LATTE

Bolivia

2012-01-24T12:18:00.000-06:00

Professor Retberg & Bolivian Students

LATTE Professor Larry Retberg began making teaching trips to La Paz, Bolivia in 2007. After four years of visits, the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (FIEL) requested a full-time LATTE seminary professor to teach what the Bible teaches.

The Strackbeins

In March, 2011; Professor Philip and Kathy Strackbein moved from Santiago, Dominican Republic to La Paz, Bolivia to serve the church leaders.

Professor Strackbein & Student-Pastor Julio

Professor Strackbein is currently teaching theological courses to seminary Student-Pastor Julio and 10 Bible institute students on-site. He and Kathy also participate in activites of the local congregation, El Redentor.

El Redentor, La Paz

Recently, five children were baptized at El Redentor after their parents studied the doctrine of baptism with Pastor Julio.

Go to www.welsinbolivia.blogspot.com for additional details on the ministry training in Bolivia.

Puerto Rico

2012-01-17T19:18:00.000-06:00

On the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico (PR), Pastor Manuel serves a congregation in San Juan and another in Humacao as Pastor Sergio serves the Guayama congregation. One seminary student, Eligio, is getting close to his completion of seminary courses. During the past two years, he has been studying online via Skype with a LATTE professor.

Professor Wagenknecht & Seminary Student Eligio at WELS Synod Convention -- July, 2011

This month, Professor Larry Schlomer is teaching Eligio one of his courses on-site in Humacao, PR.

Seminary Student Eligio & Professor Schlomer

This teaching trip is a great opportunity for face to face interaction between teacher and student while also providing encouragement to Eligio. Often times, seminary students in Latin America do not have fellow classmates in the same city or even country. That is one of the many benefits of LATTE trips in letting the student know they are not alone and also a chance for the teacher to see his student 'in action' as he serves his local congregation.

At the WELS Synod Convention in July, 2011, the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Puerto Rico was formally recognized as an independent sister church in full fellowship with WELS. Contact with this church will continue through the Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR).

New Classes in the New Year

2012-01-10T21:26:00.000-06:00

The new year has come, and with it the beginning of new classes for LATTE.

Some students are starting an online doctrine course called Escatología--the study of what the Bible says (and doesn't say) about the end times--with Professor Retberg. Another student, nearing the end of his formal seminary studies, has started an intensive four-week study of the book of Isaiah with Professor Schlomer. A few will continue examining the Augsburg Confession with Professor Strackbein. And still others are just starting a class on the history of the Christian church. It is my privilege to teach this class on Church History.

And I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to getting to know Henry, Jairo and Raul, three student-pastors in Colombia whom I haven't yet met face-to-face, but will soon get to know over Skype. I'm in León, Mexico; they're in Medellín and Quibdó, Colombia. We'll study together across the Internet.

I'm also looking forward to reviewing the lessons we can learn from history. I marvel at how God has preserved his church over the centuries. I appreciate how past Christians have fought to defend Scripture's truth against subtle false doctrines. I learn from them how to recognize and fight false doctrine today.

The new year has come. And as we begin a new class on Church History, we ask God to help us learn lessons from the past.

Rosca de Reyes

2012-01-06T16:06:00.000-06:00

Ingredients:

1/3 cup warm water
1 packet yeast
4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs -- beaten
3/4 cup butter --room temperature
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon anise seed
4 teaspoons vanilla
A small figurine or toy (optional)
Candied Fruit -- 2 cups of assorted fruit cut into strips (figs, orange, lemon, mango or cherries)

Topping

1 egg beaten (egg wash)
1/3 cup sugar (topping)

Directions:

Sprinkle yeast on surface of water (in cup) & let it sit for 10 min
Combine yeast water, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, cinnamon, anise seed & vanilla in large mixing bowl
Mix until a dough forms
Knead dough for 5 min
Cover & let rise in a warm area until dough is doubled in size (est. 2 hours)
Punch dough down and shape into ring

Roll dough into a log shape & bend the ends around to form a circle or you can make three thinner strips and braid them, putting ends together

Ring should be 12-14 inches diameter

Lift up one area & insert toy by pushing it up through the bottom

Smooth out any lumps or tears

Add the dried fruit by laying it across the top and pressing it in slightly
Let it rise until doubled
Brush top with egg wash & sprinkle with sugar
Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees

This holiday bread shaped in a ring is common in many Latin American countries to celebrate Día de Reyes - Kings' Day (January 6) with a small Jesus figurine baked inside. The tradition follows that whoever finds the figurine must host tamales on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria - Day of the Candles. Go to thewagenknechts.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/balloons-and-bread for more details.

Happy Epiphany!

Christmas in León, México

2011-12-31T23:10:00.001-06:00

Between the flashing Christmas lights and piñatas, you can find nacimientos - nativities on display here in México during the Christmas season.

In México, many families participate in a posada - commonly a re-enactment of Mary & Joseph looking for an inn in Bethlehem. Each family in a neighborhood will schedule a night to host the posada during a 9-day period, leading up to December 24th. Each night, the group of pereginos - pilgrims wander from house to house with lit candles, looking for a place to stay. They make their request through a special song. Then they are turned away, until they reach the home of the host, where they pray the Rosary and sing hymns of praise in front of the nativity. Then the children are blindfolded and try to break open a piñata with a stick. The piñata is often full of candies, fruit, and peanuts usually accompanied by a regional hot ponche - punch for the adults.

This year, our mission, Cristo Resuscitado, offered special activities during this joyous Christmas season. The events included decorating the church, a Christmas for Kids night, and a fellowship potluck with a piñata for the children (and adults). In preparation for these activites, several of our prospects introduced some Christmas traditions to us. We discovered that children enjoy little wrapped candies and mandarin oranges along with freshly cut sugar cane as a special gift in addition to our homemade cookies.

Regarding decorations, we found out the nativity scenes can become quite detailed including ponds made out of foil to house ducks surrounded by paper palm trees. Much work is put into setting up the nativity, but baby Jesus isn't placed in the manger until midnight. This is connected to the family custom of rocking baby Jesus late Christmas Eve after a special meal.

It is a challenge to distinguish between family traditions and religious customs. As a mission, we are slowly developing our own congregational Christian traditions with input from the members and prospects focused on Jesus Christ our Savior.

We were delighted to almost have standing room only for our special Noche Buena - Christmas Eve Service and 21 for our Sunday morning Christmas Day service.

May God continue to bless the efforts of telling the story of Jesus around the world!

Christmas Greetings from LATTE

2011-12-24T23:04:00.000-06:00

¡Feliz Navidad! Feliz Natal! Merry Christmas!

Christmas greetings from our hearts to yours as we celebrate our Savior's birth!

Noche de paz, noche de amor,

Todo duerme en derredor.

Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz

Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús

Brilla la estrella de paz

Brilla la estrella de paz.

Noite de paz! Noite de amor!

Dormem todos em redor.

Em Belém Jesus nasceu,

Rei de paz, da terra e céu.

Nosso Salvador é Jesus, Senhor.

Silent night, holy night,

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child.

Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Christmas -- Dourados, Brazil

2011-12-21T17:23:00.001-06:00

When considering Christmas customs in Brazil, you have to realize that it is a big country, with many very distinct regions. Food and customs are different by region. They are also different among the many ethnic groups, nationalities and religions that live in Brazil. But there seem to be three things that all regions have in common, perhaps excepting the Amazonian Indians.

Christmas presents are a must in Brazil. Everyone gives presents to as many people as they feel necessary. So right now, two weeks before Christmas, shopping is the big activity - in all parts of Brazil.

The second common custom is family visits. This is similar to the United States, except that here in the southern hemisphere summer vacation has just begun, so the visits can be prolonged. Many companies give collective holidays from the week before Christmas to the week after New Year's Day. City government also closes down for that period, and health posts are left with very few doctors, which is the down side of the custom. What a wonderful time to either visit or receive visitors! (But not a good time to get sick.)

Family

The third common custom is food, but here it is restricted to the Christmas Eve supper. A hold-over from the Catholic midnight mass, all people seem to think that the Christmas Eve supper should happen after midnight, no matter what their religious beliefs. What happens then is that the whole night is taken up, first by the supper and then by night long visiting. The weather is warm, the doors and windows are open, and in many neighborhoods people are in and out of each others' homes all night.

Public Market

In our congregation we try to have several Christmas services over a two week period, to give everyone a chance to worship the Savior at least one.

Youth Group Practicing Christmas Musical

Feliz Natal!

Christmas -- Medellín, Colombia

2011-12-18T13:16:00.000-06:00

Literally thousands of lights deck the city, from small windows in homes to great expansions over the river. It could be called the city of lights at Christmas time in Medellín, Colombia.

Commercialism has crept into a city where years ago the focal point of Christmas was the pesebre (manger scene). Now you can see blown up Santas along with the sleigh and reindeer, as well as stores full of “stuff”.

However in the homes of the members of La Santa Trinidad congregation, the pesebre is still the focal point. A pesebre that is without Baby Jesus until December 24th. A pesebre whose figurines slowly are moved, making their way to Bethlehem from December 16th until the 24th. This is the time of the posada, 9 days before Jesus’ birth. Tradition is that the children go around to various homes in their neighborhood where they will hear a short devotion, have a snack, sing songs and receive a small gift. It is a time of great excitement.

In our churches, our people are also preparing for Jesus' birthday. A pageant of the Savior’s birth is being practiced. Special choirs gather to learn songs of joy and praise. Their focus is real, they are celebrating the birthday of their Savior, a Savior who came to live, and die, and rise again for all of their sins. Jesus, the TRUE Light of the world has come. That light in their heart and lives is the only one that counts, and makes Christmas what it truly is.

¡Feliz Navidad!

Update from South America

2011-12-14T21:37:00.000-06:00

Bolivia

A LATTE Professor has been in La Paz, Bolivia, since March of this year. His purpose is to help a small church body in its effort to become a confessional Lutheran church. The instructor reports that there is good progress. The pastor of the La Paz congregation is now preaching and practicing sound Biblical doctrine and other leaders are also gladly receiving Biblical instruction. Though there has been progress, there is still work to be done.

