who learned not only what God’s Word teaches but also how to share it through Academia Cristo.

Confessional Lutheran seminaries

As the gospel gains ground in new regions, emerging Lutheran church bodies recognize the need for seminaries grounded in the authority of Scripture and the clarity of the Lutheran Confessions. Our goal is to establish confessional Lutheran seminaries in key global locations.

See recent graduates from Asia Lutheran Seminary, a confessional Lutheran seminary located in Hong Kong.

Multi-language mission efforts

By producing and translating gospel resources, training materials, and worship aids, we aim to make God’s Word accessible to all people, regardless of their language.

Missions in high-risk and unreached areas

Despite progress, vast regions of the world remain unreached, places where sharing Christ’s love is not only challenging but sometimes dangerous. Our vision is to pioneer WELS missions in these difficult contexts, working diligently to identify and develop approaches tailored to each unique situation.

Read more about how WELS is sending missionaries to share the gospel with two unreached people groups: the Wolof people of Senegal in West Africa and the Hindi-speaking population of India.

With hope, humility, and boldness, we entrust our efforts to the Lord of the harvest, confident that he will accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine. This is Christ through us!

Adapted from “Christ through us: Commission,” Forward in Christ, December 2025.

Read the full article.

God-given gifts in motion

2025/12/11/in Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

Greetings through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I pray you all are having a wonderful Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.

During this season of Advent and Christmas celebrations, we here at East Fork Lutheran School have so much to celebrate, including some major school events. This year, many of our youth sports teams are enjoying successes, including the robotics team.

East Fork Lutheran School is in the middle of our robotics season, and the students are continuing the successes of past seasons. Robotics is the newest activity we have been offering our students. We are now in our fourth year, and what started as a small pilot program with six 5th-grade students using hand-me-down equipment has grown into a year-round activity with more than 20 students in 5th-8th grade participating and establishing a level of excellence that is truly God-given through the talents and abilities he has given them. This year we have seven teams comprised of three or four students per team.

Robotics is not easy. This is not battle bots or anything like that. Some STEM schools and private schools build their entire curriculum around robotics! This is truly an educational program that requires hard work, dedication, problem-solving, communication, writing, and critical thinking. We have students that come into it thinking it’s all fun and games, but they quickly realize the amount of work, time, and dedication that goes into it.

East Fork is a smaller school of 116 students, so many students are involved in more than one sport at a time. Naturally, we practice and meet less often than most sports team would. Another unique aspect is that robotics is entirely student driven, meaning we as coaches and parents are prohibited from telling students how to build their robots and what designs to use. We aren’t allowed to touch or handle their robots. The students really have to use their problem-solving skills and communicate with fellow teammates in order to be successful. What a unique sport and what a great opportunity!

Our students have worked hard and stayed dedicated, and by God’s grace they have been successful beyond what we as coaches, teachers, and parents could have ever imagined. East Fork Lutheran School has quickly become the most successful robotics program on our reservation and in our region of the state and also has become one of the most successful programs within the state of Arizona. We have become the first Native American school in Arizona to win the Arizona State Championship event, and from that God has blessed our teams with so many “firsts” for our school.

The students have truly been blessed in the short three and half years of the program’s existence. God has provided opportunities for these students’ success that we never thought would be possible.

This robotics program is more than just “another sport” and has had an impact on more than just the students. The program started as a way for students to get involved beyond a traditional sport but led to a support system of teachers, coaches, and parents reminding these students that God will bless them beyond what they can imagine. What a great reminder that our God is almighty. Robotics gives the students a chance to showcase their abilities using their brains and intelligence, and that too is a blessing from God. We as coaches want them to believe in themselves and the abilities that God has given to the team. Not only has the robotics program brought unique experiences to these students, but it has also allowed for them to proudly proclaim who they are: Christian Apache, no matter where they go!

There have been so many supportive parents and families as well as sponsors and local entities that have helped support our program. The blessings that God has provided are tremendous, and our students truly know what it means to overcome adversity, commit themselves to their challenges, and show their Christian and Apache pride everywhere we go.

God is truly great. All the glory we have goes to him.

Written by Jonathan Brooks, principal at East Fork Lutheran School

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Moments with Missionaries – Peter Janke

2025/12/04/in Asia-Oceania, Missions, World Missions

Missionary Peter Janke, missionary on the Asia-Oceania Team, gives an update about life and ministry in Brisbane, Australia. This holiday season may look a little different from others, but the goal is the same, to share the good news of the Savior no matter where we are. Learn more about the world in Australia at wels.net/asia-oceania.

