International Student Biographies

Congregations and organizations are often interested in inviting Luther Seminary's international students to be present for an event, speak at a forum or program, or come to preach. Here is some information about our international students; please note that a few of them prefer not to be speakers at this time. 

For more information about arranging to have an international student speaker, please e-mail the GMI. Please include the date(s), type of presentation (forum, sermon), topic, time frame, church or organization, location, your title and contact information. Please allow at least two-three weeks lead time. You may request a specific student, or a representative from a specific area of the world or country, and we will do our best to accommodate you. We ask that you provide transportation for our students, unless otherwise arranged.

Luther Seminary also offers an online Resource Guide for congregations which includes a listing of professors available for pulpit preaching and leading Bible studies or adult forums.

 

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Rev. Andrés Roberto Albertsen is an ordained pastor in The Danish Church Abroad/ Danish Seamen’s Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Andrés is fluent in Danish, Spanish and English. He has visited the United States before as a tourist and studied at LSTC in Chicago for six months in 2009. He is pursuing a PhD in Systematic Theology. He likes to watch quiz shows and chat about US politics. He is willing to give presentations about Danes in Argentina, Søren Kierkegaard, and his seminary in Argentina. He hopes to return to Argentina, where his spouse is, and work as a pastor again while teaching systematic theology at the seminary there.

 

Rev. Millicent Yeboah Asuamah is from Ghana. She is an ordained pastor of the Methodist Church in Ghana and has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a M.Th. in New Testament, focusing on widowhood from an African perspective. Before arriving at Luther Seminary, Millicent acted as her synod’s secretary and as a district pastor. Millicent speaks English, Fahte, and Twi and enjoys reading, watching football (soccer), and singing. Upon returning to Ghana and to her husband and two children, Millicent hopes to teach at Good News Seminary.

 

Mesfin Ayele, an Ethiopian Lutheran, completed his Masters in Congregational Mission and Leadership in May 2011 and is now pursuing a PhD. His wife is here with him.

 

John S. Bidogo is from Rwanda and is affiliated with Zion Temple, a pentecostal church in Rwanda. He is pursuing a Master of Arts in New Testament. John attended Summer Institute of Lingustics (SIL) in 2007 at the University of North Dakota and was trained in Literacy Megacourse. He returned home and trained literacy teachers; he also taught at Kigali Institute of Education. John speaks four languages, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, French and English. He enjoys singing, reading, and listening to music. He plans to teach at Bible colleges back home and hopes to get trained in translation studies in order to be equiped for Bible translation ministry as well. He is married and blessed with two children, a boy and a girl.


Ibrahim Bitrus is from Nigeria and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria. Ibrahim speaks Chamba, Hausa, and English and enjoys swimming, fishing, and hunting in his spare time. Before coming to Luther Seminary, Ibrahim was teaching at the Bronnum Lutheran Seminary in Yola, Nigeria. He has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology. Upon returning to Nigeria and to his wife and four children, Ibrahim plans on resuming his teaching position at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary and also to write vibrant theology for Nigeria.


 Rev. Sekenwa Moses Briska is from Nigeria and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church of Christ. Before coming to Luther, Sekenwa served as an ordained pastor in Abuja, the federal capital of Nigeria. Sekenwa speaks five languages and is also gifted in counseling, listening, caring, preaching and teaching. In addition, he enjoys soccer, table tennis, reading, and traveling. After completing his PhD, Pastoral Care program at Luther, Sekenwa plans to go back to Nigeria to teach at Bronnum Lutheran Seminary, Yola. His family is here with him.

Rev. Dynna Erika Castillo Portugal is from Mexico and is affiliated with the Evangelical (Free Methodist) Church. She is an ordained pastor; before coming to Luther Seminary, she completed a residency of Clinical Pastoral Education at Fairview Southdale Hospital. She speaks English and Spanish. In 2005, Dynna received her MATS (Masters of Arts in Theological Studies) at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Dynna loves sports and music. She is a talented musician who enjoys singing, playing the piano, mandolin, and drums. At Luther Seminary, Dynna is pursuing a Ph.D. in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Dynna plans to return to her home congregation in Mexico City where she will be able to work full time in pastoral care and counseling.

Rev. Ofelia Dávila Llimpe is from Peru and is an ordained pastor in the Iglesia Luterana Evangélica Peruana (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Peru). She speaks Spanish, Quechua, and English and enjoys choral music, traveling, and mission work. Ofelia has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a M.A. in Pastoral Care. Before coming to Luther, Ofelia had been working with a missionary pastor for eight years within an Andean indigenous community in Cusco. Upon returning to Peru, she hopes to develop a leadership training program for those interested in group therapy.

