The Lord is giving Christians in Nebraska a tremendous opportunity right now to share the Good News of Jesus with those who don’t know Him. God has brought the mission field to Nebraska and instructed us to let our light shine among them.
The members of the Nebraska District support a number of ministries across the District, including campus ministry, ethnic ministry, and other special ministries. The District also encourages and partners with congregations who reach out with special ministries of their own.
Thanks to the generosity of District members and congregations through regular offering gifts and special designated gifts, the Nebraska District is able to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to those around Nebraska who have never heard of Him.
Your prayer support is always needed. Please pray for our workers and volunteers and for the lives they touch each day, that the seed of the Gospel may be planted and nourished.
Keep Up with News from District Ministries
Read the newsletter highlighting the ministry taking place through the prayers and financial support of the congregations of the Nebraska District through offerings and budgeted mission and ministry dollars.
Ministry Snapshot: Spring 2018
Ministry Snapshot: November 2017
Nebraska’s First Hispanic Congregation Nebraska’s position in the center of the country bisected by Interstate 80 makes it a popular stop for Hispanic immigrants. Many of these immigrants find jobs in the meat packing industry in cities such as Grand Island. This provides a fertile mission field for the Nebraska District. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is shared with the Hispanics in the community through various ways. Cristo Cordero offers: Word and Sacrament Ministry These means are used to bring people into the church and allow the staff to witness to the community. Different events are organized throughout the year to reach out to the community, including Christian concerts, garage sales, and informational conferences on relevant issues such as labor laws, immigration, and child education. Please pray that this congregation continues to reach out to the Hispanic community in Grand Island and that lives are being touched.
Ministry of Music
English as a Second Language
Hispanic Bible Studies
Vacation Bible School
The Columbus Lutheran Hispanic Ministry (CLHM) is a ministry of three LCMS congregations in Columbus, in cooperation with the Nebraska District of the LCMS, whose purpose is to connect the Hispanic community to Christ. Staff and members of the congregations support this ministry financially and by volunteering to be a part of the ministry in their local mission field. Led by Peace senior pastor Rev. Cory Burma as ministry director, this group is committed to connecting with the Hispanic community in Columbus. According to 2015 statistics, 16 percent of the population in Columbus is Hispanic or Latino, giving many opportunities for ministry among this group. The work being done by these three churches in the Columbus area is helping the members of the churches see their local mission field and giving them easy entry points into the ministry as volunteers and prayer supporters.
Iglesia Ev. Luterana de Lincoln is a partnership ministry of three Lincoln LCMS congregations: Christ, Immanuel, and Trinity. Served by Rev. Santi Keinbaum, this newer ministry offers English classes and is building relationships with the Hispanic community in Lincoln.
Hope, South Sioux City is renewing its focus on ministry in the Hispanic community of the Sioux City area. Under the leadership of Rev. Michael Awe and through the efforts of Rev. Henry Witte, the congregation regularly offers English Language Learner classes, as well as a weekly Spanish worship and Bible study time on Sunday afternoons. Volunteers from the area LCMS congregations, including Hope, help teach the ELL classes and begin to build relationships with the students and their families. These classes, which begin with a Bible verse, song, and short meditation, help give hope by teaching English, and an even greater hope as they learn about their Savior, Jesus Christ and meet people who care for them.
Peace International Friendship Center, Omaha is a safe and caring place where immigrants and refugees can learn English, prepare for U.S. citizenship, gain useful skills and make lasting friendships in a Christian environment. Carlos Mestayer serves the Spanish-speaking population in the area and connects with those using the services of the Peace Center. Carlos also volunteers at a local Hispanic medical center, which is operated by Hispanic Christian medical professionals. He is allowed to pray in Spanish with patients and has been able to make follow-up visits to continue to care for those he is meeting there.
⇒ Would you like to make a donation in support of Hispanic ministry? Click here to download a support agreement.
