TAIWAN ABLAZE!

Typhoon Relief Efforts

Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan on the weekend of August 8, 2009, dumping record rainfall that unleashed powerful winds and flooding, with damage extending from the southern tip to the central plain of the island.  China Evangelical Lutheran Church congregations and schools, along with LCMS World Mission missionaries, participated in clean up and relief efforts. Salvation Lutheran in Chia Yi, Taiwan organized a team of volunteers to assist in clearing mud from flooded homes in a nearby community. Relief items were collected to add to shipments being delivered over mountainous terrain as roads were washed out. Concordia Middle School in Chia Yi launched a week-long fundraising event which netted close to US$30,000, donating monies to the island's Red Cross unit.

Petrea Schwahn was one of the LCMS missionaries who participated in the relief effort.  After driving two hours to the southern part of Taiwan, Petrea and the other volunteers stepped off the bus into a disaster area. 

As they walked along, the stench from the accumulated mud and debris became stronger and stronger.  The water in the town had risen above the first floor.  Even though it had been nearly two weeks since the typhoon, much of the water was still a foot deep.  What remained was waist high, solid mud, and so, with shovels in hand, volunteers went to the first house and began shoveling and scraping away the mud.

As they shoveled, they could see dishes, picture frames, and other items completely ruined by the mud.  These typhoon victims had lost everything they owned on the first floor, and still consider themselves fortunate because others lost their lives. 

Recovery efforts continue across Taiwan as homes are restored, roads are repaired, and Christians continue to minister to those who lost so much.  Please pray that the people of Taiwan would come to find comfort, peace, and rest in the arms of their Creator and Savior.

Partners Reach out in Myanmar

In July, Concordia Middle School and Eternal Life Lutheran Church  in Taiwan sponsored a mission trip to Myanmar (Burma) for more than 40 students, teachers, pastors and lay members.  Breaking into three groups, four villages were visited by team members who set out to share the Gospel in word and deed, ministering to physical needs through medical care, to educational needs through training, and to spiritual needs through Sunday School instruction, witnessing, and fellowship. Also in attendance was Pastor Aaron Chu of Salvation Lutheran Church in Chia Yi, Taiwan.  This mission trip allowed the sponsoring school and churches to connect not only in overseas ministry, but to strengthen their local partnership as well.

70 Children Attend Summer English Program

Every summer, Concordia English Language Academy (CELA) in Chia Yi, Taiwan opens its doors to local elementary school students.  The children participate in English lessons, art activities, rock climbing, and field trips. This summer, the CELA students were able to participate in a Vacation Bible School program for the first time. Every Monday, the 70 students and their teachers, both foreign missionaries and local college students, broke into groups and learned about Christ's love for them in the "Friendship Trek." For many of the children, this was the first time they had heard the Good News. To finish the summer, the kids had an overnight campout on campus. Both students and staff had a great time practicing their English and learning about Jesus.

ILC MEETS IN KOREA

Lutheran Church Presidents and Bishops from 30 countries, along with their wives and other guests, gathered in Korea, August 26-31, for the 23^rd Conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) under the theme "In Christ:  Living Life to the Full." 

The ILC is a worldwide association of established confessional Lutheran church bodies with the expressed purpose that member churches "share information, study theological questions and concerns together, discuss effective coordinated means of carrying out the mission and ministry of the Church, nurture and strengthen their relationships with each other, and work toward the closest possible joint expression of their faith and confession" (ILC Constitution).

Dr. John Eckrich, M.D., delivered the Keynote address titled "The Fragrance of Christ," which looked at disease and health in relation to the life and ministry of Christians, particularly pastors and their wives.   Rev. Dr. John Ludwig and wife Kathy, led sessions which focused on "The Power of We," helping ministry couples to have Joy in the Journey with Hearts Ablaze!

Each day began with some light exercise and Scriptural meditation. There was also Bible study, World Area reports, business meetings, shopping and sightseeing, worship in local LCK congregations, a Service of Healing, and the election and installation of ILC officers.  Rev. James Cerdenola, President of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, was re-elected as the ILC representative for the Asia Region.

