Mathew Block, Author at International Lutheran Council

Lutherans in Paraguay reelect President Figur

by Mathew Block | Mar 17, 2025

*Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay celebrate the dedication of Cristo Rey Lutheran Church during the church’s 2025 General Assembly.*

*President Alceu Alton Figur stands by the church’s altar and cross, built from different woods in the Chaco Paraguayo region.*

PARAGUAY – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana del Paraguay – IELP) held its 43^rd General Assembly from March 8-9 in Loma Plata, Chaco Paraguayo, during which time the church reelected Rev. Alceu Alton Figur to another three-year term as president. The theme for this year’s convention was “Guided,” drawing on Romans 8:14.

“Being reelected to another three-year term is a privilege and a great honour,” President Figur reflected. “We know that—despite ourselves—our God will not abandon us. Psalm 121 tells us: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth…’”

“Leading the church in postmodern times is a huge challenge,” President Figur continued. “Family values are broken, marriage is despised, unborn children are murdered, and Christian values are vilely attacked. But our church has been greatly blessed by God: all our parishes are served by a pastor and we are able to maintain our mission throughout the country. Remembering our church’s theme—‘Guided’ (Romans 8:14)—we seek to continuing leading and guiding God’s people, under His grace and love.”

*President Figur (left) and other officials elected during the IELP’s General Assembly are installed.*

President Figur was first elected to serve the Paraguayan church in 2022. He is also pastor of Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Asunción. In addition to his ministry in Paraguay, President Figur also serves as Latin America regional representative on the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) board of directors, a position he has held since 2022.

The ILC’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, welcomed the news of President Figur’s reelection. “May God continue to bless your service to the church in Paraguay,” he said. “And may He continue to bless your service on behalf of Lutherans worldwide through the International Lutheran Council. We look forward to continuing to serve with you on the board of the ILC.”

*Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay during the church’s 2025 General Assembly.*

The 2025 General Assembly saw the IELP conduct elections for several other church positions in addition to president. The assembly also had the joy of formally dedicating a new Lutheran mission church in Loma Plata, which served as host for this year’s gathering. President Figur also serves this new mission congregation—500 kms from his own home—making the trip every two weeks.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions.

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LCMS President Emeritus Kuhn enters into glory

by Mathew Block | Mar 12, 2025

USA – Rev. Dr. Robert T. Kuhn, President Emeritus of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), entered into glory on March 1, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Dr. Kuhn was born on April 5, 1937. He studied at Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri), graduating in 1963. He was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana).

During his ministry as a parish pastor, Dr. Kuhn served Illinois congregations in Bath and Chanderville (1963-1970); Geneseo (1970-1977); and Pleasant Plains (1979-1985). He also served as Assistant Director of Development at Concordia Teachers College (River Forest, Illinois) from 1977-1979.

In 1985, Dr. Kuhn was elected to serve as the 14^th President of the Central Illinois District (whose board of directors he had also served on since 1972). He continued as district president until 1995, when he was elected to serve the LCMS as its First Vice President. When LCMS President Alvin L. Barry died near the end of his third term in 2001, Dr. Kuhn automatically advanced to the office of president. He was the LCMS’ eleventh president, serving from March to August 2001.

During his tenure, Dr. Kuhn—who did not seek an additional term as president—presided over the LCMS’ 61^st Synodical Convention, meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, from July 14-20, 2001. He also represented the LCMS at the 19^th conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), which took place August 11-18, 2001, in Wartburg, South Africa.

Dr. Kuhn continued to serve the LCMS in various ways following his period as president. He was a member of the LCMS’ Board of Directors from 2001-2013, including several years as chairman. In 2013, he was elected to serve the LCMS as Vice President of the East-Southeast Region—a position he held until 2015 when he stepped down for health reasons. In his letter of resignation, he reflected: “Through every phase of ministry for nearly 50 years, I think I never ceased being aware of God’s phenomenal grace.”

Noting Dr. Kuhn’s passing, current LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison hailed him as a “dear father in Christ.”

Memorial services for Dr. Kuhn were scheduled to take place on March 14, 2025 in Oviedo, Florida and on March 28 in Bath, Illinois.

