This month’s report comes from the Rev. Michael Merker, pastor of Jordan Lutheran Church in Apex, N.C.
This summer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in convention affirmed the Synod’s FORO model of supporting international mission efforts through shared partnerships with LCMS congregations and districts. For nearly 15 years, the LCMS Southeastern District has been a FORO partner in Lima, Peru. In August, to celebrate and build upon this partnership, congregations from multiple North Carolina circuits in the district gathered for a mission fair at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Clayton, N.C.
The Rev. Dr. Ted Krey, director of the LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region; the Rev. James Sharp, missionary to the LAC region; and the Rev. Dr. William Harmon, Southeastern District president, were the featured presenters for the mission fair. The LCMS missionaries and the district president provided a bold vision for how we work together to give a witness for Christ.
In his remarks, Harmon encouraged those in the district to live as St. Paul teaches in Ephesians 3:20, knowing that our God does immeasurably more than we can imagine through His power at work in us. Part of that work is hearing how, in Peru, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil, the LCMS’ sister church body, has placed two pastors, alongside LCMS missionary Rev. Dr. Gerald Paul, to continue the sustained witness and mercy efforts in Lima.
With three pastors in place, the Peru mission is looking to enter a new neighborhood, Comas, to expand the educational and food ministry of Castillo Fuerte Mercy House, which has, through years of dedicated work, raised up former students into positions of leadership. In partnership with Concordia the Reformer Seminary in the Dominican Republic, new pastors and deaconesses are being trained to further Word and Sacrament ministry. Our Lord is indeed doing immeasurably more than we can imagine.
“We are not looking for independent churches. We are looking for interdependent churches,” said Krey, speaking at the mission fair. This joyous interdependence is manifested in our shared prayers, praise, partnership and pastoral formation. To God be the glory for this joyous opportunity, which highlights how U.S. congregations are connecting with the mission field around the world.
The Rev. Michael Merker serves as the LCMS Southeastern District representative to the Peru FORO.
Posted Oct. 9, 2026
