The Lutheran Layman

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN July - August 2013

Your Partner in HIS Mission!

Outreach to Muslims W

hen I was completing my Master of Divinity work at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, I was invited to stay for graduate studies. I was keenly interested in Missions but unsure where the Lord might call us to serve, so I chose to focus my studies on what seemed to be one of the biggest challenges in world missions: Islam. I knew that a large percentage of the world’s population

were Muslims, that Islam was one of the fastest

growing world religions and that Muslims

were notoriously hard to reach with the

claims of Jesus as Savior and

Messiah. Almost 20 years have passed

Jesus in Islam page 5

by Peter Kirby

and the challenges remain, but now Islam has been thrust into the forefront of Americans’ lives by the actions of militant Muslims on 9-11 and by the wars which we’ve fought in the Middle East.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—Canada has been supportive of Muslim missions throughout their history. Dr. Roland Miller and other missionaries worked in outreach to Muslims in India, in the Philippines, and in Nigeria. Dr. Miller has shared many of his insights learned about outreach to Muslims through his book Muslim Friends: Their Faith and Feeling (St. Louis: CPH, 1996).

Dr. Miller shared that we will not make any headway with outreach to Muslims until we take their religion serious ly. Our first commit ment must be to love see page 3

Partnering on an Arabic Catechism

Witness to the Ends of the Earth

page 8

pages 12-14

speakingup

Building Bridges, to Share the Gospel— Listen Like you mean it! Fishing Tournament

by Rev. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

O

ne of the joys of the Christian life is to “love others the way that Christ loves us.” It’s work worth doing, especially when trying to share the Gospel with people we care about. 1 Peter 3 reminds us to: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Such a gentle and respectful spirit towards others is one way to reflect that love of Jesus so that our testimony about Him is actually heard and understood not as our testimony about Jesus, but Jesus’ invitation to them through us.

Creating that respectful, gentle environment often happens when we simply listen to others like we really mean it.

Listening allows us to build our relationships with others. It is a gift we get to give to another to tell their story, to confess, to share, to allow them to be understood by someone who really cares for them!

Such listening does place some demands on us.

1. We are to seek to understand before we hope to be understood; really listen.

Listening and hearing are two very different things. We may hear, and be able to repeat verbatim everything we’ve heard, but have we listened? Listening means there is a conscious decision to be present, to give attention in order to hear AND understand. This, too, is not always easy, for we all have our own lenses, paradigms, world views built upon our experiences,

L AYMAN

values, and faith. But here faith in Christ can really help us deal with our own biases, our own limitations, as we strive to see others the way that Jesus sees them, sees us.

2. We are to have an inquisitive, but not intrusive spirit.

That means that we should tend to ask questions first rather than be ready with lots of answers. It is true that sharing the Gospel has facts to be shared. There are answers to the big issues of life. But, the “how, when, where, and why” of such Gospel communication is an art. Do you know what keeps your friends up at night with worry?

Do you know how they keep it all together? What do they hold onto as vital, as key? Is it family? Career? Leisure? Wealth? What is it? Keep asking “Why? How?” (with a respectful, inquisitive spirit) and some day, with gentleness, respect, and understanding, you can share how knowing Jesus Christ as Savior is the only thing that holds when all else fails (and you’re living proof of that!).

Now, the Scriptures remind us that God’s Word is the power to create and sustain faith, so the pressure is not on us, that’s true. But, in our relationships, we can learn to be better ambassadors of that Word—and bridge-builders to it—to help others really hear and understand that the Good News of Jesus is FOR THEM! To listen is part of loving others as Christ loves us. It’s one of the ways that Jesus Himself allows us in on the joy of being a part of someone coming to know Him as their Savior.

So, enjoy your friends, your neighbors, all those whom God sends into your life. People are just so interesting, aren’t they? And Jesus loves them dearly. He died on the cross for them as for you. Listen, and you’ll see.

Maybe they’ll see, too! n

The Lutheran

Vol. 84, No. 4 July-August 2013

Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.), Editor • Denis Kloppenburg, Layout Subscription: $5. Printed bi-monthly. Send color photos for use. Photos sent to the paper may not be returned. Lutheran Hour Ministries, The Lutheran Hour, Bringing Christ to the Nations, BCTN, By Kids...For Kids, JCPlayZone, Life...revised, Living for Tomorrow, This is the Life, On Main Street, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre, Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, Esta Es La Vida, Para el Camino, Woman to Woman, Family Time, Teacher to Teacher, Reaching Out and The Hoffmann Society are registered marks, or SM service marks. The Puzzle Club is a service mark and trademark of Int’l LLL. Copyright 2013, Int’l LLL

®

Bringing Christ to the Nations — and the Nations to the Church

2 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

Nets More than 160

To date the Fifth Annual Men’s NetWork North American Fishing Tournament has 294 anglers signed up. Of these, 164 are new to the tourney and 130 are repeat fishermen from one of the four previous seasons. This number represents anglers from 38 states as well as seven from Canada.

States with 10 or more fishermen include Michigan (38), Minnesota (35), Texas (23), Wisconsin (22), Kansas (16), Colorado (13), Indiana and Illinois (12 each), and Missouri (10).

Entering the tournament is as cheap and easy as ever: the fee is still only $10. This year’s registration gifts are a specially designed Men’s NetWork cap and first-aid kit. There are 11 fish and one non-fish category eligible for winners each week. First-time weekly winners receive a Men’s NetWork fishing tournament T-shirt and a $10 Bass Pro Shops gift card; repeat winners receive the $10 gift card. Everything you need to know about the tournament such as the rules, registration details, how to submit catches, sign-up goodies and, of course, prizes—including a Grand Prize of $500—is posted on the Men’s NetWork website at www.lhmmen.com.

To gain an idea how these men are tearing up the water, here are a few entries submitted since the tourney began: Jonathan Rockey pulled in a 4 lb. 5 oz. trout from Island Lake in Kenai, Ala. using a Panther Martin lure; Nolan Jones caught a 5 lb. largemouth at Liberty Park Pond in North Richland Hills, Texas, using a plastic worm; Jake Campaign hauled in a 15 lb. 11 oz. salmon from Lake Ontario using a Dreamweaver spoon; Melvin Mertens took a 12 lb. 2 oz. channel cat from some freshwater in or near Alma, Neb., using bait shrimp; Jonathan Hoppert landed a 22 lb. salmon on the Rogue River in Ore., using an anchovy; Ken Sankey hauled in a 6 lb. 13.6 oz. largemouth from an Iowa farm pond, using a plastic worm; and Chris Hansell wheeled in a grubby bicycle tire from the Saginaw River near Bay City, Mich., using a jig and minnow. (From the picture he sent, it looks like it’s probably a 26-incher.)

Each category winner gets a $10 gift card from Bass Pro Shops. n

Muslims are dedicated and hard working—and in need of Good News.

Outreach to Muslim s

from page 1 the Muslims around us as people worthy of being a friend. It is only as we engage them in serious dialogue and spend time with them that they will have the opportunity to see our faith in action and appreciate the changes that Jesus Christ has wrought in our lives.

Those who have done missions among Muslims in foreign lands have found it to be difficult, as conversions may be few and far between. Often family and cultural pressures can be extreme, even deadly, for those who convert from Islam to Christianity. But in the midst of these challenges, those who reach out among Muslims cling to God’s Word from Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV), “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” The Word of God has power to break through and create and sustain faith among those in Islam, too.

Immigration of Muslims to North

America gives us opportunities to befriend them as new neighbors and to reach out from our churches to take care of their needs and provide opportunities to talk about our Christian faith. Mission groups have formed to focus on outreach to new Americans from a Muslim background.

People of the Book Lutheran Outreach (POBLO) began in 1993 in Dearborn, Mich., as an outreach to new Americans. From several locations in Michigan, the ministry expanded to Texas, California, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Internationally, ministry was begun in Pakistan, Bangladesh, North India, and Canada. POBLO primarily focuses on outreach to Muslims, but has also branched out to include ministry to other religions and cultures from South Asia, including Hindus and Sikhs.

POBLO has developed Bible studies on outreach to new Americans, an online video lecture series, and the “First Steps Scripture Resource Stand.” POBLO missionaries have provided training for congregations in nearly every U.S. state and Canada in the form of preaching, workshops, and Bible studies. To date, POBLO has had a part in

training 70 missionary workers in North America, and hundreds in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Many thousands of new Americans have been brought to saving faith in Christ through these efforts.

Cynthia Khan has been working with her husband as a missionary for POBLO for the past 19 years. She says, “POBLO uses human care programs to reach out across cultural barriers to new and established immigrants. We use English as a Second Language classes, computer labs, sewing, cooking and exercise classes, and food and clothing distribution to connect with Muslim men and women at the level of their basic needs. Through these human care ministries, we are able to show the love of Christ to new Americans and to build relationships that provide opportunities for Gospel witness.”

