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.

Chiles en Nogada

As we approach September 16, Independence Day in Mexico, lots of restaurants are offering the special dish of "Chiles en Nogada". This delicious meal is served in Mexico during the months of August and September.  Some say it is because the pomegranates are in season, others say it is a way to celebrate Independence Day, and others claim it is a combination of both.

The ingredients include poblano chiles filled with picadillo – filling of meat, spices, & fruit. A walnut-based cream sauce covers the chili, and pomegranate seeds are sprinkled on top. It is also very patriotic displaying the nation’s bandera – flag with green (chili), white (sauce), and red (pomegranate). The way it is served varies from region to region.

If you'd like to try making this delicious meal, click here for the recipe.

Overseas Living

Living overseas often involves changes in one’s daily habits. Activities that before were routine now consume a large part of your day. One activity that I do every day is prepare our drinking water.

We use faucet water to drink, but cannot drink it directly from the faucet. First the water must sit for a minimum of 6 hours to evaporate the heavy content of chlorine, then it is brought to a boil, and after cooling is ready for drinking.

Grocery shopping is also different since we do most of our shopping at the open market instead of a grocery store. There are several grocery stores available but their prices are generally higher. Two or three times a week, I walk to the market to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese and eggs, bread, cleaning supplies, etc. I have to gauge how much to buy since it will have to be carried up the hill back to our apartment.

Once at home, fruits and vegetables are soaked and washed. Some countries have special solutions in which to soak the produce. Here we have been using a solution of freshly squeezed lemon juice and vinegar.

In spite of the precautions, we do occasionally get infected with parasites and have to take pills to eliminate them from our system. For the most part, we thank the Lord for the good health with which He has blessed us. We are also thankful that, in every country where we have lived, our bounteous God has always provided for our needs.

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.

Our God Reigns!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" -- Isaiah 52:7

801 souls gathered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA for the opening worship service of the 49th Annual Lutheran Women's Missionary Society (LWMS) Convention. What an amazing experience to come together as such a large group and partake of the Lord's Supper with our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Each year, this dedicated group of ladies (and men) comes together to support mission work. The group is organized into 61 circuits which represent 884 WELS congregations and four individual members. This year the Heritage Circuit hosted the convention. A record breaking 155 participants were first-time attendees, one being my husband, Natán. 

I have attended many LWMS conventions in the past, in a "behind the scenes" role and more of an encourager. This was my first convention participating as a missionary, being the one encouraged. Wow! Tears fill my eyes when I think of all the hugs and encouraging words we received from these loving sisters and supporters.

My husband and I immensely enjoyed the mission presenters from around the world, sharing how God is reigning in their ministries from countries like Antigua and Mexico; the Apache Nation, WELS Military Services and Sure Foundation in the USA; all the the way to Malawi, Africa, and various places in Asia. We also had the opportunity to share how WELS is taking seminary training across borders through our Latin American Traveling Theological Educators (LATTE) team.

We were delighted to connect with many women from Latin America, many of whom have migrated to the USA and are active members of WELS congregations. Some of them have ties to our mission congregations in the Caribbean. We hope to reach out to their family members who continue to reside in the Latin American countries where we serve.

We thank each dear member of LWMS. May God continue to bless their efforts as they continue to support home and world mission work and prepare for the upcoming 50th Annual LWMS Convention in La Crosse, Wisconsin... where it all began. 

Click here  for additional details about our convention experience.

A Growing Mission

This Sunday, the mission Cristo Resucitado -- Resurrected Christ in México; received its first two members with over 50 people in attendance.  These two new confirmands,  Javier and Victor, have been studying the Bible and its teachings with local  Missionary Brad for the past year.

It has been amazing to watch the Holy Spirit work in their hearts.  Both began attending weekly Bible studies, then worship services regularly, and bringing their families to church activities.  Listening to their initial questions about God's Word transform into concrete affirmations of faith has been heart-warming.  Tears flowed down my face as I witnessed Javier and Victor confess their faith and take Holy Communion with our mission team.

This joyous event has also served as an encouragement to others who are taking instruction classes with Missionary Brad. Several expressed their excitement to become members of the congregation and want to continue to learn more about the Bible and its teachings.

