JAPAN

New Japanese National Director for VYM

April marked an historic point in LCMS World Mission’s involvement in ministry in Japan as Yukie Shimomasu was appointed the first Japanese national director of the Volunteer Youth Ministry (VYM) program.  She will be directly involved in the care, support, and leadership of the long-term missionaries who are called to serve in Japan.  Begun in 1973, the VYM program in Japan has been sending and supporting young college graduates to teach English and to volunteer their time at the local churches and schools of the Japan Lutheran Church.  Literally hundreds of individuals have had their first hands-on experience in mission work through VYM-Japan.

 

Knuten Lecture Series

Every year Japan Lutheran College invites a guest who is active in the area of Christian social or charitable work to present a lecture as part of the annual Knuten Lecture Series. This year the college welcomed Dr. Hisashi Nikaidoh.  

 

Dr. Nikaidoh is a member of LCMS member church Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Carrollton, Texas, and is professor of thoracic surgery at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.  He is also active in international medical mission work, volunteering on behalf of Mercy Ships, the Friends of Barnabas, and other non-profit organizations that provide medical care for people in need around the world. Through his lecture, Dr. Nikaidoh was able to bring anew the Gospel light of Christ to many students and faculty of Japan Lutheran College.

 

It is hoped that the essence of Christian vocation that Dr. Nikaidoh demonstrates in his life will be an inspiration to students at Japan Lutheran College as they seek the courage to serve others in their new careers.

 

 

VIETNAM

10 Years of Volunteers in Vietnam

Like many of the ‘unsung heroes’ of the mission fields they work in, the volunteer English teachers in Vietnam are unassuming but vital parts of the ministry. They are representative of the dedication, competence, and long service of all who have served since ESL work began in Vietnam in 1997.

 

In the past 10 years, over 25 volunteers have served in Vietnam, with nearly half extending their stay or returning for more than their original one-year assignments.  The oldest volunteer, Dr. Walt Littman, came when he was 77 and stayed until he was 80. Peg Wolfram stayed the longest, serving for four years before moving to Cambodia (she will begin her third year there next month).  Lia is also beginning her third year; many others—Erin Schlensker, the Skovs, the Roberts, Steve Strobel, Michael Tan, Shannon Buck and Bethany Bauman—all served more than one year as well and may stay even longer. 

 

The volunteers have come singly and in pairs, and have come from states in every region of the US. Some come right out of college, some in the middle of careers, and some after their retirement. All have brought expertise, faith and love which has enriched the people they work with.

 

In Hanoi they have worked in the Hanoi School of Public Health, the Hanoi University of Foreign Languages, the Open University and the Hanoi University of Technology. In Phu Tho they have worked in the Teachers College of the Hung Vuong University and in the Gifted Secondary School in Viet Tri city. In these institutions they have interfaced with thousands of students in classrooms, as well as several hundreds in their apartments, clubs, local cafes, study groups, and on trips to the countryside. They have worked with so many people in Phu Tho and the Health Sector that it is not uncommon to meet people in travels and meetings with government officials who know and remember them fondly as “my teacher.” Many of their students continue to keep in touch and some have become leaders in their fields or have landed jobs that see them interfacing with foreigners or going overseas to study. These never fail to thank their teachers for the English that helped them do this.

 

 

CHINA

Concordia International School Shanghai continues to grow through student enrollment and building programs. The 2007-08 school year – which begins Aug. 15, with more than 950 students (Preschool through Grade 12) – will see students filing through two brand-new facilities on Concordia’s 10-acre campus: the David F. Rittmann Fine Arts Center (affectionately referred to as the “Rittmann Center”) and the new four-story, purpose-built Elementary School.

 

The new Elementary facility houses a two-story motor skills room, two rooftop playgrounds, 34 purpose-built classrooms, dining hall, and library. The Fine Arts Center boasts a 450-seat theater with orchestra pit, mezzanine/balcony levels, purpose-built drama, music & art rooms, and rooftop garden for outdoor events. This facility is named after Concordia’s second Head of School, Dr. David Rittmann, to honor his life and leadership. Rittmann, who took a personal interest in the design of the Fine Arts Center, passed away suddenly on July 4, 2006.

