Gary Thies

About

Gary Thies was born on a farm in the hills of western Iowa. In 1994, after many years in the banking, real estate and insurance business, he began full-time service as the first-ever deployed mission development counselor for the LCMS, with the task of “raising the level of mission awareness” throughout the United States. Over the years, Thies has traveled to 75 countries to see the Lord's missionaries at work. Mission Central began in the basement of his home.

“My wife, Maxine, and I have seen some real miracles happen out here in the middle of an Iowa cornfield. As the on-site director of Mission Central, I have personally visited with thousands of people who have come to visit this place over the years, and what a joy it has been! The Lord has sent 105 volunteers to help with this labor of love.” Over the span of 30 years, Thies has spoken in more than 1,700 churches in the United States and Canada.

On April 9, 2024, Maxine was called to her heavenly home and is truly missed, however, at 83 years of age Gary must still have some work to do!

Mission Central features a Barn Museum with missionary artifacts from all over the world. In 2017, a Creation Theater was completed that highlights the sixth day of creation. Visitors can hear directly from LCMS missionaries about their work in the fellowship hall. Mission Central has grown to become a major facilitator of gifts and offerings which enable LCMS missionaries to tell others about Jesus.