J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu - Luther Seminary

Global VisionA newsletter for friends of the Global Mission Institute, Luther SeminaryVol. 18, No.1, Advent 2006Asamoah-Gyadu Joins Luther asSchiotz Visiting ProfessorBringing an Understanding of African Christianity to StudentsBy Rebecca CraigSince 2004, Luther Seminary has been sponsoringthe Schiotz visiting professor program for ThirdWorld theologians with a missional and confessionalarticulation of theology and ministry. It provides one meansby which the witness of the global church may be heard, andallows for extensive interaction between Luther Seminaryfaculty and students.Asamoah-GyaduLast spring, Dr. KwabenaAsamoah-Gyadu fromTrinity Theological Seminaryof Ghana was named therecipient of the SchiotzInternational Fellowship/Professorship for 2007. Hewill arrive in January towork with Luther studentson the encounter andengagement between thetradition and the indigenousreligions of Africa andChristianity in contemporaryAfrica.Asamoah-Gyadu points to the fact that the newCharismatic/Pentecostal churches and movements present afascinating variety of teaching, practices and doctrines. Henotes "they have not only started to attract the attention ofscholars, but also popular magazines and newspapers" suchas the BBC.The Charismatic/Pentecostal churches have traditionallybeen quite hostile to the indigenous religions andcultures of Africa. Despite the hostility, however, theseAfrican Independent Congregations (AIC) are enjoyingconsiderable growth in Africa. Asamoah-Gyadu notesthat the success of these Charismatic/Pentecostal churcheswithin Africa lies in their ability to propagate a powerfuland efficacious message that is appealing to much ofGhana's upwardly mobile youth. These expressive forms ofworship, openness to the movements of the Spirit, healing,prophecy and other such pneumatic phenomena have nowbecome an integral part of Christianity in West Africa asa result of the direct influence of the AICs. While here,Asamoah-Gyadu hopes to "be able to share with studentsat Luther Seminary the specific religious and theologicalcontributions of the AICs to Christianity in Africa and howthese contributions have helped re-shape the nature ofChristian spirituality on the continent."Given the pluralistic religious environment ofGhana, Asamoah-Gyadu's work explores concreteways in which peaceful co-existence may be realizedin the midst of religious diversity. "The underlyingproblem of religious violence is intolerance that arisesout of ignorance. I envision that if we can encourageleading figures belonging to Pentecostal/charismaticChristianity and practitioners of traditional religions totalk publicly with each other, levels of understandingwill improve. Each other’s humanity and what webelieve would also be respected."Asamoha-Gyadu will be available to speak incongregations throughout the spring of 2007. Pleasecontact the GMI if your congregation is interested inhosting him.Inside:Fall at the GMI 3Member Profile: Duain Vierow 4International Student Profile: Samuel Barbay Gaye 6The GMI Mission:The Global Mission Institute provides critical support to LutherSeminary in its task of developing global mission leaders, partneringwith the church in fulfillment of the great commission.

Director's CornerNew Faces for a New YearThe GMI Office Welcomes Two New Full-Time Staff Members“As the mission is transformed, so is it necessary to seek new structures… that are adequate to new dimensions in mission”,writes Justo L. Gonzalez, the well-known church historian in his comment on the book of Acts. Gonzalez is originally from Cubaand represents the protestant Hispanic tradition.Katie Pence Dahl (left) and Chenar E. E.Howard (right) are the two newest membersof the GMI team.At GMI, we are in such a process of transformation. During the past years, webecame involved in many initiatives which are crucial for Luther Seminary in its globalrelationships. We intensified our cooperation with international students and organizeevents with them and for them. We are reconnecting with our international alumni. Weare introducing new partnership programs with faculty and student exchanges. We areplanning to edit a book series. We are also working with congregations in Minnesota.Many plans became a reality.Sara Trumm (program coordinator since 2001 and assistant director since 2005) hadbeen instrumental in these initiatives. As you can imagine, it was not an easy situationwhen she announced her intention to leave Minnesota and to study abroad. She knewGMI in and out and made sure that our house was in order. She was there for everyonewho came to our office in Northwestern Hall. We are deeply grateful for all herwork, and our thoughts and prayers are with her as she is studying in India – now aninternational student herself.We are also thankful indeed for the work of Orin Cummings and Jeni Falkman. They were wonderful student workers in ourteam; now they need more time to focus on their study projects. It is good that they are still around; we will be connected withthem through the GMI.In June, we started the search for a new Assistant Director. We received many very good applications. In August, we interviewedfour really excellent candidates. Two of them convinced us that they would fit in perfectly. We decided to use this uniqueopportunity: We hired not only one, but both of them.Katie Pence Dahl is the new assistant director. Peace and social justice are essential in her understanding of mission, anunderstanding that was