 

The 2007-08 school year also welcomes Concordia’s new Head of School, Dr. Jim Koerschen, who was proudly announced on June 4, by Concordia’s Board of Directors through the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod's call process. Most recently, Dr. Koerschen served as executive director of enrollment services for Kettering University (formerly GMI) in Flint, Michigan. Prior to that, he was president of Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In his early ministry he was a band director and music professor. Koerschen’s Ph.D. is in administration from the University of Texas. He and his wife, Joanie (also an educator) have two married daughters and four grandchildren.

 

Concordia is excited about the new school year and embraces these new and exciting enhancements. Please welcome Dr. Jim and Mrs. Joanie Koerschen to the Concordia family.

 

INTERESTED IN CHINA?

For more articles & photos from China, visit the Asia Ablaze!  Extras website at www.asiaablaze.org/extra.html.

 

 

INDONESIA

The Pelita Harapan Foundation (Light & Hope Foundation) established and continues to coordinate a series of Christian schools in Indonesia.  In early 2007, the Pelita Harapan Foundation clarified its vision and mission statements as follows:

 

Vision statement—True Knowledge, Faith in Christ, Godly Character

 

Mission statement—to raise up servant leaders with a Biblical, Christian worldview

 

The schools sponsored by the Pelita Harapan Foundation stand out with a strong witness and focus on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  While many students in the Pelita Harapan schools come from Christian families, students from Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu backgrounds also regularly hear of Jesus’ love.

 

If you are interested in teaching in the Pelita Harapan Foundation or would like to come for a short-term mission trip, please contact:

 

Eric Semler

ericjsemler@yahoo.com

or

Darrell Van Lucene

dvan@cbn.net.id

 

You can also visit www.sph.edu for more information about Christian education in Indonesia.

 

Baumeisters in Indonesia

“Our young people don’t want to come to church because they say the liturgy is boring.  So, they’re going to the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches now.  How much can we change the way we worship and still maintain our Lutheran roots?”  This is a burning issue among a very large number of churches in North Sumatra Province in western Indonesia. 

 

Pastor Wesley (Bo) Baumeister, chaplain at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, recently conducted a number of seminars for pastors and other church workers to discuss this question and other aspects of ministry and outreach.  His wife, Sonja, a deaconess at a Lutheran church in Seward, Nebraska, also led a number of workshops for deaconesses and other church workers.  Missionary Dennis Denow set up a six-week program for Bo and Sonja, along with son, Rex, and daughter, Taylor, to travel across North Sumatra Province and into Aceh Province to do their workshops, encourage local pastors and church workers, provide English conversation practice for students and teachers in a number of schools, and help set up a new LCMS Center in Aceh.

 

The Baumeisters were very flexible and adapted quickly to the new culture and situation in Indonesia.  The effectiveness of their short-term volunteer experience was clearly expressed when nearly every day they were asked, “Why can’t you stay longer?  When are you coming back?”

 

Easter Egg Hunt a Success

Over 1,600 children visited the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) campus Saturday, April 14 for a special Easter message and egg hunt; they went home with a huge smile, a goody bag, and a message for the road to eternity. Mission Youth for Christ (MYC) invited forty different institutions including orphanages, schools, churches, and organizations within the network of street children ministries around Jakarta and Tangerang for the hunt. The children watched a gospel drama and sang songs, and then hunted for eggs and found the Truth inside on a piece of paper which they read with their specially trained, university student mentors. LCMS International Educators, Matt and Kim Myers, teaching at UPH, were happy to be a part of this event.

 

 

HONG KONG

“Helping those in need… and extending the gospel!” these things do go together and the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS) is doing it.The LCHKS recently reported that one of its Ablaze! Service Projects, the Extended Care Program, has already completed its first phase.  From Nov 2005 to Oct 2006, the project was able to help 1,085 families, with an average of 3-4 people per family.

 

In addition to home safety assessment with minor renovation work given to these low-income families, the LCHKS also organized eight separate gatherings for these individuals, with about 300 family members attending.  Not only were these gatherings informational for the attendees, telling them about the program, but there was also a Gospel presentation.  Altogether the LCHKS recruited 1,000 volunteers to be involved in home visits and screening, as well as personal evaluations of the families.

 

It is estimated that of the 3,800 people who received assistance through the program, 80% were non-Christians.  Of those that attended the gatherings at least 1,500 people have been touched with the Gospel.

 

The second phase of the project began in Jan 2007.Another 300 families with special needs will be served during this second phase.  The LCKHS is focusing mainly on single elderly people, new immigrants from China, families with disabled members, and low-income families.

 

Hong Kong Workers Equipped for Ablaze!

