Colegio Americano Luterano

Brothers and sisters are continuing to offer prayers and support for the colegio.  Most recently, I was privileged to attend the Men’s Bible Study Breakfast group at Faith (Antioch, IL).  These men were excited to hear about what the Lord is doing with the school.  In February I also sat down with President Zarling at MLC to discuss how we might move forward with future staffing.  His words of advice and encouragement were uplifting and truly a blessing.  I also met with Professor Bases and Professor Hunter.  These meetings were invaluable as we discussed a strategic approach to utilizing students of Spanish and Multicultural Studies for future partnership.

Back in January the board for the colegio entered into discussions with the CEF for possible funding in the future.  A working relationship with the BWM and the CEF has since begun.  It is my prayer that the Lord will pave the way for our goal of bringing Gospel-centered education to the children of Mexico.  I humbly ask that you join me in that prayer.

Reformation In Mexico

God’s people are becoming increasingly excited about the possibility of a “reformation” in Mexico through our mission work there.  The Gospel work of the IELC (Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Confesional), WELS missionaries and the colegio are seen as a useful team in spreading the Lamb’s love and truth among children and families of Mexico.  Both MLC and WLC have expressed interest in partnering with us in the future as a feeder into their colleges and worker training programs.  Our plan for a truly bilingual education will equip future students with a working knowledge of English.  Our Gospel-centered curriculum will, by the Spirit’s power, fill the ranks of Christendom and equip such believers for outreach and proclamation.  By God’s amazing grace, we will sow the seeds that will produce the gifts of much-needed evangelism in years to come.  He alone is praised.

Steady Progress

The Lord continues to move the hearts of His people to support this Gospel outreach.  Most recently, He has blessed us with yet another singular gift of $50,000.  He has also opened many doors for us with congregations such as Immanuel (Waukegan, IL), St. Paul (Round Lake, IL), Crossroads (Chicago, IL) as well as the Kenosha circuit of WELS churches.  Many of His redeemed people continue to consider this effort as an option for their prayers and support.  While it is the Lord’s “purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21), we are becoming increasingly convinced that this endeavor is moving steadily forward.  We can only thank our saving God that He has opened the doors for us to pursue this work in His ripe fields.

At the beginning of this year, Blanca (pictured here), a member of El Redentor (Redeemer) in Torreon, Mexico, moved to the city of Leon.

Plans are underway to build a Lutheran school in Leon. Blanca is playing a key role in getting the ball rolling for this project. She’s currently overseeing some of the inner workings of getting a school up and going in Mexico.

As an experienced lawyer, Blanca has the legal expertise needed to follow the regulations and paperwork the government requires to open a school. Laying out the groundwork for this is no small task. “It’s first necessary to follow the federal laws concerning education,” she says. “Then each state adds its own set of laws too.”

While there are other schools in Leon, this one will be different in a significant way. “We’ll teach Lutheran values,” explains Blanca. “We want to carry out evangelism efforts through education.”

Details for the project are still being investigated and developed, but Blanca’s already put in a good amount of legwork. She’s in the process of scouting out land options, developing plans, and offering suggestions to the others involved in the project. “I’m happy and feel blessed to be able to serve God in this way,” she says.

Blanca will take her initial investigative work to a meeting in August, where others involved in the project will help make decisions regarding what steps to take next.

Later this summer we’ll provide an update on the school project – thanks for your work, Blanca, and stay tuned for more information on the school!

Based on original article by Rachel Hartman from Lutherans in Mexico blog. Please read her blog as well for updates and our continuing work in Mexico.

Recently a new PowerPoint was developed explaining the purpose and recent progress of the Leon Lutheran School project.