Rev. Jonah and Elizabeth Burakowski
Serving the Lord in the Latin America and the Caribbean Region
Bio
The Rev. Jonah and Elizabeth Burakowski serve the Lord as career missionaries through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, based in the Dominican Republic. As associate regional director, Jonah works closely with the regional director to develop and implement strategic plans for 22 countries in South and Central America, the Caribbean and Spain. He also supports the development of the region’s missionary team and serves as a theological educator and missionary pastor.
Jonah was born in Southfield, Mich. His home congregation is Divine Savior Lutheran Church, Hartford, Wis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Human Sexuality from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Mich.; a master’s degree in Counseling and Higher Education Administration from Emporia State University, Emporia, Kan.; and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Before serving as a missionary, he worked at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich. He has also served parishes in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Virginia. In Virginia, he was a church planter and served at a mission church. Jonah also volunteered as a short-term missionary to India in 2007 and has been involved with the Dominican Republic FORO since 2017. In his free time, he enjoys camping, gardening and traveling.
Elizabeth was born in Birmingham, Mich. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Mich. Prior to heading to the Dominican Republic, Elizabeth served as director of children’s ministries at her home congregation, Divine Savior, Hartford, Wis. She also served as a short-term missionary to Hong Kong in 2006 and is active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys camping, traveling, making crafts and looking for antiques. Jonah and Elizabeth have three daughters: Theresa, Kaijala and Olivia.
Prayers
Please pray for the Burakowski family as they engage in mission and ministry in Latin America. Pray also for the communities where missionaries are already serving and for the expansion of God’s kingdom so that others may know Christ and Him crucified. Give thanks that Jonah, Elizabeth and their daughters are serving God’s children in this part of the world.
Download prayer card
Additional Information
- Birthday: Jonah — Sept. 13, Elizabeth — Jan. 1, Theresa — Feb. 6, Kaijala — July 5, Olivia — Aug. 7
- Anniversary: May 25
- Home District: South Wisconsin
Partner with us
Giving Online: You can partner with the LCMS by making an online gift restricted in use to the support of THE BURAKOWSKI FAMILY.
Give Now
Giving by Check: You can also make a donation towards the Burakowski's ministry by check.
Mail your check, made payable to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and designated with their last name, to:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
(Or call
888-930-4438 to speak with someone.)