Missions

Ashkan, on the left, enjoyed a camping trip last fall with his newfound American friends.

The international student ministry at Luther Memorial, Shorewood, is a ministry of friendship and hospitality that welcomes internationals to the Milwaukee area. This gives them the privilege of sharing the gospel message.

Ashkan, a University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee student from Iran, shared some of his experiences of how the Luther Memorial family has made him feel welcome.

Recently, the District office has received several phone calls inquiring about where people can attend Spanish worship services in the area. We are happy to be able share that Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, now conducts bilingual weekly Sunday services and offers Spanish Bible studies on Saturday evenings.

Please join us at the South Wisconsin District’s third annual Milwaukee mission fund-raiser for an evening of fellowship and celebration of passionate believers in mission together Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Hilton Garden Inn, Milwaukee Park Place (11600 W. Park Place, Milwaukee, WI 53224).

Keynote speaker: Rev. Bart Day, executive director, LCMS national mission. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, Lutheran Student Fellowship at UWM hosted a debate between Concordia University Wisconsin’s Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy (pictured far right), and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Dr. William Bristow, professor of philosophy (pictured left foreground), on the question of whether or not science can point to God.

The first allocation of a $9,000 grant from LCMS World Relief and Human Care has been given to the South Wisconsin District’s French African Immigrant Mercy and Evangelism (FAIME) project. This ministry is under the direction of Rev. Gui Kasongo, pastor of a newly chartered congregation, International Lutheran Church of Zion, Milwaukee.

Please save the date!  Rural and Small Town Mission exists to support and encourage congregations in rural and small town settings in their work to engage their communities with the love of Christ. In partnership with the South Wisconsin, North Wisconsin and Minnesota North Districts, RSTM invites your congregations to join us at Shepherd of the Hills, Onalaska, on Saturday, July 14 at 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. for the Engaging Rural Communities event. We are thankful to the members of Shepherd of the Hills who are ready to host this event at their facilities for professional and lay leaders.

LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM) recognizes that while the work to which God has called congregations is the same, the context in which that work is carried out can be very different—even in rural America. To assist the many rural and small town congregations in the Midwest, our South Wisconsin District is sponsoring an Engaging Rural Communities event along with the North Wisconsin and Minnesota districts at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Onalaska, Wis on July 14, 2012. The tentative schedule begins with registration at 8 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.

Road to Emmaus, written and produced by an LCMS filmmaker, is back by popular request this year, at the greatly reduced price of $150 for a case of 100 DVDs (that’s just $1.50 each). This acclaimed Easter film offers a dynamic new opportunity to reach people with the story of Jesus, especially during the season of Lent and Easter.

Ordering information

"Sharing Christ with All Cultures" is the theme for the multi-cultural LWML Heart to Heart Sisters event to be held at Oklahoma Ave. Lutheran Church in Milwaukee on Saturday, April 14 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Poster Registration form

We invite you to be with us on March 15 for another special SWD mission celebration and fund raising event, this time at The Cannery Grill, 315 E. Linnerud Dr., Sun Prairie, WI 53590. As you enjoy the evening of fellowship in this historic location, you will also be sampling some of the Cannery’s entrées and learning about pairing food with various wines and beers. But the best part is that you will be supporting our District missions!

Brochure 

Becky King (left) studies with Deloris Erlandson, member of Our Savior Deaf, Madison.

Becky King is deaf. It is difficult for people who can hear to really understand what it is like to be completely deaf. Even reading is a challenge. English is a language of words; sign language is a language of pictures. For Becky, a Christian, it is difficult to read and understand the concepts of the Bible and theological words like “justification”, “righteousness” or “sanctification.” They are meaningful words, but are terrible to sign! But that was not the only challenge in Becky’s life.

Feb. 25, 2012
Divine Redeemer, Hartland

The “Passionate Leaders" conference is for pastors, principals, teachers and leaders of our congregations and schools. The day will provide learning and interaction with Synod representatives, District staff, and other mission leaders. You will gain many resources throughout the conference to "Multiply, Magnify, and Maximize" your ministries! 

Cost is $25 per person or $75 per "church." Fee includes presenters, materials and lunch.

Brochure • Register online

On Dec. 11, 2011, a bilingual worship service was held at Oklahoma Avenue Lutheran Church (OALC) in Milwaukee. It was a multi-congregational worship service organized by OALC and Primera Iglesia of Racine, also known as Santa Cruz Lutheran Church (SCLC). The service was designed to celebrate the true unity of two different languages and cultures as made possible only by the common miracle of salvation as it arrived in the Christ child so long ago.

November 6, 2011, was a red-letter day not only for Vicar Dennis Harmon and Emmaus Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, but also for the South Wisconsin District. On that day Harmon was ordained under the conditions of the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and installed as Emmaus’ pastor. This was the first such ordination/installation in our District since the SMP program was begun.

Rev. Kasongo Gui Kabeo returned home on Nov. 16 from a missionary trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Everything will be fine,” he assured us over and over again before he left a month earlier. “It is God’s will that I go!” But this was no easy trip to make for a man who had left his Congolese homeland for political safety about ten years ago. Those who helped him plan his trip worried for his protection while there, and prayed for an uneventful and a safe return to his home in the U.S. Of course Pastor Gui was right, and God was with him all the way!

You can click here to see a slide presentation of Pastor Gui's mission trip to the DRC!

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. “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!”

Ramona	Ramona	Junior
Stefani	Moises	Randy

What beautiful faces! These are the children living in our Dominican Republic group home! All of these developmentally challenged kids have grown and changed so much since they came to live in the group home early this year. Living as family with Christian caregivers, actively participating in a community, and becoming part of the Body of Christ has been life changing for these 6 children. We would love to give you the opportunity to get to know them better and to help them continue to grow and prosper in their new life.

