Home > International Mission

The DNA of the NALC is to become, and make, first-century disciples in the 21st century. One of the avenues to becoming more authentic disciples is by inviting each congregation to discover three mission partners: local, national and global. The primary vision of the North American Lutheran Church’s International Mission Team is connecting congregations with international partners.

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  • William Obaga

    In January 2020, the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) received Dr. William Obaga as a Global Worker through the World Mission Prayer League (WMPL). William continues with his role in overseeing WMPL missionaries assigned to Africa, while also serving the NALC in building, forging, nurturing, and promoting her growing partnerships in Africa, and specifically serving on the ground in Kenya.Learn More

  • Valery Hryhoryk, Pastor

    Pastor Valery Hryhoryk is the director of Bible camps for children and youth in Belarus, and the pastor of two Lutheran congregations, in Vitebsk and Orsha, Belarus.Learn More

  • Stephen Katterhenrich

    Growing up at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grove City, Ohio, Stephen and Rachel were blessed to learn the value of knowing and serving God, as well as serving others. The Katterhenrichs have been serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Tanzania since 2011, working in the city of Mbeya where 13 different language groups are working together on Bible translation.Learn More

  • Nijhar Minz-Ekka, Pastor

    Rev. Nijhar Minz-Ekka and family serve with World Mission Prayer League (WMPL) in Ranchi, Jharkhand, North India, in the North Western Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church (NWGELC).Learn More

  • Martha Shanka, Pastor

    Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Pastor Martha Shanka has been equipped with the gifts of teaching, preaching, and leading worship. She considers herself blessed to grow up in a Christian home and sees God's provision throughout her life. She attended a Bible college where she received a Bachelor's of Art degree. This led to teaching in congregations, going back to the previous Bible school she attended, and speaking at a variety of conferences.Learn More

  • Jonathan Gowin

    Jonathan (Jon) Gowin grew up in Gambia and neighboring Senegal, West Africa, as the son of missionaries. After earning a degree in theology and missions, and a second degree in agriculture education, he returned to Gambia and served as an agriculture missionary for 10 years.Learn More

  • Heidi Punt, Pastor

    Pastor Heidi Punt believes in taking the Great Commission literally. Her work will focus on discipleship and evangelism. As well as partnering with SMI in existing ministry and programs, Pastor Heidi will work to help develop a long term vision with the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) for ongoing training of pastors in Haiti and strengthening the NALC’s relationships.Learn More

  • Didi Panzo, Pastor

    Having recently completed 3 years of service in Ecuador among the marginalized, Pastor Didi and Serafina Panzo are re-deploying to the Democratic Republic of the Congo where they will focus on community development, counseling, and spiritual guidance.Learn More

The North American Lutheran Church’s Theologians Without Borders recognizes that in the United States we are rich with education, training and degrees. As we continue to build relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world, we recognize this is a resource that we can easily share. As we strive to live out the Great Commission, are you willing to be sent out? To share your education and gifts? To begin a relationship with another part of the Body of Christ in a different place where you will also have the ability to learn and grow in your faith?