Pastoral Courses

Pastor Ted Krey
In July, we were blessed to have Professor Roberto Bustamante of Concordia Seminary, Argentina present to teach a one week intensive course. Professor Bustamante, author of a a Spanish commentary on I and II Timothy, gave a survey of the New Testament to our pastoral students. In all, some nine men participated and enjoyed studying God’s Word together. The course was held in our mission office in Santiago. Lord-willing, we hope all of our future theological courses will be held in our very own building which is nearing completion in Palmar Arriba. Brian and Jeanette Keller have worked hard in conjunction with our volunteer teams to complete the house that was donated to us in June of 2011. It is hoped that the house will be rented in the months of high tourist season so that an income might be generated for basic maintenance of the building. The building sits high atop a hill overlooking the town of Palmar and Cibao Valley. A cross which Brian put on the front of the building can be seen by all for miles around. Please pray for us on this continued effort and consider supporting this project.

Servant Team Visit Encourages Church-School Community

By Pastor Ted Krey

Members from Faith Lutheran Community Church, in Las Vegas, Nevada, visited us in April to work at the school in Palmar Arriba and also joined with us in an outreach event on Sunday with the church-school community. The team members gave a drama of the Prodigal Son in the parking lot to some 150 people from the community who gathered to have family time with crafts, songs and living our life together in Christ. Many of those gathered were from our church and school, but some were not. Everyone enjoyed different activities, some of the men played on the basketball courts, many of the kids ran around on the playground equipment and still others enjoyed crafts. Later that week, this same group did a variety of projects around the church and school, including creating a rain-water collection system and improving the drainage. We are thankful for their witness of Jesus.

Piano Lessons in Palmar Arriba

By Pastor Ted Krey
One of our struggles in a new mission is not having many musicians. Pastor Walter Ries Jr. often plays the guitar for services, and seminarian John Fritz plays guitar as well. Over the past four months, we have been blessed to have piano classes given by Ruth Pollex (Rebecca Krey’s sister) to members of the mission in Palmar Arriba. Every Wednesday afternoon, 5-6 students come to study with private, 30 minute lessons. Having piano accompaniment will be a real blessing, aiding with the singing of the liturgy, and introducing of new songs and hymns.
One piano student, Johanni Cruz, a 16 year old highschooler, has been working extra hard, and coming in to town (Santiago) for extra lessons each week. Finally, on Easter Sunday, she made her debut, playing ‘Christ the Lord is Risen Today’! Interestingly, Johanni was part of the first confirmation class in Palmar Arriba, and confirmed on the same day three years ago – Easter Sunday 2009. We all sang and rejoiced along with Johanni! Both her mother and father were in church this past week to hear her play and are soon entering catechism classes as well!

Volunteer groups Transform School

By Pastor Ted Krey

At the beginning of March, a volunteer group of 14 people from 5 congregations in the South Wisconsin District joined us to aid in the building of the playground of our Concordia School. On Sunday, they treated us to some good old-fashioned fun as they invited the whole community of Palmar Arriba to join them for an afternoon of square dancing. Yep, square dancing in Spanish!! Then, Monday to Wednesday saw the group build and install four teeter totters and a huge concrete slab for volleyball and basketball. How they worked and how delighted our school children are words cannot tell, but sore bodies did and yet and the delighted smiles of the children made up for it all! On Thursday, Pastor Walter Ries, Jr. led the school and group in a dedication of the new play area.

Already plans are underway to use the playground for opportunities to have joint catechism classes and volleyball leagues for youth and men.

At the end of March, a volunteer group from Spokane, WA, came. Their work focused on painting the entire school and repairing the roof. Needless to say, the school looks absolutely amazing! We were very pleased to have several members of this team back as they were here last year as well. We give thanks to our Lord for the love of the volunteers, the Kellers, and many back home who have made this possible.

If you or your church would like to find a way to support this mission, please contact drlutheranmission@gmail.com

Seminary Studies to Resume

By Pastor Walter Ries, Jr.

This March, our 5 seminarians are slated to take up their second year of studies in a four-year program. Together with the academic part of their online studies with the Lutheran Seminary in Argentina, they have begun to read Scripture lessons in the divine service, co-teach catechism classes with the pastors, and make visits. We are excited to have five new emerging teachers, and that our work will begin to expand as these seminarians begin to learn the practice of that which they are studying.

John (pictured left with Vicar Adrian Solis on the right), is one of our seminarians. He teaches French, music, and physical education at Concordia Lutheran School in Palmar Arriba, and also takes evening classes at night school, preparing for university studies. It is wonderful to hear our school children sing the hymns and songs John has taught them! John gives devotions at the local ball field every Saturday to some 50 young men, and also helps to lead the Sunday School at the mission in Palmar Arriba. We are excited with John’s commitment to prepare for the Holy Ministry and would ask for your prayers for him and all of his fellow seminarians.