The Conference was hosted by the Lutheran Church in Korea.  Participants expressed appreciation for all of the work that the LCK staff put into preparing for the conference.  They also thoroughly enjoyed the time to meet together informally, getting to know one another and learning about the work of partner Lutheran church bodies around the world as they reach the lost with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

HONG KONG ABLAZE!

Hong Kong Welcomes New Missionaries

LCMS World Mission has once again sent missionaries to Hong Kong to join in outreach with the Lutheran Church-Hong Kong Synod (LC-HKS).  Megan Birney, Andrea Bolognini, and Lynette Lierman will serve as Globally Engaged in Outreach (GEO) missionaries in partnership with congregations and schools of the LC-HKS.  

The missionaries will work primarily with the new Concordia English Center-Hong Kong, Holy Word Lutheran Church, and several Lutheran schools across Hong Kong.   At the schools, they will assist English teachers in helping students develop conversational English skills and help bring Biblical teaching into the classroom.  They will also help teach Bible classes and lead outreach events. 

The arrival of long-term missionaries in Hong Kong comes as another positive result of the partnership of missionary teams from LCMS churches with Lutheran Schools in Hong Kong.  The schools and churches continue to request volunteer teams to work alongside local teachers and pastors. 

Book on Martha Boss' Life to be Published

The Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service is in the midst of producing a book about Martha Boss' life.  She was a pioneering missionary in China and Hong Kong from 1945 to 1973.  This book is written in thankfulness to the LCMS for sending such a dedicated and loving missionary to the Chinese people.  It will be produced by the LC-HKS Literature Department by Oct. 31, 2009 in time for celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod.  If you would like to receive a complimentary copy of the book, please e-mail to Dcs.  Carol Halter at carolh@netfront.net with your name and address.  The book will be sent free of charge to the first fifty people who request it.  The deadline for requests is Oct. 11, 2009.

Lutheran Education Complex

"We want to move ahead in utilizing our space as well as expand our ministry to the local community," says Rev. Dr Yung, President of the Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod (LCHKS).In September 2009 the LCHKS moved closer to making this a reality in dedicating a new location for networking many of its educational ministries together.

Renamed the "Lutheran Education Complex," the facilities located in Tsuen Wan will become home to no less than seven educational ministries of the LCHKS, including: 1) Holy Cross Lutheran School; 2) Holy Cross Lutheran College (evening classes); 3) Holy Cross Lutheran Church; 4) Lutheran Continued Education Department; 5) Lutheran School Psychology Services; 5) Lutheran Family Counseling Services; 6) Lutheran "Parents' Hotline"; and, 7) Lutheran Children Counseling and "Touch the Bug" program.

The facilities, departments and services will be used to support all the schools (public and private) in this district. "We want to expand our ability to respond with God's love to the local needs of parents and students in this area of Hong Kong, and in doing so spread the good news of God's grace to more people," says Dr. Yung.

MACAU ABLAZE!

Summer Children's Camps

In July, a team of 11 short-term volunteer missionaries from Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin led two simultaneous Children's Camps at different sites. The camp at the Lutheran church in Macau welcomed 60 children ages 6-14, and the other camp, held at a partner church, opened its doors to nearly 100 children and also had programming for adults. Most of the children had no previous connection with the church, and some are now coming to Sunday School and have invited their parents to learn more about Jesus as well.

New Bible Class Format

In an effort to reach more people, Concordia English Center Macau has altered the format of its Friday night Bible fellowship. The new format includes more time for worship, songs and prayer, and the center hopes to invite special speakers from Hong Kong. the Bible study time, an English Bible class is offered for children ages 4-12.

CHINA ABLAZE!

LCMS Volunteers Help with Local Teacher Training Workshop

During the month of July, Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation sponsored a training workshop for middle and high school English teachers of one county in western Yunnan province in China.  In all, 125 local English teachers participated in the three-week workshop that focused on conversational English.  While these teachers are charged with helping young students pass the national English exam to get into high school and universities, many of them had never had a chance to talk personally with a native English speaker. 

