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.

LATTE Meets

Professors Natán, Philip, Larry, & Lorenzo

This month, members of the LATTE team met after a Latin American Missions Conference.  The four professors discussed their 2013 teaching schedules, on-site and online courses, and students.

Two workshops are scheduled this spring for current seminary students and graduated pastors. In April, the professors plan to lead sessions on "Marriage" and "Stewardship" in Colombia.  In May, they plan to present "Pastors Care for Straying Sheep" and "Stewardship" in Mexico.

Please keep all professors, students, and their families in your prayers during this 2013 school year.

More Christmas Greetings from Colombia

Hello, brothers, sisters and friends in Christ,

Your brother and servant Raul, Colombian seminary student, greets you with deep affection in Christ Jesus. For many people, Christmas is a time of joy because they find themselves with family whom they haven't seen for a long time, or for similar reasons. By the saving grace of God, for believers, this is one of the most important dates, not for such reasons, but rather because we remember that on a day like this, the most important person of all, Jesus, was born. Being God, he came from heaven and became man in order to save us from the dominion of the devil and from the terrible punishment that we deserved to pay in hell for our sins. We remember how Mary praised God for such great grace that he granted her:

Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

-- Luke 1:46-50

May the marvelous news of the birth of the Savior, and of the marvelous and perfect saving work which he accomplished for all humanity, continue to overfill us with joy and gratitude to God. May he keep us strong, correctly using the means of grace, while we wait for the second coming of the Savior. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in Christ Jesus. Amen.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hola hermanos, hermanas y amigos en Cristo, 

Les saluda con entrañable afecto en Cristo Jesús  su hermano y servidor Raul, Colombiano,  para muchos las navidad es una fecha de regocijo, porque se encontraran con familiares que hace mucho tiempo no veían  o por motivos similares a ese,  Por la gracia salvadora de Dios, para los creyentes, esta es una de las fechas mas importantes, no por tales motivos, si no porque recordamos  que en una fecha como esta  nació el ser   más importante de todos, Jesús, el cual siendo Dios  vino desde el cielo haciéndose hombre , para salvarnos, del  dominio  del diablo, y del terrible castigo que merecíamos pagar en el infierno por nuestros pecados. Recordamos la alabanza de Maria a Dios, por tan grande gracia que le concedió:

Entonces María dijo:

Engrandece mi alma al Señor;

Y mi espíritu se regocija en Dios mi Salvador.

Porque ha mirado la bajeza de su sierva; 

Pues he aquí, desde ahora me dirán bienaventurada todas las generaciones. 

Porque me ha hecho grandes cosas el Poderoso; 

Santo es su nombre, 

Y su misericordia es de generación en generación 

A los que le temen. 

-- Lucas 1.46-50

Que la maravillosa noticia del nacimiento del salvador y de la maravillosa y perfecta obra salvadora que realizo por la humanidad, nos siga colmando de gozo, y de gratitud, para con Dios, y nos mantenga firmes y haciendo uso correcto de los medios de gracias mientras esperamos la segunda venida del salvador. Feliz navidad y prospero año nuevo en Cristo Jesús. Amen.

Photo Credit

Christmas Greetings from Colombia

 

Comfort, comfort my people,
    says your God. 

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
    and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
    that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
    double for all her sins.  

                                            -- Isaiah 40:1–2

Sus hermanos desde Colombia los animan en esta Navidad para que tengamos vivo este sentimiento de consuelo, de alegría por el perdón de los pecados que nuestro Redentor nos ha dado y además porque pronto vendrá nuestro Señor Jesucristo por segunda vez. 

FELIZ NAVIDAD LES DESEA 
LA IGLESIA LUTERANA CONFESIONAL DE COLOMBIA.WELS

Your brothers and sisters from Colombia encourage you this Christmas to keep this sentiment of comfort alive, this sentiment of joy for the forgiveness of sins that our Redeemer has given us, and also because soon our Lord Jesus Christ will come again.

THE CONFESSIONAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF COLOMBIA-WELS 
WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

-- Pastor Henry

South American Update

BOLIVIA – One Latin American Traveling Theological Educators (LATTE) professor is continuing to instruct a small group of confessional Lutherans in La Paz.

BRAZIL – Local members of the Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) are active in teaching children's Bible classes, youth ministry, adult instruction, and leading worship, but welcome additional training and counsel. The ILB is a relatively small church body and growth is slow, but recent baptisms, confirmations and requests for more Bible instruction show God continues to bless the preaching of his Word.

COLOMBIA – The Colombian national church continues its efforts to reach out in other areas beyond Medellin, such as Pereira, Manizales, Santa Marta and Bogota. Plans to relocate one pastor in Manizales continue. The national church continues supporting the small congregations in Santa Marta and Quibdó with pastoral training, educational materials, teaching visits and Bible studies via Skype. The International (Virtual) Church continues reaching out to repatriate Latin Americans who live in several places around the globe.

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.

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.

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)

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.

Class with 2 Mexican and 1 Colombian Students

I (Phil) am a professor on the Latin American Traveling Seminary team. At the present time I am living in La Paz, Bolivia because of a special assignment that I was given. Recently I was given a special opportunity, that of participating in the Mexico seminary program by means of Skype.

