Eighty-seven people from twelve congregations attended a Mission Festival co-sponsored by the Central Pacific Mission District and Southwest Pacific Mission District and hosted by Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Arroyo Grande, Calif., on Saturday, October 26th.

The Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba was the keynote speaker.

Also present were a number of mission groups in California—plus global mission organizations—that are ready to partner with congregations and individuals: Iglesia Luterana Santa Cruz (Santa Maria); Pueblo de Dios (Compton); Vietnamese Lutheran Church (Huntington Beach); Prince of Peace Lutheran Mission (Santa Barbara); China Service Ventures; and World Mission Prayer League.

Dr. Buba shared his experiences from his recent trip to China as well as other global mission growth. He followed by describing the NALC’s new vision for establishing house churches in our local communities. Dr. Buba also preached at Saint John’s Reformation celebration service on Sunday.

During the Saturday mission festival, time was set aside for a dual Mission District vote that approved a resolution asking NALC leadership to establish the next House of Studies on the west coast.

On Monday, October 28th, Dr. Buba preached at the campus-wide chapel service of Westmont College in Montecito, California. He challenged the over one thousand students attending to “be a star, a light, for Christ in the world.” Both students and staff received his message with enthusiasm.