The Lutheran Layman

L AYMAN THE LUTHERAN

January - February 2013

Your Partner in HIS Mission!

Choices That Make a Difference Page 4

Endowment: Paving the Way for Mission Page 9

International Volunteer Teams Pages 12 &13

Holistic Ministry: Balancing Generosity, Stewardship and Discipleship Pages 16 & 17

speakingup

Online Mission Trip to Thailand: Sign Up Now!

by Rev. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

Time to Make a

Change or BE a Change?

“IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? HE WHO DID NOT SPARE HIS OWN SON, BUT GAVE HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW WILL HE NOT ALSO ALONG WITH HIM GRACIOUSLY GIVE US ALL THINGS?” (Romans 9:31-32) Ben Franklin is credited with saying, “Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” Now, there is much wisdom in such an attitude. But have you ever noticed that most people’s goals for each new year have to do with things they need to work on for their personal, TEMPORAL happiness or success? Or, even when they seek to make changes “for others,” it’s like Ben Franklin says, “Be at peace with your neighbor.” You know, “Do no harm.”

I’m all for that, but surely as Christians we can aim higher, can’t we? How about “bringing some peace to your friend or neighbor,” or even “being an agent of God’s peace this year when and where you can.” Instead of the same old New Year’s resolutions, how about a New Year’s MISSION RESOLUTION to see how God might use you for His good in the lives of those you love?

Like they also say, change — any change — is difficult. We’re often unsure of how we can do things differently, or start something new because we’re afraid we might not be up to the task. But that’s why God’s Word to us in Romans 8 is exciting. We, as Christians, get to face each new year, each new day, each new challenge with the certainty that “GOD IS FOR US” in Je-

L AYMAN

sus Christ. There is nothing that can separate us from His love, His strength, His wisdom. Remember, when we seek to “BE” an agent of Christ’s grace and peace, we’re not talking about ourselves, we’re talking about Jesus. To be people on His mission means that each and every day we get to be His living witness, through our actions and our words, testifying about a Savior who makes our lives worth living, one who can bless others the same.

So, why not make a Mission Resolution this year, one that doesn’t merely seek to “Do no harm” but also seeks to “Bring Christ’s peace” to those in your life? To that end….let us here at WWW.LHM.ORG help. We have all kinds of resources here to help you fulfill that MISSION RESOLUTION. Some things are as easy as doing what you are already doing, just together with someone. You can listen to The Lutheran Hour WITH SOMEONE, together or individually — then have a “coffee date” to share what you’ve heard.

You can read through some of our Project Connect booklets, or one of our Men’s NetWork Bible studies, or our daily devotions with someone who could use an encouraging word from God. Or, you could even join some of our MISSION U training online and learn to be an even more effective witness of Christ’s love to others in your life.

Let 2013 be the year of “MISSION” resolutions, focusing our energies on the grace of God we have in the person and work of Jesus, and the great opportunities at our feet to “BE” His agents of grace and peace to others.

A Blessed 2013 to each and every one of you IN HIS NAME! n Hear Pastor Seltz on The Lutheran Hour. For station information on airings, go online at www.lhm.org.

The Lutheran

Vol. 84, No. 1 January-February 2013

Gerald Perschbacher, 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 January-February 2013

There’s still time for schools to register for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Online Mission Trip 2013—a virtual mission adventure to Thailand—January 28-31!

Meet Thailand Director Boom Ekwanit Denow and her staff up close and learn about the work they do.

Lutheran Hour Ministries will offer each live session twice a day—once in the morning and once in the afternoon; so there is a broadcast time that is convenient for schools in even the westernmost regions of the United States and Canada.

“Not only is Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Online Mission Trip a great opportunity to learn about Gospel outreach in Thailand,” says Polly Gregali, who manages LHM’s International Ministry Partnerships, “it’s a great opportunity to support the Thailand center’s outreach by designating chapel offerings for their ministry projects!”

To register or to get more information about LHM’s Online Mission Trip to Thailand, visit www.lhm.org/ onlinemissiontrips.

Registration runs through January 11. n

Men’s NetWork WORK DAY Coming in April That’s right—spring is on our minds—already.

That’s when the LHM Men’s NetWork WORK DAY, scheduled for April 27, will take place. This will be a day for guys to join together with others from around the nation to become part of something bigger. Our lofty goal is to see the liberal application of “sweat equity” positively impact churches, communities, and wherever it’s needed—and all on the same day. It’s a perfect chance for men’s groups, Bible study groups, and other contingents of guys to get out and do something that can make a big difference in the lives of others. Every guy who gets involved will receive a Men’s NetWork hat to wear the day of the event. Registration opens February 1 at www.lhmmen.com/workday, where there will be more information available.

There will also be a Facebook page dedicated to the Men’s NetWork WORK DAY, where you can post your photos, stories and more during and after the event: www.facebook.com/lhmmen. n

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

• Compelling messages from well-known presenters

• Practical breakout sessions on hard hitting topics to reach today’s culture • Opportunities to connect with ministries that can help you share the Gospel

Sacramento, CA Feb. 22-23 Long Beach, CA March 1-2 Winnipeg, Canada July 5-7 Richmond, VA Aug. 2-4 Cleveland, OH Aug. 9-10 Nashville, TN Sept. 6-7 Omaha, NE Oct. 18-19 Houston, TX Nov. 8-9

WWW.LHM.ORG/ROC The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 3

Choices that Make a Difference

Education is a good choice: Dr. John Fulli (left) was received by the pastor as he arrives for a Sunday school program about malaria education at the Lutheran church in the Bugandika Parish, Tanzania, last August.

(photos by Jonathan Ernst, courtesy of LWR)

Question: How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb?

Answer: Change?!

God’s Truth overarches everything Christians believe. But do we have a tendency to develop “comforts” in our expression of faith right down to the minutia of life? We often joke (even brag!) about being creatures of habit and tradition who avoid change at all cost. We tend to sit in the same place at church and expect no surprises in terms of Jello, hot dishes, and Aunt Erma’s famous apple pie at all officially sanctioned church meals. In many ways, we cling to stereotype as a source of comfort.

Question: How many times should a person witness to Christ?

Answer: Witness?!

For centuries the Church has looked at Matthew 28 as our call to action: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (vs. 19-20). Did you catch the ands? “Go and make disciples,” “baptize and teach.” This is not “Go or make disciples,” “Baptize or teach” – it is “Do all of the above”!

This is also not a prioritized list, meaning one is more important than the other. Each is important and necessary. None of it is minutia!

Similarly, in Acts 1:8 the apostles are told, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus does not emphisize “or” as a choice but uses and. We are to be His witnesses in each of those places—each is necessary in the building of the kingdom of God. As a result, God’s goodness, blessing, and teaching are not only delivered to those who are served but equally (AND) for those serving.

Change a Light Bulb? Change a Life!

As one looks through the Bible, it is easy to find a multitude of texts about God choosing Christians to be His light, to preach His Word, and

4 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

by Kurt & Jennifer Buchholz

to bear fruit. It’s more than changing an old light bulb. We’re talking about the power of the Holy Spirit changing lives for the better with the Good News of Christ proclaimed by believers. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).

Besides, we didn’t choose to do this. God chose us to do it! “I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will last” (John 15:16). Believers are “light-carriers” with a heavenly purpose: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

He certainly didn’t choose us to be comfortable and complacent.

From God’s perspective, the word Christian isn’t so much a noun as it is a verb: PEOPLE IN ACTION! Paul tells the Church “you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16). Paul, as a key missionary, brought that Word of Life to the Gentiles. There is no clearer message than Romans 10:11-15 where Paul wrote, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”

No doubting it. God has called us as His people to a life of evangelism, of sharing the Good News with others. Not only that, but to live lives that shine with His love!

Children acted out a play during a Sunday school presentation about malaria education at the Lutheran church in Kashenye, Tanzania. Health choices make a real difference in many countries.

More than Spiritual Sad to say it, but too many Christians tend to unbox their faith on Saturday night or Sunday morning, dust it off so it looks good to others, and after a few hours, place it comfortably back in the box, setting it on a shelf until next week. Comfortable Christians? Perhaps too comfortable!

FAITH is a word of ACTION! No box is big enough or strong enough to contain it!

The life of a Christian is not merely taking God’s grace and hugging it for a few hours per week or saying a few good words of consolation to others in need. Faith finds expression in meeting the needs of others—spiritually, yes; and physically, for sure.

What does the Bible say about caring for the physical needs of a person? When the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God cared for their needs by providing daily food—manna and quail (Exodus 16). God provided for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath by replenishing the jar of flour and the jug of oil until the severe drought was over (1 Kings 17). Jesus fed the 5,000 then later the 4,000 (Matthew 14:13-21, Matthew 15:32-39). He healed Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43) and the man born blind (John 9:1-12). God cared for the physical needs of people!

Before one of those great and simple miraculous feedings that would have put Aunt Erma’s best apple pie to shame, Jesus said, “I have compassion for these people…I do not want to send them away hungry” (Matthew 15:32). Compassion, also, is a lively word that can never be boxed and shelved. It is continuous, or it isn’t compassion at all!

Are we as God’s people called to care for others in this way? Of course! In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus showed how to love our neighbor. The Samaritan “took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds…then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him” (Luke 10:33-34).

Here’s another example: In the early church, individuals were appointed to care for the physical needs of the Grecian widows so that no one was overlooked. They realized they could not focus only on the “ministry of the Word of God.” Question: How many Christians does it take to make a difference?

Answer: That’s up to God! When it comes to evangelism (which, by the way, is the calling of every layman) along with relief assistance and fund development (which may be the results of volunteerism or vocation), God is all about the “and,” not the “or.” This helpful concept challenges each of us.

Need some examples?

