Winter 2022-23 Cardinal Connection

FROM OUR PRESIDENT ]

“Can you show me what you do for outreach? I think our churches need to do more outreach.” That’s the question that MLS senior Ryan Dabe asked of his host pastor before arriving in Austin, TX for Taste of Ministry.

The goal is to start 100 new missions in 10 years. It’s no secret that those 100 new missions need mission-minded pastors who will seek the lost with a zeal and fervor that is passionate and tireless. We pray that some of those mission pastors are on our campus right now.

In the fall of each year, every MLS senior participates in a Taste of Ministry experience that is vital to their encouragement to consider the public ministry of the gospel. This year, in response to the 100 in 10 goal set by the WELS Board for Home Missions, MLS sent all of our seniors who desired a pastor track ministry experience into WELS home missions to give them a taste of mission life with a real live home missionary. There they made connections, talked about the joys and challenges of mission work, and received encouragement to use the gifts they have to serve the Lord with a mission zeal.

Daron Lindemann, pastor of WELS Home Mission CrossLife Church in Pflugerville, TX wrote, “I got to know him and his family, his developing dreams, his God-given strengths, and his ideas about outreach. Yes, his ideas. Already at this point in life, the Spirit’s fire was fanning his faith into flames for outreach.”

Michigan Lutheran Seminary’s history is steeped in mission mindedness. It was MLS men, Rev. Edgar Hoenecke and Rev. Arthur Wacker (affectionately referred to as the 49ers) who entered Africa to establish WELS world mission efforts there. It was MLS President Conrad Frey who helped establish the Asia Lutheran Seminary to boost mission expansion in the Far East. It was MLS graduate Rev. Norm Berg who led the WELS into the state of Florida for rapid home mission expansion in the second part of the 20th century. It was MLS who piloted an international student program that has produced more international pastors and teachers for WELS than any other high school. The spirit of gospel outreach has been at the very heart of our ministry producing a blessed collaboration between ministerial education and the mission efforts of WELS.

I can’t think of a better time for MLS to double down in that area. With mission expansion at the forefront of our Synod’s plans in the next decade and opportunities to reach people groups from outside of the United States who are reaching out to WELS to partner in ministry, MLS needs to lead the way in encouraging young men and women to think with a mission mindset.

We ask for your prayers and your support as we plan and work to do exactly that.

Loving and serving Him,

CARDINAL CONNECTION WINTER 2022-23

Chief Editor Rev. Mark T. Luetzow

Graphic Design Michael D. Priebe, MLS ‘94

www.mlsem.org

Cardinal Connection is published in winter and summer free of charge for MLS alumni and friends.

SUBMIT NEWS ITEMS TO: Michael Priebe, Public Relations mdp@mlsem.org

SUBMIT ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Cathy Rothfuss, Mission Advancement car@mlsem.org

ON THE COVER

MLS students participating in various ministry opportunities.

HOW DID I SEND MY CHILD 1,200 MILES AWAY TO MLS?

By Mr. Dane Mattes

“You did what?!?” That’s usually the reaction, along with a blank stare, we get when my wife and I are talking about where our children go to school. My wife and I are teachers at Northdale Christian Academy in Tampa, FL. We serve at a school that provides Christian education to students in 3 year old preschool through 8th grade. As principal of our academy, I regularly give tours to prospective families who are seeking a solid, safe, and private educational experience. I often get asked about my family and where graduates of our academy go for high school. It was easy to talk about where our daughters attended school since they were always enrolled at the same school where we taught - until they took the leap from grade school to high school.

