Asia Leadership consists of an executive and more general level. The executive level positions – Regional Director and Regional Business Manager – are currently vacant after some changes last year. In their stead we had Rev. Dr. Brian Gauthier joining us. Normally he manages all four of Office of International Mission Regional Directors, but he’s also doing double duty as a stop-gap Asia Regional Director. John Tape serves at the International Center in St. Louis but is also the acting Asia Regional Business Manager. We’re blessed to have both these men willing to carry extra duties to help keep things running in Asia.
On the more general level, Asia leadership consists of Aimee Cima, Memberr Care Coordinator for the region, Matt Wasmund, who oversees Foros and short-term mission teams as well as regional communication projects, Rev. Dr. Tom Park who oversees Theological Education throughout Asia, and the three Asia Area Facilitators – Rev. Steven Mahulburg, Rev. Matt Wood, and myself. Between the three of us, all of the region’s staff are divided up for management purposes, and all of the countries and church partners the LCMS works in and with in Asia are divided up.
This is the crew gathered in Seoul for the next few days to plan. We’re hosted at International Lutheran Church, where Rev. Dr. Carl Hanson serves as pastor.
Carl started us with a brief tour of the facility and an opening blessing. Matt Wasmund, who also serves in Seoul, exhibited his servant heart by keeping us supplied with tea and coffee as well as snacks. He also ensured we had opportunities to sample authentic Korean cuisine. We visited two local spots for lunch and dinner and the food was delicious.
Some of you may have noticed all the jackets. Did I mention it’s cold in Seoul this time of year? Absurdly cold, in my opinion. In fact, this is anticipated to be the coldest week of the whole season. I won’t name names about who thought this was where we should meet, but let’s just say it was more than a little challenging for those who swelter in the tropics year in and year out to handle.
Like me!
It was a full days’ work, but important and helpful work as the region continues to develop and evolve. Changes in staff always bring about a certain level of adjustment and shifting. We pray those adjustments are healthy and continue to move the region in an effective trajectory.
The Nelson Family Indonesia 