The Rev. Pablo Dominguez, pastor of a Hispanic mission in the LCMS Central Illinois District, baptizes Ian Terrero-Toribio, who is being held by Pedro Perez, during an Oct. 1 service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beardstown, Ill.
Story by Megan K. Mertz
Photos by Erik M. Lunsford (unless noted otherwise)
During the past year, God has been at work mightily through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
In Kenya, in Sri Lanka and in other corners of the globe, LCMS missionaries are bringing the Gospel and Christ’s mercy to those who are hurting or in need, as they also work to equip local pastors and church leaders to go out and serve their own people in Christ’s name.
Meanwhile, here in the United States, the Lord is using LCMS church workers and congregation members to bring new believers to the font, provide for immigrants, care for those who are ill or infirm, and so much more.
These photos provide just a glimpse of the wonderful ways the Lord was at work through His people in 2016.
The Rev. Wally Arp, senior pastor at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, Fla., comforts and prays with an elderly woman at Lutheran Haven senior-living community during a March 7 visit.
Michael LaBrecque receives a box of free food during the May 21 food distribution at Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) in El Paso, Texas. YLM, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, continues to serve Cuban immigrants like LaBrecque who arrived in the U.S. in May under the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1996.
The Rev. Bart Day, executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission, prepares to send out new national missionaries during a Jan. 12, 2016, service at the Synod’s International Center.
The Rev. Nabil Nour (right), newly elected LCMS third vice-president, congratulates the Rev. Christopher Esget, LCMS sixth vice-president, following elections July 10 at the 66th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, held in Milwaukee. (LCMS/Michael Schuermann)
LCMS Youth Gathering participants fill the streets of New Orleans July 16-20. Over 22,000 youth and adults from all 35 LCMS districts and 14 countries flocked to the city for the 13th triennial LCMS Youth Gathering, with the theme “In Christ Alone.”
A Sri Lankan pastor receives the Lord’s Supper from LCMS Area Director and missionary Rev. Roger James during a March 18 service at Lanka Lutheran Church in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. The Lanka Lutheran Church is a partner church with the LCMS.
Vicar David Blas, missionary at-large at LCMS Sheboygan County Hispanic Outreach and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wis., prays with his wife, Maria, in the church Jan. 28.
Students help staff members prepare dinner June 22 at the Udom Children’s Center in Chepareria, Kenya. The students are part of Christ’s Care for Children: Kenya, a partnership between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya and the LCMS that helps provide a safe, Christ-centered environment for children who may not otherwise be able to attend school.
Megan K. Mertz (megan.mertz@lcms.org) is a staff writer and managing editor of Lutherans Engage the World with LCMS Communications.
Erik M. Lunsford (erik.lunsford@lcms.org) is managing photojournalist for LCMS Communications.