 Etana Debel is from Ethiopia and is affiliated with the Ethiopian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mekane Yesus. He has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a Ph.D. in Church History. Etana speaks Oromo, Amharic, and English and enjoys reading, teaching, participating in intercessory prayer and leading small groups. Before arriving at Luther Seminary, Etana acted as the Dean of Studies at the Nekemte Christian Education College, Dean of the Department of Theology at Mekane Yesus Seminary, and professor of church history, church administration, and stewardship. Upon returning to Ethiopia and to his wife and two children, Etana plans on teaching history and church polity.

Samuel Deressa has come from Ethiopia where he is affiliated with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus. Before coming to Luther Seminary, Samuel was a president of one of the graduate schools where he gave training on leadership (Foundation for Academic Excellence Ministry) and was a lecturer at Mekane Yesus Seminary on African Theology and Christian Muslim Relations in Africa. Samuel speaks his mother tongue Oromo and also Amharic and English. Playing guitar, reading and participating in social events are the hobbies and interests Samuel enjoys along with his special talent of playing guitar and organizing events. During his time at Luther, Samuel will be pursuing a Master of Theology degree. When he returns home, Samuel feels called to strengthen the institutional capacities of Ethiopia’s Theological Schools in such a way as to produce leaders of transformation. His wife and child remain in Ethiopia.

Rev. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe is from Ghana. He is ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology. Hilliard speaks four languages, English, Ewe, Ga and Akan. Prior to coming to Luther, Hilliard served as a pastor, an adjunct lecturer at Trinity Theological Seminary, and administrative manager for Mount Zion School. Upon returning home, Hilliard hopes to continue teaching at Trinity Seminary and will serve his church in whatever capacity they need him. Hilliard's wife and two sons are here with him.

Annette Dreyer is an exchange M.Div. student from Norway and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church of Norway. Annette speaks Norwegian, German, and English and enjoys cooking, singing, jogging, traveling, and theology. She is especially interested topics of gender issues, social justice, and pastoral care. Before attending Luther Seminary, Annette was studying theology at MF Norwegian School of Theology and led a small group leader on topics of gender equality. For the upcoming two semesters she will be writing her thesis in Old Testament on "The Function of Lament in Lamentations 2" and then completing her Clinical Pastoral Education unit.  Upon returning to Norway, Annette will resume her M.Div. studies at the seminary in Norway.

Rev. Joseph G. Gayflor is an ordained pastor in the United Pentecostal Church International in Liberia. Prior to coming to Luther for the Masters of Arts in Congregational Mission and Leadership, he was a pastor and student at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary. He speaks both English and Belle, and feels comfortable speaking to groups about “The effects/power of the Gospel” and “Mission Work in Liberia and its Boarders.” Joseph loves reading, writing about events, sports and making new friends. He hopes to return to his home of Monrovia, Liberia to get involved in mission work, promoting and encouraging others to pursue education, and to train people about discipleship. He has left behind his wife and 17-year old son in Liberia and misses them greatly.

Daniel Gelfgren is an exchange student from Johannelund Theological Seminary in Uppsala, Sweden where he is studying to become a pastor in the Lutheran Swedish Evangelical Mission church. Daniel has previously visited Chicago, Illinois with his gospel choir. He enjoys speaking about: Peter as a disciple, Sports and Church, Philippians  4, Discipleship, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Daniel is originally from the Ångermanland area of Sweden and he loves to sing, play sports, read and of course eat! Upon returning to Sweden, Daniel hopes to graduate from seminary, be ordained, and work with youth; but first, he looks forward to getting married to his fiance Lovisa.

Rev. Yuki “Becky” Goto is from Kumamoto, Japan and is an ordained pastor in the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. She is fluent in Japanese and English, and has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a Master of Theology in Congregational Mission and Leadership. Becky is a talented viola player. She looks forward to returning to her husband, serving as a pastor, and teaching at a seminary in Japan. Becky prefers not to be a speaker at this time.

Oscar Gyamfi is from Ghana and is affiliated with the Baptist church in Ghana. He has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a M.A. in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. Oscar’s interests include singing, teaching, and group debate. Before coming to Luther Seminary, Oscar was teaching within the church community. Upon returning to Ghana and to his wife, he plans on teaching youth both in the church and para-church ministry.  Oscar is not available as a speaker.

Tae-Hyung Ha is from South Korea and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in South Korea.  He has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a M.Th. in Mission and World Religions.  Before arriving to study at Luther, Tae served as the youth director at his church.  Tae wants to study a role of church and Christians in public sphere.  Upon returning to South Korea, he hopes to teach and preach public theology in an age of World Christianity.  His wife was able to join him this year.  Tae is not available as a speaker.

