All Nations Lutheran Church of Dallas, recently  celebrated the Baptism of  baby Andrew, while parents, Peter and Ester  looked on in loving praise. Over 40 people from All Nations attended this most joyous worship service.

In attendance  in the photo below,  from top row, left to right, were Rev. Karim Baidaoui, from Morocco, Abduhl Khaksar (a recent convert), from Iran, Wilson Irfan, EIIT Missionary in Training for new church plant in Rockwall, TX,  and Shepherd Gian Din from Pakistan of All Nations Lutheran Church -Dallas.

 ESL...What does it mean? I was recently invited to attend a Monday evening event of the registration and testing process of this years Fall ESL (English as a Second Language) program. I am a bit embarrassed to admit, I didn't even know what the abbreviation ESL meant until it was explained   to me. You see, I live in a very small town community in the country, an hour East of Dallas. So, I, myself rarely am involved with people who need ESL or get to meet people from different cultures.

Everyone I was  introduced to  gave me a warm smile and welcomed me. I spent the evening quietly observing and absorbing everything I could. I immediately had many questions running through my mind that I could not speak them quick enough. My questions started with why these students were all here instead of their homelands, which I am certain are many different reasons with individual stories and events that brought them to our country. As I was consuming all this information everyone was sharing with me, I started thinking how difficult it must be for them to communicate the simplest  things that I take for granted each and everyday. At that moment I realized how necessary and crucial the ESL program is in this area and how much POBLO-TX needs volunteers for this program.

It was so exciting to see such joy in everyone's face.

Although some were better at English than others, you didn't need to speak a word to see the gratitude and appreciation in their eyes. Every one was so friendly and obviously wanted to be there. I was touched with the spirit that surrounded us all. John 12:21 They came... with a request. "Sir," they said, "we want  to see Jesus."

I went home that night glowing with the cultural experience I had consumed from the evening, bursting with anticipation to share it all with my family and friends. It was early morning when I finally went to bed that night and I arose early to continue sharing the knowledge that I had gained.

Thank you POBLO-TX for adding this enrichment to my life through the work of Christ if only for a day, it will last a lifetime!

Ethel Osmer

POBLO-TX / ESL Volunteer

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

It is with much honor and pride that I am  finally  enrolled in the "Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT)" at  Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, a specialized program of theological education and formation of effective pastoral leadership within immigrant-based churches.  Upon completion of the pre-enrollment interviews on August 28, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church In Dallas, TX, I found myself spending three days of orientation at  Concordia Seminary in St. Louis,  the first week of September. It all happened so quickly, I can still hardly believe it! After coming back home and reflecting on the experience, I clearly could see the hand of God orchestrating every step of the way there.  I was so proud, honored and grateful to be there as a student.  My heart goes out with deepest gratitude to all those who made it possible;  to Pastor Karim, my mentor, who spear headed all the details; to Missie, our secretary, who handled all the last minute unending paper work, phone calls, etc., to Dr. Loum and his staff, and all of the  supporters who made it possible for me to attend and who support our ministry, was all the work of God in my life.  All I can say is that we and I, am truly blessed. 

Concordia Seminary is a very prestigious institution and they are very serious about their staff, study curriculum and    activities.  I am very impressed of how the seminary seeks to encourage and develop their students to be strongly vested in sound theology (2 Timothy 2:15).

My hope and prayer is that our International Missionaries at the EIIT program will take this Theology of the cross   into the mission field and make disciples of the cross of  All Nations and make the Gospel count asJesus said to his disciples 'Go ye to All Nations'   Matthew 28:19.

I am very excited and am looking forward to serving God through my education and ministry among the Muslim students at the University of Texas, Arlington (UTA). I ask that you would please add the following items to your daily prayer list.

· That we would be good stewards of God's money and time and graduate with flying colors on our tests and exams.

· For continued financial assistance towards the tuition of the EIIT      program.

· To be able to start a strong Bible Study cell group ministry at the  campus Lutheran Student Center at UT in Arlington.

· For establishment of an ethnic church in Arlington.

Just as Pastor Karim is my mentor, overseeing my four years of studies towards ordination, it is my desire that one day  God would use me in the same capacity in preparing others for this  ministry (kingdom growth by multiplication and not just by addition).

Sabir Bashir, POBLO-TX Missionary