During 2021, the Board of Stewardship will be featuring one missionary at a time -- 3 or 4 times throughout the year. We hope you enjoy learning more about their work in the mission field.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Naumann and his wife, Deaconess Cheryl Naumann serve through LCMS and are based in the Dominican Republic. Jonathan is the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regional chaplain and provides pastoral care to LCMS missionaries and their families in over ten countries. He also teaches future Latin American pastors at the LCMS seminaries in this region.
Cheryl administers the Dominican Republic Mercy Center, teaching women to share the Gospel and to carry out acts of mercy with their neighbors. She also assists with the diaconal work in mission congregations and facilitates the Spanish translation and distribution of Lutheran biblical resources to LCMS missionaries, mission churches and partner churches in this region. Both Jonathan and Cheryl love to speak about Jesus with the people they meet each day.
Jonathan was born in Springfield, Ill., but also considers London, England, to be home. He received a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Mich., and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. He earned his Ph.D. from Glasgow University, Scotland. Jonathan served as a missionary pastor for over two decades in East Kilbride, Scotland and Ruislip, England, and then as pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, Oakmont, Pa. He has worked extensively with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England and has theologically educated students in the United States and abroad.
Cheryl’s hometown is Bremerton, Wash. She received a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., on May 20, 1979, and was consecrated as a Lutheran deaconess that same day. She earned a master’s degree in theology and church history from Glasgow University, Scotland. Cheryl has served as a deaconess at Lutheran Home for the Aged, Kendallville, Ind., and by her husband’s side at congregations in Scotland, England and Pennsylvania. Over the years, Cheryl has worked as a freelance writer and editor, authoring three of her own books, and has taught deaconess students in the U.S., Latin America and Africa. Jonathan and Cheryl have six adult children and 20 grandchildren.
During the month of Juy, you will have the opportunity to provide financial support for the Naumann’s ministry needs. Throughout the month, the stewardship free will offering box will be located in the lobby. You may write checks payable to Immanuel Lutheran and note Rev. Dr. and Deaconess Naumann-Latin America on the memo line. Online donations will also be accepted – go to immanuelmokena.org/electronic-giving and choose World Missions (under Select Fund) to make a one-time donation
We can also support them through our prayers. Pray for Jonathan and Cheryl as they serve in the Dominican Republic. Ask God to protect them as they travel and do the work He has created for them to do. Pray that God will increase the faith of those whom they serve in Latin America.
You can learn even more by watching Pastor Aaron’s interview with Rev. Dr. Jonathan.
The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) is the official women’s auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For almost 75 years, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support global missions.
The mission of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League is to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world.
To learn more about the work of LWML in the nation and the world, please visit lwml.org.
Lutheran Women in Mission-Northern Illinois District – Mission Grants for 2019-2021
Your mite box offerings are helping to fund these ten mission grants selected at the LWML NID convention:
Help yourself to a mite box – your whole family is invited to participate. Thank you for supporting our Northern Illinois District and National LWML mission grants – you are a blessing to so many!!!