About FOLCIN

Supporting Pastoral Training and Church Planting in the Nordic Region

Friends of the Lutheran Church in Norway (FOLCIN) is a forward-thinking, non-for-profit organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA. We formed and incorporated in Illinois on April 22, 2024 as a 501(c)(3) charity and provide charitable contribution receipts for each donation. Donors should consult with their own tax professionals to determine the tax-deductible eligibility of their donations.

Our purpose is to support the various ministries of the Lutheran Church in Norway (LCIN). We reach people with a passion for sharing the Gospel and church planting and we do this through networking and social media platforms to make them aware of LCIN’S ministry. Many of these people would not have otherwise learned about LCIN’S before learning of our charity. And many would also not have otherwise given so generously.

Thomas Farruggia, President

Mr. Farruggia has a passion for spreading the Gospel. To that end, in 2023 he acted on his vision to create an organization to help spread the good news of Jesus through the Lutheran Church in Norway. Mr. Farruggia has over 40 years experience owning and operating various businesses throughout his career.  He is a life-long Missouri Synod Lutheran and for the last three decades has worshiped at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, Illinois.  Mr. Farruggia is married and has two children and four grandchildren.

David Crosby, Secretary

Mr. Crosby is a lifelong LCMS member, spending the last 39 years at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, IL. During those years he has served as Assistant Treasurer, a member of the Office of Ministry and Care, Chairman of the Elders, and has participated on various other committees.  Mr. Crosby has also enjoyed being a member of the choir and an instrumentalist. Mr. Crosby is married with three children and one granddaughter.

Dawn Franz, Treasurer

Ms. Franz was at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carol Stream, IL for 25 years. With a move to Tennessee, she is now an LCMS member at Christ Our Savior in Loudon, TN. At church she has served as Secretary to the Board, Usher, and positions on other various committees. Outside of church, Ms. Franz was part of the Citizens Advisory Council to the school district, a case appointed special advocate (CASA) for neglected children and a member of CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team). Ms. Franz is married with two children.