A Night of Mission, Fellowship, and God’s Presence

On May 28, the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego gathered for our 13th Missionary Dinner, and what a beautiful night it was. These gatherings have become sacred moments of connection, encouragement, and vision—where missionaries and mission-minded friends come together to share stories, break bread, and remember why we do what we do.

We are incredibly grateful to our dear friend and partner in mission, Mark Ernster, who opened his home and heart to host this gathering. Mark’s hospitality reminds us that behind every missionary, there is a community that believes, supports, and walks alongside the mission.

The evening began with a devotion led by our missionary director, Pastor Tardelli Voss, who reflected on the Ascension of Christ. He reminded us that Jesus didn’t ascend to leave us behind, but to fill all things. Christ now reigns at the right hand of the Father—not distant, but profoundly present in every inch of the mission field, in every corner of San Diego and beyond. As missionaries, we go not alone, but with Him who promised to be with us always.

We also had much to celebrate:

🎓 Dawa Dawa and Job Jiménez, two of our own, have graduated and are now ordained pastors in the Lutheran Church. Their journeys are powerful testimonies of God’s calling and faithfulness.

👋 And with both joy and sadness, we said farewell to Pastor Eric and Joelle Neider, dear friends of the Mission Society, who are relocating to upstate New York. Their impact here has been deep and lasting, and we bless them as they begin a new chapter of ministry.

As we look back on this evening, we’re reminded of the beauty of the body of Christ—called, sent, gathered, and sustained by the One who ascended not to leave us, but to lead us.

To all who labor in this field: you are not alone. Christ is with you. And so are we.