For all pastors, the Lenten and Easter seasons are quite busy. For me as a missionary pastor, it is no different. However, one additional—and very joyful—task of mine in recent months was to prepare over a dozen Persians for Holy Baptism. In fact, we have had so many people signing up for baptismal classes recently that classes have been overlapping. We had a cohort left over from the winter which was baptized on Easter and then we have an additional group that will be baptized on Pentecost, God willing.
Lula and I thank you so much for your prayers and generous gifts, which allow us to do the Lord’s work here in Germany and across Eurasia—especially as we conduct so many Baptisms.
At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to consider taking the next step in supporting our work:
From September 24-30, 2025, we invite you to experience first-hand God’s work in missions. How about meeting the people involved in church planting in Germany? This will be our first gathering (also referred to as a “FORO”) in the LCMS Eurasia region—an exciting opportunity to interact with LCMS missionaries, Iranian and Afghan Lutherans, and local church partners on-site in Hamburg, Berlin, and (Lutherstadt) Wittenberg.
“Why Germany? Isn’t it already Christian?” It used to be… But the homeland of Martin Luther has become decidedly post-Christian. In fact, it is estimated that less than five percent of Germans have an active Christian faith. Protestant and Catholic churches alike are largely empty on Sundays.
But that isn’t the only reason Germany is one of the hottest mission fields on the planet. Because in the past 10+ years over five million refugees—largely from Muslim countries—have sought asylum in the Land of Luther. Thanks be to God, some of these newcomers are responding to Christ’s call, and Iranians and Afghans are especially receptive to the Gospel.
Also, LCMS missionaries in southwestern Germany are providing Word and Sacrament ministry to American expats and U.S. soldiers and their dependents stationed here, all of whom are hungry for the historic faith and rich liturgy that is uniquely Lutheran. Thanks to the efforts of our missionaries, Lutheran Christianity is now growing in this region.
Finally, Germany is also home to over one million Ukrainian refugees, some of whom are Lutheran and live in (Lutherstadt) Wittenberg, where they receive material support and Word and Sacrament from our local Ukrainian alliance missionary. This work is done in the LCMS-supported Old Latin School, a renovated 16th-century building right across the square from Luther’s Church of St. Mary’s (aka the “City Church”).
Experience a different kind of Germany, participate in church services in Farsi and German, speak to the people impacted by the Good News, meet the people doing the work, visit Wittenberg—the city of Luther, and become aware of the needs and possibilities of mission work in Germany and how you can become a significant supporter.
We invite you to prayerfully consider this exciting opportunity. Kindly get back to me by May 30 if you are interested in attending and I will send you the agenda.
Thank you again for all your support and may the Lord continue to bless you and keep you!
Pastor Chris and Lula Tiews
The Tiews in Germany 