Hello All,
"Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid ..." [Matt. 28:10]
There is great news to be shared. But before we get to the news please allow me to convey a small tidbit of history. In the very early days before TSMS, three churches came together with a common mission: To find a people group somewhere in the world without a Bible in their mother language and provide them with that Bible. After considerable study and conversation the churches selected the Dungan of Kyrgyzstan (KG). Preparations and reservations were made and ten people representing the three churches and the leadership of LCMS journeyed to Bishkek where we began to learn about KG generally, and the Dungan specifically. The result was a document that was approved by LCMS and a mission field was opened to the Dugan. It is interesting to note that this was the first time a study to open a foreign mission field was developed by Lay leaders in the Missouri Synod.
We spent two more years in study and preparation and in 2000 held our first, major public outreach - to teach English to the Dungan in a predominantly Dungan school. The # 10 School had a 99% Dungan enrollment. On opening day the school was overrun with eager students and they came from all over Tokmok. While many were Dungan, they were in the minority. When the Principal announced that everyone who was not Dungan must leave - not a soul moved. Over the next two years the principal made the same announcement and every year the result was the same - not a soul moved.
The outcome became clear, despite great efforts to limit our outreach to the Dungan, folks from all 'nations' were responding to our presence. As time grew short and the arrival of a full time missionary couple was imminent, an extremely difficult decision had to be finalized. That decision was to place all of our efforts on the Dungan and all others would be without support. That was an extremely painful prospect for Susan and me. We had bonded with youngsters from every ethnic group. When we explained the situation to a number of our students they too were crushed. Since the role that Susan and I would play in KG was to be significantly reduced, we were asked if we could separate from TSMC and minister to what was affectionately known as 'Young Family'. Susan and I are strongly guided by Jesus' words, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations ..." [Matt. 28:19]. Therefore we accepted the request from 'Young Family' and we separated from TSMS. I apologize, and beg forgiveness, if I did not handle that transition well.
However, that was long ago. We began this journey nearly 29 years ago and God has blessed us abundantly. It is wonderous to acknowledge that when Susan and I began our journey in KG I was 65 and Susan was 57. In fact, I celebrated my 66th birthday in Bishkek. There is an old Willie Nelson song that describes where Susan and I are today: "As the days dwindle down to a precious few; I will spend them with you..." Susan and I are not going anywhere and as the song says we will spend our days with you. That having been said, it is time to look forward to the next 29 years.
When we were in the very early days of getting to know the 'Young Family' and became aware that all 'nations' were responding to our teaching at # 10 School we would discuss the issue at Board meetings. After one long afternoon of discussion, without resolution, we ended the meeting. As I was walking across the parking lot I met Max Fowler who opined that I looked troubled. I replied we are not able to reach a consensus on 'Young Family'. He replied, "Do not worry, Hank, God will provide." That entire conversation lasted less than one minute, but it set the course for Susan and me for all of these ensuing years. Thus, I consider Max to be a Godfather to all that has happened in KG.
Fast forward to Spring 2025 when some folks in Hawaii began to talk about a trip this summer to KG. I had had very little contact with those from Hawaii who were praying for God's guidance. I was pleased with the news because I know their heart for everyone in Tokmok (and/or wherever they may have journeyed.) And I knew how much the Hawaii folks are loved. Needless to say, their trip was a success.
Max, in the past 20+ years has become a pastor and pastors of the Salt and Light Church in Honolulu. His church is a member of a new denomination of churches called the Missionary Church. Max's church's mission is to plant the church of Jesus Christ. The 'Why' of his church is [Matt 28:18-20] I could not be in greater agreement. In reviewing all that has happened since the idea of a Hawaii trip arose five or so months ago has led me to the following conclusion: We all should work together in God's vineyard. Confessionally speaking we spent too much time in our early days in KG marking out turf. I am hard pressed to find the Biblical justification of our action(s).
After an hour long conversation, a few days ago, Max and I have agreed that we will begin to labor together. We have created no formal organization. We are simply seeing each other as having a loving and unified approach to spreading the Good News. It is as if we had but a single pair of eyes for the mission field. And quite candidly the mission field is wherever you might be standing. We pray that everyone will see it through the same eyes. I truly sense God's hand at work.
May the Holy Spirit bring you peace and shower you with His comfort.
Love, hank
Hank Hohenstein, OFS
Land Steward
161 Osprey Vista
Shady Cove, OR 97539
Cell: 541-973-5442
Cell: 541-973-5442
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