Texas Partners in Mission

LINC Houston - Mission Festival 2010

2011-06-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

The setting: St. Mark Lutheran Church. Attendance: Full house! 23 different nationalities were represented in LINC Houston’s Mission Festival on Pentecost Sunday, May 23. God has richly blessed these ministries with leaders who devote their lives to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. May God bless all LINC missionaries and member congregations as they work together in this critical mission venture!

Bible Studies Expand Through Del Rio Mission

2011-06-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

Rev. Gary Martin, pastor of Cristo El Salvador Lutheran Church in Del Rio has been serving the Latino communities in Texas and across the border in Acuña, Mexico. Pastor Martin’s servant heart has gained the trust and respect of people throughout the area. His goal is to train leaders who will plant missions. This is happening through people like Worker Verónica Gaytán, Worker Sandra Patricia Perez and Worker Daniel Hernandez. Verónica and Sandra have started a number of small Bible study groups, a new children’s class and ladies Bible study group. Both Verónica and Sandra are taking classes through the Hispanic Lutheran Institute on line from El Paso. Worker Daniel Hernandez leads the adult Bible class and preaches once a month at Iglesia Luterana Rios de Agua Viva in Acuña and is planning to become a pastor and is also enrolled in the Hispanic Lutheran Institute. Praise God for the lives that are being touched through these missions.

Two Language Groups - One Ministry

2011-06-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

Our Redeemer in Irving is blessed with a mindset that Hispanics and English speakers can work side by side in God’s kingdom doing outreach ministry. There are approximately 204 students in their ESL program with 28 volunteers helping out with teaching, child care, snacks, youth activities, etc. All this in an effort to fulfill the Great Commission of “Making Disciples of all Nations.” To God be the glory for their faithful witness.

Our Redeemer’s ESL (English as a Second Language) is a tremendous outreach in Irving. There are 96 adults enrolled in the basic class, 25 in the intermediate, 9 in the advanced. ORLC also serves the children of the ESL students: 23 are youth and 51 are small children. A “Service of Blessing” is held to launch their fall ESL program. At the end of this service, all children and youth can come for a personal blessing from Pastor Gonzalez and Juan Zamora, a new seminary student. This personal blessing took over an hour because of all the children. After the service, over 250 bags of school supplies were distributed. Quoting Pastor Gonzalez, “God the Holy Spirit was present. It was absolutely beautiful to see and touch the faces of the children as Juan and I were blessing them.”

Another program that reaches out to the community is their annual Pan American Fair. This fair provides valuable information to families about city, state and federal agencies as well as food, fellowship and a witness of their Christian faith. The last fair had 26 vendors sharing information about banking, taxes, health care screenings, job opportunities and the ministries of Our Redeemer. This program is a huge blessings to God’s kingdom through Our Redeemer!

Partners in Mission - Lutheran Congregations

2011-06-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Congregations made special gifts to Texas Partners in Mission in 2009. Three of the churches were Trinity in Weatherford with a gift of $3,356, Rev. Ken Watson, Pastor; Trinity in Woodway with a gift of $467, Rev. James Menke, Pastor; and Lord of Life in Plano, Rev. John Lindner, Pastor. Lord of Life presented a $1,000 gift in 2009 to Michael Fuchs, Director of Development for the Texas District and pledged to give $1,000 per quarter in 2010 to Texas Partners in Mission. Lord of Life gives a tithe of all offerings to the mission and ministry of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and the Texas District and designated another 7.5% to other mission agencies. To God be praised for these faithful congregations!

