From July 31 to August 7, 11 Ascension members along with five members from Lake Park Lutheran will be traveling to El Salvador to visit the ministries of our companion synod and sister parishes. They will learn about the latest happenings of the churches first-hand, carry messages from Ascension, and work together to strengthen the friendships and understanding between our two faith communities. We will learn how we can better support one another and brothers and sisters in Christ, across borders and in spite of language and cultural differences.
The Delegates
Aparicio – Wehmeier Family: Pastor Edwin and Sarah have been leading trips to El Salvador since 2010. This year, Marta (11) and Luisa (9) will be part of the delegation and assisting with translating. Prior to moving to the US, Edwin welcomed Ascension delegates as the host. After moving to Waukesha in 2013, he began leading from the Ascension side. He began working at Ascension in 2019, becoming a pastor in 2023. Sarah is a music teacher in Waukesha and also works as an administrator and musician at Ascension. She also coordinates our Tanzania partnership. Marta will be in 6th grade at Butler and Luisa will be in 4th grade at Summit View. When not at school, the girls can be found on the soccer field or on the stage dancing, acting or playing piano. They are looking forward to returning to El Salvador now that they are old enough to remember it.
The Paczesny Family: The Paczesny Family have been members at Ascension for 10 years. Sarah currently serves on the Church Council, and both Grace (13) and Madeline (10) sing with the youth choir and are active in youth ministry activities. Grace enjoys playing soccer and babysitting, and Madeline has a lot of fun with her Girl Scout Troop and plays soccer as well. They are both in the production of Newsies Jr this summer. When not busy with the girls at their activities, their family enjoys camping, attending festivals and spending time outside. They look forward to being a part of the delegation to El Salvador!
Jackie Bosanac: I am a lifelong member of Ascension. I have two grown children and five grandchildren. I currently work two days a week at my sister’s daycare. I have gone on several mission trips, as well as traveling last year to Tanzania, and am looking forward to this trip to El Salvador.
Jeremy Poling: Jeremy has been a member of Ascension since 2009 and can be seen many Sunday’s behind the drums in the Praise Band. He is an active supporter of our partner congregations in Tanzania and El Salvador and enjoys learning the many ways our brothers and sisters live out our shared call as followers of Christ. He works as an engineer ensuring that buildings perform optimally for the people who occupy them. Jeremy and his wife Jenny have two children, Aidan (15) and Audrey (8). When not at Ascension or work, Jeremy can be found enjoying watching his kids’ activities, or sharing in the family’s enjoyment of cheering for the Brewers.
Natalie Mustapich: I have been attending church at Ascension for over 33 years, and as a member, have enjoyed serving on several mission trips domestically and one internationally. I enjoy traveling and going on new adventures. This will be my first time in El Salvador and I am looking forward to meeting new friends there.