On June 24 three churches of the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS) and the Evangelism Committee of the LCHKS came together to hold a joint ordination and installation service for four new pastors and three called teachers.  "We had over 600 people attending, so we decided to make it a large celebration. This was a great day for the Lutheran Church in Hong Kong," Rev. Dr. Allan Yung, LCHKS President.  Dr. Yung presided over the ordinations and installations.  The four new pastors and their new ministry sites include: KH Cheung, Nathan Road Lutheran Church; KY Fung, Concordia Lutheran Church; KK Lam, Amazing Grace Lutheran Church; and KF Lui, Nathan Road Lutheran Church.  This will make a total of five new ordained ministers for the LCHKS in 2007.Already in April of this year, Sharon Lutheran Church of the LCHKS, held an ordination and installation of their new pastor, YM Chung.  The called teachers include: CC Chan, Concordia Lutheran Church; KK Fung, Concordia Lutheran Church; and YL Kwan, Abiding Grace Lutheran Church.  In addition to these new workers, two LCHKS students recently finished their M.Div. degree at Lutheran Theological Seminary and will begin their colloquy program for future service in the LCHKS.

 

Chinese Edition of Luther’s Works Continues

On May 7 there was a meeting of the Chinese Edition of Luther’s Works volume editor Rev. Dr. William Liao and Rev. Dr. Peter, one of the co-editors for the project, together with Rev. Kelvin, business manager for the project, and Mr. Edward Strohschein, the official LCMS Liaison for the project. Rev. John Mehl, LCMS World Mission Asia Regional Director, and Rev. Carl Hanson, LCMS WM Facilitator for East Asia were also present to learn more about the work and to help encourage the team.

 

Progress continues to be made on this key project for Lutheran Studies among Chinese speaking people.  To date, the first two volumes have been completed in both Simplified and Traditional Chinese Characters.Volumes 3, 4 and 5 are under production.

 

Jim Handrich Retires

For nearly 25 years, Jim Handrich has been at the ‘heart of HKIS education’ and has left an indelible mark on generations of HKIS students, teachers and staff.  Jim has decided the time is right for him to retire after 24 years of service at HKIS— seven years (1983-90) as Elementary Principal, 14 years (1990-04) as High School Principal, one year (2004-05) as Interim Head of School, and two years (2005-07) as Associate Head of School.  Please join in thanking God for Jim.

 

For the complete interview with Jim Handrich, visit the  Hong Kong Extras page at:  www.asiaablaze.org/extra.html.

 

HKIS Celebrates 40 Years

Hong Kong International School’s (HKIS) 40th anniversary celebrations have added color to the entire school year. The festivities started with the All School Gathering in Aug. 2006 and concluded with the 40th Alumni Reunion in June 2007. The Reunion was the grand finale in a year of celebrations that have strengthened bonds and built community spirit at HKIS. The school was especially pleased to welcome founding headmaster Bob Christian to the Reunion, who made the journey to Hong Kong from Washington. Bob first arrived in Hong Kong in Aug. 1966 and was headmaster until 1977. During these formative years, the character and spirit of HKIS as the school we know today was crystallized.

 

HKIS has come far since those early days. Today, some 2,600 students and 480 faculty and staff occupy two state-of-the-art campuses. The story of HKIS from its founding up to the present has been woven together in the alumni-sponsored history book – Hong Kong International School: 40 Years of Learning and Service. Its near-200 pages provide a colorful account of the first four decades of HKIS.  To order a copy of the book, visit the official HKIS website at http://dragonnet.hkis.edu.hk/.    

 

Although HKIS has grown well beyond what the school's founders could have imagined, their central vision to provide an outstanding education serving a broad range of students in a Christian setting remains the same. 

 

INTERESTED IN HONG KONG?

For more articles & photos from Hong Kong, visit the Asia Ablaze!  Extras website at www.asiaablaze.org/extra.html.

PHILIPPINES

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) has a new website — www.lutheranphilippines.org.   Visit today to see what is happening in the LCP!

 

LCP National Convention

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) held its 20^th Biennial Convention on April 23-26 at the Communication Foundation for Asia in Manila.  More than 100 delegates and guests attended the convention.  One of the highlights was when the church body ratified the LCP Board of Directors action in joining the LCMS and other partner churches in the Ablaze! movement.  Each district and individual congregation of the LCP is encouraged to actively participate in proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.Along this line, the LCP, in cooperation with partner churches, is exploring possibilities on how to become involved in global missions reaching out to the many Filipinos overseas.  On the last day of the convention, the LCP held its election of officers. Rev. James D. Cerdenola was re-elected President; Rev. Felipe Ehican, Jr. — Vice President; Rev. Christopher del Monte — Secretary; and, Mr. Eduardo Jiloca— Treasurer.

