Week 2 of Intensive Study Week of Riga Luther Academy. After a week by the coast in Mazirbe, we are now at the St. Gregory Education Center in Saldus, a small town in central Latvia. Yesterday morning I sat down with Rev. Traian Niculescu, a seminarian from Romania who is already an ordained Lutheran pastor … Continue reading A Lutheran in Romania
As this month concludes, I am once again in Latvia, attending Luther Academy’s Intensive Study Weeks. It is a blessing to interact with our students on a person-to-person basis after five months of seeing them every week only over Zoom. But it is also wonderful to fellowship with my fellow LCMS missionaries / Luther Academy … Continue reading Lone Ranger Christians?
Currently back in Latvia, with the other faculty and seminarians from Eurasia and Africa for Luther Academy’s “Intensive Study Weeks.” Once or twice a year we see our students face-to-face and supplement online instruction with in-person classes. This past semester I taught “Lutheran Confessions of Faith,” in which we worked through the entire Book of … Continue reading Seeing Clearly
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?
On my way back to Hamburg recently, I had a layover at Hannover central train station. I went to a discount supermarket and picked up my favorite beer that they sell only there. A man who looked like he was down on his luck picked up a few too. I saw him again at the … Continue reading Jesus Loves You, Gerhard
I recently started a new Bible study, which some Iranian parishioners whom I baptized on Easter are attending. We are studying Ephesians, which I selected, among other things, for its wonderful opening chapter on the doctrine of election—that is, that our triune God chose every one of His people from before the beginning of time. … Continue reading Coming to the Father
“Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Last Sunday, on the Day of Pentecost, we had yet another wonderful Persian-language Divine Service. My friend and colleague Rev. Marko Turunen officiated, and I gave the sermon on the Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), … Continue reading Foreigners
only a few more days until we celebrate the coming of the Helper—the Holy Spirit—on Pentecost. In our work with Iranians and at Riga Luther Academy, Lula and I can see the Helper in action—just as I’m sure you can see him working in your life and surroundings too, dear supporters. Just take the Iranian … Continue reading Dear Partners in Christ’s Mission,
Once a week I am privileged to help form 15 men from 11 different countries to become Lutheran pastors through classes at Luther Academy, Riga, joining my LCMS missionary colleagues as we take turns giving lessons over Zoom. Since January, I have been teaching “Lutheran Confessions of Faith,” working through the entire Book of Concord … Continue reading Lutherans in Egypt
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 