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

Conference in Colombia

Back in April, I had the opportunity to be one of two presenters for a Pastors Conference in Medellín, Colombia. Since this was my first time ever to go to Colombia, I went a few days early in order to spend time with some of the pastors and congregation members and attend Sunday Bible class and worship. What a blessing!

Pastors Elkin, Henry, Jairo and Tonny, and the members of Holy Trinity congregation were excellent hosts. Ten pastors--eight from Colombia, one from Bolivia, and one from the Dominican Republic--together with 23 members participated in three, six-hour days of Bible study and discussion. Professor Lorenzo led a study on the Church's Concern for Marriage, and I facilitated a study on Christian Stewardship.

One of many highlights was joining together on Wednesday evening for a service with the Lord's Supper. In this service, we also formally recognized Pastor Henry's graduation from the LATTE seminary program.

Another highlight was watching the pastors--many of whom had never met before--network with each other, sharing struggles, joys and encouragement.

If God allows, we hope to conduct similar conferences regularly to strength the bonds of fellowship for our sister churches in Latin America.

Global Networking

Missionaries: Rob, Mike, Jon, Ben, Mark (back row)
Nate, Phil, Joel, & Larry (front row) & Paul-not pictured (photographer)

Previously, I've (Nate) written about a Greek instructors workshop that I was blessed to attend back in February. Improving our personal understanding of Greek and, hopefully, our teaching of Greek was only one benefit of this ten-day workshop. The other benefit was talking with brother missionaries about their fields and sharing ideas. Even though all ten of us are WELS missionaries, many of us had never met before. From the first day of planning last summer, we wanted networking to be one of the two main goals of our time together.

Since there were ten of us, we spent five evenings with two of us on the "hot seat" each night. But instead of just offering reports from each field, we started with the rest of the group telling what they knew (or thought they knew) of the field being talked about. Only after the group had exhausted its knowledge did the missionary from that field have a chance to confirm, correct, or clarify what the others had said. It was a good way to find out if accurate information is out there, and possibly what misconceptions exist between the fields.

After hearing from each field those first five evenings, we looked for themes and issues that kept coming up in the discussion. Some of the issues I expected: training nationals for ministry, trying to avoid creating dependency, telling the story of missions back home. Other themes surprised me: using volunteers to help the mission, continuing education and professional development for missionaries, and improving communication.

Whether walking in the Judean hills during our free time or sitting in one of the hotel rooms for some directed discussion together, we had the chance to discover common themes -- and share experiences of how we have dealt with them. That was powerful networking.

Go to http://greekworkshop2013.shutterfly.com to view the complete itinerary (February-March, 2013), photos, a photo book, and video of this event.

Worship Workshop

The agenda for the third weekend of January included a joint workshop in México for Mexican pastors and seminary students from Mexico and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS). Worship was the theme of the workshop. Professor Natán led a Bible Study on the elements of worship. Mexican Missionary Mike continued the workshop in a review and discussion of a new Lutheran hymnal in Spanish.

Two of the WLS seminary students, Ryan and Tim, previously served as English teachers in Mexico. It was a special treat for Mexican seminarista (seminarian) Dan to spend time with them.

The Mexican pastors enjoy coming together every two years for a workshop to assist their current ministries. Many of them travel long distances for this study and fellowship, and return to their congregations full of new ideas and encouragement.

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.

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.

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.

Pastoral Retreat in Mexico

Last week, Professor Natán and I joined our Mexican brothers and sisters in faith for a "retiro pastoral" - pastoral retreat. Our group of 43 included 10 Mexican pastors and their families, 2 seminary students, 2 LATTE professors and their wives, and a Mexican missionary and his family.

The mornings began with a group breakfast at the missionary's cabin. The ladies divided into teams to prepare and serve the meals throughout the retreat. I came home with some great new recipes!

After breakfast, all of us headed to a conference room for a devotion. Then the women returned to the cabin for a Bible Study focused on how living in a glass house can be a positive thing. The youth led the children to the cabin next-door to teach them Bible stories and crafts. The men remained in the conference room for two in-depth Bible studies and a workshop to compose a new hymnal.

After the Bible study, the ladies did last-minute grocery shopping and began lunch preparations. Then the entire group met for lunch at the cabin. The afternoon was full of free time to play soccer, swim, hike, nap, and spend time together as a family.

I really enjoyed this time getting to know my sisters in Christ more deeply. To share the joys and challenges of life in Mexico along with being the wife of a pastor. I am extremely thankful for the endless bits of advice that they gave me about basic aspects of daily living, new vocabulary, at home remedies, and living your life as a witness for Christ.

