From the AFLTS DeanEach morning, regardless of assignments due, or what classes are scheduled, our men begin the day in the study of God’s word, led by a seminarian. Prayer requests are shared, sometimes happy, “I’m engaged!” or “We’re expecting our third child!” Sometimes sad, “My friend found out he has cancer.” Churches and missionaries are also included in the

prayer time along with a personal prayer request from the one giving the devotion that morning. This is character formation/pastor formation. In fact, this may be the most important time of the day, everyday. Prayer commences as the men kneel on the floor and begin to entreat God for mercy, for healing, and extol His magnificent Holiness and grace. Prayer is concluded, the bell rings, time for class.

A favorite time for students, and for me is the mid-morning break. Seminarians gather around the freshly roasted (thanks to Ryan Patenaude) and freshly brewed coffee and talk about an issue or two that was raised in class. This is not a polemical debate, but a good-natured discussion often infused with humor and laughter. These men care about each other. They aren’t trying to win points for erudition, they want to know what it takes to be a pastor. They have heard how difficult pastoral ministry can be, and so there isn’t competition, but a genuine desire to learn and grow.

I am excited about these men, and I am excited for our congregations. And as I consider these men, and the future, I am excited for the AFLC. To continue the kind of quality education that you want for your future pastors, we need your prayer and support. Because of the hardships our students face in trying to provide for their families while taking as many as 19 credits a semester, we would love to be able to provide scholarships to cover the tuition expense for our seminarians. Individuals or congregations can Adopt-a-Seminarian, by providing part or all of the tuition expense. Learn more about giving opportunities in the right column of this page.

We also need your prayer. Would you pray for the men as they work long hours away from home, and study to complete our rigorous program of study. Would you pray for our Seminary wives and children as they support their spouse and dad in this endeavor? Would you pray for our faculty and staff as they work to provide the kind of education that you would want for your Pastor. And please pray that God would continue to raise up men who will answer the call to train for the ministry. If you know of anyone who has an interest in preparing for ministry and God’s call to prepare, please have them contact me at the Seminary. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Luke 10:2.

Thank you! We cannot do this work without you.

Dr. James Molstre AFLTS Dean

Greetings from

Giving OpportunitiesSeminary ScholarshipsSeminary scholarships provide financial assistance for seminary student tuition and fees. These gifts help students finish seminary with little or no debt so that they can enter full-time pastoral ministry without financial burden.

International Student ScholarshipsThe seminary seeks to provide pastoral training for students from other areas of the world, where solid Biblical Lutheran training is not accessible. These students are often recommended through missionary connections, with the goal of providing theological training that the students would take back to their home country for service in pastoral ministry.

Adopt-A-Student ProgramThis program is an opportunity for individuals or congregations to support a seminary student and his family during his time of pastoral training. The goal is for the seminary student and the individual or congregation stay connected through prayer, financial support, and regular correspondence throughout the student’s seminary education.

To give to one of the needs above, visit aflbs.org/donate or contact the Seminary Office at 763-544-9501 or email aflts@aflc.org.

First Year Students (Juniors)GANZORIG ENKHJARGAL, 29, from Ulan Bator, Mongolia, found out about the AFLC Schools through AFLBS alumnus David Olson,

who was working with Norwegian Lutheran Missions in that country. Ganzo attended one semester at AFLBS before joining the seminary class in September. Married to Namuun, the couple has a daughter, Ariulan, born in July 2017.

LANCE MORRISON, 42, from Kindred, ND left a longtime career with John Deere to pursue the call to ministry. Having attended the

Summer Institute of Theology previously and taking a few seminary classes at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, he felt called to come to AFLTS. Lance is married to Gretchen and they are parents of Tori (13) and Logan (11). The family holds their membership at West Prairie Free Lutheran Church in rural Kindred.

MICHAEL ONSTAD, 23, of Park River, ND began his relationship with Christ at Bible Camp. A graduate of Concordia College in

Moorhead, MN, he has also taken some courses at the nearby Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Michael is now serving as a dorm assistant in the men’s residence hall at AFLBS. He is a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND.

