Colombia - Mission History

1973 -- WELS commissions three-man missionary team to Colombia.

1974 -- Missionary team arrives in Medellín. Mission conducts first worship service and confirms first adult member. Radio outreach starts.

1975 -- Dedication of Holy Trinity Church in Medellín. Bible Institute program begins.

1979 -- Provisional seminary opens in Medellín.

1982 -- First Colombian student graduates from Lutheran seminary.

1983 -- Ordination and installation of first Colombian pastor. Work begins in Bogotá with two missionaries.

1989 -- Inauguration of first Christian Information Center (CIC) in Bogotá.

1990 -- Installation of first lay minister in Medellín.

1996 -- Medellín students receive pastoral duties.

1997 -- Medellín CIC moves to downtown church building. Bogotá congregation and CIC move to new location in north of city.

1998 -- Bogotá school becomes first Spanish-speaking school in WELS fellowship. English as Foreign Language (EFL) classes begin as outreach.

1999 -- Medellín congregation has two Colombian pastors. Bogotá church has a three-man council. All WELS missionaries and families evacuate because of increasing violence. Missionary begins long-distance training and counseling of national leaders.

2000 -- Bogotá congregation begins a new congregation in a local school.

2001 -- Three Colombian leaders begin helping WELS Coordinator train nationals in ministry.

2003 -- WELS Coordinator discontinues field visits to Colombia due to increased security risks. Contact and long-distance training continues by phone, e-mail, and fax.

2005 -- Due to improved security conditions, LATTE Professors begin to make periodic trips to Colombia for continued theological training of leaders. The Colombian national church is incorporated as: Colombian Confessional Lutheran Church (ILCC.Wels); giving the church legal standing in the country.

2006 -- Outreach efforts begin in the city of Barranquilla when a family relocates from the Bogotá congregation. LATTE continues to train student pastors of the congregations in Bogotá and Medellín.

2007 -- First national missionary trip to Barranquilla. LATTE work continues with the theological education of church leaders and pastors.

2008 -- The ILCC.Wels begins to support the International Church through the Internet. LATTE continues its assistance.

2009 -- A national pastor and LATTE professor make visits to Quibdó and establish fellowship with an existing congregation. Our Redeemer Congregation of Quibdó is born with 50 members. Mission trips to cities of Cartago, Pereira and Valledupar begin.

2010 -- The ILCC.Wels calls one of the pastors in Medellín to serve as a national missionary and he starts to study full-time with LATTE to finish up his theological studies. Mission trips to the cities of Cartago, Pereira, Valledupar, San Rafael and Manizales are made.

2011 -- For the first time in history, a representative from Colombia attends the world-wide meeting of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) in New Ulm, MN. The Colombian national church celebrates a special working congress with the attendance of members of the WELS committee for Latin America. The Light of Christ Lutheran Church is born in Santa Marta with 6 members. The ILCC.Wels through its national missionary pastor prepares men for the public ministry with LATTE's assistance.

2012 -- With the help of scholarships, two leaders begin full-time preparation for the public ministry; one student from the church in Quibdó and another from the congregation in Medellín. Professors from both the ILCC.Wels and LATTE carry out this ministerial training together.

 Our Redeemer Congregation -- Quibdó 

Learning and Serving

Seminarian Raul is a student-pastor in Quibdó, Colombia. He serves Our Redeemer Confessional Lutheran Church. Currently, he receives his seminary training by visiting LATTE Professors along with online education while continuing to serve his congregation members.

How did you become a member of the Lutheran Church?