Reaching the Lost in Buda, Texas

2011-06-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

For the past 4 years, two men have served as “missionaries-at-large to a bedroom community south of Austin. A Lutheran presence did not exist in Buda, Texas so Rev. Ryan Neuhaus and Rev. Paul Goeke sought permission and support for starting a mission outpost of the Gospel. Pastor Goeke began working at Home Depot and Pastor Neuhaus secured a teaching position in the local public schools. To launch their mission called The Well, Pastors Neuhaus and Goeke met people on the street and in the stores, and began developing trusting relationships. Missional Community Groups were formed that sought to share the love of Christ with people in geographical areas. Today, 30 individuals refer to themselves as Covenant Members. Pastor Goeke is now employed by the Texas District, but Pastor Neuhaus is still a full time teacher. Both men receive financial support from the Texas District and Texas Partners in Mission. To God be praised for the courageous faith of these two men!

Dallas Lutheran School - Partner in Mission

2011-06-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dallas Lutheran School became our newest Lutheran school mission partner by collecting offerings in support of the mission outreach of our Texas District and Texas Partners in Mission. The grades 7 - 12 ministry at Dallas Lutheran School is led by David Bangert, Executive Director, Todd Nitz, High School Pincipal, Brad Krause, Middle School Principal and Steve Allmon, Director of College Guidance & Chapel Coordinator. We praise God for their partnership!

Hilltop Church - Reaching the Lost

2011-06-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hilltop Church of Houston is one of our newest congregation in the Lutheran Missouri-Synod of our Texas District. This a congregation made of Korean Christians who are very thankful to be a member of the Lutheran Church. They are also a church motivated by the mission of reaching the lost for Christ. To support the mission outreach of our Texas District, they presented Texas Partners in Mission with a special gift of $1,735. Their pastor, Seungwoong Ok is currently enrolled in the colloquy program to become ordained in the LC-MS. We praise God for their courageous and generous faith!

A Long Journey to Texas

2011-06-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Missionary Kbrab Issak and his wife Eden have a commitment to serve Christ and a love for each other which shows their faith in the almighty power of God!

Kbrab completed a two year course of theological study at the Evangelical Church of Eritrea Pastoral Training Center in Beleza and was a Bible teacher in his native country of Eritrea which is northeast of Somalia on the continent of Africa. However, he was restricted to only teaching in the church, but not out in public.

After several confrontations with the civil authorities, Kbrab left in 2004 to come to the United States and attend the Association Free Lutheran Theological Seminary in Plymouth, MN. After graduation, he made his way to Houston and is currently the missionary of the Eritrean Lutheran Church, a chartered congregation of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, which has offices and holds services at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Houston. Once a month, Missionary Kbrab travels to Dallas to hold services for the Eritrean community at Zion Lutheran Church.

This story of Kbrab is a miracle all by itself, but the journey of Eden is even more miraculous! Before Missionary Kbrab left for the United States, he proposed to Eden to become his wife. She accepted. Kbrab then left for the United States, and she began a four year journey to join him. Eden and a friend, walked, took buses, trains, boats and aircraft to go from Eritrea to the Sudan, across the Atlantic to Brazil, through Central America and Mexico. They were finally married on April 25, 2009 at Pilgrim.

Missionary Kbrab is a Worker Priest within the Texas District and therefore has a full time job to support his ministry. He is also working toward his ordination in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Kbrab is one of approximately 80 missionaries in the Texas District and receives leadership support from the regional ministry of LINC Houston.

Where will we find our missionaries to lead?

2010-08-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely critical to have leaders to plant new ethnic missions in the vast mission field of Texas. LINC Houston has a “farm system” for raising up future Pastors and Deaconesses. This amazing story of God’s blessing is told in the photos representing two significant groups of people.

Pre-Seminary Training…

30 men and women are currently enrolled for three years of more in intensive Biblical and theological coursework which includes four courses per year plus two intensive workshops. This training is taught in English (LINC Bible Institute) and in Spanish (Instituto Biblico LINC). Rev. David Kim serves as Regional Coordinator for the Center of Hispanic Studies, mentor for the Ethnic Immigrant Institute for Theology and mentor for colloquy students. The courses are taught by LINC pastoral staff and Houston area LC-MS pastors and are approved by Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The Pre-Seminary Training determines who is ready for the next step.