KYLE SMITH, 26, was working as a youth leader in Ellendale, MN when he discerned the call to study at AFLTS. He is a graduate of

AFLBS and Faith International University. Originally from Howard Lake, MN, his home church is Good Shepherd Free Lutheran in Cokato. Kyle and his wife Alicia were blessed with twin sons, Malachi & Levi, the weekend before he started seminary!

NICK SINCLAIR, 40, is a part-time student at both AFLBS & AFLTS. He came to know Christ through his girlfriend, Laura, who

later became his wife. As a former youth leader from Our Savior’s Free Lutheran in Zumbrota, MN, Nick is passionate about youth ministry.

PATRICK VANDENBOS, 33, a math teacher and youth leader from Northwood, ND, read about the need for AFLC pastors and God

began to lay it on his heart to respond to the call. He is a graduate of AFLBS, the former Ministry Training Institute, and Mayville State University. Married to Anna, the couple has five children, Caleb (10), Adelyn (8), Joshua (7), Evelyn (4), and Isaac (1).

Second Year Students (Middlers)

JOE DOMBROWSKI, 38, an engineer by profession, had strayed from the faith of his childhood but came back to Christ in his

mid-twenties. He later joined Peace Lutheran in Canal Winchester, OH, where he learned about AFLTS. The account of the call of the prophet, Elisha, was a turning point in his journey to seminary.

KEVIN HALL, 34, and his wife, Amy, grew up Lutheran. In 2012, during a time of great spiritual growth, they became members of

Bethel Free Lutheran in Grafton, ND. Soon after, Kevin felt called to seminary, and so in 2016 he retired from farming and the Halls moved to Plymouth. Kevin and his wife Amy have three children, Liam (6), Maggie (5) and Jonah (1).

DAVID HANDSAKER, 34, is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a degree in Aviation Management. After working as a

flight instructor and pilot, he returned to the family farm. While driving a combine, he discerned the call of God to prepare for ministry. David is married to Lydia and they are parents to Julia (3) and Audrey (1).

Get to know ourstudents&families

MICAH KLEMME, 25, son of AFLC Pastor Todd Klemme, is a graduate of AFLBS and Concordia University Wisconsin. The Lord

placed a desire in his heart at a young age to serve Him as a pastor. He sees a great need for soul care — the Law and the Gospel in the lives of all individuals.

ANDREW KNEELAND, 25, is a graduate of AFLBS and Thomas Edison State University. As a pastor’s kid, he grew up with a “front row seat

to pastoral ministry.” Married to Esther, they are parents to Titus (1). Andrew serves as Student Life and Services Coordinator at AFLBS.

BRIAN LUNN, 25, is an Iowa native and a graduate of AFLBS and Oak Hills Christian

College. He met his wife, Leeanna, while working at a Bible camp. They have three children, Erik (2), Caedmon (1), and newborn Linnea.

BRYCE MCMINN, 39, was serving as the director of a pro-life ministry when the Lord called him to seminary. A

member of Ruthfred Lutheran, pastors Brent Olson, Steve Carlson, and Adam Osier were a great encouragement to him. Bryce is married to Erin and they have five children, Noah (10), Elliot (8), Caleb (6), Lillian (4), and Joshua (2).

SETH MOAN, 23, is a graduate of AFLBS and Crown College. The son of Professor Jerry Moan, he is the middle child of five brothers.

Seth was recently married to Cassie and they are enjoying a seminary apartment as their first home.

ERIN TORMANEN, 51, is a graduate of St. Cloud State University. He had an established career and was offered a

promotion around the time he had decided to come to seminary. He turned down the promotion and downsized his home in order to follow God’s call. With the support of his wife Jen and family — Markita, Victoria, Whitney, and Natalie — he took the step of faith and put his future in the Lord’s faithful hands.

BRIAN WESTERBUR, 28, grew up at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Pipestone, MN. He is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College.

