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Mission Update
Rev. Peter Kelm, Missions Executive
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Passionate believers... confessing Christ for the next generation
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"A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight the paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.'"
(Luke 3:4b-6)
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Stay Connected
 
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 At lunch with a friend recently, we began to detail how quickly it seemed things were falling apart in our world. The attacks in Paris were fresh in our minds, but the homosexual marriage debate, Planned Parenthood videos and American attitudes toward Christianity weren't far behind. What happened?
Like aging men do, we lamented how difficult things would be for our kids and grandkids one day in this crazy new world. We wondered how bad things would actually get.
Where are we going?
At the root of our conversation, I'm afraid, was fear. Fear that the Muslim extremists, or the pagans, or the secularists were winning. Fear that our kids and grandkids might be overcome by these enemies in the future.
I'm not proud of my fear. But it's there.
Which is why it's a great time for Advent! I don't need to remind you of the oft-shared phrase "Do not be afraid" found in those first couple of chapters of Luke. God was coming ... and it was understandable for that to cause some fear! But God was coming humbly. He was coming in grace and truth. He was coming with healing in His wings. And He was coming to save, to forgive, to rescue. He was coming as He had promised. He was coming as a baby born of a virgin. And His coming, and His presence, meant that His people didn't need to be afraid.
Thanks, Jesus. I needed that.
Fear is a funny thing. It causes us to act and think differently without us even knowing why. It causes us to be reactive and knee-jerk in our response to things instead of proactive and thoughtful. And let's not forget, fear is caused by sin. Our sin, the sin of the world around us. It makes us worried for the future. It causes us to wonder where our hope lies.
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Gifts for children on Epiphany 
In Hispanic culture, the "Day of the Magi" (Epiphany) is a big day! As God's people receive gifts, and remember the Magi's gifts, they are reminded of the greatest Gift, Jesus. Once again this year, Pastor Alfonso Prada will be dressing up as one of those Magi.
If you would like to help Pastor Prada and St. Martini Lutheran Church share small gifts with the 300 children at St. Martini school, we would be very grateful for your monetary donations. You can do this by making a check out to South Wisconsin District--LCMS, with a notation that it is for St. Martini Epiphany gifts, and mail to: St. Martini Epiphany Gifts, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222.
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Christmas at Concordia 
Concordia University Wisconsin is pleased to announce Christmas at Concordia 2015.
When: December 4 and 5, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Chapel of Christ Triumphant.
Tickets: All tickets must be reserved.
Adult tickets are $15.
Students 17 and under are free.
Christmas at Concordia is a cherished annual tradition of Christmas music, highlighting the many talents of our students, faculty, and staff. More than 1,000 attendees come to Concordia for the concert series, which features the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, University Band, String Ensemble, Alleluia Ringers, Chapel Ringers, Kammerchor, Selah, and Concordia Chorale.
To reserve your seat at this special event, please contact the music department by email at: music.department@cuw.edu or call our automated ticket line: 262-243-4243.
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Winter clothing for prison ministry 
Our office recently received a plea from our prison ministry chaplain, Rev. Afam Ikanih, for any help we can give to the House of Correction in Franklin, Wis. They are in desperate need of winter coats, jeans, sweatpants, shirts and sweaters. They have depleted their stock.
If you'd be able to help, please call me and I will get you in touch with Pastor Ikanih.
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LCMS Missionary of the Month
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| | Rev. Micah and Robin Wildauer with their children in Togo. |
Many of you remember Pastor Micah Wildauer and his wife, Robin, who were members of the South Wisconsin District until beginning their preparations for mission work in Dapaong, Togo. Recently we received two editions of their latest newsletters as they transitioned to Togo and moved into their home there. One is their regular Sept.-Oct. edition and the other is an October Special Reformation Edition. Links to both of them are found below. Robin's blog can be found at http://www.wildauersgototogo.blogspot.com/. It is an interesting read, and gives much insight into the life of an African missionary! We continue to keep their family and their ministry in our prayers!Sept.-Oct. Newsletter Reformation Newsletter
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