A Faithful Servant Retires

Missionaries Mark, Lorenzo, Larry, Roger, & Ernie (1977)

Professor Larry and his wife Marlene began serving souls in world mission fields in 1977. Prof. Larry, Marlene, and their three children moved to Colombia where Larry led theological education and evangelism/church planting in the formative years of the mission work until 1983.

The family relocated to El Paso, Texas to train ministry leaders in Mexico from 1983 to 1990, with seminary students studying there as well as traveling into Mexico approximately ten days out of every month.

In 1990, Professor Larry accepted a call to Nigeria help establish a seminary for the national church, teach nine students, and train a national pastor to take over the direction of the seminary. He and Marlene served in Africa for three years.

Preaching in Mexico (2011)

They moved back to Latin America in 1993, when Prof. Larry accepted a call to train seminary students and assist with local ministries in Mexico until 2004. In 1995, he was additionally called to serve as field counselor for Mexico.

Mexico (2009)

Mission Team (2010)

Mission Team with Seminary Students (Christmas - 2010)

Mission Team (2012)


Serving Together (always)

For the past 11 years, Prof. Larry served as coordinator of LATTE, Latin American Traveling Theological Educators, based out of Mexico. He trained students in Bolivia, the Caribbean, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Some of the training took place during onsite teaching trips, while others were taught through online courses through the Internet. Prof. Larry also participated in several exploratory trips to visit contacts and research new mission starts.

Professor Lorenzo shares, "Larry has been zealous to train our national workers to 'rightly divide the Word of Truth' -- 2 Timothy 2:15."

Seminary Students from the Dominican Republic and Haiti (2008)

Pastoral Workshop in Mexico (2011)

Fellowship at a Pastoral Retreat in Mexico (2012)

Teaching in Colombia (2014)

We thank our gracious God for allowing Missionary Larry and Marlene to serve him faithfully in world missions for 37 years and wish them the Lord's richest blessings in retirement.

In-Person

Much of the teaching by LATTE recently has been on the internet instead of in-person. In the past through visiting trips of 1-3 months the professors often were able to model as well as coach students as they began practicing newly taught skills. With less in-person teaching now the professors often find it difficult to evaluate the preaching, teaching, evangelizing and counseling effectiveness of their students. 

 While here in Colombia teaching it has been possible to observe three students in action as they serve the congregation. For instance, Professor Larry was able to observe an excellent presentation by student Raul as he gave the devotion for midweek service and student pastors Henry and Tonny training new leaders of the congregation and national church. The students also had an opportunity to observe the professor preach one Sunday. The professors are grateful for the multiple blessings of these in-person visits.

Sharing the Good News

While visiting various countries when traveling with work of LATTE, there are many opportunities to share news from other mission fields. 

Much of this is informal like the included picture taken after a delicious dinner given to the professor and his wife in the home of one of the members. Conversation had touched on what other places WELS is sharing the gospel besides here in Colombia. We talked of the work in Latin America, Africa and then Asia. These Colombians are looking at pictures of a tour the chairman of World Missions of WELS is taking of work in Asia. 

You may be sure that these members are enthused and encouraged by the continued spread of the gospel. They will have these distant fellow believers in their thoughts and prayers.

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.

Time of Grace

 This past Sunday as I (Marlene) came forward for the Lord's supper here in Medellin where my husband is teaching this month, I was amazed to see a face I never thought I would see among the members. A man with whom my husband shared the gospel more than 30 years ago. 

Libardo had resisted the gospel and confirmation all those years. His family (all long time members), many missionaries and pastors had shared God's good news with him over those years. But this last month, God changed this heart with his Holy Spirit through His word and he was confirmed in the faith. This man has been near death many times in the past years. As I look at his weathered body and face, I praise our Lord that he extended Libardo's time of grace so that he might believe and be saved. And I thank Him for allowing us to witness one more of His miracles as this dear friend stood with us at His altar.

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!”     

Damas Luteranas

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”

 -- Psalm 133:1

What a joy it was for my husband and me to attend the 2nd Mexican Lutheran Women's convention. Forty-six women from 8 different congregations and 5 states as well as visitors from Chile and the United States joined together for 3 days of Bible study, finalizing and adopting a constitution, worship and fellowship. 

  Business Meeting

Larry and I have been living in Mexico for 19 years and have been a part of almost all the congregations represented so all these women leaders are dear friends.

Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night)

Missionary and Mexican field counselor Mike gave a sermon in our closing service that included the Psalm verse with which I titled this story. It has special meaning to us all as Señora Ibarra, 96 year [old] widow of one of the founding pastors of the Mexican Lutheran church, crocheted these [crosses] as a momento for all of the attendees at the convention, even though she was unable to attend. She sent them with her daughter and grand daughter, who are a continuing legacy to the importance of the Word in this faithful family.

Sra. Ibarra's Handmade Cross

May God continue to strengthen and bless this group of very special women in their efforts to support the work of His Kingdom.

Damas Luteranas is officially recognized as Sociedad Nacional de Damas Luteranas de Mexico -- National Society of Lutheran Women in Mexico.

Long Time Friends

One of the privileges of traveling with my husband as he teaches is that I get back to see dear friends, many of whom I have friendships for more than 30 years. One of the dear friends from Colombia who I will only see when I get to heaven is Bertha, who was my helper-maid when I lived in Medellin from 1977 to 1983.  Through Bertha, we were able to reach her family and her best friend's (Blanca) family with the gospel.   

 Marlene and Blanca

Not only are these faithful families, but leaders in the congregation in Medellin.  Bertha's daughter Lilliana is currently president of the ladies group while Blanca's son, Carlos, is president of the the national church.   

 Bertha's granddaughter, daughter Lilliana, and daughter-in-law 

visiting with Marlene

Blanca's son Carlos, Pastor Tonny, and Pastor Henry

These families have suffered, like many of the congregation, from terrible personal loss of loved ones during the violence that has plagued this city and country in the not too distant past.  In each of these cases their consolation has been that these departed loved ones died  in the faith and they will be reunited in heaven.  We are able to comfort each other in this knowledge.

Pana

 

Pana (Puerto Rico) = panpan (Nigerian pidgen English) = breadfruit (English) 

Off the patio of our room here in Puerto Rico there is a Pana tree. While I have eaten it here and in Africa, I didn’t know how to prepare it. It tastes somewhat like a potato. Larry’s student, Elijio, helped me prepare it. Here are the steps:

Directions:

1. Cut pana in 8 wedges
2. Peel and core  
3. Drop it immediately into water (or it will turn brown quickly)
4. Add salt
5. Boil until it is tender to a fork
6. Drain excess water
7. Pour the prepared Recao Dressing (see below) over the warm pana
8. Serve

Recao Dressing:

• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/4 medium onion chopped
• 8 green olives
• 1 Tbsp ground garlic
• Handful of recao chopped (can substitute standard cilantro)
• 2 Tbsp Sofrito
• Salt to taste
• Adobo to taste

Encouraging a Brother

Larry and I have served in World Missions 35 years. A large part of that time he has been training pastors. We have been blessed by strong personal relationships with many of his students and families, something highly valued in Latin America. This often means walking with them through their celebrations and trials in life. 

This week we were given the opportunity to attend one of the celebrations. Eligio (student here in Puerto Rico) asked us to accompany him to a special recognition by his home town and mayor for the charity work of his youngest brother who is a double amputee in a wheelchair. 

Professor Larry & Marlene with the Family & Mayor

As you can see we were included in the pictures along with his family, brother and the mayor. These times are often strained by conflict in the family over the Lutheran student or pastor’s distinct doctrine and as representatives of their “new family in the faith”, our presence is appreciated. There have been frequent opportunities to witness to our faith at these gatherings. It also is a great opportunity to understand the culture and students better.

Antioquian Empanadas

Masa - Dough (Step 1) 
Ingredients:

• 2 cups of areparina
• 2 Tbs of cornstarch
• 1 Tbs brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups water

Directions:

1. Mix dry ingredients
2. Add water & mix
3. Let sit for 3 minutes
4. Knead dough for a few minutes

Relleno - Filling (Step 2)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 4 Tbs oil
• 1 c hogao *see recipe below
• 2 Tbs vinegar
•  Salt - to taste
• Cumin - to taste
• 1 lb of potatoes - peeled, boiled & chopped

Directions:

1. Brown ground pork in oil
2. Add hogao
3. Add  vinegar
4. Add salt & cumin to taste
5. Simmer for 5 minutes
6. Add potatoes
7. Let cool

*Hogao (used in filling, save what is left for eating on the finished empanadas)

• 1 lb tomato - chopped
• 1/2 lb onion - chopped
• 4 green onions with stalk - chopped
• salt, cumin & pepper to taste
• Mix in a sauce pan and simmer a few minutes

Empanadas (Step 3)