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions.

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New President for Lutherans in Guatemala

by Mathew Block | Mar 11, 2025

*Outgoing ILG President Ignacio Chan (left) installs new President Luis Alberto Jasinto (second from right) and other members of the Guatemalan church’s governing council.*

GUATEMALA – The Lutheran Church in Guatemala (Iglesia Luterana en Guatemala – ILG) has elected a new president: Rev. Luis Alberto Jasinto. President Jasinto was elected and installed to a two-year term during the ILG’s Church Assembly in Guatemala City on February 1.

“To serve as president is to be a servant of all and to be at the service of all parishes and their needs,” President Jasinto said, reflecting on his election. “As St. Luke writes: ‘So you too, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty”’ (Luke 17:10).”

Rev. Jasinto is pastor of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Gualán, Zacapa, where has served since his ordination in 2000. Rev. Jasinto studied for pastoral ministry at Gauatemala’s Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (Centro Luterano de Estudios Teológicos – CLET). He also received a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) in 2020.

President Jasinto succeeds Rev. Ignacio Chan, whose most recent period as president of the ILG began in 2019 and continued up until Rev. Jasinto’s election.

Also elected during the ILG’s 2025 Church Assembly were Rev. Esdras Natanael Orozco as Vice President; Otoniel Rodríguez Urrea as Treasurer; and Carlos Tobal Cerna as Secretary. Other business during the ILG’s Assembly included the reception of reports; approval of the church’s budget; and planning for youth and women’s conferences in 2025.

The Lutheran Church in Guatemala is a member church of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Finland hosts Nordic bishops’ conference

by Mathew Block | Feb 28, 2025

*Participants in meetings of the Communion of Nordic Lutheran Dioceses.*. Back: LCMS Regional Director for Eurasia, Rev. David Preus; ELMDF Bishop Juhana Pohjola; and ELMDF Dean Joel Kerosuo. Front: ELMDF Bishop Emeritus Risto Soramies; DELSIN Bishop Thor Henrik With; Lutheran Foundation Bishop Emeritus Maati Väisänen; and MPS Bishop Bengt Ådahl.

FINLAND – On February 5, the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (Suomen evankelisluterilainen Lähetyshiippakunta – ELMDF) hosted a meeting of bishops from the Communion of Nordic Lutheran Dioceses.

Participating in the meetings were Bishop Thor Henrik With of the Evangelical-Lutheran Diocese in Norway (Det evangelisk-lutherske stift i Norge – DELSIN); Bishop Bengt Ådahl of the Mission Province in Sweden (Missionsprovinsen i Sverige – MPS); and ELMDF Bishop Juhana Pohjola, as well as his predecessors Bishop Emeritus Risto Soramies and Bishop Emeritus Maati Väisänen.

Also participating in the meetings were the ELMDF’s Diocesan Dean Joel Kerosuo and Rev. David Preus, Regional Director for Eurasia for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

*Conversations during meetings of the bishops from the Communion of Nordic Lutheran Dioceses.*

“Gatherings like these are an important way to keep each other apprised of current events in our church bodies and to pray for each other and express the unity we have in shared confession,” said ELMDF Bishop Pohjola. “May God continue to strengthen our ties as we bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this part of the world.”

Among other business, Bishop Pohjola noted, the meeting saw the church leaders discuss the office of bishop in the light of their churches’ shared Lutheran confession, as well as how the extra-congregational ministry of oversight is all about the Word and Sacrament ministry—sending men through ordination to serve at the pulpits and altars of local congregations, and to shepherd by visitation those who already serve. Discussion also noted how the office has sometimes become a cause of division in the Church for the sake of personal ambition or tolerance of false doctrine. It is important that bishops—through the office entrusted to them—support the common mission and unity of the Church across national borders, remaining faithful to the words of the OverShepherd.

The ELMDF, DELSIN, MP, and LCMS are all member churches of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Lutherans in Malawi enter into fellowship with FELSISA

by Mathew Block | Feb 13, 2025

*CLCMS President Davis Wowa and FELSISA Bishop Emeritus Dieter Reinstorf at the CLCMS’ 2024 convention.*

MALAWI – The Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA) has entered into fellowship with the Confessional Lutheran Church – Malawi Synod (CLCMS).