In the early evening, we came together again at the cabin for a devotion followed by a light supper. The day concluded with fellowship and a few guitarists for entertainment. We repeated this schedule for three days in a row.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Everyone cherished these special moments together as many of them live far distances apart, and some of the pastor's wives met one another for the first time. The previous pastoral retreat was 9 years ago, so the group has grown quite a bit from that time. We hope to gather again for the next Mexican pastoral retreat in 2014.

One of the highlights for Natán and me, was to share a video of greetings to our Christian brothers and sisters in Latin America with the group. While we were in the USA on furlough, we interviewed several students, members, and pastors from the Phoenix area in Arizona, the Apache mission in Arizona, attendees at the LWMS Convention in North Carolina who are members of Sure Foundation in New York, New York and are originally from Latin America. We also included greetings from one of the pastors from our sister synod in Brazil. The Mexican pastors and their wives appreciated the greetings so much that they've requested copies to share with their congregations.

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free —and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Click here for more photos.

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.

LATTE Tour Wrap-Up

 My husband Natán and I just completed an amazing two-week tour of presentations in Arizona, USA. Our tour sites included congregations, elementary schools, a high school, a retirement center, and various group Bible studies.  

All of our hosts welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts. We enjoyed sharing how the Lord is richly blessing seminary training in Latin America by sharing personal greetings from our students, telling life stories from the students' lives, and sharing the cultural challenges we face.

We spent a few days at the White Mountain Reservation with the mission team working with the Apache Nation. Both my husband and I were surprised at all the similarities between Latin American and Native American cultures.

In addition to worship services and presentations, we set up a LATTE mission kit display at the majority of our tour locations. This display features flags and a large variety of  hand crafted items from the 10 different countries LATTE serves.  It also includes a photo album offering descriptions of the places and people our team of seminary professors serve and literature provided by Multi-Language Publications that our seminary students use in their own countries. WELS Missions Promotions has three (3) of these kits available for schools, congregations, and other groups. Contact missionspromotions@wels.net or (414) 256-3293 to request a LATTE mission kit to learn more about seminary training across borders and get a taste of life in Latin America.

We thank each of you for your support of the work of seminary training in Latin America through your prayers, offerings, and service.  God be with you until we meet again.

“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

LATTE - Taking Seminary Training Across Borders

Professor Natán and I have been tweaking our mission presentation: LATTE-Taking Seminary Training Across Borders for the past two weeks. We are endlessly thankful for the technology to be able to communicate and collaborate our efforts while we are currently in separate countries. We are organizing our content into several presentations to tailor them for each of our different audiences-elementary students, high school students, congregation members, ladies’ groups, men’s groups, and retirees.

If you happen to be in Arizona this month, or planning to attend the LWMS Convention in North Carolina in June, we would love to meet you and share the details about our life and ministry in Latin America in person!

MAY TOUR SCHEDULE – ARIZONA

Sunday, 5/13

• 9:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH-SURPRISE, AZ
• 10:45 AM PRESENTATION @ SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH-SURPRISE, AZ

Monday, 5/14

• 2:30 PM PRESENTATION @ PILGRIM LUTHERAN SCHOOL-MESA, AZ

Tuesday, 5/15

• 9:30 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ ARIZONA LUTHERAN ACADEMY-PHOENIX, AZ

Wednesday, 5/16

• 8:30 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ CROSS OF GLORY LUTHERAN SCHOOL-PEORIA, AZ

Thursday, 5/17

• 6:00 AM PRESENTATION @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-TEMPE, AZ

Friday, 5/18

• 8:30 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL-TEMPE, AZ

Saturday, 5/19

• 5:00 PM POTLUCK & PRESENTATION @ ARIZONA LUTHERAN RETIREMENT CENTER-PHOENIX, AZ

Sunday, 5/20

• 8:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-GLENDALE, AZ
• 9:15 AM PRESENTATION @ GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-GLENDALE, AZ
• 10:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-GLENDALE, AZ
• 3:00 PM POTLUCK & PRESENTATION @ CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH-CHANDLER, AZ

Monday, 5/21

• 9:00 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL-GLENDALE, AZ
• 6:30 PM WORSHIP SERVICE @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-TEMPE, AZ
• 7:45 PM PRESENTATION @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-TEMPE, AZ

