The first Wittenberg Persian Conference (2/13-2/15/2026) organized by LCMS Eurasia, brought together Persian Christian refugees from six German congregations to strengthen their faith through catechesis, enable fellowship, allow them to worship in Farsi, and provide encouragement in these difficult days in their home country, Iran. With three Persian men present who are considering the pastoral ministry, this … Continue reading Wittenberg Persian Conference
Here are some thoughts from our son Jeremiah, as he starts the new year. In 2022, he graduated from Hillsdale College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and started his own knife-sharpening business, Same Day Sharpening. He lives with his wife and daughter in Tulsa, OK, and they are expecting a little son. “… as … Continue reading Joseph, a Skilled Craftsman
Did you know that the very first Advent wreath, designed in Hamburg, had 24 candles (see picture of St. Michaelis Church below)?To help children count down the days to Christmas, Johann Hinrich Wichern, the founder and operator of the Rough House, created a wreath with one small candle for each day of the week and … Continue reading The Very First Advent Wreath
“The next day [John the Baptizer] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29). On this Reformation Day, we recall Martin Luther and his 95 Theses, which he nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, on October … Continue reading Seh Ha-Elohim
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Lula and I and several of our adult kids are currently on vacation in our old home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We have only one week to clear out our house, which we wish to rent out. A tall order … Continue reading But Jesus Drew Me Out of the Pit
As we close out this Epiphany season, I continue with my two main tasks. As you know, one is to bring Christ in Word and Sacrament to our Persian immigrant friends—conducting the Divine Service in Farsi several times a month. God willing, we will also have the privilege of baptizing about nine Persians in March … Continue reading Dear Friends and Partners of our Ministry to Germany and across Eurasia!
Thank you all for your continued love and support. We are thrilled to be able to see some of you in person, as we get to visit some eighteen churches in two months’ time. The Lord’s continued blessings to all of you during the remainder of this glorious Easter season. Alleluia! He is risen! He … Continue reading Just a Quick Note from the Road…
In some parts of Europe, Holy Week is also called “silent week,” a time in which everyday activities are suspended to carve out time for reflection. What did our Lord do between Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday? We know that He cleared the temple on Monday, taught on Tuesday, taught or rested on Wednesday, washed … Continue reading Christ Is Risen For You!
Trinity Lutheran Church of Broken Arrow, OK conducted a wonderful VBS in June and the children donated to Pastor Tiews’ mission work in Eurasia. We made a little video for them so they could take a peek at a missionary’s work – enjoy! Pastor Tiews – Missionary in Germany – 2023.mov Continue reading Why is Pastor Tiews a Missionary in Germany?
Each year, our missionaries in Eurasia gather with their families for a retreat that incorporates worship, study, and fellowship. While the adults participate in sessions for them, the missionary kids have their own program with the goals of having fun and nurturing their faith. You will work with your team to prepare and lead a Vacation Bible … Continue reading Who Wants to Serve in Latvia this August?
The Tiews in Germany 