Brian and Jeanette Keller stand with SWD Pres. John Wille outside the newly dedicated church at Las Americas in the Dominican Republic.

The first Lutheran sanctuary in Las Americas, just east of the capital city, Santo Domingo, was dedicated on October 9, 2011. The service began outside of the church on the back piece of the property where the congregation had previously held their services under a little tarp tent for the past two years. From that starting place, over three hundred people then walked together to the new sanctuary, behind a procession of handmade banners followed six seminarians (carrying the communion ware, baptismal font, etc.), then15 children and youth who were to be baptized and then by the eight participating pastors, including Pres. John Wille of the South Wisconsin District. A trumpet accompanied the procession as they sang “Onward Christian Soldiers” and entered the sanctuary where the dedication took place.

Pres. Wille among the eight particpating pastors, baptizing 15 children and youth during the dedication service.

Once inside, sins were confessed and absolution given by Pastor Willy Gaspar. Visiting professor, Rev. José Pfaffenzeller, of Concordia Seminary, Buenos Aires, Argentina, preached on the narrow path of salvation that is found only by faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Then, each of the eight pastors took turns assisting with the baptisms of the 15 youth and children who had been prepared for this moment. Following the general prayer of the church, three adults were confirmed and Pastor Willy Gaspar celebrated the Lord’s Supper.

“Give thanks with us to God the Father, in Jesus’ name,” says Pastor Ted Krey, “that His holy ministry goes forth, and that our Lord is with us in this place!”

“We thank the Lord for the many faithful and loving servants who have walked alongside us here, including those who helped to raise funds, both for the purchase of the property and for the construction of the church, the five mission teams who helped with the building project, and Brian and Jeanette Keller, of South Wisconsin District, who supervised all aspects of the church construction.”

Brain and Jeanette Keller received a plaque, recognizing the work that they contributed toward the building of the church now dedicated to the Lord's work in Las Americas.

Many of these people whom Pastor Krey refers to, including the Kellers of Brookfield Lutheran Church, are from our South Wisconsin District. We join in celebrating with our brothers and sisters in faith, and pray that many more will be among those we will see in heaven!