The official ratification of fellowship came during a vote at the CLCMS’ first synodical convention, held August 1-5, 2024 in Mzuzu, Malawi. The FELSISA had previously voted during its 2023 synodical convention to also declare fellowship with the church in Malawi. The votes in both church bodies passed unanimously.

This was the culmination of a process that began in 2019, when FELSISA’s synodical council first decided to hold talks with the CLCMS. The pandemic put those plans on hold, but they recommenced when FELSISA Bishop Dieter Reinstorf was invited to Malawi to teach theology in 2022.

*Bishop Emeritus Reinstorf and President Wowa celebrate the declaration of fellowship between FELSISA and CLCMS.*

Rev. Dr. Reinstorf retired as bishop of FELSISA in 2023, but he was invited to attend the CLCMS’ first synodical convention as a representative of the South African church. “It was an honour to attend the convention of this rather young but vibrant church,” he said. “Having learned so much on my trip to Malawi, I praise God and pray that the partnership between the CLCMS and the FELSISA will blossom, leading to renewed trust in our faithful God.”

The FELSISA is a member, and the CLCMS an observer member, of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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ILC encourages prayer for DR Congo

by Mathew Block | Feb 4, 2025

DR CONGO – The International Lutheran Council is encouraging prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following hostilities in the eastern part of the country which have left at least 900 people dead, and more than 2,900 wounded.

“We encourage Christians around the world to remember the people of the eastern DRC in prayer,” said Rev. Dr. Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council. “The death and destruction in the area is horrific. We pray for an end to the hostilities; the protection of the endangered; the well-being of the displaced; and the comfort of all who mourn. Lord, have mercy.”

M23 rebels, with support from Rwanda, launched a new assault in eastern DRC in early 2025. Over the past weeks, rebels have seized control over a large area, culminating at the end of January with the seizure of Goma, the capital city of North Kivu Province. Numerous civilians have been killed in the conflict, and there are reports of horrific atrocities against civilians, including women and children.

Even before the latest assaults, more than 700,000 displaced people lived near Goma, having fled earlier clashes between rebels and DRC troops in the east.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Congo (CELCE) has a significant number of members in the affected area. CELCE Bishop Herman Kashaba calls the situation “not only dramatic but apocalyptic,” and has invited the prayers of Christians around the world for the region.

The ILC also has contacts with Lutheran church bodies in other regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We pray for our Lutheran brothers and sisters throughout the DRC, and for all who are suffering in in this terrible situation,” said ILC General Secretary Schulz. “May Christ be present among His people with His mercy even in the midst of war.”

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Thailand’s Lutherans celebrate 20 years

by Mathew Block | Jan 21, 2025

*The organizers of TCLC’s anniversary convention. Photo: LCC/David Friesen.*

THAILAND – In October 2024, Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC) celebrated its 20^th anniversary with a special conference spread over three locations: from October 8-9 in Bangkok, from October 10-11 in Phang-Gha, and from October 12-13 in Chiangmai.

The celebrations brought together members from various sister churches across Asia, as well as representatives from partner churches and organizations that were instrumental in founding the church body. President Antonio Reyes of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) was also present for the event, bringing greetings from the International Lutheran Council (ILC). President Reyes is the Asia Region representative on the ILC’s Board of Directors.

*LCP President Antonio Reyes brings greetings from the ILC. Photo: LCC/David Friesen.*

Thanks to the devoted mission work that started many decades earlier in different parts of the country, TCLC has become a spiritual home for first-generation Christians, many of whom converted to Christianity from Buddhism. The origins of TCLC are rooted in the mission work of three church bodies: Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in the northern region of the country; The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in the central region; and Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) in the south. Prior to LCC’s involvement in Thailand, home churches were established by a devoted Lutheran layman, Dr. Herb Gernand, who moved to the south of Thailand for work and desired to bring confessional Lutheranism to the country. Recognizing the need to train men for the ministry, Dr. Gernand reached out to Lutheran Church–Canada for assistance. A formal relationship with LCC was established in 1989, and soon after Rev. Dr. Leonard Harms, Director of International Missions, developed a curriculum and LCC began training pastors and evangelists in this new mission field.