shaped during her studies at Luther Seminary as well as by her stays in Tanzania and Guatemala. Shegraduated at Luther Seminary in 2005 and had previously worked for us as a student.Chenar E. E. Howard is the new Program and Relations Coordinator. Before she joined us, she worked in the AcademicAdvising and Global Studies offices at the College of St. Catherine (St. Paul, MN). She has considerable administrative experienceand also brings in strong international and cross-cultural commitments. Her many travels have included experiencing Christianitythrough visits to Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh and while teaching English in Slovakia. Chenar’s family has been involvedwith different aspects of the GMI for many years.It is a privilege to work with such a qualified and committed staff. There are many things to do;: this fall and winter, we havevisitors from Costa Rica, Russia, The Netherlands, India and Ghana. Thank you very much for all your support.2Global VisionVol. 18, No. 1, Advent 2006Global Vision is published and distributed via third class mailby the Global Mission Institute, Luther Seminary, 2481 ComoAvenue, St. Paul, MN 55108. e-mail: gmi@luthersem.eduGlobal Mission InstituteDirector: Frieder LudwigAssistant Director: Katie Pence DahlProgram & Relations Coordinator: Chenar E. E. HowardDevelopment Associate: Lisa CohenGlobal VisionManaging Editors: Katie Pence Dahl & Chenar E. E. HowardContributing Writer: Rebecca CraigLayout and Design: Rebecca Craig17 Countries Represented on CampusThis fall Luther is home to forty-five international students fromseventeen different countries:Cameroon China Guyana IndiaIndonesia Japan Kenya LiberiaMalaysia Nigeria Norway PakistanSlovakia South Africa South Korea TanzaniaTurkeyEleven are involved in the Master of Arts program, five are pursuinga Masters in Divinity, four are working on a Masters in Sacred Music,five Masters of Theology, fourteen PhD students and two Doctorate ofMinistry students.

African Lecture Series in Full Swing at LutherBeginning last spring, Luther Seminary hashosted the African Lecture Series, a seriesof conversations focusing on African ImmigrantCongregations in the Twin Cities. This year-longseries of lectures has been bringing togetherspeakers from different national origins anddenominations.The lectures, held on Friday evenings at6 pm in the Northwestern Auditorium of theLuther Seminary Campus, usually have a facultymember from Luther Seminary involved. Dr.Matthew Skinner, Assistant Professor of NewTestament Studies, spoke and helped facilitatediscussion at the September 22 lecture on theSudanese Church. Dr. Skinner found the lectureseries to be deeply interesting and it gave him anopportunity to link Biblical events to places withinthe Sudan. "It's possible that the “Ethiopian”eunuch was really from a place in Nubia, nowencompassed by modern Sudan," he relatesexcitedly.The next African Lecture Series topic ison November 17 on the Liberian Church inMinnesota.(See also our International Student Profile in thisissue on Samuel Barbay Gaye, a student fromLiberia and our calendar of upcoming GMI eventsfor more upcoming lecture dates).International Lifethis FallThis year's Burgess Lecture was held on October9 in the Chapel of the Incarnation. Rev. RafaelMalpica Padilla, Executive Director for GlobalMission of the ELCA, spoke on the importance ofhealing and reconciliation within the "Missio Dei"of the Lutheran church.Students meet and learn fromone another at the GMIWelcome Tea on September 20.On October 4, Lutherparticipated in WorldCommunion Day.International studentsled worship duringWednesday chapelservices.Photos by Allison Schmitt & Sheri Booms Holm3

GMI Member ProfileDuain VierowBy Rebecca Craigractice what you preach." We hear it all the time, but it’s“Prare to find someone who actually does it. However,Dr. Duain Vierow has been living out his sense of Christianmission for the past several decades. As a young parochialboy living in North Saint Paul, MN, Duain went on a tripthat would forever change and shape the course of hislife. As part of the International Farm Youth Exchange, hetraveled to Holland and it opened up his eyes to how vastand in need of the Christian mission the world is.Then, while attending seminary, his beloved professorJames Ruan, a missionary in India, invited Duain into hishome and conducted regular meetings regarding GlobalMission. From that point forward, Duain knew that washis calling—to be involved in Global Mission. For the nexttwenty years he would live and work in India and SoutheastAsia. Getting to know people of other cultures, languages,how they function, and the privilege of getting to knowpeople in their own situation was a constant joy to him.Thus, it should come as no surprise that Duain was one ofthe leading founders of the Global Mission Institute (GMI).In 1978, he, along with three other former missionariesworking in the area, felt that mission had lost its momentumat Northwestern and was waning at Luther. The grouptook action to undergird and revitalize the global missionemphasis at Lutheran seminaries. They formed an ad hoccommittee which eventually turned into what is knowntoday as the GMI. Duain continued to serve as the chair ofthe board for many years, and served as executive directorof the GMI.So why is Christian mission so important to Duain?