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Committed to bringing The Good News to our communities.
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We are passionate about missions, evangelism, and reaching out to people from all contexts, ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. N.A.M.E stands for North America Mission Endeavor, and our mission is as simple and deep as bringing together mission leaders from all over the country —and beyond— serving The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod.
We are working on creating spaces for gathering, networking, friendship, building partnerships and relationships, for the sake of bringing the Good News to our communities.
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Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
-Matthew 28:19
Our 2024 Gathering…
Our NAME Annual Gathering - May 1st & 2nd, 2024 will be a time for networking and professional development. The idea is that we can know each other better, learn from each other, hear stories from the field, and be able to share our stories as well. However, we have invited special speakers who will be leading our conversations and sharing their experiences, failures and success, from the mission fields.
Join Us.
DATES: Wednesday, May 1st - Thursday, May 2nd • 2024 (12PM - 12PM)
LOCATION: Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center St. Louis, MO 63141
COST: $100
Intentionally Scheduled after the Multiethnic Symposium at Concordia Seminary St. Louis
Mail Payment to: IOWA District West c/o Rev. B. Keith Haney 409 Kenyon Road Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Speakers.
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Reverend Francis Stephanos served as President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, navigating through tumultuous times marked by severe persecution under Ethiopia's Marxist-Leninist regime. His leadership is instrumental for the explosive growth of Mekane Yesus started with only 20,000 members in 1959 to grow today to over 11 million as the largest Lutheran church in Africa.
Francis was pivotal in constructing over 600 village churches across rural Ethiopia, significantly bolstering the church's infrastructure. Reverend Stephanos also spearheaded the Religious Peace Movement of Ethiopia, fostering dialogue among various religious leaders to promote peace amidst armed conflict. Additionally, he initiated a groundbreaking Joint Relief Partnership program among various inter-faith communities, ensuring the delivery of essential supplies to war-affected populations.
After moving to the United States in 2003, Reverend Stephanos continued his evangelistic mission, helping to establish 14 Lutheran Mekane Yesus Congregations and providing extensive pastoral care. His academic journey includes a Bachelor of Theology from Mekane Yesus Seminary, a Master's in Economic Development from Eastern University, and further pastoral education in Minnesota.
As one of the founders of the Evangelical Mekane Yesus Lutheran Fellowship in North America and a TV Gospel Broadcasting Service, Reverend Stephanos's impact extends globally. Residing in Minnesota with his wife Fetlework and their family, he remains actively engaged in ministry, leaving a legacy of faith, education, and humanitarianism.
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Before joining the ministry of LINC, Soni worked for almost a decade in the nutrition field as Director of Research and Development at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, leading them through changes and expansion in their products.
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Pastor Heimer has been involved in Lutheran ministries and outreach at the border with Mexico for more than 25 years, where he has served immigrant communities and multiethnic ministries on both sides of the border, which now faces one of the biggest crises in history.
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Lodging.
There are multiple lodging options nearby LHM Offices. See below some options and their distance from our meeting spot.
We highly recommend Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield (4.5 miles).
However, you could also stay at the Seminary or check out any of the following nearby options:
Marriott St. Louis West. (1.6 miles) Visit Website
Hilton St. Louis Frontenac (4.8 miles) Visit Website
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis Chesterfield (5 miles) Visit Website
Comfort Inn St. Louis - Westport Event Center (7.8 miles) Visit Website