“And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them” (Luke 2:16-18).
It’s hard to believe that another year is ending. This is already our 4th Christmas here in Germany, as we continue to serve here on your behalf.
There have been some significant changes in Persian ministry in 2024 that have left us short-handed but have also opened new opportunities to move Persian ministry up to the next level. This has allowed us to improve the coordination of our Persian ministry with other church bodies and with other missionaries around Germany.
It has been wonderful to witness our Persian Christians share Christ with other Iranians and Afghans, much like the shepherds joyfully told everyone they met about the birth of the divine Baby in the manger.
We are grateful that we have been able to combine our Persian outreach with our work at Riga Luther Academy, so that almost everything we do revolves around the top two mission objectives of the LCMS Office of International Mission: to share the Gospel and to expand theological education (that is, to form future pastors). It is our privilege to be the Lord’s tools as we go about these twin tasks.
Thank you again for all your continued love and support this past year.
Lula and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and blessed 2025! May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you!
The Tiews in Germany 