“I believe the main function of the church is essentiallymission. It would not exist without mission,” he statesfirmly. And while dedicated to global mission, Duain is wellaware of the need to recognize that not only does missioninclude going to other countries, but that North Americaas well is one of the largest mission fields in the world.In a global context he sees the overseas churches as beinginstrumental in carrying out what we do here at home. “Theoverseas churches have so much to give us in terms of faith,enthusiasm, and how to live out that faith.”This mindset has been instrumental in how he hascontinued to approach his ministry back here in the states.Now retired and living in Florida with his wife, Donna,Duain and Donna helped start a new congregation nineyears ago called “Hope Lutheran Church.” It started as amission start, and has enabled the congregation to haveits main focus be that of Christian mission. By keepingthat focus, Duain states that God has blessed that ministry,and the congregation is now flourishing with over 1200members.Duain Vierow with his wife, Donna, in front of the TajMahal in India where Duain spent much of his time doingmissionary work for the ELCA.His wife, Donna, has also been busy working in thecommunity. One of the programs she is involved in iscalled “Seniorfest,” a program where seniors have theopportunity to have a fun day and experience new thingsfrom other parts of the world, such as acupuncture andkayaking. She also helped start the “Seeds of Hope” twoweek fundraising event for the local food pantry. Donna isalso busy working with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans,and is a congregational service team director, involved witheleven different congregations. Her work has earned herthe Thrivent outstanding volunteer of the year prize for theretired community she serves in Florida.Now that Duain is retired, he has turned his attentions toother gifts as well. Always having had a love of art, he hasbegun producing impressionistic and abstract works of artthat he sells both at local shows in Florida as well as showsin Minnesota. The proceeds usually go toward buying moresupplies so he can continue working, though last year Duaingenerously donated 50% of the proceeds from one art showto the GMI. Duain says, “My gift in art is a God given giftthat witnesses to God’s work in my life. If I get enough tosupport what I do, then I keep producing.” Many of hispieces are given away to local congregations and to overseascongregations, such as in South America.What makes the artwork all that more unique, however,is that Duain creates his masterpieces while struggling withthe effects of Parkinson’s disease. He admits that it’s affectedhis ability to do a lot of detail work, which has resulted inSee VIEROW, page 5The GMI has put together a CD-Rom presentationabout the work of the GMI for use in congregationsand with potential donors. If you wish to see thepresentation or use it as you talk to others aboutthe GMI, please contact Chenar Howard, GMIProgram & Relations Coordinator at 651-641-3487.

"Way of Christ"2007 Watanabe Calendars Now AvailableThe distinctive contemporary Christian artwork ofSadao Watanabe is now available from the GMI officeat Luther Seminary. This year's calendared is entitled,"Way of Christ."Ordering InformationCalendars are available for $15 each, discountsavailable for bulk orders.Order forms are available online at: www.luthersem.edu/gmi or call: 651-641-3487Calendars are also available at the Luther SeminaryBookstore.About Sadao Watanabe & His ArtworkSadao Watanabe was a Japanese-born artist whobecame a Christian. His craft and Christianity meldedfollowing a bout with Tuberculosis. He prayed toJesus to heal him and vowed that if he survived,he would devote his artwork to telling the story ofthe Bible. Upon his recovery, he kept his vow andembarked upon creating the vast majority of his printsto biblical themes.His work has merited national and internationalacclaim. Watanabe died in 1996, but his artwork is stillbeing displayed throughout the world in the TokyoMuseum of Modern Art, the Japan Folk Art Museum,the Kurashikii Folk Art Museum, Ohara Art Musem,the New York Museum of Modern Art, The BostonMuseum of Fine Arts, The Art Institute of Chicago, theCincinnati Museum of Art, the Portland Museum ofArt, the Haifa Museum of Art, the Vatican Museum ofModern Religious Art, and the British Museum.VIEROW, from page 4his producing more impressionistic and abstract art thanbefore. “I do a lot of work using two hands because my lefthas to steady my right…That’s just the way I operate now.God has enabled me to do it this way.” He feels that anotherelement to his witness is in the disability. “People see thatand are encouraged in their own struggles of life.”Duain continues to stay involved in mission work, andis currently working with churches in South America,where he has donated several of his pieces of artwork. Overthe past several years, however, the decline in mission inChristian congregations has been of great concern for Duain,though he sees Luther Seminary as a leader in revitalizingmission in the church and supports it very strongly. “Youhave to begin with the future leaders, and seminary is theplace to be. I support what Luther is doing because withoutmission, the church of the future doesn’t have much of afuture.”Despite battling Parkinson's Disease, Duain continues to producestunning works of art that are sold or donated. Look for anotherdisplay of Duain's art in the Twin Cities in the Spring of 2007.The GMI is supported by generous donors like Duain Vierow andmany others. If you would like more information on supporting theGMI, please contact Lisa Cohen at 651-523-1627.

