Commerce, Texas — In a church building erected in 1893, Trinity Lutheran Church in Commerce continues to look forward in mission. The congregation recently celebrated the sending of four newly trained evangelists who completed Evangelist Training and are already putting their training into practice by reaching others with the Gospel.

Those sent include Trinity members Mark Kruger, Jesse Heer, and Danna Rohner, along with their pastor, Rev. Arthur “Art” Farrow, who serves a dual parish at Trinity Lutheran Church in Commerce and St. James Lutheran Church in Windom.

Kruger, Heer, and Rohner have already begun leading a weekly Discovery Bible Study with two students from East Texas A&M University. The group gathers over dinner and Scripture, with hopes of welcoming additional college students in the near future.

Following Easter, Evangelist Training will also be offered at Trinity Lutheran for members of both congregations. The newly trained evangelists will help equip others to confidently share the Gospel and engage their community in meaningful faith conversations.

The work comes at a significant time for the congregations. Rev. Farrow, who also completed the evangelist training alongside the lay leaders, plans to retire later this year after years of pastoral service. As he transitions from parish ministry, he hopes to combine his background in law enforcement with his pastoral experience to serve in prison ministry.

Trinity Lutheran Church was organized and received into the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1968 and worships in its historic 1893 church building that continues to serve as a visible witness to Christ in the community. St. James Lutheran Church in Windom, where Rev. Farrow also serves, was organized and joined the LCMS in 1884.

The evangelist training and sending at Trinity Lutheran marks an important step in ensuring that both congregations continue to grow in their mission of sharing Christ with others and equipping members for Gospel-centered outreach in their communities.

Please keep these congregations in your prayers as they continue to reach their communities with the love of Christ.