Today we have a sophomore in high school and an 8th grader. Carolyn is currently at Michigan Lutheran Seminary and Hailey will be there next year. Since we live in Tampa, FL, this is a very strange high school choice for most of our peers in this community. I often have to repeat the fact that our oldest daughter attends a high school 1,200 miles away from home and is living in a dorm like many college students do. The next reaction we often get is “I could never do that.” While it is difficult to consider sending your child away to school at age 14, we prefer thinking of it as sending her TO Michigan Lutheran Seminary. It is difficult, but not impossible. There are significant logistics and costs associated with sending a child to a school 1,200 miles away from home. Hunting for deals on flights has become a regular part of our routine as we cross reference our schedules with the MLS calendar. It is a struggle, too. It’s a struggle to give up such direct involvement in our child’s educational experience and instead participate remotely. This is where we have benefited from current MLS families, coworkers, extended family, and MLS faculty who have helped us navigate these challenges. Out of struggle comes growth. We have grown in our relationship with our daughter and have learned to treasure the time we spend together online or in-person. It is a blessing to see how Carolyn has grown in her spiritual maturity while attending MLS.

As parents, we knew before accepting the call to serve at Northdale Christian Academy that we would have to be more than OK with sending our daughters to MLS because it was a priority that their Christian education continue into the formative years of high school. It is also a blessing that they be given every opportunity to consider public ministry. Joanne and I can think of no better place for our daughters to be challenged and grow than at Michigan Lutheran Seminary where they are surrounded by teachers who reflect the gospel of Christ in their classrooms and living and where they are influenced by like-minded peers who share the same faith we hold so strongly. We do not have the option for such a Christcentered formative experience at such an impressionable age where we live. We are so thankful MLS has the experience and the ability to not only provide a Christian education second to none, but also partner with us in raising our children to be discerning Christians in a world that is often opposed to Biblical truths. Our prayer for them and their classmates is that they will use the foundation built at MLS to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Steve (MLS’ 89) and Sarah (Lawrenz) Schroeder (MLS ‘91) are no strangers to the MLS campus. Growing up in Saginaw, both have fond memories of the triangle between Court, Hardin, and Bay streets. From there, their life took a path that was certainly unexpected. We asked them to share their story for our Cardinal Connection readers.

For the benefit of Cardinal Connection our readers, please tell us about your life after MLS

(Steve) After MLS, I continued on to NWC and then graduated from WLS in 1998. Following two years of tutoring at LPS, I joined the Army to become a Chinese

Linguist. In 2003, I switched over to aviation and became a Black Hawk pilot, eventually becoming an Instructor/Standardization pilot for the Army.

(Sarah) I was the last graduating class of DMLC. Oddly enough, in 1995, there were not enough calls for the graduates so some of us looked for other opportunities. A friend of mine, Renee (Westphal) Kober and I taught at an international school in Bogota, Colombia for two years and then returned to the call committee.

I then received a call to tutor at Luther Prep School. After tutoring, I briefly taught Spanish at MLS before getting married and jumping into Army life.

Any good stories from your time as LPS tutors?

(Steve) Being from a rather large WELS family, it was inevitable that some of your dorm students were related to you. It would become awkward having to bust them for various “transgressions”... such as perhaps, shooting bottle rockets out of their dorm window. In related news, the perpetrator is now a faithful Minister of the Word in the Midwest as we speak.

(Sarah) I remember getting roped into some ridiculous Homecoming Pep Rally events and costumes courtesy of fellow tutor at the time, John Boggs (MLS ‘89).

After your service at LPS, you joined the US Army to serve in a different way. On behalf of our Cardinal Connection readers, allow us to express our gratitude for your service. Where were you stationed and what was your primary responsibility?

While I was stationed at nine (I believe) different posts throughout my twenty years, I spent the majority (six) stationed in Germany. I was an Assault Helicopter Pilot flying UH-60 Black Hawks for the Army at that time. While our primary responsibility was planning missions to take the infantry to their destination and let them do their job, we also from time to time were tasked for VIP missions as well as casualty evacuations.

On January 31, 2017 your UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training exercise. You sustained multiple lifethreatening injuries and endured years worth of rehab to get to the point that you are today. What did you learn about yourselves as you learned how to live after the accident?