International Student ProfileSamuel "Barbay" GayeBy Rebecca CraigFrom our own hometowns here inMinnesota to the volatile streetsof Buchanan in Grand Bassa Countyof Liberia, the growing interest in theChildren Youth and Family (CYF)program at Luther Seminary seemsto be spreading internationally nowas well. Samuel“Barbay” Gaye,a student fromLiberia, is oneof the twentytwostudentsworking on anemphasis inCYF alongsidetheir Mastersin Divinity(MDiv).Barbay cameto the States inMay of 2005,leaving behindhis friendsand family,including hismother and father, in order to escapegrowing persecution. Liberia isamong many African nations thathas suffered from the brutalities ofcivil war, violence and instability.For his part, Barbay spent muchof his time on the radio airwavespublicly exposing the ills of hisgovernment and accusing them ofthe atrocities of which they wereguilty. As a result, life becameextremely difficult for Barbay andhe was eventually forced to leaveLiberia.Despite the violence and turmoilof his home country, Barbaycontinues to move forward lookingfor new opportunities in which toutilize his gifts and talents. From thetime he was in high school, Barbayhas been active working with youth.For nearly thirteen years he hasvolunteered to work with youthand explains that part of his love forthis ministry is that “young people’sproblems tend to be universal.”Whether on the streets of Buchanan,Liberia or the streets of St. Paul,Minnesota, Barbay recognizes thatchildren and youth tend to face manyof the same challenges all over theworld. Though, admittedly, duringhis work last summer in Bosnia,he pointed to the fact that in theseplaces, in addition to the everydaychallenges of being a youth, theywere still daily trying to recover froma devastating war.“Those experiences were verypowerful for me,” Barbay explains.Equally powerful was the time hespent as a camp counselor at theOutlaw Ranch in South Dakota fora summer. There, Barbay was ableto work not just with the youth, butwith entire families. "It's great tobe able to connect not just what theyouth are doing, but with how faithcan help influence and build an entirefamily."But why go to seminary? Barbay’sadopted home congregation ofPeace Lutheran in Lauderdale, MN,recognized his ministry gifts almostimmediately and began supportingadding the academics to his practicalexperience. Additionally, Barbaysaw it as anopportunity tobetter meet theneeds of youths.“Originally,they justwanted me toget an MDiv,”says Barbay.“But when Idiscovered theCYF programat Luther, I justknew I had tobe involved inthat program.I didn’t wantto come toseminary justfor the sake of coming to seminary.I wanted a goal, something I wouldbe working toward that would placeme in a job that I knew I wouldlove. Adding the CYF program asan emphasis to my MDiv studieshas been able to point me in thatdirection.” In fact, for Barbay,working with youth is not a job—it’sa passion. “Whether I’m doing it forpay or volunteering, I love it.”Barbay Gaye (right) with one of his "campers" (left) at the Outlaw Ranch owned by the SouthDakota ELCA Synod where Barbay volunteered last year as a camp counselor.___________________________________________________________________________When asked where he plans ongoing after graduation, he stated,“I’m prepared to work whereverthere is a need.” With the reductionin violence in his home country, henotes that it may even be possiblefor him to return to his family andfriends in Liberia one day. "WhereverGod leads me, that's where I will go."

