The Lutheran Layman

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN Your Partner in HIS Mission!

January - February 2015

By Mark Larson

Some years ago, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod recognized congregations that confirmed more than 50 adults per year. After a time, recognition was extended to churches that confirmed at least 35. see page 4

Expanding the Legacy

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Outreach in Lutheran Schools

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Opportunities!

2014 Ministry Report Creative Outreach

. . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . 11-14 . . . . . . . . 20

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speaking up

by Rev. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

Expanding the

with Rev. Gregory Seltz

Legacy

E

very year at this time, I find myself reflecting back on the year behind and also eagerly anticipating what is coming up in the year ahead. I think about all the weekends I’ve spent with so many of you, sharing God’s Word, praying with you and serving with you. What a partnership in the Gospel we share! But, the joy is not just in looking backwards; there is great joy in looking forward, too. As I look at my calendar for the months to come, I get just as excited. There’s more to do, more opportunity to share Christ’s Good News.

And the headlines in our webpage news, as well as the hurts in our communities, tell us that there remains a world in need of this message more than ever. “Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church”; that challenge is incredibly more within our reach than ever before. A verse that compels us here at Lutheran Hour Ministries is, IT IS WRITTEN: “I BELIEVED; THEREFORE I HAVE SPOKEN.” WITH THAT SAME SPIRIT OF FAITH WE ALSO BELIEVE AND THEREFORE SPEAK” (2 CORINTHIANS 4:13).

As I read about the history of The Lutheran Hour in our previous LAYMAN edition, I was again reminded about the privilege of being part of this program with you. There is a legacy here at The Lutheran Hour, wouldn’t you agree? There is a history of more than 80-plus years of faithful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus, through wars, terrorist attacks, economic downturns, times of prosperity, even during times of rebellion and unrest.

Through all of that, this program proclaims a message that gets to the heart of the matter, calling all people to a life and salvation that is sure, that holds, a message of God at work in the world, for the world.

As I look back, there are burned into our

L AYMAN

memories names like Maier, Acker, Oldsen, Hoffmann, Melendez, Meyer, Klaus, and Schulz. Why? Because The Lutheran Hour message compelled them and compelled us, the Word of this program moved us all, then as today. And that same Spirit has us on the move towards the future, too!

In the months coming up, you’ll continue to enjoy what has made The Lutheran Hour so much a part of our lives together, the Word, a timely message, prayer and blessing—but you’ll also see us expand the programming. We hope to start recording it LIVE. Yes, that’s right, LIVE. And, there will be other blessings like timely sermon series with Bible studies to match. There will be resources for you, your families, and your friends that help you grow in the faith and share the faith, all as part of The Lutheran Hour experience. How exciting to realize that looking back can be a wonderful reminiscence of God’s blessings in the past as we eagerly await God’s blessings that are surely yet to come! I can’t wait to talk about that with you when I see you on the road in the months, even years to come!

So, as we begin a new year, thank God for the message of the Christ Child that comes to us afresh. Thank Him for the gift of grace that keeps on sustaining us and empowering us in our Christian walk together. And, KEEP PRAYING as we together—you, me, our beloved Lutheran Church, and all of us here at LHM—seek to “expand the reach” of The Lutheran Hour along with all the ministries of LHM to the world in which we live. n

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The Lutheran

Vol. 86, No. 1 January-February 2015

Dr. Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.), Editor • Andrea Thompson, 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 2015, Int’l LLL

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

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The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

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ommunism may be history in Eastern Europe, but it left behind an unclear concept of the Gospel. Few know this better than Linda Phillips. “In Bulgaria, many continue to believe they are saved simply because they are Bulgarian and thus considered Orthodox,” she says. “Most have no idea who Jesus really is ….” When she visited sites where Helping Hands Bulgaria is working, she heard how Bible commentaries and Bible classes are appreciated.

“There is a great hunger for information about how to manage depression, alcohol addiction, loneliness, and other pragmatic issues, from a Christian perspective.”

Phillips is a supporter of Lutheran Hour Ministries and is founder of Helping Hands Bulgaria, which is a Christian mission responding to the physical, emotional, and spiritual losses the Bulgarians experienced under Communism.

This effort helps care for orphans and elderly in the western third of Bulgaria. “By the grace of God, we’ve been able to help many who live in

Bulgaria

nursing homes and orphanages with food, heat, blankets, medicines, vaccines, and clothing. Most important: we consistently bring them the Word.”

Lutheran Hour Ministries is proclaiming the Gospel of Christ around the world using a variety of culturally appropriate methods.

