July and August 2016

From Rev. Steven and Cynthia Schumacher serving the Lord and His church in Ghana, West Africa

Mission and Ministry Updates.

"I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of
your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the
saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the
full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
Philemon 1:4-6
Thank you for your prayers and support! It has been a great few months
worshipping with friends and family while sharing the story of how God is
blessing the people in West Africa through your intercessions and gifts.

Presenting at St. Pauls Lutheran

School in Munster, IN

In Pauls letter to Philemon he gives us an example of how to pray for you

and to give thanks for your faith, your prayers and Gospel witness of Jesus Christ. We do thank God for your joining with us in sharing the faith
that is focused in Jesus and the work He has done by which all men
might be saved. As we share our faith, let us remember that by doing so
we also live out the special work of mercy, that is sharing every good
thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
We have had the opportunity to worship and share Gods work in Ghana
with friends and family in New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Everywhere we go the people of God want to see and hear
how the church is growing in West Africa, and how the seminarians are
continuing their studies in preparation for pastoral ministry in the church
there.
One of our favorite days was at Mission Central in Northwestern Iowa.
What a joyous surprise for us when a bus drove in with members from
Hope Lutheran Church in Des Moines. Des Moines was our first home
after marrying in 1976. Cynthia began the preschool at Hope Lutheran
Church and it was there, where I left my job with Brown Engineering
Company to prepare for the pastoral ministry in 1981. What a special
time for us to visit with friends and reminisce those early years of our life
together.

Greetings members of Prince of Peace

Lutheran Church in Cedar Crest, NM

Old Missionary Gary presenting at Mission

Central in Mapleton, IA

Along with the group from Hope there was a bus from southern Nebraska, some special supporters from Minnesota and others from various
places in Iowa, totally almost 150 people. It was a great day to celebrate
how God is using His people to further His Kingdom around the world
To be added to or removed from this mailing list, send an email message to
Steven.Schumacher@lcmsintl.org with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject line.

Prayer Requests
We ask that you include the
following in your daily prayers
trusting that God will hear and
answer according to His mercy:

The missionaries Rev. Ryan

and Emily McDermott and
family, Rev. Gary and
Stephanie Schulte as they
travel to and settle into life
and service in West Africa.
Cynthia and I as we travel
back to Ghana and continue
our service with the ELCG
The upcoming Luther
Academy in Ghana that it
may be a blessing in bringing
continued education to the
pastors and seminarians of
the ELCG.
The ministries of Rev.
David and Joyce Erber, Rev.
Dale and Suzanne Kaster,
Rev. Mark and Susan Moss,
Rev. Doug and Angie
Thompson, in Ghana.
Our LCMS leaders and congregations as we begin a
new triennium
Thanksgiving for all the
prayers and support given to
us by our children, families,
friends and supporters.
Thanksgiving and prayers
of support for the ELCG and
its mission to train pastors
and spread the Saving Gospel to both the hearing and
deaf of Ghana.

Another highlight was attending the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod's convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and
greeting people all day Monday in the
exhibit area. It was wonderful to see
friends from across the United States
and make new acquaintances. It was a
blessing to represent all the missionaries of Africa on the stage before the
convention gathering. We enjoy being
part of the LC-MS and its Office of International Mission, in spreading the Gospel
of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
During the first week of July we spent
time vacationing with our family in
Northern Michigan. The best part of the
week was spending time with our three
children, their spouses and the five
grandchildren. One day was spent in
the upper peninsula of Michigan and
another on Mackinaw Island. The most
exciting and thrilling activity took place
right outside our door on the Sturgeon
River. From first glance, the river captivated our attention with the thrill of venturing out in kayaks and tubes. Grandchildren Heidi (10), Samantha (7), Harry
(4), and Griffin (2) joined in the fun while
7 month old C.J. stayed shore side and
welcomed everyone back safe and
sound.
How very blessed we are to have a
wonderful family who enjoys spending
time together and celebrating the countless blessings God continues to shower
upon us.

Cynthia and I at the LC-MS Convention

Exhibit in Milwaukee, WI

Grandpa gets assistance to blow out

birthday candles

Presentation at St. Pauls Lutheran Church

in Sanford, MI

Every now and then we are asked what our children think about our being so
far away in Africa. The fact is we do not get to be them very often but through
emails, phone calls, and Skype we are able to stay in contact and keep up
with each of them. And yes, all of our children and grandchildren are very supportive of our ministry in Ghana remembering us in their prayers as we remember them in ours.
Please know that our prayers are also for each of you as you share and witness your faith in Jesus wherever you may be.

Rev. Steven & Cynthia Schumacher

This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Acts 2:32

There are many opportunities

to serve as short-term or
GEO missionaries. Check
out the current list and
download an application at
www.lcms.org/service. Click
on Service Opportunities.

To support our work financially, you may send a tax deductible gift to:
The Lutheran Church
Missouri Synod
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

OR

Mission Central
40718 Highway E 16
Mapleton, IA 51034

Make checks payable to The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. Mark checks Schumacher-Ghana.
Gifts can also be given securely online through the LCMS website, on my online giving page at:
www.lcms.org/schumacher.