Five LCMS volunteers from different congregations in the USA- Audrey Eggers, Robert Johnson, Dianna Just, Rosie McNamara, and Jean Mertz, - traveled to Yunnan to be the trainers for this summer English program. The LCMS volunteers were able to make an amazing impact on the conversational ability of the local English teachers in only three weeks since the teachers already had a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary.  The volunteers also made a personal impact on individuals in the county.  It had been more than 100 years since some of the villages and schools they visited outside class time had seen a foreign visitor.  Through meeting these volunteers and participating in the workshop, the local English teachers have a renewed zeal for English and helping their students in the coming year.

CISS Opens New High School Facility

The Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS) community enthusiastically embraced the opening of its new high school-a 12,000 square-meter building, which also provides facilities for the entire campus community.  In addition, areas of the adjacent Phoenix Center were completely remodeled. Attention to detail is evident throughout the purpose-built facilities, which are cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly, and community-focused. The current school year marks the ninth graduating class for CISS's growing high school.

Cutting-edge

The science wing houses four classrooms and four purpose-built laboratories, designed by Fisher Scientific, a leading designer of university labs.  One classroom walks out onto one of three green roofs. "The energy-saving science rooftop serves as the school's weather station and observation deck for telescopes," adds science teacher Joel Klammer.

Throughout, technology is top of the line. Fully-wired classrooms are appropriately fitted with flat screen TVs, smart boards, LCD projectors, and audio systems. High-speed wireless connections support the school's 7-12^th grade one-to-one Apple laptop program. Students have been thrilled with the results.

In addition to classrooms, there are tech spaces where students can work in groups for making podcasts and videos or developing high-level design work. CISS expanded its arts program further with a 3-D art lab and drama rehearsal space. A "tech corridor" provides powerful PC and Mac computer labs for more demanding work, allowing the school to respond to technology opportunities of the future.

Environmentally-friendly

During the planning process, a school parent Doug McLachlin, who works in environmental consulting, proposed installing a ground-source geo-thermal heat exchange system. According to Head of School Dr. James Koerschen, "This state-of-the-art green technology allows 25-30% savings on our energy costs."

Natural lighting-from sky-lights to abundant windows-also reduces energy needs. Bamboo, a renewable resource, was used on most veneer surfaces of desks, walls and doors. Three green roofs were installed to provide further energy savings. 

"We are very pleased that we can be a model in Green City, JinQiao for ‘going green,'" states Dr. Koerschen. "These initiatives demonstrate CISS's commitment to be on the leading-edge and to set a responsible example for our students."

Community-focused

While the campus' facilities are impressive, the design and flow of the facilities accommodates interaction among groups of people. High School Principal David Harris adds, "The amount of open space that we have allowed is significant. This provides the students and community at large a lot of wonderful interaction space. What makes us special is the way the kids come together in a common purpose." 

Holistic-education

With seating for over 1,100, the school's third gymnasium was designed to support both the physical education and sports programs, as well as serve as a venue for full-school assemblies. New tennis courts and the addition of an outdoor rock-climbing wall are a bonus in Shanghai's urban setting.

Principal Harris concludes, "CISS's high-quality program can only be enhanced through our new facilities."

CISS Looking for New Elementary School Principal

Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS), located in Shanghai, China, seeks to fill the position of Elementary School Principal. The application deadline is Nov. 30, 2009. For more information about this position, including job description, qualifications, and application process, visit www.ciss.com.cn/employment and click on "Job Postings."

KOREA ABLAZE!

Conference with Dr. Hans Schwarz

From July 30 to August 2, the 2009 Alumni Meeting in Korea convened under the theme "Doing Theology in a Globalized Era" at Luther University/Seminary (LTU) in Yongin City near Seoul. The meeting was financially supported by the Lutheran Church in Korea and LTU. The Conference was hosted by The Asian Theological Society, a scientific association centered around former students of Dr. Hans Schwarz.

