Shipping container arrives in the DR full of donated materials

One of John’s major projects in January was coordinating the delivery of a shipping container from the US, which was full of donated items like books and bookshelves for the seminary, wheelchairs, walkers, wheelchair ramps, and other healthcare items. The delivery of this container took over a year to coordinate. The photo above shows a seminary professor, students, and helpful strangers unloading the container. (Photo: Johanna Heidorn)

To demonstrate why the project was so complicated, here are some of the companies John, as the regional business manager, had to coordinate with: the exporter, the shipping agency, the boat company, the trucking company, the expeditor, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Public Health, and the fire department. Because the road in front of the seminary is so narrow, the firefighters had to move power lines so the truck could get the container through!

May God use the seminary books for the formation of faithful pastors in Latin America, and may He use the healthcare items to deliver His mercy to people in the DR. We thank God for using John in such an integral way for this project.

FORO held in Honduras

February brought a FORO in Honduras, during which local church leaders met with partners to discuss and plan future work to further the Gospel. John worked with LCMS regional leadership to prepare next year’s Honduras mission budget, which was presented during the FORO.

A special moment of the event was the dedication of a new worship facility (pictured above). Thanks be to God that the local congregation has a new building in which to receive His Word and Sacraments, extend His mercy, and enjoy fellowship with other believers. (Photo: Jana Inglehart)

First Lutheran Spanish-language hymnals on their way to Latin America

During worship services in the DR, our hymnals and copies of the Divine Service are papers stapled together. A committee has been working for several years to develop a Spanish hymnal that can be used for generations, just like how Lutheran Service Book is used in many congregations in the US.

In February, the first batch of Spanish hymnals departed the printer in Thailand and began its two-month journey to Brazil. Once the hymnals arrive, they will be distributed to churches around Latin America. (Photo: LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean Region)

Can you believe how big Sophie is getting?

Here she is almost a year ago compared to today. She looks like a totally different baby! She is now eighteen months old. She says lots of words in English and Spanish and loves playing peekaboo, reading books, and dancing to music.