Prior to seminary, he worked as a youth and young adult ministry coordinator. Brian is married to Allie, who is enjoying taking some AFLBS classes this year.

MAIO ZHAO (HOLMES), 38, came to AFLTS from China with the help of a former student and his family. Joining him are his

wife, Jia, and daughter, Ann. He has a deep concern for his homeland and has a goal to return after his seminary training.

Third Year Students (Seniors) KEVIN CZYMBOR, 41, was raised with a variety of church backgrounds. He became aware of the AFLC through his wife Jaclyn. They were

members of Victory Free Lutheran in Park River prior to coming to seminary. Kevin and Jacci have a two year old son, Noah, and are expecting another child in June. They enjoy living and working on campus.

CHRISTOPHER KUMPULA, 29, graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a major in political science. His political aspirations

were interrupted by the call to prepare for ministry. He is married to Rebecca and they are parents of Theodore (2) and newborn Abigail. Chris will begin his internship in January at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD, under the supervision of Pastor Kirk Flaa.

JUSTIN NELSON, 41, was a social worker in Kalispell, Montana, when the Lord called him to seminary. He resisted the call for

some time before fully surrendering his will to Christ. Justin is married to Betsy and the couple has been blessed with three children — Julia (17), Isaiah (9) and David (4).

DAVID NIEMELA, 25, is a graduate of AFLBS and Faith Evangelical College (Tacoma, WA). His home church is Good Shepherd Free

Lutheran, Cokato, where he works as a youth director. David also serves as the seminary student body president.

RYAN PATENAUDE, 35, grew up in Crookston, MN and is most recently from Canal Winchester, OH. He is

a graduate of AFLBS and Ohio Christian University and has a passion for coffee. He roasts coffee beans for the seminary and much of the campus family. Ryan is married to Stephanie and is the father of five children — Thor (8), Solomon (7), Iris (4), Louisa (3) and Felicity (infant). Ryan began his internship at St. Paul’s Free Lutheran Church in Fargo at the beginning of January, under the supervision of Pastor Micah Hjermstad.

MATTHEW PILLMAN, 23, a graduate of AFLBS and Thomas Edison State College, began to listen to God’s call on his life during his last

year at the Bible School and while on a summer ministry team. He currently serves as a Dorm Assistant as well as Admissions Coordinator for AFLBS. Matthew is engaged to Julia Erickson. They plan to get married at the end of May.

ISRAEL VAZQUEZ FLORES, 24, is preparing to return to St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Leon, Mexico to serve the

church once led by his late Grandfather, Samuel Flores. He received a degree in Modern Languages and Interculturality. Israel assisted with the Portuguese church in Geneva, Switzerland during the summer of 2017.

Fourth Year Students (Interns)

KEN FLATEN, 34, grew up on a dairy farm in Newfolden, MN and is a graduate of AFLBS and Northland Community &

Technical College. He worked in radio before answering the call to attend seminary. He is currently serving his internship at Our Saviour’s and First English Lutheran in Stanley, ND under the supervision of Pastor Rodney Johnson.

MATTHEW NELSON, 35, was raised in a ministry family and is a graduate of AFLBS and Faith Evangelical College. He is married to Lori and

they are parents to three daughters, Sophia (8), Corinne (6), and Naomi (2). Matt is serving his internship at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church in Salinas, California, under the supervision of Pastor Scott Stroud.

MATTHEW QUANBECK, 28, is a pastor’s kid, raised mainly in Minot, North Dakota. He

graduated from AFLBS and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Matt is married to Cortney and they have been blessed with two daughters, Alethia (2), and Selah (1). Under the pastoral supervision of Steve Carlson, Matt is serving his internship at Ruthfred Lutheran Church, Bethel Park, PA.

NICK SCHULTZ, 32, grew up in Madison, South Dakota. He is a graduate of Southwest

Minnesota State University in Marshall. He is married to Miriam and they have three children — Evangelyn (6), Esther (5) and Nathan (2). Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Camarillo, CA is the site of Nick’s seminary internship. Pastor James Johnson is his supervising pastor.

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