Video

Learn about the many blessings for WELS in 2012, from growth in Early Childhood Education to a meeting of our African sister synods to the annual LWMS convention.

Mark Vance, Christian Aid and Relief director of operations, highlights the humanitarian and relief aid administered after Hurricane Ernesto's damage in Mahahaul, Mexico.

See a review of all the ways WELS has been blessed in 2012 in the December WELS Connection.

Interviews with Mrs. Chikwatu, wife of the Dean of Students at the Lutheran Bible Institute (LBI) and Mrs. Mwakatika, wife of one of the LBI Professors as they describe their supporting role for the Lutheran Church of Central Africa-Malawi.

The incarcerated often realize the depth of their sin . . . they’re hurting . . . and they’re open to the message of the Savior. But can a lay person play a role in this kind of outreach? Absolutely. In fact, God has blessed WELS with one of the largest prison ministries in the nation. And the majority of the work is done by volunteers.

This story actually starts in the Vietnam war . . . When the Hmong people of southeast Asia joined the Americans to fight communism. When the U.S. military withdrew, many Hmong people were left in a vulnerable situation . . . they were persecuted . . . tortured . . . killed. And so over the past few decades the United States has been bringing these refugees to America . . .

Translating doctrine into other languages is more difficult than you might think. For example, did you know that most of Martin Luther’s writings have still not been translated into English? Even though translation is complex, it’s extremely important. Because when the basic truths of scripture are put into the language of the people, amazing things happen.

Think about your first day on the job . . . or even your first year. You had a lot to learn. Over time, experience made you better. That’s true of almost everything . . . from parenting . . . to playing football. What if there was a way to accelerate that learning curve? For our new WELS teachers, that’s exactly what’s happening.