Local & Global Missions
We are wholeheartedly committed to serving and supporting God’s people through local and global mission work. As Scripture reminds us, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19), and in response, we seek to be His Body, sharing His redeeming love with a world in need.
U.S.A. & LOCAL MISSIONS
In Minnesota, over 300,000 children face food insecurity. Every Meal works to bridge the gap during weekends, school breaks, and summer when meals are unavailable. Through various programs, they ensure children and families have access to nutritious food, combating the real risk of hunger.
Saint James creates volunteer opportunities to partner with Every Meal and support our local elementary school in the fight against hunger.
This residential hospice facility provides compassionate care for individuals in their final days, offering a Christian environment for all, regardless of their ability to pay. It is the only facility of its kind in the community.
Several years ago, the Saint James Missions Committee had the opportunity to tour this remarkable facility, including their chapel where services are held, and witness firsthand the care and support they provide to those in need.
Neighbors, Inc is a nonprofit organization providing emergency and supportive assistance programs to low-income community members in the northern Dakota County communities of Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake and Lilydale.
The Saint James Good Neighbor Outreach Group also works to support our neighbors, the local community, and neighboring schools.
Salem Christian Fellowship (Illinois)
Salem Christian Fellowship, led by Pastor Hicham Shehab, has a powerful story of transformation. Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, Hicham was recruited by the Muslim Brotherhood in 1975 to fight Christians. After losing his brother to militia violence in 1980, he sought revenge but was instead moved by Jesus' call to love his enemies. This moment began his journey into Christianity. Introduced to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 2001, Hicham moved to the U.S. in 2004 and completed his seminary training in 2010.
Salem Christian Fellowship’s mission is to share the Gospel with Muslims and Middle Eastern immigrants in the Chicago area. Pastor Shehab has visited Saint James, sharing his story and educating on the Muslim faith.
SERVING THE WORLD
Global Missions
The commitment to missions is deeply embedded at Saint James Lutheran Church.
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Vision Petrozavodsk is an alliance of Lutheran congregations supporting the revival of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria, led by Pastor Alexei and Nadia Krongolm at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Petrozavodsk, Russia.
Holy Spirit Lutheran Church continues to serve the community through crisis center ministries and Ukrainian refugee support.
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Pastor Walter and Robyn Steele are serving in East Africa through the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Pastor Steele teaches at Neema Lutheran College in Matongo, Kenya, and advises schools across the region. Robyn instructs in nutrition at Matongo and leads workshops throughout East Africa. Together, they help prepare pastors, evangelists, and deaconesses for the Lutheran churches in Africa.
Dan and Patty Schmelzer, founders of CapstoneMinistries, serve the street children in Western Kenya, particularly Kisumu, with the goal of reconnecting them with their families.
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Saint James has long supported Bible Faith Lutheran Church (BFLC) in India.
BFLC serves 43 congregations, operates a seminary, and runs the Moriah Children’s Home, which cares for children from destitute families. They also manage Moriah School, serving students from pre-K to 10th grade.
BFLC also began the India Bible Study Translation Project, over a decade ago, as an outreach initiative with Dr. Raj Kumar translating the Book of Concord into Telugu. Since then, they’ve partnered with the Lutheran Heritage Foundation to translate Luther’s Catechisms and are collaborating with Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc. to expand access to Braille and large-print Bibles.
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The Himalayan School of Music and House Church, led by Yogen and Kamala Chetri, serve the Thimpu community through music events and activities that foster relationships and draw people into their house church.
Yogen also organizes the Northern India and Bhutan Symposiums.
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Project Video partners with ethnic church groups in Asia, equipping them with audio/video technology and training to share the Gospel in their own language and culture. This outreach extends the Gospel into communities where it would otherwise not reach.
For years, Saint James has supported Project Video, including Jasmine in Thailand, through prayer and financial contributions. Additionally, one of our members is directly involved, gaining hands-on experience and training with the project.
The mission of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) is to spread the Lutheran faith worldwide by translating, publishing, and distributing confessional Lutheran theological materials. It is led by a board of 15 pastors, teachers, and laypeople from the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Saint James has proudly supported LHF since 1997.