Rev. Yia Vang plays his "xemxo" (pronounced "see-saw") instrument at the 2011 ethnic folk fair.

LCMS members representing many of the world's cultures gathered together on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Pilgrim, Wauwatosa for the fourth annual “Lutheran Ethnic Folk Fair.” The gym was alive with activity, ethnic foods, music and displays that told of the ministry at work in the South Wisconsin District. Young and old enjoyed learning more about our cultural differences and our oneness in Jesus Christ.

Just over a month to go and you may find yourself in the kitchen preparing a feast for our National Day of Thanksgiving. My, how time flies! But for some, time does not fly all that quickly. These days especially, there are so many people who do not look forward to another day of unemployment, financial strains or perhaps even a foreclosure on their home, in addition to putting food on the table. These are days—long days—for too many families in great need right in our own neighborhoods. Can you help?

People of the Book Lutheran Ministries (POBLO), which recently opened an office at Brookfield Lutheran, will be assisting Bessie Fick, International Student Ministry (ISM) coordinator in the ministry of friendship and hospitality to the ethnic students and scholars at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. The POBLO team will have office hours at Luther Memorial, Shorewood. Pictured are Praveen Manuel and his wife, Priya, Bessie Fick, Nazish Naseem and Cynthia Kahn.

New date! Oct. 13, 2011
Highlands Sportmans’s Club • Cascade

Want to have a great time while supporting SWD missions? Choose one of two activities at 3 p.m., sporting clay, for novices and experts alike (bring your own shells or purchase them there), or New Orleans style cooking class and wine pairing with Chef Mike Rhodes. Both are followed by a 5:30 p.m. wine tasting with substantial appetizers.

We are privileged here in the South Wisconsin District to be tools that God is using to maximize, magnify and multiply the gospel of Jesus Christ, the only way on earth to know what saves the human race! This past summer, on Aug. 14, 2011, we celebrated the ordination of two immigrant pastors and the installation of a third, all busy as "global" ambassadors of God's grace.

Rev. Gui K. Kasongo (center front) closes the worship service in which he was ordained on Aug. 14 at Benediction, Milwaukee. Kasongo serves the International Lutheran Church of Zion, a West African congregation.

As the summer of 2011 winds down and church calendars fill up, the Missions department at the District Office will frequently get a call requesting ideas for mission projects for congregations and schools. We always welcome hearing from you and enjoy telling you about the exciting ways that the Lord is at work in our District.

Mission project promos 

The International Student Ministry (ISM), Milwaukee, began a new project with the internationals attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) this summer. The Button family, members of Luther Memorial Chapel, offered to teach them how to garden in Wisconsin. But more than the harvest of vegetables from the garden was the harvest of friendship as the families shared their love and their cultures with each other.

EIIT pastoral assignments, front row, from left: Kasongo Gui Kabeo, Peter Gatkuoth, Will Main, Park Timber, Kara Simmons; back row: Dr. Glenn Nielsen, Dr. Bruce Hartung, Rev. Robert Hoehner, Rev. John Loum, Rev. David Lewis, Rev. Jeffrey Thormodson

Our own Gui K. Kabeo is the first person from the left in the photo above. The road to his graduation and upcoming ordination as a pastor in the LCMS began when he, a French-speaking African immigrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), came to the United States with his wife, Lea, and their four children in 2004. Rev. Kabeo is deeply thankful to every pastor and congregation in our South Wisconsin District for their prayers and their support over the past several years. He would like nothing more than to have you join the celebration at his ordination service on Sunday, August 14, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Benediction Lutheran Church, 5740 N 86th Street, Milwaukee, Wis. 53225.

The South Wisconsin District’s French African pastor, Rev. Gui Kasongo Kabeo, will preach at the dedication of a new church in the Congo this October. Kabeo’s newly chartered congregation, International Lutheran Church of Zion, which meets at Benediction, Milwaukee, supports this new congregation in the Congo. Kabeo will also teach classes while there. If you are interested in helping defray his expenses, or in contributing to the support of his congregation, please call the District office at (414) 464-8100.

Have you ever wanted to go on a short-term mission trip? All the needy faces we see in the Lutheran Witness and other media tug at our hearts and beg us to open our arms to them. Here is a chance for you to reach out and turn that desire into reality!

People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) International has been hard at work over the past months to set up a new outreach ministry in Wisconsin. With the increased growth of Hindu and Sikh temples and Muslim mosques, congregations in the metro Milwaukee area are realizing more and more that they have a responsibility to reach out to these groups.

Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2011 • Wind River, Wyo.
This fall enjoy the “Forever West” state of Wyoming. Fish the trout filled streams and lakes of the Wind River Basin. Serve Christ by serving the Indian Tribes on the Wind River Reservation.

Join Rev. Dr. John Wille, South Wisconsin District president, and other District staff, as they partner with our brothers in Christ of the Wyoming District in this servant event. Brochure

Due to the recent extreme heat and forecasted high temperatures, we are postponing the “Clay Shooting & Wine Tasting Event” at the Highlands Sportsmans Club, Cascade scheduled for Thursday, July 21. Please watch for upcoming information about when this event will be rescheduled. For those of you who have already paid to attend the event, please contact Bob Mason as to how you would like to be reimbursed.