As LCC was assisting with the mission work in the south, WELS started doing mission work in the northern region, training church workers and planting congregations. Although Lutheran Hour Ministries and other organizations were active in the country years earlier, the LCMS itself formally began work in Thailand in 1986, sending missionaries to Bangkok and establishing social-service programs. One of the missionaries sent was the adopted son of Dr. Herb Gernand: Rev. Dr. Pornprom (Ted) NaThalang, who studied at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

As a convert from the southern region, Rev. NaThalang was able to build upon the work that his father started in that area, and was instrumental in helping to bring the central and south region churches together in one body. As this was happening, WELS began to wind down their mission activity among the Thai in the north, shifting their focus to the various Hill Tribes near the Laos boarder. This led the established mission congregations in the north to reach out to Rev. NaThaland and begin dialogue with the newly united Lutheran congregations in the central and south regions. In 2004, the mission congregations in all three regions united to form Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church, electing Rev. Ted NaThalang to serve as their bishop.

*TCLC Bishop Ted NaThalang speaks during the convention. Photo: LCC/David Friesen.*

“When I look back at my life, I see how the Lord has worked in planting a Confessional Lutheran church in Thailand,” Bishop NaThalang stated at the anniversary celebration. “In my stepfather, God sent a messenger to bring the Gospel to me and my family and then to our neighbours. And then I along with so many other converts were able to bring the same Gospel message to other people across Thailand, establishing congregations along the way.”

The anniversary celebrations featured many similar reflections from pastors, evangelists, former missionaries, and other members of TCLC, as they visited all three regions during the week-long event.

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With files from The Canadian Lutheran

New bishop for Lutheran Church in Southern Africa

by Mathew Block | Jan 16, 2025

*Participants in the LCSA’s 2024 General Synod.*

SOUTH AFRICA – The Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (LCSA) held its 21^st General Synod from December 9-12, 2024, in White City, Jabavu, Soweto, during which time the church elected a new bishop: Rev. Dr. Sibongiseni Elliot Sithole.

In June 2024, Dr. Sithole was installed as Head of the Department for Biblical Studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa, where he also serves as student support coordinator. He previously served as a part-time lecturer with the seminary for many years. He also served with the Bible Society of South Africa on the revised isiZulu translation of the Bible.

**CAPTION:** Bishop Elect Sibongiseni Elliot Sithole (right) and the new church council elected during the LCSA’s 2024 General Synod.

Dr. Sithole holds a S.T.M. and a Ph.D. in Missiology from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his doctoral supervisor was Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz. “It is a joy to congratulate Elliot on his recent election,” said Dr. Schulz, who also serves as General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “Elliot and I spent our childhood together at Enhlanhleni, KwaZulu Natal. I’m very happy for him, and pray that God will bless his ministry on behalf of the church in South Africa.”

Bishop Elect Sithole succeeds Bishop Modise Maragelo, who did not stand for reelection. Bishop Maragelo was first elected to serve as head of the LCSA in 2015, and was reelected to a second five-year term in 2019.

A service of installation for Bishop Elect Sithole is scheduled to take place on February 23 in Salem (Piet Retief/Mkhondo).

Among other business during its General Synod, the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa also heard reports and conducted elections for other positions on the LCSA’s church council.

The Lutheran Church in Southern Africa is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions.

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LLDP visits Concordia Publishing House, celebrates another graduate

by Mathew Block | Jan 7, 2025

USA – Church leaders from ten Lutheran church bodies and dioceses in eight countries in Africa and Asia travelled to the United States for an eventful next session of the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP) from November 11-22, 2024.

Concordia Publishing House

*President and CEO of CPH, Jonathan Schultz, addresses the LLDP participants.*

A highlight of this session was a course held at Concordia Publishing House (CPH) during the second week. CPH President and CEO Jonathan Schultz warmly welcomed the LLDP participants. He was joined by Dr. Jacob Corzine, Vice President of Publishing, Mrs. Kim Latham, Assistant to President, and many other key staff members in extending kind hospitality to the LLDP participants. President Schultz’ passion for the Gospel and care for the participants excited and melted the hearts of all, and Dr. Corzine’s lecture on church leadership according to Apology XXVIII was very insightful.