Seminary Training…

Through LINC Houston, 19 men and women are currently in some part of the process of becoming a pastor or deaconess in our LC-MS through Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Five men are involved in evaluation for the colloquy program. These men already have theology degrees from non LC-MS institutions. Two men are preparing for the pastoral ministry and are enrolled in the English taught Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology. Seven men are preparing for the pastoral ministry and are enrolled in the Spanish taught Center of Hispanic Studies. Concordia Seminary is sending a professor from the Center for Hispanic Studies to teach these courses at the LINC Houston office. Five women are enrolled in the deaconess program.

This training is not free. The total cost of all this training exceeds $60,000 per year. Most of these students cannot afford the cost. The Texas District and Texas Partners in Mission provide support to the total mission of LINC Houston, but direct support to LINC Houston from individuals who are interested in training our future missionaries is critically important. To make a direct gift to LINC Houston for this training, send your checks to 161 West Road, Houston, 77037.

Wearing Four Missionary Hats

2009-09-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dimas Jimenez is a valuable witness to the ministry of LINC Houston. Dimas serves as pastor to Iglesia Luterano Memorial, a congregation of predominately Spanish speaking people, within Memorial Lutheran Church in Katy. Dimas also serves as one of four Mission Coordinators for LINC Houston, a position providing supervision and support to LINC missionaries in the greater Houston area. Along with his wife Ana Maria, Dimas oversees the operation of LINC’s Liberia Cristiana Nuevo Oasis (New Oasis Christian Book Store). Ana Maria manages the book store, while the back of the store serves as a major source of ministry with English as a Second Language classes. Volunteer Mrs. Gerry Woelfel serves as teacher and mentor of her faith. If those three jobs weren’t enough, Dimas also serves as Chaplain for Christ Clinic, a free health care ministry in Katy supported by LINC Houston.

Dimas has a theology degree from a seminary in Panama and is currently working toward his formal ordination as a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod pastor. He and Anna Marie moved to Houston in December, 2001 to begin his work with LINC. Dimas and Ana Maria are gifts of God to the outreach mission of the Texas District.

Lutheran Schools Support TPIM

2009-09-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

Trinity Lutheran School, Houston

Mr. David Glienke, Principal

Lutheran Schools support TPIM

2009-09-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

Trinity Lutheran School in Amarillo created a partnership with Texas Partners in Mission by sharing the mission story of mission outreach in the Texas District with their students. The teachers do their best to teach their little Trinity Tigers that the chapel offerings are one of the ways we echo to others God's call to each of us. In response to this story, $663.87 in chapel offerings were collected and given in support of the 90+ missionaries who share the Gospel hope of Jesus Christ in 15+ languages right here in our Texas District.

Pictured: Rev. Brian Hesse, Mr. Rick Ryan, Rev. David Schatte

Missions: Highest Priority in Texas District

2009-09-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Texas District places mission outreach as the highest priority by dedicating 39% of its annual budget to support missionaries in Texas. These funds are distributed to 66 missions and agencies representing over 80 missionaries who share the Gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ in over 15 different languages right here in the Texas District. Your mission offerings sent to the Texas District are much appreciated by this wonderful list of men and women.

Texas Partners in Mission is a vital life line to this priority. Individuals, congregations and schools who have become partners realize that their involvement is providing direct support to these missionaries. Gifts to Texas Partners in Mission provide assurance that our missionaries receive the support promised from the Texas District. If you would like to become a partner in the mission outreach of the Texas District, either call the District Office at 1-800-951-3478, Michael Fuchs, Director of Development, at 1-817-368-4438 or visit the Texas Partners in Mission web site at www.txdistlcms.org/tpim. If you are interested in having your gift matched and gain a bonus 1% on a Church Extension Fund investment, be sure to inquire about the 100PLUS1 program. May God bless all of our missionaries and Texas Partners in Mission!

One Congregation - Faithful Mission

2009-09-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kingsville has a mission spirit that shows itself in the gift of hope and generosity. On an annual basis, St. Paul dedicates 25% of their annual budget to reflect the Biblical principal of first fruits giving back to God. 10% is given to the Texas District and 15% is given to other missions.