Congregations across the Nebraska District are developing ways to build relationships with Muslim members of their community. For more information on reaching out to the Muslims in your community, or to get connected with an existing program, contact Rev. Jim Haack at the Peace International Friendship Center in Omaha, Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Omaha or the District Office.
The Peace International Friendship Center, Omaha, is a caring place where immigrants and refugees can learn English, prepare for U.S. citizenship, gain useful skills and make lasting friendships in a Christian environment. The Peace International Friendship Center is a Lutheran space in Omaha dedicated to serving the physical and spiritual needs of many different immigrant groups.
Rev. Eddie Mekasha is an Ethiopian LCMS pastor who works as a chaplain in a local meat packing plant, building relationships and ministering to the many immigrant workers there, while also serving the needs of the immigrants at the Peace Center as part-time pastor at Beautiful Savior, LaVista.
Rev. Jim Haack of Beautiful Savior, La Vista, is the Peace Center director, organizing the ministry and volunteers that make the ministry possible.
The Sudanese Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mission worships and holds classes weekly at the Peace Center.
The staff at the Center are also connecting with other Omaha congregations, encouraging their support and partnership in the work taking place. This team works together to make the Peace Center a hub of care and compassion for the many immigrants in and around the Omaha area. Learn more at the Peace International Center’s Facebook page.
An LCMS congregation of Sudanese immigrants and refugees since 2006, this body of believers gathers for weekly worship at the Peace Center in Omaha, as well as providing a Bible study and fellowship group for young adults. Ministry takes place in Nuer and English to accommodate first-generation immigrants as well as their children. Members and leaders are also involved in the caring ministry of the Center.
A group of Ethiopian immigrants meets at the Peace Center in Omaha weekly for Bible study and worship with Rev. Eddie Mekasha. These immigrants also help connect new immigrants to the services and care of the Center.
The number of Hispanic immigrants in Omaha is growing, and more and more of these neighbors are getting connected to the Peace Center. There is a need for a Spanish-speaking worker to connect with these immigrants and better care for their needs, both physical and spiritual. As plans are made, the process for finding a worker will begin and more information will be shared. Please pray that these steps can be taken quickly and this ministry can move forward.
⇒ Would you like to make a donation in support of immigrant and refugee ministry? Click here to download a support agreement.
The Winnebago Reservation in Northeast Nebraska is home to 2,500 Nebraskans, mostly Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Indians. God is reaching out to these people through His missionary Pastor Ricky Jacob. There has been a Christian presence here since the 1980’s, but Pastor Jacob began his ministry here in 1993. He has provided a Lutheran message to the people of this area since then. Pastor Jacob offers the people many opportunities for spiritual learning and growth. There is Divine worship and Sunday school every week, as well as home Bible studies and weekly confirmation classes. Pastor Jacob also makes visits to those in jail, treatment centers, and hospitals. Every week he also leads a spiritual talking circle, as well as a Divine service, at the Ho-Chunk Youth Facility. The Outreach recently began offering an after-school program once a week for school-aged children in the community. This ministry is also involved in the community and is reaching out in many different ways. Each summer there is Vacation Bible School for the children of the community, taught by volunteers from other LCMS congregations. In 1998, Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Preschool was started with Mrs. Jana Inglehart as its teacher. Sheryl Tietz took over as preschool teacher in 2010. This preschool welcomes three and four year-olds to come and learn about their Lord and Savior in an educational environment. This is now operated by the Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Association. The vision for this ministry is to establish a Christ-centered Native-led ministry that offers Word and Sacrament ministry and is supported by the community. Pastor Jacob continues to work to bring the Good News of our Lord and Savior to the entire community of Winnebago. He notes the Winnebago people have a rich heritage, their own language, their own celebrations and humor, as well as a unique way of perceiving the world around them which impacts how they live and what they value. Pastor Jacob is witnessing to these people and working, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to make Jesus Christ part of their community as well. The ministry of Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach and the work of Rev. Jacob is supported by the 246 congregations of the Nebraska District through their unrestricted mission and ministry dollars, along with individual donors. As a ministry of the Nebraska District, this outreach is funded through the Nebraska District’s annual mission budget. Direct donations may be made to the Nebraska District LCMS, PO Box 407, Seward, NE 68434 with the memo: Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Outreach. Jesus Our Savior Lutheran Preschool is a Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS and is supported by direct donations and the fees paid by the students who attend. Donations for the preschool ministry may be sent to Jesus Our Savior Lutheran School Association, P.O. Box 105, Winnebago, NE 68071.