1. Make a small ball of dough
2. Place ball between 2 pieces of plastic (plastic bag cut to size) 
3. Flatten it into a empanada mold or press between 2 plates into a small circle approx. 3"  in diameter  
4. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the middle
5. Seal and flute the edges
6. Deep fat fry until golden
7. Remove from fat and drain on absorbent paper 
8. Serve with remaining hogao, key lime and/or hot sauce

Note: Photos are of recipe being made with seminary student Henry's wife Iliana showing me (I had forgotten how to do it after 27 years).  - Marlene 

(Recipe from Colombia)

 

Patacones/Tostones

Patacones (Colombian) or Tostones (Caribbean)

Ingredients:


• Plantain (ripe or green)
- 3 
• Oil
- 2 cups
• Salt - to taste

Directions: 

1. Peel plantains
2. Cut into 1” chunks
3. Fry them in hot oil (like you would for French fries) until golden
4. Remove from oil, drain on a paper towel
5. Smash the pieces flat to about 1/3 “ thick with something flat and heavy
• Colombia - we used a rock 
• The Caribbean - there is a special wood press 
• A heavy pan also works
6. Fry again in oil until golden brow
7. Drain and salt to taste

Makes 6 servings
Notes:
 

My children loved to have these as a snack.  Some prefer them with ripe plantain as they have a sweet taste, others like it prepared with green fruit.  

Dehydration

My recent trip to Colombia after leaving 27 years ago was wonderful!  However, I was in serious danger of dehydration from shedding tears by the end of the trip. 

I shed tears of joy at seeing the now mature Christians teaching, preaching and sharing the gospel with others.  I shed tears of joy to again hear the enthusiastic singing of old, familiar hymns that we sang with them 3 decades ago.  I shed tears of joy to see the many, many new believers (many gained through the gospel message delivered by the pastor and members who were just children or adolescents new in the faith in our time there).  I felt a wonderful joy at seeing the members lovingly caring for each other, their church building and sanctuary.

Medellin - Full Church, Full Heart

Reunions with dear friends in the faith were so emotional,  joy at seeing them and sadness remembering the many friends and family killed by the violence the country has had to suffer the last decades. Almost all have lost a child, husband, sibling and/or parent.  In some cases, there was consolation in knowing the person involved is now with our Lord.  Other times, the relative is still grieving because of the doubt as to the eternal destination of their loved one.  What a testimony that was to the urgency of sharing the gospel!

Bogota - New Christian Friends

Then came the tears of departure!  It was so hard to say goodbye so soon to these wonderful warm Christian people with whom we just had reunited or newly met. It was consoling for them and for us to know that if this was our last opportunity to see them face to face on earth, we could look forward to a wonderful, glorious reunion in Heaven!

 

Christmas Nostalgia and Blessings

"We are going to Grandma's house." 2 year old Abraham announced to his older brothers as we climbed in their vehicle "No" they argued with him. "Grandpa and Grandma live in Mexico." Pangs of nostalgia hit me as I thought of Christmas at my grandparent's. We are located relatively close to this family, only about 14 hours from our door to theirs including the border crossing at Laredo. However, with the new regulations the US has put in place, it would cost Larry and his family of 5 (soon to be 6) children at least $1,000 to get them all passports to come visit us. Of course there is the cost of gas and tolls that would add considerably to the trip's cost as well. Then as the nostalgia passed I again thanked the Lord for this opportunity to be with this part of our family. We couldn't reach our children and grandchildren in Denver and Portland or my 7 brothers and sisters or my husbands 7 brothers and sisters and his mother in South Dakota as easily for this Christmas but there have been much lonelier Christmases over the 31 years of mission work. I don't get to play hostess in the "grandparent's house" of my childhood for my grandchildren. The devil would love to interfere with the mission work my husband does by letting me indulge in my little pitty parties. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful supportive Christian family and we have much for which to be grateful.

(posted by Marlene)

Ounces or grams?

Often I am asked the price of gas in Mexico or wherever we are currently living. I often have to sit and calculate that one. We buy gas by the gallon in the US but by the liter here in Puerto Rico as well as most Latin American countries. As we have traveled I am finding some interesting combinations of the English and Metric systems in the various places our husbands teach. For instance here in Puerto Rico the distances on the highways are listed in kilometers but the speed limit is in miles. I tend to associate the metric system with speaking Spanish (like in Mexico and Colombia) and often befuddle the clerk in the deli by asking for "doscientos gramos" of sliced ham in the Caribbean where they use the English system of pounds and ounces. I am now recognizing the confusion I have caused and quickly change my order, but sometimes "someone who speaks English" has already been fetched by the employee. It keeps me humble.

(posted by Marlene)