A tour of the building gave participants a deep understanding of how the Lord has blessed CPH over 150 years as the world’s premier confessional Lutheran publishing house. In all LLDP sessions, participants have benefited from CPH’s rich resources that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. It was a privilege as a result for participants to learn more about CPH and the people who serve there.

Concordia Publishing House was one of the agencies which helped to found the LLDP in 2017, together with the ILC, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne (CTSFW). That support of the LLDP reflects CPH’s broader mission of serving the proclamation of the Gospel effectively throughout the world. This November session served as the LLDP’s “homecoming,” giving thanks to CPH, with particular emphasis on its support for LLDP itself.

Another LLDP graduate

*New LLDP graduate, Bishop Dr. Yohana Nzelu (front centre), with LLDP teaching faculty, students, and a few guests following commencement on November 15, 2024.*

Another highlight of the most recent session was the graduation of Rev. Dr. Yohana Nzelu, Bishop of South East of Lake Victoria Diocese (SELVD) in Tanzania, and his reception of a Certificate of Theology in Lutheran Leadership from the ILC. The program requires students to write a graduation thesis as a culminating exercise. Bishop Nzelu’s thesis was: “An Examination of the Contribution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to the Growth of ELCT–South East of Lake Victoria Diocese.” He presented its summary to the community of CTSFW during its Convocation Hour on November 13 before conferral of the certificate on November 15.

Reflecting on his two years of LLDP, Bishop Nzelu commented: “The LLDP made me a Lutheran leader. It shaped my liturgical practice from Pentecostal influence to Lutheranism. I have been equipped with skills for defending the Lutheran theology. It gave me skills for leading my diocese by building an effective team to reach our goals. I recommend LLDP to every church leader, especially bishops and presidents.”

*Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak teaching Strategic Planning and Task Management at CTSFW.*

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School (Asheville, Tennessee) served as instructor for the first week at CTSFW, teaching a course on Strategic Planning and Task Management. Participants expressed thanks for the lessons, with one writing: “This course was transformative in ecclesial ministry, as this kind of course is rarely taught in theological seminary and colleges.” Another participant encouraged the LLDP to offer annual workshops on the same topic for LLDP alumni and their executive staff.

*LCMS Mid-South District President Roger Paavola teaching Budgeting and Financial Accountability at CPH.*

Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, President of the LCMS’ Mid-South District, was the instructor at CPH for the second week. To enrich his course on Budgeting and Financial Accountability, he brought in a team of instructors and presenters, including: Professor Tom McCain, CPA, of Washington University; Ed Holerde, Esq., a member of Spencer Law Firm, which works with the LCMS; Jeff Schwartz of Lutheran Public Radio (Issues, Etc.); and Rev. Matthew Clark, pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church (St. Louis, Missouri). Participating church leaders commented: “I learned that stewardship begins with Christ’s love,” and “This was a very important course for church leaders to help them think strategically in planning for the church.”

Holding a class in St. Louis brought additional benefits. President Dr. Tom Egger of Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) and his wife invited LLDP participants for desert one evening. One afternoon was spent at the LCMS’s International Center to hear Revs. Drs. Joel Lehenbauer and Rick Serina concerning the work and resources of the LCMS’ Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Participants were also grateful to visit with LCMS President Matthew Harrison, who had served as an instructor during the LLDP’s February/March 2024 session in Wittenberg.

The LLDP at the LCMS International Center on November 20, 2024. From left, Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Executive Director of LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR); President Dr. Roger Paavola; Prof. Dr. Naomichi Masaki; Rev. Johanesa Andriamanarinjato; Rev. Dr. Heinz Hiestermann; Bishop Jackson Mushendwa; Presiding Bishop Peter Abia; Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, LCMS President; Dr. John Lanbon; Bishop Dr. Yohana Nzelu; Rev. Dr. Yacob Godebo; Rev. President/Bishop Elect Daniel Akoh; Rev. Fredirick Flores; retired Bishop Ambele Mwaipopo; National Presiding Bishop Charles Bameka; Rev. Martin Paul; and Rev. Dr. Rick Serina, Associate Executive Director, CTCR.

