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A Publication of the Texas District | December 2015
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| "What Prevents Me From Being Baptized?" |
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That's what the Ethiopian asked Philip the deacon and evangelist in Acts 8:36. The Good News of Jesus created a craving for the fullness of God's gifts.
The same craving is happening around the Texas District as God's people share the Gospel. Rev. Richard and Marcia Mittwede report six baptisms of international students in the past year through their work at University Lutheran Church in Austin. Just after Thanksgiving, three Chinese students involved in their ministry reported to the Mittwede's that they had become believers in Jesus and were baptized at a local Chinese church. Now they are headed home as missionaries! The Mittwede's ask for prayers for several international students who are in Bible class, but are not yet followers of Jesus: X, J, R, H, S, N(China); J (Singapore); T (Taiwan); H, S, M, M (S. Korea); R (Iran); G (Hungary)-names are omitted for the safety of these students. If you would like to join the prayer efforts for this fruitful and dynamic outreach, send an email to [email protected].
A Chinese man who came to the University Lutheran Chapel in College Station also said to Rev. Paul Hoemann, "Pastor, I want to be baptized!" Pastor Hoemann connected with this man through the conversation classes and Bible study offered at ULC. After attending these classes faithfully through 2015, the Gospel made its way into his heart. This man is now traveling back to China as a new missionary of the Gospel.
Without your mission partnership and prayers, this life-changing and world-impacting ministry would not be possible. Thank you!
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Millennials and the Gospel in the Texas District
Headlines and studies continue to tell us that it is nearly impossible to reach Millennials with the Gospel. But, as the Scriptures say, "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). In the Texas District, the Word of God is reaching Millennials through many dedicated missionaries.
Rev. Will Kemp is leading a unique outreach movement in an apartment complex in The Colony, Texas. His ministry is called "Austin Ranch Missional Communities." He and his wife, along with several friends, moved into this apartment complex in order to BE the church in that place. So far Pastor Kemp has formed discipleship groups that have hosted parties and events to form relationships in the community. They have become known as the local missionaries and people have been coming to them for advice and counsel.
Austin Ranch Missional Communities is one of many church multiplication efforts by the Eternity Matters Most Network led by Rev. Mark Schaefer, Rev. Travis Hartjen, and Rev. Mark Couser. It's just a sample of the many outreach initiatives to the new generation happening through Texas District missionaries. Thank you for your support of Gospel outreach to and through young people!
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Thanksgiving in Alpine
A community Thanksgiving meal was sponsored by Redeemer Lutheran of Alpine. Spearheaded by Dr. Jim Lueke, N
urse Barbara Miller and Kathy Fry, 1,500 people in the community were served. There were people who had
to be turned away because they ran out of food.
Pastor Mike Fickenscher and Margaret Peterson, along with additional members of Redeemer, distributed an advent devotion for kids and a devotion
for families as well as Advent calendars. Over 200 books were given out.
This event was held on Wednesday, November 18 at Alpine Middle School. The decorations for this gathering included a nativity scene.
They hope to use this event as a spring board for additional mission activities in Alpine and this surrounding area.
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January 25-27, 2016
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING RETREAT
Camp Allen, Navasota, Texas
>REGISTER NOW!
January 28-30, 2016
TEXAS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS CONFERENCE
La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa, Montgomery, Texas
February 1-3, 2016
TEXAS DISTRIT DCE SPIRITUAL RENEWAL RETREAT
"Are you full?" John 10:10
Camp Lone Star, La Grange, Texas
February 6, 2016
AREA A MISSION SUMMIT III
Church multiplication in rural and micro-urban areas
Zion Lutheran, Abilene, Texas
February 6, 2016
SENIOR FEST
"Thriving in a Changing World"
St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas
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RESOURCES
Want to improve as a leader for 2016?
The latest from Pew Research on church involvement in a variety of denominations (LCMS included!)
For additional resources, please visit Church Door.
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SURVEY SEEKS LAY LEADER INPUT
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis is creating an online program for lay leaders that includes weekly readings and two-hour live online discussions with professors. This is part of an initiative to explore ways to provide interested lay people with seminary-level theological training to deepen their knowledge as Christians and equip them for service within their congregations.
CLICK HERE to take the short survey.
If you are a pastor or other church worker, please feel free to share this survey with your lay leaders.
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Rev. Steve Misch,
Mission and Ministry Facilitator
Area A - West Texas/Panhandle/Big Bend
1511 Gawain St., Borger, Texas 79007
Office/Cell: 806-433-4536
[email protected]
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Rev. Yohannes Mengsteab,
Mission and Ministry Facilitator
Area B - Dallas Metroplex and surrounding areas
6100 Browning Dr. Apt. 15205,
N. Richland Hills, Texas
76180
Office/Cell: 260-458-4825
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Rev. Mike Newman,
Mi
ssion and Ministry Facilitator
Area C - Austin to the Rio Grande Valley
4527 Jarrell, San Antonio, Texas 78253
Office/Cell: 210-633-4368 * Fax: 210-764-1291
[email protected]
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Rev. Jon Braunersreuther,
Mission and Ministry Facilitator
Area D - Houston & Golden Triangle
23334 East Pine Ivy Lane, Tomball, Texas 77375
Office/Cell: 314-471-1072
[email protected]
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PRAYER SUPPORT: Ask, Seek and Support in Prayer
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 The convention of the Texas District set a goal to begin 200 new "word and sacrament" congregations by 2017 (mission 200 or m2c) in Texas. This goal will not be reached without the Lord's blessing. We invite you to join
m2c/Prayer as we lift up our hearts and voices to God in prayer for His mission. Sit down and make prayer for the mission a priority in your life of faith.
>Learn More!
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SUPPORT TEXAS PARTNERS IN MISSION
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 You can become a partner in this great mission movement in the Texas District by supporting the missionaries through Texas Partners in Mission. If you would like more information about Texas Partners in Mission, please contact Lanny Moore by
email or phone (
512-762-2374).
>Donate Now!
or send checks to:
Texas Partners in Mission, Texas District LCMS
7900 East Highway 290 * Austin, TX 78724
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