Brazil

Despite church break-ins and unexpected bills from the city, God is helping the members of the Gravatai congregation to slowly increase support for their local ministry. Another two baptisms and five confirmations show God's grace in action. The Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) is in the process of producing evangelism tracts that deal with current issues in Brazilian culture. National pastors gathered around God's Word for spiritual growth and mutual encouragement in October. In November, WELS representatives met with the ILB to discuss options for how the WELS and the ILB might work together so that the gospel may continue to be proclaimed in the world's fifth largest country.

Colombia

The growth of the church in the Medellin, Quibdó and prospective Pereira area is slow.The willingness of the church of Medellin to relocate Pastor Herrera to a new city and partially support him shows the seriousness it takes mission work. This idea is under strong consideration and is an objective for the immediate future once more prospective members are added. This outreach commitment merits support and encouragement. The growth in Bogota has been very limited. Efforts are being made to help the congregation focus on evangelism, as well as the LATTE efforts to train three leaders of the congregation.Training of one pastor continues via Skype and with personal visits from LATTE professors. Training of two more student candidates is under consideration.

A Growing Mission

2011-12-09T15:44:00.000-06:00

This Sunday, the mission Cristo Resucitado -- Resurrected Christ in León, México; received its first two members with over 50 people in attendance. These two new confirmands, Javier and Victor, have been studying the Bible and its teachings with local Missionary Brad Krause for the past year.

It has been amazing to watch the Holy Spirit work in their hearts. Both began attending weekly Bible studies, then worship services regulary, and bringing their families to church activities. Listening to their initial questions about God's Word transform into concrete affirmations of faith has been heart-warming. Tears flowed down my face as I witnessed Javier and Victor confess their faith and take Holy Communion with our mission team.

This joyous event has also served as an encouragement to others who are taking instruction classes with Missionary Krause. Several expressed their excitement to become members of the congregation and want to continue to learn more about the Bible and its teachings.

It is neat to watch our church family grow and become active. Some invite friends and family to worship services, Bible studies, and fellowship activities. Some take ownership by providing snacks for after the worship service, cleaning and building maintenance, or donating items as needed. Last week, a man brought a Christmas tree, this week someone else brought a stand for it, and this Sunday, multiple families brought Christmas decorations.

Being part of the congregation in León, is one of the abundant blessings of serving on the LATTE team. The opportunity to share my faith and build relationships with fellow believers is an awesome privilege I will always cherish.

May God continue to bless the mission efforts in México and around the world.

Cristo Resucitado is located in Léon, Guanajuato, México and began regular worship services in July, 2010. The Lord has blessed the efforts of this mission in countless ways as mission workers share the good news of the Savior Jesus Christ with the souls in Léon. Go to www.luteranosmexicanos.net and www.lutheransinmexico.com for more information on this mission.

Field Visit

2011-12-02T19:01:00.001-06:00

Last month, three WELS Representatives arrived in Brazil for a 14-day tour of Igreja Luterana Brasilera (ILB) – The Brazilian Lutheran Church. Pastor Robert Smith serves as the chairman for our Administrative Committee for Latin American Missions (AC-LA) as well as liaison to LATTE, Mr. Ernesto LaTorre serves on the AC-LA as the newly appointed liaison to Brazil; and Dr. Robert Anderson serves on the WELS Board for World Missions (BWM). Read below as they share their observations.

Friendly Counselor Nate Wagenknecht, Mr. Ernesto LaTorre, Pastor Robert Smith,

& Dr. Robert Anderson

"Affluence next to poverty in an ethnically diverse culture. Loving family oriented

people with outward trappings of Christianity all around them but a desperate

need for the saving Gospel. These are the striking impressions left with me after

visiting Brazil. Visiting Sao Paulo allowed me to see the unique challenges we face

in working with fellow Brazilian Lutherans to spread the Gospel in the second-most populous metropolitan area in the Americas. The fast paced-high-rise condo life style makes it very difficult to reach out with the Word.

In contrast to the densely packed cities are the vast expanses of farmland in central

and southern sections of the country. Smaller cities and a slower paced life allow

us to work with the people to spread the Gospel message. Worshiping with our

brothers and sisters in Gravatai and Dourados warmed my heart and reassured me

that the work of the Holy Spirit through WELS missionaries for the past 24 years

has born much fruit. I am left with the prayer that our Lord will allow us to continue assisting the ministry in Brazil."

-- Dr. Robert Anderson, WELS Board for World Missions Member

"Our trip to Brazil brought many memorable moments. One of them was the church dinner held on a Sunday night in Dourados. The church had prepared a special meal in the Brazilian style of churrascaria, which includes various meats roasted on spits over a barrel of Brazilian charcoal. As the meal was starting, there was a thunderstorm going on outside, and the lights started to flicker. Just a couple minutes later everything went dark. That did not stop the meal. Some people turned on their cell phones to provide light, others their cameras. Together with a flashlight or two there was enough light to continue. And then, just about when everyone was done eating, the lights came back on.

This event made me think a little bit about the bigger picture. Brazil is a land like any other, filled with people who live in the darkness of sin and unbelief, people who need the light of a Savior. The darkness seems overwhelming, considering that we have only two rather small congregations in the middle of a land of 200 million. Nevertheless, Jesus sends us out with the light of the gospel. Just as with the light of the cell phones was enough for the meal, so the light of the gospel, even though the workers are few, will shine and accomplish God's purpose in Brazil."

-- Pastor Robert Smith, WELS Administrative Committee-Latin American Missions Chairman

Five Children Baptized

2011-11-29T16:45:00.000-06:00

“To be sure, children are brought to Baptism by the faith and work of others; but when they get there and the pastor or baptizer deals with them in Christ’s stead, it is He who blesses them and grants them faith and the kingdom of heaven. For the word and act of the pastor are the Word and the work of Christ himself.”

(What Luther Says, Vol. 1, p. 51, 141)

When LATTE professors first came to Bolivia, the doctrine of infant baptism was not being clearly taught or practiced. When the LATTE professors began to teach this doctrine and show the great importance of putting it into practice, they met with some resistance. A family with five children who regularly attend worship services at Redeemer Lutheran congregation had never had any of their children baptized because they thought that it was not necessary to do so. After much instruction from Scripture with an emphasis on the spiritual benefits that come with baptism, the parents of these five children finally agreed to have their children baptized.

What a joyful moment it was when five precious children received this precious gift which has granted them the benefits of the forgiveness of their sins, becoming members of the family of God and having the assurance of a home in Heaven once this life is over.

Go to www.welsinbolivia.blogspot.com for more details.

Thanksgiving Blessings

2011-11-23T15:47:00.000-06:00

LATTE gives thanks for the faithful service of its professors who travel far from home, stay in less than ideal circumstances and serve our Lord by training men to serve as leaders of their churches.

Also for recent trips to the Carribean, Colombia, Bolivia and Brazil where we had the opportunity to carry out our calling with zealous and excited students who are eager to serve their Savior.

Also for the new plan underway in Colombia to train even more nationals and to prepare one of them to fully participate in this training.

Maté Doce

2011-11-19T09:47:00.000-06:00

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Ingredients:

5 T Sugar
3 T Chocolate Power
3 T Water
1 Liter Milk
1 1/2 Cup Coconut
Bomba (Portuguese) / Bombilla (Spanish)

A tube or drinking straw with a strainer at one end, especially for drinking maté (tea) and is a custom to share with others

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Directions:

Mix sugar, chocolate powder, & water together
Add milk when sugar, chocolate, & water form a paste
Boil for 10 minutes & stir occasionally
Pour coconut into a thick cup
Insert bomba into coconut
Pour hot mixture into a tall cup
Cool for 5-10 minutes
Drink & share

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Recipe provided by Geiciely & Karla, members of Star of Bethlehem in Dourados, MS, Brazil. A hot drink on a cool winter day.

Update from the Caribbean

2011-11-16T07:55:00.000-06:00

The Lord continues to provide believers and to bless the work being done in the Caribbean. A teaching trip was completed this October to one of the Spanish speaking countries with the objective to teach the Psalms and to do sermon text studies.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican mission field has experienced many great blessings in the first half of this year. The members and workers there are passionate about the gospel and have a great mindset for evangelism. The pastor in Santiago has been considered capable by two LATTE pastors of teaching seminary-level courses to his fellow Dominicans. The Dominican field receives no subsidy at the present.

Haiti

The Haitian outreach has also experienced tremendous blessings this year. The connections with Haitian orphanages have resulted in 62 orphans receiving saving faith through the washing of Holy Baptism. It is the hope that the current partnerships and other orphanage leaders can continue and even expand (with the hope of also reaching out to an additional area) so that more souls may be reached and may hear the gospel in a country where voodoo and other false practices are the norm.

LATTE's work focuses on Spanish-speaking countries plus Haiti. WELS also serves English-speaking countries of the Caribbean -- Antigua, Grenada, and St Lucia.

Committed to Serve

2011-11-11T17:19:00.000-06:00

Seminarian Carlos serves a congregation in the Caribbean as a Student-Pastor. Currently, he receives his ministerial training by visiting LATTE Professors while continuing to serve his congregation of 41 members, of which four are children, 31 women, and 10 men.

Student-Pastor Carlos & LATTE Professor Nathan Wagenknecht

Tell us about your congregation.

I have a beautiful congregation named Gethsemane. Our worship services are at 10 am, and Bible studies are carried out three times a week. We also have a Bible institute with five students. The services are offered in the Pastor's house. We have a Board of Directors, with a President, Co-pastor, Secretary and Treasurer. Every December 25th we hold a special service with various activities.

What are your goals or plans for the future?

My plans and goals en the future are to establish a new congregation in a larger city, since I plan to reside there in the future, and thereby have a central house of the Lutheran Church in order to then establish new missions. All of this with the help of the Lord.

How do you hope to serve?

My plans for future service are to work full-time as a Pastor and relocate to the larger city, which is where right now there is a need to work with more effort.

My favorite Bible passage:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
-- John 3:16

Mexico Update

2011-11-08T06:50:00.000-06:00

Monterrey, México

InSeptember, the Mexican Lutheran Church (IELC) celebrated its 20th annualnational convention at the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) congregation in Monterrey.National pastors and delegates attended from throughout the country, comingfrom as far away as northern Sonora and the Yucatán peninsula. For the firsttime an online ministry meeting was held the day before the convention todiscuss how to coordinate the various ministries being carried out in a numberof the congregations. For the first time the average weekly worship attendanceis over 400.