Many Muslims in North America have false stereotypes of Christians. They often associate Christianity with the culture, which may be vastly different from their home culture. They may be suffering culture shock and are afraid of bad influences upon their children. As a result, they are isolated and want to meet only with their own people. The lack of English skills also alienates them and prevents them from integrating with the culture. POBLO works to break down these cultural and language barriers. Many of the volunteers at their Ethnic Community Centers are members of Lutheran churches. Muslim women befriend American women through these human care activities. They develop good relationships and dispel misconceptions.

POBLO has also had a strategy of identifying see page 4

Just as Christians may stereotype Muslims, they, in return, have a false conception of Christians.

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 3

Outreach to Muslim s

tries, including Egypt, northern brought many Musfrom page 3 Sudan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, lims to our neighand training leaders from within a peo- Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, borhoods, how ple group to reach their people group. Kuwait, Yemen, and eastern do you go about For example, POBLO is working to find a Libya. We have even reached witnessing to Somali leader who can be trained in the Arabic-speaking immigrants Muslim neighfaith to reach a large population of So- in Europe through the bors? First, move mali people in Minnesota. POBLO works broadcasts. beyond fear. to plant churches in ethnic languages It is estimated that several The threat of terwhere there are pockets of immigrants hundred thousand people listen rorism has caused throughout the United States. There are to the Cyprus radio station daily us to fear people from The world today Tamil and Urdu/Hindi congregations at because of its quality programming and Muslim countries. But most Troy, Michigan, a Persian congregation a strong signal that is widely received. In a year, all Muslims are peace-loving with in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and a Pakistani millions of people tune in to the station. Of those lis- the same concerns we have for family and society. congregation in Dallas, Texas. The cur- teners, we expect our specific programs are listened 1 John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love. Perfect rent strategy is to encourage integration to by several hundred thousand people a year. love drives out fear.” Our love for our neighbor of ethnic Muslims into the English lanGates adds, “Responses to the programs are re- compels us to see the Muslim as our neighbor, too, guage worship service, but to allow for ceived from young people and university students in need of our friendship, care and concern.

Bible studies in the ethnic languages rep- who express their desire to learn more about Christ Second, educate yourself about Islam. To asresented. and the Christian faith. We find that more than 80 sist in befriending Muslims, learn all that you can Lutheran Hour Ministries has also percent of the responses are from non-Christian about their faith and practice. As you show interworked in outreach to Muslims, especiallisteners. We receive approximately 300 requests est and respect for their religion, you open up oply through its ministry centers around per month for more dialogue or Christian mate- portunities for them to investigate and respect the the world. In 2011, through grants and rials. And these are only the listeners who re- Christian faith. Becoming more knowledgeable donations, Lutheran Hour restarted spond. We know that God’s Word, through its about Islam will not make you a weaker Chrisa radio ministry to Muslims. Eric authentic proclamation and the power of tian but a better witness for Christ. Third, look for Gates, LHM’s regional directhe Holy Spirit, will touch and work opportunities to show love and concern for your tor for Africa and the Midwithin the hearts of thousands Muslim neighbor. Befriend them not because you dle East, states, “In the more Muslims throughout the want to convert them to Christianity but because Middle East, radio is an region.” they are fellow human beings worthy of your love important part of virtuLutheran Hour Ministries and concern. As you get to know them and care ally everyone’s everyday also has an impact with Muslims for their needs, the love of Christ that you have life. In countries with subin countries where we have min- experienced will shine through your words and stantial portions of the citistry centers where there are large actions. Lastly, pray for your Muslim neighbors, izens being illiterate, radio Muslim populations, like Russia that God will open their eyes to see Jesus as He serves as the most effective and Kazakhstan. The government truly is: the Son of God and Savior of the world means for many people of Kazakhstan has passed legisla- who died and rose again for us. to learn about news and tion to restrict public evangelism Cynthia Khan says, “It is not easy to convert events. In the region, apbetween religions, but the Word of Muslims. We have to pray for them, keep trying proximately 73 percent of God continues to be proclaimed to serve them, and share the message through the young adult age group and to bear fruit among all peo- different ways, but it is a long process.” We are re(18-35 years) regularly ple. Radio, television, and inter- minded that it is not our efforts that bring Muslistens to radio programs. net programming, along with lims to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, but only the Radio is the most effecBible Correspondence Courses Holy Spirit working through the Word of God. The tive medium that can and children’s camps, are reach- task humbles us, and yet it keeps us dependent reach into the privacy of ing not only ethnic Russians but upon God and not upon our own efforts. Even people’s homes, touch also many nominal Muslims though it is a challenging task, we do not give up. their hearts and change among the population. As peo- The stories of those who have come out of the relitheir lives.” ple hear of the love of Christ gion of Islam and embraced the love and freedom Our radio programs for them and experience that that they find in Jesus Christ gives us hope to conare written and prolove in action through our tinue to reach out in love to Muslims. Here, too, duced in Beirut in ministry center personnel, the fields are white for harvest—and Jesus enArabic by the LHM— Lutheran missionaries, and courages us to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the Lebanon, office. The pastors, Muslims respond to harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” n broadcasts are transthe word of the Gospel and Note: The Rev. Peter Kirby is LHM’s regional mitted from Cyprus, are welcomed into Christian director for Europe and is involved with minisreaching Muslims in churches. try in Jamaica. more than 11 coun- Minarets are Arabic “light houses,” Since immigration has but what type of “light” do they beam?

4 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

Jesus in Islam and His Messengers. Say not “Trinity”: desist: It will be better for you: For Allah is One God: Glory be to Him: Far Exalted is He above having a son…” And earlier in Quran 4:157: “That they [the Jews] said (in boast), ‘We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah’—but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, …, for of a surety they killed him not—Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise….”

Muslims believe that Allah protects his prophets and would not allow one of them to be abused or to be killed by men. This belief about prophets prevents Muslims from being able to accept any talk of torture or crucifixion of Jesus, a prophet. The Quran teaches that Jesus was caught up to heaven, to Allah, before He could be crucified by the Jews. n

There are common points between Islam and Christianity: monotheism, respect for prophets and prophecy, creation, final judgment, and prayer.

Islam has a great regard for Jesus as prophet, but Islam sees Muhammad as the greatest of the prophets.

Jews and Christians are called People of the Book in the Quran and are esteemed, although seen as misled by their corrupted Scriptures. Two of the most basic and important teachings of the Christian faith about Jesus are seen as anathema: that Jesus was the Son of God and that Jesus was crucified and resurrected.

Quran 4:171 states: “O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a messenger of Allah and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him; so believe in Allah

LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES

Be inspired, energized, and equipped to share God’s love, nurture your family, and witness to the community!

RICHMOND, VA

Join hundreds of other mission-minded individuals in learning how to more effectively share the Gospel at a Regional Outreach Conference (ROC) hosted by Lutheran Hour Ministries.

CLEVELAND, OH

August 2-4 Holiday Inn Koger Center

August 9-10 Holiday Inn Westlake

NASHVILLE, TN

OMAHA, NE

HOuSTON, Tx

September 6-7 Millennium Maxwell House Hotel

October 18-19 Omaha Marriott

November 15-16 Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Visit www.lhm.org/roc to learn more and register!

Read ROCononpage page ReadMore moreabout about ROC 11!11!

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 5

Two DVD Collections Close out ‘Stuff’ Series

A

las, all good things must come to an end; so too the 184-episode run of “Stuff They Didn’t Teach Me in Sunday School” reaches its conclusion, featuring Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman as host. Topping off this project, two DVDs—“Stuff They Didn’t Teach Me in Sunday School About this New Thing Called ‘Church’” and “Stuff … About Letters to this New ‘Church’”—feature videos covering the texts of the New Testament. “The ‘Stuff ...’ series is one of those projects that took on a life of its own,” Wurdeman said. “When we began, I never dreamed it would last long enough to put 184 videos ‘in the can’ and take the viewer all the way through the Bible.”

In “Stuff … About this New Thing Called ‘Church,’” the book of Acts is the focus.

Beginning with Jesus’ ascension and concluding with the apostle Paul under house arrest in Rome, Acts is a tour de force presenting the formation, development, and spread of the Christ-centered movement of believers that became the earliest Christian church. Wurdeman covers events like Peter’s sermon in Jerusalem; the martyrdom of Stephen; Saul’s/Paul’s original intentions and his adoption of the Christian faith; the Gospel’s movement among the Gentiles and its increase through Palestine, Asia Minor, and the Mediterranean world via Paul’s and his companions’ tireless journeys proclaiming the Christ; Paul’s return to Jerusalem plus his eventual imprisonment and transfer to Rome. Brimming with fascinating detail, intriguing narrative, and swift action, the book of Acts highlights the unfolding drama of the church as it comes to life amidst hardship, contentions, and persecution.