 

ALEA partners with the Lutheran Church of the Philippines

From May 21-23 Asia Lutheran Education Association (ALEA) members worked with church and school leaders in the Philippines to help improve and expand the education ministry of Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) schools.Teachers at Gloria Dei School in Manila attended a workshop that emphasized lesson planning and curriculum planning for the upcoming school year which starts in June.On May 23 members of the school planning committee met with ALEA leaders to discuss how the LCP might open new schools in the coming years.Additional schools would help the church reach out to local communities with high quality academics and the Good News of Jesus’ love.These are exciting times for the Philippines!  Please keep Gloria Dei and the possibility of future schools in your prayers.

 

Aim For Excellence

With eagerness instilled in their hearts, more than 200 young adults from different Lutheran congregations in Luzon, the largest of the three big islands of the Philippines, trekked to Moreno, Binalonan, Pangasinan on May 21-25 for the annual Lutheran Sports Festival.

 

The participants, each aiming for excellence, showcased their talents in sports and other events such as singing, oration, acting, and dancing.  In addition, participants also displayed their willingness to excel spiritually by taking part in the devotions and lectures coordinated by the Sports Festival.  The Festival Committee also put together "The Chosen" a group whose members are selected from the participants and whose objective is to minister through music and arts.  “The Chosen" performed at the closing awards ceremony for the event to the delight of both participants and guests alike.

 

Hidden Mission

Holy Trinity Lutheran Catholic Church (HTLCC) of Linamon, Lanao in the northern Philippines set out its Ablaze! Mission Crew shortly after the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) held its Ablaze! Seminar in the Mindanao District in June 2006.  The mission crew started out visiting individual families on Wednesday afternoons in the mountains of Robocon (also known as ‘Tinago’ or “hidden”) in Linamon.  During these visits they shared the Good News of salvation through ‘Pass It On’ Evangelism.  After several visits, the crew was able to begin an adult Bible study and children’s Sunday school program on Saturday afternoons. 

 

There were times that the crew could not make the trek because of the difficult terrain, especially when rains were heavy.  There were also times when meetings had to be cancelled to avoid being caught up in political unrest in the area.  Despite the transportation difficulties and safety issues, many participants (especially the children) regularly wait to welcome the Hidden Mission Crew.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

HLIS

Highland Lutheran International School (HLIS) in Papua New Guinea continues to serve as a witness to the Light to the people of Papua New Guinea. Currently, the school is building a new girls dormitory. This project was funded by the Canada Fund and the Enga Children's Fund, a local government fund. Despite a lot still to be done, work is progressing well. The dormitory will house 32 females (16 in each wing). The upstairs area of the building will be used to house the boarding parent, while the downstairs area will be used to serve the needs of the female students.  There are plans to extend outreach programs especially for the students to the outside community as well.

 

While the school looks forward to a new dormitory, it is also preparing to say farewell to Dr. Brent Kilback, HLIS principal for ten years.  HLIS welcomes the new principal and prays that God will continue to protect everyone's efforts in keeping His message Ablazed! in the hearts of the young Papua New Guineans through this period of transition.

 

Penale School ‘Takes Off’ from Airstrip Construction

38 Penale children in Papua New Guinea are enrolled in the first school class ever conducted for the Penale people.  The students, 36 boys and 2 girls, are just a fraction of the 200 school-age Penale children.  Previously, no one village had the potential student population, resources, or lifestyle to begin a school on its own.  

 

The new school is located at the site of the airstrip which the Penale people are constructing.   The work on the airstrip has drawn together laborers from all five of the villages.   Many families have built new houses close to the worksite and return to their home village only every few months.      

 

When the first hopes for an airstrip soared some 20 years ago, the Penale people were seeking education, health care, and a closer connection with the Gutnius Lutheran Church (GLC) and the broader world.  The construction process has opened the road for more contact with the GLC.  It has also provided the opportunity for on-going health care and now a school for their children. 