Topical booklets help LHM’s local staffs and individual supporters share God’s Word. Besides translating LHM booklets from English, topics of local interest are produced to meet specific needs. Your gift to Lutheran Hour Ministries will support this vital outreach (www.lhmgift.org).

“Lutheran Hour Ministries has an extensive and varied collection of brochures that address such issues,” she adds. “LHM gave us permission to translate some of their brochures and post those on our website www.helpinghandsbulgaria.net.”

“This website also contains a section with Words of Faith (plus) articles about the basics

of Christianity written by our pastoral advisor, Rev. Dr. Paul C. Hunsicker, Sr.,” pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Abbotsford, Wis. Materials on the website are accessed all over the world. Individuals download printed copies of material for use.

“A nurse serving at a nursing home, uses many of our web resources. She reads a devotion or one of the Words of Faith, and prays with the elderly.

She smiles when she describes how delighted the bedridden are when she walks into their room. This nurse prays with them, listens to their concerns, and has a devotion with them.”

Phillips is quick to say that the Bulgarian Christian Medical Society notes there are no chaplains in Bulgaria and clergy aren’t allowed to visit with hospitalized people. That’s when the website becomes particularly important as an outreach tool. Perhaps you, too, can be a bridge to others by sharing the Gospel through your prayerful financial support of LHM. n

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very day, Lutheran Hour Ministries is at work in the United States and around the world. Our vision is clear: proclaim the Gospel in the most effective ways and equip Christians to witness in their own lives. When you partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries by registering in the automatic giving program, you can be there with us doing the Lord’s work around the globe.

Enrollment in this program allows you to simplify your giving and maximize your impact for the Gospel. Your gifts can add up quickly!

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Giving automatically via credit card or bank draft is secure and convenient. Your support will get to ministry faster and less of your money will go to administrative costs. Of course, you have the flexibility to change or cancel your participation at any time. n

Sign up online today at www.lhmgift.org/automaticgiving or call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4130 for more information.

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

3

from front cover So, what progress has been made over the years?

Table 1 lists the 31 congregations in the LCMS that have reached that mark of 35 adult confirmations as reported to the LCMS in 2013, the last full year statistics are available. Adult confirmations measure the number of people who receive instruction in the faith and are received as communicant members of the church. While

Table 1: CONGREGATIONS REPORTING THE MOST ADULT CONFIRMATIONS IN 2013 (Top 10 are highlighted)

4

CONGREGATION

CITY

STATE

LakePointe Lutheran Church Concordia Lutheran Church Our Savior Lutheran Church Redeemer Lutheran Church Pilgrim Lutheran Church Saint Johns Lutheran Church Saint John Lutheran Church Hope Lutheran Church CrossPoint Lutheran Church Summit Community Lutheran Church Crosspoint Lutheran Church Messiah Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Saint Paul Lutheran Church Christ Assembly Lutheran Church Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Saint Peter Lutheran Church Saint Paul Lutheran Church Redeemer Lutheran Church Christ Church Lutheran Holy Cross Lutheran Church Our Savior Lutheran Church Redeemer Lutheran Church Salem Lutheran Church Immanuel Lutheran Church Immanuel Lutheran Church Carmel Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Messiah Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church

HOT SPRINGS SAN ANTONIO NORFOLK FORT COLLINS GREEN BAY ORANGE ELLISVILLE WAKE FOREST EL PASO BUCKEYE KATY PLANO SPRING HOUSTON DECATUR STATEN ISLAND HOUSTON MACOMB MOUNT PROSPECT AUSTIN PHOENIX LAKE MARY BETTENDORF PEORIA ORANGE BELVIDERE SAINT CHARLES CARMEL UTICA LINCOLN BLOOMINGTON

Ark. Texas Neb. Colo.

Wis. Calif.

Mo. N.C. Texas Ariz.

Texas Texas Texas Texas Ill. N.Y. Texas Mich.

Ill. Texas Ariz.

Fla. Iowa Ill. Calif.

Ill. Mo. Ind. Mich.

Neb. Ill.

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

BAPTIZED MEMBERS 1398 7614 2503 2718 2338 5331 6009 1732 305 575 971 2231 3427 1435 2967 360 2512 3627 1984 3067 2905 1402 1166 2646 554 2587 3715 3169 4881 2748 3578

this number may include people who are already Christians from another faith background, it is the best measurement available for outreach in the church. We are thankful to the Lord for the ministry and commitment of these congregations for reaching those not connected to the Body of Christ.