Go to www.lutheransinmexico.com for more details.

"Lord, it is good for us to be here!"

2011-11-03T16:42:00.000-06:00

Echoing Peter's reaction to Jesus' Transfiguration (Matthew 17), a small group of pastors and evangelists of the Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) met on October 10 and 11 to bask in our Lord's glory through study of his Word. Despite an 8 hour drive for one pastor and a 22 hour bus ride for another, the fellowship, encouragement and renewal in the gospel was worth the effort. In my role as WELS Friendly Counselor to the ILB, I had the privilege to attend, and -- despite a four day delay between flights to get here -- I agree it was worth the effort. It was good to be here!

I shared a study on 1 Kings 19:9-18, reminding us that God continues to work through his "still, small voice" in the gospel to save sinners. Pastor Roberto, an ILB home missionary in Presidente Prudente, led us in a discussion on evangelism. Pastor Elcy of Jesus Salvador congregation in Gravatai, guided our review of lay ministry. And Pastor Charles of Estela de Belem congregation in Dourados, provided a summary of ILB history from 1986 to 2011 and opened the discussion for future plans under God's grace.

But just as Peter, James and John could not stay because there was still work to be done, we also "came down from the mountain" to return to our ministries -- refreshed and renewed. For me, that means a few weeks of study with Evangelist Gilberto reviewing what the Bible says about Church and Ministry, and then guiding members of our Administrative Committee of Latin American missions on a field visit in the beginning of November.

Pastor Elcy, Pastor Roberto, Volunteer Missionary Charlie Flunker,

LATTE Missionary Nathan Wagenknecht, & Evangelist Gilberto

Thank you, Jesus, for our time together with you and each other!

The Five Solas of Reformation

2011-10-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sola Scriptura — by Scripture alone

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about [Jesus]. (John 5:39)

From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:15-16)

Sola Gratia — by grace alone

So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Romans 11:5-6)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Sola Fide — by faith alone

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. (Romans 3:21-22)
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. (Romans 3:28)
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:4-5)
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (Philippians 3:8-9)

Solo Christo — by Christ alone

These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31)
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name [Jesus Christ] under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Romans 5:8-10)
No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
[God] wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:4-6)

Soli Deo Gloria— glory to God alone

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)

Fall Update - 2011

2011-10-27T16:41:00.000-05:00

The LATTE professors are continuing to carry out the teaching according to its established plan and schedule. Trips to Bolivia, Colombia and the Caribbean have been made. National churches were encouraged in their evangelism efforts and were provided with the theological education that they had requested.

A plan for finalizing the seminary training of a pastor in Santiago in the Dominican Republic still needs to be worked out, so that he can continue the training of future students in that country.

A final trip to Puerto Rico (PR) to finish the class work with a seminary student is still planned for January 2012. After that no trips will be planned except at the express request for continuing education by the Puerto Rican church and the CICR liaison to PR.

In Mexico, the last full-time seminary student has resigned. A recruitment effort is planned with the national church, with the hope of beginning a new class of seminary students in July of 2012. Meanwhile the two LATTE professors residing in Mexico are using the unexpected time to do course work, increase the number of hours taught over the internet to various students, and make several teaching trips during this time period. This time may also give LATTE the ability to help Colombia with the training of two new pastoral students.

LATTE Mission Kits

2011-10-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

Great news! Three updated LATTE Mission Information Kits are available for use in your congregation, school, LWMS, OWLS, WKW, and other WELS-related groups.

LATTE Kit - Some Sample Items

What is a Mission Information Kit?

Each display kit provides information on a specific WELS mission field. As LATTE works with missions in North America, The Caribbean, and South America, each LATTE kit includes handicrafts, flags, musical instruments, and other materials from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the Caribbean; including a book that reveals details of LATTE's work in ten countries of Latin America.

How do I use a Mission Information Kit?

These display kits give WELS members a hands-on experience to items available on a mission field, giving a little insight into the lives of the people we are serving in that mission. The mission kits are used at congregational mission festivals, Christian day school, high school, college and Sunday school quarterly projects, LWMS rallies and conventions, WKW workshops, ladies group outings, OWLS, and other WELS-related events. Groups normally use a kit for two - four weeks.

How can I access a LATTE Mission Information Kit?

The mission kits are stored at a centralized location called WELS Mission Information Center (MIC). A LATTE kit can be ordered online or by telephone 414/771-6848 or 1-800-466-9357 or fax 414/771-6130. It is recommended to order your kit as soon as possible as orders are processed on a first come, first served basis. Allow 2 weeks prior to your event for shipping.

How much does it cost?

The group requesting a kit is responsible for shipping costs to return the kit to the MIC. A $10 donation is suggested for the shipping from the MIC.

You can also request a mission speaker on LATTE at www.wels.net/speaker-request-form.

Between Borders

2011-10-20T07:40:00.000-05:00

This month, Professor Nate Wagenknecht and I departed our home in León, México to visit the Lutheran Church in Brazil. Our flight itinerary took us from Mexico through Peru and then Bolivia to Brazil. While changing plans in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, the airline notified us of a problem with our Brazilian visas and would not allow us to board the plan. We were stuck between borders.

As it was 3:00 am on a Saturday morning, we had to wait until Monday morning to visit the local Brazilian Consulate. We did take advantage of the wait and visited some Inca ruins outside the city.

We met with an agent at the Brazilian Consulate as planned and filled out the initial paperwork for a new Brazilian Tourist visa. The next step was to find a local photo studio to get passport-size photos taken and go to a specific bank to pay the fee to process the visa. We returned to the Consulate with the photos and payment receipt from the bank. After we answered a few more questions, the agent told us to return the following day. We spent the afternoon making new travel arrangements with our stateside travel agent through the Internet via Skype and emailed our contacts in Brazil.

The next day, we went to the Consulate, reviewed the final documentation, signed a couple of papers, and left with new visas in hand. Our new Brazilian visas have a later expiration period as well as a longer maximum stay.

Our 3-hour layover in Bolivia turned into a 4-day adventure. We are thankful to God for his protection during this unexpected delay and that there was a Brazilian Consulate in Santa Cruz that processed ours visas so quickly.

Go to http://thewagenknechts.wordpress.com/tag/delay/ for more details on this journey.

Moros de Habichuela Negra - Black Beans & Rice

2011-10-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Ingredients

3 cups rice
2 1/2 cups of black beans -- soaked overnight & boiled until really soft or canned
3 cups hot water
2 garlic cloves -- minced
1 Tbsp cilantro
1/2 cup celery
3 Tbsp oregano
1 chicken bouillon cube
1/2 large onion
Green peppers -- optional
3 Tbsp Adobe (multi purpose Caribbean seasoning)
Black pepper -- to taste
Salt -- a few pinches to taste
Canola oil -- to coat bottom of pan
Olive oil -- to drizzle over rice once ready

Directions

Add canola oil to bottom of a heavy pan & heat oil on medium high heat
Add garlic, onions, chicken bouillon cube, salt, pepper, cilantro, celery & green peppers & saute until garlic & onion are tender (after oil is heated)
Add black beans (soft) and saute all together for about 5-6 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble (after garlic & onion are tender)
Taste the black bean mixture to adjust seasoning -- add more salt or adobo if needed
Add rice & combine with the bean mixture (after seasoning is adjusted)
Stir together until rice & beans are well incorporated
Add hot water to rice & beans and stir (water should be about 1 inch above the rice mixture)
Bring to a simmer until the water meets the level of rice
Stir whole mixture once & then cover the pot
Lower heat to low and DO NOT OPEN THE POT OR STIR for 20 minutes
Uncover & drizzle some olive oil over rice mixture

Recipe provided by congregation member in the Dominican Republic.

Motivated to Serve

2011-10-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

Seminarian Eric serves two congregations and a remote group in the Caribbean as a Student-Pastor. Currently, he receives his ministerial training by visiting LATTE Professors while continuing to serve his congregation members.

Why did you start training for the ministry?

The motive for me to begin training for the ministry is the desire to win souls for Jesus Christ.

Student-Pastor Eric

How are you currently serving?

In these moments, I attend to two congregations directly and to one group of brothers that are in another city be means of letters ("snail mail") and e-mail.

How are you using your seminary training now?

The classes have been key in the effectiveness of my ministry since they have given me the possibility of knowing how to distinguish between the law and the gospel in the Word of God, bringing sound doctrine to my brothers in the faith; also the ability to carry out a more effective evangelism program.

What are your goals or plans for the future?

The plans or goals for the future is to continue to win souls for the kingdom of God, as well as to be able to raise up congregations in other cities of my country for the glory of the Lord, for which it is of vital importance the Bible knowledge which our professor imparts with such excellence.

My favorite Bible passage is:

"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” - Romans 1:17.

Behind the Scenes

2011-10-05T17:51:00.029-05:00

In the realm of WELS Latin American missions, LATTE exists as a separate "field" from the individual mission fields of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, etc. We play a supportive role to the individual fields and national churches by assisting in the theological education of their church leaders. So communication and coordination of plans is essential to our service.

A few weeks ago, I had the joy of participating in a three-day planning session for the ministry in Mexico. When discussing the local ministry, fellow LATTE Professor Larry Schlomer and I could serve as consultants and sounding boards for various projects. When discussing the seminary, we helped brainstorm ideas for recruiting future students, starting the new school year, and taking another step forward in the national church's development--offering workshops to prepare qualified national pastors to become seminary professors for the Mexican seminary.

As a LATTE missionary, I am not called to serve a specific congregation as their pastor. And I admit I miss teaching, preaching and administering the sacraments regularly to a particular flock. But I truly enjoy being a part of the "behind the scenes" work of training and supporting the men the Lord provides to shepherd his people. I pray our Savior will bless our future plans to turn them into present reality, as he knows best.