 

Most of the students have been helping with the project, alongside their family members.  Now the students’ focus turns from shovels to charcoal stubs as they learn to write the alphabet on personal “chalk boards” made from leaves of the sago palm.  The teacher for the new school is Norman Yuambuk, a Lutheran evangelist from the Penale.      

 

The school is included within the vision of the Penale Development Project which is coordinated by Dr. Steve Lutz and Anton Lutz of the LCMS World Mission team in PNG and Bishop Nik Aiene of the GLC.  Support for the project comes from LCMS congregations and individuals, the GLC, Wheat Ridge Ministries, the Enga Provincial Government in PNG, and other interested partners.

 

 HIV Initiatives in PNG

On May 20 the Wapenamanda District in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, held its second annual International AIDS Memorial Candlelight Commemoration. The organizing committee included local community leaders and representatives from United to Be (UTB) and LCMS World Mission in PNG.  400 community members gathered at the foot of a towering bamboo cross set up for the event.  The program consisted of various speakers who spoke about HIV awareness, testing and counseling, treatment, and the importance of eradicating stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS. The community was then given the opportunity to light a candle in remembrance of those who have fallen in the fight against HIV.

 

Judy, a member of UTB, gave a moving speech to her community about how she was infected and how the love and support of those around her has made it possible for her to still be alive today. How, when shown the light and love of Christ from a friend, she was able to remember the love that Christ has for her.   The candle of Christ’s love, shown to Judy, is magnified as she shares her story with others.  Christ, the light of the world, lights the lives of those with HIV, their families and friends, one candle at a time.

 

TAIWAN

44 New CLS Graduates

On June 16, 44 students graduated from China Lutheran Seminary  (CLS) in Hsin Chu, Taiwan. 16 were degree graduates and  28 were certificate graduates of the Grass Roots Evangelism program. Most significant was the first Th.M. in Luther Studies graduate, Chen Guan-hsien, who has also become Systematic Theology Teacher-in-Preparation at CLS.

 

CLS Construction Going Well

The new building at China Lutheran Seminary (CLS) in Hsin Chu, Taiwan is progressing so rapidly that from the outside it looks like it is almost completed. It is scheduled to be ready for use by September with a Thanksgiving Worship Service for the building scheduled for October 27.  Pray for its use to God's glory.

 

Spirit at Work in Taiwan

Sometimes it takes years to truly ignite a fire. For more than five years Mikey has been participating in LCMS missionary-led Friday Night Bible Study and other activities. He believed, yet he did not feel ready for baptism. The decision for the Taiwanese is not an easy one, as often they are first generation Christians with no support from their family and often face opposition.

 

Yet, the Holy Spirit moved Mikey and on Easter Sunday, he overcame his hesitations and was baptized at LCMS partner church, Salvation Lutheran, along with three other new believers. May their lives continue to be examples to others of the new life that is in Christ.

 

CAMBODIA

 

Ablaze! at a Winery

Last month Robin McCoy, LCMS missionary in Thailand, visited LCMS missionaries Charles and Jeanette Groth in Cambodia.  While Robin and Jeanette were touring the Battambang area they spotted a winery set back from the road.Since this was aunusual site in Cambodia they asked their driver to stop for a better look.A mother with two children came to greet them.Using their driver as translator they got the story of this small business that is the only commercial winery in Cambodia.It is known for makingfor the king. As the conversation moved on the woman asked about the cross that bothwere wearing.

 

Robin and Jeanette shared the news of Jesus and His forgiveness with her.They took turns telling her about his love for her and the home in heaven He had prepared for her.

 

This discussion was done through an interpreter and he too is asking questions about Christianity and visiting the local Lutheran church.

 

Sometimes God fans the flame in big numbers.Other times God uses His people in small ways to set the world Ablaze! with the message of Jesus.

 

Ablaze! Eggstravaganza

Easter morning was bright and sunny in Cambodia. Church members and children met as usual to share their praises.LCMS missionary Charles Groth preached the joyful message of the resurrection.The children were invited to come back in the afternoon for a special Easter Eggstravaganza.

 

Pastor Kosal Hun and his mother were asked to hard boil white duck eggs, a task they did well as when the group arrived in the afternoon there were 110 eggs ready and waiting.Everyone waited and watched what would happen.The Groth's daughter Kristyn wasfrom the U.S.  She and missionary Jeanette Groth told the Easter narrative.Then they explained why the egg was a symbol of Easter.As each egg was dipped into the dye, the children's eyes grew wide as a colored egg appeared.Then anBible verse sticker and a cross sticker were added to the egg.

