“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10

There’s a good chance you’ll miss it the first time you pass by. It’s only a small storefront, and the noodle vendors that daily set up shop in front of it keep it somewhat hidden. But there’s no hiding that God is at work within the lives of the family of believers at By Grace Lutheran Church, located on the southeastern side of Chiang Mai.[slideshow=88]

Since 2006, By Grace Lutheran has been the second WELS Lutheran church in the city of Chiang Mai. Thai Vicar Niran Temsakul has shepherded the congregation there since its inception. Each academic term, students from the “It Is Finished” Bible Institute and Seminary also serve as interns for the church, preparing the sanctuary for worship, leading the liturgy and music, as well as teaching the children Sunday school.

The Holy Spirit’s work within the congregation is evident. One recent spiritual benchmark within the congregation was a special Sunday worship that included the confirmation of seven adult members and the baptisms of four more children. Now, these congregational members will have the opportunity to join in an even closer fellowship with one another and with the Lord as the confirmed members begin to partake in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Read more ›

Here I am at the local Panera Bread in Gainesville, FL enjoying the free Wi-Fi. Seems to be my favorite hang out these days. This has been my first furlough experience and what an experience it’s been. I’m not sure if I really knew what to expect but one word can sum it up, overwhelming!

All the fears of coming home, missed family, and the possibility of having feelings of just loving it so much I wouldn’t want to return the 7th of January to Malawi have all been dismissed. I’m constantly reminded that the Lord has me just where He wants me and that is the beautiful country of Malawi. Read more ›

This year will be our ninth Christmas in Japan.  As with all of you, we work hard to remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.  We make sure that our children know this and stay focused on it also.  No matter where in the world we are, that doesn’t change!

Christmas in Japan arrives early, just like it does in the States.  In October already, stores put up decorations.  Lighted displays are common, trees and santas abound.  Christmas music can be heard piped through the sound systems at our stores.  Often times I even catch myself humming along to a religious carol as I shop!  Every time I catch myself, however, I also stop to remind myself that while I understand the message in the song, 99% of the people listening do not.  So much work to be done here!

In our home we have a Christmas tree up, nativity scenes on display, Christmas cookies baking, carols playing, etc.  Inside our home we celebrate Christmas like we would anywhere else.  The Japanese people don’t usually have a large tree, but might have a small one or a few pretty decorations. They’ll eat Christmas cake (white cake with whipped cream frosting and strawberries on top) instead of cookies.  Christmas parties are common.  We hold a special party for our ESL (English as a Second Language) students. It’s a great opportunity to share the gospel message to them! Read more ›

Living Word in Waukesha, WI, still meets in a gym at a local grade school (Rose Glen Elementary School). Every Sunday, the congregation sets up metal folding chairs, unpacks the altar and hauls in the musical instruments. The saying there is, “We may have cold chairs, but we make up for it with smiling faces.”

In order to reach out in an ever-changing culture, Living Word’s worship is intentionally different:  a mix of traditional and contemporary styles.  People show up in jeans and don’t have a problem clapping in church.  Drums and guitar are regular additions to the music, and Pastor John Borgwardt wears a suit instead of a robe. But the message remains the same:  Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Knowing this, Living Word strives to be a team player and is happy to refer anyone to the other WELS churches in the area, especially if they prefer more traditional worship. Since Living Word doesn’t have a facility, each year some special services times (Advent in particular) of the other churches are printed in the bulletin. Granted, the congregation is a bit different and will continue to do things that way, but the main focus is mission work while complementing the other congregations. [slideshow=4] Read more ›

Christmas is an actual holiday here in Hong Kong thanks to the British colonial legacy. December 25 and 26 are holidays. December 26 is called Boxing Day and is celebrated in the United Kingdom. The kids have off about 10 days from school, the same as in the USA. Some people celebrate Christmas, but the Chinese New Year holiday in late January to early February is the big Chinese holiday.

Stores, malls and public areas have Christmas decorations. This year the decorations went up early, around the first week in November, because stores are trying to attract customers in the economic downturn. The weather is usually not bad with the temperature in the 50s to 70s. I am inviting some students from the seminary here to bake gingerbread cookies the week before Christmas. People don’t usually have ovens in their homes here, so they don’t bake desserts. We are going to bake and decorate cutout cookies.

The churches here usually have Christmas services the Sunday before Christmas, although one of our churches has Christmas Day services this year.