South America

Bolivia
The Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Bolivia asked WELS to help it become a Biblical Lutheran church body. The Latin American Traveling Theological Educators completed seven teaching trips to help this church body understand Biblical doctrine and to put it into practice.
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Brazil
In Brazil, the world's fifth-largest country, Friendly Counselor Nathan Wagenknecht, member of WELS Latin America Traveling Theological Educators is working with the Igreja Luterana Brasileira to maintain their current ministry and provide training for future church leaders at local and national levels. This young Brazilian Church is served by two national pastors and a lay evangelist. They are committed to faithfully applying God's Means of Grace in the cities of Dourados (Mato Grosso do Sul), Gravataí (Rio Grande do Sul) and Presidente Prudente (São Paulo). Missionary Charlie Flunker continues to reside in Brazil after his retirement, serving the church as a volunteer.
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Colombia
Since 1999, when WELS missionaries were pulled out of Colombia for security reasons, the Colombian national church has continued to thrive. They have now extended their mission efforts to the cities of Quibdó, Valledupar, Cartago, and Santa Marta. Before the missionaries evacuated, they concentrated their efforts on training the nationals to do ministry and outreach in Bogotá and Medellín. Currently, the Latin American Traveling Theological Educators team is responsible for maintaining contact with Colombian leaders, fostering fellowship and helping with continued theological education of the leaders. One professor visits Colombia several times each year in order to carry out these goals under the guiding hand of the Lord.
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