The two Mexican students that I am teaching are Dan and Luis. What makes the situation even more interesting is that Raúl, a seminary student from Quibdó, Colombia also joins the class. The class I am teaching to these three students is New Testament Isagogics. 

We thank the Lord for this technology which enables us to teach students in their own classrooms or settings even though we as professors live in distant countries.

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.

Click here for additional information.

Colombia Teaching Trip

Since September, 2009, I have been serving many of our LATTE students with doctrine courses that I teach using the Internet. Two of the students from Colombia, Henry and Tonny, have finished the six online doctrine courses. I have 11 other students right now who are studying doctrine this way and are at various stages of completion: 5 from Colombia, 3 from Bolivia, 1 from Argentina, and 2 from the USA.

I still do some traveling to teach our LATTE students face to face. Right now I am in Medellín, Colombia, for one month, teaching St. Paul´s Letter to the Ephesians to Henry, Tonny, Raul (computer screen), and Jairo. We study at the church in Medellín, but Raul, who lives in Quibdo, Colombia, connects to Skype to study with us (see photo).

 

  Tonny, Henry, & Raul (computer screen)

 

Jairo

We hold the class every afternoon, after Tonny gets done with work in a jeans factory, Monday through Friday, from 3 - 6 PM. We are studying the six chapters in the original Greek, discussing it, and then applying it to our and our members´ lives. I also meet with Henry in the mornings from 9 - 12 AM to teach Christian Education, a class that deals with the way people learn and all the classes a pastor teaches.

My wife, Kay, accompanied me on this trip, to fellowship with the ladies and families of the congregation, La Santísima Trinidad, to encourage them in their work. Of course Kay also makes sure I get home cooked meals and clean laundry.

Keep this work and our students in your prayers.

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.

LATTE Students are Teachers Too

LATTE professors teach seminary students of confessional Lutheran churches in Latin America. Many of these students are already pastors of congregations and their national churches have asked us to give these pastors more training. Others are seminary students who are starting mission congregations in cities where there is no confessional Lutheran congregation. 

Adolfo

 Eduardo

Pictured here are two LATTE students, Adolfo and Eduardo, who live in Santa Marta, Colombia. They are starting a mission congregation in Santa Marta under the name Iglesia Luz de Cristo (Light of Christ Lutheran Church). You can read more about their work by going to http://luteranosconfesionalescolombiawels.blogspot.com/2012/06/iglesia-luz-de-cristo-santa-marta.html

Please add these two LATTE students and their new mission to your prayer list, asking the Lord of the Church to bless their studies and their preaching of the Gospel so that the light of Christ may shine brightly in Santa Marta.

The Joy to Teach

 Seminarian Jairo lives in Medellín, Colombia. He serves as the president of La Santísima Trinidad congregation. Currently, he receives his seminary training by visiting LATTE professors along with online education while continuing to serve in his congregation.

Tell us about your congregation:

My congregation is Most Holy Trinity, located in downtown Medellin, Colombia.  At Sunday worship we have an average attendance of 95 to 100 people.  On Mondays, eight (8) men attend a men's Bible Study; and on Wednesdays, 25 attend the study on the Old and New Testaments and devotion.  We have two (2) pastors, two (2) Bible study teachers, five (5) female teachers, one (1) student in the Bible Institute, fifteen (15) in the youth group, fifteen (15) children, and fifteen (15) women in the ladies' group.  We have a church council and participate in the national church council.  One of our pastors, Henry, also serves as a missionary.  Our other pastor, Tonny, works as an industrial mechanic at a business.

What are some of the joys of your studies or ministry?

Knowing that GOD is always with his children, sustaining us.  I have professors who teach me the correct doctrine.  There is unity among the brothers.  But my greatest joy is being able to teach.  I teach a class on the New Testament, and I am studying to become a pastor -- all by the mercy of God.

What is your favorite Bible passage?  And why?

Because it tells me that I am saved by grace, that I cannot do anything to gain my own salvation.  Because Christ died for my sins.  -Ephesians 2:8, 9 

What great joy it is!

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.

News from Colombia

The mission field of Colombia is expanding in the north-east regions of Antioquia and Quibdó, where there are projects for growth and training of two ministers for future mission development.

Congregation in Quibdó

The northeast region has expanded its outreach to the northern coast of Colombia initiating a new congregation in Santa Marta. The national church, besides this, also is supporting a church in Quibdó with pastoral training, educational materials, teaching visits and Bible studies via Skype. 

Other areas where the national church is exploring and obtaining positive responses are Manizales, Pereira, Cartago and lately Ibagué. Educational materials have been sent to propagate Christian education in those areas. 

The International Church has embraced some of those prospects in the Sunday worship and is planning to offer them Bible studies via Skype beginning this year.

This spring, student-pastor Henry from Medellín attended a LATTE workshop in Mexico focused on preparing pastors to serve as seminary professors.

  Student-Pastor Henry

 Student-Pastor Henry

Please keep this growing church in your prayers that others may hear God's Word and keep Jesus in their hearts!

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.