8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 1/16
PassionateBelievers A publication of the South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Volume 1, Issue 1 • Spring 2011
Did you know?Did you know?Over 200 attendees learned a lot aboutOver 200 attendees learned a lot about
SWD that they didn’t know before at theSWD that they didn’t know before at the‘Passionate Leaders’ conference..‘Passionate Leaders’ conference.... see page 3see page 3
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 2/16
ume 1, Issue 1 • Spring 2011 Passionate Believers
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
Welcome
Passionate Believers is a quarterly
publication of Te Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod congregations within theSouth Wisconsin District. It shares stories
about our partnership in the gospel and how
we work towards maximizing, magnifying
and multiplying the ministry that is done
with and through local congregations. If you
would like to submit ideas, stories, or letters
for the next publication, please send them to
[email protected] by May 1.
Our mission
Te South Wisconsin District empowers
life changing ministries of bold, passionate witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our vision
In a constantly changing world the SWD
discovers, celebrates and advances vibrant
models for growing discipleship, missional
leaders and church worker wholeness.
Our core valuesDiscipleship•Relationships•
Integrity • Diversity •Excellence•
in this issue:
‘Bread of Life’Easter outreach 7
‘World missions’in SWD map8–9
Prayer calendar10
Dominican Republicfounding congregation
12Stewardship13
Did you
know?
Did you know that we
have a new video on
our Youube channel?Visit youtube.com/ swdlcms to learn about
a variety of SWD
ministries including
Hmong, specific
ministry program, deaf,
chaplaincy, campus,
Free at Last, Hispanic,
African immigrant,
French-speaking
African immigrant and
Chinese ministry. Also
watch the latest from
the mission in Palmar
Arriba, Dominican
Republic, at youtu.be/ NsAxGCyqa8 .
Congratulations to
Our Redeemer,
Wauwatosa, whose girls’
basketball team won the
national championship54 to 38 over Prince of
Peace, Carrollton,exas.
he 64th annual
National Lutheran
Basketball ournament
of Champions was held
at Valparaiso University
March 26-29, 2011.
Seventy-two teams
from throughout theUnited States, each
representing a locally
based league, played for national titles
in three age divisions for boys and
girls. he tournament is sponsored by
the Lutheran Basketball Association of
America.
Tosa girls take national basketball championship
South Wisconsin District—LCMS
8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222(414) 464-8100; In Wisconsin: (800) 793-3678
Web: swd.lcms.org • E-mail: [email protected]
Cover photo: Dr. Jerry Fair and Sabrina Brooks from Emmaus Lutheran School, Milwaukee, attend a sectional at the SWD “Passionate Leaders” conference at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland February 26. Photo credit: Herman Strozier
Other Wisconsin teams that went to the
nationals included the boys’ teams from
Hales Corners Lutheran School and Our
Redeemer, Wauwatosa, and girls’ teams
from Grace, Menomonee Falls, and St. Paul,
Bonduel.
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 3/16
Passionate Believers Volume 1, Issue 1 • Sprin
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
Ididn’t know!” “Why didn’t I know?” Both
comments were heard again and again at
the “Passionate Leaders Conference” hosted
by South Wisconsin District staff at Divine
Redeemer, Hartland, Feb. 26, 2011. Te
picture on the cover of this newsletter is from
that event. Over 200 pastors and congrega-
tional members from across SWD gathered
to share with each other and learn about dif-
ferent aspects of our life together as Lutheran
Christians here in southern Wisconsin. Tere
were breakout sectionals on topics ranging
from governance to conflict, from health
benefits to retirement concerns, from congre-
gational revitalization to outreach.
Having led events like this in the past I find
that I always learn something, especially from
side conversations. Tis time it came from the
two comments above: “I didn’t know!” and
“Why didn’t I know?”
Te first came from a sectional leader from
Lutheran Church Extension Fund in St.
