Ever hear of “pivotal events”?  The day I married my wife, Jane was a pivotal event.  It changed my life.  Receiving the awesome call as a missionary to Africa was a pivotal event.  A fellow pastor knew it was pivotal and advised me, “Take your time in making a decision.”

Sunday September 14th, we had a pivotal event at Beautiful Saviour.  Beautiful Saviour called Pastor Bright Pembeleka.  He is 32 years old with a wife and four children.  He and his wife are known for their intelligence. “Bright” would fit them both.  He graduated from the Seminary in Lusaka, Zambia in 2005 and served part of his vicar year as an emergency teacher at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Lilongwe, Malawi.  Calling a new pastor adds a dimension to the congregation and we pray will improve it.

I could tell you that Beautiful Saviour has been developed into a well greased machine with all the parts working well.  And it is true that God has blessed us with some faithful laymen and women who are working in committees, organizations, and plans.  We do have a lot going for us.

But the truth of the matter is that certain aspects of the ministry at Beautiful Saviour will Read more ›

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5

Three English teachers. Three Thai teachers. Three Hmong teachers. Three days in a Karen village. While the components may be similar, every Thailand Mission outreach camp is a unique experience and opportunity in itself. This month’s outreach in a Karen (a minority group in Thailand) village in Samoeng, Thailand was no exception.[slideshow=79] Read more ›

Dee and Dave are in their early 50’s, married and have two grown children.  Jennifer is 30 and a police officer with the Fox Point Police Department, living in Milwaukee.  Andy is 28, a marine biologist, living and working in Tampa,  FL.  Dee and Dave reside in Englewood, FL.  Prior to serving in Zambia, Dee was working with the elderly, with Visiting Angels, Inc.  Dave was employed by a electrical utility contractor, working for Florida Power and Light.

Dave writes, “Lusaka, Zambia is our first “mission” opportunity.  Our responsibilities include administrative support of the Lutheran Mission and assist the missionaries and families with whatever is needed.  We also assist at the Mwembhezhi Medical Clinic, delivering medicines and assisting with administrative errands.”

Dave and Dee’s service is made possible through WELS Kingdom Workers.

Yesterday morning we were greeted with the first snow of the season. Ouch! That was not what I was hoping for. Even for Russia, September 17th is a little early for winter to start. Luke took a couple pictures out our kitchen window. The temperature yesterday got down to 0.0 Celcius. Today it’s about 5 degrees and raining. I’m sure we’ll get some nice weather yet before winter sets in for real. The apartments are chilly, but I think the cities will decide to turn on the heat pretty soon. Meanwhile, we’re baking cookies and drinking hot chocolate!  [slideshow=78]

A couple of weeks ago, Pastor Elcy of Jesus Salvador congregation located in Gravataí, Brazil had the privilege to welcome two men into his congregation through confirmation. While adult confirmations are always a reason for rejoicing, these two men have an interesting story. One of the men confirmed, Alcides, was one of the first participants in our mission’s EFL (English as a Foreign Language) program that began three and a half years ago.

Ever since he began the English classes, Alcides expressed an interest in studying the Bible. A self-proclaimed “spiritual wanderer”, he would occasionally come to worship and Bible classes. After a couple months of EFL class, Alcides accepted the opportunity to participate in a Bible Information Class (BIC). When the course was over he graciously thanked the pastor for many lessons, but confidently stated his disagreement with the Bible in several areas.

As time passed, Alcides continued with English classes even as the teachers would rotate in and out. More importantly, however, Alcides continued to come to Sunday worship where he could hear Law and Gospel. One day Alcides approached our congregation’s new Brazilian pastor, Pastor Elcy, with a request to visit his good friend, Bento, who was having a spiritual crisis.  After some initial visits, Pastor Elcy was able to begin a BIC class with Bento, and Alcides was willing to participate again. Recently this course came to an end and both Alcides and Bento confessed their faith in God’s Word and in the teaching of the Lutheran church.

Within the last three years of EFL classes there have been many other opportunities to spread God’s Word with students and interested prospects. However in the case of Alcides, we are reminded of the power of God’s Word that is always at work – sometimes not at the pace that we desire, but at pace that God desires!