LCMS World Mission Blog

Part of the 19th century Lutheran movement in the United States entailed a group of German evangelists known as the ‘Sendlinge.’ Under the leadership of Wilhelm Loehe, a pastor from the small Bavarian town of Neuendettelsau, these Germans were sent to North America to help form religious communities among settlers, as well as work with Native American populations. Loehe’s efforts highlight some of the missionary focus in the 19th century that shaped and formed Lutheranism in America.

“Now, maybe you are wondering what this tidbit of history has to do with mission work in Russia. As it turns out, quite a lot. At the end of August, Yaroslav and Tanya Gribkov, members of Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Tver-a young couple we got to know when we lived there three years ago-participated in a three-day historical reenactment of the ‘Wild West’ of America. This event, in some ways similar to Renaissance fairs or Civil War battle reenactments done in the U.S., requires each participant to assume a role to be acted out over the course of the event. Then, together with the event coordinator, each person seeks to fulfill a specific list of activities that the historical character would actually have sought to do. Thus, Yaroslav and Tanya and two others formed a Lutheran community of settlers, looking to start a mission church in the area. Yaroslav’s role as a Lutheran missionary mirrored that of the historical Sendlinge, as he sought to gather and evangelize people, lead worship services, and reach out to Native Americans.

“This event, then, provided Yaroslav a door to speak openly about his faith to the other young adults involved in the historical reenactment. In the weddings, funerals, and worship services that he did in the role-play, he was afforded the opportunity to speak of faith in Christ Jesus. He also published and distributed a ‘newspaper’ for the group, explaining the tenants of the Christian faith, who Lutherans are, and what they believe. Furthermore, as the vast majority of the roughly 250 participants were from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Tver, Yaroslav also provided them with contact information for churches in their area. Coming away from the event, Yaroslav felt that the Lutheran community was well received, and he is already looking forward to May of next year, when a continuation of this year’s event is planned. Please pray that the relationships and contacts made last month will provide even more opportunity for Yaroslav and Tanya to witness in the coming months to the other participants. Pray that the Word sown in their hearts would blossom into faith in Christ Jesus.”

• Learn more about the mission work in Russia