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)

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.

LATTE in Bolivia

What does is mean to be "confessional"? Do I understand what my church teaches? Do I believe the same teachings that other confessional Lutherans profess and proclaim? How can I know when someone is teaching false doctrine? 

These are all questions that people in La Paz, Bolivia  have about their faith. Our focus here is to teach the truth but also to help the people discern false doctrines they have been taught in the past. The LATTE classes have a double focus: teaching the truths of the Scriptures and at the same time helping the people identify where they have gotten off the path onto false teachings. Our prayer is that with the Lord's help the students will believe the clear teachings of the Bible.

For now, most of the work has been focused on the pastor of the congregation. He has a deep desire to be confessional and to teach true biblical doctrines to the people. Missionary Philip has spent many hours talking with Pastor Julio, learning the history of the congregation, sharing doctrinally sound materials, clearing up doubts that Pastor Julio has and teaching him biblically sound teachings.

There have also been other opportunities to share the basic law and gospel message with other groups that are active within the church. Many of the members are still confused about the basic message of salvation and when questioned frequently mention some type of "works" as necessary to be saved.

Philip has had many opportunities to clear up peoples' doubts and when they hear the clear message they realize how the idea of works righteousness had become a part of their beliefs and they are thankful to hear the message of salvation by grace-without works-by faith in Jesus.

The Lord has already blessed the work here as people begin to appreciate all that Jesus has done for them and we ask the Lord's continued blessing as we begin regular classes with the other leaders of the congregation.

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.