In “Stuff … About Letters to this New ‘Church’” the New Testa-

Gasts were Honored Dick Gast, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Float Committee Chairman, and Lynn Gast, who chairs the volunteer Petal Pushers, received The Great Commission Award from Concordia University in Irvine, Calif. The award was presented May 4 during the 2013 commencement. The Great Commission Award honors recipients for

6 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

ment—minus the Gospels—is covered. Here Wurdeman’s focus is the assemblies of believers, those scattered “churches,” that received letters of instruction from the apostle Paul as well as from Peter, James, John, Jude, and the author of Hebrews. Also included is the book of Revelation. Taken together these 22 texts gave the early believers critical teachings on Christ’s divine nature and His redemptive mission; the eternal hope all sinners share through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection; numerous examples of Christian conduct and how to live out one’s faith in this world; nitty-gritty info from Paul’s missionary treks and his interaction with churches and individuals under his guidance; and, last but not least, a glimpse of end times as given in the apocalyptic book of Revelation.

Over the last four years of filming “Stuff” episodes, Wurdeman’s disarming style marked his fireside chats as friendly and sincere. While keeping the episodes engaging, it was his hope to dispel some of the notions people have about the Bible. “It has long been my contention that many Christians live with a pretty rudimentary understanding of the Bible,” he said. “For many their Biblical education stopped at Sunday school or confirmation class.”

Wurdeman explains, “For instance, what Joseph’s dad gave him probably wasn’t a coat of many colors but a coat with sleeves. Adam was not only naming the animals as they went by him, he was also looking for a life partner in the animal kingdom. Abraham was an idol worshipper when God called him. David’s death bed memo to his son, Solomon, is really a ‘hit list.’ There is much we need to learn and some we need to unlearn to really understand what God is telling us in His Word. Above and beyond all of the details, is the fact that Scripture only knows one Hero—and that is the God who inspired it and the God who directs the history it records. And that is the same God who acts out of love and grace in the Old Testament and the New. It is my prayer those who use this series encounter the real salvation story from Genesis to Revelation, and that they come face to face with the God who loves them, even to the death of His Son.” n

their demonstration of commitment to furthering Christ’s Great Commission by noteworthy service through involvement and support of missionary activity and evangelism. The float and Petal Pushers are projects led by the Int’l LLL Southern California District. (Photo courtesy of CUI)

onthemove

by Kurt Buchholz Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

Embrace the

W

Messiness

of distributing them or reading them? No, we know that would be foolish. I believe that sometimes we are so consumed by maintaining, organizing, and tweaking the structures of the church that we fail miserably at being the church that this fallen world so desperately needs.

God so loved us that he gave His only begotten Son that our blunders and missteps would be erased, and we would be white as freshly fallen snow. In a similar way, Paul turned from being a great persecutor of Christians to giving up all for the sake of the Gospel. Both God and Paul did not just put up with messiness but embraced it with unrestrained love.

As Paul so deftly begins, “I am free from all” because it is through the freedom that only Christ brings that he can embrace the messiness of the world around him instead of building up walls to keep the impurities and messiness of the world away. This is not a message of admonition but a message of opportunity and hope for the future.

Together let us take that necessary step away from the comfort and control that we strive to create, and embrace the true foundation that is only in Christ as we step out with faith into a very messy world.

I pray that God continues to build in your hearts a longing to shine His light in this messy world that longs for a message of hope! n

e have all heard it before: gospel, that I may share with them in its life can be messy; relation- blessings”(1 Corinthians 9:19-23). ships can be messy; lives I pause and wonder just how difficult can be messy; but I don’t think I ministering in messiness really is. Order, would get a lot of push back when I tradition, predictability, stability—these say that ministry can be messy, too. are things that we strive to create and then We live in a world that is cling to in order to survive in our world. wrought with sin and the chaos Does clinging to these things interfere with that it brings. Even though we bear God’s desire that we cling to Him? Do we witness to a Gospel that is trium- put so much effort into maintaining that phant over that sin and transcends which we believe we can control that we that chaos, we do so in a decidedly have no time or energy left for our witness? messy world.

As a church body are we so distracted by Paul teaches us about the mess- the hopeless effort of trying to organize iness of his ministry in the messiness and control the “I have 1 Corinthians 9. In this chaos of this sinful world that chapter, Paul accepts become all we fail to “be Christ” in our own where people are as communities? Do things to all we forget to abide the status quo and, people, that daily in the purity clothed in Christ, enters that messiness so by all means of Christ’s peace that they might hear and forgiveness so of a God who came I might save that, like Paul, we some.” into this messy world can be all things to for them. Paul puts all people for the Nearly 11,000 contributing members of the International second his needs, likes, comfort sake of the Gospel?

Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL)/Lutheran Hour Ministries zones, traditions, and even his I am not suggesting that voted in the recent election to fill the open positions on the Int’l own wellbeing for the sake of his organization, structure, firm LLL Board of Directors. The elected members will be installed witness to the Gospel. foundations, and tradition during the upcoming Board of Directors meeting in July.

“For though I am free from all, should not play an important Philip Krauss II of Westland, Michigan, was re-elected to a twoI have made myself a servant to role in the lives of our Chrisyear term as Vice Chair. The following individuals were elected to all, that I might win more of them. tian communities. I am, howthree-year terms as Directors: Londa Borer-Skov (incumbent) of To the Jews I became as a Jew, in ever, suggesting we are wastSacramento, California; Paul Pettit of Lincoln, Nebraska; Richard order to win Jews. To those under ing our time if these things Sindlinger (incumbent) of York, Pennsylvania; and William Snow the law I became as one under the consume the majority of our (incumbent) of Watertown, South Dakota. law (though not being myself un- focus, time, and resources to der the law) that I might win those the detriment of the engage“With God’s continued blessings, these individuals will provide under the law. To those outside ment of our communities the strong visionary leadership necessary to move the Gospel the law I became as one outside and the world with the witoutreach ministries of this organization forward,” says Kurt Buchthe law (not being outside the law ness that Paul lived out so holz, Int’l LLL board chairman. of God but under the law of Christ) selflessly.

This is the second year that all contributing members have had that I might win those outside the Do we build homes and an opportunity to participate in the election through mail-in and law. To the weak I became weak, structures with no intention internet voting. Board members had previously been elected by that I might win the weak. I have of using, living in, or working attendees of the Int’l LLL’s international convention. n become all things to all people, in them? Do we print newsthat by all means I might save papers, magazines, tracts, some. I do it all for the sake of the and Bibles with no intention

Election Results Announced

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 7

Partnering to Meet the Demand for an Arabic Catechism

I

“

had a poor understanding of Christian teaching; any knowledge I had of Christianity I had obtained only through Islamic books because I could not find good books to guide me through Christian doctrines. But when I heard your program, my hunger for truth was satisfied at last.”

This message from Kateb, a young Muslim, is typical of many letters that Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon receives from listeners to their Gospel radio programs. In partnership with Michigan-based Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Lutheran Hour Ministries will soon increase the availability of an important resource for reaching out to people who, like Kateb, are struggling with the fundamentals of Christianity: an Arabic-language catechism.

In 1982, Director Moris Jahshan of Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon translated the 1943 Concordia Publishing House edition of Luther’s Small Catechism into Arabic to help listeners understand the most basic Christian teachings. Since the rise of radical Islam and the violence of the recent Arab Spring, the Lebanon ministry center—known locally as Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM)—has noticed an increase in letters like Kateb’s.

At the same time, more and more pastors and ministry leaders in the United States have begun contacting Christian organizations for Arabic-language resources. The need is greater than ever for a clear and simple Arabic-language exposition of Christian teaching.

Rev. Hicham Chehab ministers to Arabic speakers through Salam Christian Fellowship (LCMS) in Lombard, Ill. When he learned of the growing need for Arabic-language Christian resources in the United States, he was quick to tell people about the

An Arabic translation of Luther’s catechism is now available in the United States thanks to LHM and the outreach support of people like you!

MELM catechism, which he had discovered during the time he was living in Beirut.

“Since I began ministry to Muslims in Chicagoland,” he says, “I have learned from people of nine Arab nationalities that all of them understand this translation 100 percent! ” Eric Gates sees the need. He serves as Lutheran Hour Ministries’ regional director for Africa and the Middle East. “About 3,000 copies of this catechism are planned for the first print run from this shared, joint project,” said Gates. “The Lutheran Heritage Foundation will coordinate the majority of the distribution in the United States, primarily through congregations, laypersons and pastors who are actively engaged in witnessing to Arabic-speaking Muslims.

“It’s our prayer that the Holy Spirit will use this Arabic-language catechism as a tool in bringing the Gospel to people who desperately need to know God’s love,” Gates added. “And if demand is as strong as we anticipate, we are prepared to explore an updated version that incorporates the 1991 CPH edition—and presents the English and Arabic texts side by side!”

Contact Lutheran Heritage Foundation by e-mail; info@LHFMISSIONS.org or call 586-781-4286 to learn how to order this resource. n Rev. Hicham Chehab shares an Arabic translation of the Bible with individuals longing to hear the freeing Gospel of Christ.

8 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

onthemove

by Bruce Wurdeman Executive Director Lutheran Hour Ministries

It’s a Different World

T

his isn’t the world in which I grew up! I’m 64 so that probably isn’t a very profound statement.

I grew up in a close suburb of Kansas City, in a small house just like the house next door, and the house across the street, and the house behind us. I grew up in one of those “subdivisions” (we didn’t call them that at that time) where every house is pretty much the same, built for families like mine where dad hasn’t been back from World War II for all that long—and he and his bride are starting a family.