Soon the children were coloring eggs and adding stickers.As more children arrived, the earlier attendees told the Easter narrative to the new arrivals.

 

INTERESTED IN CAMBODIA?

For more articles & photos from Cambodia, visit the Asia Ablaze!  Extras website at www.asiaablaze.org/extra.html.

 

 

THAILAND

This past winter, a special outreach event was held in Baan Khun Huey Krai Village, in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand.  Organized by the Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation—Thailand (CWEFT), team members came from several different LCMS World Mission projects in Thailand and included Pastor Niran, La (LCMS World Mission Southeast Asia Office), Waan (Concordia Lutheran Church – Phongphet), and Waex (Concordia Day Care Center— Bang Na). 

 

Approximately 300 children and parents attended three days of songs, games, devotions, activities and Gospel presentations. CWEFT also presented educational materials to the local school, along with sharing leadership supplies. The use of songs, puppets, Bible Stories, skits, activities and crafts were all used to promote the Gospel and share in the fun of knowing Jesus.

 

Tsunami Relief

In May & June a team from the Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation– Thailand (CWEFT) traveled to the cities of Phuket, Phangna, Takuapa, and Kokloi in southern Thailand to review, monitor and investigate tsunami relief work; visits were also made to tsunami affected schools. The team interviewed potential scholarship recipients, surveyed homes in need of rebuilding, discussed needs of water wells and generators, and responded with immediate assistance.  The team discussed the replacement of homes for those in need and visited areas “off the beaten path” that had not yet been visited by other relief agencies. The team also worshipped at the two Concordia Lutheran Church Association (CLCA) churches in the area and brought a sound system to one.  This congregation will now, for the first time, be able to enjoy music with their worship. The Gospel was shared and many were touched by the Master’s Hand throughout the trip.

 

INTERESTED IN THAILAND?

For more articles & photos from Thailand, visit the Asia Ablaze!  Extras website at www.asiaablaze.org/extra.html.

 

INDIA & SRI LANKA

 

Asia Partnership

May 20 brought the fulfillment of an event of Asia partner church cooperation.Mr. S. Devanesan of the Lanka Lutheran Church (LLC) received his Masters in Theology degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong.  He was ordained on May 20 in Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka.  Rev. Dr. Wilfred Karsten of the LCMS participated in the joyous event, along with the five other LLC pastors.

 

Ablaze! Training

June 2007 is a month of major in-service training at Concordia Seminary, Nagercoil, India. There are three Ablaze! training seminars being held with LCMS volunteers in Mumbai, Trivandrum, and Nagercoil. From June 8-22, 12 LCMS volunteers will conduct the annual Spoken English Workshop for church workers. On July 3-5, the church will be holding its annual Pastors Refresher Course, involving about 250 pastors, seminarians, and deaconesses.

 

Asian Theologians Attend Meeting in Africa

 

Participants from Asia included President Joshua Siromony of Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, India, who gave one of the major presentations on forming Lutheran pastors in ecumenical settings. Other Asia participants were from partner seminaries in Japan, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, India and Australia. A highlight of the conference for the Asian participants was the opportunity for the Asia ILC seminary representatives to hold their first Asian regional seminaries meeting on the last night of the conference. Plans were made to invite Dr. Robert Kolb to be the keynote speaker for the first Asia ILC seminaries conference in October 2008. Rev. Dr. Stephen Oliver, who facilitated this meeting, serves as a missionary professor at China Lutheran Seminary in Taiwan. In addition, as LCMS World Mission's Asia Theological Education Coordinator, Dr. Oliver facilitates mutual support, interaction, visits, and communication among the seminaries to build upon their efforts to train indigenous servants of the cross to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth and to shepherd Jesus' flock.

 

Accountants Needed!

LCMS World Mission is seeking two short-term (three months, extendable) missionaries with accounting backgrounds.  Papua New Guinea and the Philippines are both in need of a Business Manager (BM) to help with their budgeting, accounting and financial systems.   In addition, the BM for the Philippines will be asked to begin the process of computerizing the LCP accounting system and training staff in its use.  For more information please contact Mr. Bruce Wall at bruce.wall@lcms.org

 

You Are Needed!

Calling all LCMS congregations, universities, small groups, mission responders, families, and members!  There is an urgent need for more than 200 international short-term mission teams in the coming year. Could this be you or someone you know?  For more information, visit http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=9999 .