WELS

By eduwe: on July 3, 2009

ASIA, WELS general

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” - 2 Corinthians 1:20 

Amen! You may think things are mixed up here. Generally, “amen” is the word you hear at the end of the message. But this time, the word that means “so be it” is at the very beginning. If you were to take a look at all that has been going on in the last few months here at the WELS Mission in Thailand, you might say the same thing: things are all mixed up here. As severe budget constraints have brought about the recall of missionaries serving in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a lot has changed lately in the shape and scope of the mission. In spite of the challenging circumstances, the country’s national leaders have been working with the missionaries and with each other to formulate a strategy of how to proceed in sharing God’s Word with others and continue to equip more individuals to do the same. One change in particular has been the downsizing of rented buildings in Chiang Mai. The former sites of Promise Lutheran Church, as well as the women’s dorm, have closed their doors and are now sharing space in Promise House, which formerly served as the men’s dorm. Now it’s a time of rearranging worship, work, and living spaces to continue to provide for the needs of congregation members and students preparing to serve in the ministry here. Although the location has changed, the mission of Promise Lutheran Church has not. As the sign once situated at 28 Wiangkaew Road, but now standing at 76 Wiangkaew Road, indicates from John 14:6, Promise Lutheran is a place where people learn that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. It’s a promise that we can rely upon regardless of anything that changes around us. And it’s because of that promise that we can say a loud and confident “amen” as Promise Lutheran begins the same blessed work in a different location. For our confidence rests not in our earthly address, but rather in our heavenly address that awaits us. Amen! 

Tags: church, thai, Thailand, world missions

By missions: on June 23, 2009

ASIA

The main mission contact in Nepal recently submitted a monthly report summarizing ministry related activity in May 2009.  Below is his report and accompanying pictures.

In May , most of the days we went to mountain area for outreach and for medical clinic. We have visited five districts for outreach and medical treatment program. There were 180 people come for treatment and we have distributed 200 the Promise among them and 20 Jesus The Christ to start new learning group.

And We have conducted Training Program at 2 places. There were more than 100 people gathered together. We have taught them about creed, Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism and Holy Ccommunion. They were really excited to know many new things from scriptures about above topics.

In this month we have baptized 4 people.

Tags: baptism, medical mission, Nepal, nepali

By rhartman:Bio on June 16, 2009

NORTH AMERICA

A couple of months ago, Mike traveled to Sonora, where mission work is going on right along the Arizona border. While he was getting ready for worship, he ran into this little guy. The boy was fascinated by Mike’s “pastor gear,” and even tried on his stoll.

When Mike came back and showed me the pictures from his trip, this one really stood one. Besides the fact that I think it’s super cute(!), it is a good reminder of one of the vital aspects of mission work. Mike and the other pastors here are training tomorrow’s leaders.

Will this little one grow up to be a pastor? A lay leader? A strong Christian father? Our goal is to keep him, and others like him, strong in God’s Word. May the Sunday School lessons and worship of today stay with him, and be his guide throughout all the days he spends on this Earth.

Tags: Mexico, spanish