This can be seen in Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (www.lutheranmalaria.org). We talk in terms of resilience and relief and development — understanding that they fit together in our efforts to serve marginalized communities around the world. When a disaster strikes, supporters of LWR want to deliver immediate relief. The vast majority of those supporters would not be able to do it on their own, so they share God’s love through unified actions with others in the common bond of faith. They SHINE. Yet, the work goes much deeper. For example, LWR identifies disaster-prone regions and prepares for action relating to drought tolerance, reforestation, erosion mitigation, and clean energy technologies. LWR focuses on development to help local communities build the lasting capacities, systems, and partnerships to solve their own issues. Examples of this are agriculture programs, health programs like the malaria initiative, and water programs.

This is faith with active hearts, arms, hands, and legs!

The same may be said of the body of volunteers and experts in the Int’l LLL. The organization is a faithful army of supporters who promote Lutheran Hour Ministries

Choosing to help people: Volunteers led by the Holy Spirit often open doors for the Gospel. Handing out food and Christ-centered fair booth items can bring blessings.

in its various media manifestations, always holding high the message of salvation in Christ. Active hands choose to distribute Christ-centered booklets at fair booths, present printed and recorded messages of God’s Good Word to young and old at special events, schools, and nursing homes, share Bible study material with congregations in a special partnership, and much more. The sharing of the Word reaches communities large and small — and practically covers the globe with God’s invigorating love. Indeed, through contributions alone there are countless thousands of people who benefit each month as the hearts of faithful believers are activated by the Lord’s Holy Spirit!

There are other good examples, too, and you may know them quite well. You may even be a supporter, but perhaps you never paused to give full consideration to the impact of your prayerful, sacrificial actions.

Benefits? Let’s dig deeper into that subject. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is relief/development “and” strengthens the church. This initiative builds local knowledge and experience while addressing the devastating impact of malaria long after programs are ended. Where possible, LMI does this by training pastors, evangelists, and Sunday school teachers see next page

! on si is M s ’ od G n i r he et og T ve Ser

2013 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CAMBODIA Medical CAMEROON Women’s Ministry ETHIOPIA Outreach Workshop INDIA Construction

GHANA Construction INDONESIA English Language Project JAMAICA Construction KOREA Bible Camp

MALAWI Construction NICARAGUA Construction SRI LANKA English Workshop SOUTH AFRICA Winter School

Get started now! Visit WWW.LHM.ORG/TEAMS to learn how.

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 5

LHM’s outreach to Hispanics in North America involves radio broadcast of Para el Camino, with messages by Dr. Hector Hoppe, shown here. Numerous pieces of Hispanic literature are produced and distributed by LHM and volunteers.

nity where their faith may be nurtured and discipleship takes place.

Relief/development and evangelism have much in common. Both start with where people really are in their lives. In relief/development, you ask questions about where they are economically.

Are they healthy? Safe? In good evangelism, you do the same analysis. What do they know about the Bible? Are they rooted in a strong faith community? Are they hearing the Word and receiving the Eucharist regularly? The answers to these questions are the starting point for meeting , from page 5 people’s needs. to be malaria experts in their communities. Results Relief and development plus evangelism are life-givare incredible! Just a few years ago statistics indi- ing, physically and spiritually. They are life changing. Recated that every 30 seconds a child under the age of lief and development may change one’s health, or change five was dying because of malaria. Today, due to the one’s economic situation, but evangelism changes one’s global effort of which Lutherans are a part, this statis- life for eternity! In development, the phrase “teach a man tic has been cut by half. to fish” describes helping people by teaching them how to This statistic became real to take care of themselves and their famme when I talked with a Lutheran ilies. The same works in evangelism.

The International pastor in Tanzania who explained The evangelist may focus on “disciLutheran Laymen’s that his normal weekly schedule pling disciple-makers” to describe was filled with funerals due to working with people in a way that League focuses malaria. But now, thanks to LMI, results in them becoming evangelists on evangelism funerals are less frequent and themselves. Ultimately, both have through its Lutheran great value. By lifting both up (AND) pastors can reach the community in a celebration of life that comes we do not reduce the value or imporHour Ministries through faith in Christ! tance of either.

Church workers are able to meet their communiRelief and development plus evangelism also have ties with a message of physical hope as well as one of common pitfalls. A person could oversimplify solutions to eternal hope. a point of “one size fits all.” In evangelism this may look like a church that opens on Sunday for a service but is Focus on Evangelism not present in the community in any other way. There is Digging even deeper, the International Lutheran preaching and teaching — and the doors are unlocked Laymen’s League focuses on evangelism through its so that people can come in — but are the hearts, arms, Lutheran Hour Ministries. The mission is to reach hands, feet, and legs of the congregants really active amid individuals with the saving Word of God and invite a fallen world? them into a relationship in the Church. Bringing You know what I mean. In relief/development a volunChrist to the Nations — and the Nations to the Church; teer can deliver thousands of insecticide-treated bed nets we don’t do the saving or even move people towards but may not engage the community by teaching them the faith. That is the work of the Holy Spirit through the connection between death, malaria, and the use of these Word of God to which we bear witness. But, with His nets. When that happens, the impact will be questionassistance, we make sure that God’s Word is available able. A paternalistic attitude doesn’t help, either (“I have and proclaimed. something you need”). Best to keep trust and hope firmly Lutheran Hour Ministries broadcasts radio pro- rooted in Christ rather than in the people who deliver His grams and employs evangelism programs around goodness. the world in many languages, yet proclaims the same see page 14 Gospel. We connect those who respond to that Gospel, and we guide them to a Christ-centered commu-

Choices

6 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

Selecting the Top Priority

by Kurt Buchholz

There are instances in the Buchholz family when we avoid being tied down to only one action or one top priority. Making a choice may lead to some unhelpful “absolutes.”

Examples: 1) Which is the absolutely most delicious ice cream flavor at the local creamery? Sometimes options are simply matters of personal preference. 2) Which is better, contemporary or traditional liturgy? In some cases we seek the true core issue and focus on quality of worship rather than making it a matter of preference. 3) There is no way to find an answer to the question of which of our children is our favorite because it is a both/and not an either/or.

Such discussions help us ...we can consider the importance of take solace in AND/OR. There clearly are the assurance times when God prompts His truth OR our truth; that the Ten us: eternal life through Him Command- OR eternal death and sepaments are truly ration from Him. But as His followers, we are more ofcommandments ten given ANDs when talkand not the ten ing about our earthly vocaand our Christian lives suggestions tion and witness.

Despite how society and our church behave, we can take solace in the assurance that the Ten Commandments are truly commandments (think: AND) and not the ten suggestions (think: OR). Imagine what our lives would be like if God had said, “Here are Ten Commandments.

Pick three or four that you like best.” We know that God’s truth is found in the first commandment and the second and the third — you get the picture. Our God likes AND, no ifs, ORs, or buts about it.

God stands firm when it comes to love and salvation. When Jesus Christ came into this world as full man and full God to live and minister among us and ultimately die (and be raised!) for our sake, He dove right in. So make good choices. The ministry of Christ Jesus is one of meeting the whole person (physically and spiritually) in their whole state of sinfulness with God’s whole love and absolute forgiveness. n Kurt Buchholz is the Int’l LLL’s chairman of the board. He also is vice president for special initiatives for Lutheran World Relief and leads the Lutheran Malaria Initiative (a partnership between LWR and the LCMS.)

Bethany Gillet took high honor in the 6-8 grade division of the coloring contest. She belongs to Trinity in Stewardson, Ill.

Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday 2013: FEBRUARY 3

in your community

Winners were Announced for Float Contest More than 400 children’s entries were received in the recent Lutheran Hour Ministries Float coloring contest sponsored by the LLL Southern California District. “What a blessing to see so many youth excited about the mission and ministry of the LHM float!” said Dick Gast, general chairman of the LHM Float Committee.

Winners were: Winner, Preschool-Kindergarten division: River Fisher (Bethany Lutheran, Lakewood, Calif.)

Honorable Mentions went to Victoria Ziemba (St. John Lutheran, LaGrange, Ill.) and Natalie Gembala (Peace Lutheran, Flagstaff, Ariz.)

Winner, First-Second Grade: Grace Kittel (Concord, Elmhurst, Ill.) Honorable Mentions included Katelyn Michels (Trinity, Mequon, Wis.) and Ainsley Looby (Messiah, Oklahoma City, Okla.)

Winner, Third-Fifth Grade: Addison Johnson (Zion, Pierce, Neb.) Honorable Mentions: Sydney Hollingsworth (Bethlehem, Bellbrook, Ohio) and Katy Cordeiro (St. John, Napa, Calif.)

Winner, Sixth-Eighth Grade: Bethany Gillet (Trinity, Stewardson, Ill.)

Honorable Mentions: Jennifer Vega (Bethany, Long Beach, Calif.) and Angela Nguyen (Abiding Savior, Lake Forest, Calif.)

The winner in each division received a Petal Pushers float t-shirt, a float magnet, and a Behind the Scenes Party Family Pass where they will be able to enjoy appetizers and drinks, meet the LHM float riders, and see the floats in the final minutes of decorating. The teacher of each winner also received a Behind the Scenes Party Family Pass.

Winning entries were on display at the Behind the Scenes Party (www. petalpushers.org/party_index. php) .

Gast added, “Because we had so many youth participate, we recognized their efforts and extraordinary talent by awarding two honorable mentions in each category.

Honorees received recognition and a float magnet.”

Katie Pond was committee secretary and director of the coloring contest. n

in our nation

in our world

Reaching The Unreached WWW.LHM.ORG/LHMSUNDAY

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 7

Perspectives on the

Latest LCMS

Statistical Report

by Mark Larson

Each year LCMS congregations are expected to return a statistical report to the Synod. In October, a press release1 from the Synod reported highlights from these statistics for the year 2011. There were two highly significant items to note: 1. Twenty percent more congregations completed their statistical reports, and 2. They reported record losses of baptized members—46,728 souls.