Due to the fact that God's love, grace and mercy for lost, miserable and condemned human beings is immense, and that his decrees are unchangeable, today I am a member of the Lutheran Church.  I will tell you how it happened:

I became a Christian when I was 14 years old as a Baptist. Later we [my fellow Pastor and I] met a Presbyterian pastor with whom we studied and found that we had many doctrinal errors, the main one being that we were teaching salvation by works.  Having become aware of this delicate situation, we broke ties with the Baptist church and became Presbyterians. Finally -- thanks to the love, grace and mercy of God for us -- our Pastor, Elkin met two confessional Lutheran pastors of Most Holy Trinity Church in the city of Medellín. God used them to teach us true Biblical doctrine, and thus we realized that even as Presbyterians, we still had subtle doctrinal errors, for example: the belief that salvation can not be lost, that once a person is saved, he is always saved, that God has to save even if someone lives in impenitence.

The truth is that it was very hard for us. We were worried. We had already been the objects of false doctrines on many occasions, and at first we were afraid that the confessional Lutherans would also teach false doctrine. But God, in his Word, through a long process, taught us that they were really teaching the true doctrine, which we checked and confirmed with the Bible open.  We were convinced, since the truth prevails and the lie is defeated.  From that moment we identified ourselves with Lutheran teachings, confirming that they were Biblical, and of course we identified ourselves with confessional Lutherans.  We began to study with Pastor Henry, and were later confirmed "en masse". We have been confessional Lutherans for about three years now. Our congregation in Quibdó, Chocó, Colombia is called Christ Our Redeemer Confessional Lutheran Church. We have more than 40 members including adults and children, plus regular visitors.

How does your training in the seminary influence your ministry?

My training in the seminary does not affect my ministry negatively at all. To the contrary, it affects me positively, since currently I am a co-pastor in my church, teacher for an adult Bible study, and an evangelist.  The training is a great blessing for me and very useful because it enriches my knowledge of God's Word, providing me with new knowledge, and reinforcing what I have already learned so that I can offer better service to God. Even though the instruction is very demanding, I thank God because he has strengthened me and kept me balanced.  It is my desire that he continue to help me in this way.

Update from Mexico

 

Extraordinary events are taking place in Mexico right now. Violence caused by the drug war is occurring at an astonishing rate in northern Mexico. And yet, our churches in the north are not just surviving, most of them are growing at a rate which they have never before experienced. 

At the same time growth continues to occur in more peaceful areas of the country as well. WELS Kingdom Workers recently approved the funding of a short-term volunteer coordinator position to Mexico.

Sharing Peace in Jesus

Seminary Student Eligio and his wife, Noemi

 Eligio was born into a family that was very religious, and as such he participated as a young person in many of the activities that his church offered. However he did not know peace with Jesus until years later when he was sitting on the front step of his house when a WELS missionary named Paul Hartman came walking up to him and asked if he could talk with him.  Eligio was struck by the Bible teachings that he learned at the new mission, and he continued studying any Bible course that was offered. So he now says that he began studying for the ministry without being aware of it. When he recommended to his pastor that a different member of the church would be a good candidate to study for the ministry, he found out about the Bible Institute that the mission was offering and signed up to take some classes.

Eligio has served in his congregation in many ways, giving the liturgy, learning how to preach sermons, teaching Sunday school and VBS classes. He has already served as a student pastor. His greatest joy in the ministry has been when he was privileged to preach to larger crowds of people about the wonder of God's grace and the peace we have in Jesus' forgiveness. 

His goal is to retire from the police force (he is a detective sergeant in the municipal police force) and offer his full-time service to the church by the end of this year. Eligio has almost finished his seminary studies with LATTE and should soon graduate from the seminary. We pray that he would continue to be a blessing to the church in Puerto Rico, and that God richly bless his continuing ministry in His name.

Winter Update - 2012

The four LATTE professors are continuing to carry out their teaching according to their previously established plan. Trips to Bolivia, Colombia, and the Caribbean have been made. National churches were encouraged in their evangelism efforts and were provided with the theological education that they had requested.

The additional work with the Colombian church will consist of only occasional visits, since the two new students are remaining in their home cities and will need to be taught online. Pastor Henry, a Colombian national, is working with LATTE to schedule their training, including online Moodle courses and courses taught via Skype.