Tortillas

2011-09-28T23:47:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

3 cups masa harina (special corn flour)
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups warm water

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl -- adding the water slowly, until dough is tender
Knead about 5 min (until dough can form balls)
Cover with cloth & let stand for 1 hour
Divide the dough into balls -- the size of a small lemon
Roll out each ball using the rolling pin on a floured surface until very thin
Grill tortilla in a heavy-bottomed skillet or on griddle over high heat
Turn with spatula and cook the other side when edges begin to dry
Cook other side until it begins to fluff up -- 4 to 5 min for each tortilla
Wrap in cloth or tortilla warmer to keep tortilla fresh and warm
Serve immediately

Recipe provided by an English student in León, México.

Trip to Apolo Update

2011-09-24T23:28:00.000-05:00

(Update regarding previous post - "Man proposes - God disposes")

There was a strike in the city the day we returned. The strikers started to block all the roads going in and out of the city at 5:30 a.m. just after we arrived. If we had arrived a half an hour later, we would not have been able to enter La Paz and would have had to find someplace to stay outside the city until the strike was over. The Lord is good!

Photo provided by www.netglobers.com.

Man proposes – God disposes

2011-09-21T16:19:00.000-05:00

Trip to Apolo

Road to Apolo

One of my duties in Bolivia is to visit the national church congregations that are located in outlying areas of Bolivia in order to strengthen our fellowship ties and also to see if there might be some potential theological education students who could study with us. The first trip was to Santa Cruz. This month another trip was planned to the outlying area of Apolo. There is a saying that man proposes but God disposes. That clearly turned out to be the case in this instance. My wife, Kathy and I, Julio, the pastor of Redeemer Congregation in La Paz, Julián and his wife, Ana all headed out for the town of Apolo in the mission car at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Julián & Ana

Stop for Lunch

We were told that the total length of the trip would be around 12 hours. We had traveled for 7 hours when it became evident that the car was losing power. I stopped the car to check the oil and to see if there was any other evident problem. Once the car had stopped, I attempted to put the car in Park, but found that the gearshift lever was jammed. Then I made an inadvertent mistake. I turned the motor off in order to check the oil. I found that both the motor oil and the transmission oil levels were ok, so the decision was made to try to keep going to the next town in order to try to find a mechanic who could look the car over. However, when I tried to start the car, I found that I could not do so since the car, having an automatic transmission, will only start with the gearshift lever in Park. More efforts were made to get the gearshift lever to move, but to no avail. A mechanic in La Paz was called and he made some suggestions, but nothing worked.

Finally the decision was made to call the insurance company and ask that a tow truck be sent. The insurance company told us that the only two trucks available were in La Paz, 7 hours away. Since there didn’t seem to be any other alternative, we asked that one be sent. Meanwhile we began to pray that a car with a mechanic would stop and help us out. None came. We were on a very isolated stretch of road. A vehicle would pass about once every half hour.

Fog Rolling In

Since a special invitation had been made by the president of the Apolo congregation to attend their yearly voting assembly, it was felt that it was very important that at least some members of the group still try to get to Apolo by hitching a ride or by flagging down a bus that was headed in that direction. At 5:30 p.m. a bus picked up Julio, Julián and Ana. Kathy and I stayed in the car to wait for the tow truck from La Paz. Around 7:00 p.m. a heavy fog moved in and surrounded the car. It was clear that our trust in the Lord was being tested. What if another vehicle smashed into us? What if thieves held us up? We put the reflector triangle behind the car and also turned on the blinker lights whenever we saw the lights of a car approaching from either direction. Since the road we were on was high in the mountains, as night fell it began to get very cold, and of course we could not use the heater of the car to warm us up. Since Apolo is located at a lower and warmer altitude, we had each only brought along a light jacket.

Fog

The tow truck finally showed up at 10:00 p.m. The driver was a mechanic and tried to get the gearshift lever to move, but was unable to do so. The only option was to take the car back to La Paz. They pulled the car up onto the flatbed of the tow truck. Since three men had come in the tow truck, there was no room for us to ride in the truck. So, we sat up in the car for the ride back to La Paz. The car was comfortable and has reclining front seats, but the downside was the cold. The ride back to La Paz took another 7 hours and we finally got in at 5:30 a.m. We thank the Lord that He was with us throughout this ordeal and that He got us back home safely. Our trust is that His plans are always best.

Go to www.welsinbolivia.blogspot.com/2011/09/traveling for addtional details.

¡Viva México!

2011-09-17T19:22:00.000-05:00

September 16th is Independence Day in México! Last year, Mexico celebrated its 200th anniversary. Every year, many proud Mexicans celebrate their independence with family and friends with food, decoration, and fun!

Green - Hope, White - Unity, & Red - Blood of National Heroes

A few fun facts on how they celebrate ....

The preparations

The planning can begin with handing out party invitations 2 weeks in advance. Other preparations include purchasing food and beverages, cooking, and setting up decorations along with tables and chairs.

The decorations

Cardboard horns, hats, toys, streamers, balloons, flags are hung everywhere displaying green, white, and red. Costumes can range from charros (cowboys), indios (indians), adelitas (female soldiers from the Mexican Revolution) or chinas poblanas (a tradition dress of the Mexican Revolution era). Accessories may include sombreros de paja (straw hats), paliacates (bandanas) or rebozos (shawls).

The meal

The meal can offer nachos, guacamole, refried beans, traditional sweets-mazapanes, cocadas (coconut sweets), and glorias (caramels with pecans) as appetizers followed by enchiladas, flautas, tostadas, and tacos.

The drinks

Beverages can include aguas frescas with tamarindo, jamaica, horchata or limón (lemon) in addition to some traditional drinks of tequila - margaritas, palomas (tequila and sour), and banderas (tequila, sangrita, & lemon juice). Micheladas are also popular.

The music

Live music can often be heard from some marimberos (marimbas), drums, or mariachi. A collection of ranchera, cumbias and corridos are common along with karaoke.

The games

Lotería, a game similar to bingo, is often played by all in addition to the traditional piñata full of candy. Throughout the night, week, even month, fireworks will fill the sky.

The grito

Every year, the President of the United States of Mexico repeats the traditional cry for independence from the National Palace in the zócalo of Mexico City, around 11 pm on the eve (15th). After shouting the names of independence heroes and the words, "Viva México" (Long live Mexico), he rings the bell, then waves the Mexican flag, and then sings the national anthem with a live audience of over a half a million people and many viewers watching it live on television or over the Internet. Many attend similar celebrations locally as their mayor or governor participates in the same tradition in the main plaza of many cities and towns throughout México.

The national symbols

Mexico's first flag was created in 1821 and has changed 8 times. The current flag for Mexico was adopted in 1968 and made official in 1984. The seal has always been the same-the image of an eagle sitting on a nopal (a type of cactus) devouring a snake, which is from an aztec legend. This signal lead them to establish the city of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City). The national anthem was writtten in 1853 by González Bocanegra and the music by Jaime Nunó. It was officially released in 1854.

Teaching Sunday School

2011-09-12T19:21:00.000-05:00

One of the many joys of being a missionary's wife is to help out with local ministry on the mission field. In the past several months, when the regular Sunday school leader was out of town, I have served as back-up. What an important and fun role in sharing precious Bible stories with children! It is a great way to review the stories for my own spiritual growth, but also develop creative ways to teach the stories along with simple project ideas for future leaders to continue. Often, missionaries struggle to find the balance of doing enough, but not too much. Modeling, assisting, and introducing ministry ideas, yet not establishing something that the national church leaders and members will not be able to maintain.

This Sunday, one of the Sunday school students was so excited to recite a Bible passage to me that she had memorized throughout the week. A priceless moment I will continue to treasure!

May God bless your service, as you find opportunities to share God's Word with others!

Dedicated to Serve

2011-09-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

How did I come into contact with the Lutheran Church?

"Towards the end of 2005, I met Pastor Frank who taught me to know the pure doctrine of the Bible, which I still take and share with many people. Motivated by the instructions I received, in 2008 I received the call to be a Student-Pastor. I continue to labor in this ministry with love and determination because there is no greater satisfaction than to serve the Lord every day. Among the plans we have for the future, the most important is to prepare ourselves more every day in the Word of God, preach it to every creature and thereby win souls for the Lord."

LATTE Professor Nathan Wagenknecht & Student-Pastor Carlos

My favorite Bible passage is:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Luke 10:2.

Bolinho de Chuva

2011-09-05T10:03:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

2 cups of flour
1 large egg
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder
½ cup of milk
Ground cinnamon

Directions:

Mix baking powder, egg, flour and milk in abowl
Form into round balls and fry in oil (completely covered in the oil)
Roll in cinnamon and sugar afterfrying

Notes: They taste a little like cinnamon and sugar donutholes. For more variety small pieces of apple can be added to the mix.

Recipe is from Brazil.

Work in Brazil

2011-09-01T19:02:00.003-05:00

Mission Established: 1987

LATTE Service:

Professor Nathan Wagenknecht begins regular teaching trips in 2003

Professor Nathan Wagenknecht becomes WELS Friendly Counselor to the Igreja Luterana Brasileira (Brazilian Lutheran Church) in 2009 to assist in maintaining their current ministry and provide training for future church leaders at local and national levels

Online Education

2011-08-29T09:49:00.000-05:00

LATTE Professors offer online education to their students over the Internet. The professors are in the process of developing additional theological online courses for students to study in areas where LATTE isn't on-site and to be able to participate in online discussions with classmates throughout Latin America. Much preparation is needed for each course, so in the meantime, some classes are taught to the students via Skype. Several online courses are already available and have been taught to Latin American students including a few in the USA.

Quesillo (Flan)

2011-08-25T21:12:00.009-05:00

Ingredients:

1/2 cup white sugar

6 eggs

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

14 oz milk

Directions

Stir sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until melted and caramel-colored (it is easy to burn, so stir constantly)
Pour the sugar mixture into a double boiler pan
Whisk together eggs, sweetened condensed milk, & regular milk

Double Boiler Option:

Pour milk mixture over sugar mixture in double boiler pan after blended well
Add water to the double boiler & cook at medium heat for 1 hour (it is done when a knife comes out clean)
Remove from the double boiler and cool for 15 min before turning out onto a plate

Oven Option:

Pour sugar mixture into a round pan (glass) or loaf pan (glass)
Pour milk mixture into the pan over sugar mixture
Place pan (glass) into a larger pan (glass) & put into a 350 degree pre-heated oven
Pour boiling water into outer pan to a height of about 1 inch
Bake for about an hour or until knife comes out clean
Turn the quesillo out onto a plate or serve from pan

This recipe is from the Dominican Republic, but is common throughout Latin America.