Want to have a great time while supporting SWD missions? Please join us for an afternoon of fun on Thursday, July 21, 2011. This will be a fund raising event for missions, held at Highlands Sportsman’s Club in Cascade. Choose one of two activities at 3 p.m., either sporting clay, for novices and experts alike (bring your own shells or purchase them there), or a New Orleans style cooking class and wine pairing with Chef Mike Rhodes. Both are followed by a 5:30 p.m. wine tasting with substantial appetizers and a small silent auction. The cost is $55/person. All money raised will go directly to missions of the South Wisconsin District.

Saturday, Oct 8, 2011 is the date selected for the fourth annual Lutheran ethnic folk fair, highlighting ethnic ministries in the South Wisconsin District. It will be held in the gym of Pilgrim Lutheran School, 6717 W. Center St., Wauwatosa, from noon until 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to visit display tables of our various ethnic ministries, enjoy the musical performances, taste unique ethnic foods and gain a greater appreciation of our “oneness in Christ.”

The deadline has been extended to June 20 to sign up for a mission trip to Mission Central, Mapleton, Iowa, Sept. 19-22, 2011. The older adult committee of the South Wisconsin District is looking for commitment from enough people to make the cost of the bus transportation reasonable. Those who have been there say that it is a fascinating and inspiring experience. Please see the flyer (PDF) with more information and let us know if you would like to come along!

Submitted by Bessie Fick, International Student Ministry (ISM), UW—Milwaukee

Like St. Paul, we too pray for the students and families whose lives we have touched with God’s Word this past semester. Here is another story of God’s grace to his people…

Liang came to Milwaukee one year ago with her husband, a mechanical engineering visiting scholar at UWM. She attended our International Student Ministry’s (ISM) English conversation classes in the afternoons and participated in many other ISM’s activities. She was eager to learn as much as possible about the American culture.

Here’s a great way to stretch your mission dollars to our ministry in the Dominican Republic! Earlier this year, the Seibert Lutheran Foundation granted the South Wisconsin District a matching gifts grant for the support of Brian and Jeanette Keller's three-year mission there. The matching gifts grant will provide up to $25,000 toward the field travel, housing and program support services for the short-term mission volunteers coming from the United States. Already three volunteer groups have served or are currently serving, and a fourth group is slated to arrive this summer.

A unique opportunity to participate in a landmark installation service was given to worshipers at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Racine, on Sunday, April 10. Rev. Germán Novelli, a native of Venezuela, was installed there as the Hispanic pastor of Primera Iglesia Lutheran Church, now becoming known as “Santa Cruz.”

The new Missions Prayer Calendar for April and May has been posted on the SWD website and will be emailed to all congregations as a PDF file and a Word document. Please feel free to use it as a bulletin insert, cut and paste portions of it in your newsletters, and add the link to your congregation’s website.

Bin and her daughter, Tian Yi, arrived in Milwaukee on Christmas Eve 2009. Her husband, Ming had arrived a month earlier as a visiting scholar at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee (UWM). He picked up the family at the airport with the help of a Chinese Christian who provided the car for transportation. That was the first hurdle they got through, and also their first encounter with a Christian.

Bin (left), daughter Tian Yi and husband Ming have learned that Christians have a big heart for helping others.

Witnessing methods: Seven styles of faith-sharing

Divine Savior, Hartford, is hosting a workshop for District congregations on Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. At this workshop you will learn to recognize multiple styles and methods of sharing your faith, and apply them to everyday life. You will gain tools that will sharpen your witnessing methods and enhance your outreach to people of all ages and backgrounds.

The cost is $10 per person. This includes a continental breakfast, lunch and printed materials. To register, please contact Kim Terry at (262) 673-5140 or secdivslc@netwurx.net. Deadline is Friday, March 18, 2011.

SWD Passionate Leaders Conference
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 • 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lake Country Lutheran High School
There is still time to register!

NEW LOCATION, PLEASE NOTE! Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church N48W31385 State Road 83, Hartland 53027 (Approximately one mile west of Lake Country High)

The passionate leaders conference is for all pastors, teachers and leaders of South Wisconsin District congregations. The day will provide learning and interaction with Synod representatives, District staff and other mission leaders.  You will gain many resources throughout the conference to "Multiply, Magnify and Maximize" your ministries!

Reach out to others with the award‐winning DVD Road to Emmaus, now just $1.50 each.

Written and produced by an LCMS filmmaker, this acclaimed Easter film offers a dynamic new opportunity to reach people with the story of Jesus.

Road to Emmaus follows the story of Jesus and two companions on the Sunday of the resurrection, as "...he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Created to reach the unchurched, the film is among the most widely used evangelism tools ever produced—a valuable tool your congregation can use this year.

Road to Emmaus DVD flyer • Watch the movie trailer

On Dec. 23, 2010, 55 ex-offenders and their families worshiped together at Mission of Christ, Milwaukee, celebrating their Savior’s birth. It was a pre-Christmas gathering for worship, dinner, gift giving and sharing of support and encouragement.

Attending the "Free at Last" Christmas celebration at Mission of Christ, a former inmate receives gifts of new clothes.

This beautiful Luther rose was created by one of the first members of the Licey mission plant in the Dominican Republic. Ivon is producing them in a limited quantity and offering them for a donation of $50 which will support the Dominican mission to the developmentally handicapped youth.

District Mission Executive Rev. Dan McMiller recently returned home from a mission trip he and his family took to the Dominican Republic the week after Christmas. As a family they spent their time building relationships with the Dominicans while observing the many fruits of faith growing in the hearts of the people they met.

On Jan. 20-22, 2011, Dr. Ralph Geisler and the leaders of the Rural Small Town Mission of Concordia, Mo., will hold a rural regional retreat on their St. Paul Institute for Education (SPIFE) campus. The purpose of this retreat will be to give District pastors and lay leaders with a passion for rural ministry the tools and skills to mentor and establish a regional partnership mission plan.

