This is the first edition of our communiqué for NCO District Missions.  It is our hope to create one of these on a monthly basis so that the vision for missions is not forgotten.

Capitol City GBC in Columbus, Ohio

Larry & Sylvia Totzke

Many of you already know that Larry & Sylvia Totzke are planning to plant a church in downtown Columbus, Ohio.  They are already on site in Italian Village in the first block off High Street.  Larry & Sylvia were visited recently and gave us a drive through Columbus and picturesque German and Italian Villages.  Larry calls his area of focus “The Crosshairs” of the city.

The following is a condensation of an 18 minute interview that we had with Larry & Sylvia.

Why a church in central Columbus?

We were with “the quest,” thinking we needed to learn to do missions here in case we were called to International Missions. We gained a heart for Columbus, and thought that we should plant a “traditional” church downtown.  People were moving into the downtown area, a mission field of thousands.

Is Sylvia right there with you on this?

Sylvia said “Yes!’   Our calling and gifts are to serve God together.  Larry is the visionary person, and Sylvia is the “networker.”

Can you comment on the style for this church? 

Our ages are like the empty nesters, and we also worked well with the young people at “the quest.”  It is our desire to meet the needs of both of these groups.  We have not yet decided on worship style and a few other matters.  We want to form a core group, and focus on the Person of Christ.

Do you have a team working with you?

Right now the team consists of just us:  Larry and Sylvia.  We are beginning to contact Columbus area GBC’s to help us.

Have you had any group meetings?

We have talked to many people one-on-one, but have presented the vision to only one church – Southwest GBC and Pastor Tony Webb. We have had only a few initial meetings.

What encouragement have you had?

Sylvia was encouraged by a young Croatian woman who works in Campus Crusade at OSU.  Since they both are in similar ministries she promised to pray for them.   Larry was encouraged by “the quest” personnel and pastor Mike Jentes, who said they would heartily support them.  

What do you think God wants to accomplish there?

1)There are very few Urban GBCs, and we would like to plant one.

2)We want to meet the needs of panhandlers, homeless and others who are on the street.

3)We want eventually to become a notable church where political figures seek counsel, where leaders can be groomed, where big dreams can be realized, and where the love of Jesus can be shared.

How can we pray for you?

Larry – We have no team yet, so we need the Lord to sustain us.  We need a building, and the motivation as a couple.  We need to share the Vision.  We need a place to gather in the city.

Sylvia – We need to be faithful to God’s Vision.

What is your plan for Outreach?

1)We need to maintain an outward focus.

2)We need to support others.

3)We want to have a core team out among others, sharing Jesus in all ways.

4)We want to meet social and physical  needs.

“We want to thank our supporters, both local and in the NCO District, for encouraging and praying for us!”   Larry and Sylvia Totzke

We have an 18-minute sound tape of our interview with the Totzkes, suitable for playing in your ABF or Prayer Meeting. To obtain one, send a dollar bill to:

Dean Risser

821 Ohio Street

Ashland OH 44805

The Totzkes will appreciate your prayers. Theirs Is not just a business venture – they intend to penetrate the cultures of Central Columbus with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.