This month, the Lord, in his wisdom, has called Rev. Karl Gurgel and Mr. James Holman to heavenly glory. Both men had deep connections to the work of ALS.
After completing his service as WELS synod president, Rev. Gurgel served as a visiting instructor in Hong Kong. During a full school year of teaching, he brought stability to ALS and was instrumental in laying out a path toward formal fellowship between SALEM and WELS.
Mr. Holman served on the WELS World Missions Administrative Committee, which oversaw the work in Hong Kong and across East Asia. He later served as chairman of the ALS governing board. His visits were always marked by joy and enthusiasm for the work of ALS.
We are thankful for the faithful witness of Rev. Gurgel and Mr. Holman and for the ways they served us. We rejoice that the Lord has taken them from this world of pain and sorrow to be forever with him, and we pray for all who mourn their loss.
“I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done” (Psalm 118:17)