Rev. Dr. John (Hans) and Gretchen Trinklein

Serving the Lord in South Korea

Bio

Rev. Dr. John (Hans) and Gretchen Trinklein serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as missionaries in Seoul, South Korea. Hans teaches at Luther Theological University (LTU) and Luther Seminary. He also works with LCMS’ partner church, the Lutheran Church in Korea (LCK), helping them with their strategic vision and planning, with church planting and with continuing education for their pastors.

Hans’ hometown is Racine, Wis. He calls Olive Branch Lutheran Church, Okawville, Ill., his home congregation. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in public accounting from Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. He also received a master’s degree in apologetics from the Simon Greenleaf School of Law, Anaheim, Calif. (now known as Trinity Law School, Santa Ana, Calif.). He acquired his Master of Divinity and a Ph.D. in systematics from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Before serving in South Korea, Hans worked as a public accountant; he taught accounting at three different universities in southern California; and he served as pastor first at Zion Lutheran Church, Pierce, Neb., and, most recently, at Olive Branch Lutheran Church, Okawville, Ill.

Gretchen was born in Whittier, Calif. She calls Olive Branch Lutheran Church, Okawville, Ill., her church home as well. She received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Christ College, Irvine, Calif. (now known as Concordia University, Irvine, Calif.). Over the years, she has served as a Lutheran preschool teacher, a substitute teacher, a nanny, and a homeschool teacher to her children. Hans and Gretchen have four children - Jael Karth (married to Levi), Abigail (Abi), Michael (Mike), and John. Abi, Mike and John are with their parents on the mission field.

Prayers

Please pray Colossians 1:9-12 over the Trinklein family.

Also, please pray:

• For wisdom and creativity for Hans as he teaches English and theology classes at LTU and Luther Seminary;
• For Hans’ students, that they will be eager to learn and able to grasp and retain the material he teaches them;
• For the leadership of both LTU and the LCK, that together they can powerfully influence the Korean peninsula for Christ; and
• Ask God to protect the Trinkleins in body, soul and spirit; to bless their relationships, both within their family and in their communities; and to strengthen them to be bold witnesses of God’s redeeming love.

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Additional Information

• Birthdays:
  • Hans - May 3
  • Gretchen - June 17
  • Abigail (Abi) - Aug. 22
  • Michael (Mike) - Aug. 24
  • John - Feb. 27
• Wedding Anniversary: July 24
• Home District: Southern Illinois

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