Presentations were given by Hans Schwarz (Germany, Regensburg University, Systematic Theology), Thomas Kothmann (Germany, Regensburg University, Practical Theology), Russell Briese (Australia, Lutheran Church Pastor), Limuel Equina (Philippines, Central Philippine University, Systematic Theology), Terry C. Dohm (USA, Baptist Church Pastor), and Pilgrim W.K. Lo (Hong Kong, Lutheran Theological Seminary of Hong Kong, Systematic Theology). Responses were given by Korean theologians Kwang-Sik Jeon (Kosin University), Deuk-Chil Kwon (Luther University), Joo-Hoon Choi (Luther University), Ho-Kwang Jang (Anyang University), Chan-Ho Yang (Westminster Graduate School of Theology), and Nak-Hyung Yim (Sungkyul University).

In his keynote speech, Dr. Schwarz proposed, that the globalized church and theology of today has to ask how to confront the challenges of globalization and how to fulfill its duty and task to communicate the biblical Gospel adequately in a culture and era that is different from Biblical times. Schwarz concluded that "the globalization of theology and doing theology in a globalized era have the same meaning, and that theology is not changing together with the place, situation, and era, it is in. It is so, because the Gospel does not fade away with time and does not degenerate due to its context."

Lutheran Youth English Summer Camp 2009

From August 6-8, 2009, 244 Lutheran youth came together for an English Summer Camp at the Gyeonggi Province Youth Center. 20 short-term volunteer missionaries came from Iowa and Illinois, USA to Korea and taught English Bible stories. Such summer camps are offered annually by the Lutheran Church in Korea for Lutheran youth from all over the country. Participants included 161 elementary students, 93 middle & high school students, and 116 teachers, including the American missionaries. The theme was: "Our family that is happy in Jesus."

Women's Association and Men's Association Summer Retreats

August 11, 2009 marked the summer retreat for the Women's Association of the Lutheran Church in Korea (LCK) which was held at Luther University/Seminary (LTU).  Activities included a worship service, three keynote presentations, time to sing and pray, and a resolution to renew one's faith. During the women's retreat, the Annual Meeting was held, during which a new chairperson and new officers were elected. Mrs. Hyeok-Cho Kwon was re-elected for another two year term as Chairperson. The Women's Association is striving for an even more active role in its various activities, like student scholarships, welfare services, and ecumenical activities during the next two years.

The LCK's Men's Association met for its annual summer retreat on August 28-29 at LTU. This year, leaders of the LCK were invited to give five faith lectures. Time for singing, individual prayer, and common prayer helped to turn the retreat into an exciting faith experience. Elder Chul-Ji Lee was elected as the new chairperson for the Men's Association.

New Lutheran Congregations Established

On June 21, a new congregation of the Lutheran Church in Korea was born, called "Hansomang (One Hope) Lutheran Church." Rev. Sung-Yeol Noh is the new church's pastor.  He received his B.Th. and M. Div. from Luther University/Seminary (LTU), and was ordained in May of this year. The Hansomang Lutheran Church is located at Hwasung City in Gyeonggi Province, near to South Korea's capital Seoul. Some 170 guests participated in the founding worship service.

On July 12, 180 guests attended the founding worship service of Peace Lutheran Church and the installation of its pastor, Byung-Gil Jeong.  Rev. Jeong also studied at LTU where he received his B.Th. and M.Div., and was ordained in May along with Rev. Noh. The church is located along the west coast of Korea close to Seoul.

Mission Team in Korea

Eleven members from Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, Iowa, USA worked for nearly a year to plan and fundraise for a mission trip to Korea this August, which was coordinated through LCMS World Mission, Luther University/Seminary (LTU), and the Lutheran Church in Korea (LCK). 

Ranging in age from 19 to 66 years old, the team centered around it's theme, "Tell the Good News About Jesus " from Acts 8:35.  They spent four days assisting Korean English teachers at an ESL camp at LTU, three days with the LCK youth who gathered for the LCK Summer Youth Gathering, and led a 3-day Vacation Bible School at Palbok Lutheran Church on the LTU campus. 

