Grace Notes

As is traditional for the beginning of the year, January is World Mission month.  This theme is in keeping with the visitation of the Wise Men to Jesus and the sharing of the Gospel with Gentile nations.   Our global outreach will continue with both the Ablaze! theme and Russian commitment by adding to our Russian missionary team, Missionary Matthew Heise.  Matt was born in Dearborn, MI and is a lifelong member of Guardian Lutheran Church in Dearborn.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree from Wayne St. University and a degree in divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO.  He is the grandson of Russian-German immigrants and is currently working with LCMS and Lutheran Hour Ministry in Georgia, a country near the Black Sea between Caucasus Mountains of Russia and Turkey.  You may have heard about Georgia in the news when there were conflicts and invasion of one of Georgia cities by Russian troops.  Matt partners with the church of Ingria and teaches seminary courses as well as English-as-a-second- language classes. Matt is tutoring three students so that they can complete their course work for a bachelor of divinity program so that they can establish a congregation in Kutaisi, Georgia.  During January you will be learning more about Matt and his ministry in Georgia.  Look for new pictures on the mission bulletin board!  Please pray for safety for Matt and all other missionaries and for “a boldness to witness to the hope that I have in Jesus Christ, with gentleness and respect.”