Together in Mission

At the 2018 South Dakota District Convention, convention delegates adopted Resolution 3-07 to financially support Rev. Dr. Daniel Jastram, LCMS Missionary to Southeast Asia and Rev. David Warner, LCMS Missionary to Spain.  The congregations of the district agreed that their Together In Mission offerings to the district would be evenly distributed between both missionaries.

Rev. Dr. Daniel and Joan Jastram

Rev. Dr. Daniel Jastram serves as a missionary on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod throughout Asia, based in Tokyo, Japan.  His responsibilities include developing and implementing a strategic mission plan for this area.  He coordinates theological education opportunities and supervises and evaluates theological educators throughout Asia.  When needed, Dr. Jastram teaches courses at Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary, Tokyo, Japan.  Dr. Jastram's wife, Joan, was born in Mitchell, SD, where her childhood congregation was Zion Lutheran Church, Mitchell, SD.  She received both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Communication Disorders from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD.  She received her Doctor of Psychology degree from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Twin Cities, MN.  To learn more about Rev. Dr. Daniel and Joan Jastram, read their LCMS Prayer Card.

Rev. David and Shelee Warner

            In a letter notifying our District of their intention to end their missionary service in Spain, Pastor David and Shelee Warner wished to share these words:

  Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,  

We give thanks to God always for you in all our prayers, because you have been so faithful to the work of the Lord.  You are receiving this email because you and/or the congregation you serve have so generously and consistently supported us as we have served the LCMS mission to Spain.    

            We wanted to share this information some time ago, but for a few different reasons, we were delayed.  I write today to let you know that Shelee and I are ending our missionary service in Spain and are in the process of returning to the U.S. right now.  We regret not being able to inform you earlier.  You may see a newsletter email very shortly sharing the same information.  If you are a financial supporter, you should receive the official notice soon from the LCMS about our end of service.   

            We have been privileged to have a front row seat and play a small part in the growth that the Lord has granted to the Spanish Lutheran Church over the past six years.  The membership has almost doubled, and we have grown from one to six pastors, with two more men slated for ordination in 2021, and several more men entering into formation.  I have had the joy of preaching, teaching, baptizing and serving the Lord’s Supper to His holy people in Spain.  ¡Gloria sea a Dios! 

            As we return, we will have time in quarantine, and then some time to meet our new granddaughter and reconnect with our family and friends.  If you would have questions, or would like to chat, you can best reach me at this email: dsw1988@hotmail.com.  We cherish your prayers and your friendship as we navigate this transition, safe in the loving hands of the Lord.  

            Now, to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

Peace in Christ to you and yours,  

Pastor David and Shelee Warner