Wilmington, N.C.

New start: Wilmington’s northeast neighborhoods are seeing a surge of new families and rapid development, making this area one of the fastest-growing corners of North Carolina. A core group of 18 people from Ascension in Jacksonville, N.C., meets regularly for Bible study and planning. With no WELS church nearby and easy access along U.S. 17, the group is laying the foundation for a welcoming church that blends in-person and online worship, Bible instruction, and plenty of community service.

Fast facts:

• Wilmington ranks No. 1 on a list of metropolitan areas that attracted new residents in 2024.
• The nearest WELS congregation to Wilmington is nearly 50 miles away.
• In recent months, the core group organized a kayak-based river cleanup, led a community food drive with a volunteer group it hosted, and launched a weekly Life Group for Bible study and fellowship.
• Read more about the new mission effort in Wilmington, N.C., in this Missions Blog from May 2025: wels.net/moving-fast-but-staying-grounded.

Prayer: 

Lord God, we are your dearly loved children. Ground the core group in Wilmington in the good news of Jesus’ work for us so that they can have a solid foundation to work for you. Give them boldness and opportunities to share the good news of Jesus throughout southeastern North Carolina so that more and more would know what you have done for them. Bless the work in Wilmington according to your will and give the core group faithfulness to persevere so that they can make the most of the opportunities in front of them. Amen.

Contact:

Rev. Steven Saatkamp, Ascension Lutheran Church
pastor@ascensionjax.com
715-541-9248