Sorry! This January 14 workshop has been cancelled but will be rescheduled for a later date. Please watch these announcements for updated information!

Mark Kempff

Go to the ends of the earth," Jesus Christ tells us. But the ends of the earth have arrived at my school. What can I do?

What you may want to do is to attend a special workshop for educators, pastors and others who work with congregations in Hispanic communities. This special workshop to heighten awareness of cultural issues will be given by Mark Kempff, instructor at the Center for Hispanic Studies and former missionary to Latin America.

It’s finally time to get moving—literally! Thanks to the generous donations from many donors and the hard work of Brian and Jeanette Keller, a 40-foot container is waiting to be loaded with all the needed items bound for the Dominican Republic. Your help will be greatly appreciated to get things moving on Jan. 8, 2011, at 9 a.m. What greater way to start out the new year than to gather some friends together and help load all these necessities for a special kind of ministry to the Dominican Republic!

Building relationships is a very important part of the International Student Ministry (ISM) at Luther Memorial Chapel and Student Center in Shorewood. Establishing friendships creates opportunities to share Christ and invite others to church and Bible studies. Joan Mueller, a member of St. Peter-Immanuel, Milwaukee, is a volunteer teacher for English Language Learners (ELL). Her students are international students who attend the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee (UWM). Her classroom is Luther Memorial. One of the ways she works to build relationships with the internationals is to involve them in activities she herself enjoys. This month she invited her class to her favorite restaurant on the south side of Milwaukee.

SWD Missions Executive Rev. Dan McMiller, his wife Lisa, and their three children will be traveling to the Dominican Republic on Christmas Day for a week-long mission servant trip. They will be spending their time with LCMS missionaries there, celebrating Christmas with the congregations as well as reaching out to many who do not know about the love that moved our Heavenly Father to send his Son to be the Savior of the world. You can help the McMillers share Christmas joy with the people of the Dominican Republic!

Through Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Refugee and Immigrant Services, Trinity-Freistadt, Mequon took a leap into a new ministry, and "adopted" a Karenni family in 2008. Originally from Burma (Myanmar), the Karreni were persecuted by their government and they fled to Thailand's refugee camps. Trinity helped that first family to find an apartment, navigate the government's social service systems, and begin learning a new language and culture. But the Lord had much more in mind.

Folk fair brings cultures together

The third annual folk fair held at Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, on Sept. 25, 2010, was described by one pastor who attended as a “tremendous experience – it reminded me what heaven will be like for us someday” (with those from many different languages, tribes and people all together). One thing, though, that the folk fair offered that might be missing in heaven: the variety of unique and delicious foods and tastes prepared by the different ethnic groups.

The Kellers have become globally engaged in outreach in DR

Recently, the LCMS mission team in the Dominican Republic received the good news of their government’s permission for them to establish a group home for the physical and spiritual care of those who are developmentally challenged. Brian and Jeanette Keller, members of Brookfield Lutheran Church in the South Wisconsin District, have begun serving the Lord as missionaries in this venture to the Dominican Republic.

The SWD’s partnership in seminary education is looking forward to another great year ahead for students who are preparing to enter into the specific ministry pastor (SMP) program. Our classes also serve as great opportunities for spiritual and ministry growth.

Everyone is welcome to attend the opening service for the SWD partnership in seminary education on Sept. 8, 2010. It will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 809 S. 6th Ave., West Bend, with a lecture at 6:30 p.m. by Dr. Dave Zersen entitled, “Planting the Gospel in Native Soil.” The lecture will be followed by a short worship service at 7:30. At the conclusion of the celebration the partnership is hosting a wine and cheese reception including an art exhibit by renowned artist from India, Solomon Raj.

If you are looking for new material for your Sunday school, VBS program or worship you might want to take a look at United Intergenerational Ministry or "UIM." UIM has taken over 20 years to develop and it has surely been developed "for just such a time as this!" All is not well with the world. Generations desperately need the Lord!

Recently, Rev. Don Hougard of Benediction, Milwaukee, shared a letter he wrote to Concordia Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis:

Dear friends at our St. Louis Seminary,
I would like to thank you for your support of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) program that you have in place. I have been so thankful for the EIIT and what it has meant to two of its students who are at work in our congregation. I would like to share with you some of the fruits of their work in God’s vineyard this past month at Benediction.

Attending the “Pastors at Prayer” retreat June 7-9 at the Tree of Life Retreat Center were (l to r): Rev. Mark Wilkens, Rev. Ryan Barnes, Bill Anton, Rev. Nathan Meador, Michael Jacquat, Rev. Art Umbach (presenter), and Vicar Afam Ikanih.

Seven men attended the recent “Pastors at Prayer” retreat held June 7-9 in Greenbush. The retreat was hosted by St. John, Plymouth. Rev. Art Umbach of the Southeast District served as facilitator. He is the Spiritual Life regional director in Alexandria, Va. He spoke about the power of prayer and healing.

Do you like ethnic foods? Cultural variety? Fellowship, learning and fun? Plan on attending the third annual ethnic folk fair at Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, Sept. 25 from noon to 4 p.m.  New this year will be a presentation by Dr. Victor Raj, mission professor and assistant director of the Institute for Mission Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. His presentation, “Christian Witnessing in the New America,” will precede the folk fair beginning at 10 a.m.

Rev. Ted Krey and his family from the LCMS mission in the Dominican Republic will be visiting the South Wisconsin District June 9-14, 2010. Our District is in mission partnership with this ministry.