Work in Mexico

2011-08-22T21:29:00.001-05:00

Mission Established: 1969

LATTE Service:

Professor Larry (and Marlene) Schlomer continue to reside in Puebla in 2003
Professor Ralph (and Roxanne) Martens continue to reside in Sonora in 2003-2006
Professor Philip (and Kathy) Strackbein relocate to Puebla in 2003-2006
Professor Larry (and Marlene) Schlomer relocate to Torreón in 2005
Professor Nathan (and Julia) Wagenknecht relocate to Torreón in 2009
LATTE families relocate with Mexico Mission team to León for security concerns in 2010
LATTE-trained seminary students graduate from Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Confesional (Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Church) - Carlos (2004), Israel (2005), Juan (2007), Alejandro (2009), Carlos (2010), and Jorge (2011)

Meeting Together

2011-08-18T08:40:00.001-05:00

LATTE Professors: Larry Retberg, Larry Schlomer, Philip Strackbein, & Nathan Wagenknecht

Earlier this month, the LATTE team met in Milwaukee, WI for some long range planning. Since the four of us live in three different countries, we don't meet face to face very often. Conference calls and email keep us in touch between meetings, but nothing completely replaces the free flow of ideas and collaboration we have when meeting face to face - during the meeting and during breaks and meals together.

We spent time thanking God for the ways Jesus is blessing his church through our 57 students and the national church bodies. We offered each other advice and encouragement as we shared our challenges. We rededicated ourselves to providing the best theological education we can with the gifts God has given us, asking the Lord himself to overcome our weaknesses.

It is still our goal to assist the national churches in their theological education needs - offering seminary training to men who desire to serve as pastors and who already are serving as pastors, equipping qualified national pastors to be seminary professors themselves, and follow up on requests from independent pastors or church groups interested in becoming confessional Lutherans.

Registering a Car - Part 2

2011-08-15T18:31:00.007-05:00

The following are the steps we had to take to purchase our car here in Bolivia and get it registered:

- Francisco returned to La Paz and gave me his report. We then went back to the third floor of the Motor Vehicle department, got another order for a telegram to be sent, this time to Santa Cruz.

- Then we went back to the SENATER office, paid another fee and had the second telegram sent to the Santa Cruz Motor Vehicle office. They said they would call us when they received a reply.

- We waited over a week for the reply which never came.

- Right at that time I had a scheduled trip to Santa Cruz to visit the congregation of FIEL that is located there. Francisco was designated to accompany us. We decided that while we were there we would personally visit the Santa Cruz Motor Vehicle office to see what had happened with the telegram that had been sent.

- When we got to Santa Cruz we were able to find the Motor Vehicle building there and first went to the telegram office. They told us they had not received the telegram that supposedly had been sent.

- Next we went to the vehicle registration window. They found a file folder on our car, but it simply had a note about the crime that had taken place in 2007. There was also a document in that file indicating that the vehicle was actually registered in La Paz! The lady at the window told us that we would have to go to the Motor Vehicle department in La Paz in order to obtain the document we needed.

- When we got back to La Paz, tired of all the run around we were getting, we hired a lawyer to look into the matter and try to get the document we needed. The lawyer was successful in getting the document.

- With the final required document in hand, we went back to the Motor Vehicle office in order to submit all the papers. After waiting four hours in line, when we got up to the window, they told us that the previous person in line was the last one they were going to attend to that day.

- We went back the next day early in the morning. This time we only had to wait three hours and finally were able to submit all the documents for getting the vehicle registered in my name.

- Now there were only three more steps to take before everything would finally be finalized. First we had to take the vehicle transfer papers from the Motor Vehicle department to a notary in order to have the signatures both of the former owner and the new owner notarized.

- Next we had to take all the papers back to the Mayor’s office in order to get an ownership card from them.

- The final step was to take a copy of all the papers to the police department in order to get a certificate of ownership from them.

- Finally, after a month and a half of running around, the car is now legally ours. We thank the Lord that He has granted us success in this endeavor.

Work in Haiti

2011-08-11T20:46:00.002-05:00

Mission Established: 2010

LATTE Service:

Professors conduct teaching trips to Port-au-Prince in 2003
Teaching trips discontinue due to security precautions in 2004
Professors train Haitian students in the Dominican Republic
LATTE-trained Pastor Rona begins mission outreach in Cap-Haitien in 2010

Registering a Car - Part 1

2011-08-10T18:02:00.007-05:00

The following are the continued steps we had to take to purchase our car here in Bolivia and get it registered:

- Then came the process of registering the transfer of ownership of the car. The first stop was the mayor’s office. We had to make a copy of all the ownership papers and the purchase contract that had to be submitted there. The line there was very long and it took all morning to finally get to a reception window where we submitted the required papers. We were then given two documents. One was a bill for the taxes owed for doing the transfer. The other was a document to turn in to the Motor Vehicle department so that they could legally register the car purchase with the government.

- We got into another line at the Mayor’s office to pay the taxes owed for the transfer of ownership.

- With the receipt for the tax payment in hand we made another copy of all the documents and then went to the Motor Vehicle department. When we got there we saw on the wall a long list of requirements for getting the car registered. We already had most of the required documents, but there were two that we didn’t have.

- The first requirement that was missing was a vehicle inspection. When we got to the location of the vehicle inspection with the car, they had their own list of required documents in order for them to be able to make the inspection.

- We went to get the required documents for the vehicle inspection and the next day returned to the vehicle inspection site. This time we were successful in getting the vehicle inspected. However, the vehicle inspector told us that we would have to get photos of the small plate located on the inside of the windshield which had the number of the motor on it and also a picture of a sticker located on the door frame of the car.

- We went back home and I took the pictures of the two items that had been requested and printed them. The next day we took the printed pictures back to the inspector and showed them to him. He rejected them and said the pictures had to be done by a professional photographer.

- We found a photographer who took the pictures, printed them out, signed his name to them and this time they were accepted.

- We had to wait a couple more days for the vehicle inspector’s report to get sent back to the Motor Vehicle department. When we returned there, we were told to go up to the third floor in order to obtain the other required document that we still did not have.

- At the office on the third floor we were told that in order to get the document that we needed, we would have to go to a different office called SENATER in another part of town. At this office they would send a telegram to the city where the car had been previously registered in order to get a copy of the former registration papers. The officer signed a paper giving the order for the telegram to be sent.

- We then drove to the SENATER office where telegrams were sent from and gave them the signed paper that we had received from the officer at the Motor Vehicle building. We paid their fee and they gave us a receipt and told us they would call us when the answer came.

- Three days later they called us and told us to go back to the Motor Vehicle department in order to get the answer. So we went back to the Motor Vehicle department, went back up to the third floor and asked the officer there for the answer to the telegram. He replied that he did not have the answer. We would have to go back to the SENATER office in order to get the reply. He signed another paper authorizing SENATER to give us the reply. Then off we went back to the SENATER office.

- The SENATER office did indeed have the reply to the telegram. The reply stated that they were not going to send the information by telegraph. Rather we would have to go personally to the city of Cochabamba in order to get the required registration documents.

- So that I would not have to interrupt my classes, Francisco and I went to a lawyer’s office and I had a power of attorney document written up for Francisco. He was then able to make the trip to Cochabamba with out my needing to go along.

- When Francisco got to Cochabamba, he went to the Motor Vehicle building there and inquired about the registration document that was needed. He was told that the only officer who could do the search for the required document was not there that day.

- Since Francisco did not want to wait around possibly for several days until the officer in question would return, he asked around and was able to get the phone number of the officer. He called the number, but a family member answered. The family member said she would try to find the officer, which she did. The officer agreed to go with Francisco to the Cochabamba Motor Vehicle office to search for the required document.

- When they got there, the search began through a whole room full of file folders. The officer examined the file folders one by one and he allowed Francisco to also examine each folder. After four hours of searching they both concluded that the required file was not there. The officer then made some calls and discovered that the former registration documents were actually in Santa Cruz.

Colorblind

2011-08-08T11:27:00.005-05:00

Retired Missionary Charlie and Beth Flunker share details on returning home to Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul where they serving Igreja Luterana Brasileira – The Brazilian Lutheran Church as active volunteers.

When was the last time you thought about the color of your skin? I'm guessing that most of you live in places where one skin color predominates, and people of another race and skin color are few. You might have some in your congregation or neighborhood, but they are the minority. As you might well imagine, different colors of skin are the rule in mission work, and often it is the missionary who is the minority.

Charlie and I just returned from our annual visit to the US. The trip was very interesting! In the Chicago airport, waiting for our flight, we observed the people. That airport has many international flights, and we began to see people of many different nationalities. When we finally decided to sit down in the gate area of our flight, we begin to interact with the many Brazilians, who are returning home from the US. This interaction continues on the plane. The Brazilians often take us for Germans, who are the light-skinned and light-haired people living in Brazil, so we always have a ready-made conversation starter.

Once in the bus station we see a wider variety of skin colors. Everyone uses the efficient and comfortable bus system in Brazil. There are business people, students, store owners with huge sacks of merchandise going back to their small towns after the buying trip to the big city, old people going visiting, whole families, and actually people moving all their belongings in large feed sacks. We can pick out the Bolivians, who have noticeable facial characteristics, and who are returning to their homes just across the frontier from Brazil. Here, as well as in the 15 hour bus trip home, we see all skin tones and walks of life.

This all happened from Wednesday to Friday of last week. So it was rather unique that Gilberto, our evangelist, preached a sermon on Sunday that was based on Peter's vision of the sheet full of unclean animals, and the lesson that Peter learned from it. God does not look at people's skin color, He just wants to find faith in their hearts. So it is important for us to accept one another, and to reach out to all people, because if God doesn't see any difference in skin color or social level, neither should we. Wonderful reminder to get back to work here in the mission field in Brazil!!

We pray that you have also learned this lesson, that a soul is a soul, no matter the external covering, and all souls are tainted with sin and need a Savior. May the Lord bless your mission spirit!