In Mexico after the last full-time seminary student resigned, LATTE worked with the national church to plan a recruitment effort with the hope of beginning a new class of seminary students in July of 2012. Meanwhile the two LATTE professors residing in Mexico are using the unexpected time to do course work, increase the number of hours taught over the Internet to various students, and make several teaching trips during this time period.

Training to Teach

Seminarian Henry is a student-pastor in Medellín, Colombia. He serves Holy Trinity congregation and assists in training ministerial leaders. Currently, he receives his seminary training by visiting LATTE Professors along with online education while continuing to serve his congregation members and teaching others.

Why did you decide to prepare for the ministry?

In the plans for my life, I never had the idea of being a pastor. When God called me through the church in 2004 to be pastor of my congregation, I began to prepare for the ministry.

How are you putting your seminary training into practice?

Currently, I am instructing the brothers who have been called for the public ministry.

How do you hope to serve?

I hope to serve with love, and I ask God that I never become disconnected from Christ. In my prayers, I pray that God would have me serve him wherever he puts me.

What is your favorite Bible passage?

God shows his love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

And Why?

I like this passage because it reminds me that I am a sinner and that at the same time I am forgiven.

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

Timeline of Brazilian Mission

1987 -- Three missionaries and their families arrive in Brazil. They were allowed to enter the country as missionaries because a small independent Lutheran congregation in Gravataí, RS, invited and sponsored them. The first year is spent learning the Portuguese language, settling in rented homes and beginning to understand the customs of the country.

1988-89 -- Visits are made to two other areas of Brazil where people have shown interest in the WELS. Two more missionaries accept calls to Brazil, making a work force of 5. One of the missionaries is sent to the city of Dourados, MS, to work with and through a family that has invited the WELS to this area.

1990 -- Work begins in Porto Alegre, RS, with a Christian Information Center. Congregational work is re-established in Gravataí, RS, after the first family with its independent church separates from the WELS.

1991 -- One missionary accepts a call stateside. For the time being he is not replaced. His position as field coordinator is handed to one of the other missionaries.

1993 -- Work begins in the city of São Paulo, SP, with the move of one of the missionaries from Gravataí, RS. A Christian Information Center is equipped and used for outreach, and an extensive mailing program is begun.

1994 -- Another missionary leaves Brazil to accept a stateside call. His position as field coordinator is given to one of the other missionaries.

1995 -- A new missionary, a seminary graduate, is sent to Brazil, and begins his training in Sâo Paulo, SP. The following year he moves to Gravataí, RS, to work in that city.

1997 -- Long distance mission work begins in the city of Várzea Grande, MT, through regular trips by the missionary in Dourados, MS.

2000 -- The missionary who worked mainly in Porto Alegre, RS, accepts a call stateside. The work in Porto Alegre, RS, is closed.

2002 -- An evangelist (finished pre-seminary training) is sent to Várzea Grande, MT, to work in this mission field.

2003 -- The work in São Paulo, SP, is closed for financial reasons. The missionary there is cut from the budget and accepts a call stateside. The coordinator jobs falls to another missionary. A new missionary is assigned from the seminary to work in the Gravataí, RS area.  A LATTE professor begins teaching trips to the seminary in Gravataí, RS.

2005 -- A program of full-time seminary training is begun in Gravataí, RS, with three students. One of those is the evangelist who had been working in Várzea Grande, MT. That mission area goes back to long-distance work by the missionary in Dourados, MS.

2006 -- A national church body is formed, with the name of Brazilian Lutheran Church (Igreja Luterana Brasileira).

2007 -- The first national pastor graduates and accepts a call to the Gravataí, RS, congregation.

2008 -- The national church holds its first convention in Dourados, MS.

2009 -- The missionary who is field coordinator and head of the seminary program accepts a call stateside, leaving one missionary in Gravatái, RS. The second seminary graduate is assigned to a new mission opening in Presidente Prudente, SP. The third student is assigned as a vicar in the Dourados, MS, congregation. 

