CNH District International Mission Update: Missionaries, Opportunities, and Ways to Serve

The mission of the Church continues to unfold across the globe, carried forward by faithful workers who bring the Gospel to people in every corner of God’s creation. The CNH District is blessed to be connected with several LCMS missionaries serving in a variety of contexts worldwide. Alongside these long-term workers, new opportunities continue to open for both laypeople and pastors interested in serving—whether for a few weeks or for many years.

Below is an overview of some of our current CNH missionaries, high-priority missionary opportunities, and ways individuals and congregations can engage more deeply with global mission work.

Current CNH Missionaries

If you'd like to receive newsletters from any of these missionaries, assistance is available in getting connected.

Vicar Peter Williams – Germany & France

Vicar Williams serves in Western Europe, where he participates in outreach among local communities and international populations. 

Mindy Thews – Asia Region (Based in Taiwan)

As Lutheran Education Coordinator, Mindy supports educators and churches across the region.

Kaelin Peralta – Africa Region (Based in Kenya)

Kaelin serves as a Communications Specialist, helping tell the story of God’s work in the Africa region. Through writing, photography, and media, she connects supporters in the U.S. with mission developments abroad.

Deaconess Carol Halter – Hong Kong

Approaching 60 years of missionary service, Deaconess Halter is the longest-serving LCMS missionary. 

Rev. Daniel and Cathy Conrad – Dominican Republic

Pastor Conrad serves as a professor at Concordia the Reformer Seminary, forming future church leaders for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Rev. Herb and Markie Burch – Belize

The Burches focus on church planting and leadership development.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Oliver - Taiwan

Stephen teaches New Testament and Luther’s Theology courses at China Lutheran Seminary in Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Missionary Opportunities for Laypeople

Several high-priority positions are currently open for those with specific skills and a desire to serve internationally. Many of these roles may also be filled by commissioned ministers.

Business Managers

Locations: Taiwan, Kenya, Belize, Dominican Republic Business Managers ensure the smooth movement of financial resources and personnel across borders. These positions range from entry-level to experienced roles and combine practical administrative work with service to the Gospel. 

Communications Specialists

Locations: Taiwan, Dominican Republic, Belize Communications Specialists gather and share stories of mission work, encouraging prayer, giving, and engagement across the church. Backgrounds in Communications, Marketing, or Journalism are helpful. 

Volunteer Coordinators

Locations: Romania, Taiwan, Dominican Republic Volunteer Coordinators help facilitate short-term volunteer teams and provide mission education for participants. 

Project Manager for Translation

Locations: Romania, Dominican Republic This role blends theology and logistics to ensure that theological resources are translated, distributed, and utilized in local ministries.

Exploring a Call to Missionary Service

Those who feel a pull toward missionary work—or simply want to learn more—can:

• Contact anne.gonzalez@lcms.org or 314-996-1649 for a conversation about missionary life and discernment.

• Review current missionary openings at servenow.lcms.org.

• Discuss missionary suitability with their pastor and other trusted Christians.

• Learn from current missionaries via the LCMS YouTube channel, including the video “Why you should become a missionary.”

Short-Term International Mission Service

Short-term service (typically one to two weeks) allows volunteers to support specific missionary projects that advance Gospel outreach, church planting, and acts of mercy.

Current Opportunities

All open short-term opportunities can be found at servenow.lcms.org, but the following programs are currently being actively recruited:

Spring Break Mission Trip – Czech Republic

Dates: Feb 28–Mar 7, 2026 Cost: $900 + airfare College students are invited to join missionaries Chelsea Irwin and Benjamin Helge for immersion in missionary life, learning about outreach and church planting in Central Europe.

Bible Camps – Spain & South Africa

• Spain: June 22–July 1 ($1670 + airfare)

• South Africa: July 12–20 ($800 + airfare) Volunteers teach children about Jesus through Bible lessons, activities, and shared time with local Lutheran congregations.

Missionary Kid Program Team – Ghana

Dates: Oct 15–19, 2026 Cost: $50 + airfare Volunteers prepare and lead a children’s program for missionary kids of all ages, using curriculum provided by LCMS International Mission.

Joining the Work of the Gospel

Whether through prayer, giving, short-term service, or long-term missionary work, every congregation and individual plays a role in sharing Christ with the world. The CNH District celebrates the faithful service of our missionaries and welcomes all who feel called to take part in God’s mission beyond our local communities.