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.

Fall Update

One LATTE professor has now completed preparing an entire Dogmatics course for online presentation (moodle) and has taught it for the whole cycle. He has also prepared the Hermeneutics course for the same presentation. Another LATTE professor has been named director of the Mexican seminary by the national church. 

LATTE continues to provide training for future pastors as well as continued education for those already serving [in Latin America].

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!”     

A Step Back in Time

Lorenzo and I (Kay) spent a month in Medellín, Colombia where Lorenzo was teaching Seminary classes. We had not “lived” in Colombia for 20+ years. Our apartment was in the heart of downtown where literally thousands of people pass by every day. I’d forgotten how big Medellín is, the street people, the vendors, and how rapidly the people speak. I had not forgotten how beautiful and warm the Colombian people are.

Street Vendors

I had not forgotten our Colombian church, La Santísima Trinidad, the warmth and welcoming people, and even some familiar faces. What joy for us to spend a great deal of our time with them, to hear and see so many sing praises to our God, and to share the Lord’s Supper with them. It was refreshing to see how they all work together in God’s kingdom, and share the Gospel with others.

Congregation Members

Life seems a little bit better for the Colombian people than before. By their smiles and happy dispositions, you wouldn’t even know if they had a problem. I am thankful for having the opportunity to take that step back in time.

B2S

Back 2 School! Back 2 Sem! Time to buy pencils, notebooks, highlighters... and don't forget your Greek Bible!

 Mexican Seminary Students Luis and Dan

God has blessed the Mexican church with two full time seminary students who started the new trimester on August 15. Dan is a returning student, and Luis is starting his first year. We were able to coordinate some of their classes with two full time students in Colombia, too. Henry should finish his formal seminary training by the end of the year, and Raúl is finishing his first year.

As they study Greek and Hebrew, Old Testament history and the Gospels, Church History and the Formula of Concord, sermon-writing and leading worship, we ask the Lord of the harvest to bless the training of these men and then to send them out as workers in his harvest field--sharing the message that Jesus was B2S, born to save.

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A Time to Review Hebrew

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. That includes a time to review Hebrew, even though it is not listed specifically in Ecclesiastes 3.

During my recent furlough, I had the opportunity to attend two weeks of intensive Hebrew review and practice at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary's summer quarter. I have always enjoyed Hebrew ever since learning it in college and using it almost every day during my time at the seminary. But, I must admit, my Hebrew has gotten a little rusty over the years.

It was so refreshing to join 28 of my brothers in the ministry (14 each week) and focus on our Hebrew skills as we translated the books of Ruth and Ecclesiastes. Thank you to Professors Paustian and Nass from Martin Luther College for their guidance! It was good to review the different forms of the verb in Qal, Nifal, Piel, Pual, Hifil, Hofal, Hitpael (and occasional Hishtafel and Pilpel) and how those forms influence the meaning and translation of a verse. I benefited from seeing newer resources available for both teaching and studying Hebrew, and I hope to pass that benefit on to our LATTE students in our studies of the Old Testament.

There is a time for everything... Now the time has come to end furlough and continue our LATTE ministry of preparing pastors for God's people in Latin America. Time spent keeping my own Hebrew skills up will be well spent as I pass these skills on to our students.

Workshop Wrap-Up

The recent LATTE workshop on seminary training in México concluded with a closing worship service with Lord's Supper on Friday. Afterwards, special moments of farewells and contact information were exchanged. One of the Mexican pastors left a day early. A long-time member of his congregation passed onto glory so he needed to return for service preparations.

The pastors are returning home with five days of devotions, cultural experiences, and fellowship in addition to their studies on adult education, seminary curriculum development, online resources, and many hours of homework.

What a blessing to have the opportunity to come together and focus on preparing future pastors!

Seminary Training

Professor Larry, Student-Pastor Henry, Professor Natán, Pastor Israel, 

Pastor Juan, & Pastor Alejandro

This week LATTE is hosting a 5-day workshop in México; providing training to four pastors to teach seminary courses. Three pastors are from different parts of México and one student-pastor is from Colombia. 

The workshop began Monday morning at the ministry center with a joint breakfast, because two of the pastors arrived directly from the local bus station after overnight bus trips.  A devotion led by one of the pastors followed the meal. 

They begin each day after breakfast and continue until 2:00 pm.  Then the group breaks for lunch and spends the remainder of the day doing homework to present the following day.

Professors Larry and Natán are leading the workshop with emphasis on curriculum development, adult education, and online learning.

It is a great opportunity to review the basics, learn new methods, and grow in fellowship.

Worship Conference

The WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts has been held every three years since 1996 and has become the largest conference in the US focused on worship themes--not just of Lutherans, but of all Protestant denominations.  This year was no exception with over 1000 people participating. I had the opportunity to attend this year, July 19-22, and was not disappointed.

The general focus of the conference was on "passing the torch to the next generation" and that fit nicely with my role as liturgy/worship professor.  I attended workshops on Worship Education, Enhancing the Liturgical Year, Church Design for Worship and Outreach, and Freshness and Variety in Proclaiming Law and Gospel.  I enjoyed visiting with others who share my desire to offer God our best as we declare his praises.  Above all, I was strengthened and built up as more than 1000 fellow believers joined together for five worship services (focusing on Holy Week and the Easter season) and two concerts during the four days of the conference, at all times keeping the focus on God's Word and the Sacraments and telling what great things the Lord has done to save us.

Having experienced just "a little foretaste of heaven," I am refreshed.  Now I look forward to passing the torch of excellence in worship to the men training to be leaders of worship in Latin America.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.  One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.  --Psalm 145:3-4 

Photo provided by WELS Communication Services.