September 2013
News from our Mission Fields.

Home Outreach Update

 

   

Divine Mercy - Weatherford/Hudson Oaks, Texas

  • "Divine Mercy Lutheran Church" began in April 2013 when Pastor Kyle Madson began doing outreach in the area.
  • The Weatherford area is a fast-growing area just west of Ft. Worth.
  • A number of families with ELS or WELS background are committed to this new mission.

Edith Karen Hermanson was the first baptism for the mission. 

She is pictured here with her parents and Pastor Kyle Madson.

ELS and WELS pastors at the commissioning service for Pastor Kyle Madson.

 

 

 

Hope - Cedar Park/Leander, Texas

  • Served by Pastor Brad Kerkow, Hope became a member congregation of the ELS at this past synod convention.
  • The congregation now worships on the patio of its ministry center, located across the road from the entrance to a well-known regional park.
  • Hope numbers 42 souls in membership and continues to reach out to the Cedar Park/Leander area with the gospel.
  
Attendees for Hope Lutheran Charter Sunday.


Pastor Brad Kerkow performing the first baptism at Hope Lutheran.



Outreach Idea of the Month:  "Free Lemonade"
 

On the first day of class at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland, Florida, the members of Peace Lutheran Church found a way to reach out as students were dismissed from classes. Since Peace is located at the entrance to the high school, at 1:45pm every day cars are lined up waiting for students in front of the school and Peace. This gave Pastor Peter Heyn an idea.

 

Recalling a similar project he was involved in with Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel in Madison, Wisconsin, Pastor Heyn thought that handing out lemonade to students and those waiting for them would be a good outreach project. Four and a half gallons of lemonade were prepared. Special "wraps" were printed with the church's information and attached to the paper cups. Pastor Heyn and five members of the church handed out cups of lemonade to about 250 people.

 

"The people were surprised," said Pastor Heyn. "One lady said she had never seen something like this done. Some were skeptical, but as more and more people accepted our free lemonade, the fears died away. ...The general response was a big smile and a heartfelt 'thank you.'"

 

Regardless of whether anyone ever visits Peace as a result of this project, Pastor Heyn says it was worthwhile: "I felt that this was a tremendous opportunity for us to reflect Christ's love by performing a simple act of love for others."

 

    

 

 

World Outreach Update 

Building on a Strong Foundation

Praise God for his blessings and for the generosity of so many!  Two major construction projects are underway in India, building on the strong foundation of God's Word!

 

 A new building is under construction in Rajahmundry.  The new building will house Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, seminary classes, and, eventually, Grace and Truth Lutheran School.  Pastor Kalyan Gollapalli, a graduate of Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, is the pastor of Good Shepherd.  The school is currently housed in rented facilities and seminary classes currently meet in varying locations.

 

 

 

     

The building under construction in Rajahmundry.

 

A new school is being started in Guntipalli, where a church and orphan home already exist.  This new Lutheran school will educate the orphans as well as others from the nearby village.  Mr. and Mrs. Nirmal Babu are the caretakers of the orphanage.  Mr. Babu is a seminary student and serves the congregation. He is scheduled to be ordained in January, 2014.

 

 

 Mr. and Mrs. Nirmal Babu and orphans from the Guntipalli orphan home.

 

The new building is under construction next to the current church building.

 

 

Funds are still needed for both projects.  If you are interested in assisting, please Contact Rev. Steve Petersen at 507-344-7852 or by email at: spp@blc.edu.