Volunteer
Volunteer
A young couple wanted to get involved in mission work—and now they are leading a Bible study with a group of Christians in Mexico.
Many newlyweds head to Mexico for their honeymoon, but not many stay a year to carry out mission work. Brad and Heidi Krause, though, are doing just that.
Brad, a 2007 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, served two years as a tutor at Nebraska Lutheran High School, Waco, Neb., and was poised to receive a permanent assignment into the ministry in spring 2009. He and Heidi were married in June.
Heidi's father, Jerry Zimpelmann, owns a house in Mahahual, Mexico. He asked Brad and Heidi if they might consider leading a Bible study with a group of people that had begun gathering there.
"I talked to many different people in the synod to see if it would be okay for me to postpone being assigned and come down here and serve as a lay member," says Brad. "After much consultation and prayer, we decided to come down here for one year."
The Krauses' volunteering of their time and service is independent of WELS World Missions. Dan Koelpin, administrator of World Missions, explains, "The Board for World Missions gave its blessing to their efforts to share the gospel with the understanding that there were no guarantees that we would pick up the work by providing manpower should a congregation be gathered. On the other hand, should the Lord bless this effort beyond expectations, it might be a place where a national pastor could be called. So we remain open to seeing what the Lord will do."
The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mexico serves 11 congregations and 17 preaching stations throughout the country and operates its own seminary. The church body has about 650 baptized members. Seven Mexican pastors, five Mexican seminary students, and three WELS missionaries oversee the work. English language classes are held in Gomez Palacio, Mexico, as part of an evangelism effort. The work the Krauses are conducting in Mahahual is in addition to these efforts.
Are you looking for national or international service opportunities? Many are available through WELS Kingdom Workers, an organization that coordinates volunteer efforts in WELS mission fields and provides financial support for unfunded mission programs.
Looking for ways to get involved in your congregation but don't know where to start? Complete a survey to discover your spiritual gifts and how you can use them to serve God.
