A Lutheran Perspective Through Spiritual Orphans Network (SON)
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:19-20, ESV
The history of Christian mission is a story of faith, sacrifice, and the spreading of the Gospel to all nations. From its beginnings in the early church to the present day, mission work has been central to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission. For Lutherans, this mandate remains foundational, and organizations like Spiritual Orphans Network (SON) carry this mission into the modern age, connecting people across cultural and spiritual divides.
Mission in the Early Church
The earliest Christian mission began with the Apostles. Filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the disciples proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to Jews and Gentiles alike. Figures like the Apostle Paul embodied the missionary spirit, traveling extensively to share the Gospel and establish churches throughout the Roman Empire. Paul’s work and letters remind us that mission is not merely conversion – not a “transaction” – but the ongoing work of relationships —a goal central to SON’s work today.
The early church grew despite persecution. Martyrdom became a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel. The mission of the early church was deeply relational, centered on personal witness, hospitality, and the transformative power of the Word of God. This relational approach mirrors SON’s commitment to building trust and genuine relationships with spiritual orphans in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and beyond.
The Reformation: A Return to the Gospel
The Lutheran approach to mission finds its roots in the Reformation of the 16th century. Martin Luther’s rediscovery of the Gospel—that we are justified by grace through faith in Christ alone—was itself a missionary act. By translating the Bible into German and emphasizing the priesthood of all believers, Luther made the Word of God accessible to ordinary people, empowering them to share the faith in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Martin Luther
Spiritual Orphans Network carries this Lutheran understanding of mission forward, focusing on equipping local leaders, sharing the Word of God, and emphasizing that all Christians have a role in mission. SON’s relational discipleship workshops, seminars and conferences train and empower individuals to share the Gospel in their own languages and cultural contexts, while short-term mission teams support and encourage this work.
The Birth of SON: Rekindling Faith in Post-Communist Regions
In the wake of the fall of the Soviet Union, a unique mission field emerged: millions of people who had lived under decades of state-imposed militant atheism. These individuals—spiritual orphans—were disconnected from the church, from community, and from the hope of the Gospel. The ideologies of communism eroded family values, disrupted the passing down of faith to younger generations, and created a void of belief that persisted for decades.
Spiritual Orphans Network was born out of this opportunity. Founded in 1992 as East European Missions Network (EEMN) by Pastor Don Richman, the organization initially sought to help rebuild the Lutheran Church in Russia and other former Soviet states. Early efforts included equipping pastors, hosting seminars, and providing Christian materials for a faith community struggling to reemerge. By 1996, SON’s work expanded with the first English Bible Camps, which became a foundational outreach tool for introducing the Gospel to young people.
Under the leadership of Pastor Bill Moberly (2004-2014), SON further strengthened connections between North American churches and believers in Eastern Europe. The organization emphasized mutual fellowship, sharing of resources, and the development of cross-cultural relationships. In 2020, under the guidance of current Executive Director Pastor David Breidenbach, the organization rebranded as Spiritual Orphans Network to reflect its emphasis on building relationships and broader mission beyond the Soviet bloc, including partnerships in Africa and other global regions.
Key Principles of SON’s Mission
Spiritual Orphans Network embraces a distinctly Lutheran approach to mission, shaped by both historical and modern realities. Several guiding principles define SON’s work:
- Christ-Centered Proclamation: SON’s mission is centered on sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether through Bible camps, pastoral training, or relational discipleship, the message of salvation by grace through faith is at the heart of all SON’s activities.
- Relational Focus: SON recognizes that faith grows in community. By building long term relationships with local churches, and leaders, SON helps establish a foundation for long-term discipleship and spiritual growth.
- Partnership and Empowerment: SON does not seek to replace local churches but to support and equip them. SON’s approach involves partnering with local leaders, helping them to minister effectively within their unique contexts.
- Vocation and Everyday Witness: The Christian life is rooted in Discipleship – and Discipleship is Missional in nature. SON empowers short-term mission team members and our partners overseas to see their daily lives as opportunities for sharing the Gospel. Mission is not just a distant activity but a part of every believer’s vocation.
SON’s Mission in Action
Through programs like English Bible Camps, Teen Life and Adventure Retreats, Adult Leadership Training Conferences, The Ukraine Relief Fund as well as The Generation of Faith Education Initiative, SON has built bridges of hope and faith for those that do not know that they have a Father in heaven who loves them, that have brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world, and they have an identity in Christ.

English Bible Camp team members, Slovakia

SON team member and camper

English Bible Camp leadership, Albania

SON team member at Teen Retreat, Slovakia

Teen Retreat, Slovakia

Teen Retreat, Slovakia
At the same time, SON equips local pastors and church leaders, ensuring that the work continues long after mission teams return home. This commitment to sustainable, locally-led ministry reflects SON’s belief that the Gospel thrives when it is shared by those who understand their own cultural and spiritual landscapes.

Mike Wind at discipleship workshop
The Mission Continues
The history of mission is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in reaching the nations. As we reflect on the past and look to the future, we recognize that mission is ultimately God’s work. As global dynamics shift, Lutheran missions continue to adapt. Through the efforts of SON and its partners at Celebrating Global Mission: (CGM), God is writing a new chapter in the ongoing history of mission—one of grace, redemption, and transformation for a world in need of hope.
Over the past 32 years, SON has been privileged to serve in this capacity, fostering relationships and witnessing lives transformed by the Gospel. As global dynamics shift, SON remains committed to stewarding this ministry for decades to come, trusting that God will continue to write new chapters of grace, redemption, and hope through the faithful work of His people.
Partner With Us!
Spiritual Orphans Network extends an invitation to engage in an international mission experience that will transform the lives of those you serve and will change the way you view missions in your own communities. These opportunities are available to anyone who speaks English, enjoys working with young people, and loves Jesus!
For those who feel a calling to devote themselves to long-term service, SON provides the necessary preparation and support. Our long-term and career missionaries collaborate closely with indigenous co-workers overseas. Together, they empower, equip, and materialize the visions for ministry, contributing to a robust network of faith.