2009 -- The WELS formally discontinues full support of the Brazilian mission, calling back the one remaining missionary. The missionary in Dourados has been serving as a self-supporting volunteer for several years already. The vicar in Dourados leaves the ministry program to go into another field of work. LATTE Professor is assigned as WELS Friendly Counselor to Brazil.

2010 -- The second biennial convention of the Brazilian Lutheran Church is held in Gravataí, RS.

2011 -- The first pastor's conference of the Brazilian Lutheran Church is held in Dourados, MS.

2011 -- Pastor's Conference

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.

Bolivia

Professor Lorenzo & Bolivian Students

LATTE Professor Lorenzo began making teaching trips to La Paz, Bolivia in 2007.  After four years of visits, the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (FIEL) requested a full-time LATTE seminary professor to teach what the Bible teaches.

Professor Philip & Kathy

In March, 2011; Professor Philip and Kathy moved from Santiago, Dominican Republic to La Paz, Bolivia to serve the church leaders. 

Professor Philip & Student-Pastor Julio

Professor Philip is currently teaching theological courses to seminary Student-Pastor Julio and 10 Bible institute students on-site. He and Kathy also participate in activites of the local congregation, El Redentor.

El Redentor, La Paz

Recently, five children were baptized at El Redentor after their parents studied the doctrine of  baptism with Pastor Julio. 

Go to www.welsinbolivia.blogspot.com for additional details on the ministry training in Bolivia.

Puerto Rico

On the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico (PR), Pastor Manuel serves a congregation in San Juan and another in Humacao as Pastor Sergio serves the Guayama congregation.  One seminary student, Eligio, is getting close to his completion of seminary courses.  During the past two years, he has been studying online via Skype with a LATTE professor.

Professor Natán& Seminary Student Eligio at WELS Synod Convention -- July, 2011

This month, Professor Larry is teaching Eligio one of his courses on-site in Humacao, PR.

 Seminary Student Eligio & Professor Larry

This teaching trip is a great opportunity for face to face interaction between teacher and student while also providing encouragement to Eligio. Often times, seminary students in Latin America do not have fellow classmates in the same city or even country.  That is one of the many benefits of LATTE trips in letting the student know they are not alone and also a chance for the teacher to see his student 'in action' as he serves his local congregation.

At the WELS Synod Convention in July, 2011, the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Puerto Rico was formally recognized as an independent sister church in full fellowship with WELS.  Contact with this church will continue through the Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR).

New Classes in the New Year

The new year has come, and with it the beginning of new classes for LATTE.

Some students are starting an online doctrine course called Escatología--the study of what the Bible says (and doesn't say) about the end times--with Professor Lorenzo.  Another student, nearing the end of his formal seminary studies, has started an intensive four-week study of the book of Isaiah with Professor Larry.  A few will continue examining the Augsburg Confession with Professor Philip  And still others are just starting a class on the history of the Christian church.  It is my privilege to teach this class on Church History.

And I'm looking forward to it.  I'm looking forward to getting to know Henry, Jairo and Raul, three student-pastors in Colombia whom I haven't yet met face-to-face, but will soon get to know over Skype.  I'm in Mexico; they're in Medellín and Quibdó, Colombia.  We'll study together across the Internet.

I'm also looking forward to reviewing the lessons we can learn from history.  I marvel at how God has preserved his church over the centuries.  I appreciate how past Christians have fought to defend Scripture's truth against subtle false doctrines.  I learn from them how to recognize and fight false doctrine today.

The new year has come.  And as we begin a new class on Church History, we ask God to help us learn lessons from the past.