(Steve) We became a lot closer. While people reached out to us with prayers and support which we were so very grateful for, there were very few who could relate to what we were going through. The first few months I spent in the hospital, Sarah was there the entire time. I was crushed that I had brought her along into this, as it was my decision to switch

to aviation. When I told her that it was I who had signed up for this, not her, she told me, “No it wasn’t. It was me as well when I said ‘For better or for worse…” After that, it was trying to make life as normal for our four kids as possible. While they know there are limitations, they have taken it in stride.

(Sarah) I think we’ve both learned to focus on the good things rather than the things that aren’t what we wish them to be. To be thankful for the blessings and the people in our lives, and to treasure our Christian education as it equipped us to weather the rough times we’ve endured.

What was your go to Bible passage that brought strength for your recovery?

(Steve) Two always came back to me: “And we know that in all things, God words for the good of those that love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28. Also, more simply “Be still know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

(Sarah) Romans 8:28 as well, but also “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Considering your time in the ministry and the Armed Forces, service is an important word in your life. What inspires your desire to serve?

(Steve) I loved representing the United States as a Black Hawk pilot on the world stage. I loved being “part of the solution” and doing my part in the Global War on Terror. Within the missions themselves, my favorite part was

being able to help fellow soldiers get where they needed to go, as at times our helicopters were the only option for them. Whether it was on a mission or to get to another base to be able to take leave or whatever, being able to help the other soldiers was so fulfilling.

Which one professor or tutor made the biggest impact in your time at MLS?

(Steve) Wow, that’s hard to narrow down…Herr Bode I enjoyed both as a professor and was a great wrestling coach. Frau Lawrenz was an incredible German teacher. So much so, I ended up marrying her daughter. Professor Hein was an inspiration on how to have fun with kids in class when I ended up teaching sophomores eight years later.

(Sarah) Professor Hein for sure, he was such a fun teacher and I love history. Having both parents as teachers was fun…most of the time. We still run into our former tutors from time to time, Tutors Klatt, Vallesky, Kruschel, and Prange.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at MLS?

(Steve) Aside from the closeness of being involved in various team sports, I enjoyed the unspoken bond you had with not just your classmates, but your schoolmates. That you all were there at MLS in the same role, brothers and sisters in Christ at a Lutheran prep school. As you get out into the world and see the different value systems put before you, it makes that common bond that you had much more appreciated.

(Sarah) My Senior year, the girls’ sports teams were pretty successful. I wasn’t ever a key player but I sure loved being on the teams with those girls. Anytime I hear “God’s Word is our Great Heritage” - I think of MLS, and wait to hear the harmonies and the “Amens”.

Any final thoughts?

(Steve) MLS will always hold a strong place in our heart. We were so blessed to be able to attend there and get a strong Christian foundation in high school. Keep the students, faculty and staff in your prayers as they continue on in the mission of preparing high school students for the public ministry. Obviously not all will continue on, but the Christian education they receive is invaluable throughout the rest of their lives.

(Sarah) The friendships made through MLS and our time in Saginaw continue today. We run into other MLS alumni from time to time and there is always a bond there - even if we weren’t at school at the same time.

Do you have a suggestion for a future Alumni Spotlight?

TASTE OF MINISTRY

Each year MLS offers “Taste of Ministry” opportunities for seniors. Taste of Ministry is a program designed to give students the opportunity to gain personal exposure to the preaching and teaching ministry. This program is designed to help students appreciate the joys and challenges of full time work in the church, thereby receiving encouragement to continue their training for full time ministry.

This year a special emphasis was made to place our young men in home missions that are supported by WELS because they would potentially graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in the 9th year of the WELS 10-year emphasis to open 100 new missions.

SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT SCHREINER

WELS members, Ron and Barb (nee Perrigo) Schreiner have been longtime supporters of our Ministerial Education schools. But recently, the Schreiners decided to support the ministry of Barb’s alma mater by endowing a scholarship that will support MLS students who continue their education at Martin Luther College. “Our prayer is that these types of gifts will continue to show our support and encourage and enable our MLS students to continue their education at MLC to become called workers with fewer concerns about the tuition and other associated costs.”