The story grows from this attitude and priority. St. Paul also includes a line item in their budget to support the mission outreach of the Texas District with a direct gift to Texas Partners in Mission. Since 2003, these gifts now total over $6,000.

The story continued on Pentecost Sunday when Rev. Allan Eckert presented a $2,682 check to Michael Fuchs, Director of Development for Texas Partners in Mission, from gifts received during Lent. A special gift of $30,000 was also received from St. Paul in support of the outreach mission in our Texas District. All praise to God for this congregation’s partnership!

May their example of hope and generosity inspire us all!

Sunday School Supports TPIM

2009-09-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Prince of Peace Lutheran Sunday School from Amarillo collected their offerings for three months in support of Texas Partners in Mission and the mission outreach in the Texas District, especially the 15+ languages used to share the Gospel.

If you would like to become a partner in the mission outreach of the Texas District, either call the District Office at 1-800-951-3478, Michael Fuchs, Director of Development, at 1-817-368-4438 or visit the Texas Partners in Mission web site at www.txdistlcms.org/tpim. If you are interested in having your gift matched and gain a bonus 1% on a Church Extension Fund investment, be sure to inquire about the 100PLUS1 program. May God bless all of our missionaries and Texas Partners in Mission!

Missional Congregation - Zion, Dallas

2009-09-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Zion Lutheran Church & School was founded in 1879, near downtown Dallas. In 1957, Zion moved to their current location. Zion Lutheran Church & School’s mission is to be a Christ-centered, growing, spiritual home for worshipping God, proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing faith, educating and loving and caring for people. Today, Zion shows itself as a Missional Congregation made up by a group of believers who continually look for ways to share the Gospel message of hope with others.

Zion Lutheran School’s enrollment of 200 children hear the message of Christ throughout their day. Of special significance, 60% of the students are not members of Zion.

Zion also serves as the site for two ethnic ministries. Rev. Kbrab Isaak drives from Houston once a month to minister to an Eritrean group of Lutheran Christians. Rev. Hiram Orea provides spiritual care to the Hispanic population through Bible classs and devotions each Friday night and worship each Sunday afternoon.

Zion is also sponsoring and supporting Vicar James Jarrett in planting a new mission, Water of Life, in Forney.Rev. Robert Preece serves as senior pastor at Zion.

Pastor Preece is also the 1st Vice-President of the Texas District. May God continue to bless the staff and members of Zion, and their encouragement

Texas Partners in Mission

2009-09-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Your mission offerings to the Texas District are at work! Over 66 missions and agencies representing over 100 missionaries share the Gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ in over 15 different languages right here in the Texas District. Many amazing stories can be told about the courageous Christians who lead our mission outreach. Pictured below are four men who lead mission agencies with multiple ministries. Together, these four agencies represent over 65 ministries. Ryan Busse chairs the Board of Directors of Rio MAC, supporting mission outreach in the valley. Rev. Karim Baidaoui leads POBLO-TX in mission outreach to the Muslim community in the DFW area. The LINC programs have united existing Lutheran congregations in outreach to many ethnic communities. Rev. Mark Junkans serves the greater Houston community and Rev. Oscar Benavides serves the greater North Texas area. Please check out each of their ministries through the Texas Partners in Mission web site.

Texas Partners in Mission is a ministry which invites direct support of mission outreach in the Texas District. Individuals, groups and congregations have provided faithful support. If you would like to become a partner in the mission outreach of the Texas District, either call the District Office at 1-800-951-3478, Michael Fuchs, Director of Development, at 1-817-368-4438 or visit the Texas Partners in Mission web site at www.txdistlcms.org/tpim. If you are interested in having your gift matched and gain a bonus 1% on a Church Extension Fund investment, be sure to inquire about the 100PLUS1 program. May God bless all of our missionaries and TPIM!