Rosca de Reyes

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1 packet yeast
• 4 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs -- beaten
• 3/4 cup butter --room temperature
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon anise seed
• 4 teaspoons vanilla 
• A small figurine or toy (optional)
• Candied Fruit -- 2 cups of assorted fruit cut into strips (figs, orange, lemon, mango or cherries)

   Topping

• 1 egg beaten (egg wash)
• 1/3 cup sugar (topping)

Directions:

1. Sprinkle yeast on surface of  water (in cup) & let it sit for 10 min
2. Combine yeast water, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, cinnamon, anise seed & vanilla in  large mixing bowl 
3. Mix until a dough forms
4. Knead dough for 5 min
5. Cover & let rise in a warm area until dough is doubled in size (est. 2 hours)
6. Punch dough down and shape into ring 
1. Roll dough into a log shape & bend the ends around to form a circle or you can make three thinner strips and braid them, putting ends together
2. Ring should be 12-14 inches diameter
3. Lift up one area & insert toy by pushing it up through the bottom
4. Smooth out any lumps or tears
7. Add the dried fruit by laying it across the top and pressing it in slightly
8. Let it rise until doubled
9. Brush top with egg wash & sprinkle with sugar 
10. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees

This holiday bread shaped in a ring is common in many Latin American countries to celebrate Día de Reyes - Kings' Day (January 6) with a small Jesus figurine baked inside.  The tradition follows that whoever finds the figurine must host tamales on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria - Day of the Candles.  Go to http://withlovefromlatinamerica.wordpress.com/?s=balloons+and+bread for more details.

Happy Epiphany!

Christmas in México

Between the flashing Christmas lights and piñatas, you can find nacimientos - nativities on display here in México during the Christmas season. 

In México, many families participate in a posada - commonly a re-enactment of Mary & Joseph looking for an inn in Bethlehem.  Each family in a neighborhood will schedule a night to host the posada during a 9-day period, leading up to December 24th.  Each night, the group of pereginos - pilgrims wander from house to house with lit candles, looking for a place to stay.  They make their request through a special song.  Then they are turned away, until they reach the home of the host, where they pray the Rosary and sing hymns of praise in front of the nativity.  Then the children are blindfolded and try to break open a piñata with a stick.  The piñata is often full of candies, fruit, and peanuts usually accompanied by a regional hot ponche - punch for the adults.

This year, our mission, Cristo Resuscitado, offered special activities during this joyous Christmas season. The events included decorating the church, a Christmas for Kids night, and a fellowship potluck with a piñata for the children (and adults). In preparation for these activities, several of our prospects introduced some Christmas traditions to us. We discovered that children enjoy little wrapped candies and mandarin oranges along with freshly cut sugar cane as a special gift in addition to our homemade cookies. 

Regarding decorations, we found out the nativity scenes can become quite detailed including ponds made out of foil to house ducks surrounded by paper palm trees. Much work is put into setting up the nativity, but baby Jesus isn't placed in the manger until midnight.  This is connected to the family custom of rocking baby Jesus late Christmas Eve after a special meal. 

It is a challenge to distinguish between family traditions and religious customs.  As a mission, we are slowly developing our own congregational Christian traditions with input from the members and prospects focused on Jesus Christ our Savior.

We were delighted to almost have standing room only for our special Noche Buena - Christmas Eve Service and 21 for our Sunday morning Christmas Day service.

May God continue to bless the efforts of telling the story of Jesus around the world!

Christmas Greetings from LATTE

¡Feliz Navidad!  Feliz Natal! Merry Christmas!

Christmas greetings from our hearts to yours as we celebrate our Savior's birth!

Noche de paz, noche de amor,

Todo duerme en derredor.

Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz

Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús

Brilla la estrella de paz

Brilla la estrella de paz.

Noite de paz! Noite de amor!

Dormem todos em redor.

Em Belém Jesus nasceu,

Rei de paz, da terra e céu.

Nosso Salvador é Jesus, Senhor.

Silent night, holy night,

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child.

Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Christmas -- Dourados, Brazil

When considering Christmas customs in Brazil, you have to realize that it is a big country, with many very distinct regions. Food and customs are different by region. They are also different among the many ethnic groups, nationalities and religions that live in Brazil. But there seem to be three things that all regions have in common, perhaps excepting the Amazonian Indians.