It is neat to watch our church family grow and become active. Some invite friends and family to worship services, Bible studies, and fellowship activities. Some take ownership by providing snacks for after the worship service, cleaning and building maintenance, or donating items as needed.  Last week, a man brought a Christmas tree, this week someone else brought a stand for it, and this Sunday, multiple families brought Christmas decorations.

Being part of the congregation is one of the abundant blessings of serving on the LATTE team. The opportunity to share my faith and build relationships with fellow believers is an awesome privilege I will always cherish.

May God continue to bless the mission efforts in México and around the world.

Cristo Resucitado is located in México and began regular worship services in July, 2010.  The Lord has blessed the efforts of this mission in countless ways as mission workers share the good news of the Savior Jesus Christ with the souls in Léon.  Go to www.luteranosmexicanos.net and www.lutheransinmexico.com for more information on this mission.

Teaching Sunday School

One of the many joys of being a missionary's wife is to help out with local ministry on the mission field.  In the past several months, when the regular Sunday school leader was out of town, I have served as back-up. What an important and fun role in sharing precious Bible stories with children!  It is a great way to review the stories for my own spiritual growth, but also develop creative ways to teach the stories along with simple project ideas for future leaders to continue. Often, missionaries struggle to find the balance of doing enough, but not too much. Modeling, assisting, and introducing ministry ideas, yet not establishing something that the national church leaders and members will not be able to maintain.

This Sunday, one of the Sunday school students was so excited to recite a Bible passage to me that she had memorized throughout the week.  A priceless moment I will continue to treasure!

May God bless your service, as you find opportunities to share God's Word with others!

Across the Miles

"So, where are you off to this time?" I ask my husband Missionary Lorenzo. 

"To Bolivia," he answers, "for three weeks."

"We can keep in touch by Skype," he says.

We do keep in touch by Skype, but it still proves to be a long three weeks. I pray for his safety in his travels, the Lord's blessings on the work and that nothing major happens to the car or washing machine while he is gone. I entrust him and myself in the Lord's hands.

So often people ask what I do while my husband is gone. Well, I still do the normal things like laundry (although not as much), snow shoveling or lawn mowing, depending on the season, and keeping things afloat during his absence.

My weeks are full even though I don't have a paying job outside of the home. 

• Monday and Friday - I babysit our 4 year old granddaughter
• Tuesdays or Thursdays - I am a counselor at our pregnancy counseling center
• Wednesday - I volunteer at Michigan Lutheran Seminary

That gives me a day or two to shop or whatever and Sundays to have the family over for dinner.

Then I pray for his safe return.

Classroom Activities

Activities to help understand the work of LATTE professors

LATTE Professors must be flexible as they exchange places and homes.

• Have each student exchange desks for (can be an hour, or a morning or for a day) and the student must use what is in each other's desks.  They may not go to their own desk to take anything out.  May change classrooms, also.

LATTE members exchange houses with other LATTE members.

• What did you observe when you changed desks with your friends? Problems? Advantages?  Care of one another's property. 

• Did you know where everything was in the desk?  Did you miss some of your own things? 

LATTE members exchange countries.  Each country may do things quite differently than the next country.  One example is when they eat.  Lunch(dinner) is served at 2pm and dinner (supper) is served at 8pm or later.  When you get a parking ticket, the police takes your license plate and you don't get it back until you pay your ticket.

• What would happen if you went to stay at someone's (not your best friend's house) house?  What if you didn't like the food?  Would you know where things were in the house - towels, etc?  What if you didn't like their schedule - the time you had to get up in the morning and the times that they ate their meals?  Can you think of other things that might be hard or might be good?

The LATTE members are introduced to a lot of different foods.  When they are guests at other homes it would be offensive not to eat the food put in front of you.

• Have everyone bring a lunch in a brown bag.  Do not put any names on them.  At lunch each one chooses a bag.  Do you think everyone will get what they like to eat?  How should we respond to the food in the bag- should we eat it gladly or should we complain and make someone feel bad?

The LATTE members travel around to the different schools to teach the students so that the students do not have the same teacher for all the subjects. 

• How would you like to have the same teacher for every subject plus all your sports?   What problems do you see with that?  Are there advantages?