Purchasing a Car

2011-08-05T13:17:00.009-05:00

The following are the steps we had to take to purchase our car here in Bolivia and get it registered:

- Guillermo, the president of FIEL, took us to a place that sells used cars. After looking at different cars all morning, we found one we liked that was in our price range and told the owner that we wanted to have Guillermo’s mechanic check it over.

- That afternoon the owner brought the car to the church and Guillermo’s mechanic came to look it over. After thoroughly checking the car over, the mechanic said that the car had engine problems, so we discarded that option.

- The following Saturday Francisco, who from the time of our arrival in Bolivia has been our trusted helper, took us to the same used car location to look for a different car. Once again, after looking at cars all morning we found one that seemed to be a good option. As we had done with the previous car, we asked the owner to bring it to the church so that Guillermo’s mechanic could look it over.

- The owner of the car kept the appointment. This time the mechanic said that though there were some minor things that would need to be repaired, over all the car was in good shape. We therefore made the determination to purchase the car and made an appointment with the owner for making the transfer. In order that he would hold the car for us we made a small down payment of $200.

- That same evening, I did a search on the internet on the license plate of the car and found that it had been involved in a crime committed in 2007. We therefore told the owner that we would have to first investigate to see if there would be any legal problems with the car if we purchased it.

- On Monday and Tuesday of the following week, our trusted helper, Francisco did a thorough investigation to see if there were any legal problems with the car. He found that there were none. We decided to continue with the car purchase.

- Since the owner wanted to be paid in cash, we had to go to the bank in order to withdraw the money.

- We went to a lawyer and had the purchase contract drawn up.

- On Thursday of that week we met with the owner, paid him the remaining amount that we owed, signed the purchase contract and the owner then turned the car and the ownership papers over to us.

Next step - Registering the car (coming soon)....

Worship Conference

2011-08-02T22:17:00.024-05:00

The WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts has been held every three years since 1996 and has become the largest conference in the US focused on worship themes--not just of Lutherans, but of all Protestant denominations. This year was no exception with over 1000 people participating. I had the opportunity to attend this year, July 19-22, and was not disappointed.

The general focus of the conference was on "passing the torch to the next generation" and that fit nicely with my role as liturgy/worship professor. I attended workshops on Worship Education, Enhancing the Liturgical Year, Church Design for Worship and Outreach, and Freshness and Variety in Proclaiming Law and Gospel. I enjoyed visiting with others who share my desire to offer God our best as we declare his praises. Above all, I was strengthened and built up as more than 1000 fellow believers joined together for five worship services (focusing on Holy Week and the Easter season) and two concerts during the four days of the conference, at all times keeping the focus on God's Word and the Sacraments and telling what great things the Lord has done to save us.

Having experienced just "a little foretaste of heaven," I am refreshed. Now I look forward to passing the torch of excellence in worship to the men training to be leaders of worship in Latin America.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. --Psalm 145:3-4

Photo provided by WELS Communication Services.

Work in the Dominican Republic

2011-07-31T19:32:00.000-05:00

Mission Established: 1993

LATTE Service:

Professors train national leaders at the Bible institute and seminary levels in 2003
Professor Philip (and Kathy) Strackbein and Professor Nathan Wagenknecht relocate to Santiago in 2006
Professor Nathan Wagenknecht serves as Field Coordinator from 2006-2009
Seminary students also serve as pastors of local congregations and train others
Professor Nathan Wagenknecht is redeployed to another mission field in 2009
Professor Philip (and Kathy) Strackbein are redeployed to another mission field in 2011
LATTE plans to continue the students' theological training through online education

One in Mission

2011-07-28T15:13:00.015-05:00

This week over 400 pastors, teachers, and congregation members gather at the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) 61st Biennial Convention (click here for details)
in Watertown, Wisconsin to work together as one body to review, plan, and prepare ministry efforts of the synod. LATTE Professor Nathan Wagenknecht is one of the world missionaries participating as a delegate at this event. Follow his daily blog for updates.

The days are full of devotions, special events, discussions, proposals, and resolutions with fellowship in between. Some highlights for Latin America:

Declaration of fellowship
with the Lutheran Church of Puerto Rico

LATTE seminary student Eligio attended as a representative for the Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Cristiana of Puerto Rico (IELC - PR). Former LATTE Professor Ralph and Roxy Martens also attended this special event.

LATTE Presentation

Professor Wagenknecht shared an evening presentation on the work of Latin American Traveling Theological Educators with the delegates.

In addition to the work in Latin America, many presentations and handouts feature mission work in other world mission fields-75th year anniversary in Nigeria, 50th anniversary in the Central Africa Medical Mission, updates from Zambia and other places around the world. A great opportunity to share and learn!

Café de Olla

2011-07-27T19:23:00.018-05:00

Ingredients:

1 liter of water
2 sticks of cinnamon (15 cm long)
1/3 cup of piloncillo or brown sugar
1/2 cup of freshly ground coffee (ground medium)

Directions:

1) Pour water into a pot (preferably earthenware) & bring to boil

2) Add cinnamon & brown sugar or sugar

3) Boil for 20 minutes

4) Add coffee

5) Stir

6) Remove from heat when it starts to boil & cover

7) Allow 5 minutes to release the flavor and strain

(Recipe from Mexico.)

Work in Colombia

2011-07-25T19:20:00.002-05:00

Mission Established: 1974
LATTE Service:

Professors provide long-distance training by phone, e-mail, and fax in 2003-2004
Professors begin to make periodic trips for continued theological training of leaders of Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Confesional (Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church) in 2005
Professors help maintain contact with ministry leaders, fostering fellowship, and assisting with continued theological education
Seminary students also serve as pastors of local congregations and train others
Students participate in online education through the Internet

Unpredicted

2011-07-21T14:31:00.050-05:00

Charlie was saying earlier today that there are two things, for sure, than can not be predicted with certainty. One of those is, of course, the weather! Here we are in Wisconsin in June, and should be having beautiful days of early summer. Instead, we braved almost two weeks of cold, rainy days before June lived up to its name. And back in Dourados, they also had a weather surprise. During the summer months the farmers and ranchers plant soybeans, and when these are harvested, they plant corn for a second harvest. The government extension agents give out a date by which the corn should be planted in order to be harvested before the possible freezes of July. Ooops! It froze in some of the fields around Dourados a couple of days ago, and the temp in town was near freezing. So much for predictions! About 40% of the corn harvest has been compromised by the freeze that came too early. I'm sure you have lots of stories about weather surprises!

Another thing that can't be predicted is where and when the Holy Spirit is going to work. In one of our many discussion over Skype with Gilberto, our evangelist in charge in Dourados, we heard a number of stories in which someone surprised Gilberto with a confession of faith. Probably the least expected were the answers of two teenage girls who are studying to be confirmed. Gilberto decided to test them with a number of important questions before the class began. He was bowled over by the answers they gave which confessed their faith. He didn't expect it because they are two rather quiet girls. Certainly the Spirit has been working in them because they are often in church, and sitting up in the front with their dad and grandad.

An excerpt from Retired Missionary Charlie and Beth Flunker continue to serve Igreja Luterana Brasileira – The Brazilian Lutheran Church as active volunteers, residing in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul.

Work in Puerto Rico

2011-07-18T21:42:00.000-05:00

Mission Established: 1963

LATTE Service:

Professor John (and Barb) Strackbein continue to reside in San Juan from 2003 until he is recalled due to reduced funding in 2006
Professor Ralph (and Roxanne) Martens relocate to Caguas in 2006 until he is recalled due to reduced funding in 2008 and accepts a missionary call to Mexico
Additional professors teach classes on a rotating basis
Seminary students also serve as pastors of local congregations and train others
Professors continue to serve a seminary student in 2011 with online education and occasional teaching trips

CELC

2011-07-15T07:00:00.028-05:00

Pastor Robert Smith comments on his experience at the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC) held this past June 2011 in Minnesota, USA. Pastor Smith serves as the Liasion for LATTE and as the chairman for the WELS Administrative Commitee for Latin America.

Pastor Smith Particating in a Small Group Discussion

At the CELC conference, I had the opportunity to join in worship services with our fellow Christians around the world. On Sunday morning, we had a worship service at the chapel on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College. This was a truly memorable experience. Each Scripture reading and prayer was read in a different language by men from different parts of the world. The hymns were accompanied by choirs and brass instruments. More than 400 voices joined in the singing.

Participants from Around the World
Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America

I believe that this worship service is a foretaste of the worship services we will have in heaven. It reminded me of the Bible passage from Revelation 7:

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Participants from Latin America

Photos provided by Martin Luther College.

Trip to Santa Cruz

2011-07-12T12:18:00.038-05:00

When the nationalchurch here in Bolivia asked us to come to live in Bolivia and work with them,they had a number of purposes in mind for us. One was to help them become a truly confessional churchbody. Another thing they want meto do is visit some of the outlying areas where there are congregations thatare part of the national church.

During these visits our intention is to see how these congregations aredoing doctrinally and also see if there might be some potential students whocould be trained for ministry.

Recently we made our first trip to one of these congregations that is located in the city of Santa Cruz. We found that the congregation has a fairly large property, but the congregation itself is quite small.

It is made up of women and children and is led by a woman named Margarita. Margarita welcomed us warmly and was very appreciative of the doctrine we had come to share with her.

She told us that she wishes the national church could send apastor who could work full time at evangelism and teaching the Word to thosewhom the Holy Spirit gathers. Thatis something the national church will be considering in the near future.

Work in Bolivia

2011-07-09T03:40:00.007-05:00

Mission Established: 2007

LATTE Service:

Professor Larry Retberg makes nine teaching trips between 2007 - 2011
Professor Philip and Kathy Strackbein relocate to La Paz in 2011 for a three-year stay
Professor Strackbein teaches theological courses to seminary students and Bible institute students of the Federación de Iglesias Evangélicas Luterana (Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches)
Seminary students also serve as pastors of local congregations and train others
Students participate in online education through the Internet

Advancements Affect Mission Work

2011-07-06T22:17:00.015-05:00

BRAZIL

Technology

How times have changed! What a wonderful tool the internet and Skype can be! Pastors in more remote areas are being trained using Skype and missionary families can talk daily with their relatives in the U.S. Yes, how times have changed!