Christmas presents are a must in Brazil. Everyone gives presents to as many people as they feel necessary. So right now, two weeks before Christmas, shopping is the big activity - in all parts of Brazil.

The second common custom is family visits. This is similar to the United States, except that here in the southern hemisphere summer vacation has just begun, so the visits can be prolonged. Many companies give collective holidays from the week before Christmas to the week after New Year's Day. City government also closes down for that period, and health posts are left with very few doctors, which is the down side of the custom. What a wonderful time to either visit or receive visitors! (But not a good time to get sick.)

Family

The third common custom is food, but here it is restricted to the Christmas Eve supper. A hold-over from the Catholic midnight mass, all people seem to think that the Christmas Eve supper should happen after midnight, no matter what their religious beliefs. What happens then is that the whole night is taken up, first by the supper and then by night long visiting. The weather is warm, the doors and windows are open, and in many neighborhoods people are in and out of each others' homes all night.

Public Market

In our congregation we try to have several Christmas services over a two week period, to give everyone a chance to worship the Savior at least one.

Youth Group Practicing Christmas Musical

Feliz Natal!

Christmas -- Medellín, Colombia

Literally thousands of lights deck the city, from small windows in homes to great expansions over the river. It could be called the city of lights at Christmas time in Medellín, Colombia.

Commercialism has crept into a city where years ago the focal point of Christmas was the pesebre (manger scene). Now you can see blown up Santas along with the sleigh and reindeer, as well as stores full of “stuff”.

However in the homes of the members of La Santa Trinidad congregation, the pesebre is still the focal point. A pesebre that is without Baby Jesus until December 24th. A pesebre whose figurines slowly are moved, making their way to Bethlehem from December 16th until the 24th. This is the time of the posada, 9 days before Jesus’ birth. Tradition is that the children go around to various homes in their neighborhood where they will hear a short devotion, have a snack, sing songs and receive a small gift. It is a time of great excitement.

In our churches, our people are also preparing for Jesus' birthday. A pageant of the Savior’s birth is being practiced. Special choirs gather to learn songs of joy and praise. Their focus is real, they are celebrating the birthday of their Savior, a Savior who came to live, and die, and rise again for all of their sins. Jesus, the TRUE Light of the world has come. That light in their heart and lives is the only one that counts, and makes Christmas what it truly is.

¡Feliz Navidad!

Update from South America

Bolivia  

A LATTE Professor has been in La Paz, Bolivia, since March of this year. His purpose is to help a small church body in its effort to become a confessional Lutheran church. The instructor reports that there is good progress. The pastor of the La Paz congregation is now preaching and practicing sound Biblical doctrine and other leaders are also gladly receiving Biblical instruction. Though there has been progress, there is still work to be done. 

Brazil  

Despite church break-ins and unexpected bills from the city, God is helping the members of the Gravatai congregation to slowly increase support for their local ministry. Another two baptisms and five confirmations show God's grace in action. The Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) is in the process of producing evangelism tracts that deal with current issues in Brazilian culture. National pastors gathered around God's Word for spiritual growth and mutual encouragement in October. In November, WELS representatives met with the ILB to discuss options for how the WELS and the ILB might work together so that the gospel may continue to be proclaimed in the world's fifth largest country. 

Colombia

The growth of the church in the Medellin, Quibdó and prospective Pereira area is slow. The willingness of the church of Medellin to relocate Pastor Herrera to a new city and partially support him shows the seriousness it takes mission work. This idea is under strong consideration and is an objective for the immediate future once more prospective members are added. This outreach commitment merits support and encouragement.  The growth in Bogota has been very limited.  Efforts are being made to help the congregation focus on evangelism, as well as the LATTE efforts to train three leaders of the congregation. Training of one pastor continues via Skype and with personal visits from LATTE professors. Training of two more student candidates is under consideration.

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