Brigadeiro - A Candy in Brazil

Ingredients:

• 1 can condensed milk
• 1 Tbs margarine (without salt)
• 4 Tbs baking cocoa

• Chocolate sprinkles
• Mini cupcake liners (optional)

Directions:

1. Place condensed milk, margarine, & baking cocoa in pan
2. Cook on medium heat
3. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon
4. Cook the mixture until it separates from the side of the pan
5. After it cools, grease your hands with margarine & make small balls with the mixture
6. Roll them in chocolate sprinkles
7. Put in mini cupcake liners (optional) 

Note:  This treat is very popular at birthday parties and special events.

Recipe is from Brazil.

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)

 

Arroz Amarillo

Arroz Amarillo (Yellow Rice) in the Dominican Republic

Ingredients:

• Olive Oil - 2 Tbsp
• Rice - 1 cup
• Water - 3 cups 
• Yellow onion, finely chopped - 1/2
• Green pepper, finely chopped - 1/4 
• Tomatoes, finely chopped - 1 1/2
• Chicken Bouillon Cubes - 1 packet or more (as you like)
• Parsley - Optional

Directions:

1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil 
2. Turn off heat and let stand
3. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat
4. Add onions and peppers
5. Cook 5 to 8 minutes or until soft and translucent 
6. Mix tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasoning and cook until hot
7. Pour the rice into the pot and stir
8. Cook the rice for 1 minute
9. Pour hot water and stir
10. Bring rice mixture to a boil. 
11. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes or until rice is tender an water is completely absorbed
12. Fluff rice with a fork
13. Cover, let stand for 5 minutes before serving
14. Top with parsley if desired

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.  

Torta del Cielo

Torta del Cielo (Heavenly Cake or Almond Sponge Cake)

Ingredients:

• 180 grams of almonds, raw with skin
• 2 sticks unsalted butter & butter for greasing pan
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon of almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 9 tablespoons flour
• 1 pinch salt
• powdered sugar
• slivered almond toasted

Directions:

1. Butter 8 inch/20 cm circular or square cake pan lightly & line with baking paper
2. Put almonds in food processor to form crumbly mixture & set aside
3. Beat butter with sugar until fluffy
4. Beat eggs (lightly beaten), almond mixture, vanilla, & almond extract until well blended
5. Stir in the flour & salt
6. Pour batter into the pan
7. Bake in preheated oven at 350ºF/180º C for 40 to 50 minutes, or until light & fluffy
8. Remove from oven & let cool on wire rack
9. Sprinkle with powdered sugar & decorate with toasted sliced almonds

Optional- Serve with ice cream & almonds
Serves 4-6

Teamwork

One of the many responsibilities of a LATTE Professor is helping out with local ministry.  The activities can include leading a Bible study, canvassing, making home visits to prospects and members, preaching, leading workshops, handling administration duties of finance and/or supervision, exploring possible new outreach areas, and the list continues on.

Recently, the local missionary who serves the mission congregation in México was out of town.  He accompanied a fellow missionary to Sonora to get to know and encourage national pastors and congregation members.  During this time, Professor Larry preached in his absence.  

This reminded me of what an amazing blessing it is to be part of a team to share ideas and utilize experiences from each other!  

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel..."  - Philippians 1:3-5

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!

 

Remain Calm

"Place the oxygen mask over your nose and mouth. Breathe normally. Remain calm."

Anyone who has ever flown hears these words over and over again before the plane leaves the ground. But they are not the words you want to hear when the plane has reached cruising altitude.

On a recent flight, our plane had reached 25,000 feet and we were expecting the flight to go well when the pilot announced that the plane was losing pressure. The pilot started a steep decline and the oxygen masks fell out of the ceiling. As everyone worked at putting on the masks, the plane kept going down until we leveled out at 10,000 feet. After about 15 minutes we were allowed to take off the oxygen masks.


At that time, the man sitting next to me was visibly shaking. The first words he said were, "What if we had all died?" During the remaining portion of the flight I was able to tell him about the Savior. Jesus lived the perfect life we have not been able to live. He gives us that perfection which we have not earned and do not deserve. What happens to all the sins that we have already committed? Jesus paid for all of them with his innocent death on the cross. His perfect life and innocent death are all we need to enter heaven. And He gives them to us freely.

A frightening situation became the open door to talk to someone about the peace God gives us through faith in his Son Jesus. Now we do not need to fear death because we know what comes after this life ends. We can be calm, Jesus is there.

Missionary Philip and Kathy currently reside in the Dominican Republic.