Japan remains one of hardest places on the planet to do mission work. Only the Lord knows the number of those who belong to Him, but it is estimated that only 1% of the people of Japan are Christian. To shine the light of the gospel in this dark land, the LECC has about 400 members in 7 congregations. Those congregations are all in the Kanto Plain (the plain in and around Tokyo). Those congregations are being served by 3 national pastors and 1 WELS missionary. Besides local outreach activities at the churches and the friendship evangelism of the LECC members, the LECC also proclaims the name of Jesus every week through 15-minute radio broadcasts in two prefectures. The LECC rejoices in the fellowship it shares with WELS, ELS, and the other sister synods. The LECC joins you in confessing, “We look for the resurrection of the dead and life of the world to come.”
GLI, Gereja Lutheran Indonesia, the Lutheran Church of Indonesia, is growing spiritually and numerically. In the midst of the persecution faced by Christians, the Lord is touching the hearts of many people in this country which is almost 90% Muslim. In the past 8 years the membership of GLI increased from 300 to over 1200 members. The members of GLI are thankful for the foundation they have in Christ, thankful for all that WELS has done, and want to share Jesus with others.
Thailand is a country known for many things. Often referred to as "The Land of Smiles," the nation boasts of its well-renowned beaches and lush jungles, its well-preserved cultural traditions and its many ethnic hilltribe groups, and its highly revered royal family, not to mention its delightful cuisine!
We have come to know Thailand as a place where we are able to share the love of our Lord and Savior. In a country where more than ninety percent of the population nominally holds to Buddhism, WELS missionaries are working alongside nationals to share the Law and Gospel message found in the Bible. The work is centered in the northern city of Chiang Mai, but extends out in satellite sites to the west, northeast, and south.
Please pray with us for God's blessing on His ministry here. Pray that the Bible Institute and Seminary in Chiang Mai would continue to be a place that trains young people for roles as workers in the spiritually ripe harvest fields. Pray that the Word of the Lord would reach all people in this nation of so many different languages and ethnicities. Pray that many of those who come from "The Land of Smiles" will someday smile for all eternity at the throne of their King in heaven.
For the security of our missionary families, national workers, and those we are reaching with the Gospel, the Board for World Missions has chosen NOT to post information about select mission fields. The public posting of such material could endanger the people or the work being done. If you would like to know more about our activity in a specific part of the world and do not find information on our website, please contact the world mission office with your questions.