"Sharing the Caring Christ" will be a celebration of God's work through LCMS World Mission, World Relief and Human Care, Bethesda Lutheran Communities, the Lutheran Church of Brazil and the South Wisconsin District to the people of the Dominican Republic at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, in the Bethesda Chapel, located at the Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Inc., 600 Hoffmann Drive, Watertown, WI 53094. Detailed map

The third national church planter training event, Church Planting Essentials, will be conducted on June 21-23, 2010, at the Alley Lutheran Church in Cottage Grove (Minneapolis area), Minnesota.

Church Planting Essentials is an intensive, three-day "turbo training" featuring content learning in the twelve biblical principles of church planting and interspersed with coaching, small-group interaction, networking with other church planters and development of the Mission Initiation Plan (MIP). Because "turbo training" is so information-rich, some have compared this training to drinking water from a fire hose... the learning comes hard and fast but definitely quenches the thirst for insight on how to plant a new church in our postmodern culture.

Registration deadline is June 7, 2010.

'Art of the State' ex-offender/ inmate art show begins April 9, 2010

“Come experience the creativity and potential that has been all to easy to ignore.”

This display will include renderings from a variety of artists who have spent time within the walls of the Milwaukee County Correctional Facility – South (CCF-S), formerly known as the House of Correction. The show opens April 9 from 6-9 p.m. at Gallery 2622 in Wauwatosa and runs through April. Several of the artists will welcome questions about their art style and motivation. Statements will be posted from many of the inmates who currently use art as a venue for their release of emotional creativity.

The EIIT and DIT student attendees and mentors at Concordia St. Louis for the 2010 Spring Leadership Seminar. Afam Ikanih is on the right, second row down.

I thank God for the safe trip to Concordia Seminary St Louis! I arrived on Monday to attend the EIIT Outreach to World Religions. I drove and it took me 6 hours. I enjoyed it. The Hall which I stay at is called Metzger Hall. In the evening time as I looked out the window, there was a soccer field and a student was warming up to play. I went up there and one of the students gave me his soccer boot to play with them. So we chose the game and I played with them. My group side won the game. The score was 7-5. I scored 3 goals and it was a very good exercise for me because I have not played in 7 years.

A total of 14 people from the South Wisconsin District enjoyed the fellowship and activities at the second Multi-Ethnic Symposium on Feb. 1-2, 2010 at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis under the theme "Conversations of Hope." Pastor Don Hougard went as a mentor to some of our ethnic seminary students and found the experience to be eye-opening.

If you visit St. Martini Lutheran after school on the third Friday of any month, you will find a warm gathering of school families and friends from the neighborhood amounting to 150 or 200 people. They are enjoying fellowship, food and worship. You will see the faculty serving a potluck meal, families bringing additional food—mostly pizza—and there will be smiles all around. But if you don’t speak Spanish, you might want to ask one of the children to interpret for you!

Families have been devastated by the earthquake.

Latin America responds — Haiti earthquake special issue 
Puertas: Open Doors in Latin America and the Caribbean
Bimonthly publication of LCMS World Mission LAC Regional Office, Panama

"In the days following the earthquake the Lutheran response came first through the hands of an extremely young church body; the Lutheran mission in the Dominican Republic. Gathering at their border with Haiti in a small dusty town named Jimani, the missionaries alongside a small team of Dominicans rushed to aid a quickly overflowing hospital...."

Dominican Republic missionaries Rev. Ted Krey and Danelle Putnam share some of their Haiti rescue and relief efforts following the earthquake of Jan. 12 in two YouTube videos.

The LCMS assessment team coordinated by LCMS World Relief and Human Care and LCMS World Mission returned to the Dominican Republic from Haiti late on Jan. 23. James Neuendorf, a communications specialist missionary with LCMS World Mission in Latin America, provided photos today of Haitian people struggling to cope with the disastrous Jan. 12 earthquake. Go to LCMS World Mission's YouTube channel to view a video slideshow of images from Haiti, set to the music of a Haitian Lutheran congregation in Jacmel, Haiti, singing "How Great Thou Art," on Jan. 22, The LCMS assessment team was able to join this community of believers as they, despite the destruction and suffering surrounding them, offered up a spontaneous song of worship to the Lord. View photos from the assessment team at LCMS World Mission's Picasa album. Detailed updates from the assessment team and other disaster response updates are available from LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

Missionary Rev. Walter Ries, Missionary Danelle Putnam, Admin. Assistant Kisayris and Missionary Rev. Ted Krey

On Jan. 22, the LCMS missionary team in the Dominican Republic sent us an email with an update of their efforts to assist the victims of the Haitian earthquake. Please honor their requests for your prayers as they work to save lives—physically and spiritually—in the aftermath of this calamity.

When January rolls around each year, many people want to make a fresh start at something in their life. The success of that new start depends on how highly that “something” is prioritized. For those who have recently been released from the Milwaukee County Correctional Facility-South (CCFS), getting a fresh start at life outside of prison is a very high priority.

When a natural disaster occurs of such magnitude as the earthquake that hit Haiti Jan. 12, it is heartwarming to see how many organizations come forward to help in whatever way they can. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is no exception. Likewise, closer to home, the South Wisconsin District has an opportunity to help in a most direct way.

The second Multi-Ethnic Symposium will be held February 1-2, 2010, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. This year’s topic is “Conversations of Hope.” This conference is sponsored by the Board for Black Ministry, the Black Clergy Caucus, National Mission Affiliates, the Center for Hispanic Studies, National Mission Executives, and LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

Congregations are encouraged to “save the date” on their fiscal calendars. For more information contact Concordia Seminary Continuing Education at 314-505-7486 or e-mail ce@csl.edu.