The Sandhills Ministry is a unique ministry in Nebraska because of the unique culture of Western Nebraska which it serves. This ministry works to minister to the needs of the people in western Nebraska. This ministry is made up of three congregations: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Hyannis, Bingham Lutheran Church 20 miles west of Hyannis, and Faith Lutheran Church 35 miles north of Hyannis. From these outposts, a variety of people and needs are served. Rev. Andy Safarik ministers to the people in these areas. His wife, Johanna, serves as director of the preschool, a ministry of Shepherd of the Hills. This school ministers to more than 20 young children and their families. Rev. Ben Eickhoff serves as pastor for Zion Lutheran Church in Arnold and Trinity Lutheran Church in Thedford. There is also ministry at Zion Lutheran Church in Crookston and Grace Lutheran Church in Merriman, as well as a preaching station in Cody. This ministry attends to the spiritual needs of the farmers and ranchers that live in this area through Word and Sacrament worship services, Vacation Bible School, and Bible studies.
⇒ Would you like to make a donation in support of specialized ministries? Click here to download a support agreement.
Holy Cross Campus Ministry, a ministry of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, serves the students of the University of Nebraska at Kearney through fellowship, Bible study, and an off-campus place to hang out in a Christian atmosphere. Students are encouraged to worship and connect with the families of faith at Holy Cross or Zion Lutheran Churches in Kearney. Judy Wellman serves the ministry as ministry coordinator. Learn more here.
The University Lutheran Chapel is located close to the city campus of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The Chapel is served by Pastor Bill Steinbauer and Mark Meyer, and ministers to traditional and international students of the University and surrounding colleges. They share the love of Christ in many ways, especially through building relationships. Opportunities to nourish these relationships for traditional and international students include Sunday morning worship and Bible study, weeknight confirmation class and various Bible studies, and spring break and summer mission trips. Some of the projects geared to international students include: They continue to serve and minister to the college campus and share God’s love and hope with the lost and hurting. With God’s help they will continue to build loving relationships with the students to whom they minister. Visit this group on Facebook!
The Omaha area campus ministry is also known as Living H2O Lutheran Campus Ministry.” This name takes its inspiration from John 4:14, where Jesus says; “Whoever drinks of the water that I give, will never thirst again!” Click here to contact the Living H2O staff. Living H2O Lutheran Campus Ministry is dedicated to helping students in the metro area grow in their personal relationship with Christ. Their growing organization is very active among several campuses in the Omaha area. Bible studies, cookouts, service projects, and other fun events are held at their campus ministry house, know as “The Gathering Place.” Students who are involved with Living H2O are very passionate about being Christian and enjoy meeting weekly with other students who share their faith.
