In the past five years, missionary efforts have led to planting 40 churches. This has been done in 10 Latin American countries. As the Lord blesses these plants there is a need to prepare pastors. The countries don’t have their own Lutheran seminary. Students must study to become pastors in a foreign country and culture. The LCMS partners with Lutheran churches in Mexico, Paraguay, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Chile. These partnerships provide scholarships to assist with Lutheran seminary expenses.