For more information on these overseas workers, click on their name to view their website or most recent newsletter.
Rev. Matthew Heise - Russia
Position: Theological Educator
Home Congregation: Guardian, Dearborn
Prayer Requests: We are overwhelmed with grateful thanks to the Lord for his healing hand on our LCMS Eurasia accountant, Karen Roemer in Germany, and seminary student Boris Chuprov in St. Petersburg. Karen is now back to work and more importantly, completely cancer free! Boris, who suffers from HIV/AIDS, is now sufficiently healthy to return for classes at the seminary in the Fall. Thanks be to God! Thanksgiving also for safety during recent travels, a successful conclusion to the 2009-10 school year at the Ingrian Lutheran Seminary in Koltushi, and continued prayers for the mission outreach of our Georgian evangelists, engaged now in sensitive work.
Dr. James and Joan Koerschen - China
Position: Head of School, Concordia International School, Shanghai
Home Congregation: Shepherd of the Lakes, Brighton
Prayer Requests: Please pray for continued good health as we serve in China and for God to continue to bless the school. Please also pray that He would send us a qualified Principal for the elementary school.
Paul and Rosangela Lantz - Brazil
Position: Seminary Student at Seminario Concordia in Porto Alegre, Brazil
Home Congregation: Faith, Troy
Prayer Requests: Praise God for the completion of Paul’s coursework and subsequent graduation from the seminary in Brazil; Pray for him as he waits to see where God is leading him in the future; Pray also for their family as they have relocated to the US and are beginning to readjust to the culture here.
Nora Léon
- Haiti
Position: President of Caribbean Children's Foundation
Home Congregation: Holy Cross, Jenison
Prayer Requests: Pray for increased sponsorship for orphaned children, tuition assistance for school students, and financial assistance for critically ill children. With approximately 300 children orphaned every day in Haiti, and the average family income only about $1 a day, the struggle to properly care for children is great. Also pray for those still trapped in the grips of Satan. His chains are tight but we pray that they will be broken apart by the saving grace of God.
James and Christel Neuendorf - Panama
Position: Communication Specialists for Latin America
Home Congregation: St. Paul, Ann Arbor
Prayer Requests: Pray that they would be able to assimilate quickly and accurately to life in Panama, especially as they try to learn the language; that their ministry can become fully funded; and finally, pray in thanksgiving with them for the tremendous ministry that God has already blessed His people with in Panama!
Rev. Richard and Maya Rudowske - Botswana
Position: Bible Translation Advisor with Lutheran Bible Translators
Home Congregation: Trinity, St. Joseph
Prayer Requests: Praise God for His faithfulness in our three years of missionary service, for safe travel, and for stability and routine. Pray for guidance in learning the language and culture of Botswana, for grace and patience in adapting to our new surroundings, and for wisdom in all matters.
Link to Summer 2010 Newsletter
Amanda Runey
- Southeast Asia
Position: Volunteer English Teacher at Hanoi University of Technology
Home Congregation: St. John, Rochester
Prayer Requests:: Prayers for all the Vietnamese who were a part of my time in Vietnam, that they will remember the love of God shown to them by LCMS volunteers; Thanksgiving that Carol had a successful trip to Vietnam and a safe trip home! Extra blessings on her upcoming wedding; Praise that God called me to Vietnam, that I accepted, and that so many lives were changed…especially mine.
*Note - Amanda Runey's volunteer service with LCMS World Mission was completed at the end of April. We ask God to give her wisdom to know the path of service He has laid out for her.
Ed and Wilma Rupprecht - Nigeria
Position: Scripture Use Consultants with Lutheran Bible Translators
Home Congregation: St. Michael, Richville
Prayer Requests: Give thanks for increased responsibility for funding in the Yala and Ukele Old Testament language projects and committees; Pray that as new surveys are planned for the Obudu and Obanliku areas, that God would direct the process; We pray that our praying and financial partners are able to provide for the resources necessary to accomplish the work here in Nigeria; We give thanks for the peace that has been enjoyed for the last few months in the oil regions; Pray for peace and reconciliation in Jos and the northern parts of Nigeria among the Muslim and Christian communities.
James Rush
- China
Position: English as a Foreign Language Teacher
Home Congregation: Peace, Flint
Prayer Requests: Pray for the new director of the English Center in Macau, Matt Myers, and his family. Matt is looking at how to build on the Center’s 10+ years of existence. Pray also for James as he will be heading back to the U.S. in July and is still trying to figure out what is next for work and study.
Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro - Nigeria
Position: Translation Consultant with Lutheran Bible Translators
Home Congregation: Redeemer, Fremont
Prayer Requests: : Thanksgiving for faithful partners who uphold us and the projects with which we are working in prayer and support; Thanksgiving for our visitors, our translation teams, and for us; Pray for the speedy and smooth printing and shipping of the Ikwerre New Testament; Pray for a successful training and checking workshop at the Nigeria Bible Translation Trust; Pray for peace around the world.
Thank you for praying for those who are abroad that God would provide for them as they are living and working in unfamiliar areas and that He would encourage them as they are away from family and friends in the United States.
