17th Missionary Dinner
The night of January 23, 2026, was one of those moments that quietly reminds us why we do what we do.
We gathered once again as the family of missionaries connected to the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego, around a shared table and a shared calling. This dinner marked something meaningful: our 17th missionary dinner since we began hosting these gatherings in 2023. Seventeen times of tables and stories. Seventeen times of prayers, laughter, tears, and mutual encouragement. Seventeen reminders that mission is never meant to be lived alone, but together—rooted in Christ and sustained by one another.
This time, we were graciously hosted by Christ Lutheran Church in La Mesa, California—the second time they have opened both their doors and their hearts to us. We are deeply thankful for their hospitality and especially for their senior pastor, Rev. Travis Ferguson, who not only welcomed us as host but also serves faithfully on the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego. He did so with generosity—and, honestly, with sacrifice—as this season is particularly full for both him and the congregation.
Rev. Travis opened our evening with a devotion grounded in God’s Word, gently re-centering us on what truly matters: Jesus Christ, the salvation of the world, the Lamb of God. He also offered a faithful reminder to watch over our hearts—to resist the subtle idols we can so easily build, even in ministry, and to remain anchored in Christ alone.
We then heard a report from Dave Lindsey, President of the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego, who shared vision and plans as we look toward 2026. This was followed by rich moments of testimony, ministry updates, and prayer for one another. These are holy moments—spaces where encouragement flows both ways and burdens are not carried alone.
We leave grateful.
Grateful for the host congregation.
Grateful for our missionaries.
Grateful for stories shared and prayers spoken.
Grateful for food on the table—and for Christ at the center of it all.