The Partnership in Seminary Education reached another milestone Dec. 5, 2009, with a preaching festival at Beautiful Savior, Milwaukee. Prospective candidates for the SMP (Specific Ministry Pastor) program and a few SMP vicars prepared sermons on Matthew 2:1-12. Coordinator Dr. Harald Tomesch said he “saw Satan falling as lightning” as eleven sermons came to life.  Sermon audio

Many of the first-time preachers are African American students who will make a great impact on the city of Milwaukee.

Vicar Gui Kasongo, a French-speaking African immigrant from the Congo, has almost finished his studies in the SWD Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology (EIIT) program. He is currently serving his own French African International Lutheran Church of Zion congregation that meets at Benediction, Milwaukee. But his heart is also in the Congo with his people there. He wants so much for them know the entire truth of the gospel that he has come to know here.

The second annual Lutheran ethnic folk fair, held at the gymnasium of Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, on Sept. 26, has come and gone. It proved to be “bigger and better” than last year’s event with an increased attendance. About 400 people enjoyed even more activities and musical presentations this year. The five ethnic groups represented—English- and French-speaking African immigrants, Chinese, Hispanic and Hmong—each presented music and provided delicious food from their cultures.

The North Wisconsin District has planned an Ablaze! Tailgate II event, scheduled for Sunday, October 11 at  St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1919 Wyatt Ave. in Stevens Point. All are invited to attend the activities from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature Ida Mall, former national LWML President and current Ablaze! Ambassador, workshops, a puppet show, burgers and brats. Childcare will be available and activities for elementary and older children as well. Tickets for Adults and Youth are $5, kids 5 and under are free. Families of 3 or more are $15.   Flyer    Registration form   
 

Rev. Chris Ikanih and his wife, Joy, visit with Rev. Christian O. Ekong (right), national president of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.

Rev. Christian Ikanih was pleased to be able to take his wife and children on a mission trip to Nigeria this summer. They visited his homeland, which gave them an appreciation for life on both sides of the globe. Wherever Pastor Ikanih goes, he always brings God's Word along with him. His suitcase was full of Lutheran publications that he was eager to leave behind with those who would read them.

Sept. 9, 2009 • 6:30 p.m. (new time) • Elm Grove
On Wednesday evening, Sept. 9, Elm Grove Lutheran has the honor of hosting a “double hitter” beginning at 6:30 p.m. (new time). The evening begins with a presentation on “The Gift of Prayer” by the world-renowned teacher of Lutheran spirituality, Rev. Dr. John Kleinig. Following the lecture, the SWD “Partnership in Seminary Education” is celebrating its opening service at 7:45 p.m., first by having its students participate in the conversation with Kleinig, but also with an exhortation by President John Wille in a special Compline service. Local Hmong, African and Elm Grove choirs have been invited to sing during the service along with other musicians. The evening will conclude with a wine and cheese reception, with wines from around the world.
Flyer 

On Saturday, Sept. 26 (12:00 Noon – 6:00 p.m.) the 2nd Annual Lutheran Ethnic Folk Fair will be held at the gym of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 6717 W. Center Street, Wauwatosa. Highlighted will be ministries in the District to the Hmong, Hispanics, English and French-speaking African Immigrants, and Chinese. Young and old will find something enjoyable to see, hear, taste, experience as the various ethnic groups will share their various cultures through music, singing, unique food, cultural dress.

Very fine condition TRAVEL TRAILER: Get a real deal while 100% of sale goes to LUTHERAN MISSION PROJECTS (proof supplied). For sale by original owners, retired pastor and wife. Trailer is 24 feet, 4" long, ultralite gas saver for car or truck, never leaked anywhere, existing warranty on one-piece. aluminum roof, 15' awning. Double axle, central air conditioning, furnace, full refrigerator, queen size bed,microwave, gas stove, built-in sound. Can be seen in metro Milwaukee area. Suggested $4,100 for missions or best offer. For showing appointment and details please phone (239) 246-9209.

A Lutheran delegation from Congo meets with SWD staff and local leaders.

Individuals and area congregations have been involved on a daily basis with mission work to Africa. They were reaching the Africans in the Congo more intimately than imagined. Vicar Gui Kasongo was taking his materials and seminary education from weeknight classes at the District office and translating them for the benefit of men in congregations in a remote province of the Congo. Seminary education here was being leveraged, not only by Kasongo but also other students who were passing their instruction to loved ones thousands of miles away in Nigeria, Ghana, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

Now a new LCMS program is bringing live satellite education to 400 locations in Africa and Asia. Read more to learn how you can get involved.

The SWD’s new adopt-a-student program gives you an opportunity to assist and encourage students to continue in their studies for the ministry. Your charitable gift will make a difference by providing immediate debt relief for students and their families. You may offer a one-time gift or provide support over a defined period of time. It is a meaningful and wonderful way to support spreading the Gospel. Your gift will benefit a student based on financial need, commitment to the ministry and academic eligibility. For more information, please call (414) 464-8100 or e-mail swd@swd.lcms.org.

On Sept. 18-19, 2009, Mt. Calvary (2862 N. 53rd St.), Milwaukee will offer a free pesentation by Rev. Kelly Bedard, currently serving Trinity, Algiers Point, a New Orleans suburb. Bedard will share how God has blessed his 20-plus years of outreach-centered ministry. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please call Matthew Cantu at Mt. Calvary’s church office, (414) 873-3931.    Flyer 

Christians desire to share their faith with people they know – many struggle with how to do so. If that even comes close to describing you then you will want to be at the “Dinky Little Cogs – Sharing Christ Workshop.” This workshop will be held on Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Prince of Peace, W156N7149 Pilgrim Rd., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.

