Ministry / Martin Luther College Scholarship
At our annual meeting in June, 2024, our leadership team began to discuss ways to encourage Asian students to prepare for the ministry. Most often those students will be trained in their local setting, which will tie them to Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS). However, another part of that equation is the potential for Asian students to become teachers and gain their education within our already established training system. Or they might be a layman or laywoman who returns home to their family and to China with a clear understanding of law and gospel, a testimony of faith and a biblical sense of salvation by faith in Christ alone.
Nudged by a real-life role model
When the Lord called Pastor Steve Witte, who was on our Board of Directors, into eternity (Steve and five of his family died in a tragic house fire), we decided that it was time to carry the concept forward. We discussed starting a scholarship in his name with Asia Lutheran Seminary (ALS) because of Steve’s role there as president for 17 years. Steve’s life – and his death – has inspired so many to share the good news. When we learned that ALS already had plans to create a memorial scholarship fund in Steve’s name, we turned our eyes toward Martin Luther College (MLC).
Make it about the ministry
In the end, we chose not to confuse donors by labeling the scholarship in Steve’s name. If they want to honor Steve’s memory, we encourage them do so through ALS. But the process did cause us to create a scholarship at Martin Luther College (MLC). The primary purpose of this scholarship is to provide encouragement to young men and women who desire a Christian education in preparation for gospel ministry. It is the specific intent of those who donate that the 316NOW Scholarship be awarded to students who have either financial need or scholastic merit to attend MLC.
Distinguish between supporting ministry and candidates for ministry
While we hope that this support will go to those who are studying for the pastoral or teaching ministry, the 316NOW scholarship parameters allow for the award to go to any MLC student who has a direct connection (either by origin or life circumstances) with the Chinese people. There will be an award every year based on how much has been donated.
If you have an interest in learning more about this scholarship fund or how you can contribute to it, you can contact the Mission Advancement Office at MLC or call Pastor Mark Wagner, Executive Director of 316NOW.
Martin Luther College Mission Advancement Office (Sarah) 1995 Luther Ct. | New Ulm, MN 56073 Office: 507-354-8221 ext. 401 | Cell: 507-276-0743 Email: gieseksm@mlc-wels.edu
Pastor Mark C. Wagner Cell: 262-488-1899 | Email: markwagner@316NOW.org