The Board for World Missions announced a new type of mission call available to the synod’s Assignment Committee. The graduate mission associate position allows the opportunity for cross-cultural and foreign mission experience prior to permanent assignment, while still ensuring a traditional vicar year experience. On June 6, Jon B. was commissioned as the first graduate mission associate assigned to the field of Southeast Asia. Jon took time out from his preparations to share some thoughts during this busy time.
“I am very excited about the work that lies ahead. My main task for the next two years will be to learn Mandarin Chinese and work as pastoral leader for English teachers in South East Asia. The fields are ripe for the harvest, and God is opening more and more doors for us to share the news of our Savior. It is an exciting time to be on the front line.
"The past month has been busy with a flurry of meetings, visits to family, planning, and packing. It has been great to experience the love and support of so many people here. To know that they will be constantly keeping me in their prayers is such comfort and support!
"My visas have come in, and everything is set for my departure. Once I arrive in Asia, I will have some time to settle and prepare before the teachers arrive and before I start my Chinese classes in September.
"I boldly ask for the continued prayers of family, friends, and fellow Christians as I begin work in the harvest fields and am glad for the support of my classmates and professors at WLS.”
Jon is one of many graduates who go out into the world to proclaim the name of Jesus among the nations as the seminary continues to prepare pastors for the world-wide mission of WELS. Jon will send us updates once he settles into his new home.
For the security of our missionary families, national workers, and those we are reaching with the gospel, the Board for World Missions has chosen NOT to post complete information about select mission fields. The public posting of such material could endanger the people or the work being done.
