A Busy Summer in the Central Region

by David Haberstock

Since convention, my life has been a whirlwind. Immediately afterward I was involved in a dialogue between Lutheran Church–Canada and the Roman Catholic Church. Then I tried to take some time off, but as President-Elect several requests came to me, and I didn’t get that much of that week off. I have discovered that while I am still Central Regional Pastor till the end of August, I have both presidential planning work and travel to do even before I begin as President.

In particular, a couple of once-in-a-generation events are happening. Lutheran Mission – Australia (our new sister church in Australia) is about three years ahead of what they thought would be possible (Matthew 19:26!), so they are holding their founding convention in late August. Over the last three years I have talked to more than a dozen pastors, professors, and seminarians from Australia, and we have five of their pastors now serving in Canada. As a result, it feels like a wonderful bookend to this time to represent LCC to our confessional Lutheran brothers and sisters in Australia.

In late October, our sister church, Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland (LKNI), is consecrating a new bishop as Bishop Torkild Masvie (who addressed our 2022 synod convention) steps down at age 70. Their newly elected bishop, Rev. Markus Snellman, will be consecrated in late October, so I also will be representing LCC at his consecration. He is only 34 years old and may serve up to 36 more years in that role. Though they are a small and newer church body, together with them we have explored church planting and mission work opportunities in Israel and Greenland. They are a wonderful partner to have.

Also, our mother church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), is having their convention in July, and with 60 international church partners primarily from International Lutheran Council (ILC) church bodies gathering there for an International Church Relations Conference, it makes sense to meet to discuss our work together around the world. This includes at least four churches we jointly do mission work with, so it is an excellent time to discuss those opportunities and challenges.

Meanwhile, at convention I met with the leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti. LCC is actively helping the church in Haiti train pastors for evangelism and mercy work, so we are working toward full fellowship with them (they are members also of the ILC and fellowship partners with the LCMS).

In recent weeks, my family has also been blessed to host Rev. Niran Temsakun and his wife, Esther, from Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church, as they tell people about their work and learn about church administration from the staff in the LCC office.

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

– Matthew 19:26

In short, it’s a busy time on the national and international stage—but there is still work to do in the Central Region!

As I write, I am serving as pastor of the week at Aurora Lutheran Bible Camp in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Teaching 29 kids aged 7-11 about the Catechism and the Gospel is a great joy, as is meeting with some of our congregations in the area. Spending time prioritizing these young folks is a great encouragement to me (as is the slightly slower pace for myself and some time in God’s creation). The seeds that are being sown as we memorize the Catechism and talk about the persons and work of the Triune God is rewarding! Since the pandemic, Christian camps have had a real struggle getting going again, so we thank God that Aurora’s program is expanding, that kids are hungry for camp (and the Lord!), and that while the Thunder Bay circuit is feeling pretty empty, new-to-LCC pastors like Rev. Connor Longaphie from the other end of Ontario are helping out at camp!

There are also the usual round of church anniversaries to be marked and given thanks to God for: 125 years for Zion in Plumas, Manitoba; 65 for Faith in Middle Lake, Saskatchewan; as well as the usual summer work filling in for pastors on vacation, at pastoral installations, and at call meetings.

Meanwhile, we are also planning for my installation as synod President by President Teuscher on the September long weekend, after which I will install the new President’s Ministry Council (Regional Pastors and Vice President). With so much changeover in LCC leadership, we are gathering for an installation service at my own congregation of Beautiful Saviour in Winnipeg, with my own pastor, Rev. Cameron Schnarr. Lots to do. Lots to be thankful for.

So, life goes on. And the Lord is good. Even when life is hectic and challenges mount up in front of us, Jesus our Saviour leads the way. Thanks be to God!

Rev. David Haberstock is Lutheran Church–Canada’s Central Regional Pastor.

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