Louis. In a hallway conversation he said,“I didn’t know that the South Wisconsin
District was so diverse! I thought you were all
Germans up here.” An interesting comment,
to be sure.
In other discussions during the conference
and in the weeks that followed, I heard simi-
lar remarks from lay people who attended.
Tere was amazement at what we are getting
done together as the people of God in this
place, especially on the crosscultural front.Te comments have been, “I didn’t know!
Why didn’t I know that we are doing so
much in southern Wisconsin?”
Hence the reason for this new format to the
South Wisconsin News. We want people to
know what we are doing together, partners in
sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus. As you
read this first issue you will catch a glimpse
of what we are accomplishing together both
in Wisconsin and beyond as we proclaim the
saving gospel of our Lord Jesus.
If you haven’t noticed, southern Wisconsin
is no longer a “northern European” com-
munity. From the smallest rural areas to our
metropolitan cities there are representatives
of nearly every nation, tribe, language and
people. ake a look at the center pages. It is
amazing as I look at that map of the world,
and as I see faces of people from those coun-
tries right here who are now hearing the good
news of our Savior’s forgiveness because of
what we are doing together as partners.
It’s a fantastic story to hear and to be a part
of! ogether right now we are reaching more
people groups here than we ever have before.
Read Rev. Dan McMiller’s article on page
two. Tere are people here from China to
Nigeria, from Venezuela to India, from the
Dominican Republic to Burma, from the
Congo to Mexico; and we are touching them with the gospel.
Te interesting part of this story is that I have
heard essentially the same comments—
“I didn’t know!” and “Why didn’t I know?”—
from within these crosscultural groups. Tey
had not heard the gospel before coming to
southern Wisconsin. Now they know how
our Lord Jesus suffered and died for our for-
giveness. Now they know what Jesus means
for sinners.
Along with the other 215 congregations
of our District, you and your congregation
empower these ministries with your prayers,
with your financial support and with your
partnership. On behalf of these ministries, I
thank you for your generosity. On behalf of
those who now know the joy of our Lord’s
Brothers and sisters in
our Lord Jesus
Rev. John C. WillePresident
forgiveness, I thank you! I give
thanks to our God for your faith-
fulness to him, for your partnersh
as we move forward as “passionat
believers...changing life.”
It is time for us to be the
confessional Lutheran Christiansthat our Lord has called us to be.
is time for us to be “bold witness
of the scriptural truths which we
believe. What our Lord Jesus says
to his disciples, he says to us: “Yo
will be my witnesses in Jerusalem
and in all Judea and Samaria, and
the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). W
are those witnesses here and now.
It is time for us to be passionate
believers engaging our neighbors with the gospel; passionate believe
pointing people to our Savior,
passionate believers sharing his lov
and forgiveness; passionate believe
living out our faith.
May our Lord bless you, his
Kingdom and our work together!
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 4/16
ume 1, Issue 1 • Spring 2011 Passionate Believers
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
imes have changed! Some of us used to
think that “making disciples of all
nations” meant that a missionary would pack up and leave the comforts of the United
States, and move to some far-off foreign
country to preach the gospel. And this is
sometimes still the case. But more often
today “mission work” means welcoming a
new neighbor who may happen to be from
another country, helping a Hmong church
plant to advertise its services, holding a Bible
class in prison, helping an ex-offender get
a job, inviting an international student for
dinner, and the list goes on.o illustrate the scope of our worldwide
mission, we have provided a world map as
the center fold pages in this first issue of
Passionate Believers . Our little corner of the
world is the southern half of Wisconsin. Look
at how it reaches out in so many directions!
And note that those radiating lines are arrows
going both ways. People from many nations
are coming to us, but many also return to their
relatives back home again. Te Good News
of the gospel never returns void, but sows its
seeds in new ground, over and over again.
