Como Park Lutheran Church’s first called Pastor, Carl Rasmussen, was a missionary to Madagascar, who returned to the United States when he was injured with a broken back. His assignment to and ministry in the Como Park neighborhood created a vibrant missions community that continues here to this day. Pastor Leonard Jacobsen, “Jake,” and his wife Evie were supported in their Missions work in Madagascar for 35 years by this congregation, and then Pastor Jake became our visitation Pastor here for another six years. Since then, this congregation has supported the Johnsons in their work at Betela Seminary, and since their return, Andrew Hinderlie has been supported in his regional mission work in Antananarivo, the Capital city of Madagascar.

Andrew’s letter is available for you to read (top right of this page). You’ll note his request for prayers “for the people of Madagascar, Kenya with its drought and ongoing political issues, Sudan with its risk of humanitarian aid no longer being available…Ethiopia as it faces drought, and Uganda.” This region of the world is in need of prayers, our care and ongoing ministry. The ELCA’s support for Malagasy missions work is not being suspended, even with this move. Any additional offerings you would like to make for the work of the Church in Madagascar will be directed to support the ongoing ministry of Andrew Hinderlie and his family, even as they continue to support that mission and ministry from Nairobi.

Como Park Lutheran Church’s first called Pastor, Carl Rasmussen, was a missionary to Madagascar, who returned to the United States when he was injured with a broken back. His assignment to and ministry in the Como Park neighborhood created a vibrant missions community that continues here to this day. Pastor Leonard Jacobsen, “Jake,” and his wife Evie were supported in their Missions work in Madagascar for 35 years by this congregation, and then Pastor Jake became our visitation Pastor here for another six years. Since then, this congregation has supported the Johnsons in their work at Betela Seminary, and since their return, Andrew Hinderlie has been supported in his regional mission work in Antananarivo, the Capital city of Madagascar.

Andrew’s letter is available for you to read (top right of this page). You’ll note his request for prayers “for the people of Madagascar, Kenya with its drought and ongoing political issues, Sudan with its risk of humanitarian aid no longer being available…Ethiopia as it faces drought, and Uganda.” This region of the world is in need of prayers, our care and ongoing ministry. The ELCA’s support for Malagasy missions work is not being suspended, even with this move. Any additional offerings you would like to make for the work of the Church in Madagascar will be directed to support the ongoing ministry of Andrew Hinderlie and his family, even as they continue to support that mission and ministry from Nairobi.

(Excerpts from the Hinderlie Family Newsletter in March 2009)

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. First, we wish to thank you for your ongoing prayers for our family and for the struggles of the churches with whom we work. As many of you are now aware, we were asked to relocate to Kenya about a week ago following a long and still unsettled situation that has been occurring in Madagascar. Suffice it to say that for the past couple of months, living in the center of the city (which more often than not has been the site of violence and demonstrations [since it is the center for many ministries and the palace of the government which has been on the lists of many organizations as an area to avoid due to dangerous situations]). This is where we have lived, trying to get the boys to school and never certain from day to day whether we can even go out and get groceries or travel anywhere. Even those working for the mission, and church leaders, are hassled by all parties as they come and go, asking them which side they are on. There had been threats against church leaders by “unknown” persons, and some have become a reality. Through all this, the church leaders have tried to bring about reconciliation. Please pray for the reconciliation of church members, leaders and all Malagasy so that they can return to the path that God calls them to.

(Excerpts from the Hinderlie Family Newsletter in March 2009)

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. First, we wish to thank you for your ongoing prayers for our family and for the struggles of the churches with whom we work. As many of you are now aware, we were asked to relocate to Kenya about a week ago following a long and still unsettled situation that has been occurring in Madagascar. Suffice it to say that for the past couple of months, living in the center of the city (which more often than not has been the site of violence and demonstrations [since it is the center for many ministries and the palace of the government which has been on the lists of many organizations as an area to avoid due to dangerous situations]). This is where we have lived, trying to get the boys to school and never certain from day to day whether we can even go out and get groceries or travel anywhere. Even those working for the mission, and church leaders, are hassled by all parties as they come and go, asking them which side they are on. There had been threats against church leaders by “unknown” persons, and some have become a reality. Through all this, the church leaders have tried to bring about reconciliation. Please pray for the reconciliation of church members, leaders and all Malagasy so that they can return to the path that God calls them to.