Hrang Hlei is from Burma. He is affiliated with the American Baptist Church and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Congregational Mission and Leadership. Hrang speaks 3 languages, Chin, Burmese and English. He is interested in reading, biking and playing table tennis (ping pong). Hrang completed a M.A. at Princeton Theological Seminary; prior to coming to the U.S., Hrang taught at the Myanmar Institute of Theology. Hrang has continued to serve as a part-time pastor in a local Baptist church in Burma while he has been in the U.S. Upon returning home, Hrang plans to resume his teaching ministry and continue being a pastor. Hrang's wife and daughter are here with him.

Andreas Holm grew up in Västra gōtaland, Sweden through high school and then moved with his family to Oslo, Norway. He is an exchange student from Norway, where he is studying to become a Lutheran pastor in the Norwegian state church. Andreas loves to swim, ski (alpine and cross-country), play games, travel, and wild animals. He is also talented at playing the piano and flute. Andreas is interested in speaking to groups about the Norwegian and/or Swedish churches, mission and evangelization, and the Christian life. He hopes to return to Norway and continue his theological studies, and working in the church or a Christian organization, perhaps as a pastor, after graduation.

 

Imliwarang "Imli" Jamir is from Nagaland, India. He is affiliated with the American Baptist Church and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology. Imli speaks 4 languages and is interested in listening to news, reading and playing ping-pong. Imli is particularly interested in speaking to groups about theological issues. Prior to coming to Luther Seminary, Imli was teaching at Oriental Theological Seminary in Nagaland. He plans to resume teaching seminary upon his return home. Imli is here with his wife, Sashila, and their two daughters.

Michael Jinteh is from Cameroon and is pursuing a Ph.D.; he completed his M.Th. at Luther Seminary in 2007. Mike is affiliated with the both the Mennonite and Baptist churches. Mike is interested in photography, sports, hiking and reading. He is particularly interested in speaking to groups about Christian-Muslim relations, Missions and the challenges of the church in Cameroon, and peace, justice and nonviolence. Prior to coming to Luther Seminary, Mike was a hospital chaplain and community organizer. Upon returning home Mike plans to train others and practice as a counselor. Mike is married and his wife and son are here with him.

Samson Kakuru has come from Uganda to work on the dual degree of Masters of Arts in Social Work and theology here at Luther Seminary. Before coming to Luther, Samson was the director of Moment of Truth Ministries for Outreach Mission. He is Protestant, and speaks English, Luganda, and Rukigia. Samson loves singing, preaching, and watching Christian channels on television. He would be interested to speak about faith, addiction and waiting upon God. He hopes to return to Uganda and start a new Christian ministry there.

Rev. Jacob Kanake is an ordained Methodist pastor from Kenya. At Luther Seminary, he is working on his Ph.D. Jacob speaks five languages: Kimeru, Kiswahili, English, Kikuyu, and Kiembu.  Listening to music, drama, the environment, and reading are interests of Jacob. When Jacob returns to Kenya, he hopes to work as a pastor, teacher, and/or counselor. His family is here with him.

Tae Hee Kim is a M.Th. student from Korea; he received his M.Div. degree from Luther in 2007. Before coming to Luther, he studied ESL at the University of Kentucky. When he returns to his home country, Tae will serve a Methodist congregation as a pastor. His hobbies include climbing and reading. Tae Hee's wife and son are here with him.

Hyun Ae Kim is Presbyterian and came from South Korea in 2000 to study in America. She earned her B.S. and Master of Education through the University of Minnesota. Hyun Ae speaks her mother tongue Korean and also English. She will be pursuing a Master of Arts in Children, Youth and Family while at Luther. Having good food and conversation with close friends is Hyun Ae’s favorite hobby. Her special talents include swimming and taking care of/playing with children. When Hyun Ae returns home she hopes to develop a Christian outreach program for children with special needs, and their families.

 Rev. Timothy Kim is from South Korea and is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church in South Korea. He has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a M.Th. in Mission and World Religions. Before arriving at Luther Seminary, Timothy was ministering in his local church community. Upon returning to South Korea and to his wife and daughter, he hopes to continue in church ministry.

  Harvey Kwiyani is from Malawi and speaks three languages, English, Chichewa, and German. Affiliated with Assemblies of God, Harvey is working on his Ph.D. in Congregational Mission and Leadership. Upon returning to Malawi, he hopes to teach and minister in Europe or Africa. Harvey is comfortable speaking to groups about missions, cross-cultural issues, and African politics and theology.


