About every two to three years, a change in command takes place at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. While this is typical of military life, it adds a unique challenge to ministry when relationships with many neighbors are continually beginning and ending. Faith Lutheran in Knob Noster understands the Whiteman community, however, and is ready to share the Gospel with service personnel and their loved ones—regardless of how long they remain in the neighborhood.

The congregation brings consistency to an area always in flux and has established itself as a reliable resource for the Whiteman AFB community. This was very clear when Pastor Jon- Michael Schweigert and members of Faith pitched the idea of hosting Vacation Bible School on base to the new wing chaplain…and were approved!

“The secret to making VBS happen was to tap into the relationships we had built over years,” says Pastor Schweigert. “It also helps to remember that everyone involved wants the children to grow closer to God. Our job was just to show how we could amplify what the base already wanted to do.” In July 2022, Faith Lutheran hosted “God’s Wonder Lab” VBS for five days on base. More than sixty children heard about the miracles of Jesus and did science experiments together.

The state of Missouri contains so many varied neighborhoods—small farming communities, college campuses, urban centers, suburban areas, military bases, and more. The people living in these environments may be lifelong residents or simply passing through for a short time. Regardless of their length of stay among us, the Missouri District stands ready to support congregations and schools in mission and ministry. The way you amplify this work in God’s Kingdom through your partnership with the District continues to be a source of great joy. This Christmas season, would you please prayerfully consider making a gift to the mission efforts of the Missouri District?

Gifts may be made online at: mo.lcms.org/donate

Or sent to:

Missouri District LCMS
660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63141

Our neighborhoods—and even our world—may be in a constant state of transition, but God remains steady and faithful through it all. We marvel at the way He works among us—utilizing our collective interests and gifts to strengthen relationships and make His name known throughout Missouri. Thank you for your support of this work.