Alum Inducted as Presidentof Seminary in GhanaCyril Fayose, 2001 PhD graduate ofLuther Seminary, will be inductedas president of Trinity TheologicalSeminary in Legon, Ghana, onNovember 25. Mission and WorldChristianity ProgramEight students have declared Mission and WorldChristianity as the concentration of their Master ofArts degree at Luther Seminary. This degree focushas continued to grow since it was launched in thefall of 2004.News Notes Melanchthon to visit LutherSeminaryThe GMI is pleased to announcethat Monica Melanchthon will be atLuther Seminary from November 27 toDecember 18. She willteach several classes,preach in chapel andoffer a public lectureduring her time oncampus. Dates and topics are pending,so look for more information on the GMIwebsite: (www.luthersem.edu/gmi).YES!I want to help others share theGospel around the world.Global Mission Membership Levels GMI Missioner ($10,000 or more) GMI Investor ($5,000-$9,999) GMI Builder ($2,500-$4,999) GMI Sustainer ($1,000-$2,499) GMI Founder ($500-$999) GMI Sponsor ($250-$499) Other $_______________Thank you for considering a gift to the GMI. Yourgift to the GMI helps give international churchleaders the opportunity to advance their ministrythrough study at Luther Seminary.Why is your support of the GMIimportant?The work of the GMI is supported entirely by the giftsand grants of individuals, congregations, foundationsand corporations.How can you become a member?Membership begins with a gift of $250 to theGMI. Membership may be renewed annually. GMImembership automatically qualifies you as a PARTNERof Luther Seminary.Benefits of Membership1. The satisfaction of knowing your investment strengthensglobal mission in the ELCA and around the world.2. Prompt thanks and recognition from the GMI and LutherSeminary.3. Automatic membership into Luther Seminary PARTNERS.4. An annual GMI Watanabe Calendar (mailed late fall)5. Invitation to an annual GMI donor recognition event.6. Global Vision newsletter, featuring news and informationabout global mission.NameAddressCity, State, ZipHome phone/Business phoneE-mail addressPlease mail to:Global Mission InstituteLuther Seminary2481 Como AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55108Have you included the GMI in your estateplans?By including the GMI in your estate plans, you will helpshare the good news of Jesus Christ throughout theworld. For more information on various planning options,please check here.

GMI CalendarSunday, November 12 – Global Agape FeastFoods from around the world will be shared in a specialcommunity meal hosted by the GMI. If you would like tobring a dish to share, please call Chenar at (651) 641-3487.Otherwise, simply come and enjoy the global love feast!6pm, Northwestern Hall Atrium, Luther SeminaryFriday, November 17 – African Immigrant Congregation Series“The Church in Liberia & Liberian Christians in Minnesota.”6-9pm, Northwestern Hall Auditorium, Luther SeminaryNovember 28, 29, 30 – Fair Trade FairPurchase fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate and hand craftswith proceeds going directly to the farmers and artisanswho produced them. Fair trade affirms human dignity bypromoting fair wages, children’s rights, women’s rights, theright to organize, environmental rights and indigenous rights.What better way to Christmas shop for yourself, family orfriends? 9am-2pm, Olson Campus Center, Luther SeminaryFriday, December 8 – African Immigrant Congregation Series“The Church in Kenya & Kenyan Christians in Minnesota.”6-9pm, Northwestern Hall Auditorium, Luther Seminary.Friday, February 9 – African Immigrant Congregation Series“Transition of Generations and Families.”6-9pm, Northwestern Hall Auditorium, Luther Seminary.Mission and Ministry ForumsBring your lunch for conversation about mission and ministrywithin the world. Forums are typically include a 30 minutepresentation followed by discussion. Check the GMI websiteor call (651) 641-3487 for specific topics. Held most Thursdaysfrom 12:30-1:30 pm in Olson Campus Center, Luther Seminary.Prayer Concerns We pray for the safe arrival in January of Rev.Dr. J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, visiting Schiotzprofessor from Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra,Ghana. We give thanks for the 10 new internationalstudents who began programs at Luther Seminarythis fall. Grant them patience and strength as theytransition into life in Minnesota. Our prayers are lifted up for Sara Trumm, formerGMI Assistant Director/Program Coordinator, as shebegins her studies at United Theological College inBangalore, India. We offer prayers of consolation for all who arerecovering from natural disasters. Bring comfortto families who have been separated and healing tothose who have been injured. To those who have losthope, let them see your hand at work in their lives. Bring peace among nations and people, O God.We pray for our world leaders, that they may act withwisdom and clarity. And we pray for the victimsof war, that they find strength and courage in themidst of turmoil. Create in all of us an awarenessof the destruction caused by injustice, and call us toreconciliation through you.Global VisionGlobal Mission InstituteLuther Seminary2481 Como Ave.St. Paul, Minn. 55108Non-profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDSt. Paul, Minn.Permit No. 794