Population

In Dourados, Brazil, some of the results of the 2010 census are being published in the media. These first results really underscore how times are changing in Brazil. For instance, the current population is 190,732,674. Brazil is a big country in area and population! But for the first time, the number of people above the age of 65 is more than the number of children below 5 years of age. Families are limiting themselves to 2 or 3 children, and many opt for just one child. What a contrast to just a few years ago when families of 7 or 8 children were common! What has brought about this change? Strange as it may seem, the changes are due to an increased standard of living for many people, and more education, as well as better health care which is extending life for many people.

Economy

Again, these are drastic changes. Whereas a decade ago 90% of the population earned less than $340 per capita per month, that number has now been reduced to 60%, thanks to aggressive government programs to reduce poverty and a stable economic climate. Brazil has an emerging middle class which understands that it is possible to have a decent life, free of economic misery, but it means limiting family size. These government programs also are only available to people whose children remain in school and where any adult who is still illiterate must also attend literacy classes at night. Meanwhile the government encourages employers to insist on an education in its employees. These days, you can't even be a sacker at a supermarket unless you have finished 8th grade.

The level of abject misery in the country of Brazil has dropped to only 16 million people. Abject misery is defined as a family who earns less than $44 per capita per month. And the present administration is trying hard to lower this type of economic misery in the country even more.

Education

Besides this, the government is opening more and more free courses for people to train for a profession. For instance, one of our congregation members, as a high school graduate, entered a one year free course for learning to sew, to make patterns and all about style and the marketing of clothing. Today, newly married, she has a good job in the clothing manufacturing industry, and the chance to attend more free courses to upgrade her skills.

What do all these advances mean for mission work?

Sad to say, the picture is not so rosy there. For one thing, Satan has used this new-found economic up-turn to tempt people to over-reach themselves. Credit cards appeared on the scene a number of years ago, and their abuse is also very common. As one of our church council members said, "People get themselves in over their heads with easy credit purchasing and then have to pay their bills and have no money for offerings." Actually, offerings are better than they used to be, mostly because all our members are working. But they are not nearly what they could be. Sound familiar? Satan knows how to use even the improvements in life to test us! And it is so easy for people to think that money will make them happy, and see less of a need for God in their lives.

Another thing is that many of the established churches are offering much more glitzy services - mega-churches are booming, and the Gospel bands and singers are making good money in all these churches. So people begin to desire to see this same level of "entertainment" in all churches. "Your church doesn't have a band?" is a not uncommon question. What need is there for the pure Gospel, if you can have not only a rousing, rhythm in church service, but picnics, special speakers, health care education, retreats, etc... Mission work is more difficult today than it was 20 years ago.

But, the Lord is still calling His own, and we are still His tools to spread the Word of salvation. And that Word will bear fruit, as the Holy Spirit works in hearts. There are still baptisms regularly, there are people in instruction to be confirmed, there are hearts willing to give their hard-earned money to the Lord, and God's people are still carrying His message to others around them. And we are all working together in this endeavor.

An adapted mission update from Retired Missionary Charlie and Beth Flunker continue to serve Igreja Luterana Brasileira – The Brazilian Lutheran Church as active volunteers, residing in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul.

Helado de Canela (Cinnamon Sorbet)

2011-07-03T18:25:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

5 cups water
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick (or more for topping)
2 tsp cold water
1 tsp corn starch
1 tsp lemon juice
Ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Boil 5 cups water with cinnamon until it has color, flavor & diminishes to 4 cups
Add sugar & let it boil for 5 minutes
Dissolve tsp corn starch in 2 tsp cold water & add to above mix
Cook for 5 minutes
Remove from heat & cool down a bit
Add tsp lemon juice & strain mixture
Put the mixture in the freezer after it is cold
Stir sorbet so that it does not get very hard (before it gets completely frozen)
Repeat this 2 or 3 times, until the sorbet is ready
Top with ground cinnamon and cinnamon stick & serve

Serves 8.

Preparing Leaders

2011-06-29T17:06:00.000-05:00

"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true".

The classes with the congregational leaders have begun with prayers that the Holy Spirit will work in these leaders the desire to study the Word and to teach these truths to others. There exists a great deal of confusion about "biblical" truth since the people have been exposed to many different, false teachings.

Many hearts are still burdened with trying to fulfill the works of the law: fasting, tithing, working for their salvation. After hearing a presentation of basic law and gospel, some have commented that the "scales were falling off their eyes". The Holy Spirit is leading them to see that Jesus has already completed all the law for us.

We pray that these leaders continue to grow in their faith in the Savior and that they would be motivated to teach these truths to others.

Serving with Zeal

2011-06-25T05:24:00.001-05:00

Seminarian Gerardo previously served the congregation in Ciudad Juarez as a student pastor. In the fall of 2010, he and his family relocated to León to study full-time in the seminary. Currently, he is continuing his training in Torreón where he is working with a mission congregation and studying under Pastor Esequiel.

Why did you decide to study/preparefor the ministry?

"Thatis a question I often ask myself. I think... in the beginning when, I metRosa [my wife], and she's the one who introduced me to the church in Ciudad Juarez. At that time, Pastor Guiénwas pastor -- who is now in glory. He constantly invited me to become a member. It took a while because at first I didn't want to, butfinally with his encouragement I became a member of the congregation. I slowly got more and moreinvolved. After Pastor Guién,there was Pastor Domínguez. And Ikept getting more and more involved because there was a need in thechurch. It was Pastor Guién whoespecially convinced me to enter into the ministry.

Atthat time, we went to a conference in Puebla. And there, I felt that it was possible, and PastorGuién kept on encouraging me by saying, 'You are the one...' andinviting me to serve the Lord. Finally I answered, 'Yes.'

I attended various conventions, and Pastor Sanchez saidyes, I would enter the seminary. But there was a lot of back and forth, and time went by. I went to more conventions as adelegate, but they didn't accept me in the seminary right away...

Well... what more can I say? I moved here [to the seminary in León]and that is how I am here -- by the grace of God."

What are you currently studying?

"Iam studying -- thanks to God -- and thanks to my professors, PastorSchlomer, Pastor Nathan and Pastor Hartman. [They] are instructing me in the Word and in doctrine in orderto save souls and preach the gospel. Learning in order to teach."

Which courses?

"Liturgy,Catechism, Teaching the Faith, Sunday School, Genesis, Shepherd under Christ, and Preparing Devotions."

How do you plan to serve in theministry in the future?

"Iwant to serve wherever you place me, wherever you think there is a need, andwherever you consider me apt to teach. I will do all I can with what I have learned and what I continue tolearn throughout my ministry."

Continue to keep Seminarian Gerardo, his family, and his ministry in your prayers as he continues his training to serve.

New Blog Features

2011-06-21T07:01:00.002-05:00

We wanted to share a brief update regarding the new information tools on the blog.

There is a gadget in the left hand column marked "Learn More". Under this heading you will find additional links to learn more about LATTE and what we do. The first item is "View Photo Gallery" which takes you to a Flickr gallery of almost 200 photos.

The next item takes you to "Check Out Recent Updates" posted on the work of LATTE. Then there is the opportunity to click on "Meet The Students" to find interviews and updates of past and current LATTE students. We are planning to post more interviews in the near future.

For those who like to cook, you can "Try Authentic Recipes" originating from the different countries we serve. We welcome any comments, recommendations, or requests about the recipes. The following link provides teachers or group leaders to "Utilize Classroom Resources" for activities in school or at special events.

The remaining two items put you in touch with WELS World Missions. Click on "Request a Mission Speaker" to schedule a mission speaker on LATTE at your congregation, school, ladies group, LWMS rally, or other special event. (If you are unable to open the pages on WELS Connect, please contact Peg directly at 414.256.3293 or email her at wmspeaker@wels.net). Through the Mission Information Center (MIC), you can "Order a Mission Kit" on LATTE. We are currently updating the materials in all the LATTE kits this summer. In the near future, keep an eye out for the new "Timeline" link that will provide the history of LATTE.

As many of you have requested, there is a current map along with ministry details under the tab near the top of the blog page called "Where We Serve".

Our goal on this blog is to inform you of the past, present, and future work the LATTE missionaries are doing throughout Latin America as well as staying connected to you. Thank you for your continued support!

Mangú - Mashed Plantains

2011-06-17T18:25:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

4 unripe plantains
4 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp oil
2 large onions
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 cup cold water
Salt - to taste

Directions:

Peel plantains & cut into 8 pieces
Boil plantains & add 2 tsp salt to water
Turn off the heat when plantains are tender
Heat a Tbsp of oil in a shallow pan while plantains are boiling
Saute onions, add salt & vinegar, set aside
Take plantains out of the water & mash them with a fork
Add the butter & cold water
Mash until smooth
Garnish with the onions
Serve with scrambled eggs or deep-fried slices of salami (optional, yet traditional)

This is a common dish served in the Dominican Republic.

Serves: 4 people

Work in South America

2011-06-14T06:26:00.000-05:00

Bolivia

Contact with concerned Christians inBolivia started in 2007. Nine LATTE teaching trips have been made to teach main doctrines of the Bible.There has been significant growth in understanding Scripture, including theability to distinguish between law and gospel. There is still much to be done,however, especially in the area of practice where we have not had a physicalpresence in Bolivia to help with the follow through. A LATTE professor and hiswife on site for three years will be a great blessing to the work ofdetermining whether a confessional Lutheran church can be established in thiscountry.

Brazil

BrazilianLutheran Church (ILB) has decided to continue its mission efforts in PresidentePrudente in southern Brazil. Another six baptisms and three adult confirmations in Dourados andGravatai show God's grace in action. WELS and ILB representatives plan to meet in November to discuss how tosupport the development of the Brazilian Lutheran Church's gospel ministry anddirection for the future. Onesemi-retired missionary and two national pastors serve the two congregations. One LATTE Professor continues to serve as Friendly Counselor to Brazil and provide theological training in Portuguese as requested.

Colombia

Themembership growth of the church in the Medellin and in the Quibdo and Pereira areas is encouraging. Thewillingness of the church of Medellin to relocate Pastor Henry andpartially support him shows the seriousness with which it considers missionwork. In contrast, the growth inBogota has been very limited in spite of mission opportunities. The need to work with the Bogotacongregation is urgent and to that effect a visit by WELS reps has been plannedfor this year. LATTE continues to provide seminary training with both onsite visits and online classes depending upon the course and availability.