I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone was pretty much like us—all the kids had two parents, and all the families went to church except for two.

Before long my two younger sisters did their mission work on those families, and they joined our church. It seemed that most everyone was either in church or looking for a good church.

That’s the world in which I grew up.

That’s not today’s world. I nev-

It isn’t the world I grew up in

er know what statistics to believe, but one I think must be about right is that, on any given weekend, only about 17% of the U.S. population attends religious services of any kind. In that other 83% you’ll find a variety of people who are not actively connected to churches. Some are angry at or

to engage those burned out on church. A few are who are seeking atheists. Some are indifferent. But a church home, the vast majority of those people we are talking to not sitting in your pews on Suna shrinking perday morning believe in God or, at centage of our least, “a god,” and actually think population. Most about spiritual things. In fact, as people aren’t much as 80% of the U.S. populaseeking a good tion claims to be Christian. But church, and yet an ever increasing number shun they still identiinvolvement in churches and refy themselves as ligious institutions. Most are still Bruce Wurdeman “spiritual.” “spiritual but not religious”—not Jesus met people where they were. He engaged in a church.

One recent trip serves as an example of this “spir- didn’t hang up a shingle in downtown Jeitual but not religious” phenomenon. On this trip, I rusalem, set up office hours, and wait for interacted with three strangers. My seatmate on one the throngs to show up. He went where the flight was a man who left the LCMS for very per- people were. He traveled from village to sonal reasons and became an Episcopalian. On an- village. He hung out with the dregs of soother leg of that journey, I sat next to a woman who ciety. He interacted with lepers. He went had dedicated her life to helping people in Nicara- to non-Jewish places. He even struck up a gua—she had been there more than 40 times. She conversation with a Samaritan woman at a had tried some non-denominational churches but well. It appears to me that Jesus did much hadn’t settled anywhere. My third conversation was more engaging than inviting—or at least with a bus driver. He began by asking me if I was a that His invitations were preceded by His Christian. I said, “I am a follower of engagements. In other words, Jesus got Jesus—a Christian.” Then I asked if involved in the lives of people—including he was a Christian. His answer: “No. our lives, in our world—and then laid down I don’t think so. I think I’m a Baptist.” His life for us.

Take a good look at the world around Before I could go further, he asked if God talks to me. I told him God talks us—at our communities and our neighto me through His Word in the Bible. borhoods. We need to realize that the way Then He said that God told him to buy we did outreach in the 1950s and 1960s a lottery ticket with a certain set of isn’t so effective anymore. We need to recognize that trying to reach those who numbers.

It isn’t the world I grew up in—but are actively seeking a good church home people still hunger for fulfillment, means that we are concentrating on a rapfor spiritual things, but many are not idly dwindling population. Maybe we need involved in a church and few are ac- to take a page out of Jesus’ book and get intually looking for a good church. The volved in the everyday lives of people who people I most often encounter are don’t know Him. Maybe we need to spend less time in meetings and more time in our “spiritual but not religious.”

This means that most people get up on a Sun- communities, rubbing shoulders with and day morning and worship isn’t even on their radar. getting to know those who aren’t looking It means that, if you want to see the mission field for a good church—but are still searching in your area on a Sunday morning, check McDon- for something. And just maybe you and I ald’s or Starbucks or your local golf club. It probably will get to see the Holy Spirit work through means that the ways we used to engage our com- us and our churches to touch the hearts munities aren’t working that well anymore. And it and lives of the many “spiritual but not remeans that when we do things that are attempting ligious” we meet each day. n The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 9

Satellite Centers E.X.P.A.N.D in Latin America

by Nilo Figur

T

oday Lutheran Hour Ministries is proclaiming the Gospel in 10 Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

We are called to go to more still, and as we respond to LHM’s threefold international strategy—to reach young people, unreached peoples, and people in large urban centers—we are constantly alert to opportunities to expand our Gospel outreach.

One of the most cost-effective strategies for planting new international ministries is the “satellite center.” A satellite center is designed to extend the evangelistic activity of an established ministry center into another country or region—and to enhance the outreach of a missionary or indigenous church. The responsibility of administering the satellite center remains with the established center, but programs are developed in conjunction with local mission or ministry partners.

Lutheran Hour Ministries has opened three new satellite outreach centers in Latin America. One center is in Peru and has been established as a satellite of Lutheran Hour Ministries—Panama. It will support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s mission team led by Rev. Mark Eisold. The center’s work will include an intensive urban strategy to reach out in Peru’s capital, Lima, which is home to some 9 million people.

Lutheran Hour Ministries—Nicaragua will support and administer another satellite that will reach out with the Gospel in the Dominican Republic. Nicaragua Director Ricardo Arguello will administer this center; local coordinator Yban Navarro and a team

Victor Verruck (front right) directs LHM in Bolivia and is operating the new satellite center with the help of the Bolivian leaders shown here.

10 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

of volunteers will carry out programs in support of LHM’s director in Nicaragua is Ricardo Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod mission work Arguello (right), throughout the country. who is seen advising Bolivia is the location of the third center, which Yban Navarro of the will be a satellite of Lutheran Hour Ministries— satellite center in the Paraguay and administered by Paraguay Director Dominican Republic.

Victor Verruck. LHM’s evangelism partner will be the Lutheran Evangelical Christian Church of Bolivia (ICEL), which is based in Cochabamba. Outreach to youth will be a major strategic focus of this center.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ experience, media programs, and printed materials will help ministry workers in these countries reach out effectively and touch people’s lives with the Gospel in their own language and culture. It is an exciting time for our work in Latin America—and we are looking forward eagerly to supporting our Synod and our sister churches in their mission efforts.

For more information about Lutheran Hour Ministries’ outreach efforts in Latin America, visit www.lhmint.org. n Rev. Nilo Figur is LHM’s regional director for Latin America.

A satellite center is designed to extend the evangelistic activity of an established ministry center into another country or region— and to enhance the outreach of a missionary or indigenous church.

“The speakers during the main sessions were helpful, inspiring, and encouraging. The topics offered during the breakout sessions were pertinent to the challenges we face on a daily basis.”

“My favorite part of the ROC was discussing Gospel-sharing scenarios as presented via short, high quality videos. The scenarios were practical and applicable to everyday life. Also, the videos were topnotch and the acting was very good (not superficial or corny). As a result, the videos promoted valuable discussion in both small and large groups.”

“The conference topics, actionable teachings, and breeding ground for motivation are irreplaceable, and worth so much more than the mere cost of attending.”

Survey Says:

Register NOW for a ROC! God has called us as Christians to join Him in His mission and has challenged us to make His message of hope known in today’s increasingly post-Christian culture. But where can we learn to be empowered to share His message with others without fear?

Providing individuals with the necessary tools to witness effectively is why Lutheran Hour Ministries unveiled its Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) to more than 2,000 attendees in 2011 and is hosting eight more events throughout 2013. This year’s slate kicked off in late February/early March with back-to-back conferences in California, where attendees learned how to use their God-given gifts to share the Gospel with hurting people in ways that are culturally relevant and effective.

Many California ROC attendees shared in their post-conference surveys how the Regional Outreach Conference was a blessing to them, helping them grow in their ability to “Make HIM Known” and connecting them to resources, organizations, and other Christians who can walk beside them in their everyday witness! Here are just a few of the comments offering reasons why you should attend a conference this summer/fall: “I enjoyed meeting members of other congregations who realize the need to share the Gospel authentically with the 21st century culture. I share their frustration with those who don’t see the need.”

“I loved the networking between people! There was a great spirit. Everyone was really excited to learn and discuss things they had heard.”

“What I learned at the ROC has helped me in my new role as elder for our congregation. I pray that elders can become an example for our congregation to become more caring and missional minded.”

“This provided a great reminder about the opportunities for witness around us all the time. I loved the role playing and discussion videos!”

“God encouraged me through the speakers’ messages, through my fellow believers’ obvious love for sharing their faith and their outreach ideas, and through moving and solid worship of our Lord!”

Visit www.lhm.org to find everything you need to know about Regional Outreach Conferences coming soon in Richmond, Virginia (Aug. 2-4); Cleveland, Ohio (Aug. 9-10); Nashville, Tennessee (Sept.

6-7); Omaha, Nebraska (Oct. 18-19); and Houston, Texas (Nov. 15-16). Each conference will feature multi-media, prominent outreach speakers, handson witnessing opportunities, small- and large-group discussions, and information-packed breakout sessions covering a variety of outreach topics to help attendees reach today’s culture. There will also be fun and engaging activities for adults and kids, live worship music, and powerful ministry tools to enrich and inspire attendees to share the love of Jesus, our spiritual ROCK, with people in their world.

Don’t miss this chance for you, your family and friends, and your congregation members to sharpen your witnessing skills by attending a Regional Outreach Conference! n

What do you say to people Who don’t

believe in Mission U, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ witnessing training program, is becoming even stronger! each series will soon feature new videos full of tips to change a culture that disregards god.

hell?

read more about it in the next issue of The Lutheran Layman, or

www.whatsmissionu.com!