Cup of Grace is located just south of the Willow Bowl at Wayne State College. Cup of Grace is a Christian Coffee House that provides a place to meet, study and share in the Word of God. Connect with Cup of Grace by contacting Rev. Erik Christensen at pastorerik@gracewayne.com or calling Grace Lutheran Church, Wayne at 402-375-1905. In 1991, the Nebraska District, along with the Laborers for Christ, bought and constructed the present Lutheran Student Center. The Laborers for Christ enlisted many volunteer hours of the members of Grace Lutheran Church to help create a building that would provide a Campus Center where students could come relax, study, eat, and visit. The Nebraska District provides for the building—the congregation supports the activities and ministry at Wayne State College. They are committed to the avenue this provides to the Word of God. The hope is to continue to have a strong relationship between students and the congregation, where members of the congregation can participate in the lives of the students—and the students in the life of the congregation. The Lutheran Student Center hosts the following activities for students: Canoe trip on the Niobrara River in Valentine, NE They have also sponsored servant events: Serving the Winnebago Reservation Over the last 15 years, nine Wayne State Students who were involved in the Lutheran Student Center have gone into church work. They hope to continue to touch the students at Wayne State College in a positive way that honors Jesus Christ through His Word and prayer.
Bible studies
Community support
Monthly topic night, event, or dinner
Annual Thanksgiving meal sponsored with the Newman Club
Midnight volleyball event for all Christian students on campus
Finals breakfast hosted by the church
Benefiting Orphan Grain Train
Helping to build a home in Tennessee during spring break
Help us minister to your students by sharing the names of students in your congregation. To do so, please visit LCMS U Campus Link or Lutheran Campus Ministry Association and click on StudentConnect where you can enter the name, address, phone, email address and the college they will be attending. An LCMS pastor or campus ministry worker will contact the student personally to share information about their local Lutheran campus ministry and ways to get involved.
⇒ Would you like to make a donation in support of campus ministry? Click here to download a support agreement.
Other Ministry Opportunities
Camp Luther, located north of Columbus and Schuyler on 160-acres of rolling hills with an oak forest, lake, and open meadows, has ministered to God’s people in the midst of His creation for many years. This ministry provides opportunities to strengthen families and to nurture the faith of individuals. The strength of the ministry has been with 4th -9th graders through the summer camps and outdoor education programs. Programs including 4-year-olds up to adults are also expanding. Outdoor ministries can be a catalyst for change. Helping people get away from their everyday environment and into a more neutral atmosphere can help people learn about themselves, others, and learn about the God who seeks to be in relationship with them. Many of these people’s needs can be best met in an extended time apart from their everyday lives in a unique Christian setting. This ministry is unique among ministries in Nebraska for several reasons. It is the only LCMS camp facility in the District. It has a unique and distinct setting and it offers unique programs to campers including: Challenge courses
Canoe camps
Rocketry camps
Owl camps
Horse camps
Bike camps
Parent-child camps
His Kids: A camp for persons with special needs
“I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:36b The need for spiritual care within the jails and prisons of Nebraska is great. Opportunities abound for volunteer Bible study leaders and mentors. Nebraska District LCMS members volunteer inside various institutions across the state. If you have a loved one in the system, or if you would consider volunteering, please contact Rev. Jeff Bloom at Immanuel Lutheran, Lincoln for more information. Nebraska District Prison/Jail Ministry Contacts Read an article in the LCMS Reporter online blog, featuring a quote from Rev. Jeff Bloom, about how we as Lutherans are well-suited for ministry to those in jail and prison.
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is a faith-based, not-for-profit, multi-service human care agency with more than 20 locations across Nebraska and locations in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Wichita, Kansas. Impacting over 43,000 individuals annually, its mission is to provide human care services that build and strengthen individual, family and community life. LFS’ services-ranging from early intervention and prevention to intensive treatment-are as diverse as the people they serve. LFS’ programs and services are available to everyone regardless of age, race, religion or income. The work of LFS is supported by caring members of the community whose contributions help make services available for those unable to pay full fee. In fact, at least 81% of all donations go directly to client services. LFS is community-based. The agency seeks to build on individual, family and community strengths and restore individuals back into healthy relationships in families and community whenever possible. The agency is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA), a confirmation of the agency’s ongoing commitment to quality care. As a multi-service agency, LFS demonstrates its mission through three broad service areas: Behavioral Health Services, Children Services, Community Services. Learn more on their website.