The team was stretched and tested, but they rallied with prayer and met each challenge.  Their actions and servant-hearts were a real testimony, not only to the children, but also to the adults who were present.  It was clear that they were here to share the love of Jesus, and share it they did!

Three weeks teaching English in Korea

Every summer and winter, Luther University/Seminary (LTU) hosts an English camp for children from the surrounding community.  This summer, LCMS World Mission was happy to recruit Diane Meyer and Julie Kangas to teach at this camp.  They joined other teachers at LTU in using their native English ability to teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking.  Not only did they cover these academic subjects, but they also taught Bible stories in English.  For some of the children, this was the first time they had heard God's Word.  Sharing the Gospel with people who have not heard is what Ablaze! is all about.

After returning home, Julie wrote:  "I can honestly say that going to Korea is one of the best things I've ever done. I loved the work we did, the people we met, and the places we saw. I feel that I learned and grew a lot. It was great... I would love to do more trips like this in the future."

There are opportunities for service all over the world.  For a current listing,  visit www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps.

THAILAND ABLAZE!

With Love and Care

"With Love and Care" was the theme chosen by team members from Prince of Peace Lutheran church in Palatine, IL for their recent servant project to Bamboo Island in southern Thailand. Bamboo Island is a unique project for the team, which was comprised of people from both LCMS World Mission and Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation-Thailand (CWEFT).  God opened the door into this community and the Gospel was proclaimed to nearly 120 students and their teachers at the Bamboo Island School. The school worked with CWEFT and LCMS World Mission in requesting the team to help paint their school as well as lead afternoon activities. The team brought hygiene and art supplies to teach special workshops. In addition, team members led Christian songs followed by opportunities for each team member to share a little about where they come from and what it means for them to be a Christian. Praise the Lord that the full Gospel story was able to be shared with these special children. This team showed Christ's love and care through the work they did, the relationships they built, and the love they shared in a place where most people would say it was impossible!

Short-Term Teams Make an Impact

In the months of July and August, ministry sites within Bangkok were blessed to have two short term teams come and volunteer their time and talents. During July, a group from the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) came and spent a week serving in both Bangkok and Northern Thailand. During their time in Bangkok, the team visited the Concordia Gospel Ministry (CGM) teaching center in Laksi, the Concordia Child Care Ministry in Phongphet, and the Concordia Daycare and Community Center in Bangna. In all that this team did, relationships were built, connections were made, and most importantly, the Gospel was shared!

In August, the ministry sites in Bangkok were blessed with even more visitors! This team came from a small Lutheran church in Kalispell, Montana. Team members were blessed with the opportunity to serve at the Concordia Gospel Ministry (CGM) center doing crafts with students, and also painting the second floor of the building which is home to the Journey Into Light Lutheran Church. They also went on a picnic lunch with the children from the Concordia Child Care Ministry in Phongphet. Additionally, team members did crafts with children at the Concordia Daycare and Community Center in Bangna.  Each place visited by this team felt very blessed and expressed their thanks!   

Willing to Serve

Team members from a second group from Montana also served in Thailand during August.  This team was headed for the Hmong villages of Loh Koh and Pakham Mai in Northern Thailand for a week of painting and fellowship with local believers. Getting to Loh Koh involves lots of energy, time and a good 4-wheel drive truck to get over the mountains, log bridges, streams and mud. This didn't slow down the team at all, and in fact they started painting right away when they arrived. At the end of the day, when the team was ready for a night of rest, they were instead surprised to find their temporary house candlelit and filled with a large group of children and adults ready to hear and study God's word together.

At the end of the night, they received a special request from a man who had been waiting for a long time to have a Pastor come and baptize him and his family. The team was thrilled at this opportunity and the following night, the man, his wife and their three children were received into God's family through Holy Baptism.

INDIA & SRI LANKA ABLAZE!

