Matthew 14.27 – don’t be afraid, take courage, i am here

St. Andrew Lutheran Church - 圣安得烈基督教路德宗教会

2 days ago

Some of you have seen this news already about a tragedy that has affected an extended family who are members of our church body. Please pray to God for his comfort and strength for the surviving members of the Witte, Kuehl, and Henselin families, and their extended families and friends. Here is a local news interview with WELS World Missions administrator Larry Schlomer: www.wmtv15news.com/2024/07/02/pastor-killed-juneau-co-fire-ran-inside-save-grandchildren-longtime... ... and a message of comfort from God's Word from WELS president Mark Schroeder from this past Monday: WELS Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Yesterday (Sunday, June 30), we received the news of a terrible tragedy. Six members of an extended family lost their lives in a house fire near Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Those now in heaven are:Pastor Steve WitteLydia Witte, daughter of Steve and Mary WitteCharis Kuehl, wife of Pastor Steve Kuehl, also the daughter of Steve and Mary WitteStella Kuehl, daughter of Pastor Steve KuehlLena Henselin, Karl and Hannah's (Hannah is the daughter of Pastor Witte)Merci Henselin, Karl and Hannah's youngest daughterBy God’s grace, a number of other family members survived. As of now, there are many unanswered questions; authorities continue to investigate.The pain of losing six members of one family cannot be described with words. The only thing that can begin to bring comfort in such a time of grievous loss are the words that God himself speaks to us. Those are words that remind us that these members of our extended WELS family are now resting in perfect joy and peace at the side of their Savior. Because he lives, they also live. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11: 25-26). “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:55)God graciously reminds us what he has done for these faithful servants. His words and promises bring sure hope when hope seems absent. They bring confidence when confidence has been shaken. They bring assurance and comfort when nothing else can do that.We mourn with these families. We grieve at their terrible loss. But we also know that God will bring healing. As he promised, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4). “I will be with you always!” (Matthew 28:20)On behalf of our entire synod, I want to assure these families that they are in our prayers. We pray that God will remind them of his grace and promises and bring healing to them. We pray that he will continue to help them to hold on to his assurance that he will never leave them or forsake them.In Christ,WELS President Mark Schroeder ... See MoreSee Less

Pastor killed in Juneau Co. fire ran inside to save grandchildren, longtime friend says

www.wmtv15news.com

Pastor Larry Schlomer was headed home after a trip when he received a text about the passing of Pastor Steve Witte and his family in a house fire.

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St. Andrew Lutheran Church - 圣安得烈基督教路德宗教会

7 days ago

Watch Pastor Gawel’s sermon for June 30, 2024, taken from 2 Corinthians 8:1-14. ... See MoreSee Less

Excel in the Grace of Giving - Sermon for June 30, 2024

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Watch Pastor Gawel’s sermon for June 30, 2024, taken from 2 Corinthians 8:1-14.

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