Registration flyer 

Northern Illinois District outreach network event Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009

St. Paul Lutheran Church
100 S. School St.
Mount Prospect, IL

Congregation leaders are encouraged to learn and share what’s working and what isn’t in evangelism at a Northern Illinois district-wide networking event.

Evangelism idea exchange • Register online

Explore the flavors... Enjoy the friendship...
Family fun... Raising funds
 
On Wednesday, July 29 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Coral Rose will host "A Taste of Africa" dinner and presentation at Brookfield Lutheran Church, 18500 W. Burleigh, Brookfield. The event will be a great opportunity to taste a variety of African foods, participate in trivia/education on African culture, and hear a little about Rose’s new position as regional business manager for Africa. There will also be children’s activities and a silent auction with items for every price range.   

Flyer •  Coral Rose's July newsletter 

In cooperation with LCMS and the Ablaze! movement (lcms.org/ablaze), International Student Ministry, Inc. (ISM) is pleased to offer a new devotional booklet, "ISM Ablaze! 50 Days," for use in church, home or school. Each of the devotions is a true story of how God is at work among the international students who come to study at our universities and colleges, and how knowing Jesus has changed their lives eternally.

In this season of baseball, many fans are following their favorite baseball personalities. It’s possible that some of them came from the Dominican Republic. The South Wisconsin District is in partnership with LCMS mission work in the Dominican Republic. Here is a “baseball” story from missionary Rev. Walter Ries that appears in their June 2009 newsletter.

Recently a parish nurse sent an e-mail to the District Office thanking all of those people in our congregations who have contributed unused greeting cards to the women housed at the Taycheedah Correctional Institution (TCI). TCI is located just northeast of Fond du Lac. If anyone reading this has had a hand in the collection of these items, please know your efforts are appreciated! Perhaps more will read about this simple project and collect more cards for this act of mercy and outreach.  

The South Wisconsin District office often receives phone calls asking how someone interested in a specific ministry pastor (SMP) program might begin his studies. Most answers about the SMP program of the two seminaries may be found online at lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=13117.

In the SWD we are interested in connecting specific ministry pastors to specific missions. First, the needs of a particular mission are identified. Do they need a pastor regularly trained in residence or a specific ministry pastor?

On May 2, about 30 people participated in a cultural “In+erchange” at Pilgrim, Wauwatosa, involving members of International Church of Zion, Milwaukee, the French-speaking African immigrant ministry of the South Wisconsin District, and the members of Pilgrim. This interchange is an outgrowth of Pilgrim's first ethnic folk fair last fall, which featured participants from the Hispanic, Hmong, Chinese, French-speaking and English-speaking African immigrant ministries who shared ethnic food, music and displays of their cultures and ministries within the District. A second ethnic fold fair will be held at Pilgrim on Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 6 p.m.

With the recent mobilization of over 3,400 members of the 32nd Brigade and the 732nd in Tomah (with Pastors Doug Fleischfresser and Gene Henke, LCMS chaplains) the stress on military members is rising.

The military has resources available to all military members, whether they are active duty, National Guard or Reserve. To see some of these resources, visit militaryonesource.com. For emergency purposes, Military OneSource has a tollfree number that is operational 24/7, (800) 342-9647.

Paul gives a great example of what “putting on the new man” really means. After Christ comes into his life, a person who has been a no-account thief stops stealing and takes an honest job. He becomes a contributing, productive member of society, doing good work. As a result, he is able to provide for his own needs and those of his family (see Ephesians 4:24, 28). Even more important, he becomes a citizen of God’s kingdom—forever! Our prison ministry at the County Correctional Facility-South in Franklin helps prepare inmates for life on the outside by putting on the "new man" on the inside. Our next step needs to be planting a ministry for continuing the faith!

An outstanding group of volunteer students from Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) had to say “goodbye” to the kids they grew so fond of at the S.O.S (Strength of Savior) Center. Over the school year they served as mentors, teachers, friends and helpers, but most important they shared the Good News with everyone there.

Help for the summer is needed! Now that school is out and it is time for their summer program, the center is gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year. Please consider helping them out--it's so important to the kids!

When you think of college students in Mexico on spring break what images come to mind? You probably picture students having fun and soaking up the sun on the beach. Well a group of eight college students, two recent graduates and two staff people from Madison’s Calvary Chapel campus ministry went to Mexico for spring break. It was anything but a typical vacation. We went on a mission trip to Saltillo, Mexico. The purpose of the trip was to help one of the local churches with some painting and VBS. (Click the read more link for a photo gallery.)

On Feb. 23, the Hispanic Business and Professionals Association (HBPA) presented Rev. Pedro Lopez a community enhancement award at their 2008 banquet. The award was given in recognition of his contribution to the community of Racine. Lopez is pastor of Primera Iglesia Luterana congregation in Racine and is also a board member of the HBPA.

The International Friendship Center at the UW campus in Madison is always a beehive of activity. There are English conversation classes, Bible study groups, and special events—and sometimes an international student happens to stop in to use the phone. Please rejoice with us as you read more about how the Holy Spirit has been at work there recently!

Initial training for the 2008 campus missionary institute (CMI), will be held on the Concordia University Wisconsin campus June 12-17. CMI is the Lutheran Campus Mission Association’s in-depth learning opportunity to help workers and the ministries they serve develop and implement a strategic plan for outreach on a nearby college or university campus. CMI is sponsored by the Lutheran Campus Mission Association, an organization with ties to LCMS World Mission.