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 11

by Kristopher Whitby

Just before His ascension, Jesus said to His disciples; “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Our Lord brings salvation through His life, death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, He now sends His Church throughout the world to share the Gospel so that all might believe in Him and receive that gift of salvation.

Two thousand years later, a Lutheran congregation in suburban Chicago may seem like an unlikely place from which our Lord would send His followers “to the ends of the earth,” but, through our partnership with Lutheran Hour Ministries, “You will be our Lord has given the members of Saint Paul My witnesses Lutheran Church in in Jerusalem, Mt. Prospect, IL wonderful chances to reach and in all Judea, out with the touch of and Samaria, His message of grace their Internaand to the ends through tional Volunteer Trips of the earth” program. This program offers unique, shortterm volunteer team opportunities to work alongside Lutheran Hour Ministries staff and volunteers in projects such as outreach events, care for children, healthcare training, and construction.

Come get your passport stamped and journey with our Saint Paul team as we take a quick look at how our Lord Jesus has blessed us to reach out with His Gospel, going “to the ends of the earth.”

Destination-Cairo, Egypt In the spring of 2008 our team journeyed to Cairo to serve as a construction team, working on the Fagella Girls’ Orphanage. Like any trip to a far-away place, our team experienced culture shock. Spending time in a land where English was not commonly spoken, eating foods that, for us, seemed exotic, and simply the experience of spend12 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

Pastor Whitby (front, kneeling) with team members and others during an overseas International Volunteer Trip.

ing time in a place where so few people know Jesus as their Savior was certainly a new encounter for many of our team.

However, we also had the chance to receive the warmth and hospitality of our LHM and orphanage hosts.

Our goal over the two weeks we were there was to repair a portion of the roof in the school wing of the orphanage that had been damaged in the last rainy season. However, our deeper goal was to simply be used by our LHM hosts and the orphanage in whatever they felt would best bless their work. Many days were filled with repairing the roof, fixing broken cabinets in the school’s library, and doing whatever other minor repairs were needed. One of our team members became an “orphanage hero” as he was able to fix several circular fans by salvaging parts from other fans. We learned well how air movement is a valuable thing in the Egyptian heat.

We also had the opportunity to work with our Lutheran Hour Ministries hosts for a day, helping to prepare and assemble Bible studies and outreach materials that deliver the good news of Jesus to many in Egypt. We learned that our LHM hosts would actually hand deliver the outreach materials to the homes of those who requested them, sometimes at very real risk to

themselves. Our LHM hosts shared with us that we were able to prepare in one day what it would have taken their small team two months to get ready. It was our prayer that our Lord would use the materials to bring many to know Christ as Savior.

Each evening was spent seeking ways to share Christ’s love with the children of the orphanage.

This often translated into our tired team playing a rousing game of soccer with the children on the concrete inner courtyard of the orphanage. However, sharing the love of Christ was not a one-way street. At the end of our visit, the orphans shared through their head mistress that they wanted to put on a play for their American friends. They said that while we would not understand the language, we would still get the point to the play. That evening, dressed in the best costumes they could pull together, the orphans gave us their dramatic version of the story of King Solomon ruling between two mothers’ dispute over a child in I Kings 4. As we watched the play, it dawned on us why this portion of Scripture would be so meaningful to a group of orphans, many of whom had no mother who would plead for their lives. With hearts touched, we gave thanks to our Lord for these faithful little sisters in Christ and for the opportunity to show them their Savior’s love in such a practical way.

Destination-Vinh Long, Vietnam It was not long before our Saint Paul short-term mission team found another blessed opportunity to work with LHM. This time, it was in the jungles

One of the Saint Paul teams in Vietnam

of Southeast Asia along the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.

Vietnam is the most populous country among the nations of Southeast Asia, yet only about eight percent of the country’s population knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Yet, through the work of the Holy Spirit, there is a witnessing Christian church that is emerging from years of persecution.

In the late winter of 2011, with hearts poised to serve in whatever way the Lord might use us, our team made the nearly 29 hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Our mission goal was to build four homes for some of the poorest families in province of Vihh Long in south Vietnam. While many on our team are experienced builders, this would be a unique experience as we would be constructing huts made out of coconut leaves and bamboo.

The homes, however, provided more than just housing for the families we served. They also afford LHM mission workers further inroads to bring the Gospel of Christ to the neighborhoods in which the homes were built. We learned from our LHM host that before our arrival to build the homes, the government would not allow LHM into those communities. However, now that LHM was able to provide teams that build the much-needed housing, local government officials would now allow LHM to return to those neighborhoods to provide follow-up care for those who received the homes. Along with these visits LHM would be able to share why we had come to build these homes with the friends and neighbors who may be curious. LHM would be able to tell these communities that our team came in response to Jesus’ love in our lives that had given us salvation which is His gift to them as well.

For many on our team, the most exciting part of this trip was the way by which we reached the work sites.

Effective means of transportation, even for Pastor Whitby (far left).

When the LHM van that transported our team ...our team came could go no further because the roads had become too narrow, representatives of the People’s Repub- in response to lic of Vietnam would meet us on motor scooters. Jesus’ love in We’d hop on the back of their scooters, and they would drive us deeper into the jungle to our work our lives that sites. However, the highlight of this trip came for had given us our team on the final day we were in Vinh Long. salvation, which That day, we were invited to a house blessing for the homes we had built where the governor for is His gift to the region invited me to offer a prayer of blessing them as well. for the homes with his own news cameras rolling.

It was an honor to pray to our Savior and ask that the good news of His death and resurrection would come to be known in each of the homes we had been blessed to build.

In the end, more homes were built than expected and relationships that stretched across language and culture were built as well as open doors to share Christ’s love with those who do not know Him.

Destination-Beong Nimol, Cambodia Again, in the late winter of 2013, our Saint Paul team made ready to return with LHM to Southeast Asia. This time, our International Volunteer team would journey to Cambodia, seeking to construct two classrooms on a partner church’s property in the Prich village.

While Cambodia had suffered much during the days of Pol Pot’s dictatorship [the effects of which are still greatly felt by the people], this country is currently not under the influence of Communism, so reaching out with the Gospel is an easier endeavor.

While there, our team learned that, as in Vietnam, LHM often reaches people with the Good News of Jesus through puppetry. Puppetry is considered a form of art here, and children and adults alike see next page The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 13

Experience the Outreach!

Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) partners with individuals and church congregations to share the Gospel in more than 30 countries. Working through local staff at ministry centers in each country, LHM’s International Ministries Partnership program enables you to be actively involved, communicate directly, give financial support, and encourage a ministry center of your choice. As a result, you will build relationships with our staff and volunteers, and support a variety of outreach programs, such as helping children and youth learn about Christ through vacation Bible schools; training lay church leaders to share God’s Word through Equipping the Saints evangelism workshops; and organizing public events that not only entertain, but also promote a Christian witness.

Check the opportunities for international outreach at www.lhm.org (then click on International Ministries Partnerships and discover the options). n “Many...could hear the Gospel...!”

Witness

from page 14

will come to enjoy the show LHM puts on where the puppets help to tell the stories of God’s Word. We were able to witness such outreach and even help in setting up the stage so that many children could hear the message of the Gospel during a birthday party for one of the village children.

As often happens, our Lord used our team to share His compassion in an unexpected way during our mission. While there, The opportunities a woman, who had are numerous, just recently come know Jesus as to share His to her Savior, died.

Good News locally, Her daughter was nationally, or also a Christian and had been a faith“to the ends ful witness to her of the earth.” mother, which the Spirit used in bringing this woman to faith. However, the rest of her family, not being believers, had shunned this woman and her mother and refused to come to the funeral. Our LHM host requested that our team come and share the comfort of our presence as fellow believers in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

This woman may not have had biological family there that day, but her family in Christ was there to celebrate 14 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

Christ’s gift of eternal life.

Like so many of our journeys, our Lord had accomplished far more than we could have hoped for in our mission plans.

Destination-Saint Paul, Mt. Prospect, IL For me, as Senior Pastor, one of the added blessings of serving with a congregation who rejoices when our Lord gives us the chance to go to “the ends of the earth” with His Gospel is that it has helped develop in our congregation a desire to see how we might reach out with His message of forgiving grace in the shadow of our own steeple. Local community outreach projects and simply having “open eyes” for how a church event might draw someone new to our ministry has in part found inspiration from our distance mission trips.

How might our Lord use you? Or a team from your church? The opportunities are numerous, to share His Good News locally, nationally, or “to the ends of the earth.” As you do, may you and those you serve be blessed with Christ’s grace. n The Rev. Kristopher Whitby is senior pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church and School in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, and is supportive of LHM.

Attendees at an Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshop in Myanmar help themselves to Gospel materials.

Vacation Bible schools such as this one in Guatemala are a good way to communicate Good News in Christ.