Byung-Ohk Lee is from South Korea and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. He has completed his M.Th. in Mission and World Religions at Luther and is now a Ph.D. student in Congregational Mission and Leadership. Byung-Ohk is married and they have two boys. Before coming to Luther, Byung-Ohk was a director in Youth Ministry at his church. He is a gifted leader and teacher with hobbies in Billiards, Baduk and poetry writing. Byung-Ohk hopes to become a pastor and professor when he returns to Korea.


 Rev. Choongun (Choong) Lee is from South Korea and is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church in South Korea. He has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a M.Th. in Congregational Mission and Leadership. Choong speaks Korean, Chinese, Spanish, and English and enjoys learning new languages, swimming, discussing missiology, and participating in multicultural missions. Before arriving at Luther Seminary, Choong pastored a congregation in South Korea. Upon graduating from Luther Seminary, Choongun would like to pursue a teaching position in Korea or in Latin America.

  Rev. Sanghyeop "Samuel" Lee is from South Korea and is an ordained pastor in the Korean Presbyterian Church. He is pursuing a Master of Theology degree. Before coming to Luther Seminary, Samuel served as a secondary pastor of a local church in Korea. Samuel enjoys drawing cartoons. After completing his M.A. at Luther Seminary, Samuel hopes to return to Korea to serve and help disadvantaged children from multicultural families there. Samuel is married and his wife and two children are here with him. Samuel is not available as a speaker.

Rev. Tae Woong Lee served as a youth director and praise leader in the Presbyterian Church in South Korea before coming to America. He speaks his mother tongue Korean and also English. Tae Woong enjoys playing piano and watching Major League Baseball. His interests include biblical exegesis, social justice and eschatological faith.  While at Luther Seminary, Tae Woong will pursue a Master of Theology. After his studies here and his return home, Tae Woong hopes to serve as a pastor and begin teaching ministry. Tae Woong’s wife has recently joined him in Minnesota.

Salai Pum Za Mang is a Baptist professor from Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) where he has been teaching and lecturing at the Methodist seminary, Myanmar Theological College, since 2005. Mang, as he prefers to be called, speaks Burmese, English and Chin, his mother tongue. He has come to Luther Seminary to begin work on earning a Doctorate of Philosophy in Systematic Theology. Mang earned his Master of Arts at Princeton Seminary in 2010 and would be comfortable presenting to groups about a variety of different topics related to the current situation in Burma. After graduation, Mang hopes to return to his home country and wife while continue to teach at the seminary.

Rev. Peter Matano Mnene is a Lutheran pastor from Kenya who has dreamt about coming to Luther since 1996. His mother tongue is Kitaveta, and he also speaks Kiswahili and English. Peter has come to Luther Seminary to pursue a Master of Arts in Congregational Mission and Leadership. He loves football, preaching to the unreached and encouraging and counseling others. His special talents are singing and working with children and the needy. He hopes to return to Kenya and establish programs for women’s empowerment, and education for the less fortunate children of alcoholics. His wife Eliaichi and their three children are back home in Kenya.

David Thang Moe is Chin and from Myanmar (Burma) where he is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar. Before coming to Luther Seminary, he served as a pastor at Sabah Evangelical Church and was a part time pastor among Burmese refugees in Malaysia. He is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Systematic Theology, and hopes to enter the Master of Theology program. David loves to preach, sing, play sports, read and write. He would be comfortable talking to group about inter-cultural mission and doing contextual theology. He hopes to return to Myanmar and be a contextual lecturer at a Bible school. His wife is here with him. David is delighted to be in the colorful koinonia/community of Luther.

Rode Shewanya Molla is a Lutheran from Addis Abbba, Ethiopia where she worked as a Children’s Ministry Coordinator for the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus. She has come to Luther Seminary to earn a Masters of Arts in Children, Youth and Family. She speaks Amharic and English. Rode likes to watch movies and sing songs. She hopes to return to Ethiopia and continue to work with youth and children’s ministry in the church. Her husband is back in Ethiopia working as an evangelist for the Mekane Yesus Church. 
          

  Rev. Eve Mugambi is a M.Th. student from Kenya. She is ordained in the Methodist Church and speaks 3 languages: English, Kimeru and Kiswahili. Prior to coming to Luther Seminary, Eve completed a M.A. in Pastoral Counseling at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. Eve is particularly interested in speaking to groups about her life and ministry in Kenya, life as a woman in a patriarchal society and African Traditional Religion (ATR). Upon returning home, Even plans to teach in colleges and seminaries. Eve's family is with her.

