Beloved in Christ Jesus,

By the grace of Almighty God, I had the opportunity today to travel to Krishnagiri.

This is the very place where the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod first sent missionaries for the mission work in South India. It is also where our first missionary, Rev. Theodore Naether, began his Gospel work. Through his faithful service, the India Evangelical Lutheran Church was later established.

During my visit, I had the privilege of meeting the congregations, the believers, and the pastors serving in that area. I also visited the resting place of Rev. Theodore Naether, who is buried there. He gave his whole life in service to the Gospel.

By God’s grace, I was also able to speak with the local church leaders about the plan to building a memorial in that place to honor and remember this missionary and his dedicated work.

In Christ,

Rev. Dr M Mohanan
President, India Evangelical Lutheran Church