Leading the Way in Gospel Support

by Brad Neathery

Lutheran Hour Ministries realizes that we are taking a bold step when we ask individuals like you to support the mission of this ministry. We joyfully ask others to be involved financially because we believe God has called Lutheran Hour Ministries to share His Good News with a hungry world.

We also ask with integrity because our staff supports this organization’s mission as well. The 2013-2014 Lutheran Hour Ministries Family Campaign recently kicked off “Example is at a special celebration ceremony in April.

Staff members came together to celebrate not the main the work of this ministry and the opportunithing in influenc- ties they have to be involved every day.

Early results of the Family Campaign ing others. It is have shown that over 75 percent of Lutherthe only thing.” an Hour Ministries’ staff is choosing to give —Albert Schweitzer back to this ministry in 2013. These staff members lead by example in showing donors that they don’t ask others to support something they’re not supporting themselves.

Staff member Paul Schreiber says it well: “Lutheran Hour Ministries relies on donor dollars to continue its Gospel outreach. I feel it’s important to support the organization I work for and believe in.” This is a core principle of Christian life–to lead not only with your words, but with your heart and life as well.

The majority of staff giving to Lutheran Hour Ministries takes place through automatic deductions. This mode of giving is convenient for individuals and saves time and resources for the ministry.

Donors outside of Lutheran Hour Ministries can choose to make automatic gifts as well. By providing information for your credit card or bank account, Lutheran Hour Ministries will be able to take care of fulfilling your gift. You can even request limited mail, since you’ll Paul Schreiber know you are already committed to partnering with Lutheran Hour Ministries throughout the year.

For more information on automatic giving or the Family Campaign, contact the Ministry Advancement Division at lhm-gift@lhm.org or 1-800-944-3450.

The Family Campaign at Lutheran Hour Ministries sets a great example of supporting causes in which you invest your heart and your time. Please follow this example and partner in God’s mission to reach a lost and hungry world. n

Every Christian life is a witness

Every Christian life is a witness

Every Christian life is a witness

Build relationships that lead to opportunities for authentic witness Build relationships that lead to opportunities for authentic witness

Build relationships that lead to opportunities for authentic witness

Reach out to the nations Reach out to the nations

Reach out to the nations facebook.com/ facebook.com/ LutheranHourMinistries LutheranHourMinistries

Follow us on Follow usTwitter: on Twitter: @LHMglobalmin @LHMglobalmin

www.LHM.org

www.LHM.org

facebook.com/ LutheranHourMinistries

Follow us on Twitter: @LHMglobalmin

www.LHM.org

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 15

Need a Comeback?

Project Connect Can Help

by Paul Schreiber

Comebacks. They’re the stuff of dreams, movies, novels, and legends. For anybody who’s blown it and been left wondering if there was any way up from rock bottom, comebacks top the priority list. No matter how far the long shot or how steep the odds, just knowing there’s a chance—a mere glimmer of hope—is often enough to keep us going. Beating the odds is what the latest booklet from Project Connect—Comebacks: How to Get Back up after Life Knocks You Down is all about.

Sadly, things that can derail us and topple our world are all around these days. Natural disasters, human crazies, financial perils, messed-up childhoods—any or all of these R can put us down—and keep us there, if we TE AF P BACK U HOW TO GET S YOU DOWN let them. There’s good news, though. GetCK O LIFE KN ting knocked down isn’t getting knocked out. Whether it’s a sucker punch or a shot from your blind side that put you on the floor, you can make a comeback.

But there is one problem. It often takes more than good intentions and a positive mental attitude—though both are important—to pick up the pieces and make the necessary changes.

Sometimes what we face is a thing or a problem we can’t get past. It’s then we need to let go, surrendering it to Him who alone has our “back” and our best interests at heart. Understanding this, we know at the center of our comeback is God, who alone can transform our lives from the inside out. “It’s a decision to trust He is good even when everything around you seems to be screaming the opposite, and then to sit back and watch as He shows you His goodness,” writes Pastor Dion Garrett, author of this booklet.

Unspinning the fairy tale of a trouble-free life, Garrett reminds readers that troubles abound in this life. Of the points he offers to those making a comeback, two stand out: 1) God isn’t the source or cause of our troubles, and 2) God uses our troubles to shape us into the people He wants us to be. Understanding this, however, is a matter of trusting “that God is good, no matter what,” Garrett writes. To the person making a comeback grounded in faith, he urges readers to remember that “Jesus is present. He cares. He’s good. He knows what it’s like to be knocked down, and He has shown the world that He has the power to rise.”

When you buy 20 booklets of Comebacks, you receive 5 FREE! (Order 40 get 10 free, 60 get 15 free, etc.) To order, go to our special Comebacks ordering page at www.lhm.org/comeback and enter the coupon code, LMBACK13. Hurry, offer ends Sept. 30, 2013!

To learn more about Project Connect booklets in general (many of which are also in Spanish), and to check out our handy display rack options, please go to www.lhm.org/projectconnect. n

Comebacks

cks

P AFTER DOWN

would like agenda. world that can art.” Natural erils, messed-up put us down— s There’s good new cked n’t getting kno r you m fro t sho ra can e ground, you

t metimes our bes at Sometimes wh get ’t can blem we ing let go, surrender t ack” and our bes know g this, we then d’s Go in is our “trust rites author and He cision to trust ms around you see back , and then to sit ss.” dne His goo

at work ack—His grace

6BE150

8557 is, MO 63141ter Dr. • St. Lou 80 • www.lhm.org 1-800-876-98

16 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

Phyllis Wallace was presented the recent award by Dr. Patrick Ferry, CUAA’s interim president.

Phyllis Wallace Received Award

Phyllis Wallace recently received the Christus Primus Award from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Mich., for distinguished service to the Church and community.

She was the originator and host of “Woman to Woman” Radio-Talk, produced by LHM from 1993-2011. Recognized for her pioneering efforts in women’s broadcast ministry, Wallace based her acceptance on the CUAA verse of the year, Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

She said, “I didn’t set out to be a pioneer-anything. I did ask the Lord to use my gift, which happens to be to ‘encourage the weary with words,’ to serve Him. Looking back, that’s exactly what He did.

He will do the same for your gifts, when you put Christ first! Thank you for this acknowledgement of His work in and through my life!” n

Board Nominations Open for 2014 Nominations for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries are being requested now for next spring’s election. Lutheran Hour Ministries members (donors who have given a gift to the ministry between Oct. 1, 2012, and March 31, 2014) will vote in the Spring 2014 election via mail-in or Internet ballots for the roles of chair and four director positions.

You are urged to prayerfully consider the God-given talents, skill sets, passion for outreach ministry, and service to the Lord of potential nominees who are members of a congregation in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or Lutheran Church—Canada. To download a nominations form, or learn more about eligibility requirements for nominees, visit www. lhm.org/nominations. Nominations must be received by Oct. 1, 2013. n

Four Bible Studies Win Tellys Four Men’s NetWork Bible studies have recently received seven Telly Awards for their excellence in video production. Warriors of Faith—Military Men; The Intersection of Church & State; Death…Then What? and Winning the Race are the winners in the 34th Annual Telly Awards competition. “The Telly Awards honors the very best film & video productions, groundbreaking online video content, and outstanding local, regional, & cable TV commercials and programs,” according to the Telly Awards’ website.

Founded in 1978 by David E. Carter, an entrepreneur, writer, and expert on graphic design, logo design, and corporate branding, each year the Telly Awards receive some 11,000 submissions, from which judges dole out statues to winners in silver and bronze categories. To date there have been nine Men’s NetWork Bible studies that have received a total of 17 Telly Awards.

Respectively, the four Men’s NetWork studies listed above are hosted by Chaplain Steven Hokana (Military, topic: issues of anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness, and love as they impact military personnel); Rev. Gregory Seltz (Intersection, topic: relationship between church and state in America); Rev. Michael Newman (Death, topic: death and life beyond the grave); and Chris Schneider (Winning, topic: applying lessons from sports to our daily Christian lives). Each of these multi-session Bible studies creatively explores a topic relevant to Christian life, and features engaging video and a discussion guide, which is ideal for either personal or group use.

Men’s NetWork Bible studies cover a wide range of subjects. The four winners mentioned here—as well as numerous other productions—can all be found at www.lhmmen.com. There you will find brief summaries for each study, accompanying promo videos, downloading instructions, and purchasing opportunities. n

Children Have Devotions, too!

Children can enjoy specially written daily devotions at the website www.jcplayzone.com. When they reach that site, they simply click on the “devotion” option at the bottom of the screen. Even adults can join in by reading the devotion aloud. Here is a recent sample written

by Jesse Liebmann, an eighth grader.

My Bible Verse: “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God, will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Tommy’s dad was teaching him how to ride his bike. Tommy was scared that he was going to crash. His dad was holding the back of the bike the whole time telling him that he was there and wasn’t going to leave him. Soon, Tommy calmed down and was able to ride by himself. Tommy felt good when his dad was by his side, but he felt even better knowing that God was with him, also. When we are scared, we can remember that God is always with us and will never leave us. God is always watching out for us and He loves us very much.

My Prayer: Dear God, thank You for always being with me and protecting me.