In the coming issues of Passionate Believers
we would like to introduce you to the
“world” missionaries of the South Wisconsin
District. You’ll be meeting Pastors Yia Vang
(Milwaukee), Blong Vang (Oshkosh) and
Faivneng Her (Manitowoc) who are our
local missionaries to the people of Laos and
Tailand. Our African neighbors from Nigeria,
Gambia, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghanaand the Democratic Republic of the Congo
are being fed the gospel through Pastors Chris
Ikanih (Milwaukee), Bud Palmer (West Allis),
John Reinke (Madison) and Dan Schneider
(Brookfield) as well as Vicars Elijah Ndon,
Afam Ikanih, Ben Adetiba, and Gui Kasongo
Kabeo, all of Milwaukee.
Hispanics come to southern Wisconsin
from Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico and
parts of South America. Many have foundthe peace the Lord gives through the work
of Pastor Germán Novelli (Milwaukee),
schooled in the seminary of the Lutheran
Church of Venezuela, now colloquized into
the LCMS and a pastor in our District. Our
Hispanic ministry is a two way street as Brian
and Jeanette Keller, members of Brookfield
Lutheran Church, serve as missionaries
to the Dominican Republic, building and
mentoring the construction of group homes
for the developmentally disabled as well asmuch-needed worship shelters for quickly
growing congregations, and also spent a good
deal of time on relief efforts in Haiti.
Meet Bessie Fick (many international
students have) who assists Pastor Ken
Wieting with UWM campus ministry.
Pastors Peter Kelm and Carl Lehenbauer
of rinity-Freistadt Lutheran Church in
Mequon have begun a mission outreach to
a group of Karenni refugees from Burma
who settled in Milwaukee. Our District also
partners with Dr. Alberto Garcia’s Cuban
Lutheran Fellowship and Rev. Sergio Fritzler,
president of the Lutheran Seminary in
Argentina, and Vicar Andre Solis, also of
Argentina. And learn of Pastors Larry Myers
and Eric Skovgaard of Elm Grove Lutheran
Church, who reach out to their Chinese
neighbors through the congregation’s Chinese
Fellowship ministry.
Look at the map in the center of the publica-tion and see how far the Lord is taking us!
Add to this the 70 countries we also support
in partnership with the LCMS. Let no one
hear you idly saying, “Tere is nothing I can
do!” Our good Lord has literally laid the na-
tions at our feet!
Passionate believers …
changing life
Rev. Dan McMillerMissions and evangelism
Candidate Elijah Ndon points out his homeland, Nigeria, at ast fall’s SWD ethnic folk fair t Pilgrim, Wauwatosa.
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 5/16
Passionate Believers Volume 1, Issue 1 • Sprin
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
Trinity, Howard’s Grove, reaches
out with the bread of life
W ould you like paper or plastic? As
shoppers leave their local grocery store
in Howard’s Grove near Sheboygan on Sat-
urday, April 9, they will receive a special gift
and message about the “Bread of Life.”
Members of rinity, Howard’s Grove, are
handing out 500 loaves of freshly baked
bread as a community outreach. A sticker on
each package includes an invitation to Easter
worship services. Each family also will receive
a copy of the film, Road to Emmaus . Inside
the DVD case is information about the “way
to salvation” and brochures about the churchand school.
Te spark for the project came from rinity’s
vicar, Jason Duley, who is spearheading the
effort. He was inspired by the idea that Jesus
is the “bread of life.”
Upon approaching the grocery store, Duley
and Rev. Darrel Bergelin learned an average
of 500 households go through the store on
Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Testore management was very receptive to the
church’s idea, and is selling the loaves to
them at cost. Te bread will be baked fresh in
store that morning. eams of volunteers will
distribute loaves and DVDs in the entryway,
with staff replenishing racks of bread as they
are emptied.
