Missionary Alumni blog

Alumnus Rutt, new director of LHM International Ministries

LCMS World Mission congratulates alumnus Dr. Douglas L. Rutt of Fort Wayne, Ind., who has been named director of the International Ministries division at Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM). He began his new position on July 30 and will oversee the International Ministries division at LHM’s St. Louis, Mo. headquarters…

Missionary veterans honored

Six missionary veteran couples were honored this week at the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Houston, Texas. The missionaries, who were recognized by Synod President Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, together represent more than 220 years of service on the mission field.

Japan alumna installed in California

On Sunday, June 6, 2010, Bethel Grace Ministries, San Francisco, Calif., celebrated the commissioning and installation of Lindsey Elizabeth Gibbon as Director of Christian Education/Mission. Lindsey is a graduate of Concordia University Chicago and recently returned to the United States after serving in Japan as a GEO missionary.

CISS Principal receives Alumna of the Year award from Concordia University Chicago

LCMS World Mission celebrates with International Educator Louise Weber, who received the Alumna of the Year Award at the 2010 commencement exercises of Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. This award is given annually to an alumnus whose service to the church and community has brought honor to Concordia University Chicago.

Former staff member receives award

We celebrate with Rev. Dr. Richard C. Dickinson, former staff, upon receiving the Synod’s Black Clergy Caucus’ first “Lifetime Achievement Award.” It was presented by caucus members Feb. 4 at Dickinson’s St. Louis home. Dickinson, 85, served the Synod more than 50 years, retiring from ministry in 1990.

Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan dies

Rev. Andrew Mbugo Elisa, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan (ELCS), was called to eternal glory on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008. Rev. Elisa would have been 43 years old on Jan. 1, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and their four children: Hipai, 19; Nako, 17; Zereda, 15; and Zaniwe, 8. [...]

2008 Japan Missionary Alumni Reunion

St. Louis, the headquarters of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), is the gathering place for a great percentage of LCMS members and officials for various meetings. One of the most gratifying and happiest is the tri-annual gathering of former LCMS Japan missionaries. Many tears and hugs of joy were exchanged as about 40 former missionaries, [...]

Mark Kempff installed at Seminary’s Center for Hispanic Studies

Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sánchez, Mark Kempff & Rev. Eloy González On Sept. 7, 2008, Mark Kempff was installed as the new instructor and curriculum developer for the Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Mark has served as an LCMS missionary in Latin America for 33 years in Venezuela (1975-2003) and Panama [...]

Cyndi Memorial

We mourn with Greg, Brittany, and Kerrick Sawyer, Hong Kong, on the sudden death of their wife and mother, Cyndi. She died suddenly of a heart attack in Hong Kong on Friday, March 7, 2008. Cyndi was serving as a second-grade teacher at Hong Kong International School (HKIS). She collapsed suddenly while shopping in a [...]