Equipping the Saints with Great Joy: International Missions with a Domestic Twist

From January 12-16 of this year, preparation and formation of future pastors and deaconesses of LCC’s partner Church in Nicaragua continued. Seventeen diaconal and seven pastoral students participated in seminary classes focused on the Theology of Worship and sound Proclamation of the Word. The worship class was taught by LCC’s Director of International Missions, Rev. M.L. Smith, while I was able to teach the course on Preaching.

These courses lay the foundation for the students to better understand the deep significance and gifts God gives to His people gathered in the Divine Service, as well as how to rightly handle God’s Word of Truth when leading different activities in the church. Now, you may be wondering, “Why would the Domestic Missions Director take part in an International Mission trip like this?” The Missions Department of LCC works hand in hand with each other to better oversea the broader Mission of the Church, especially since there is great overlap between LCC’s Domestic and International Missions. This trip presented an opportunity for me to receive firsthand experience of the Mission Work our church undertakes in Nicaragua.

Following the weeklong seminary instruction, Rev. Smith and I were able to travel to various Missions sites in Nicaragua and visit with pastors and people to encourage them in the good work they are doing in serving the saints under their care and reaching the lost with the saving hope of Jesus.  While desperately poor according to North American standards, these dear ones of God steadfastly serve their neighbours in love, caring for the their physical and spiritual needs. All of this is possible due to the support that is received from LCC.

While touring the church in Matagalpa, it was evident that the church building was in dire need of repair. Yet the people gather faithfully, week in and week out, to receive God’s gifts in Word and Sacrament. This small congregation has a thriving youth and young adult ministry that is keen on reaching out to others with the love of Jesus. They are faithfully served by Pastor Pedro and his wife, Deaconess Fatima.

Please keep all our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua in your prayers as they daily strive to share the goodness and love of God in Christ Jesus with those in their communities. May the Lord bless all that they do in His precious Name. 

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