The following are reports by volunteers from some of our congregations who went to other countries to serve in the name of Jesus.
Guatemala eyeglass clinic
Twelve volunteers from St. Peter, Big Rapids went to Guatemala May 10–17, 2025 to offer a free eyeglass clinic. Throughout their stay, they served 623 people: “Many men, women, and children were able to get tested and find glasses to help them see. Everyone who came through the clinic was also able to pick out a pair of sunglasses.”
One volunteer writes: “Our work went beyond simply giving away a pair or two of glasses. We took time to truly understand what each and everyone needed from us, whether it was a pair of sunglasses, someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or spiritual guidance. We started to realize that it didn’t matter the quantity of people we helped. Even if just one person saw the love of God through us, it made our whole trip worth it.”
“Thank you Michigan District, LCMS for the support we needed to make this trip a possibility for the team and also for the 623 people we were able to serve and provide improved sight to brighten their future.”
Photos courtesy of MOST Ministries
Fixing Roads for Haiti
Volunteers from Trinity, Clinton Twp. went to Haiti and used the monies from the grant to repair the road in front of the Lutheran Church in Cap Haitien, which had been severely damaged by tropical storms washing away the stone and rock. Approximately ¾ of a mile of damaged and pot-holed roadway were repaired to allow smoother passage for this area. Some of the holes (craters) were as deep as 43 feet and as long as 40-50 feet. Originally, $4,800 was designated for 30 truck loads of rock and dirt, but another $1,300 was applied due to the size of the holes in the road. The rest of the grant, $3,100, was put towards purchasing food. Approximately $12,000 was used to purchase 10 tons of food to distribute to over 500 people. Food was also provided to the 7 Lutheran pastors in the Cap Haitien region. The trip was very successful in providing much-needed items that the Haitian people need for everyday survival.
Another area of ministry served by the volunteers was an eyeglass clinic. One man came through and was tested. He was provided reading glasses and, when he was fitted with his glasses and could read clearly, he fell to his knees and began to cry. He explained to our translator that he worked in construction and, due to not being able to see up close for measuring, hammering, cutting, etc, he had lost his job. He was so excited that he now will be able to support his family by being able to work. He hugged everyone and repeated “Thank you” over and over again.
Photos courtesy of Keith Waller
Pastors’ Wives Conference in Uganda
In July 2025, two female volunteers from St. Luke, Ann Arbor traveled to Uganda to host a conference for pastors’ wives, including seminary wives. The goal was to nourish women through God’s Word, encourage leadership, and support them in their roles in ministry and family life.
In Uganda, men attend seminary without their families, leaving wives disconnected from their husbands’ ministry training. When the men return, this gap can create confusion and tension. The conference aimed to provide community, biblical instruction, and guidance for navigating life as a pastor’s wife.
The first three days brought together about 50 women. Each received a Bible and training on how to read Scripture, along with teaching that included visual art, health and hygiene education (such as making liquid hand soap), and discussions on the challenges of ministry life.
From this group, 10 women were selected for additional training. They worked in
teams to learn and teach conference material, preparing them to lead others. These women became local leaders and ambassadors for ministry wives in their regions.
The final phase was a three-day conference for 35+ seminary wives, led by the newly trained leaders. They effectively taught the material using culturally relevant examples, exceeding expectations and demonstrating strong ownership of the ministry.
The Michigan District Igniter Grant supported the acquisition of Bibles and supplies, transportation, lodging, and meals. Hosting the event at the seminary also allowed many women to visit the campus for the first time, deepening their connection to their husbands’ training and their own faith journey.
Photos courtesy of Lynn Corker
The Michigan District continues to have grants that help fund short-term international mission projects. Please see michigandistrict.org/michigan-district-grants/ .