"I won’t hear another concert like that until I’m in heaven."

"That was the best choir that ever came to Torreón."

"A once-in-a-lifetime experience."

These words, spoken by those who attended a Martin Luther College choir concert in Mexico, echo the sentiments of many who came. In March, 52 choir members, directed by Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer, came to Mexico, in part to offer three concerts: two in Torreón and one in Monterrey.

Why Mexico? "We wanted to give the students a taste of world missions," says Moldenhauer. "We also hoped to help out with evangelism efforts." Mexico’s relatively close location allowed the choir to schedule three days there during its 2008 tour, which also included singing at congregations in Arizona and Texas.

The choir was able to see congregations and mission efforts in both Torreón and Monterrey. These congregations are part of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church, a sister synod to WELS. Three missionaries and six Mexican pastors serve congregations in various parts of Mexico.

In Monterrey, members of La Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) were excited to have the group come. After the concert, members put on a small program for the choir, including songs and heartfelt words. The reception concluded with a Mexican meal.

The choir gave a small concert during a service at the mission Divina Gracia (Divine Grace) in Zaragosa Sur, a low-income neighborhood in Torreón. Approximately 65 people came. Afterward, choir members handed out small gifts to the children.

The second concert given in Torreón also served as an evangelism tool. Two WELS Kingdom Workers teach English classes at El Redentor (Redeemer). The English students, many of whom do not know their Savior, were invited to the concert. Before the event, Pastor Esequiel Sánchez told the choir, "Today you are missionaries. Your voices will draw people here, and we will follow up on your efforts."

The choir reached more than 350 that night. Chairs were set up outside the church to accommodate everyone. After the concert, many people asked about the Lutheran church. The following Sunday, 20 visitors came to church. Sánchez is currently working with 50 new people as a result of the concert.