It is important to note, however, how the two items above affect each other. Instead of the usual number of approximately 4,000 congregations reporting, more than 5,289 of the 6,000 congregations did. This means we are receiving a more accurate and up-to-date picture of the state of congregations in our church. The bad news is these reports indicated the Synod reported the greatest loss of baptized members ever, except for the transfer of congregations to Lutheran Church—Canada in 1991, the loss of congregations during the docThe Gospel and trinal controversies of the 1970s. Since more is still the congregations reported, it is highly likely that power of God some of the total were lost in previous years and simply indicated so in this last report. No to salvation matter in which year these people were lost from our church, they were still lost. To put this into perspective, Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, seats about 45,000 people.

Additionally, this is not a one-year trend. While the number is higher this year, it is consistent with the alarming trend of accelerating membership losses. Until the last ten years, LCMS membership plateaued (or was very slightly declining). Since 2000, the losses have been mounting (Fig. 1). In the last five years, the LCMS has lost an average of 37,000 baptized members per year. This is not a slight decline. Even in a short number of years, the impact will be very significant.

The most recent report indicated the number of adult confirmations reported from the previous year increased

20,000 10,000 0 -10,000 -20,000 -30,000 -40,000 -50,000

FIG. 1: Change in LCMS Baptized Membership

2

from 12,221, to 15,770. It is encouraging to see a number moving in a positive direction. However, this is most likely due to how the Synod reports adult confirmations. If in a given year a congregation does not return a report, baptized and communicant membership numbers are carried forward to the next year without change. In the same situation, adult confirmation numbers are not carried forward, but rather reported as zero. Therefore, with 20 percent more congregations reporting, we would expect to see a high number reported. The average number of adult confirmations per congregation decreased.

For a sense of perspective, as recently as 1999 the Synod reported over 29,000 adult confirmations. We used to bemoan this as less than adequate. Now the total, with about the same number of congregations, is about 40

percent less, even when adjusting for the change in how the Synod tabulates adult confirmation.3 It is a similar story with infant baptisms.

In all this we are reminded that the Gospel is still the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16). Our Lutheran churches have this Gospel, full-strength and undiluted. As we look to the future we can be confident this Gospel will accomplish its very purpose of bringing souls to salvation. Lutheran Hour Ministries is also adjusting the way it is doing ministry to meet the challenges of our time. We are eager to be “Your Partner in His Mission.” n

http://reporter.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=20478.

Does not reflect the transfer of 77,000 baptized members to the Lutheran Church—Canada in 1991.

3 Prior to 1999, if a congregation did not return a statistical report, the number of adult confirmations from the previous year was carried forward to the next report, in the same way that membership numbers continue to be.

1 2

Rev. Dr. Mark Larson directs the U.S. Ministries division for LHM.

8 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

Value of Endowment Some raise the question of whether endowments take funds away from Gospel outreach efforts today. However, the intent of endowment is that it contributes year after year to a well-managed ministry budget.

God tells Christians not to worry about the future since He will provide for our needs.1 However, we are never instructed not to make careful plans so that we can be accountable for our resources. To ask God to provide daily funds for our ministry when we have not set and followed a careful plan is to test Him and brings to mind the parable of the servant who failed to invest and increase the talents given to him by his master.2 In this way, endowment is another way to act as good stewards of the resources and opportunities set before us by our Lord.

Endowment at Lutheran Hour Ministries

Endowment –

Paving the Way for Mission

by Brad Neathery

W

The goal of The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation is to support the current needs of the Ministry and plan for the future by preserving and growing the endowment. While building the endowment, Lutheran Hour Ministries realizes that these funds ultimately exist to support ministry to souls lost in darkness. Therefore, it is essential that there is a clear plan for how endowment funds will be consistently used for this purpose.

That’s why The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation Board of Trustees adopted a policy to distribute 5% of its funds to ministry efforts each year.

Last year, more than $580,000 was given to be put to immediate use by the ministry. This policy allows Lutheran Hour Ministries to conscientiously plan for the future while still following the call to share the truth of Christ with humankind.

Get Involved

orry over debt can draw our attention from the main thrust of the church: evangelism! As a ministry called by God, Lutheran Hour Ministries believes that nothing should stand in the way of our mission to proclaim Christ’s name throughout America and around the world.

To ensure more stable support for this mission, The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation was created in June of 2000. The Foundation assists individuals by promoting planned giving opportunities, such as charitable gift annuities. However, the Foundation exists for one main purpose: to collect, invest and distribute endowment funds to further Lutheran Hour Ministries’ mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations— and the Nations to the Church.

Even King David dedicated “a portion of his estate to accomplish his charitable goal of building the temple.”3 Donors can follow his example and affect the future of God’s work through Lutheran Hour Ministries by considering estate gifts to endowment. This will ensure your estate continues to impact the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries in perpetuity after you leave this earth.

Donors can also make a difference right now by making a current gift in the form of a named endowment or simply a gift towards The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation Endowment Fund.

For details, contact the Gift Planning Department at 1-877-333-1963 or lhm-gift@lhm.org. n Matthew 6:25-34, 2Matthew 25:13-30, Luke 19:11-27, 3Kenneth M. Fleck. Crisis on the Horizon, p. 180

1

Where are Moses, Joseph, and David When We Need Them?

Is all debt bad for stewardship reasons?

Is all debt bad for stewardship reasons? Church officials may say perhaps not, if a congregation can borrow cheaply and repay as a good steward. There also may be options of seeking a loan from a church agency that exists for the sake of funding missions.

But too often, congregations may look to outside sources for funding. That may result in an unwise debt if the source changes management, redirects its focus, or exercises options that may not have been understood by the borrower.

“Whatever happened to the stewardship of leaders like Moses, who collected more than enough to build the tent of meeting and tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 36:1-4) before the work began?

“The danger faced by Joseph (Genesis 41) was so great that he found it necessary to commence a crash savings program to preserve (endow) the seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine. During this time he warehoused 20 percent (one-fifth) of the harvest. He recognized that the crisis he faced demanded that he rapidly build a great endowment. He knew that emergency times call for emergency measures. He also astutely recognized the economic potential of his endowment.

“Whatever happened to the stewardship of leaders like King David (1 Chronicles 29), who Scripture records as doing everything possible to ensure that God’s Temple in Jerusalem could be built debt…free?” n — Kenneth M. Fleck Fleck is author of Crisis on the Horizon, How to Rescue Your Ministry from Financial Meltdown and is executive director of The Faith Endowment Institute, which has created endowment programs for several ministries. He may be reached at www.faithendowment.com.

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 9

Partnering Together to Reach the Unreached

His Mission:

Reaching The Unreached

Number of unchurched people in the United States:

100 million

Number of people in the world who are hard to reach with the Gospel:

2.85 Billion

god’s mission for all of us:

Reach out with HIS love to your community, your country, your world.

lutheran Hour Ministries

wants to be your partner in His mission.

R

eaching the Unreached – that is the theme of Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday in 2013. The number of unreached people in the world grows every day. Yet the Apostle Paul wrote that “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Romans 10:8). If we Christians carry the Gospel truth within ourselves, then our response must be to gladly share it with these lost souls.

The reality is that no one person or organization could reach the world’s unreached population, but Lutheran Hour Ministries wants to partner with you, and your congregation, to reach out to the world together. This is God’s will—the Body of Christ working as one.

The Lord makes an impact through Lutheran Hour Ministries by calling us to partner with individuals and congregations from communities across the U.S. and around the world. Our mission is to give these souls the resources and encouragement they need to proclaim Christ’s name in the public square.

Lutheran Hour Ministries takes part as well by using mass media and public events to share the Good News with millions more every year.

Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday is a special once-a-year opportunity for you, and every member of your church, to be a part of God’s mission in the next year. On this special day, we invite you to share the cause and vision of Lutheran Hour Ministries and then respond with a gift of financial support.

The official date for Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday is February 3, 2013; but your church can hold this event any Sunday of the year! Find a time when it fits on your calendar, and Lutheran Hour Ministries will provide the materials and resources you need to hold this special event. You can make a gift or pledge during Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday, or you can give by mail, phone or online at www.lhm.org/lhmsunday any time.

Lutheran Hour Ministries refuses to relent to the dark forces of this world— instead we march boldly forward. On Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday, join us in taking a stand.

Now is the time—please partner with us in the mission of Reaching the Unreached. n

…providing resources to reach out to men who are not involved in the life of your church …training you to reach out with the Gospel to people just outside your door …producing media that helps you share the Gospel in your community and around the world

Affiliated Groups: Forming a Partnership in HIS Mission 660 MASON RIDGE CENTER DR.

…involving you in hands-on mission opportunities to spread the Gospel “to the ends of the earth.”

In November Lutheran Hour Ministries introduced ST. LOUIS, MO 63141-8557 the LHM Affiliated Groups program. This new program is 1-800-876-9880 • WWW.LHM.ORG aimed at partnering with congregations in their outreach ministry efforts both locally and globally.

Have you ever considered hosting a MISSION U workshop for your congregation? As an Affiliated Group member you could get this invaluable outreach training at a discount! Are you anxious to get your hands on the newest Men’s NetWork Bible study? Affiliated Groups will get these award-winning studies for less! As a member you would be eligible to receive discounts on the many resources that LHM has to offer including a reduced registration rate at any of the LHM Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC’s) and LLL International Conventions.

10 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

There are so many ways your group could benefit! For a full list of benefits, visit www.lhm.org/affiliate today!

In order to qualify to become an LHM Affiliated Group your group must be associated with The Lutheran Church Missouri—Synod or another North American church in fellowship with the LCMS, actively engaged in local or global outreach, using LHM materials and willing to support LHM goals and objectives and finally have completed the application process and received recognition from LHM as an associated Affiliated Group.

To learn more about this exciting way to partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries and to register your group, visit www.lhm.org/affiliate or contact us at 1-800-944-3450, ext.4205 or via e-mail at ambassador@lhm.org. n

She has a Passion for Helping People Hear the Message Betty Duda of Cocoa Beach, Fla., has learned something very important in her life: “Faith is habit, and you have to keep practicing that habit,” she says. Her parents encouraged her to begin that habit in her church and in organizations like Lutheran Hour Ministries. The first time Betty attended a Lutheran Hour Ministries event, she relates having this thought: “If only everyone could hear this message, what a difference it could make.”