Ministerial education has played a significant role in the Schreiner’s life with both of their children following their mother’s path attending MLS. In gratitude for that impact in their lives, it seemed only fitting for them to support students who are receiving the same blessing.

“We have seen first hand how these schools have been a tremendous joy to our family and would like to help many other families experience this blessing. Barb (MLS 1977), Erika (MLS 2003, MLC 2007) and Troy (MLS 2006, MLC 2010, WLS 2014) were all blessed to have attended these schools and have all benefited a great deal from their years in our Ministerial Education schools. We can continue to support MLS with our time, prayers and current gifts, but the endowed scholarship allows us to support students both now, but also long after we have gone on to our heavenly home.”

An endowment is a permanently restricted fund that is designed to make annual distributions that increase as the fund grows and gifts are added. The Schreiner’s endowment will provide ongoing tuition assistance to MLS alumni who are attending their first year at Martin Luther College.

As we prayerfully considered ways to support these students and schools, we sat down and discussed this with Josh Wakefield, our MLS Foundation Donor Relations Director, and he helped us with our decision and made it very quick and simple to establish this scholarship.

By God’s grace, the Schreiner’s endowment is the 21st endowed scholarship established with the WELS Foundation and the MLS Foundation supporting MLS graduates who will attend MLC, a number which nearly doubled in 2021-22. Several other endowed scholarships support current MLS families with much needed tuition assistance while at MLS. MLS President Mark Luetzow says, “We are so blessed to receive the support of our alumni and those who love the mission of this school. To be able to promise to our incoming freshmen that if they continue the course laid out at MLS and enroll at MLC, there will be an endowed scholarship that supports them in that pursuit is meaningful in so many ways.”

If you would like to contribute to an existing endowed scholarship or establish a new one for the benefit of MLS students, please call Pres. Luetzow (989.793.1010 x 223) or Josh Wakefield (989.793.7511) for assistance.

CAMPUS NEWS & NOTES

WAKEFIELD NAMED HAWKINS FINALISTS

Congratulations to senior, Evan Wakefield (St. Bartholomew, Kawkawlin, MI) for being named a finalist for the Saginaw Club’s Hawkins Award.

The Hawkins award, which is a Heisman Trophy-like award, recognizes the top senior football player in Saginaw County. The Saginaw Club, which is comprised of businessmen from the area, is the presenting sponsor of the award in conjunction with the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame, and the MLive media group.

This special award is the fourth annual Hawkins award, which is named in honor of former Arthur Hill High School and University of Michigan football standout, Harry Hawkins. Hawkins was the first football player from Saginaw County to be named to the All-American team. He was also a track standout at Michigan where he captured the Big Ten and National Championships in the field event called the hammer throw.

For his career, Wakefield ran 412 times for 3,709 yards and 53 touchdowns. He also completed 125 of 262 passes for 1,451 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Wakefield, who carries a 3.997 grade-point average, is also the defending Saginaw County wrestling champion at 189 pounds and finished sixth in the state in Division 4. He has been on the MLS honor roll every marking period in high school, and is a camp counselor and an usher at his church. He has also participated in clean-up activities at Celebration Park and Potter Street Station. Congratulations Evan!

NEW FACULTY

This fall we were blessed to welcome eight new faculty members to our campus for the 2022-23 school year! We thank God for their eagerness and dedication to service here at MLS.

Top Row (L-R): Prof. Steven Thiesfeldt, VP; Prof. Matt Prost, Academic Dean; Tutor Aiden Holien Bottom Row (L-R): Prof. Dan Westendorf; Tutor Brett Burger; Tutor Megan Buth; Instructor Jennifer Boeder; Prof. Carl Boeder

Calling all future Cardinals! MLS is accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. Scan the QR code below or visit mlsem.org/apply. The online application should only take about ten minutes to complete and there is no fee. Families that apply before apply before January 31 will be entered to win a $250 tuition credit. We’re already excited to welcome a new class of Cardinals to campus next fall!

