Why do we collect mission offerings?

We collect mission offerings for several reasons. Christian giving is motivated by God's love for us. We naturally want to give back to him who gave us his very own Son to pay for our sins. We're really only returning to God what is rightfully his. All we have comes from his gracious hand. As he blesses our lives with talents and abilities, time, and money, we can't help but return a portion of our firstfruits back to him. It's like our offering says, "Thank you, Lord Jesus."

Where will our first quarter mission offerings be used?

Hong Kong, one of the wealthiest and most crowded cities in the world, is a place where people are learning that success does not equal hope. People are searching for a religious base. This is the environment in which WELS opened Asia Lutheran Seminary. With mission dollars from our first quarter, we hope to support the growth of future evangelists and support the printing of Christian literature in Asian languages. You can see video about this mission here.

Where will our second quarter mission offerings be used?

Lighthouse Youth Center is a beacon for Christ to the youth of Milwaukee. The benefits of the Center extend beyond the youth who use it. Lighthouse Youth Center provides the community with a central location where youth can gather safely for recreational activities, receive assistance on their academic assignments, enjoy the positive influence of adult Christian mentors, and have opportunities to study and discuss the truths of Scripture. Through collaborative partnerships with nearby schools, we are be able to focus on the scholastic needs of individual children and assist them in the most effective way. Families will see their children reflecting the Christ-like attitude that includes healthy morals and respectful relationships between child and adult. Parents are be able to use Lighthouse as a partner in raising their families. Community service projects are organized to encourage a sense of neighborhood pride. Most importantly, the truths of Scripture are taught, and the love of Christ permeates everything we do.

Where will our third quarter mission offerings be used?

The WELS Mission in Pakistan grows like a beautiful rose in the desert. Surrounded by a nation that is 97% Muslim many seeds are being sown. More than 67,000 Christian books have been distributed. More than 22,000 people have been enrolled in the Bible Correspondence & Teaching School. There is a great hunger for the gospel in this country though militant Islam is on the rise. In spite of the threat of persecution the gospel is being shared boldly. 10,000 copies of The Promise have been published into Pashtu – the language of the northwest tribal region of Pakistan. 20,000 copies of The Promise have been published into Punjabi, a third language of Pakistan. The “Feeding Jesus’ Lambs in Pakistan” Sunday School ministry cares for 1,150 children in 30 different Sunday Schools. Medical clincs are conducted every Friday. With help from the Committee on Relief a medical clinic was opened in Charsada to serve the refugees from the Swat Valley. These humanitarian efforts open many hearts and minds to the love of Christ. Learn more about this mission here.

Where will our fourth quarter mission offerings be used?

An inmate writes, “I am so grateful that God is forgiving. I believe God has put me in jail, to open my eyes, and bring me closer to Him. I was on a self-destructive pattern going nowhere. Glory to God for bringing me closer to him even if it took coming to jail. Thank you and may God bless you.” Another inmate writes, “This course has taught me what a great price Jesus paid for me because of my sins. Jesus loves me so much that He took my place on the cross and died for me. Jesus made it possible for me to be forgiven and have eternal life.” WELS Prison Ministry is mission work; most inmates are unchurched. Many are searching for answers to spiritual questions.

WELS Mission NEWS

You can read all about our WELS mission work directly as it comes in from the WELS Mission Blog found at http://blogs.wels.net/missions/.