Wednesday, 5/23

• AM PRESENTATION @ EAST FORK LUTHERAN SCHOOL-WHITERIVER, AZ
• 5:30 PM POTLUCK & PRESENTATION @ OPEN BIBLE LUTHERAN CHURCH-WHITERIVER, AZ

Thursday, 5/24

• TBD ACTS STUDENTS-WHITERIVER, AZ

Sunday, 5/27

• 11:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ SANTO TOMÁS LUTHERAN CHURCH-PHOENIX, AZ
• 12:30 PM PRESENTATION @ SANTO TOMÁS LUTHERAN CHURCH-PHOENIX, AZ

JUNE TOUR SCHEDULE – NORTH CAROLINA

Saturday, 6/23

• 2:45 PM PRESENTATION @ LWMS CONVENTION-WINSTON-SALEM, NC

We hope to see you soon! ;) 

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.

Pastor Appreciation

 

Isabela & Lulu

Last Sunday after the worship service, two ladies, Isabela and Lulu, asked if they could prepare and serve a meal for the visiting pastors who were participating in the seminary training workshop led by LATTE.  All the participants welcomed the offer.

On Wednesday, Isabela and Lulu arrived a couple hours before lunch time to prepare Pozole (recipe coming soon) - a typical Mexican soup with different ingredients varying from region to region.  Lots of work was put into this homemade meal, which was evident in the taste.  Everyone agreed that it was a delicious meal with many requests for another bowl.   

The ladies wanted to express their appreciation to those who teach and preach God's Word, as they are continually thankful for hearing and knowing the truth, hope, and peace found in the Bible.

It is pure joy to watch these ladies grow in faith and see their love in action and excitement to serve.  Pray that it be contagious!

Isabela and Lulu are taking weekly instruction classes with Pastor Brad to become members of Cristo Resucitado in México.  Both ladies are active with the local ministry and already receive this mission as their church home.

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.

Field Visit

Last month, three WELS Representatives arrived in Brazil for a 14-day tour of Igreja Luterana Brasilera (ILB) – The Brazilian Lutheran Church. Pastor Robert Smith serves as the chairman for our Administrative Committee for Latin American Missions (AC-LA) as well as liaison to LATTE, Mr. Ernesto LaTorre serves on the AC-LA as the newly appointed liaison to Brazil; and Dr. Robert Anderson serves on the WELS Board for World Missions (BWM).  Read below as they share their observations.

 Friendly Counselor Natán, Mr. Ernesto LaTorre, Pastor Robert Smith, 

& Dr. Robert Anderson

In contrast to the densely packed cities are the vast expanses of farmland in central

and southern sections of the country. Smaller cities and a slower paced life allow

us to work with the people to spread the Gospel message. Worshiping with our

brothers and sisters in Gravatai and Dourados warmed my heart and reassured me

that the work of the Holy Spirit through WELS missionaries for the past 24 years

has born much fruit. I am left with the prayer ta, 'Times New Roman', serif;">

In contrast to the densely packed cities are the vast expanses of farmland in central

and southern sections of the country. Smaller cities and a slower paced life allow

us to work with the people to spread the Gospel message. Worshiping with our

brothers and sisters in Gravatai and Dourados warmed my heart and reassured me

that the work of the Holy Spirit through WELS missionaries for the past 24 years

has born much fruit. I am left with the prayer that our Lord will allow us to continue assisting the ministry in Brazil."

-- Dr. Robert Anderson, WELS Board for World Missions Member

"Our trip to Brazil brought many memorable moments. One of them was the church dinner held on a Sunday night in Dourados. The church had prepared a special meal in the Brazilian style of churrascaria, which includes various meats roasted on spits over a barrel of Brazilian charcoal. As the meal was starting, there was a thunderstorm going on outside, and the lights started to flicker. Just a couple minutes later everything went dark. That did not stop the meal. Some people turned on their cell phones to provide light, others their cameras. Together with a flashlight or two there was enough light to continue. And then, just about when everyone was done eating, the lights came back on. 

This event made me think a little bit about the bigger picture. Brazil is a land like any other, filled with people who live in the darkness of sin and unbelief, people who need the light of a Savior. The darkness seems overwhelming, considering that we have only two rather small congregations in the middle of a land of 200 million. Nevertheless, Jesus sends us out with the light of the gospel. Just as with the light of the cell phones was enough for the meal, so the light of the gospel, even though the workers are few, will shine and accomplish God's purpose in Brazil."

-- Pastor Robert Smith, WELS Administrative Committee-Latin American Missions Chairman