INTERESTED IN HEARING MORE ABOUT MICHIGAN LUTHERAN SEMINARY? WE'RE COMING TO VISIT!

January 10 Emmaus, Phoenix, AZ Grace, Glendale, AZ

January 11 Cross of Glory, Peoria, AZ Emmanuel, Tempe, AZ

January 12 Redeemer, Tucson, AZ

January 22 Messiah, Johns Creek, GA St. Paul, South Haven, MI

January 23 Sola Fide, Lawrenceville, GA January 24 Risen Savior, Pooler, GA Mighty Fortress, Hiram, GA

January 29 Shepherd of the Hills Tucson, AZ

February 5 Immanuel, Willmar MN

February 26 Northdale Lutheran Church, Tampa, FL Northdale School, Tampa, FL Bay Pines, Seminole, FL

February 28 Ascension, Sarasota, FL

Crown of Life, Fort Myers, FL

March 1 New Hope, West Melbourne, FL

Christ the King, Palm Coast, FL

March 2 Good Shepherd, Deltona, FL King of Kings, Maitland, FL

March 3 St. Paul, Beverly Hills, FL

Mar 5 Saving Grace, Mobile, AL March 17-26 Concert Choir Tour

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

Tribute gifts given to MLS from July 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022. Gifts to the MLS Foundation are found on the Foundation website www.mls-foundation.org

In Honor of...

MARCUS R. BODE

Mr. and Mrs. Christian Stuebs

MEGAN N. BUTH

Faith Lutheran Church

SANDRA A. HEYN Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

TRINITY LUTHERAN, BAY CITY SCHOOL STAFF

Mr. and Mrs. Allan Ferrio

In Memory of...

LOREN C. DIETRICH

Mrs. Carole A. Cole

Rev. and Mrs. Joseph M. Dietrich Rev. and Mrs. Gregory D. Gibbons Mr. Kevin W. Keller Rev. and Mrs. Marcus P. Manthey Dr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Naumann Ms. Ruth E. Westendorf

JOAN M. EUBANK

Ms. Karan Premo

CARLTON HAGLUND

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Bolen

JOHN JEDELE

Mr. and Mrs. David K. Broekhuizen Mrs. Doris H. Burns Mrs. Jodie East Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Eubank Ms. Kathleen A. Gensley Mr. and Mrs. Dean Girbach Mr. and Mrs. Neil O. Lindemann Ms. Joan E. Potter Ms. Karan Premo Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Taylor Mr. and Mrs. John R. Trachet Mrs. Barbara J. Vershum

MICHAEL C. LEHMAN Ms. Barb Lehman

GRACE LEPLA

Emanuel Redeemer Lutheran Guild

ELIZABETH L. PRETZER

Mr. and Mrs. John Pretzer

SHARON L. SCHAEWE

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Zamenski Emanuel Redeemer Lutheran Guild Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Peil

RONALD L. SIEGGREEN Ms. Elsa L. Manthey

MILTON P. SPAUDE

Rev. and Mrs. Gregory D. Gibbons

THOMAS STEINBAUER

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wegener

RICHARD AND MARLENE TOWNE Pamela J. Roestel

DORIS J. WALDBAUER St John Lutheran Senior Choir

KENNETH J. WIECHMAN

Rev. and Mrs. Keith R. Free Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Schmiege Rev. and Mrs. Eric E. Steinbrenner

MLS appreciates the many gifts given by people like you, our friends and alumni. Please consider supporting the work MLS does to train future pastors, teachers and staff ministers. Scan this QR code to support MLS through an online gift. Or go to our website at https://www.mlsem.org/support/

The Cardinal Connection is also available digitally! If you or someone you know would prefer to receive an electronic version of the publication, please contact Michael Priebe at mdp@mlsem.org or by phone at 989-793-1010, ext 231 to make the change.

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