Bergelin first viewed Road to Emmaus at
a circuit counselors’ meeting. Written
and produced by an LCMS filmmaker,
this Easter film follows the story of Jesus
and two companions on the Sunday of
the resurrection. Created to reach the
unchurched, the 30-minute film is a widely
used evangelism tool. Trough a special
arrangement with the producer, congregations
were able to purchase discounted copies in
bulk via the South Wisconsin District offi ce.
Of the 900 videos rinity
purchased, 500 are a
bonus addition to the
bread of life outreach. After services on April
10, all 300 families in
the church will receive
a DVD. Tey are asked
to watch the movie and
then pass it on to someone they know who is
without a church home, with an invitation to
Easter moring worship. Later as elders make
visitation calls, they will distribute DVDs to
absent families.
Te project cost of approximately $2000 was
not a budgeted expense. Te opportunity
to make a special gift was announced a few
Sundays after services. o date rinity’s
members have contributed about $2500.
“God’s people by nature have a heart for
missions,” Bergelin said. “But I am amazed at
how members responded.”
Tis unique evangelism outreach piqued the
interest of the Road to Emmaus producers.Tey plan to send a cameraman to record
footage of the bread and DVD giveaway.
“I am
the
bread
of
life.” John 6:35
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 6/16
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 7/16
Passionate Believers Volume 1, Issue 1 • Sprin
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
into the marvelous light of his grace and
truth.
Look at 1 John 1:7.But if we walk in the light, as he is in the
light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us
from all sin.
How is it we are saved? In what or whom
alone can we boast?
As recipients of God’s marvelous grace, with
whom do we share a new relationship, this
new status?Tough we are one in Christ, that doesn’t
mean we’re all the same. We have different
talents, gifts, and abilities as Paul reminds
us in Romans 12:4-5: For as in one body
we have many members, and the members
do not all have the same function, so we,
though many, are one body in Christ, and
individually members one of another.
With the various gifts God offers and the vast
diversity we manifest, yet there is an evenmore marvelous unity we possess as God’s
people, the church.
Look at Ephesians 4:4-6 and Acts 2:42.
Tere is one body and one Spirit—just as
you were called to the one hope that belongs
to your call—one Lord, one faith, one bap-
tism, one God and Father of all, who is over
all and through all and in all.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers.
With the diversity of gifts and talents,
what do we share in common? What is it that
holds us together, and shapes or forms our
life together in word and deed?
We, the people of God, the church,
grounded in the pure teaching of the Word
and the proper administration of the
Sacraments (AC VII), have a unity that
transcends and outlasts all others. Ours is a
unity of faith. Tere are no divisions or
factions. No group is any more important
than another. No one’s above another, but we
all are under Christ who is Lord of all.
And at the same time, we’ve been given a
mission. We have a task to complete.
Working together, sharing a common burden,
we reach out to the world to proclaim the
pure gospel. We strive to let the word of
God, both Law and Gospel, be heard
everywhere. We work together that many
more may come to know the truth of the
gospel and the salvation which is ours
through Christ. Rejoicing in the unity of
faith, in all we do—in works of mercy, inbearing witness to Christ and the Gospel,
and in our life together—we are “eager to
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace” (Eph 4:3), bearing witness to the
marvelous grace of God that extends even to
sinner/saints like us.
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 8/16
MexicoMexico
Venezuela/Brazil/ArgentnaVenezuela/Brazil/Argentna
“World Missions” in the South Wisconsin District“World Missions” in the South Wisconsin District
“Therefore go and make disciples“Therefore go and make disciples
of all natons, baptzing them in theof all nat ons, bapt zing them in the
name of the Father and of the Sonname of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teachingand of the Holy Spirit, and teaching
them to obey everything I havethem to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I amcommanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end ofwith you always, to the very end of
the age”the age” (Mathew 28:19-21).(Mahew 28:19-21).