The story of Betty’s life is not that different than many of the donors we get to hear about who support Lutheran Hour Ministries. Growing up, her parents encouraged her to be in church and give as much energy to her Lord as she did other things. Betty recalled one morning when she had gotten to bed late the night before and didn’t want to get up for church. She relates that her dad told her, “If you have the energy to be out late, then you have the energy to get to church.”

Simple logic like this is part of what Betty thinks is missing in the world today. “So much of our culture is focused on ‘me-ism,’” Betty states. “We only think about what we want in this world. When you look at the life of Jesus, though, there’s your ultimate example of a life lived for others.”

Much of Betty’s life has been about helping people hear the message of Christ’s love. She attended Concordia – River Forest (now Concordia University Chicago) to become a Lutheran school teacher. In this way, she has always felt that she was able to serve in all areas of her life: her work, church, family and ministry organizations she supports.

Betty’s service is not by happy chance; she believes that “you have to decide what you’re going to support, and then go do it.”

Betty, and her husband John, hold this familiar Bible passage as their family motto: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). This is Betty’s first thought when she considers giving or serving; will her choice seek God first? Seeking God has led Betty to support Lutheran Hour Ministries through much of her life, as a donor and a volunteer. “If you believe in Jesus Christ and love the Lord, then you grow in your faith by giving,” she says.

Betty and John’s giving took an exciting next step in 2012 when they chose to establish an endowment with Lutheran Hour Ministries. This endowment can be used by the ministry where it’s needed most and will allow the Dudas’ support to last beyond their lifetimes. As a member of The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation Board of Trustees, Betty is excited to be an advocate for endowment giving.

Looking forward, Betty is excited for the future of Lutheran Hour Ministries. “This is a ministry that is modernizing its thinking and working with members of the LCMS who are eager to engage and transform the world,” she states. “People always thought of LHM as The Lutheran Hour,” she continues, “and for a long time I probably thought the same. But until you get involved you don’t realize how much they do.”

Betty adamantly believes that you don’t have to serve on a board or go beyond your abilities to get involved with Lutheran Hour Ministries.

“Let the Lord show you the gifts He has given you to serve the Kingdom of God and go use those gifts,” she shares.

“The role of Lutheran Hour Ministries in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and the larger Christian universe, is absolutely essential,” Betty believes. “I want people to understand that this ministry is not competing with the church, they’re completing the church. The two can be so much stronger when they work together.”

Working together to see God’s will done in this world—a belief in this principle is what has guided Betty and John’s life for many years.

They partner with organizations which they truly believe can make a positive impact in this world and for God’s Kingdom yet to come.

Betty Duda Ultimately, Betty just wants to see more people reached with Jesus Christ. She believes, “People need to see what Jesus did for everyone—that message is all that matters.” n

AL I C E SP FER! OF Buy 3 Packs Get 1 Free!

The Easter Story Children’s Booklet From LHM’s JCPlayZone $5 for a Pack of 25 Booklets Use the Coupon Code LMEA13 at www.lhm.org/easterstory or call 1-800-876-9880

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 11

Internationa

On the cover...

Volunteer Carla Tibbals of Moscow, Idaho, is one of many who traveled to other countries in the Cause for Christ through LHM.

Each volunteer is as unique as the people that are helped. All are God’s children.

Volunteers stretch their horizon in Outreach!

12 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

al Volunteer Teams Make a Difference “Digging in” can be an actual response to needs.

Volunteers are great at it since they have hearts‘ for outreach.

Are you—and others in your congregation—looking for opportunities to share the Gospel in hands-on ways—with people in Asia, Africa, Latin America or Europe? Through our International Ministry Partnerships program, you can get your boots on, roll up your sleeves, and go—on a Lutheran Hour Ministries International Volunteer Trip.

Here’s what you do to make an International Volunteer Trip happen: • Identify a country or a specific project that interests you; • Select a team coordinator; together the coordinator and LHM will determine the feasibility of the project for your group; • Submit your team’s deposit, recruit your team members and complete the necessary forms; • Conduct Volunteer Team Training; make travel arrangements; get required inoculations, etc.; calculate and pay project costs; • Make final preparations; • Go! (It could be the trip of a lifetime!)

The work you do alongside the staff and volunteers of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ ministry centers shares the love of God in very real ways: it helps accomplish practical tasks, helps build critical relationships that connect ministry centers to their communities and helps people see for themselves what lives transformed by God’s grace look like. It will change you, too— stretching and exercising your faith as never before and opening your heart to people’s desperate need for the Gospel around the world.

Here’s what some International Volunteer Trip participants have said about their experiences: “As a team we have grown closer together in God’s love and made precious new friends in Guatemala.” —Becky, Faith Lutheran Church, Grand Blanc, Mich., 2012 Guatemala Volunteer Team “I’ve learned that people are the same no matter where they live. They share the same struggles, the same fears, they love the same and form relationships the same. I think having been on this trip, it will be easier for me to share my beliefs and love of Jesus in a gentle, positive manner. —Judi, Brookfield Lutheran Church, Brookfield, Wis., September 2011 Thailand “Fun with English” Volunteer Team “Our team worked alongside of a dozen Nicaraguan volunteers. Some very beautiful, deep, and enduring relationships were formed.... Volunteers will eventually take the program we taught them to other villages in Nicaragua, so that in time, over a thousand children will learn about Jesus Christ.” —Rev. Helmers, Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, Ala., 2012 Nicaragua Volunteer Team Are you ready to respond to God’s call to go out in His name? Visit www.lhm.org/teams to learn about Lutheran Hour Ministries International Volunteer Trips!

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 13

onthemove

by Bruce Wurdeman Executive Director Lutheran Hour Ministries

The Right Report Card?

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eport cards are out—it’s that time of year! Most schools, from elementary to graduate schools, have ended their first semester and that means report cards are in the hands of students and, in many cases, parents. Report cards tell us about progress or lack of progress. They are an attempt to quantify learning. They don’t tell the whole story, yet they do serve as indicators.

But educators must always ask the question, “Are we really measuring the results that are important for us to see?”

Our synod’s report card was just released.

As you’ll see in an article elsewhere in this publication, the indicators aren’t very positive. 2011 showed the single largest decline in LCMS membership since the early 70s and continued a pattern of annual decline in this century. We can measure membership, official acts, giving, church attendance—all sorts of countable things. And we all know that there are some intangibles that we can’t measure. But I wonder if there isn’t another item that we should be measuring that we don’t.

I’ve served in various capacities in the LCMS during the last 41 years. From 2002 to 2008 I served as a Mission and Ministry Facilitator for the Texas District serving as resource person for about 100 congregations in West and South Texas. I got to know most of those congregations fairly well. I did notice something during that time of service and have seen it repeated in congregations in the other parts of the country to which God called me. Congregations that grow and through whom God’s Holy Spirit bring significant numbers of new Christians into the family seem to be integrally involved in their communities. Now, I’m not talking about rearranging the kingdom—about making Lutherans out of Presbyterians or transferring

14 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

Lutherans from one church to another.

I’m talking about God touching previously untouched hearts and adding to His Kingdom those who are being saved. That has always seemed to be happening where Christians are rubbing shoulders daily and intentionally with the non-Christians in their communities and where congregations are intentionally involved in the life of the community.

Maybe we need a new report card—or at least a new category on the old report card. Maybe we need to count not only how many people are coming into our buildings, but how many of our members are actively involved in the community in ways that would enable them to be daily witnesses to the Gospel.

I once attended a church where every service ended with a “Sending.” At the end of every service, we knew we didn’t stop being the church when that service ended. Having been empowered by Word and Sacrament, we were being sent out to be God’s witnesses in the midst of our vocations. Maybe our report card ought to include some way to measure our members’ collective and individual impact and involvement in the community. We, at Lutheran Hour Ministries, stand ready to help you bring the Good News to your communities. Ask us to help and don’t be afraid to give us ideas as to how we can help, too. We want to see God at work growing His Church. n

Choices, from page 6 Avoid the “Rice Christian” Syndrome I’ve seen it happen where relief/development and evangelism are separated to avoid the “rice Christian” pitfall. A “rice Christian” is an individual who professes conversion to Christianity in order to receive a promised benefit such as rice (food), a job (money), or a way out of current circumstances (education/visa/health).

This rice Christian phenomenon threatens the impact of evangelism and relief/development!

In the story of the Good Samaritan, the first two people passed by the injured man because they rationalized excuses to ignore their neighbor — but the Samaritan made no excuses.

There are no excuses for us today, either. If we separate relief/development from evangelism, the “whole person” is not served very well. Either the evangelism emphasis concentrates on preaching and administering communion or the development side concentrates on organizing special projects to benefit the needy. Separated, both fall short. The whole person is not served. “In the same way that Christ met people in word and deed through proclamation and healing for the body and soul, the church’s diaconal iden-

What’s needed is outreach to the “whole person,” meeting their physical and spiritual needs.

tity is about care for the whole person as an acting out of the Gospel” (Serving the Whole Person, by Kjell Nordstokke, Lutheran University Press, 2009, pg. 70).

What is needed is an outpouring of Christian witness to the whole person with this thought in mind: Do not choose between physical needs or spiritual needs. Do them both. Why? “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8) We don’t need to choose how we are to love our neighbor, but simply love them in the wholeness that God created them. When we do, we also are transformed.

“So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

(Ephesians 4:11-13) n

Team Effort Pulls Oregon Church through Fiery Ordeal

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n March 19, 2012, a fire broke out at Living Savior Lutheran Church in Tualatin, Ore. The next day, after firefighters finished their work, approximately $2.5 million in damage was done to the church’s sanctuary and multipurpose rooms used for its preschool. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the blaze that has been attributed to two 13-year-old boys.

Devastating as this has been, church members, the local community, area businesses, and other individuals interested in seeing Living Savior recover from this tragedy have joined forces to assist in numerous sacrificial ways.