Across the Miles

2011-06-10T23:26:00.030-05:00

"So, where are you off to this time?" I ask my husband Missionary Larry Retberg.

"To Bolivia," he answers, "for three weeks."

"We can keep in touch by Skype," he says.

We do keep in touch by Skype, but it still proves to be a long three weeks. I pray for his safety in his travels, the Lord's blessings on the work and that nothing major happens to the car or washing machine while he is gone. I entrust him and myself in the Lord's hands.

So often people ask what I do while my husband is gone. Well, I still do the normal things like laundry (although not as much), snow shoveling or lawn mowing, depending on the season, and keeping things afloat during his absence.

My weeks are full even though I don't have a paying job outside of the home.

Monday and Friday - I babysit our 4 year old granddaughter
Tuesdays or Thursdays - I am a counselor at our pregnancy counseling center
Wednesday - I volunteer at Michigan Lutheran Seminary

That gives me a day or two to shop or whatever and Sundays to have the family over for dinner.

Then I pray for his safe return.

Arroz con Coco - Coconut Rice

2011-06-07T06:24:00.039-05:00

Ingredients:

1 cup rice (Arroz Sella Jojo-PR)
5 1/2 cups water
8 oz coconut milk (Coco Lopez-PR)
6 sticks cinnamon
1 small piece crushed ginger
1/2 cup white sugar
2 small snack size boxes raisins
Ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

Soak rice for one hour
Boil water mixed with coconut milk, cinnamon, & ginger for 30 min
Remove cinnamon & ginger
Add rice & cook on low for 40 min
Add sugar & raisins & cook on low
Turn rice occasionally & scape bottom
Spoon rice onto serving platter
Sprinkle with cinnamon
Allow to cool at room temperature

Makes 12 servings.

This recipe is from Puerto Rico (PR)

Work in Mexico & Theological Education

2011-06-03T18:27:00.164-05:00

Mexico

God continues to bless and refine His church asthey deal with challenges related to the ‘drug wars’ affecting significantportions of the country. During the past few months, the national church hasbegun outreach in a new region of the country (Costa Maya) and increasedoutreach in their home base of Torreón as well as in their new outreach effortin León. In the past 12 months mission work being done by nationals has spreadfrom five regions to eight different regions in the country. LATTE continues to teach onsite in León and online courses for a student in Puebla.

Seminary Training Throughout Latin America

TheLATTE professors are continuing to carry out teaching according to the scheduledplan drawn up in September of 2010. Teaching trips have been made to Bolivia, the Caribbean, and Colombia. National churches were encouraged intheir evangelism efforts and were provided with the theological education thatthey had requested. A plan forfinalizing the seminary training of a student in the Dominican Republic and inPuerto Rico is still being formulated.

Visas Approved

2011-05-31T08:43:00.000-05:00

This month, we were able to pick up our one year resident visas after being in Bolivia for about two months. This visa will be valid for one year. After we had received the visa the agent informed us that we now need to apply for our carnet - a national ID card. This card must be obtained within 25 days. We submitted the papers the next day and should have the carnet by the end of this week.

We are very thankful for all the help we had from Dra. Zulema, the lawyer. With her guidance and Francisco's help, we were able to fulfill all the government's requirements to receive the visa. The Lord has been very gracious in providing kind and willing helpers.

Bible Passages & Hymns - Spanish

2011-05-30T19:28:00.001-05:00

Por tanto, id, y haced discípulos a todas las naciones,bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo;

- Mateo 28:19 (Matthew 28:19)

Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.

- Juan 3:16 (John 3:16)

 Jesus Me Ama

(Jesus Loves Me)  

Cristo me ama, bien lo se
Su palabra me hace ver
Que los ninos son de aquel
Quien es nuestro amigo fiel

Si, Cristo me ama

La Biblia dice asi

Cristo me ama, me salvo
En la cruz por mi murio;
Mi pecado perdono;
Vida eterna me dono

Si, Cristo me ama

Si, Cristo me ama
La Biblia dice asi

http://lyricstranslate.com

Bible Passages & Hymns - Portuguese

2011-05-30T19:23:00.000-05:00

 Portanto, vão efaçam discípulos de todas as nações, batizando-os em nome do Pai e do Filho edo Espírito Santo.

- Mateus 28:19 (Matthew 28:19)

 Porque Deus tantoamou o mundo que deu o seu Filho Unigênito, para que todo o que nele crer nãopereça, mas tenha a vida eterna.

- João 3:16 (John 3:16)

 Jesus Me Ama

(Jesus Loves Me)  

Cristo me ama, eu seibem.

 A Palavra assim mantém 

Que as crianças são daquele 

Que é nosso amigofiel. 

Sim, Cristo me ama. 

Sim, Cristo meama. 

Sim, Cristo me ama. 

A Bíblia assim odiz.

 Cristo me ama, me salvou 

Meu pecado perdoou. 

Sobre a cruz por mimmorreu. 

Vida eterna ganho eu. 

Sim, Cristo me ama. 

A Bíblia assim o diz.

Online Course Completed

2011-05-28T22:56:00.001-05:00

A LATTE professor just finished teaching a ten lesson, twenty week online course on doctrine. The course included a biblical study of faith, conversion, justification, sanctification, good works, prayer, the cross, and predestination.

Fifteen students finished the course:

- Eight from Colombia

- Three from Bolivia
- Two from the USA
- One from Chile
- One from Guatemala

The students were Lutheran pastors and leaders from Lutheran Churches which have asked us to help them train their leaders. The students wrote a total of 2511 emails, most with homework that needed to be corrected, including 170 sets of comprehensive end-of-the-lesson review questions.

The course used the online Moodle platform which allows the professor to put the whole course online before the students begin to study. Students then receive a calendar for the course lessons, but can study the two text books and do the homework assignments according to their daily and weekly schedules, at anytime of the day. The professor can do his correcrting and emails to the students according to his schedule too. This allows the professor to travel to other countries, including countries where the Internet is not available to the general populous, for face-to-face classes.

The courses of this type are designed as a package so national pastors can also give the same course, once they have taken it themselves.

New Trimester at Mexico Seminary

2011-05-26T06:52:00.002-05:00

The seminary in León, México just began a new trimester. LATTE Professor Nathan Wagenknecht continues to teach four days a week. His schedule varies between 8:45 in the morning and 2:00 in the afternoon. He is currently teaching Homiletics, Pastoral Theology, New Testament Isagogics, and Reformation History. Most of these classes require additional preparation time for it is the first time he has taught some of these courses.

In additional to the onsite classes here in México, Prof. Wagenknecht also teaches a student in Puerto Rico through Skype two times a week. They try to maintain a regular schedule, but due to the nature of the student’s occupation, internet availability, and weather effecting utilities, often times classes are rescheduled.

As this is the second week of the new schedule, everyone is still in adjustment mode. What a privilege be a part of training reliable men to teach others the true Word of God. All praise and thanks to God!

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

Note: LATTE Professor Larry Schlomer also teaches onsite at the seminary in México in additional to other online courses.

Classroom Activities

2011-05-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Activities to help understand the work of LATTEprofessors

LATTE Professors must be flexible as they exchange places and homes.

Have each student exchange desks for (can be an hour, or a morning or for a day) and the student must use what is in each other's desks. They may not go to their own desk to take anything out. May change classrooms, also.

LATTE members exchange houses with other LATTE members.

What did you observe when you changed desks with your friends? Problems? Advantages? Care of one another's property.

Did you know where everything was in the desk? Did you miss some of your own things?

LATTE members exchange countries. Each country may do things quite differently than the next country. One example is when they eat. Lunch(dinner) is served at 2pm and dinner (supper) is served at 8pm or later. When you get a parking ticket, the police takes your license plate and you don't get it back until you pay your ticket.

What would happen if you went to stay at someone's (not your best friend's house) house? What if you didn't like the food? Would you know where things were in the house - towels, etc? What if you didn't like their schedule - the time you had to get up in the morning and the times that they ate their meals? Can you think of other things that might be hard or might be good?

The LATTE members are introduced to a lot of different foods. When they are guests at other homes it would be offensive not to eat the food put in front of you.

Have everyone bring a lunch in a brown bag. Do not put any names on them. At lunch each one chooses a bag. Do you think everyone will get what they like to eat? How should we respond to the food in the bag- should we eat it gladly or should we complain and make someone feel bad?

The LATTE members travel around to the different schools to teach the students so that the students do not have the same teacher for all the subjects.

How would you like to have the same teacher for every subject plus all your sports? What problems do you see with that? Are there advantages?

LATTE in Bolivia

2011-05-19T22:24:00.002-05:00

What does is mean to be "confessional"? Do I understand what my church teaches? Do I believe the same teachings that other confessional Lutherans profess and proclaim? How can I know when someone is teaching false doctrine?

These are all questions that people in La Paz, Bolivia have about their faith. Our focus here is to teach the truth but also to help the people discern false doctrines they have been taught in the past. The LATTE classes have a double focus: teaching the truths of the Scriptures and at the same time helping the people identify where they have gotten off the path onto false teachings. Our prayer is that with the Lord's help the students will believe the clear teachings of the Bible.

For now, most of the work has been focused on the pastor of the congregation. He has a deep desire to be confessional and to teach true biblical doctrines to the people. Missionary Philip Strackbein has spent many hours talking with Pastor Julio, learning the history of the congregation, sharing doctrinally sound materials, clearing up doubts that Pastor Julio has and teaching him biblically sound teachings.

There have also been other opportunities to share the basic law and gospel message with other groups that are active within the church. Many of the members are still confused about the basic message of salvation and when questioned frequently mention some type of "works" as necessary to be saved.

Philip has had many opportunities to clear up peoples' doubts and when they hear the clear message they realize how the idea of works righteousness had become a part of their beliefs and they are thankful to hear the message of salvation by grace-without works-by faith in Jesus.

The Lord has already blessed the work here as people begin to appreciate all that Jesus has done for them and we ask the Lord's continued blessing as we begin regular classes with the other leaders of the congregation.