18th Missionary Dinner
March 5 marked the 18th Missionary Dinner of the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego—an evening dedicated to something simple but deeply needed in mission work: coming together for mutual encouragement and to celebrate what God is doing through the ministries of those He has sent.
This time we were hosted by Mount Olive Lutheran Church Poway. Their hospitality was felt from the moment people arrived. The wonderful Indian meal was prepared under the leadership of Pastor Quincy Koll, who recently joined the board of the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego. It was a beautiful reminder that mission grows through congregations that open their doors and leaders who step forward to serve.
Around thirty missionaries gathered that evening—some with their families—representing ministries across San Diego County and across the border in Tijuana. Even so, those present represent only part of a larger family of servants connected to the mission work unfolding in our region.
These dinners are intentionally hosted in local congregations because they offer something valuable for everyone involved. Missionaries receive encouragement from one another, and congregations have the opportunity to glimpse the wider movement of the Gospel happening around them through many different ministries.
Throughout the evening, stories surfaced naturally around the tables.
A new initiative beginning—Cancer Fellowship Ministry—seeking to accompany those facing illness.
The celebration of a missionary completing his studies at the seminary.
A testimony of healing experienced while volunteers were serving Jesus during outreach at the Rose Parade.
None of these moments stand alone, but together they form a picture of how God continues to work quietly and faithfully through His people.
Later we moved into the sanctuary for worship and prayer, led by Pamela and Roger. We were also grateful for the presence of Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, president of the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. His visit was an opportunity not only to hear God’s Word but also to express our gratitude for the guidance and support the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego has received from the district since the very beginning.
Pastor Gibson even recalled some of those early days—when he and Pastor Dominic Rivkin were meeting with members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, conversations that helped shape the vision that would eventually grow into the network of ministries we now see developing throughout the region.
Evenings like this remind us that mission work often happens in many different places at once. But from time to time, it is good—and necessary—to gather, tell the stories, pray together, and celebrate what God is doing through His people.