“Members and staff have remained positive after the initial grieving by banding together at the time of crisis, addressing the loss, and looking to the future with true faith that God would take us forward through the morass,” said Jonathan Hoppert, Living Savior member and the winner of the $500 Grand Prize from the Fourth Annual LHM Men’s NetWork North American Fishing Tournament.

Ministerial guidance during this difficult period has been evident throughout. “Tantamount is the leadership provided by our pastor, Rev. Nathan Brandt, who will not let up in his positive outlook … all the time reflecting understanding and forgiveness for the young men responsible for the fire,” Hoppert said. “The atmosphere is one of positive anticipation, meeting the challenge before us with true compassion and forgiveness toward the young fire-starters and their families,” he added.

“My biggest surprise is the whole-hearted openness, the ‘all-in’ attitude of the Tualatin community, both secular and religious, in sharing our heartbreak and offering help to recover. Another surprise has been the significant contributions which come from sources such as former congregants, fellow churches, and non-affiliated individuals who ‘just want to help,’” Hoppert added.

A few making a difference have included a female church member and employee of the local school district who has arranged, from among several local school facili-

ties, places where Living Savior can operate at a reasonable cost; a nearby suburban Lutheran church let Living Savior’s preschool use available classrooms. Other local churches have offered facilities in off-hours for meetings and choir practice; a retired educator worked with education board and preschool to oversee the distribution of rooms for continued learning, youth gatherings, and preschool operation; a downtown Portland company that was closing offered its office furniture, including high-quality office desks, conference tables, lamps and chairs; a retired cabinet-maker has sorted through items salvaged from the fire, helped manage the sanctuary restoration, and assisted in anything from clean-up to major decision-making; the local steamfitters union offered their meeting hall and classrooms for use at no charge.

Other examples of help include Tualatin’s local city government, which expedited permit applications, helping the church move forward; two local television companies followed up on our restoration, with news reports, showing progress. “The media exposure has served as a ministry to display the Christian church as more than just a place to go on Sunday morning. I think our congregation has been revealed as a group that people want to be a part of. We continue to add members to Living Savior,” Hoppert said.

As for money needs, parents of preschool children, most which are not church members, have put on fund-raisers; the local Bethesda group home, which shares the church campus, organized a fund-raiser; a local choral group, The Voices of Hope, performed a local concert, benefitting reconstruction this past summer.

The $500 Hoppert won from the Men’s NetWork fishing tournament went to the Fire Restoration Fund. “This fund will be used to offset the

expenses of rebuilding and upgrading our facility, costs which will not be paid by the Church Mutual insurance policy. Our costs will exceed policy reimbursements by at least $1.5 million, but this includes the expense of rebuilding a larger, more accommodating fellowship hall and education center—a choice of our congregation,” said Hoppert.

“Although we had insurance coverage, it has proven to be less than optimal. Such items as Institutional Expense and Code Upgrade Endorsements need to be reviewed by congregations on a regular basis, along with basic coverage for replacement costs,” Hoppert said. “When a calamity such as this occurs, a horde of adjusters, salvage operators, and other opportunists descend in an effort to ‘help.’ Some even appeared while the fire was blazing away and phone calls kept coming for weeks. I suppose there is no preparation for this, but a trusted presence representing one’s own insurance company or direction from a knowledgeable source at the Synod level would be a blessing,” he added.

Living Savior moved into its restored sanctuary on October 28. The preschool, however, will continue to meet at Triumphant King Lutheran Church in Lake Oswego until September 2013, when construction on the second building is expected to be completed. Insurance will cover about half of the $2 to $3 million needed to finance the project, Hoppert said. n

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 15

Holistic Ministry:

Balancing Generosity, Stewardship, and Discipleship

by Douglas Rutt

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artin Luther once wrote, “We conclude, therefore, that a Christian lives not in himself, but in Christ and the neighbor. He lives in Christ through faith,” he said, “and in his neighbor through love.”1 Deeds of love expressed toward one’s fellow human beings through works of charity, for Luther, were the vocation to which every Christian is called. This is the teaching of Jesus Himself, who told the parable of the good Samaritan, and who emphasized the importance of helping those in need saying, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). The “greatest commandment” according to Jesus is to love God and love your neighbor “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).

What we call “holistic ministry” today is aimed at loving our neighbor, and therefore loving Christ Himself, through word and deed. The two go hand in hand, most of us would agree. But how do we do it? How do we most effectively help others with the time, talents and financial resources that we have?

Having served in international ministries and missions for close to 30 years, I have seen Christians carry out projects that have gone well and done much to help improve people’s lives. But I have also seen projects that simply weren’t helpful—or even made matters worse.

Let me explain with a little parable.

A monkey descended from his tree and began to walk along the shore of a nearby lake. He happened upon a fish that had been cast into a shallow pool of water by one of the waves that were crashing ashore. The fish had his mouth open wide and its chest was heaving. The monkey climbed onto a branch that hung over the pool and tried to get the fish out of the water. When he succeeded in grabbing the fish, he decided to take it to a place where it could get better air—up a nearby tree. Once they were in the tree, the monkey noticed that the fish seemed to be getting weaker—so he found a banana, peeled it carefully and tried to feed some of it to the fish. But despite his efforts, the fish died.2 I think you would agree that the monkey’s motivations were noble and he even demonstrated courage in his efforts to save the fish. But his reasoning was mistaken. As any monkey knows, monkeys drown in water— yet by assuming that water was the fish’s biggest problem, he was unable to provide the help that the fish truly needed. And how must the fish have felt about all of the monkey’s “help”?

In Vietnam: children are nourshed with milk, courtesy of LHM. This act of kindness opens doors for the Gospel.

The help you offer needs to be appropriate for the person you help—even if it wouldn’t be appropriate for you.

With that as a background, here are some simple guidelines to consider as you seek to “love your neighbor as yourself”: Avoid the “easy fix.” The problems people need help with are often the result of many factors, some of which are not readily apparent. It’s easy just to drop a dollar in a cup; however, is there a way to do more to help the person in need help him/herself? Often the “easy fix” doesn’t solve the problem and occasionally even perpetuates it. Of course, long term solutions take more investment of time and emotional energy. True service to your neighbor means actually becoming his or her friend—actually taking the time to get to know your neighbor’s real needs.

Never do for someone what he or she can do for himself or herself. If someone can do something for herself, she does not need you to do it for her. This is true at the community level, too; never do for a community what it can do for itself. Many well-meaning people have traveled halfway around the world at great expense to paint buildings or have entered a blighted area of a city to do a “community cleanup”—either of which local people could have done for themselves if they believed doing it was important.

Be careful so you don’t tear away at a person’s dignity and self-worth, no matter what you do. Sometimes wellmeaning people can put someone receiving aid in a humiliating position.

Seek more permanent solutions to problems. The ancient Hebrews had several ethical guidelines for helping others. The lowest level of helping was to give someone something with the recipient having full knowledge that you were the giver. But this can make the recipient feel inadequate and beholden to the giver. The highest standard was to provide work for someone without that person knowing you were the one who made it possible, that is, provided help—a more permanent solution, in fact—without any hope of recognition before others.

Use your head as much as your heart. This has to do with what is called “due diligence.” It means that you will use your resources to help others through ministries that provide accountability. Since this highlights how important administration is to good stewardship, it also puts into perspective the “frugality” claims of some charities, e.g., “only 3% of our budget

1

Holistic ministry— loving others in a way that helps them improve their lives

16 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

2

3

4 5

goes to administration.” When Paul was collecting the offering for the needy in Jerusalem, he was careful to ensure that the funds he was responsible for were used properly, saying, “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). So take the time to check out how an organization’s financial resources are administered and accounted for.

There are many worthy organizations that are able to carry out projects that you could not do on your own; invest in them if you cannot be involved directly. These charities are often working toward more long-term solutions, helping people to develop their potential rather than simply giving things away. Again, be sure to investigate the effectiveness and results of the organization you choose to donate to.

Think development rather than betterment. Does your charity, or a ministry you are thinking about supporting, do with others, or for others? Does it strengthen capacity or maintain the status quo?

Does it help people produce for themselves, or merely give things away? Does it provide for the long-term health of the community—or merely the temporary alleviation of an immediate community need?

Of course there are times when emergency relief is called for, such as after a natural disaster when people are without food and water; however, in many situations of need, the best approach is one that has a long-term solution in view.

Hopefully, you will not be scared off by these considerations.

Holistic ministry—loving others in a way that helps them improve their lives—is hard work.

In Kenya: School supplies plus Christian Simple solutions usually literature distributed through LHM. don’t do it. It can stretch Excitement can be easily focused on you in ways you didn’t God’s Good News in Christ. think possible. It implies involvement in the lives of others at a deeper level. But it is also a rewarding experience, because it affords you the opportunity to demonstrate, albeit in a small way, God’s greatest attribute, His love and mercy, to other fellow human beings. n

Mexico Ministry Center Dedicated

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Rev. Alvaro Lopez (left), president of the Lutheran Synod of Mexico, participated in the dedication. At right is Eugenio Gallastegui, new LHM director in Mexico.

Dr. Rutt and District President Anderson at the dedication in December.

Notes:

“Freedom of the Christian,” in Luther’s Works, eds. Jaroslav Pelikan and Helmut T. Lehman (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House and Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1955-1986), 31:37 2 Adapted from Duane Elmer, Cross-Cultural Connections, Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2002, p. 14 1

Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt directs LHM’s International Ministries division.

LHM staff in Mexico include (front row, from left: Director Gallastegui, Nancy Burgoa, and Elda Garcia. Flanking them are officials from LHM’s St. Louis headquarters’, Rev. Nilo Figur (left) and Dr. Rutt.

Mexico City was the site for the dedication of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ newest ministry center on Saturday, December 1.

“The initiative to locate the Mexico ministry center in the capital, Mexico City, is in keeping with our strategic priority of reaching great urban areas with the Gospel,” said Dr. Douglas Rutt, LHM’s Director of International Ministries. “With a population of over 21 million, Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, and is Mexico’s most important political, cultural, educational and financial center.”