Spoken English Workshops

Spoken English Workshops conducted by LCMS volunteers are held annually in the summer months in India and Sri Lanka. In June, eight volunteers taught the 54 students at Concordia Seminary, Nagercoil, India and in August ten volunteers taught 71 seminary students and laypeople from the Lanka Lutheran Church in Sri Lanka. Besides the training, the volunteers were able to visit and minister in the surrounding village congregations. Applications for this unique opportunity can be made through the LCMS World Mission website at: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps

LCMS India Seminary

Dr. Dan Mattson was sent by a special commission formed by LCMS World Mission President Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick , and at the request of India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC) President Rev. J. Samuel, to discuss with IELC leaders ways in which the LCMS and its seminaries can help in the development of Concordia Seminary, particularly in its upgrading to English medium for the M.Th. level.In June, Dr. Herb Hoefer took Dr. Mattson and his wife Ruth on a tour of IELC work, and Dr. Mattson also addressed In-Service Training seminars for the pastors and deaconesses.Dr. Mattson's report will include both the development of Nagercoil faculty and facilities, as well as roles for guest theology professors from the LCMS.

Cows for Widows

Through a funding program from Wheat Ridge Ministries, there was a mass distribution of milking cows to 107 young widows in the Mailpatti Circle of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC).The program focuses on young widows with school-aged children with the aim that the mothers can keep their children in school, instead of sending them out to the fields to help with the family income.The program has been going on for several years.The change this time was to provide cows for all the qualifying widows in one Circle.In the past, pastors have complained that it caused a great deal of dissention in their congregations when they had to choose one widow from the 10-15 in their congregation.The plan is to carry out the program in each of the 15 Circles of the IELC.

Honorary Doctorate

In July, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, Chennai, conferred an honorary doctorate upon Rev. J. Samuel, President of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church.The honor was conferred not only because of Rev. Samuel's faithful and energetic years of service in the church, but also for his pioneering work among the handicapped in his own city of Kolar Gold Fields.

JAPAN ABLAZE!

Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary Welcomes Dr. Robert Kolb for 100^th Anniversary Celebration

On June 17, Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary (JLTS) welcomed Dr. Robert Kolb in the first of a series of theological lectures in celebration of the seminary's 100^th anniversary year. In a lecture entitled "How to Speak and Live the Gospel Today: A Lutheran Standpoint," Dr. Kolb, in speaking about what we can learnMartin Luther about witnessing to the gift of life and integrity that God gives in Christ, suggests that Luther would ask (and answer) some of the following questions: 1) "Why would any other human being be interested in our message anyway?" The human predicament is not always apparent to people. Kolb notes: "At best, when we give information about Jesus to people whose false gods are still functioning fairly effectively, we cannot expect to do more than add him to their pantheon." But he emphasized that there are a variety of symptoms that reflect the problem of sin and all provide opportunities, especially when trust is established, for Christian witness. 2) "How does God deliver his Gospel?" Dr. Kolb pointed out that Luther identified five "means of grace" in his Smalcald Articles; he also noted that Luther's doctrine of creation "with the entire person in view" will need to direct effective evangelism strategies. Some of the most memorable points of the day came in the breakout questions that focused on Japanese spirituality and globalization. Personal time with students in follow up to the talk was greatly appreciated, and copies of. Kolb'shave been requested and distributed. Dr. Kolb's visit to Roppongi Lutheran Church followed upon his tour of the JLTS campus and dinner with JLTS faculty the night before. His Tokyo visit coincided with a tour of Kobe Lutheran Seminary and churches and auxilliaries affiliated with the West Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. Thanks are due to Kobe Seminary President Makito Masaki, for coordinating and guiding the Kolbs to Tokyo, and for making their trip to Japan a success.

NRK Mission Forum's Kids' Program

From August 2-4, 2009, the Japanese Lutheran Church (NRK) held a summer camp in Gotenba, Japan.  84 church members and pastors attended the camp from all over Japan. This event was combined with a mission forum focused on being "Fishers of Men." Because the camp was highly focused on mission education, Volunteer Youth Ministry (VYM) missionaries were asked to lead a kids program for the children that attended the camp. The goal of the kid's program was to provide fun activities for the youth while at the same time challenging them to think about how God is calling them in their own lives. The kid's program met three times during the camp while the adults were listening to lectures. Activities included a nature hike, Bible study based on the camp theme, and making rock pendants.  The highlight of the kids' program was the youth making their own mangas (comics) based on the camp's theme of being "Fishers of Men."

