Summary of the Mexico-Mequon Workshop

From January 13th thru January 15th, the Mexican pastors and seminary students gathered in the city of Puebla with students from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary for a conference. Following is a brief summary of the workshop, written by vicar Phil Gurgel, who is currently serving in Torreon (learn more about Phil here).

The conference focused on the theme of "using the gifts of the people in God´s church". The first day of the conference began with a worship service lead by Pastor Vasquez from Monterrey and Pastor Dominguez from Puebla. Following the service, Professor Schlomer led us in a study on the various ministries that can be found within a church. Working together in groups, the pastors and seminary students looked at various Bible passages and discovered how the Bible showed Christians using their gifts in a whole spectrum of different ministries. We were then challenged to see how we could apply these same ministries to our congregations. Following a delicious lunch, Pastor Larry M. Schlomer continued with a Bible Study on the priesthood of all believers. He reminded us that one of the most important roles we have as pastors is to delegate responsibility. After a closing devotion by Pastor Sanchez, most of the pastors and seminary students stuck around for a get together that followed. We feasted on tacos of carne asada and played Dominoes late into the night.

The next day began with a devotion by the vicar. Following the devotion, pastor Israel from Monterrey presented a text study on Ephesians chapter 4. Professor Schuetze from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary followed by delivering a paper on the "Requirements of Ministry". This paper discussed the various requirements needed by someone in the pastoral ministry. After another hearty lunch, Pastor Sanchez provided the final presentation of the conference. He discussed what the Mexican synod´s plan was for the seminary in Torreón. He also encouraged the pastors to continue to look for candidates within their own congregations who had the gifts to serve in the public ministry. The conference ended with a devotion by Pastor Cajas from Mexico City.

Overall, the conference was a great experience for all involved as it provided a great amount of fellowship between members of the IELC and WELS. Together we grew in our understanding of the gifts God has given to each and every one of us in his church.

Five Fun Things about Furlough

We just passed the halfway point of our two-month break from Mexico here in the United States. So far, our furlough has been just great. Here are a few of the things we've been enjoying on this side of the border...

1. Time to Recharge
We left Mexico feeling tired. Tired of the stresses that come with living in a foreign country. Tired of the challenges we faced there. Now, however, that we have been away for awhile, we're starting to feel refreshed and ready to jump back into things.

2. Family Time
Since Mike is not in Mexico, where he works long days, and I'm taking a maternity leave from most of my writing work, we've been able to spend time together as a family. It's been wonderful. We even took the girls to the Mall of America in the Twin Cities (Trinity rode on the carousel there and then exclaimed, "This is fun!").

3. Fellowship with congregations and schools.
We've visited various churches and schools during our break. We've had the chance to talk to many fellow WELS members. We share stories about Mexico with them, and get updates on the ministry going on here. It's hard to put into words just how encouraging these visits are for us, but trust me, it's one of the best parts about furlough.

4. Worship Services in English
In Mexico, we have a weekly English Bible Study at our house for workers on the field. But our Sunday worship services are all done in Spanish. So it's a special treat to sing our favorite hymns in English and listen to sermons preached in our native language.

5. Food
Ah, so much tasty food. From potlucks to corned beef to rich desserts, we've been enjoying some of our favorite U.S. foods. We're filling up now, because soon we'll be heading back south. By then we'll probably be craving tortillas and salsa all over again!

Lutheran Connections

Every January, a group of men from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary travel to Mexico. Instead of hitting the beaches, they spend some time studying Spanish at a language institute. Then they meet up with Mexican seminary students and pastors for a workshop.

This annual event is called the Mexico-Mequon workshop, and it is a special time for all involved. The seminary students from Mequon get a chance to learn Spanish, see a world mission field, and mingle with other Lutherans in Mexico. Our Mexican seminary students and pastors are always encouraged from the friendly visit and the fellowship that comes with it.

This year the gathering is being held in Puebla, Mexico. This colonial city is about two hours by bus from Mexico City. In addition to being a beautiful city, it is also home to three of our Mexican Lutheran churches. Pastor Mario Dominguez and vicar Carlos Rosales currently serve the congregation there.

The workshop only lasts for a few days, but it is always well remembered by the Americans and Mexicans that go to it. They not only get to share great food and swap stories, they also get to worship together. Some of them stay in touch after the workshop ends.

We give thanks for this opportunity. And I'll post an update on this year's workshop when it draws to a close.

On Tour

Starting last Sunday, Mike has had the chance to give presentations on life and work in Mexico in Minneapolis, Redwood Falls, and Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. The girls and I came with him to a couple locations. Every place has greeted us warmly. We are very thankful for such kind brothers and sisters in Christ!

When Mike visits a school or congregation, he usually shows a Power Point presentation. He talks about what it's like to live in Mexico. He also shares stories of the work going on there and the Lutheran church in Mexico. Sometimes we set up a display or have a "show and tell" with handicrafts and souvenirs from Mexico (including favorites like a purse made from a toad and a dead scorpion covered in glass).

Going to congregations and schools is always an uplifting experience for us. It helps us zero in on our reason for living in Mexico: to show others the way to heaven. Talking to other Lutherans also energizes us and renews our spirits.

Mike will be giving presentations for the next week and a half. We look forward to seeing more people and talking to them about our mission field. Shortly after that, we'll start our trek back home!

Happy New Year!

We rang in the new year in the snowy north! We are currently in Minnesota, staying with my parents and enjoying the pretty snow (and getting used to the cold weather!). We'll be in the U.S. for a few more weeks yet. Then we'll begin our journey home to Torreón.

In 2009, we pray for good health for our family. We also ask God to guide us in each step of our journey of life. May he do the same for you and your family.