“Welcome to Nigeria!”  This is the frequent greeting in this West African giant of 135 million people. While the life in Nigeria can be difficult, the welcoming hearts and smiles make every trip worthwhile. Christ the King Lutheran Church of Nigeria and All Saints Lutheran Church of Nigeria are our two sister synods in the southeast quadrant of the country. These are not missions of WELS, but sister synods. They are daughter churches of older Synodical Conference mission work. Our role is to advise, encourage, and to assist through teaching visits to Christ the King Lutheran Seminary. WELS has no missionaries in Nigeria. But we have 10,000 brothers and sisters there, served by sixteen indigenous pastors. Pray for them, that they may continue to welcome everyone in Nigeria with the gospel of Jesus.

In Mozambique, one of Africa’s most rapidly developing countries, two WELS missionaries will be starting evangelism projects and outreach in the city of Nampula.  Nampula is a large and growing city in Northern Mozambique.  The urban outreach efforts are likely to include radio ministry and a Christian Information Center.  The hope is to quickly add manpower through WELS Kingdom Workers.  After establishing an urban base, outreach efforts will begin in rural and village areas of Northern Mozambique.  While WELS works in and around Nampula, the Lutheran Church of Central Africa-Malawi is continuing to reach into rural areas of Mozambique with the Gospel, in districts adjacent to Malawi.

Albania is a small country across the Adriatic Sea from Italy; it is one of the poorest countries in Europe, and commonly considered to be the only Muslim country in Europe. But there is a vibrancy in the capital city of Tirana – and also materialism. But here we have a congregation in the main port city of Durres and a Christian information certain in Tirana. One missionary is training two dedicated Albanian men to lead these two groups; two WELS Kingdom worker volunteers teach English and make other contacts to broaden our outreach.

Mariachis play, purple flowers bloom, and the smell of fresh tortillas fills the air at dinnertime: welcome to Mexico. This colorful country is more than a tourist destination; fellow Lutherans are busy spreading God’s Word there.

The Lutheran church in Mexico worships in thirteen different locations each week. Six Mexican pastors, together with three seminary students, two WELS missionaries and a WELS vicar, oversee the work. English classes are held in Pachuca, Mexico, as part of a new mission effort.

Go directly to the Mexico field’s blog.

Missionary David Bivens was assigned as a missionary to Brazil where he and his wife would carry out ministry in the Portuguese language in and around the city of Gravataí located in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.  Please pray for them as they seek to bring the Gospel message to another country and culture!