The induction of vicars Thomas Saddler and John Deang at Christ Lutheran Church in Lincoln on Sunday, September 19, opened a new chapter of ministry at that congregation and for the Nebraska District LCMS.

John Deang is a Sudanese immigrant who came to the United States in 1995 through Fort Worth, Texas. In 1998 he began studying at Concordia, Seward, and then at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne. He was connected with Christ, Lincoln, during his time in Seward and has now returned to serve his vicarage in Lincoln, which has a Sudanese population of 5,000. The Nebraska District is partnering with Christ during John’s vicarage to allow John to work among the Sudanese people throughout Nebraska.

“Not all African immigrants are persecuted Christians,” states Rev. Dr. Luke Schnake, Director of Ministries at Christ, “though some certainly are. Others are Muslim in background, and we are thrilled to see ministry reach out to them, too.” One recent adult baptism was of an African immigrant man who had been a follower of Islam. Anywhere from 10-30 Sudanese may be in attendance at the late service each Sunday. Many then remain for their own Bible studies and Christian fellowship. Several lay ministers from the Sudanese community have roles of leadership at Christ Lutheran – on Elder Teams, directing our AIM choir, and more.

Thomas Saddler is a student in the LCMS Theological Education by Extension program offered by Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He has been “a student of God’s Word his entire life and believes that at Christ Lutheran, God is setting a course for him and opening new doors, such as allowing him to study Lutheran theology to help him in his urban missionary work.” During his TEE studies he has been serving Christ as urban missionary. He will continue to serve in this capacity during his vicarage.

Rev. Schnake shares, “Thomas was led by God into our membership classes, was deeply moved by the teachings of the Lutheran faith, and subsequently began specialized studies through Pastor Richard Bolling, under the auspices and direction of the faculty at Concordia Seminary.”

Christ Lutheran acknowledges they are grateful for the District’s wonderful support in both of these men’s ministries and the Nebraska District is blessed to have both men serve their vicarages in Nebraska.

The Lincoln Journal Star also wrote an article on the induction in their Saturday, September 18, paper. Read the entire article here.