Cuba/Hait/Dominican RepublicCuba/Hait/Dominican Republic
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 9/16
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 10/16
ume 1, Issue 1 • Spring 2011 Passionate Believers
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
SWD missions weekly prayer calendarSo that even more people will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, the South Wisconsin District is committed to be “passionate believers…changing life,” reaching out to people both inside and outside of the church. We invite you to partner with us in prayer, asking that the Holy Spirit will bless the ministries and those who are involved with them as they share the good news of Jesus Christ on our behalf.
Week of April 3 – Remember Pastor Bud Palmer and Pastor
John Reinke this week as they serve a vital and growingministry among our deaf communities and theirfamilies in our District. Often forgotten because of theirsilence, these people need our prayers and assistance asmuch as any other handicapped children of God.
Week of April 10 – Now that spring is in the air, let us pray for safety from the dangers that spring weather can oftenbring. Our District’s Disaster Relief eam reminds usthat this is ornado Awareness Week. Pray that if we facedisaster and great loss, that this may give opportunity toshare God’s love and our faith in him with others.
Week of April 17 – As Jesus made histriumphal ride into Jerusalem on thisPalm Sunday, pray that the salvationhe won there is not ours alone, but itis our responsibility of love to share with all people. Let us humbly ask the Lord to bless the many missionsof our District as we support those who reach the nations in our own
back yard.
Week of April 24 – He is risen indeed!Hallelujah! Pray that our joy in theassurance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection will renew in us the zeal to serve him in all that w e think, say and do in ourefforts to share this wonderful news with others.
Week of May 1 – Prayerfully approach God’s throne this week on behalf of Pastor Germán Novelli and the spreadof the gospel through our District’s Hispanic ministry
in areas of Racine and Milwaukee. Pray that the light of God’s Word will reach this quickly growing population.
Week of May 8 – In our prayers this week, please rememberV icar Gui Kasongo, a French African immigrant andsoon to be an ordained LCMS pastor who has a vital roleas missionary to French-, English- and Swahili-speakingmembers in our District.
Week of May 15 – Pray this week for the work of Brian and
Jeanette Keller, members of Brookfield Lutheran Church, who are on a two-year mission in the DominicanRepublic. Tere they are building group homes and worship shelters while hosting volunteer mission groupsfrom the U.S.
Week of May 22 – As the school year comes to a close,bless our students and their parents amidst all of theactivities of our LCMS grade schools, high schools anduniversities. Ask the Lord to keep these precious soulsfaithful to him in all they do until he calls them home.
Week of May 29 – Hold up our Ex-Offender ministry this week and ask theLord to bless the efforts of Vicar AfamIkanih, Candidate Elijah Ndon and lay worker Patrick Batom as they assist andequip many to find their way to truefreedom through Jesus Christ.
Week of June 5 – Tis week, pleaseremember in your prayers our SWD’sinternational student ministry and the re
lationship that Bessie Fick is fostering withforeign students as this ministry seeks tokeep students close to the Lord and reachout to others who don’t know him yet.
Week of June 12 – Remember ourDistrict’s Hmong ministry this week.
Please ask the Lord for his Spirit to encourage Pastors YiaVang, Blong Vang and Faivneng Her in their ministry among their people and in raising up future leaders intheir communities.
Week of June 19 – In your prayers this week, please includeour District’s Partnership in Teological Education in its work of training Specific Ministry Pastors and lay ministry leaders to serve and shepherd God’s people invarious capacities.
Week of June 26 – Remember our brothers and sisters this week who live in great need of both physical and spirituahelp in many of our urban neighborhoods. Pray thatGod will enable us to support our sister congregations inorder to sustain their ministry of compassion and hope.
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 11/16
Passionate Believers Volume 1, Issue 1 • Sprin
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
A s I came into the South Wisconsin
District just over seven months ago,
there were many things I didn’t know regarding the dynamics of school ministry as
it pertained to SWD. However, in this short
amount of time, one element is evident; there
are many administrators, teachers, and leaders
who are passionate believers…changing life
for school ministry! With that as the
primary theme and focus, it has allowed me
to embrace the challenges with hope and
certainty that with effort and passion SWD
school ministry can remain the important
endeavor it has been known for throughmany generations.
