Witness Moment
A Digital Lutheran Library for Latino Pastors
Since 2015, the VDMA Project has translated 55 theological works into Spanish for pastors in North, Central and South America.
For too long, the theological riches of the Lutheran Reformation were inaccessible to Spanish-speaking pastors in Latin America. Ten years ago, most of these pastors had only a few well-worn books for study or sermon and Bible class preparation. Even when additional works were available in Spanish, there were financial and delivery challenges to acquiring them.
Then, in late 2015, the dawn of a new era for Latino Lutheran pastors began with the first electronic delivery of Lutheran theological books in Spanish, thanks to an initiative called VDMA — Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum, meaning “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever.” Planning for the project began two years prior, spearheaded by LCMS missionary Rev. James Neuendorf. The goal was to provide pastors with an electronically delivered, orthodox Lutheran library in Spanish. This would be accomplished using one’s own cell phone or tablet and access to a VDMA library of digital books and resources on Amazon — no more shipping crates, fees or customs paperwork. Early on, a tablet was provided to those who needed a device to access the library. But widespread cell phone use soon rendered tablet distribution unnecessary.
Since 2017, at the behest of the VDMA committee, LCMS missionary Deaconess Cheryl Naumann has guided a team of 35 translators and editors in producing and distributing a rich, ever-growing list of books and resources. To date, 55 theological works have been translated into Spanish and four into Portuguese. Five more volumes are planned for release by the end of 2027.
The books are also being used at the Synod’s two seminaries in the United States, as well as in Lutheran seminaries in Brazil and Argentina; in Concordia the Reformer Seminary in the Dominican Republic; and in courses taught through Luther Academy, an organization based in Fort Wayne, Ind., that promotes confessional Lutheranism by offering continuing education opportunities for pastors around the world. While these resources continue to be widely available on Amazon, VDMA also works with the Lutheran Heritage Foundation to supply printed copies of the books to Lutheran university and seminary libraries in North, Central and South America.
The library is a treasure trove of Spanish resources, such as daily devotions, GOOD NEWS magazine, theological articles, academic papers and, most recently, the book Mission from the Cross. A digital version of Himnario Luterano, the Spanish Lutheran hymnal, will be added later in 2026.
Smaller language groups have not been forgotten. The Bolivians now have the Small Catechism in their native Quechua language through VDMA, and soon a Cuna-language edition will be available in Panama — both as physical books.
A pastor from Argentina said, “Thank you for sharing these materials. They are useful for preparing my sermons and Bible studies. They provide not only knowledge but help me to present a clearer message to my people.” He is one of 425 pastors and seminarians in 22 countries, including the U.S. and Canada, who receive these publications at no cost.
Heartfelt notes of thanks for these resources arrive often. From Paraguay, a pastor wrote, “The VDMA books have been helpful, bringing a new approach and point of view to issues that I thought I already understood.” Similarly, a Guatemalan pastor shared, “We need Lutheran literature in Spanish to improve our understanding.”
Missionary Pastor Ted Krey, who serves as director of the LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean region, said, “VDMA continues to provide confessional Lutheran material for our pastors, deepening their ability to preach and teach faithfully. It also leaves a legacy of Lutheran writings for the coming generations to explore and meditate upon.”
Thus, the VDMA story advances, translating more works, equipping more pastors, and bringing the Gospel with renewed clarity and joy. The motto endures, echoing from generation to generation: The Word of the Lord endures forever, sustaining the church today and for years to come.
Learn More
- About the Synod’s Latin America and the Caribbean region
- Make a gift to support the LCMS Latin America and the Caribbean region
Jana Inglehart
LCMS missionary and communication specialist for the Latin America and Caribbean region.
