Teaching Together

One of the joys of being on-site at a mission is to serve with the local ministry as needed.  Last January, the mission congregation in México asked me (Julia) to teach Sunday School to the 7-13 year-old children.  Since that time, our attendance has grown from one to six students.

This semester, there is a change in the classroom. Seminarian Dan and I are serving as a team to teach Sunday School class. Dan is currently studying to be a pastor at the IELC Mexican seminary.

 

The first couple months, I taught the majority of the class while Dan observed and helped as needed with projects and Spanish. Once in a while I stumble on a word that I just can't pronounce correctly or give a good explanation of something.  Dan swoops in and tells the children exactly what I am trying to say.

This month, we've reached the next teaching phase, where we divide the classroom activities into parts. I begin the class by introducing the theme for the day and teaching the Bible story interactively with the children using finger puppets. Then Dan reviews the Bible story with worksheets, projects, and memory work, taking attendance, and closing with prayer.  He's watched the way I do these things and now he is doing most of the things, but in his own way.  It is wonderful to see him teach the key points of the Bible stories and then apply it to our lives, especially the students' lives.

Next week, we will switch activities. Dan will begin the class by introducing the theme and teaching the Bible story with the finger puppets and I will lead the other activities. The following month, Dan will teach the entire class period, and I will be his helper.

Seminarian Luis is currently teaching the children ages 3-6 with Missionary Mike. Dan and Luis will switch classrooms next semester to gain experience working with a different age group.  They are both doing an excellent job and the children love them!

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.

Behind the Scenes

In the realm of WELS Latin American missions, LATTE exists as a separate "field" from the individual mission fields of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, etc.  We play a supportive role to the individual fields and national churches by assisting in the theological education of their church leaders.  So communication and coordination of plans is essential to our service.

A few weeks ago, I had the joy of participating in a three-day planning session for the ministry in Mexico. When discussing the local ministry, fellow LATTE Professor Larry and I could serve as consultants and sounding boards for various projects.  When discussing the seminary, we helped brainstorm ideas for recruiting future students, starting the new school year, and taking another step forward in the national church's development--offering workshops to prepare qualified national pastors to become seminary professors for the Mexican seminary.

As a LATTE missionary, I am not called to serve a specific congregation as their pastor. And I admit I miss teaching, preaching and administering the sacraments regularly to a particular flock.  But I truly enjoy being a part of the "behind the scenes" work of training and supporting the men the Lord provides to shepherd his people.  I pray our Savior will bless our future plans to turn them into present reality, as he knows best.

New Trimester at Mexico Seminary

The seminary in México just began a new trimester.  LATTE Professor Natán continues to teach four days a week.  His schedule varies between 8:45 in the morning and 2:00 in the afternoon. He is currently teaching Homiletics, Pastoral Theology, New Testament Isagogics, and Reformation History. Most of these classes require additional preparation time for it is the first time he has taught some of these courses.

In additional to the onsite classes here in México, Prof. Natán also teaches a student in Puerto Rico through Skype two times a week. They try to maintain a regular schedule, but due to the nature of the student’s occupation, internet availability, and weather effecting utilities, often times classes are rescheduled.

As this is the second week of the new schedule, everyone is still in adjustment mode. What a privilege be a part of training reliable men to teach others the true Word of God. All praise and thanks to God!

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

Note:  LATTE Professor Larry also teaches onsite at the seminary in México in additional to other online courses.

Teamwork

One of the many responsibilities of a LATTE Professor is helping out with local ministry.  The activities can include leading a Bible study, canvassing, making home visits to prospects and members, preaching, leading workshops, handling administration duties of finance and/or supervision, exploring possible new outreach areas, and the list continues on.

Recently, the local missionary who serves the mission congregation in México was out of town.  He accompanied a fellow missionary to Sonora to get to know and encourage national pastors and congregation members.  During this time, Professor Larry preached in his absence.  

This reminded me of what an amazing blessing it is to be part of a team to share ideas and utilize experiences from each other!  

"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

Steel Sharpens Steel

Today I'll be joining together with the three other missionaries who reside in México for our monthly pastors' study group.

Two of us serve on LATTE, focusing on ministerial education in Mexico and beyond. Two serve as local missionaries, focusing on outreach and the development of the Mexican national church. But all four of us want to hone our skills in the study of our Savior's Word and seek each other's input on plans and ideas to improve our service in God's kingdom.

So today, we'll continue our exegesis of 1 John from the Greek, we'll discuss a paper we're reading on being Confessional Lutherans, and we'll encourage each other as we make plans for the next few weeks.

As steel sharpens steel, so one man sharpens another. We want to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18).