2 Timothy 3:15 is a Biblical gem that many Christians treasure. It reassures them that even as they heard the Scriptures in their infancy, the Spirit had the power to work saving faith in their hearts. For many Christians around the world, though, it wasn’t until well after infancy that they first heard the name of Jesus proclaimed. Yet they, too, can rejoice as they are reminded through that same verse that the holy Scriptures are able to make them wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus — no matter what age.

Here at the WELS Thailand Mission, we thank the Lord for bringing Thai people of all ages (from newborn to grandma) to that saving faith through His means of grace. We also thank the Lord that He is preparing people of all ages to be His called workers in the ministry here. In March, a special dual-purpose worship ceremony at the “It is Finished” Lutheran Bible Institute and Seminary in Chiang Mai demonstrated this fact.[slideshow=102]

One part of this ceremony was the first of its kind for the WELS Thailand Mission: the ordination of two national pastors. These men have been in continuing study with WELS missionaries for over twelve years, while simultaneously having served as called WELS evangelists for about half of those years. One of these men is in his mid-fifties, and the other in his mid-thirties. Both of them will continue to be an invaluable asset to the Lord’s ministry and the mission’s goal of raising up national leaders for the future of the church here.

The second part of the ceremony was the graduation of six more students from the Bible Institute level of studies. They range in age from nineteen to twenty- eight, and their gifts and talents for serving the Lord are also varied. After the past four-plus years of study, they are ready to take on roles as interns for advancing the work of the church, both in Chiang Mai as well as in Hmong Village 9.

Thanks be to God that He calls people of all ages, of all nations, of all langauges and backgrounds, to sanctified lives of service through faith in Jesus Christ. We’re confident that as the Lord continues to grow His Church in Thailand, the future will have many more gladly saying how from infancy they had known the holy Scriptures. Together, young and old, we serve the Lord wherever He calls us on this earth until the day He calls us Home — to be with Him for all ages to come.