“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:11-12). Earlier this week, Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens from Berlin, the pastor of the largest Persian Lutheran congregation in Europe (over 1,400 Iranians and Afghans), … Continue reading Persians On Church Field Trip to Hamburg
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13). *** September has been another busy month. The academic year started at Riga Luther Academy. We are blessed with ten new students—living in Germany, Finland, and Turkey (in addition to our sixteen now second and third-year students). Our new students include … Continue reading Dear Friends,
Lula and I are currently on vacation in the US. In preparation for our outbound flight from Hamburg, we scheduled an appointment for screening. This allowed us to enter the security area through a side entrance, bypassing hundreds of travelers who did not have an appointment. All we had to do was swipe our boarding … Continue reading What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?
Last week Lula and I attended the birthday party of one of our grandsons who turned five. Many parents were there as well. I chit-chatted with one dad about business, and he shared that he is self-employed. I told him that long ago I had been in the business world myself, but that after about … Continue reading My Boss is in Heaven
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Cor 3:6). For us missionaries in Eurasia to spiritually plant and irrigate, we need two things, both of which are guided by the Lord: continued prayer and support from you—our generous friends across the LCMS—but also financial experts who work through myriad budgets, spreadsheets, and … Continue reading They Have Our Backs
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor 6:14). *** I have been meeting with many Iranian parishioners, helping them prepare for their asylum court hearing. Our goal is for them to give a good defense of their Christian faith because, if their request is denied, they might well be deported. After one such … Continue reading Do not be yoked together with unbelievers
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor 3:6). This past month has been extremely busy, as I gave missionary presentations in three different churches across Germany, attended the LCMS Convention in Milwaukee on behalf of the Office of International Mission and Lula and I attended the OIM retreat in Latvia. At the same time, … Continue reading Summer Blessings
“I am the way and the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6). Last week Lula and I attended the annual retreat for LCMS Eurasia missionaries—this year held in Jūrmala, Latvia. I had the privilege of chatting with Rev. Isaac Machado, our first Lutheran pastor in Spain. I asked him what attracts Roman Catholics to the … Continue reading What Do Spanish Roman Catholics Like About Lutheranism?
Ever been in a crowd of strangers, but later discovered that you had actually been in the midst of friends and just didn’t realize it? I was recently asked to give a presentation on my missionary work at the 68th Regular Convention of the LCMS. Thirty minutes after touching down in Milwaukee, we were still … Continue reading A Friend Among Strangers
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Lk 6:27). One of my Iranian parishioners started working at a local fast-food restaurant here in north Germany. A passionate evangelist, he immediately started telling his co-workers (most of whom are Muslim) about Jesus Christ. Many listened … Continue reading The Cost of Discipleship
The Tiews in Germany 