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

Pioneering the gospel in unreached areas

2025/12/01/in Featured Ministry

Dear Christian Friend,

As we approach Christmas—a season when we celebrate the birth of our Savior and the hope he brings to the world—we’re reminded that more than 6.5 billion souls, over two-thirds of humanity, live in places where the name of Jesus is scarcely known. These are not just numbers; they are individuals, families, and communities waiting to experience the life-changing hope found in the gospel. This Christmas, as we rejoice in the gift of Christ, we remember our calling as his ambassadors, sent to proclaim the saving message of Jesus to every nation under heaven. Through us, Christ reaches the nations.

For 175 years, God has blessed WELS with opportunities to bring the gospel to new lands. Yet the mission remains unfinished. Millions are born and die each year without access to the truth we hold so dear. With renewed urgency and prayerful confidence, we look to the future, asking God to use us to reach lost souls with his Word of salvation. This is “Christ through us”—a mission that knows no borders, limits, or barriers too great for God’s grace.

As part of WELS’ long-range strategic plan, we’ve set a goal to “Pioneer missions in high-risk and unreached areas.” This is a bold commitment to go where the gospel is least known and access is most restricted. We trust God to open doors and prepare hearts.

God has opened two remarkable new mission fields. In Senegal, One Africa Team Missionary Dan Kroll has accepted a relocation to begin outreach among the Wolof people—a tribe where 99 percent identify as Muslim. The work will begin with learning language and culture, building relationships, and seeking every opportunity to share the gospel. Plans are underway to add a second missionary to the Senegal team, joining Kroll in immersion and outreach. Together, these missionaries will plant seeds of faith, train local leaders, and gather believers who will share Christ in their own communities.

Senegal is just one example of the vast need in the “10/40 window”—a region stretching from West Africa to East Asia between 10 degrees north and 40 degrees north latitude, home to the greatest concentration of unreached people groups on earth. In this window, billions live without access to the gospel. The spiritual darkness is profound, and the need for new workers, resources, and prayer is greater than ever. The opportunity before us is urgent: to bring the light of Christ to those who have never heard his name, to offer hope where there is none, and to answer the call to reach the lost.

Will you help us pioneer these new world mission fields? Your gift to the New World Mission Fields Fund will support outreach to the Wolof tribe in Senegal and other high-risk, unreached areas. This Christmas, as you reflect on God’s greatest gift to us, consider sharing that gift with those who have yet to hear the good news. Together, we can answer Christ’s call to go, to send, and to pray—trusting that his promise will not fail.

With hope, humility, and boldness, we entrust our efforts to the Lord of the harvest, confident that he will accomplish far more than we could ever ask or imagine. This is Christ through us.

In Christ’s service,
Rev. Larry Schlomer
Administrator, WELS World Missions

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Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the resolve of WELS World Missions and our synod to “pioneer missions in high-risk and unreached areas.” Guide, protect, and bless Missionary Dan Kroll as he begins work in Senegal, Africa, among the Wolof tribe, which is 99 percent Muslim. We ask you to also go with Rev. John Hildebrant, who has accepted the call to serve on the Asia-Oceania Team, focusing on outreach to the Hindi, one of the largest unreached populations in the world. He will begin his ministry with a one-year immersion experience in India. According to your will, Lord, work through us to reach the ends of the earth with the good news of your redemption. Amen.

Join the global gospel movement this Christmas

2025/12/01/in Featured Ministry

Dear Christian Friend,

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we’re reminded that more than 6.5 billion people live where the name of Jesus is scarcely known. The “Commission” priority of WELS’ long-range strategic plan calls us to extend our confessional Lutheran witness beyond familiar borders, forging partnerships and equipping a global missionary force to share Christ’s love with a world in need.

Now is the time to unite in prayer, generosity, and action, supporting efforts that spark the movement of the gospel across continents. Watch this short video to see how the “Commission” priority is shaping our mission.

Will you join us in this global movement?

God has provided a new mission opportunity in Senegal. Missionary Dan Kroll will soon begin outreach among the Wolof people, a tribe where 99 percent identify as Muslim. The work starts with learning language and culture, building relationships, and sharing the hope of Christ. You’ll soon receive a mailing with more details.

Will you help us bring the light of Christ to those who have never heard his name? Your gift to the New World Mission Fields Fund will directly support outreach in Senegal.

Thank you for your faithful support. Your prayers and gifts make it possible to bring the gospel to places where Christ’s name is barely known. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this
Christmas, may the light of his love fill your heart.

