50 Years in Puerto Rico

Retired Missionary Ralph and Roxanne served souls in Latin America for the majority of their ministry. Recently, they joined other missionaries who served in Puerto Rico to celebrate 50 years of ministry in Puerto Rico. They gathered together with local congregation members and pastors in Guayama, Puerto Rico to celebrate the 50th anniverary and participate in the annual Reformation retreat full of Bible studies, devotions, and fellowship.

More than once during the celebration the sentiment was expressed as in the Sunday worship text, "Not to us, oh Lord, not to us be the glory, but to your name, for your mercy and truth" - Ps.115:1.

The Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Confesional (the Puerto Rican national church) and particularly Christ Lutheran Congregation in Guayama had worked hard to put the property in optimum condition: the grass was cut, new paint everywhere, and Rafi (one of the members)  had installed a one-step concrete and tile riser for the chancel/altar area. The choir was impressively organized (burgundy colored tops for all nine members) directed by Mary. They sang for both the Saturday evening tribute to national Pastors Sergio and Manuel and for the worship service on Sunday. The music was generally praise songs sung to prerecorded sound tracks, but we did get a pretty rousing rendition of "A Mighty Fortress" on Sunday. We were some 90-100 people on Sunday with members from the San Juan, Humacao and Guayama congregations participating in Holy Communion.

Traditional foods (rice and gandules/chick peas, roast pork and chicken, fruit, ham & cheese sandwiches on criollo bread, and more) were served both for breakfast, lunch and suppers. The ladies of the IELC had organized the Saturday tribute and awarded plaques of recognition not only to their pastors, but also to faithful laborers who had and have served over the past 50 years--people like Kelly and Miguel, Rafi and a number of young men--and gifts for the expats.

Former Missionary Paul & Carol

Retired Missionary Ralph & Roxanne

Retired Missionary Ron & Karen

 Former Missionary John & Barb

Former Missionary Tim & Lorna

Former Missionary Steve & Brenda

CELC President - Dan Koelpin

WELS WM Administrator- Larry M. Schlomer

WELS World Missions Administrator Larry M. Schlomer, Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference President Dan Koelpin and Multi-Language Publications Coordinator Paul Hartman greeted and reported to the people for WELS, CELC and MLP respectively. Pastor Roger Sprain of the original Missioner Corps who came to the island in 1964 sent his greetings by mail which were read to the assembly on Saturaday when each of the expats were given an opportunity to share an update on their life and family.

The expats were housed at Pastor Sergio's house bringing the total occupancy to some 27. Those who arrived on Thursday were greeted by a torrential downpour and the remainder of the weekend was beautiful tropical weather: clear skies, heat and humidity. 

The Lord's mercy and truth have preserved a little flock in Puerto Rico for 50 years, and we pray they will continue to preach the good news wherever they may be.

Photo Credit: Former Missionary Steve & Brenda

Update from the Caribbean

 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The one congregation of our fellowship and its pastor continue to reach out to the people of Santiago, Dominican Republic. 

  

HAITI

The humanitarian and gospel outreach work continues amongst the orphanages of Leogane and with a small congregation in Cap Haitian served by a Haitian pastor trained by LATTE in the Dominican Republic.

Nurture & Admonition of the Lord

Recently, here in the congregation Santísima Trinidad of Medellin, Colombia, Pastor Tonny had a special privilege. He officiated in the confirmation of his son, Mateo.

 Pastor Tonny confirms his son, Mateo

A father and son hug

This is always a joyful occasion for every pastor, parent and congregation. This has been an emotional year for this particular family in that their oldest son, Daniel, also confirmed a few years ago, died unexpectedly in January. That was a poignant reminder to Tonny and his wife Marta and all of those of this congregation of the importance of instructing their children in the Word and encouraging them in their faith from cradle through adulthood. 

 Mateo's first communion

We rejoice in the wonderful example this couple are in their dedication to this most important work of parenthood!

 Pastor Tonny, Marta, & Mateo

  “Bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Welcome

The Santisima Trinidad congregation here in Medellin, [Colombia] is a vibrant congregation with members who share the gospel with joy to all in their circles. [One] Sunday, we witnessed one of the ways that this works. 

A young woman came as a guest of a member. She and her hostess sat in front of us [Larry and Marlene] during Bible class. The class was dedicated to a study of the confessions of the Lutheran church. As all Lutheran members know, these confessions are based on the Bible truths and what we confess about them. However,it can be a bit confusing to a first time visitor to our church. All through the class the hostess was explaining what the teacher was sharing. At the end of the class the teacher went out of his way to welcome the visitor.

