Diane Kitzerow posted on February 23, 2010 20:23
LWML GRANT GIVEN TO LIGHT OF CHRIST CHINESE LUTHERAN MISSION. The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod began the Light of Christ Chinese Lutheran mission program in 2000. Because of the large Asian population living in Olivette (St. Louis County), Missouri, and adjoining communities, the Light of Christ Chinese Mission has been established in the facilities of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olivette. The primary focus of the mission is to reach, teach, and baptize those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) voted at the Portland LWML Convention in June 2009 to grant $75,000 to help support the work of Rev. Dr. Paul Shaw and the Light of Christ Chinese Lutheran Mission as they reach out to Asian community. The LWML rejoices that the full amount of this grant has been paid.
LWML President Janice Wendorf and LWML Public Relations Director Edie Norris, were privileged to worship at the Light of Christ Mission on Sunday, January 31, 2010. During the visit to the mission, there was the opportunity to tour the facility and observe many of the classes offered. After worship and a time of fellowship, President Wendorf shared, “Rev. Paul and Becky Shaw have worked tirelessly in sharing the gospel with the Asian community in the greater St. Louis area. The LWML is pleased to partner with them as they continue this essential work. The importance of the funding of this LWML grant is reaffirmed by the knowledge that many who come to the mission for only a short time while in the United States, will return to China and tell others about their Savior. Many will stay and carry on the work of spreading the Good News in their community.”
Light of Christ serves over 140 people on a typical Sunday. Dozens more are served through parenting and citizenship classes, health fairs, and other bridges to the Chinese community. Sunday church services are conducted in the Mandarin Chinese language with an English translator for young children and for English-speaking people who attend.