In Christ’s service,
Rev. Larry Schlomer
Administrator, WELS World Missions

P.S. Read a special Forward in Christ article that shares inspiring stories of pioneering missions—including Dan Kroll’s work in Senegal and other efforts to reach the unreached.

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In God’s hands

2025/11/20/in Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

On October 31, 2025, the familiar words rang through WELS sanctuaries across the country: “A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon.” Meanwhile, across more than 20 different countries in Latin America, “Castillo Fuerte Es Nuestro Dios” could be heard over cell phone speakers, computers, and headphones as more than 120 people gathered to celebrate the Lutheran Reformation with their new family they have found in Academia Cristo. Upon tuning in they received a warm welcome by master of ceremonies Missionary Luis Acosta. He kicked off the reunion with an opening prayer.

Then Missionary Nixon Vivar guided the participants in a devotion, “In God’s Hands.” He reminded the group gathered of our Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for the sheep, who said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29).

Those in attendance then heard a presentation by the newest member of the One Latin America Team—me! I presented on “History Is in God’s Hands,” highlighting how God used Martin Luther as a tool to bring his Word back to the church. I drew a connection between how Martin Luther used recent technology to share the gospel and how Academia Cristo seeks to bring God’s Word to the people through technology they already have in their hands. While Gutenberg’s printing press was instrumental in the Reformation more than 500 years ago, modern smartphones and apps like WhatsApp and Zoom are instrumental in bringing the Lutheran Reformation to many in Latin America.

The group received updates from Pastor Henry Herrera, president of our sister synod Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional. He explained how we work hand in hand to put sound doctrine in the hands and hearts of people across Latin America. People find Academia Cristo through social media publications, then take a series of self-study courses similar to a Bible information class. Upon self-study completion, students are invited to enroll in live classes with missionaries as instructors. Once they finish the 13 courses of discipleship, students who are interested in sharing what they have learned are invited to begin the “Sembrador” (planter) level, in which they begin looking for opportunities to plant a small group gathering to study the Word in their homes. With the help of a visiting missionary counselor, the group matures in its knowledge and practice of Scripture and can apply for and be welcomed into fellowship in Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional. Pastor Herrera had the privilege to announce the most recent group that had officially been recognized as a church in the fellowship—a group in Tenancingo, Mexico, which is a light in a very dark place. (I got to visit there last month. It’s a whole story for another Missions blog!)

To wrap up the event, Academia Cristo’s president, Andrew Johnston, greeted the group. He reminded us why we celebrate the Reformation. It isn’t to give honor to any one man or to remind us to continue his teachings. We remember the day because it marks a period of rediscovery of the Word, sola Scriptura, the only source of truth. He reassured the students that whenever they see any publication or log on for any class in Academia Cristo, that is what they will hear: only Scripture.

After a closing prayer, the participants were invited to remain for a picture to commemorate the event. They were asked to raise their hands in a symbolic gesture of working together in gospel ministry. People stayed for a few minutes to express their thanks, wish others a happy Reformation day, and say goodbye. The video of the whole event is up on Academia Cristo’s YouTube channel, and I invite you to check out the gospel joy that is shared, even online, in more than 20 different countries. They know that they are in the hands of their Savior, whose name the academy bears: Cristo (Christ). On their behalf, I say thank you to all who support this ministry.

Written by Zach Satorius, missionary on the One Latin America Team

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Moments with Missionaries – David Wietzke

2025/11/05/in Missions, Native American Missions, World Missions

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

2025/11/05/in Africa, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

Planning is a risky business. We don’t know the future. We take our best guesses and try to do everything possible so that something goes according to plans we’ve made. However, all of that still falls far short of guaranteeing the outcome. God reminds us: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (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 didn’t come to fruition at our recent synod convention. There was a sudden leadership change and a delay on AMEC’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: “ ‘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, God’s plans always do. He knows what he has in store for all of us, and we know that his plans are good.

I don’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 we’ve never had WELS missionaries.

There’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 God’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

2025/10/30/in Europe, Missions, WELS Blogs, World Missions

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 Ben’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/Zhang’s mom’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. Scriver’s classroom at St. Paul’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, “Do not think of rewarding those who helped you, but reward others.” 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, “Your God is so good!” Each time, I can’t help but smile and reply, “Jesus is not only my God, he is yours as well.” 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 God’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: “Send me, send me, my Lord. Here am I.”

Written by Wei Nadine Li

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Asia Lutheran Seminary fall graduation

2025/10/23/in Asia-Oceania, Missions, World Missions

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.