Did you know… that there are 35 free-
standing preschools, 58 elementary schools
and six high schools serving over 11,500
children and students in SWD?
Unfortunately, one elementary school did not
open for the 2010-11 school year—Gospel,
Milwaukee. As hard of a decision as it is
to close a school ministry, we do consider
ourselves as a district very blessed, as many schools in other districts faced greater school
closures. Nationwide, 57 schools did not
reopen for the 2010-11 school year.
Did you know… that many of our
administrators meet on a monthly basis
(within their region) for fellowship and
professional growth activities? From some of
these efforts, a greater sense of urgency has
been established to provide and lead staff
through professional development thatpertains to “best practices” in the classroom.
As of today, some of our schools are
collaborating on how to do things together—
building the bridge from one ministry to
another. Tis group, which started with a
few schools, is adding more administrators
and schools that see the vision of doing
ministry together!
Did you know… that with the assistance of
the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
(LWML), the District provided grants to73 students studying to be full-time church
workers (25 pastors, 40 teachers, three lay
ministers, two DCE/DCO, one deaconess,
two directors of parish music) at one of the
Concordia Universities or Seminaries? Over
$47,900 was given out to help with tuition
costs! Te average disbursement was $971
for seminary students and $473 for college
students.
Tere will be many more “Did you Knows”in the coming issues of Passionate Believers . It
is my hope and prayer for school ministry in
SWD that we not only think outside of the
box, but actually step outside to remain viable
and the premier educational institutions
within our congregations, communities and
neighborhoods. With great challenge comes
greater opportunity to be bold witnesses of
passionate believers…changing life!
Schools in bold witness
Mark L’HeureuxSuperintendent of schools,
youth and family
Educators of the year for 2011 were honoredat a dinner reception at Silver Spring
Country Club, Menomonee Falls. From
left: Denise Kegley (early childhood), Our
Redeemer, Wauwatosa; Sue Kalchbrenner
(elementary), Zion, Menomonee Falls;
Myrna Lastusky (high school), Lutheran
High, Sheboygan; Jim Breytung (principal),
Our Redeemer, Delavan.
2011 educators of the year
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 12/16
ume 1, Issue 1 • Spring 2011 Passionate Believers
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
Dominican Republic
LCMS mission field update
Founding a new congregation
Rev. Walter Ries, Jr.
On February 6 we celebrated the birthof a new church in Licey as four
adults were confirmed and we celebrated
the Lord’s Supper for the first time. Some
twenty-plus people came together, including
members from the mission in Santiago, to
celebrate the presence of Christ among us
for the forgiveness of sins through Word and
Sacrament. We give thanks to our Lord Jesus
Christ for his tender mercies which are new
to us each day!
Te mission in Licey began
through contacts made with
the local community through
one of our Amigo de Jesus
clubs, a club which meets
monthly to provide Bible
activities for children with
developmental disabilities
and their families. Te four
confirmands came out of this
group. Currently, anothereight adults are now in confir-
mation classes in Licey!
February was a big month for confirmations
as we also celebrated the confirmation of ten
in Palmar Arriba and four in Las Americas!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Please keep all of these new confirmands in
your prayers.
First seminary course offered Rev. ed Krey
From February 11-15, a five day intensive
course was held in Las Americas on
Lutheran themes such as theology of the
cross. Seven Dominican men from three of
our mission sites attended. Te course was
taught by Rev. Sergio Fritzler, director of
Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tis first course represents
the initiation of our newly developed
four-year seminary curriculum which will
be offered by the seminary in Argentina.
