Rev. Carl and Kelsey Grulke have been missionaries with LBT since 2016. They share a love for the Word of God and for helping it come alive in the hearts of those who hear the Good News.
Carl and Kelsey have served in Botswana since 2018. Carl is currently working as Exegete and Project Coordinator and Kelsey as Scripture Engagement Coordinator among the people of Botswana.
Elliot and Serena Derricks have served since 2018 in Cameroon in Bible translation and literacy. They work alongside a local language group, revising their New Testament, translating the Old and increasing literacy rates community wide. They have 3 children, Lydia, Josephine and Chikodi.
Pastor Lucas Kinser has been in ministry for 14 years, serving as a youth pastor, outreach pastor and associate pastor. He has served at Faith Community Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado, for the past 10 years. He and his wife have a 3-year-old daughter, Lilly.
Dr. Philip Gassman is an Environmental Scientist at Iowa State University and a 20-year member of Ascension Lutheran Church (ALC). He has been involved with the ALC Evangelism and Missions team for the past decade, which has included 10 visits to locations of supported missionaries in six countries.
Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske serves as Executive Director for Lutheran Bible Translators since January 2023. In 2013, he served as Regional Director for Southern Africa before returning to the U.S. in 2014 as Director of Program Ministries and Chief Operating Officer at LBT’s international office.
Leslie Urie leads the Prayer Mobilization team at the World Mission Prayer League (WMPL), seeking to help grow an understanding of the mission of God in the church by inspiring educated and thoughtful prayer. She serves with the Home Office, often being astounded at the ways “God provides.”
Pastor David Lerseth served parishes in Rosholt, SD; Bartonville (Peoria), IL; and Aberdeen, SD. He also served as an assistant to the Bishop in the former Iowa District of the ALC and as Executive Director of the ELCA Office for Global Mission Support. He is the founder and current Executive Director of Friends of Madagascar Mission (FOMM).