The Rev. Dr. Allen Anderson, President of the Rocky Mountain District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, delivered the homily at the dedication service, which was attended by guests from Chicago, Texas, California, Colorado, and Missouri. Members of several Lutheran congregations in Mexico City and other parts of Mexico were also present.

“This is an historic occasion,” said Rev. Nilo Figur, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “We are now located in the heart of Mexico—but we will be carrying out ministry with Lutheran congregations throughout the country.”

The weekend-long celebration concluded on Sunday, December 2 with a special combined Advent worship service at San Pedro Lutheran Church. n

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 17

Sharing the Good News can be Dangerous You may have read in one of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ resources that the staff and volunteers at LHM’s international ministry centers often share the Gospel at great personal risk. Zahra’s story demonstrates how true that is.

The ancient city of Aleppo in northwestern Syria has become a battleground in the conflict between the Syrian government and militant opposition groups. Many thousands of its citizens have fled north and sought refuge in Turkey; but thousands more displaced persons stop at Aleppo in their efforts to escape the violence further south.

Zahra* lives in northeastern Syria and has served as a ministry volunteer for Lutheran Hour

Ministries—Lebanon. Months ago she and a friend traveled west to Aleppo to reach out with God’s love to the people in a community of refugees.

Not everyone welcomed their Christ-centered witness. While Zahra and her friend were telling a Bible story to a group of children, several men burst in and beat both of them severely. One blow dislocated one of Zahra’s vertebrae, damaging her spinal cord, and she lost consciousness. Zahra’s friend was killed. Believing both to be dead, their attackers dragged them into the street and threw them down beside a trash barrel.

But Zahra regained consciousness and was rushed to a medical center for treatment.

“Glory be to God!” wrote Lebanon Director Fadi Khairallah, who now reports that Zahra is recovering. “Zahra’s back healed quickly,” he says.

But it might be some time before she regains full health.

Fadi adds, “But she never ceases to serve the Lord! Zahra has been visiting schools”— not in Aleppo, but back in her home town, where she has been undergoing rehab.

One photo shows her bandaged wrist and other signs of recovery, seated among a group of children who are proudly displaying Bible story booklets that she provided. The message imprinted on her Lutheran Hour Ministries tee shirt boldly proclaims the reason for her courageous return: “Jesus loves me.”

Please join Lutheran Hour Ministries in prayer for the staff and volunteers in our ministry centers around the world who often risk their own safety to share the Gospel. To learn how you can partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon or one of our other ministry centers in more than 30 countries, visit www.lhm.org/partner. n *For Zahra’s protection, we have not used her real name or published photos of her.

Australia Ministry Director Mau Retires Supporters and friends of Lutheran Hour Ministries join in praise to God for the faithful service of Rev. Richard Mau, who has announced he is retiring as director of the LHM partner organization Lutheran Media Ministry, which serves as the media arm of the Lutheran Church of Australia.

“I am deeply thankful for all the support that Lutheran Hour Ministries has given our ministry,” Mau wrote to Dr. Douglas Rutt, who directs LHM’s International Ministries. “It has been a long, challenging and blessing-filled journey, and I pray that the relationship between our ministries will continue.”

Rutt, who traveled to Australia in 2011, noted that Mau’s “partnership in the Gospel with Lutheran Hour Ministries through the years has been a blessing to the entire team of ministry centers in more than 30 places around the world.”

Mau’s successor, Rev. Richard Fox, was installed as Lutheran Media Ministry’s new director on December 2. Mau will continue to serve the organization in various capacities such as writing and voicing one-minute radio spots and writing daily devotions. n

18 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

New Bible Study for Military Vets

Written and dedicated to fellow veterans by Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel, Steven Hokana, Warriors of Faith—Military Men has been produced expressly for military members of the United States Armed Forces by LHM’s Men’s NetWork.

In the video’s introduction, Hokana states, “This multi-part, military-themed, video Bible study is unlike other Men’s NetWork studies you may have used before, in that this study is intended for the veterans in your community. Use it that way. Invite them to this special study made just for them. As a suggestion, maybe you can host a military appreciation dinner and invite vets to come back to the video study, which will deal with anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness and love. This study contains language and situations that are familiar to those who have worn a uniform, but also can be a bridge for those who have not served to be able to interact and understand veterans.

In war there are many casualties, including families at home. This study is helpful to civilians and veterans to start a conversation.”

As the host of this Bible study, Hokana is all too familiar with the issues of war and what soldiers experience. He’s dealt with everything from post-traumatic stress, failed marriages, unmanageable debt and brutal battlefield injuries to fear, anger, grief and the specter of suicide. Warriors of Faith honors veterans and acknowledges the critical role they play in defending our nation. As Hokana says, “For those of us who have worn a uniform or continue to serve, we have ‘shared experiences’ that bind us together and make us unique. It is those shared experiences we are going to explore during our time together.”

Warriors of Faith also includes video featuring Operation Barnabas—a network of care to our nation’s military members and their families from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and “Those Who Serve,” a 15-minute video with stories from soldiers and the chaplains who assist them. A discussion guide with Bible study passages, relevant questions, and numerous Internet links for digging deeper into the subject is also part of the study.

To find out more about this Men’s NetWork Bible study as well as other great ministry resources, go to www.lhmmen.com. n

Devotions Chart the Life of Christ through Luke’s Gospel

In reference to John the Baptist’s stern rebuke, “You brood of vipers!” to the less-than-genuine crowds who sought his baptism, Palmer reminds the reader that “John has come to prepare the way for God’s mighty Son. He calls us to recognize our faults and failings and humble ourselves before our God. This baptism is not an empty, meaningless ceremony—it is God’s solution to the deadly poison of our sin. Through the water God washes away our sins, delivering us from death and hell and saving us from His destructive wrath.”

LENTEN Elsewhere, Palmer writes of Jesus’ receiving the bitter DEVOTIO NS 2013 cup the Father holds out for Him—and the heavenly resolve the Savior has to see this mission to the end. “We see the intensity of Jesus’ struggle as Luke the physician writes, ‘His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.’ Tiny blood vessels under the skin can rupture under extreme stress, permitting blood to mingle with the sweat. The struggle lasts for hours before Jesus is finally at peace. He rises to His feet, ready to drink the cup down to its dregs.”

Available to read online or to hear as a podcast, From the Cradle to the Empty Grave can be received as an e-mail subscription throughout the Lenten season. It will be available for download beginning January 1, and the audio version will begin February 13. The details can be found at www.lentendevotions.net. Also available online will be Allí me verán (You Will See Me There), LHM’s 2013 Lenten Devotions in Spanish. They are written by Rev. Héctor Hoppe and can be found at www.paraelcamino.com/cuaresma. n

From the C radle to the Empty

For pastors, teachers, Bible students, and church-event planners, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Lenten Devotions, From the Cradle to the Empty Grave, will inspire your meditations on the redeeming work of Christ. Written as a complement to 2012’s Advent Devotions, Christmas Memories, these meditations follow the life of Christ through the eyes of Luke during this solemn and holy season.

Theological Editor and Writer Wayne Palmer, who penned these devotions, said, “What’s true of Jesus is true of all babies: they don’t stay babies, but they grow up. Just as babies aren’t meant to stay in a cradle forever, Jesus was not meant to stay in that manger forever. We have to let Him grow up in our minds, just as He did in real life. When we left the Christmas story Jesus was with Mary and Joseph in the town of Nazareth. Now we pick up Jesus’ story with one last recollection of His childhood, then we move on to the man Jesus. Along the way we will unfold all the reasons Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the first place, as He fulfills His destiny, making His way to the cross and empty tomb.”

In these devotions Palmer informs and exhorts at the same time.

Grave

‘Stuff’ Volumes Six and Seven of the Gospels Now Available!

The first four books of the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John— give details of Jesus’ life and ministry. In volumes six and seven of “Stuff They Didn’t Teach Me in Sunday School,” series host Bruce Wurdeman follows these authors, as they share first-hand perspectives of the Savior.

During the 400-year transition between the Old and New Testaments, the Persians, Greeks and Romans left their heavy stamp on the peoples and places of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds. Emerging during this period in Palestine, groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots and Essenes competed for local power and prestige. Into this world of regional superpowers and local religious groups comes Jesus. Born in a Bethlehem manger, proclaimed by angels, worshipped by simple shepherds, hunted by a megalomaniacal king and, later, acknowledged as the very Son of God, Jesus—along with His followers—transformed the world to this very day.

From His miraculous birth to Mary to His torturous—and triumphant—road to the cross, the life of Jesus is delivered to the world through the four Gospels.

Along the road Wurdeman offers snapshots of select Scripture passages, highlighting the milieu underlying these books and bringing the life of Christ front and center. From recording Jesus’ momentous birth to detailing His radical and atoning death on the cross—and His resurrection—the words of the Gospel writers ring out through the centuries. Together these four books show God’s gracious work in the world through the life of His “only begotten Son.” Check out the wonder of the Gospel narratives in “Stuff They Didn’t Teach Me in Sunday School about Matthew and Mark” and “Stuff They Didn’t Teach Me in Sunday School about Luke and John”—volumes six and seven from the LHM Men’s NetWork at www.lhmmen.com. n

This coming Lent spend time with Luke, as he follows the events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in

From the Cradle to the Empty Grave, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Lenten Devotions for 2013.

lentendevotions.net The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 19

A Busy Year for United Victim, Validated,

Victim, Validated,

Victorious

Victorious

This booklet is a resource to help individuals, family members or loved ones in the midst of overcoming a life-shattering event. It is intended to illustrate that faith in Christ Jesus and His saving work on the cross are vital for those devastated by something or someone. Remember, you are not alone; resources are available. Many are listed in the back of this booklet. This text, of course, is not the final answer to victim issues.

Instead, it’s a way for that person to recover with God’s help, so he or she can regain hope and trust. You can overcome!

If your faith is damaged, consider a distraught father who pleaded with Jesus, concerning his son’s condition. Jesus told him all things are possible through faith.

