The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) sends missionaries around the world to Plant Lutheran Churches, Share the Gospel, and Show Mercy. Annually, meetings and conferences are scheduled in the four overseas regions (Latin America, Eurasia, Africa, and Asia) in order to draw together coworkers in the ministry. 

Missionaries from the Asia region met recently in Chiayi, Taiwan for their annual workgroup meeting. The region’s headquarters is located in this central Taiwan city with a population of about 300,000 people. Managing Director of Global Mission Operations Rev. Dr. Brian Gauthier, Managing Director of Global Business Operations Mr. Blake Warren, and Director of LCMS Disaster Response Rev. Dr. Ross Johnson traveled from St. Louis to facilitate multiple sessions related to regional strategy, operations, and disaster relief. Additional portions of the event were led by Regional Coordinator for Care and Development Ms. Aimee Cima, Coordinator of Theological Education – Asia Region Rev. Dr. Tom Park, and other Office of International Mission (OIM ) missionaries.

This annual event brought together the 20 missionaries serving in the region for training, planning, and worship. Spouses and children were also encouraged to attend and their presence added further collaboration and fellowship. Two Directors of Christian Education from the greater Chicago area volunteered their time and expertise to guide the children’s program.