On Sundays, members visited two local congregations to receive the Lord’s service. Five of the participants also served as preachers during the session. Bishops Peter Anibati Abia (South Sudan/Sudan) and Charles Bameka (Uganda) preached at Kramer Chapel at CTSFW during the first week. President/Bishop Elect Daniel Akoh (Ghana), Rev. Martin Paul (South Africa), and Rev. Fredirick Flores (Philippines) preached at LLDP’s daily Matins at CPH.

Left: LLDP participants present gifts of maps along with words of appreciation to LLDP Director, Dr. Naomichi Masaki. Right: Dr. Masaki showing Small Catechism with Explanation book in Japanese published by CPH in 1952 when preaching at CPH’s weekly morning chapel on November 20, 2024.

“This session was amazing!” said Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, LLDP Director. “The instructors were the best of the best. Convocation and commencement, time spent at CPH, visits to congregations, CTCR, and with President Harrison were all so precious and meaningful. Even the time spent together in a van, dormitory, and at dinner were so sweet.”

“It was gratifying to hear that the LLDP is so helpful to the participating church leaders and future leaders,” Dr. Masaki continued. “What a gift of the Lord it is that we all walk together in one mind, heart, and faith to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ in faithfulness to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions!”

The next session in March 2025 will focus on Missions and the Office of the Holy Ministry. You are invited to support the work of the LLDP by making a donation online. You can also mail a donation by cheque to:

International Lutheran Council
P.O. Box 10149
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46850 USA

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Lutherans in the Philippines recovering from devastating typhoons

by Mathew Block | Dec 30, 2024

*Church members gather for worship and support following typhoons in the Philippines.*

PHILIPPINES – The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) continues to recover from devastating typhoons in late 2024.

*LCP members visit a congregation for support.*

Beginning in late October through November, multiple typhoons—Trami (Kristine), Kong-rey (Leon), Yinxing (Marce), Toraji (Nika), Usagi-(Ofel), and Man-yi (Pepito)— swept across the Philippines, leaving devastation in their paths. The country saw widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction across many provinces, especially in the regions of Bicol, Calabarzon, and Cagayan Valley. Entire communities were submerged, crops destroyed, and thousands of families lost their homes. LCP members living in Calabarzon region and in Cagayan Valley were particularly hit hard.

“It’s hard to imagine the pain of losing loved ones, your home, and your means of livelihood all at once,” said LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes. “Yet amidst all of this, I have seen incredible resilience and faith in these communities. They are doing their best to pick up the pieces but the journey is long, and they can’t do it alone.”

Eight church buildings of the LCP in Cagayan Province and Ilocos Norte were damaged during the storms, with the parsonage of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ballesteros suffering severe destruction. No church workers or members were injured during the storms but—like numerous people across the Philippines—many had difficulty accessing basic necessities and experienced damage to their homes.

In the immediate aftermath, LCP pastors reached out with spiritual care to their members. With the financial support of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the LCP also extended emergency relief to 276 affected families from Cagayan Province/Ilocos Norte and 71 families in Batangas. These funds have helped affected families access basic necessities and will also help with repairs for damaged homes—for example, by making repairs to damaged roofs.

“On behalf of the LCP, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the help extended by the LCMS,” President Reyes said. “It was indeed a blessing—an expression of deep concern and love for those who suffered the aftermath of the strong typhoons that came to our country. Your kindness will always be treasured in our hearts. Thank you for bearing with us. May God bless you and the LCMS for your thoughtfulness and generosity.”

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines and the LCMS are members of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies.

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By Mathew Block

Lutherans in Paraguay reelect President Figur

LCMS President Emeritus Kuhn enters into glory

New President for Lutherans in Guatemala

Finland hosts Nordic bishops’ conference

Lutherans in Malawi enter into fellowship with FELSISA

ILC encourages prayer for DR Congo

Thailand’s Lutherans celebrate 20 years

New bishop for Lutheran Church in Southern Africa

LLDP visits Concordia Publishing House, celebrates another graduate

Concordia Publishing House

Another LLDP graduate

Lutherans in the Philippines recovering from devastating typhoons

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