Mission work among the Hispanics began at St. Paul (Clifty), Columbus in 2003. Presently, the church serves many Hispanic children through its Day Camp and Vacation Bible School. Two Hispanic families have joined the congregation and now attend the English services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                

 

 

                 Three years ago, Juan enrolled in the Concordia Hispanic Studies program at the St. Louis seminary to become a pastor in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The first half of the coursework is taught a the local level by an area pastor. Juan will finish this first level of studies in the summer of 2008. Upon this completion, Juan will begin the seminary level of studies. Six times a year for three years Juan will travel to the St. Louis seminary for one week intensive courses. During this time Juan will serve a three year vicarage. At this time, it is planned that he will serve his vicarage in the La Paz de Cristo congregation in Seymour and expand the Hispanic ministry at St. Paul in Columbus.

 

 

 

                

 

 

                 To fund Juan’s three year vicarage will cost over $210,000. This includes salary and benefits, as well as tuition, books, room, and board while in St. Louis, mileage, and other supplies for the outreach. To help us meet this goal, we have received a $60,000 grant from the Indiana District. Additional District funds may be available to cover some of the educational costs.  However, additional support from congregations, schools, and individuals with a mission heart is needed to reach our goal. Contributions toward this mission outreach can be made through St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus or Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour.

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions about HLMS or Hispanic mission work in our area,              please contact:

Rev. Doug Bauman 812-376-6504

Deaconess Kim Barnett 812-522-7363

Juan Luna is available to speak to your church or school. His days off of work are Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Hispanic Lutheran Mission Society

of South Central Indiana

St. Paul Lutheran

Church and Preschool

The Hispanic Lutheran Mission Society of South Central Indiana (HLMS) is an organization of LCMS pastors and laypeople that are committed to reaching the Hispanic population in our communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Columbus and Seymour.          

In Seymour, mission work began in 2000 among the Hispanic community under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Ruiz from Indianapolis. More recently the La Paz de Cristo congregation has been served by Pastor Astorga and Vicar Phil Rigdon. In addition, Deaconess Kim Barnett has taught confirmation and religious classes for young and old. Presently, the congregation meets at Redeemer Lutheran in Seymour and is served monthly by Pastor Ruiz from Indianapolis.

One of the these individuals is Juan Luna. Juan was born and raised in Mexico and as a child his family joined the Church of God. Juan came to the United States to study to be a pastor in that denomination. After taking courses in theology, Juan felt that his beliefs were not the same as the Church of God. He and his wife Ruth then moved to Columbus where he has worked for more than 20 years at Dolly Madison Bakery.

Funding

The Future of HLMS

Contact Info & Availability