PHILIPPINES ABLAZE!

Lift High the Cross

Many mission and outreach projects are ongoing in an effort to realize Ablaze! initiatives. While district sponsored mission work struggles with limited resources, congregation initiated mission work has intensified. Mission outreach programs in the following areas have all been initiated and coordinated by local congregations-Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Tinago, Linamon, Lanao del Norte, Tagum City, Lingating, Bukidnon, Gingoog City, Minlagas, Bonifacio, Misamis Oriental, Talisay, and Misamis Oriental.

The mission initiatives of the different congregations continue as they reach out in local communities. While the work is not always easy, there is so much to be joyful and thankful for, as the Word of God continues to be preached and the Sacraments administered to the hurting souls of this world.

MDD- BD Members Visit Congregations and New Property

After a pastoral conference in Davao, members of the Mindanao District-Board of Directors (MDD-BD) split up and visited the Mawab congregation in Compostela Valley and the Lutheran Church in the Philippine's property in Alabel, Cotabato province. Revs. Canoy and Villos visited with members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, while Rev. Caday and Mr. Salcedo went to Alabel to follow up on the property lease there. Rev. Caday, in his visit to Alabel, found that there were many people there who were "familiar" with Lutheran teachings, since mission work was established in the area during the time of LCMS missionaries. So it is now the goal of the Mindanao District to set up new work in the area, while also putting the property there to good use.

Mindanao District Homepage

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines' Mindanao District (MDD) has posted its pilot webpage. While the site is still in its beta testing phase, the MDD hopes the site will help in reaching the youth and other internet savvy groups.  The MDD plans to make its beliefs, background, activities, and other information available on the site.  Please visit the new MDD site at: http://lcpmdd.blackapplehost.com

Additionally, the Lutheran Church in the Philippines  (LCP) also has a website which covers country-wide information, news, and events for the LCP.  The LCP site can be viewed at: www.lutheranphilippines.org

VIETNAM ABLAZE!

Head of School Settled in Vietnam

Steve Winkelman, Concordia Hanoi's Founding Head of School and his family are on the ground in Hanoi.They have found a house, have their children in school, and are getting used to the climate and culture of Hanoi.

Concordia Hanoi plans are moving forward in the government's application process for an opening in the fall of 2010.There are many people in Vietnam, Asia and the U.S. assisting with the hugeof opening a new school in a foreign country.

A new school requires an elementary, business manager, director of admissions, communication, and especially elementary teachers for pre-school and up. Teaching specialist areas include music, and coaching. Anyone wishing to be considered for the above positions should contact Mr. Steve Winkelman at swinkelman62@gmail.com.

Prayers are requested for the government process, Steve's work and his family.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Ms. Adelina Balunsat (database administrator)

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Blanke (Japan)

Ms. Cassie Frankie (Japan)

Ms. Betsy Karkan (Thailand)

Ms. Carol Halter (Hong Kong)

Rev. Carl Hanson (East Asia)

Rev. Dr. Herbert Hoefer (India & Sri Lanka)

Ms. Anna Horkey (East Asia)

Ms. Rebekah House (Taiwan)

Rev. Kyungman Hong (Korea)

Ms. Sarah Longmire (Thailand)

Rev. Patrick O'Neal (Korea)

Rev. Malte Rhinow (Korea)

Rev. Joel Scheiwe (Hong Kong)

Dr. Allan Schmidt (East Asia)

Ms. Petrea Schwahn (Taiwan)

Ms. Karin Semler (China)

Mr. Ed Strohschein (newsletter coordinator)

Ms. Heidi Tannarat (newsletter design)

Ms. Mary Eddy U (Macau)

Rev. Abel Cesar T. Villos (Philippines)