In the recess between class and the worship service, the other women of the congregation literally lined up to introduce themselves and give her a warm welcome. I heard many short encouragements being given to her to continue to hear the Word. After the church service as the crowd thinned, I had a chance to introduce myself. The young woman told me she so enjoyed the service, the sermon and the friendly people. She plans to return for the next Sunday. Meanwhile her hostess friend and others plan to call on her in her home this week with gospel encouragement. I will probably go along as I am often included in the ladies activities while we are here.

How many are in your congregation?

This is one of the questions often asked of us when we (Larry and Marlene) are in the US.  My husband's answer is usually “I don't have a congregation, I am a seminary professor.”  A fellow missionary pointed out recently that the answer could be different.  What about all the people served by men trained by our missionary-professors? While my husband had trouble with this concept, thinking it better to clarify his role as a professor, rather than taking credit for the work of his students and graduates, I thought maybe it would be an interesting theme to pursue.  I started reflecting on the pastors serving who were trained by my husband (usually along with other professors).  

While these statistics do not reflect the total number of souls served (in Mexico it is estimated we are serving 1,200-1,500 people), it is still an encouraging list.

Here is a list of pastors and the souls they serve who studied under my husband as of 2011:

Country	Pastors/Student Pastors	Baptized	Confirmed	Others Under Direct Care
Mexico	8	682	482	869
Puerto Rico	1	not available	20 (est)	not available
Colombia	5	200	150	40
DR*	2	113	46	not available
Haiti	1	73	4	not available
Nigeria	8	5000 (est)	2500 (est)	60 (est)
Bolivia	1		15
The Caribbean	3 (+1 in the US)	227	126	67

 * Dominican Republic  
                 
Looking at this list I can only say “To God be the glory!”     

Growing and Blossoming

Upon entering La Santísima Trinidad last Sunday in Medellín, Colombia, my eyes were immediately drawn to the altar. There were four beautiful arrangements of flowers. I love flowers, and always am amazed at the marvelous creation God does when He makes a tiny seed turn into a beautiful flower. I thought of that as the people were coming into church that day. They are happy people who are growing in their faith and blossoming.

We were met with the usual Colombian greeting of a kiss. After many minutes of visiting, a very animated Bible class was led by Jairo. It was thrilling to hear questions and answers given by so many. The seed of the Gospel is at work.

By the time church began, the house was filled. Liturgy was led by Tony and a beautiful law/Gospel sermon given by Oswaldo. The day was complete when we were able to celebrate communion with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The seed of the Gospel has roots firmly planted in La Santísima Trinidad. It has blossomed into a beautiful congregation. A congregation that is eager to share the Word of God with others. It was such a joy and privilege to see the blessings God has bestowed upon them.  To God be the glory.

Trip to Santa Cruz

When the national church here in Bolivia asked us to come to live in Bolivia and work with them, they had a number of purposes in mind for us.  One was to help them become a truly confessional church body.  Another thing they want me to do is visit some of the outlying areas where there are congregations that are part of the national church.  

During these visits our intention is to see how these congregations are doing doctrinally and also see if there might be some potential students who could be trained for ministry.

Recently we made our first trip to one of these congregations that is located in the city of Santa Cruz.  We found that the congregation has a fairly large property, but the congregation itself is quite small.  

It is made up of women and children and is led by a woman named Margarita.  Margarita welcomed us warmly and was very appreciative of the doctrine we had come to share with her.

She told us that she wishes the national church could send a pastor who could work full time at evangelism and teaching the Word to those whom the Holy Spirit gathers.  That is something the national church will be considering in the near future.

Spring Training

Student-Pastor Gonzalo is currently taking online seminary classes with LATTE and serving the congregation Cristo Glorificado (Christ Glorified) in Puebla, Puebla, México.

Recently, the congregation requested leadership training for its members and also invited members from their two sister congregations in Puebla to participate.  This spring, LATTE professors Larry and Natán have each led a workshop focusing on children and youth ministries, including a session on how the adults can support these programs with their time and talents.

Student-Pastor Gonzalo shares a few details about their 'spring training'...

How / Why is the congregation having this workshop?  What is the need?

"Due to the fact that the congregation does not currently have a full-time pastor, but rather is being led by a part-time student-pastor, the congregation asked for additional help.  They asked various pastors for advice, and Pastor Larry came up with the idea of this workshop to train members for ministry to children and youth."  

How does the congregation hope to use the information from this workshop once it is over?

"The congregation's hope is to grow.  Since I cannot serve the congregation full-time, they have extended a call for a full-time pastor.  The goal of the workshop is to help all members become involved and active in ministry.  With a full-time pastor and many active lay-members supporting and participating in the ministry, the congregation plans eventually to extend its mission work beyond Puebla to Huamantla, Tlaxcala where there are already two members and six prospects."

Please pray for Student-Pastor Gonzalo and our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Puebla as they plan ways to serve their congregation and the community.

In the near future, Mexico Missionary Mike will lead the third workshop for the congregation members in Puebla.