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Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional synod convention

2025/10/23/in Latin America, Missions, World Missions

WELS World Missions Administrator Rev. Larry Schlomer traveled to Medellín, 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 year’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 Church—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 synod—a significant milestone for the Academia Cristo program.

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

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Building fellowship in Finland

2025/10/15/in Asia-Oceania, Missions, World Missions

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 idea—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 Åkerlund 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 “ET Reps.” 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 Åkerlund 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 mission—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 Church—Finland (LBK-Finland), a Finnish-speaking church. Here Greg met Pastor Juhani Viitala, his wife, Virpi, and other leaders and laypeople. Greg taught a children’s lesson on Jesus’ 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 special—necessary—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 churches’ blessings, challenges, and opportunities but also real friendships.

Fellowship doesn’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, “What an exciting, wonderful, and humbling opportunity it has been learning about our synod’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.”

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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A season of planting and growing

2025/10/02/in Asia-Oceania, Missions, World Missions

Small group ministry is the heart of the work that’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 world—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 God’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 gift—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. It’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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Mission Journeys volunteer opportunity in Brisbane, Australia

2025/10/02/in Asia-Oceania, Missions

Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve, build relationships, and share Christ’s love with people from around the world? Mission Journeys is excited to partner with the WELS World Missions team in Brisbane, Australia, to offer a new volunteer opportunity.

The Conversation Partners Program connects Christian volunteers with immigrants in South Brisbane—many from Asian and African backgrounds—who want to improve their English and build friendships. Volunteers are paired with students for weekly conversations, both online (before the trip) and in person (during your stay), focusing on language practice, cultural exchange, and genuine Christian care.

Volunteer responsibilities

Before the trip: Complete online training in cross-cultural communication and faith-sharing and meet weekly with your assigned language partner via video call.
During the trip (dates are flexible, 10–14 days, sometime in 2027): Travel to Brisbane, continue weekly conversations, participate in group activities, and help the local missionary team with outreach.

Who should apply?

We welcome mature, patient Christians of all ages who are passionate about cross-cultural ministry—no teaching experience required! We’re looking for anywhere from four to eight people to serve on the team.

Estimated costs:

Airfare: $1,600–$2,000
Airbnb: $3,000–$4,000 (split among volunteer group)
Food: $100/day (covers you and your language partner)
Transportation: $25/day
Sightseeing/touring: optional

What’s the impact?

Help newcomers gain confidence in English and feel welcomed.
Help scale the ministry’s impact and create opportunities for authentic gospel conversations.
Build lasting friendships and share Christ’s love in practical ways.
Experience world mission work in a flexible, relational, and impactful setting.

Ready to join? Contact Mission Journeys Coordinator Mr. Shannon Bohme at [email protected] or by calling 651-324-4218 to learn more. OR fill out the interest sign-up form online today at wels.net/missionjourneys.

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

Moments with Missionaries – Jim Brandt

2025/09/25/in Asia-Oceania, Missions, World Missions

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 they’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!

From TELL student to TELL leader

2025/09/17/in Africa, Missions, World Missions

“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,” says Opiew Adiew.

Opiew is from Gambella, Ethiopia. He’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, “I had been looking for a church with whom we could work—a mother church. God connected me with WELS. When I requested to join WELS, they connected me to Pastor John Hartman—at that time the outreach leader of the One Africa Team.”

Pastor Hartman encouraged Opiew to join WELS’ Multi-Language Productions (MLP) TELL leader training program. “I 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,” says Opiew.

MLP’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, Nigeria—serving different groups—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

2025/09/11/in Africa, Missions, World Missions

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. That’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 once—but that’s how he greeted everyone.

I don’t make house calls anymore because I don’t have a congregation. However, every other month I’m on the road. My father asked me, “Is it necessary to visit all these people?” It’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, “You care.” He was glad we made a visit—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 “I Know that My Redeemer Lives.”

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 “felling a tree.” 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 there’s a lot of work to be done with ECACU before we declare fellowship. There’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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The first WELS Lutheran in Uruguay

2025/09/04/in Latin America, Missions, World Missions

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 mate—the traditional hot drink—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 “Confesión de fe.” I listened as Viviana guided Nahir through the confession of faith process—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 Baptism—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 “Church Planting Level.” 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: “Sharing the Word is our mission. It’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 discouraging—it’s important not to give up. They need to know the Lord, because their salvation depends on it. It’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.”

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. “I see how the Lord is at work in them, and that brings me joy and happiness.” Nahir prays to expand her ministry to other nursing homes soon.

From a YouTube video to Nahir’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: “So 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 it” (Isaiah 55:11).

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

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