Rev. Dr. John and Melinda Bombaro

Serving the Lord in Latvia

Bio

Rev. Dr. John and Melinda Bombaro serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as missionaries in Latvia, based in Riga. John serves as assistant to the regional director of the Eurasia region in the area of theological education. In this role, he works to plant an English-speaking congregation in Riga. He teaches Lutheran theology and mentors seminary students in a Bachelor of Divinity program at Riga Luther Academy (the Latvian Ev. Luth. Church’s seminary). He assists in the re-accreditation of the seminary, not only as a Latvian seminary but also as an English-speaking seminary accredited throughout the European Union. He builds confessional and strategic relations between regional partner churches and synods. With Melinda’s help, John also coordinates conferences around Eurasia for pastors and other church workers.

John’s hometown is Stratford, N.J. He received bachelor’s degrees from Rutgers University and Columbia International University. He then received his master’s degree in theology from the University of Edinburgh and his doctorate (Ph.D.) degree from King’s College, University of London. He also has an advanced diploma in theology from the Westfield House and Cambridge Divinity School, England, and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind. Before serving in Latvia, John was the senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, San Diego, Calif. He also is a member of the United States Navy Reserves and is active duty working at the Pentagon with the Marine Corps.

Melinda’s hometown is Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. She received a degree from Canadian Bible College and a certificate in Scotch-Irish Studies from the University of Edinburgh. She worked at an investment company and a biotechnology company before becoming a missionary.

John and Melinda enjoy family games, camping, hiking, cycling, bonfires, football and reading, all with their four beautiful children - Sophia, Marie, Anna and Luca.

Prayers

Pray for John, Melinda and their children as they serve in Latvia. Ask God to strengthen them as they adjust to the language and culture of this region. Pray for the children’s successes at school in Riga. Ask God to give Melinda opportunities to connect with women, particularly mothers with school-aged children, and share the Gospel with them. Pray the Bombaro family is given wisdom and boldness as they proclaim and present Christ as Lord and Savior. Pray also for a return to true biblical Christianity within the region. Pray that they may have a significant role in helping with this return and with inspiring seminarians and pastors to do the same in their spheres of influence.

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Additional Information

• Birthdays:
  • John - Nov. 17
  • Melinda - Oct. 1
  • Sophia - May 21
  • Marie - Aug. 12
  • Anna - May 28
  • Luca - March 9
• Wedding Anniversary: March 18
• Home District: Pacific Southwest

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