ESL at University of Texas, Austin

2009-09-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

Dr. Keith Loomans is a name synonymous with ministry in the Texas District. Keith’s positive attitude about life and Christ’s love for mankind has been felt by children in the classroom and by adult leaders throughout the Texas District. In his retirement, he shares Christ’s love with students at the University of Texas in Austin by teaching English as a Second Language. Most ESL students are Korean, Chinese and Taiwanese. There are also students from Brazil, Spain and Japan. Most of the students are spouses of UT doctoral students and visiting scholars. Also working with the ESL students is Marcia Mittwede. In addition to the language classes, Bible studies are also offered. As a result of this ministry two Korean adults and one Korean child have been baptized. Praise the Lord for this ministry!

May God richly bless these missionaries of the Gospel!

Out of Sight...Out of Mind...NOT!!!

2009-09-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

When Hurricane Ike was stirring its fury in the Gulf of Mexico, residents all along the Texas coastline from Port Arthur to Brownsville, were uncertain of their safety. We know that Ike struck our Texas coast with its greatest destruction from Galveston Island to Port Arthur. Do you remember? If you live in the greater Houston and southeast Texas areas you do remember...and are still recovering!

The Texas District, Lutheran Social Service of the South (LSSS) and LINC Houston began the race to restoration within hours of the storm’s passing. People were fed, water was distributed and the Gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ was shared. LINC Houston, LSSS and church members of Texas District LC-MS churches remain active participants in the restoration effort.

LINC Houston is now recognized as one of the top 10 agencies in Houston for their food bank and food distribution. Four distribution centers were set up throughout Houston and over 20,000 supplies of food and water have been given out. Vicar Lincon Guerra coordinated food distribution at the LINC office at Beautiful Savior. Robert & Betty Stephenson represent two of countless volunteers who helped distribute food.

LINC Houston has also received high praise from the city of Houston and FEMA for their work in helping people. Families have called the helpers their “LINC Angels.” Clients and employees of FEMA are including LINC in their prayers. What a testament to God’s hand at work in bringing hope through devastation.

The need for home repair has brought an entirely new system of volunteers to the ministry of LINC Houston. Gwen Franke now serves as Volunteer Director. Case Managers Michelle Gil, Noemi Guerra and Mary Behnken assist families in completing Case Applications for repair work. Frank & Pauline McKinley and Tom Behnken serve as Project Managers who plan construction projects that have been approved. Dan & Rose Laugavits (Reed City, Michigan) serve as Construction Supervisors. Edward Gil, Saul Orozco and Steven Berlanga serve as Site Foreman. Countless volunteers show up to work!

Rev. Mark Junkans, LINC Executive Director, reports that LINC staff and volunteers have done work at over 260 homes (tree removal, tarps, clean up, repair work). The list continues to grow! Pastor Junkans is amazed at how God is using His people to share Christ’s love with others.

Houston - City of Immigrants

2009-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

I have started a YouTube channel with videos of the missionary work happening in the Texas District. Here's the first one of a series, more are available by clicking "TPIM Video" in the Links list to the left. Keep checking the blog, I'll be highlighting more videos as the weeks go by.

Deaf Ministry in Texas

2009-01-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

Deaf ministry in the Texas District is a vital partner in sharing the Gospel. Deaf people are isolated from the world and isolated from the saving message of Jesus Christ. The Texas District is blessed with two dynamic ministries to deaf people. Endowments have been created to provide long term support for deaf ministry in Texas. Your prayers and direct financial support are invited.

Jesus Lutheran Church for the Deaf - Austin
Right across the street from Jesus Lutheran Church for the Deaf….the Texas School for the Deaf. This school serves around 450 students. Their church youth program serves between 150 - 200 students from over 64 towns and communities from throughout Texas. Jennifer Ceyanes, former staff member, is the Chairperson of Education and helps plan many of the programs. And, many of these students have lived without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Last year, students also came from religious backgrounds as Mormon, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish faiths. Plus, most of the families served will not become regular members and provide ongoing financial support to this ministry.