From Jan. 14-25, 2008, Rev. Jeff Prewitt (New Hope, Neenah) and Rev. Yia Vang (Hmong Hope, Milwaukee) visited Chiang Mai, Thailand. Their purpose was to teach Thai and Laotian Hmong students who are studying to become mission pastors in Thailand and Laos.

We received great news last week at the District office—EIIT student Elijah Ndon stopped by, brimming with happiness after getting the "bill of lading" from the African port at Uyo Akaw Ibom in Nigeria. This meant that the shipment of hymnals and other items we collected for the Lutheran Church of Nigeria had arrived, and everything was delivered to the seminary headquarters in Obot Idim. It took slightly less than two months to arrive—not too bad!

In a continuing effort to provide direction, coordination, support and growth for the African immigrant ministry (AIM) food pantry program, the Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Mission Society (MMLMS) is seeking a food pantry and resource director.

LCMS World Mission has short-term mission team opportunities available.  Calling all LCMS congregations, universities, small groups, mission responders, families, and members to respond to the urgent need for more than 200 international short-term mission teams in the coming year. Could this be you or someone you know?

Recently the District mission department received a phone call from a very excited Rev. Chris Ikanih, Milwaukee African immigrant missionary-at-large. "Praise God!" he said, "There is a truckload of food here being delivered to our pantry—right at this very moment!”

The overwhelming response to the “Got hymnals?” article in the November/December South Wisconsin News indicated that you did indeed have hymnals! In fact, about 15,000 hymnals and other books were delivered to the storage units in the District office parking lot. In addition to books, items such as altar ware, paraments, vestments, bicycles, and summer clothing were donated. A second storage unit had to be ordered after the first few days of the collection.

On a Sunday evening in November, a small crew of Elm Grove Lutheran's high school youth answered the District's call for hymnals for Nigeria by devoting their typical two-hour gathering to the inspection, labeling, and boxing of 278 Lutheran Worship hymnals.

Olivia Versteegh and Kalie McCaughn from Immanuel Lutheran School in Brookfield came to the District office to help load their books for the shipment to Nigeria with Gui Kasongo Kabeo (left), Mission Executive Rev. Daniel McMiller, and their teacher, Paul Gohde.

Cities have become the next great “mission field.” No longer does the church need to look farther than across the street to find harvests waiting. The fields are ripe and time is running out!

In answer to this mission call, the SWD is in partnership with the new Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Mission Society (MMLMS). The MMLMS will become the vehicle in matching urban congregations in the “mission field” with mercy ministries and other congregations in the suburbs with corresponding abilities to help where help is needed. The MMLMS board of directors is looking for two individuals to fill the part-time roles of an executive director and a development director.

Every 10 years the United States conducts a national census. Questions such as where were you born, what year, how many in your family, and type of employment. And so it was in the Roman world at the time of an expecting couple from Nazareth. The census taker did not come door to door in those days, but people had to travel to their ancestor's hometown where their lineage was recorded.

On Oct. 26, 2007, Milwaukee's SOS Center and Crossing-Over (ex-offender ministry) reached out to the inner city community and gave away needed coats and jackets for winter survival and, most important, the story of God’s love. The good news is that it was so successful they want to do it again in December. The bad news is that it was so successful they ran out of coats and jackets! Please read on to find out how your congregation can help.

“Let us go to the small towns…” (Mark 1:38)

Rural churches—many are graying, dwindling, dying...    

Has your congregation made the switch from Lutheran Worship to the new Lutheran Service Book? Do you now need to find a good home for your blue hymnals, or the older TLH? The South Wisconsin District can not only help you find a great place for those hymnals, but can also offer you an opportunity to help our Lutheran friends in Nigeria.

PLEASE CALL (414) 464-8100 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SET UP A TIME OF DELIVERY—THANK YOU!

Oktoberfest celebration
Saturday, October 27, 2007 • 6-10 p.m.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
13445 W. Hampton Rd., Brookfield

Featuring wonderful German buffet dinner, silent and live auction, music and fellowship...

Steven Cohen, founder of The Apple of His Eye mission society in St. Louis, will speak at Our Redeemer, 10025 W. North Ave. in Wauwatosa on Sunday, Sept. 9, at their 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services.

New Hope Lutheran Church in Neenah has continued to grow in many areas of ministries since its restart in 1988 as a mission church.

“Say it loud, I'm a Lutheran and I'm proud!” are the words of Paulina as she wears her “Confirmed Lutheran” sweatshirt and walks around her neighborhood sharing the love of Jesus with everyone in sight, including storefront ministers of which there are some 600 in Milwaukee's inner city. But as far as Paulina is concerned, Mission of Christ is where it's at because of its conservative approach of Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Scripture Alone.

 Is it time for your congregation to think about having children?  Attend a 2-day seminar designed for congregation teams. 

 Daughter Church Planting Seminar
Oct. 5-6, 2007
Hope Lutheran Church  ♦  Fond du Lac, WI
Registration deadline is Sept. 7

Rev. David Andrus, executive director for Lutheran Blind Ministry, will present an informational workshop for those interested in outreach to the blind community on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at Elm Grove Lutheran Church. It will be a one-hour presentation beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Rev. Pedro Lopez of Primera Iglesia Luterana (First Lutheran Church), Racine, wanted to provide his largely Hispanic congregation with a music ministry. Divine Redeemer, Hartland, was looking for a mission project. The result was a Mexican fiesta that was enjoyed by all.

On May 13, there was great rejoicing and praising God for the outpouring of his Holy Spirit on his people of Hmong Hope Lutheran Church in Milwaukee.