Kolb leaving Holy Cross to go to the mission field

By Editor | February 5, 2014 |

After ministering to the congregation of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Vandalia for the past seven years, the Rev. Peter Kolb has accepted a call to do missionary work in Asia.

Though his exact destination isn’t yet clear, Kolb is looking forward to what he feels is “a divine call from the Lord.”
Accompanying him on that call will be his wife, Kristie, and their seven (soon to be eight) children, who range in age from 2 to 15. And they’re all on board.
“The kids are looking forward to it,” said Kolb. “It’s an adventure.”
A native of Ferrin, Kolb was the son of a pastor. He attended college in California and Nebraska, and went to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. His first church was in Corsicana, Texas, where he served six years. From there, he moved to Vandalia in 2006.
To prepare for the Asian ministry, Kolb will undergo training at the St. Louis headquarters of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. He also will begin a program of visiting churches in the region for six months to a year before making the move to Asia.
The hardest part in this transition? “Saying goodbye to members of the congregation.”
The best part? “Some of my best memories of ministry are here. It’s a real privilege to share the good news that they’re forgiven. People are troubled with their sin; they live under the crushing weight of that sin. I get to tell them that the crucified Christ has come to heal their wounds and forgive their sins."
Now, as he begins a new chapter in his ministry, Kolb is excited about the opportunities ahead.
“In all my calls, throughout my life, the Lord has blessed us. We just move from one blessing to another.”