At the 2023 synod convention, WELS declared fellowship with a new Latin American synod called Iglesia Cristo WELS Internacional. While there, I had the privilege of talking to Tonny Quintero, a pastor in Colombia who serves as the secretary of that synod, as well as retired missionary Larry W. Schlomer Sr., who was part of WELS’ early mission work in Colombia. Their excitement was contagious, and their thankfulness to the Lord for his blessings in Latin America was evident in their joyful retelling of mission work through the years.

I’m excited that in this issue we are sharing some of these examples of God’s grace in Latin America as we highlight past, present, and future mission work in Latin America. It’s a timely topic since 2024 marks the anniversary of several milestones. Luteranos Confesionales Colombia, WELS’ sister synod in Colombia, is celebrating 50 years of preaching God's Word in Colombia, and Academia Cristo, a Spanish-language training program to make disciples and raise up leaders, is marking ten years since its inception. Don’t miss this walk through history and celebration of God’s grace.

Read more articles about WELS ministry in Latin America, including interviews from last year’s synod convention, at forwardinchrist.net/latin-america.

- Julie Wietzke, managing editor