Te men studied the Heidelberg thesis,
an excellent article by Herman Sasse, and
learned about the important difference
between the “Teology of the Cross” and
“Teology of Glory.” Please pray for Luis,
Yban, Josef, Willy, Manuel, Jon and Pedro
as they embark on studies that, Lord willing, will lead them to being shepherds of the flock
here in the Dominican Republic.
First ordination
On February 14, Vicar Willy Gaspar passed
his three-hour colloquy exam before four
faculty professors of Concordia Lutheran
Seminary of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He received a divine call as well from the
congregation in Las Americas, Amigos de
Cristo, and was ordained and installed March13. Please pray for him and give thanks to
our Lord Jesus from whom all blessings flow
as we celebrate our first Dominican Lutheran
pastor among us after five years of study and
five years of mission work in the Dominican
Republic.
Container arrives from
Orphan Grain Train!
On February 25, after 9 p.m. on a Friday
night, the container from Orphan Grainrain arrived. Inside were gifts from the sum-
mer CPH VBS offerings, and also furniture
for the group home, school and valuable ther
apy equipment. Tank you to all involved!
Please keep our ministry in your prayers.
Dominican Republic mission team (from left): Rev. Walter Ries, Danelle Putnam, Administrative Assistant Kisayris Gebhardt and Rev. Ted Krey.
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 13/16
Passionate Believers Volume 1, Issue 1 • Sprin
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
Stewardship in SWD
Did you know about the stewardship
resources we have in SWD? Do you
know what kind of stewardship example youset for the members of your congregation?
wo separate and distinct questions, yet they
need to be asked at the same time. Congrega-
tions often come to the offi ce when they are
in a budgetary crisis. Tey think a steward-
ship program or resource will be the “magic
bullet” that will solve some of the congrega-
tion’s financial woes. Resources and programs
are just that—short-term fixes that fail to
address a bigger problem.
Te problem often results from a poor at-
titude and understanding of stewardship
from the leadership within the church. In his
book Ask, Tank, ell , Charles Lane says that
“stewardship is being held hostage by this
evil notion called paying the bills…and when
all the commitments are made and the bills
are all paid at the end of the year, someone
will say ‘we had a good year in steward-
ship.’” All leaders in congregations need tolearn and understand the LCMS definition
of stewardship which is: “the free and joyous
activity of the child of God, and God’s family
the church, in managing all of life and life’s
resources for his purposes.”
When we all understand the definition, as
leaders we realize that our churches need to
show their people that a tithe should be used
for work outside of the local congregation.
When we understand stewardship from a freeand joyous perspective, we will use resources
that focus on the grace of God in Christ and
our response to that grace. We will work at
shifting the attitude from the individual or
congregation as owner to that of manager.
Te District has many resources to assist your
congregation as they move from a “bill paying
mentality” to the free and joyous attitude.
Resources for annual stewardship programs
include “Consecrated Stewards” from LCEF.
Tis process is biblically based and helpscongregations to change their perspective
from the church’s need to receive to the giver’s
need to give. In the process, participants learn
more about the grace of God, his purposes,
and how financial stewardship should be a
reflection of that grace.
In addition to “Consecrated Stewards” the
District offers assistance in planning for
year-round stewardship, capital campaigns
through LCEF Capital Funding Services, andChristian legacy stewardship opportunities
through Gift Planning Services. Congrega-
tions are welcome to contact me for assistance
in hosting a stewardship fireside chat.
Long-term change can be achieved when con-
gregations address their stewardship culture.
Tis can be achieved by utilizing the resource
“Faith Aflame” which is available from
the LCMS website. Faith Aflame provides
thought-provoking material which is used with the leaders of the congregation. Leaders
meet in stewardship learning communities to
study what the word of God says about stew-
ardship. Most important, they learn about
Tim DittloffLCEF District vice president
and stewardship
the mission of the church. Tis
is summed up so well in the
Synod’s new threefold vision
of “Witness, Mercy and Life
ogether.” Stewardship has an
integral part in living out this
vision.
