Author: Rev. Tiews

The main event in February was our Wittenberg Persian Conference, held in the LCMS’ “Old Latin School,” located directly across the street from Martin Luther’s church (the so-called “City Church,” aka St. Mary’s) and attended by thirty-seven people, the vast majority of whom were Persians. This conference was groundbreaking for two reasons: not only was … Continue reading Dear friends and supporters of our ministry to Germany and across Eurasia!

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your day that you would not believe if told” (Habakkuk 1:5). Our first annual Wittenberg Persian Conference, held in the Old Latin School, was a resounding success. The Holy Spirit was in overdrive all weekend, noticeable in visible … Continue reading The Holy Spirit in Wittenberg

Jesus said, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Sometimes, we pastors find ourselves in a gray area between two biblical principles that seem to be in tension with one another. Which principle should we apply? And so, we try to find a … Continue reading Shouldn’t Pastors Stay Away?

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). A few nights ago, we held a memorial service for our Iranian Lutherans at Zion Hamburg in memory of the thousands—some say as many as 50,000—protesters who have been gunned down by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in recent weeks. The IRGC wields … Continue reading Weeping With Those Who Weep

As we seem to be on the brink of war with the evil regime in Iran, check out this excerpt from the Prayer of the Day in our Farsi-language Divine Service in Hamburg yesterday. This wonderful prayer was written by an Iranian applicant to Riga Luther Academy. “O Holy and Just Father,Almighty God, God of … Continue reading Prayer of the Day – On the Brink of War

These first three months of 2026, I continue to lead weekly Persian-language Divine Services at Zion Hamburg and teach two courses at Riga Luther Academy: Overview of the Bible and now also Introduction to Dogmatics. In the latter class, I am teaching the basics of Christian doctrine from a Lutheran point of view (Law and … Continue reading Dear friends and supporters of our ministry to Germany and across Eurasia!

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). One of my prized possessions is my pastor’s edition of The Lutheran Study Bible, English Standard Version (Concordia Publishing House, 2009), which a dear parishioner once gave me. What makes TLSB so special is its rich commentary, taking up the bottom half of every … Continue reading The Best Thing to Have in Your Suitcase

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). One of our Iranian Lutherans soon to study at Riga Luther Academy (our online seminary in Latvia), recently asked me: “Once Iran is free, how many Lutheran pastors will we need there?” A grand vision! … Continue reading Once Iran is free, how many Lutheran Pastors Will We Need There?

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). I am privileged to teach two online seminary courses at Riga Luther Academy, Latvia. Some of our students live in Europe, some in Africa. Interacting with them, two different worldviews become apparent. … Continue reading The Blessing of International Christian Brothers and Sisters

… to Germany and across Eurasia! It’s hard to believe that another year is drawing to a close. On the one hand, it seems like 2025 just started, while on the other hand, so much has happened that this one year has seemed like five. The Lord continues to bless my two main occupations as … Continue reading Dear Friends and Supporters of our Ministry…