This is the challenge and opportunity faced by Rev. Mark Seeger, pastor. For the past 18 years, Pastor Seeger has used his warm smile and big heart to share the love of Jesus with deaf children and their families.

The church also has a very unique outreach mission to University of Texas students who are taking a sign language class and required to fulfill volunteer service project hours. Jesus Lutheran Church of the Deaf has become the outlet for many university students to gain an eternal message, far more than just service project hours. Jesus Lutheran Church for the Deaf also serves adult ministries with worship, Bible studies, sign language choir and several other activities.

Holy Three in One Lutheran Church - Houston
Holy Three in One serves approximately 50 deaf people from all over the Houston area. They meet in a house which is owned by a large hearing church who allowed them to convert the house into a church. The mission of Holy Three in One is to share Jesus Christ with all deaf people in the Houston area so that not even one of them will remain lost. Rev. Larry Lieder is the pastor.

Their prayer: Pray that God will continue to bless these ministries
and that people will rise in personal support for these important ministries
to deaf children and adults in Texas.

For more information about deaf ministry in Texas and how you can personally support this ministry, visit the TPIM website at www.txdistlcms.org/tpim or www.deafaustin.com/JLCD/

Lutheran School Partnership

2009-01-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

St. Paul Lutheran School in Thorndale...

gave $334.30 in chapel offerings in support of our Texas District missions. Rev. Jim Mann and Ms. Cindy Melcher, Principal, lead the mission at St. Paul. Thanks be to God!

A Timely Gift

2009-01-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

During an economic downtown, isn’t it normally wise to preserve cash for unexpected emergencies?

Perhaps...but for Crown of Life Lutheran Church, Colleyville, a special gift was the answer. On October 28, Texas Partners in Mission received an unexpected gift of $24,048 from Crown of Life.

The reason??? Rev. David Jung said, their congregation operates from faith and not from fear. God blesses courageous faith and this was an important example to encourage their members and others in our Texas District.

Mission outreach is a high priority for Crown of Life. They provide support for 20 church planters in India through the Mission India ministry. They also provide direct support for Rev. Gary Martin’s ministry in Acuña, Mexico in close partnership with four Lutheran churches in our Texas District: Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio; Peace, Hurst; Hosanna, Kerrville and Grace, Del Rio. Rev. Oscar Benavides, LINC North Texas, also benefits from their direct mission support. To support the larger mission of the church, Crown of Life sends over $100,000 to the Texas District.

Crown of Life is planning to plant a new mission church in the broad region northwest of Colleyville. Working in partnership on this church plant are circuit congregations of Peace, Hurst; St. Peter, Roanoke; St. Mark’s, Mineral Wells and Good Shepherd, Azle. Reaching out with the Gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ is their central mission.

Crown of Life Lutheran Church is led in their ministry by Rev. David Jung and Rev. Tim Perkins. To God be the glory!

CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN AUGUST

2008-10-15T14:39:00.001-07:00

Service of Blessing - Redeemer, Irving
On August 24, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Irving hosted a Service of Blessing. The sanctuary was full of children and parents. Guest, Rev. Eloy Gonzalez led the brief worship service and then prayed for each child and youth. All students were given an age appropriate bag of school supplies. Susan Gonzalez (center of group photo) and her committee organized the event for those families who are enrolled in the English as a Second Language Program.
Photos provided by: Anna Symank

Gift of Life - POBLO Iraqi Baptisms

2008-10-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Church of All Nations - Dallas, Texas

On October 5, Rev. Karim Baidaoui baptized six members of a family from Iraq, now United States citizens. Hazim Moeen, husband and father, gave a testimonial of faith in Arabic, reprinted in English, talking about his gift of life in God’s kingdom through baptism and his faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Baidaoui is cultivating two men who already have theology degrees to become LCMS ordained pastors, Rev. Aamir Masih, Pakistani, and Rev. Abjar Bakhou, Syrian.