As one wise stewardship
leader said at a recent meeting,
“Mission without stewardship
is impossible, but stewardship
without mission is pointless.”
Let’s work together on being
models of stewardship for the
members of our church.
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 14/16
ume 1, Issue 1 • Spring 2011 Passionate Believers
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
Participating in Christian missions is
great way for young people to spend
some time over their summer break. In July
each of the past two years, St. John, West
Bend, has sent an Alaska mission team,
which included a total of nine “tweens,”
teens, and young adults, to put on a vaca-
tion Bible school (VBS) in Healy, Alas.
Miles away from home and loved ones, the
youth grew closer to each other and the Lord
through their work and daily Bible study.
Comments made by the young people
after their experiences show that Christian
missions benefit both those on thegiving and the receiving end:
“When I went to Alaska, it made
me realize that God is in control.
He will guide your every step if you
let him.” —Sam, college student
“Te Alaska mission trip made me
realize why I am a Christian. Some-
times it takes meeting someone
who doesn’t have God in their lifeto appreciate him in your own.
I grew so much on the mission trip and
had a blast with the kids and our amazing
team!” —Allie, high school student
“I learned a lot about kids in another place
that was really different. I helped them
learn about Jesus and how he loves them.”
—ommy, middle school student
Participating in missions is a great way to
grow in faith, help others, and discover who
God made you to be. Contact Alan Lull at
(262) 707-9198 or alull@stjohnswestbend.
org for information about St. John’s mis-
sions in 2011.
Adult and youth missions
benefit all involved
How do you change the lives of 15-25
high school and college students and
adult members in your church? Consider
a mission trip to Mexico to build a house.
Immanuel, Brookfield, has been building
homes for the
last nine years.
Members fromrinity-Freistadt,
Mequon;
Covenant,
Milwaukee;
Lamb of God,
Pewaukee;
and other area
churches have
also joined them.
Te mission trip to to Acuña, Mexico in-
cluded a total of six days traveling and team
building, and four days building a home.
Te house measures 15 by 30 feet with
three rooms. In four days it is built from
the foundation to roof. It is intended for a
family of five to eight persons with a house-
hold income of $15-30 per week.eam members have felt blessed to be
God’s “hands and feet” in the process of
bringing God’s love to the families the
houses are built for. Mission trips enhance
and change the lives of others, and yours as
well. Contact Rick Schmid at (414) 750-
1286 or [email protected] for more information.
Mission trip
changes lives
Members from Immanuel, Brookfield, build a home in four days.
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 15/16
Passionate Believers Volume 1, Issue 1 • Sprin
maximizing, magnifying, multiplying ministries
8/7/2019 Passionate Believers Spring 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/passionate-believers-spring-2011 16/16
Te South Wisconsin District empowers life-changing ministries of bold, passionate
witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dominican Republic children in Palmar Arriba wave hello.
Passionate Believers home delivery
Rev. Dan McMiller leads the procession to the ordination of the first native Dominican Republic Lutheran pastor.
Jeanette and Brian Keller are organizing missionteams to build group homes and worship shelters.
Upcoming events
April
11 eaching the Faith workshop,
Zion, Menomonee Falls18 eaching the Faith workshop,
St. John, North Prairie
May
9-11 SWD Pastors’ Conference, Appleton
14 Lutheran Schools Night at Miller Pa
17-18 Gathering at CedarValley, West Bend
June
8-9 LCMS Schools Funding Academy II Wisconsin Dells
July
9-12 Lutheran Singles AssociationConference, Cilca, Cantrall, Ill.
or $5 per year you can have four quarterly issues of Passionate Believers delivered to your door. Make your check payable to South WisconsinDistrict and mail to Passionate Believers , 8100 W. Capitol Dr.,Milwaukee, WI 53222. Remaining issues of paid subscriptions to theormer South Wisconsin News will be transferred automatically.
Name ________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________
Top Related