Members of the Mercy Medical Team traveled to small towns near Antsirabe, Madagascar, to treat nearly 2,000 patients in October 2014. Photographs by Erik M. Lunsford, staff photojournalist in LCMS Communications
International News
Video: A Partnership of Formation
Constructed in 1947 with the intention of serving all of Latin America, Seminario Concordia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been forming men into confessional Lutheran pastors for not just Argentina but for other parts of the Spanish-speaking world.
Interview with Michael Ritzman, new missionary to Papua New Guinea
Michael Ritzman talks about preparing to serve as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. He is a new missionary who just completed the 2-week new missionary orientation at the International Center in St. Louis. He will serve in this country with his wife and 5 children.
Video: Castillo Fuerte – Mercy in Action
In response to Christ’s death and resurrection, Caitlin Worden and the rest of the Peruvian missionary team are caring for the otherwise neglected children in Castillo Fuerte in the slums of Lima.
Philippines Relief Infographic
On Nov. 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan tore through the Philippines, killing more than 6,000 people and damaging or destroying more than 1 million homes. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) quickly stepped in, offering grants to its partner church body, the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP), and sending a team to plan for the island nation’s long-term recovery. Download this infographic to learn more about how the LCMS is walking alongside the LCP to rebuild lives, homes and spirits.
Video: Missionary Service of Sending – 2014
The February 2014 new missionary orientation culminated in a special Service of Sending Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) International Center in St. Louis. During the service, the new missionaries received certificates of completion for LCMS Missionary Orientation, and they, their spouses and families were prayed for.
Feeding the hungry at Antsirabe blind school
See photographs from the Antsirabe blind school on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, in Madagascar. LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison visited the school, which was the recipient of an LCMS emergency grant after the Rev. Dr. Albert Collver, LCMS Director of Church Relations, learned that the children were malnourished due to budget cuts from European partners when he toured the school last October.
President Harrison visits Madagascar
See photographs of LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison as he visits a Lutheran church near Antsirabe, Madagascar, on Feb. 5, 2014. Harrison addressed the opening of the Fiangonana Loterana Malagasy synodical convention.
Seminary dedication in Ghana
See photographs from the dedication of the Lutheran Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014, in Greater Accra, Ghana. LCMS President Rev. Dr . Matthew C. Harrison and ELGC Bishop Paul Fynn lead the ceremony. Photographs by Erik M. Lunsford, staff photojournalist in LCMS Communications.
Touring the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany
Members of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg meet at the Luther Hotel in Wittenberg, Germany, tour the reconstruction work at the Old Latin School in the city center, and visit the Luther House. Photographs by Erik M. Lunford, staff photojournalist at the LCMS.
A Light in the Darkness-Typhoon Haiyan Relief
See the effects of a devastating typhoon in Leyte province, Philippines, and watch how the LCMS responds with witness, mercy and life together.
LCMS Eurasia mission team expands by two
This month, two LCMS deaconesses were commissioned in the mission field. Deaconesses Ashley Prothro and Elizabeth Ahlman were inducted into the ranks of the Concordia Deaconess College and are set to fulfill their calls in the Eurasia mission field.
Philippines Disaster Update: Your Gifts at Work
During the distribution stage, the team loaded 5 large trucks and traveled nearly 36 hours to reach the typhoon disaster areas on the island of Leyte. The tired and hungry victims were so happy and hopeful at the thought and anticipation of receiving food and water.
LCMS relief effort media links
Collected here are links to news coverage of the LCMS response to Typhoon Haiyan.
Typhoon Haiyan: A report from the Philippines
The Rev. Ross Johnson, director of LCMS Disaster Response, provides a report from the Philippines as the church provides immediate relief and begins planning to assist with the long-term recovery.
Typhoon Haiyan Update: Report from the Field
The Rev. Glenn Merritt, director of LCMS Disaster Response, reports from Tacloban City, the Philippines, that conditions remain dire 10 days after one of the strongest storms in recorded history tore through the island nation. Listen to his stark report which Merritt was able to make upon finding a clear cell signal while on his search for fuel for the vehicle carrying the LCMS relief-assessment team.
