Father’s World Tours is a brand new company (LLC) started by Steve Balza in July of 2023 with the goal of bringing W/ELS groups together to view God’s world. We are fully insured and qualified to conduct tours across the U.S. and around the globe. 

Steve graduated from DMLC in 1993 and taught at Lutheran schools in Falls Church, VA and Golden Valley, MN. After leaving teaching, he gained valuable experience in the sales and travel industry while working for United Airlines.

From 2007-2023, he served as the Director of Alumni Relations at Martin Luther College. There he planned and led dozens of group tours across the country for the MLC Alumni Association, College Choir, and Wind Symphony. Husband to Laura, father of three wonderful step-children (plus one grand), he is humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve God’s people in this unique capacity.

“Father’s World” does not indicate that these tours are just for dads or that they are exclusively international. Rather, it references the truth expressed in Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” The century-old hymn, This is My Father’s World pairs that truth to a lovely tune and was the inspiration for the name. It is recently more readily recognized thanks to renditions by Christian artists such as Amy Grant and Keith/Kristen Getty.

Father's World Tours is very happy to partner with the OWLS (Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors).  OWLS offers W/ELS members 55+ opportunities for spiritual growth, social connections, educational presentations, service and support efforts, and now, in partnership with Father’s World Tours, group travel. Some parts of the country have local OWLS branches that are active throughout the year. Other individual OWLS are “members at large” who stay connected through regular newsletters and/or attendance at a national convention held each October at a rotating Midwest destination. 

Dues are just $15 per year (and yes, that gives you a $20/tour discount). Contact OWLS Secretary Becky Markgraf at 507-276-4129 or ralrmark@gmail.com with questions. Membership checks can be made out to OWLS and sent to
OWLS Office, P.O. Box 84, New Ulm, MN 56073.

You do not need to be an OWLS member to join these trips offered through Father's World Tours. They are, however, designed to be especially meaningful for W/ELS members as we often visit churches, schools, and ministries that are operated by our church body. That said, we do allow W/ELS members to bring along a spouse or friend who is not currently a W/ELS member.