6BE141

660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. • St. Louis, MO 63141-8557 1-800-876-9880 • www.lhm.org

Loved… and

Loved… and

Not Forgotten More than two million people are incarcerated in the United States, which is the world’s largest prison population by far. While those imprisoned are there for a variety of offenses, none are sentenced to a life that excludes the Gospel. Penned by Chaplain Steve Hokana, this Project Connect booklet reminds readers that God’s love in Jesus transcends all barriers, all crimes, all sins committed. God’s grace is the ultimate game-changer; it brings a world of hope to the abject hopelessness that often marks the lives of those on the inside.

Not Forgotten

Pastor Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran

s Hour, hosted the TV special, Intersection of Church

and State. Behind him is Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania.

Without God we are all in prison, awaiting

s

sentence we deserve. Jesus’ life, death LHM Project Connect booklets cover a wide the range of topics. and resurrection are God’s guarantee that salvation is for everyone—no matter who we are, no matter what we’ve done.

This is the message the prisoner needs to hear.

This is the message we all need to hear.

Pastor and Army Chaplain Steve Hokana has contributed more than 25 years of service to our nation. He is familiar with the plight of prisoners and understands that God’s grace reaches out to everyone—even those who seem lost and beyond hope.

660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. • St. Louis, MO 63141-8557 1-800-876-9880 • www.lhm.org

Cancer

Hearing the word “cancer” from a doctor when referring to our diagnosis is probably the last thing we’d ever want to hear. Suddenly, all that went before is BC (before cancer), and what’s left is an ordeal with an uncertain outcome. Fear, discouragement, resignation, regret, sorrow— all come into play when the “c” word is spoken.

But hanging on to those emotions will block the individual from seeing the bigger picture that God is in control, even when the issue is cancer.

In this booklet, inspiration comes from God’s Word and the real-life stories of people, who have been through this disease themselves.

Their words—candid and sincere—offer first-hand insights from those who truly understand what a powerful life-changer the cancer experience can be. At the end of the day, cancer is not a hopeless situation. God is there for us, and that is enough. Offering hope and courage, He works through our joys and our heartaches, our health and our disease.

As author Karen Tripp writes, “God knows what you’re going through, and He understands your pain. Seek Him in His Word. There 6BE143 you will find Him—ready to listen, ready to help.”

s Five14 attracts young people with special events.

660 Mason Center Dr. • St. Louis, MO 63141-8557 A second five14 Revolution will be held inRidgeApril.

1-800-876-9880 • www.lhm.org

20 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

Seasonal Devotions This year’s Lenten Devotions, Jesus Christ: Man on a Mission, followed Mark’s Gospel. “Mark shows Jesus’ singular dedication to His Father’s will, and how that eventually meant Jesus would be all alone in our place. … We give Him our guilt and sin, and He gives us His righteousness,” said author Rev. Wayne Palmer, LHM’s theological editor and writer. In Christmas Memories, Palmer drew his meditations from the first two chapters of Luke and, in particular, Mary’s observations. “Just as we all have cherished memories of Christmases past, Mary shares her treasured memories of the first Christmas, relating the events to Luke to include in his Gospel,” he said.

Five14

6BE142

Courage through Christ

Television The Intersection of Church & State hit TVs across the nation last fall. Exploring the give-and-take relationship of church and state in this country, it shows how this connection is an empowering liaison. While some argue for a “wall of separation” between the two, others maintain cooperation leads to positive results. Hosted by Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Rev. Gregory Seltz, and employing a variety of experts, the program shows how the healthy collaboration between church and state in providing care, settling refugees, child adoption, chaplain services and more has been a great service to this country. In the end, it suggests a better metaphor in describing the church-state relationship is not one using a wall or barrier but, instead, an intersection, which benefits us all.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26).

“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief !’” (Mark 9:24).

The year 2012 was a busy one for United States Ministries. Here’s a sampling of what was accomplished:

Cancer

Courage through Christ

2012 was the year the five14 Revolution arrived in St. Louis.

Held as an open-air, back-to-school concert in Chesterfield, Missouri, this live music and drama event drew a healthy crowd, with 1,000 people attending. Those who came enjoyed free food and drink, numerous giveaway items, and had the chance to pray with five14 staff members, if they wanted. Reactions were overwhelmingly positive: “God came through big time! Nice job! These things are not easy to put together” and “I had a blast! I’m excited to see where God leads us from here!” Plans are underway for a second Revolution. This time it’s Chicago, Illinois, where the Showroom at the Ravenswood Event Center will host five14 Revolution number two on April 19, 2013.

Men’s NetWork There were five original video Bible studies released this year.

• Colt McCoy: A Father, A Son, and Football. Hosted by Chris Schneider, this profile of Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Colt Mc-

States Ministries Coy and his father, Brad, shows how living a life of faith is possible, even in the spotlight of Big 12 college football and the NFL. • Death … Then What? Hosted by Michael Newman, this study deals with death, its inescapability, and how by faith in Christ Jesus we can rest assured of eternal life through God’s freely given grace.

• Running The Race. Hosted by Chris Schneider, this study shares insights he’s gleaned from sports legends and Hall of Famers over the years, showing how their philosophies and work ethics often mirror Scripture’s greatest teachings on pushing forward and making the most of circumstances.

• The Intersection of Church & State. Hosted by Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, this study utilizes the video content of the TV special of the same name. It examines how church and state can and do work together.

• Warriors of Faith—Military Men. Hosted by Steven Hokana, this military-themed Bible study has been produced especially for military members of the United States Armed Forces. It focuses on anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness and love, and how they play out in the lives of veterans who have experienced the rawness of war.

Project Connect This year four new volumes came out—each with a very different focus. Victim, Validated, Victorious, written by Chaplain Steve Hokana, deals with trauma, coming either through mistreatment or by calamitous circumstance, and how we deal with it. The best strategy is surrendering the hurt to God, who alone can overcome the offenses we experience and give us victory through Jesus’ work on the cross.

Loved … And Not Forgotten, also by Hokana, is written for the prisoner, who is reminded that God’s love in Jesus transcends all barriers, all crimes, all sins committed. It is His love that gives strength to go on, when facing the fear and despondency that defines the lives of those behind bars. In Cancer: Courage through Christ, counselor Karen Tripp deals with the specter of cancer and the heartache and emotion that come when the “C” word is spoken. Offering real-life stories of people who’ve faced cancer as well as inspiration from Scripture, this booklet gives hope to those battling the disease. Reasons To Believe by Pastor Stephen Hower looks at Scripture and the historical backdrop of people and places in the Bible. Giving seven reasons why the claims Christians make about the Bible, Jesus, and sacred truth are logical to believe, he argues for the sensibility of the Christian faith. Dozens of booklets are available in the Project Connect collection, with many titles translated in Spanish.

Beyond these highlights there’s Para el Camino, a website featuring the sermons of The Lutheran Hour, Daily Devotions, seasonal devotions, and promotional materials in Spanish. In 2012 United States Ministries also offered volumes six and seven of “Stuff They Didn’t Teach Me in Sunday School,” ongoing episodes of The Baloney Shop, MISSION U School of Witnessing workshops and, of course, JCPlayZone, a fun and innovative website that kids love and parents trust. n

DVDs available through the LHM Men’s NetWork enhance Christ-centered living—and coping.

Thrivent members who are eligible to direct Choice dollars to Lutheran Hour Ministries can help spread the

Good News!

Visit www.thrivent.com

and go to the Thrivent Choice page. To search for the International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries, type International into the keyword search, then type Saint Louis into the city blank and select Missouri in the state menu. (Be sure to spell out “Saint.”) Or call 1-800-THRIVENT (847-4836).

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 21

California,

Here We Come!

Sacramento and Long Beach Lead Off 2013 ROC Schedule Lutheran Hour Ministries’ 2013 Regional Outreach Conference (ROC) series kicks off with backto-back weekends in California. Join hundreds of other mission-minded individuals when the series comes to Sacramento on Feb. 22-23 and Long Beach on March 1-2.

Attendees will be inspired, energized and equipped to share God’s love, nurture their family and witness to the community! These ROCs will be full of inspiring presentations from well-known speakers (Rev. Dean Nadasdy in Sacramento and Rev. Bill Woolsey in Long Beach); an interactive multi-media session on navigating difficult outreach situations led by Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour; hands-on outreach projects; awesome worship music from Kip Fox; and loads of practical tools that will transform the way you live as a witness and how you think about outreach!

By God’s grace in 2011, more than 2,000 people across North America were encouraged and fueled to share the Gospel—and lives were changed! The 2013 ROC series involves even more unique training methods, including on-site advice from outreach consultants and technology experts to enhance your personal, congregational and online witnessing skills.

For ROC—Sacramento and ROC—Long Beach conference registration, lodging and program details, check the information in the boxes to the right or log on to www.lhm.org/roc today! You can also visit the web site to learn about future conferences in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Richmond, Virginia; Cleveland, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; Omaha, Nebraska; and Houston, Texas. n

Sacramento, California — Feb. 22-23 Hilton Arden West

Hotel Rooms: $89 per night plus tax if booked by Feb. 2 Call 800-344-4321 and mention Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Regional Outreach Conference Conference Registration (includes all main-stage and breakout sessions; lunch on Saturday; consultations with outreach and technology experts; access to the resources in the exhibit area; take-home tools and continued training after the conference ends, and more!): Adults: $69 Teens (Grades 8-12): $39 Children (Grades K-7): $19 Family: $200

Long Beach, California — March 1-2 The Queen Mary

Hotel Rooms (book by Feb. 15): Inside and Standard Cabins: $99 per night plus tax Deluxe Cabins: $119 per night plus tax Family Staterooms: $139 per night plus tax Call 877-342-0742 and mention Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Regional Outreach Conference Conference Registration (includes all main-stage and breakout sessions; lunch and dinner on Saturday; consultations with outreach and technology experts; access to the resources in the exhibit area; take-home tools and continued training after the conference ends, and more!):

Editor Honored Gerald Perschbacher, longtime editor of The Lutheran Layman, received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LL.D.) from Concordia University Chicago, Dec. 15. He is a 1972 graduate of the institution. Dr. John F. Johnson, university president, announced the presentation. At right is Dr. Andrew Steinmann, University Marshall. Perschbacher was cited for excellence in educational efforts and literary accomplishments.