Amen. n

www.jcplayzone.com a program brought to you by

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 17

Rev. Jaime Kriger fields questions about Lutheran Radio UK in LHM’s studio.

Lutheran Programming in England:

a Breath of Fresh Air

by Greg Koenig

In recent generations, England—formerly a hub of religious activity during the era of the Reformation—has followed much of the rest of Europe in the continent’s general drift away from Christianity and the Gospel. Yet, The Lutheran Hour is broadcast there as part of an Internet initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England. In May, Rev. Jaime Kriger, manager of Lutheran Radio UK, home of The Lutheran Hour in England, visited Lutheran Hour Ministries’ St. Louis studio and spoke to announcer Mark Eischer about Lutheran radio ministry.

Mark Eischer: Pastor, welcome to our studios here at The Lutheran Hour. You’re based in London; it’s an Internet radio station—how did it get started?

Jaime Kriger: It started about a year ago as a project of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England. And we’ve been able to reach out, by the grace of God, to 136 countries.

We’ve been able to reach out, by the grace of God, to 136 countries.

18 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

Mark Eischer: Tell me a little bit about your background and how you came to be involved with Lutheran Radio UK. Jaime Kriger: Well, I am a Brazilian…with German origins, and I came over to the UK— not to study for the ministry but to pursue a doctorate in marketing. But I ended up at Westfield House in Cambridge, did my theological studies there, was ordained as a pastor in 2010, and then was called to do media ministry.

Mark Eischer: Some of the countries you mention you’ve reached are probably places where an outright expression of Christianity may not be permissible; is that correct?

Jaime Kriger: Yes; in 34 of the countries, the majority of people are Muslims. If you’re found to be listening to Christian “propaganda,” as they would say in these places, it’s possible you could be killed. It’s rewarding that we’re able to reach out to those places, to speak to people there—and these are tiny seeds that God is planting in those locations.

Mark Eischer: The area of Internet broadcasting really is “broadcasting without borders.” You’re going directly to the listener through their computer; that’s a bold way to go.

Jaime Kriger: We’re learning as we grow in

this, but the opportunities we see ahead of us are amazing, because the technology is advancing in such a way that you can talk to people in a very personal way on their laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. It’s opening a whole new area of mission through media and technology that we’re only beginning to make use of.

Mark Eischer: What would you say is the spiritual climate in England right now, and how does the Lutheran message of the Gospel speak to that?

Jaime Kriger: I would say that the Christian climate in the UK is not very good. Just to give you an idea: around 8 percent of the population is said to come to church, but those are not “regulars.” If you want to speak about “regular churchgoers,” I would put it at half that percentage. You could say with certainty that the UK (as it is) is a post-Christian country. I think the Lutheran message of Law and Gospel and redemption and salvation in Christ Jesus alone has that “breath of fresh air” that is much-needed.

Mark Eischer: If a listener of The Lutheran Hour wanted to log on and listen to Lutheran Radio UK, what would he or she need to do?

Jaime Kriger: They can go to this site: www.lutheranradio.co.uk. Click on “Listen Live” to hear what’s currently on. We do have The Lutheran Hour on Lutheran Radio UK—or you can choose any of our other programs or podcasts. n

“First Fruits” Giving and You

F

or those working in the agricultural industry, the middle of summer is an important time. You reflect on the work you did in the spring and early summer and look towards the results you will see in the fall and winter. Lutheran Hour Ministries prays that the work of your hands will flourish and you will see God’s blessings.

The First Fruits Giving program at Lutheran Hour Ministries allows people to respond to God’s blessings in a special way. Farmers, ranchers, cattlemen, and others working in agriculture can partner in God’s mission through gifts of crops, land, property, livestock, or other bounty with which you have been blessed by God. Farmers selling crops can direct a portion of their payment to be sent directly to Lutheran Hour Ministries. Ranchers and cattlemen can follow a similar path by directing a portion of the livestock sale revenue to Lutheran Hour Ministries as well. Even better, by having your buyer send your gift directly to Lutheran Hour Ministries, your family will likely qualify for significant tax savings in return for your gift.

For those considering selling or downsizing property or land, Lutheran Hour Ministries can help you as well. You can donate property outright or look into a range of charitable gift vehicles that allow you to receive income for your family for life and then have your property go to support God’s mission when you go on to glory.

These gift planning options can be tremendously beneficial for those in the agricultural industry considering how to enter retirement while providing for their family. Whatever goals you have in mind, a Ministry Advancement Officer at Lutheran Hour Ministries can help you make the choice that is best for you.

If you would like to explore how you can make a difference in God’s mission at Lutheran Hour Ministries through the First Fruits Giving program, please contact the Lutheran Hour Ministries Gift Planning Department at 1-877-333-1963 or lhm-gift@lhm.org. n

Relax

…It’s taken care of.

Have your gifts automatically debited from your checking account or credit card! It’s EASY AND CONVENIENT! Visit www.lhm.org/gme or call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4130.

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 19

Many of the world’s unreached people practice Islam. Muslims like these women often attend Lutheran Hour Ministries rallies and discover the peace of a loving God.

Carrying on the Apostle Paul’s “Ambition”:

Unreached People

“I make it my ambition to preach the Gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of Him will see, and those who have never heard will understand’” — (Romans 15:20-21).

E

very day we set priorities. Sometimes we get derailed and find ourselves spending an inordinate amount of time on less significant things.

This can be called “majoring in the minors.”

The apostle Paul was clear about his priority for ministry—it was to take the Gospel to those who might otherwise have little or no opportunity to hear it. Not that he didn’t care for his fellow Christians around the Roman world—his expressions of love and concern are everywhere in his letters to the Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, and so on. But his ambition was to proclaim the Gospel where people had not been told of Jesus, so that they could see Him and understand how God had reconciled the world to Himself.

Paul’s ambition is a ministry priority we share in Lutheran Hour Ministries’ International Division.

While it is true that about one-third of the seven billion people alive today identify themselves as followers of Christ, it is equally true that about another third have little or no opportunity to hear of Him. We call them “unreached people”—because they live in places where either there is no local Christian com-

20 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

munity to spread the Word, or if some local Christian communities do exist, they are a small and oppressed segment of the population and as such have little evangelistic impact. In general, these are places that are dominated by Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and even secularism.

There are many obstacles to reaching people in these areas. In some, Islam, Hinduism, and even Buddhism have become radicalized, and Christians in these places have often been persecuted. In other places such as China, secularism has resulted in a population that is close to 45 percent atheistic. In some countries, there are government restrictions that severely curtail or even outlaw Christian activity.

Further, in many unreached regions and cultures, people often see Christianity as a “western” religion, or a western import— although we know that in fact Christianity extended throughout the middle east, and even as far as China, long before it ever came to Northern Europe or the Americas.

There are theological obstacles as well. Muslims, for example, cannot accept the divinity of Christ, or that He died on the cross, or that He is literally the Son of God. Moreover, there is human sin, which does not want to hear that humans are powerless to earn their own salvation.

Finally, there is fear. Many people are afraid to get caught with a Bible or with a radio tuned to a Christian broadcast. Some people fear isolation or violence, because too often people who profess faith in Christ have been shunned by their families and communities—and even beaten or killed. Others fear retribution from all kinds of vengeful spirits and supernatural forces.

Still others live in fear of what will happen when they leave

by Douglas Rutt

this world: have they been good enough; have they done enough? And their own religious systems leave them no sure hope, but rather only doubt and uncertainty.

Yet these are people for whom Christ died. That is the beauty of the Biblical message: “He died for all” (2 Corinthians 5:15); or, as Jesus Himself said, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Jesus gave His life for all people everywhere, of every nation, tribe, and language. Paul said of his own ministry, “The love of Christ compels us.” It is the love of Christ that compels us at Lutheran Hour Ministries to continue to go to those places where Jesus is not known and to assure people there that God loves them and has provided for their salvation.

In Romans 10, Paul says that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ,” and he poses the question, “how shall they hear without

Most of India’s nearly 1 billion unreached people practice some variety of Hinduism.

a preacher?” This is why it was so important for him—and is so important for us—to look for ways to bring the Gospel to the unreached.

But we also face some challenging “internal realities.” Studies indicate that 87 percent of all mission funding across denominations today goes toward work among those who are already Christian. In fact, of the 70,000 North American missionaries serving around the world, only 5,000 are working among the unreached!

Studies also report that 40 percent of the church’s global mission resources are deployed in just 10 countries, each of which already has a strong indigenous church and ministry. It is reported that 86 percent of the Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists do not even know a Christian. These things must change if people who are lost in sin are to hear that the God who created them loves them and has sent His Son Jesus Christ to set them free.

Lutheran Hour Ministries is uniquely poised to reach the unreached. Right now we are sharing the Gospel in several countries that are largely unreached—in Indonesia, for example, which has more than 175 million unreached people and the world’s largest Muslim population; in India, which has almost 1 billion unreached people; and in China, which has close to 1.1 billion unreached (that equates to more than 2 billion unreached people in three countries). And Atheism is the official “religion” of China, from just one miniswhere an estimated 1.1 billion are yet to try center—our center be reached with the Gospel. in Lebanon—we are reaching the majority of the Arabic-speaking world with radio programming that proclaims the Good News of salvation in Jesus.

