JANUARY NEWS FROM THE TAPE FAMILY

John, Erica, and Sophie
Serving the Lord in Latin America

Historic Agreement between the LCMS and the Lutheran Synod of Mexico (SLM)

Last month saw a series of church-leadership meetings in Mexico City. A FORO was held, during which local church leaders met with partners to discuss and plan future work to further the Gospel. As the regional business manager, John worked with LCMS regional leadership and the SLM president and secretary to prepare next year’s Mexico mission budget. He also helped present the budget to FORO partners.

Also during the meetings, the SLM formally pledged that the LCMS seminary in the Dominican Republic will be its preferred partner in training and theological education of church workers in Mexico. Because of this, future Mexican church leaders will be even better equipped to teach sound Lutheran theology, to proclaim Christ’s message of forgiveness, life, and salvation in all its purity and beauty, and to deliver those Gospel gifts through God’s Word and Sacraments.

Here is the exciting moment the pledge was signed. Left to right below: Dominican Republic Seminary Director Rev. Joel Fritsche, SLM President Rev. Isaac Guadalupe Garcia Castillo, and SLM Secretary Rev. Omar Garza Martinez. (Photo: LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean)

Two 2020 graduates of the Dominican Republic seminary also finally received their diplomas: Rev. Guillermo Leyva Cruz (far left below) and Rev. Isaac Neftalí García Guevara (far right). The graduation ceremony was delayed until May 2021 due to the pandemic, but the men could not attend in person. While in Mexico last month, Rev. Fritsche personally delivered their diplomas. (Photo: LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean)

Presenting in Michigan about Our Work

We were able to go to the states to see family for Christmas, and while staying with Erica’s mom, we were invited to present at her mom’s church, Shepherd King Lutheran Church in West Bloomfield, Michigan. A big thank you to Pastor Tim Holzerland and the members of Shepherd King for welcoming us and for consistently praying for us while we’ve served in the Dominican Republic. (Photo: Shepherd King Lutheran Church)

FAMILY UPDATES

Christmas with Family in the States

We spent time with family in both Michigan and Indiana at the end of December. It was so nice to catch up with everyone, to see SNOW, and to hear in our own language about Jesus’s birth.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Give thanks for the seminary agreement between the LCMS and the SLM, and pray that God would raise up more pastors and deaconesses to serve His people in Mexico.
• Pray that God would continue to care for us as, even a year on the mission field, we continue to adjust to life in the Dominican Republic.

PARTNER WITH US

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THANK YOU! It is because of YOUR support that we are able to live and serve in Latin America. May God bless you and keep you in His grace.

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