  William Obaga is from Kenya and is affiliated with the Kenyan Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has taught music in a high school, choral and orchestral conducting and directed music in his home congregation (Nairobi International Lutheran Congregation). William graduated from Luther's MSM program in conducting, and is currently in the Ph.D. program. He is here with one of his sons. Upon his return home and to his wife, he hopes to teach music and work with his church in the area of church music. He speaks three languages and enjoys singing, soccer, volleyball and gardening. He is a gifted musician.

 Sister M. Nkiruka Catherine Okafor is a Roman Catholic nun from Anambra State, in the South East region, Nigeria. Before coming to Luther Seminary, she was teaching in her home country. Sister Nikru speaks Igbo, English and Pidgin English. She has come to Luther to pursue a PhD in Pastoral Care and Counseling with an emphasis on youth. She loves basketball, traditional dancing, and youth ministry. She also has good organizational skills. She is comfortable talking with groups about youth ministry. She will be returning to Nigeria and opening a department for training youth ministers.

 Mikyoung Park is from South Korea and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Mikyoung received her MSM degree from Luther in May 2009, and is now in the M.Div. program. Before entering seminary, Mikyoung received her DMA in Vocal Performance at the University of Minnesota. She enjoys watching movies, making earrings, and knitting. She is very talented at singing and playing the piano. Upon returning to South Korea, Mikyoung hopes to teach at a university.  She is married to Joshua Choi and they have two children.

Ole Severin Haarr Pedersen is an exchange student from Norway. Before coming to America, Ole studied theology in Norway. When he returns home, he plans to finish his masters and then continue with a Ph.D. in either church history or systematic theology. His interests and special talents include soccer, music, photography, football and theology. This is Ole’s third time in America. He previously visited for two separate vacations to Houston and Seattle.

Sitraka Rakotoarivelo is originally from Madagascar but has, for the last part of his life, lived in Cameroon where his parents work as missionaries. Sitraka came to Luther Seminary as a child in 1995, because his father studied here. He has returned to work on a Master of Arts in Children, Youth and Family. He is fluent in English, French, and Malagasy, and enjoys basketball, soccer, computers and technology, and playing the guitar. He hopes to return to his home land and open his own business in computer technology and also be involved in drama ministry with the youth. Sitraka is not available as a speaker.

Sashinungla "Sashila" is a student from India and is affiliated with the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. Before coming to Luther Seminary, Sashila was teaching at the seminary in Nagaland, India. She has come to Luther with her husband, Imli, and their two daughters. Sashila is pursuing a Doctorate degree in History of Christianity. She enjoys gardening and cooking. Upon returning to India, Sashila hopes to resume teaching at the seminary in Nagaland. Sashila is not available as speaker.

Rev. Yoseob Song is from South Korea and is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church in South Korea. He is pursuing a M.Th. in Mission and World Religions. Yoseob enjoys exercising, singing, fencing, and spending time with his wife and child, who have come to Luther with him. Before arriving at Luther Seminary, Yoseob served as a youth pastor and worked in the Mission World Office of Hanshin Graduate School of Theology in South Korea. After Yoseob and his family have returned to South Korea, he hopes to continue to work within the Presbyterian Church and teach seminary students. Yoseob is not available as a speaker.

Rev. George Changlak Timlak is a Baptist pastor from the Southwest region of Cameroon. Before coming to Luther Seminary, George was working part time in a congregation and as the lead chaplain in a hospital. He is pursuing the dual degree of a Master of Arts in Congregational and Community Care while earning a Masters in Social Work. He speaks English and the Yamba dialect, and is affiliated with the Cameroon Baptist Convention. His hobbies include volleyball, watching sports, films and taking leisure trips. George is talented in drumming, farming and counseling and is comfortable talking to groups about caring ministry in the hospital, the love of God for mankind, and bearing one another’s burden by praying for them. He hopes to return to Cameroon and continue to work as a hospital chaplain, while training other chaplains and social workers. He also hopes to offer pastoral care in the church and wider community as a professional back home. His wife and four children are back in Cameroon.

Rev. Hossana Yohanna is a pastor in the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, and has come to Luther Seminary to earn a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology. Hossana comes from Adamawa, Nigeria and speaks his mother tongue Yandang, Hausa, and English.  Hossana loves to sing, read, and preach. Hossana would be comfortable talking to groups about “Reaching the Unreached”, “Overcoming Spiritual Challenges”, and “Holiness.” Before coming to Luther, Hossana was a pastor at a Lutheran church in Lagos, and he also taught at a seminary in Nigeria. He hopes to go back to Nigeria and still work in ministry as a pastor. His wife and four children are back home in Nigeria.