Most of the newer district presidents were privileged to visit the LCMS mission field in the Dominican Republic this past week, and I am so grateful to have had that opportunity. I’ve been hearing good things about the work that our Synod is doing in that part of the world for some time now, but to see for myself the work “in action,” and to visit in person with our LCMS missionaries and their families, was of real benefit and encouragement. It was quickly obvious why President Harrison wanted us to make such a visit, not only for the sake of information, but to provide a good example for the mission here at home.
Any number of things impressed me about the mission work being done in the Dominican Republic – and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean – and I won’t be able to highlight everything here. But I want to share and call attention to a few of the particulars that I found especially encouraging.
A key aspect of the mission work in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has been the use of “Foros” (Spanish for forums), the concerted and coordinated partnership of various entities and efforts, in order to be pulling together in common cause. Within a dozen different countries, the regional “Foro” brings together key people from the mission field for conversation and encouragement. Similar to our Circuit Pastors’ Winkels, these Foros allow for the mutual conversation and consolation of brethren, including the clarification and sharpening of theology and the sharing of pastoral care and practical strategies.
All of these localized Foros are also in communication and cooperation with each other through the work of our area facilitators, Rev. Herb Burch (Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela), Rev. James Sharp (Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Bolivia), and Rev. Arthur Rickman (Mexico, Panama, Colombia), and the LAC regional director, Rev. Ted Krey. All four of these men were with us over the course of our time in the Dominican Republic, giving us an overview and explanation of the work being done within the various countries and areas of the region, including the ways in which they are working together.
One significant aspect of “common cause” is the Lutheran Seminary located in Santiago, the Dominican Republic city where we spent our time together last week. This Seminary is preparing men for the Office of the Holy Ministry, as well as women for diaconal work, from countries throughout the region. Brazil and Argentina have their own Lutheran Seminaries, but the one in Santiago is serving the rest of LAC. We heard detailed descriptions of the impressive work the Seminary is doing, organized and arranged on solid theological foundations, while going about its work in a thoroughly “practical” manner. I was part of a group that went with a student on a couple of evangelistic visits in the neighborhood around the Seminary, and I was absolutely blown away by the poised and confident way in which he engaged the people we visited, getting to know them, praying for them, and leading them into the Scriptures.
In addition to our time at the Seminary, we also visited the local Lutheran congregation in Santiago, the LCMS mission office, and the home of the regional director, Rev. Ted Krey, and his family. Rev. Krey and his wife, Rebecca, are truly gracious people with a tremendous gift for hospitality, as they hosted all of us for evening meals at their home on two of the evenings we were there. Their talented children also emulate their parents in gracious hospitality, in addition to serving their congregation in various ways, not least of all with their musical abilities. What struck me, in each and all of the places we visited, was the pervasive family atmosphere and character of the entire team. Not only because of the families of the various missionaries and support staff, but because of the camaraderie and fellowship between the team members and between their respective families. It was a wonderful thing to see the large group of young children laughing and playing together joyfully, clearly enjoying each other’s company, and very much at ease with one another. That same spirit permeates the robust mission work that is being done in the Dominican Republic and throughout the region. Kudos to the men and women who are fostering that spirit, serving one another, the Lord’s Church, and their neighbors round about. Soli Deo Gloria!