Adults: $89 Teens (Grades 8-12): $49 Children (Grades K-7): $29 Family: $225

Five14 Revolution to Hit the Windy City in Second Free Event Following the success of last year’s initial five14 Revolution in Chesterfield, Mo., where more than 1,000 young people, adults and kids attended, will be five14 Revolution number two. This time it’s Chicago, Ill., and the beautiful Showroom at the Ravenswood Event Center. There on April 19, MYNISTA, Of Time and Tide, and An Epic No Less will bring their uplifting music and message—all designed to honor God and share the lifechanging love of Jesus Christ. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30. Admission is free! You can find out more at www.whatsfive14.com or by going to Facebook at www.facebook.com/five14.

The night will also feature five14’s Jordan Reinwald, who will emcee the event, cheerfully offering himself up to comedic embarrassment, for the sake of sharing the Good 22 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013

News of what God has done for us through Jesus. Tanner Olson will also perform spoken word at various speeds, delivering the truth of Scripture in ways that illuminate and inspire. Those attending will also enjoy on-stage dramatic routines, tap into free food and drink, receive free giveaways and, if so desired, have a chance to visit with staff and pray together.

A five14 Revolution is a great chance to check out rockin’ bands, new jams and fresh entertainment—all driven by a mission to share God’s Word in a way that resonates with young people. Last year’s kick-off event was warmly received and well attended across the board. In fact, among the thousand people on hand were more than 40 individuals from one of the Salvation Army’s local drug rehab programs.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ five14 program develops and distributes outreach training tools and resources specifically designed to connect with teens of all backgrounds. It takes its name from Jesus’ words to His followers as given in Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world.” n

Brazil Ministry Center Blessed by Visit

Innovative Vietnam Ministry Reaches Young Athletes

“It was a fantastic time!” This was one of the first things Pastor Fernando Huf wrote in his response when Lutheran Hour Ministries asked his center (Lutheran Hour Ministries—Brazil) for a report on the visit of a Volunteer Team from Louisiana.

A five-member International Volunteer Team from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Covington, La., traveled to São Paulo, Brazil in September to work alongside the Brazil ministry center’s staff and volunteers on a variety of evangelistic projects. The group’s primary task was to work in the town of Guarapari, building relationships and sharing the Gospel with children served by an organization known as the Program for Eradication of Child Labor (abbreviated from Portuguese: PETI).

“The local pastor, Rev. Wallace Uhylig da Silva, teaches Bible classes for about 300 children each week,” said Huf. “The Volunteer Team taught the children Christian songs in English, gave each student a gift and answered the children’s questions.

Dinh Hai Au, who directs Lutheran Hour Ministries— Vietnam, believes he has discovered an exciting tool for introducing people to Jesus Christ: futsal.

A variant of the game we know as soccer in the United States, futsal is growing in popularity around the world. In futsal the ball and pitch are smaller—as are futsal teams, which have only five players. The reduced space tends to make futsal a faster, often more intense, sport. According to Au, futsal is all the rage across Vietnam—and provides what might be an optimal venue for reaching young people with the Gospel.

When he proposed hosting a futsal tournament in Vinh Long province, he met with some skepticism. “Since futsal is such a competitive sport,” he says, “the area’s church leaders wanted assurance that the tournament would not become violent or emotionally charged.

“I prayed a lot so that God would work with me,” says Au. The church leaders eventually agreed to allow the futsal event—but they cautioned Au that this first competition might also be the last if it was not beneficial to physical and spiritual life. “I believed that God would bless our ministry,” Au says—and he pledged that the tournament would demonstrate that blessing.

According to Au, God did indeed bless the tournament.

“Our purpose for the event was to say that JESUS IS SAVIOR—and we reflected our belief in the way we played.

Most of our friends on each team admitted that our manner was completely different from teams they ordinarily compete with.

“Then,” Au goes on, “one of the pitch owner’s sons came to me after the final match and said, ‘I have never seen such a wonderful and exciting festival! You guys played beautifully—and without violence. Now I know how the Christian lives—and plays.’” The pitch owner’s son borrowed the ministry center’s tournament banner (which was emblazoned with the words “God is love”) and hung it on the pitch gate to commemorate the event.

“Later I had more time to speak with him about God and His love for us,” says Au—“and he wanted to know more about the Good News. I introduced him to Pastor Soi in Vinh Long so he can learn even more about the faith.”

Originally a skeptic, Pastor Soi has become a fan; after the tournament he confided to Au, “I now have something good to report to my lead pastor.”

“We are now looking forward to another festival like this in January!” Au says. n

“The ‘Americanos’ were the main attraction at English schools they visited in Guarapari,” Huf added. “After English conversation classes, team members gave each child a New Testament in English and shared his or her faith in Jesus. Group leader Pastor Ray Scheer had a wonderful opportunity to witness about God’s love when one student asked, ‘Who is God to you?’”

Huf recalled, “Whether they were surrounded by local politicians campaigning in the public market, reaching out to people as they walked along the beach at night or speaking extemporaneously on local broadcasts of The Lutheran Hour, the team worked hard and happily all the time. You could feel the team’s love for Jesus, for Brazilian people and for Lutheran Hour Ministries.”

Apparently Fernando Huf wasn’t the only one who noticed. After the Volunteer Team’s departure, the PETI group presented a special thank-you gift to the Brazil ministry center: two beautiful pictures, handpainted by students in the PETI program.

Lutheran Hour Ministries invites you to explore opportunities to share the Good News of salvation on an International Volunteer Trip. What are you waiting for?

Visit www.lhm.org/teams today ! n

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2013 23

JCPlayZone Gets Kudos for Web Presence

Now in its 14th year of recognizing excellence in web design, the Web Marketing Association has announced that Lutheran Hour Ministries’ JCPlayZone has won for “Outstanding Achievement in Web Development,” as part of its international WebAwards competition. This award cites LHM with this non-profit standard of excellence, which is given on the basis of the WMA’s sevenfold criteria for judging websites. These are design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting, and ease of use. Staffed by volunteers, the WMA is made up of Internet marketing, online advertising, public relations, and top website design professionals, who share an interest in improving the quality of online advertising, Internet marketing, and website promotion.

The success of LHM’s award-winning website for kids reflects the multiple talents that work behind the scenes on this

project. “JCPlayZone has been a collaborative venture from the beginning,” said Suzie Sallee, LHM’s coordinator of witness tools, who oversees the content and development of the website. “The fact it reaches so many kids with so many excellent resources is a credit to the creative team we have in place here at LHM. The WMA has acknowledged this in granting us its award, and we appreciate this validation from an outside source.”

To check out JCPlayZone for yourself, go to www.jcplayzone.com, and get ready to have some fun. Be sure to take a friend with you! n

Creative idea!

JCPlayZone coloring books were included in the Halloween packets handed out at a “Trunk or Treat” party at Trinity, Portland, Ore., on Oct. 31, 2012. Eunice and Frederick Kramer participated in the distribution of 58 English and 99 Spanish packets, each with a Christcentered emphasis. Interested in items from LHM? Check www.lhm.org, click on the shopping cart icon at the top of the page, and start exploring! n

Bulletin Inserts Keep Congregations Informed Using Lutheran Hour Ministries’ quarterly bulletin inserts is an effective and cost-efficient way to help people in your congregation stay up to date about upcoming LHM events plus the latest programs and materials.

You can subscribe to receive free printed inserts in a quantity suited to your congregation’s needs, or you can download an electronic file that you can print and distribute yourself. Either way, these colorful resources produced every fall, winter, spring and summer will keep you aware of how LHM is ready to serve as your partner in His mission to reach the world with God’s love.

To order printed quarterly bulletin inserts for your congregation or register to download printable PDF versions of the inserts, visit http://www.lhm.org/resources/bulletininsertregister.asp n

Men’s NetWork and the Fiery Ordeal, page 15 Holistic Ministry, pages 16 & 17 2012 was a Busy Year, pages 20 & 21 ROCs & five14 are Coming Soon, page 22 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.

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

Fall 2012

Meditate on

Christmas Memories

Advent Devotions for from Lutheran Hour 2012 Ministries

W

hat’s your favorit e memory of Christ mas? The Christ lights, tinsel and mas tree, shimm ornaments...visits ering with candle-lit faces of from family and children singing at a Christmas worsh friends...the presents...the ip service?

Lutheran Hour Minist ries’ Advent Devot feature imagined ions for 2012, titled reminiscences of Christmas Memo the original celebr thousand years ries, ation of Christmas— ago. Theological Editor and Writer two meditations from Rev. Wayne Palme the memories of r has crafted Jesus’ mother, Mary, them to the gospe as she may have l writer Luke. recounted “Just as we all have cherished memo “Mary had specia ries of Christmases l Christ past,” says Palme r, bring alive the events mas memories, which she told to Luke. My hope of that first Christ was to who ‘treasured up mas as they were seen by a woma all these things, n of faith pondering them in her heart.’”

Christmas Memo ries devotions are available now. You segments online or subscribe to receiv can read the daily e them by e-mai of Advent. You can l throug also listen to audio segments via podca hout the season beginning Decem ber 2. Visit www.l st or online stream hm.org/advent ing for more information.

Reaching The Unreached

CELEBRATE LHM SUNDAY

2013!

LHM is your partne r in God’s missio n to rescue and humanity to Himse restore lf! Your congregation partnership togeth is er in 2013 by celebr invited to lift up our Ministries Sunda ating Lutheran Hour y. You date, February 3—or can hold LHM Sunday on its officia l the Sunday of your choice!

Visit WWW.LHM

.ORG/LHMSUNDA Y now!

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

St. Louis, MO. Permit No. 619