Part of the unique character of our outreach to unreached people is that we work through indigenous staff who are “cultural insiders”—who know the local language and can communicate the Gospel in ways that are most meaningful and relevant to their own people. They can often carry out effective evangelistic ministry where expatriate North American missionaries cannot.

We are bold to claim Paul’s “ambition” as our ambition, too!

The love of Christ compels us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus where Christ has not been named, bringing Christ even to those nations—and those nations to the church. n (Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt directs the International Ministries Division of LHM.)

Two Bible Studies Examine Islam

The Islamic religion is a mystery for many. In two Men’s NetWork Bible studies, The Challenge of Islam (Part One): What is Islam? and The Challenge of Islam (Part Two): Defending the Christian Faith, the host introduces viewers to the basics of Islam—from the five pillars of faith to Muhammad to the Muslim view of paradise. Delivered in plain English, the productions reveal the tensions—and similarities—that abound in the Jewish-Christian-Muslim milieu. This series is ideal for informed group discussions on the nature and dynamics of Islam and the living hope Christians share through Jesus Christ.

Learn more at www.lhmmen.com. n

Get your Luth

eran Hour Min

istries

! t r i h S s e i r t s i n i M l a n o i t a n r e t In

Perfect for wearing at conventions and other gatherings. Show your support for Lutheran Hour Ministries outreach around the world!

Shirts are Mediterranean Blue and available in men’s long sleeve and women’s 3/4 sleeve.

Order yours for only $25 plus shipping at www.shoplhm.org.

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 21

Coast-to-Coast

First-Timers Made MNW WORK DAY a Success

2 3 1

5

4

6

1) Men from American Lutheran Church, Grand Junction, Colo.; 2) Men from Mount Olive and St. John Lutheran Churches, Omaha, Neb.; 3) Men’s Bible study group, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, York, Neb.; 4) Men of Hope, Hope Lutheran Church, De Pere, Wis.; 5) Men’s ministry, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palatine, Ill.; 6) Men on the move, St. John Lutheran Church, Ocala, Fla.

F

rom Florida to California, men’s groups and interested individuals participated in the inaugural Men’s NetWork WORK DAY, April 27. Signed up and ready to go were 50-plus groups totaling more than 900 people. A partial list of jobs tackled included trimming bushes and trees; removing excess furniture, desks, and trash; cleaning up yards; washing windows (these guys get the special merit award); building classroom shelves; fixing an irrigation pipe issue; raking leaves; hauling mulch; clearing plant beds, changing air filters, setting up patio furniture, mending fences — and the list goes on.

As we expected, those participating were more than happy to get involved and give up a few hours on an early spring Saturday. We were glad to hear so many enjoyed the hats that came in the registration package too.

“Thank you to the Men’s NetWork for organizing this day of service and for the great hats!” from the 20-plus crew at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Centennial, Colo.

“The LHM Men’s NetWork caps were appreciated and gave us a visible reminder of our common bond in serving the Lord!” from the guys, ranging in age from 17 to 79, at Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kan.

22 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013

“Thank you, LHM and the Men’s NetWork, for an awesome workday 2013!” from the guys at American Lutheran Church in Grand Junction, Colo.

“Thanks for the Men’s NetWork hats, we all looked better,” from the guys in Arcadia, Calif.

Now that this year’s Men’s NetWork WORK DAY is on the books, we’re thinking about next year. We’re looking for more groups to get on board and more projects to be undertaken. Does your local college campus Christian student center need some study carrels built? Would seven guys, a small load of lumber, and a plan be all that’s required to put together some cool playground features at your church? What about taking care of the paint job for that woman at church who lost her husband last year? Of course, the possibilities are endless—as is the need. We look forward to seeing what you come up with next year! Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2103 Men’s NetWork WORK DAY! To see more pictures from the work that took place on April 27, go to www.facebook.com/lhmmen n

Resources for Outreach

by Gerald Perschbacher

Ever try to witness to a Mormon? What about a Muslim? If you did, were they similar in their thinking? Consider the book, “The American Muhammad — Joseph Smith, Founder of Mormonism” by Alvin J. Schmidt (softbound, 268 pages; Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis. Mo. (www. cph.org or call 1-800-325-3040). As Mormonism gains a stronger hold on select portions of North America, Dr. Schmidt’s expertise in sociology, religion, and fraternal organizations are put in play to analyze the matter. He proposes more than 70 parallels of “mindset” and “disposition” between Muhammad and Smith and draws from original written sources. The lives and careers of Smith and Muhammad are closely studied in the book indicating that both felt “above the rule of law, and they acted accordingly” (page 164). For Christians associating with believers of these two belief systems, the book offers a revealing analysis and may be especially applicable for Christians involved in evangelizing.

If a person you visit starts talking about “those books between the Old and New Testament,” what do you do? Fourteen Lutheran contributors share their knowledge and spiritual insights in “The Apocrypha — The Lutheran Edition with Notes,” Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis. Mo. (see www.cph.org or call 1-800-325-3040 for details). Dr. Paul Maier’s foreword puts a Lutheran spin on the inter-testamental subject. As this 417 page, hardbound book educates with footnotes and supplemental comments, it can come in handy for Lutherans when preparing to converse with Roman Catholics or when making outreach visits with families that wonder about the non-canonical writings. The book provides information that can be used in conversation, should the subject of the Apocrypha arise. Thus, outreach need not be sidetracked if you are knowledgeable. Also included are comments on other ancient texts and their relevance to the Bible.

As a supporter of Lutheran Hour Ministries, author Carol Lynn Steficek puts practical ideas in print with “The Narrow Gate” (softbound, 80 pages; Morris Publishing, Kearney, NE; write/call kiki2839tm@gmail.com or 1-623-933-1718).

She notes that “the overriding theme is the necessity of sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ with a world in desperate need of hearing it” (preface).

She addresses the topics of Christianity today, evil in the world, the Bible, emerging churches, New Age, and more. There are lurking dangers. She uses Yoga as an example, where on occasion there will be pictures of “deities” on the wall alongside a picture of Christ. It is important not to think of Christ as “just one of many gods.”

She emphasizes that “He IS the way. Man just continues to refuse…and wants to do it his own way” (page 68). The book is an admirable discussion piece and pre-evangelism visit resource.

If you need to handle tough questions about life, faith, God, and outreach, consider equipping yourself with

“The Collected Sermons of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” (Fortress Press, Minneapolis, Minn.; www. fortresspress.com or call 1-800328-4648). Lutherans making visits to the homes of people who question the fortitude of Lutherans can well attest to the sermons of Bonhoeffer, who became a martyr to the faith during the Second World War — and his words are highly applicable today in translated form for the American audience. Hardbound with 214 pages, this scholarly work edited by Isabel Best relies on the expert translations of five individuals and features 31 sermons with introductory notes. Said Bonheoffer: “A real evangelical sermon must be like holding a pretty red apple in front of a child or a glass of cool water in front of a thirsty person and then asking: do you want this? We should be able to talk about matters of our faith in such a way that the hands reach out for it faster than we can fill them” (page 34).

Don’t know how to handle questions about the authority of the Christian Church and its pastors? “The Church & The Office of The Ministry” (Concordia Publishing House) is an update of the Dr. C.F. W. Walther work first published in German and later revised and translated. This new edition, edited by President Mathew C. Harrison of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, offers 495 pages as a “study edition,” ample with highly informative notes. Nearly 150 pages have been included in the appendices. Among the extra material are quotes from ancient Church teachers, exchanges between historic leaders Walther, Grabau, and Loehe, and terminology clarifications.

The book can be useful in Bible classes, theological discussions, and private visits, where the subject of the Church, its ministry, and ministers in general will often arise. A book of this magnitude can equip serious students and “evangelism callers.”

If you like to hand out booklets with a Christ-centered message, consider three booklets in high demand: “Reasons to Believe,” “PRAYER—When You Don’t Know What to Say,” and “FORGIVENESS is a Choice.” Each is available via LHM and may be ordered at the Project Connect website (www.lhm.org/projectconnect).

Designed “to help church members share Christ with the lost,” the booklets have proven their impact in bringing the Word of God into the lives of people wrestling with serious concerns. Good for a church entryway, these and a whole series of other booklets nestle into a full-size display to gain the attention of the spiritually needy. Good for use at other venues such as a doctor’s office, funeral home, even a barber shop or beauty salon.

Your congregation can add its imprint on the back cover so that readers can seek more words of witness. n The Lutheran Layman July-August 2013 23

MNW WORK DAY page 22

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8557

St. Louis, MO. Permit No. 619

Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive • St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8557 • (314) 317-4100 or 1-800-944-3450 Kurt Buchholz, Chairman • Bruce Wurdeman, Executive Director The Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League, with its outreach through Lutheran Hour Ministries, is an auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—Canada.

Outreach to Muslims— Cover Story

Tournament ‘Nets’ Results page 2