LakePointe Lutheran Church of Hot Springs, Ark., reported the most adult confirmations at 182 by nearly a factor of two. Rev. Greg Bearss is the pastor and founder of LakePointe, a church that is just 10 years old. His response on how his congregation was able to connect so many new people to the church is:

ADULT CONFIRMATIONS 182 96 67 67 67 64 62 61 60 59 58 53 52 51 49 48 46 45 45 43 41 40 40 39 38 38 38 37 35 35 35

“We do our best to meet people where they are.

Our church works hard to welcome people, no matter their background. You will find people from all walks of life at LakePointe. In fact, you will see a lot more young people at our church than most—tattoos and all!”

This year the top 10 churches on the list were widely distributed geographically.

It may be worth noting that many of the congregations reaching the most unchurched people tended to be outside the upper Midwest, the traditional stronghold of Lutherans.

It is clear that congregations reporting the most adult confirmations tend to be larger or well-established church plants.

However, smaller congregations can still do a great job in reaching the lost for Christ.

Table 2 highlights the congregations that had the best ratio of adult confirmations relative to the number of baptized members. The final column on the

See related story, page 8.

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

Table 2: CONGREGATIONS REPORTING BEST RATIO OF MEMBERSHIP TO ADULT CONFIRMATIONS Congregation

CITY

STATE

BAPTIZED MEMBERS

ADULT CONF.

Grace Fellowship Lutheran Church Saint Paul Community Lutheran King of Kings Lutheran Church CrossPoint Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Summit Community Lutheran Christ Assembly Lutheran Church Crown of Life Lutheran Church Our Savior Lutheran Church

BAPTIZED MEMBERS/ ADULT CONF.

GYPSUM PONTIAC ARVADA EL PASO CRAWFORDVILLE WAHIAWA BUCKEYE STATEN ISLAND RIGBY AIEA PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP BROOKLYN CHUGIAK CYPRESS STOCKTON MYRTLE BEACH ROANOKE HASLET SWARTZ CREEK SAN DIEGO ORANGE ENGADINE BRECKSVILLE WARRENS PEORIA

Colo.

Mich.

Colo.

Texas Fla. Hawaii Ariz.

N.Y. Idaho Hawaii

60 40 42 275 51 98 352 328 78 213

22 14 12 60 10 18 59 48 11 29

2.7 2.9 3.5 4.6 5.1 5.4 6.0 6.8 7.1 7.3

Mich.

187

25

7.5

N.Y. Alaska Texas Mo. S.C. Texas Texas Mich.

Calif.

Calif.

Mich.

Ohio Wis. Ariz.

108 220 90 116 305 225 153 201 238 473 128 222 278 210

13 25 10 12 31 21 14 17 20 38 10 16 20 14

8.3 8.8 9.0 9.7 9.8 10.7 10.9 11.8 11.9 12.4 12.8 13.9 13.9 15.0

Living Word Lutheran Church Saint Peter Lutheran Church Our Redeemer Lutheran Church LifeBridge Lutheran Church Saint Andrew Lutheran Church Risen Christ Lutheran Church Saint Peter Lutheran Church Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church New Life Community Lutheran Grace Lutheran Church Salem Lutheran Church Bethlehem Lutheran Church Community of Hope Luth Church St. Matthew Lutheran Church Mount Zion Lutheran Church

PERCENT OF CONGREGATIONS

right reports the number of baptized members in the congregation in ratio to every adult confirmand that was gained.

The list includes all churches where the ratio is 15 or less and which had at least 10 adult confirmations.

The statistical year 2013 had fewer congregations reporting than the last few years—approximately 4,000 congregations returned the report (about 60% of LCMS churches). In 2011 more than 5,200 congregations responded (over 80%). This greater reporting, however, did not significantly alter the percentages of churches reporting adult confirmations at various levels. As in other years, more than half of LCMS churches reported that they did not confirm any adults. (See bar graph.)

Lutheran Hour Ministries seeks to be “Your Partner in His Mission” and already offers many resources for evangelism training in congregations such as MISSION U, five14 and Regional Outreach Conferences. We are also forming partnerships in various ways to work with others throughout the LCMS. God willing, next year the LCMS will be able to report that many more people have become followers of Christ—and this list of churches effectively reaching the lost by the power of the Holy Spirit will be much longer. n

NUMBER OF ADULT CONFIRMATIONS 2013 The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

5

Wittenberg Project

Makes Progress

By Gerald Perschbacher

I

The Old Latin School as it looks during refurbishing (south side).

The “plan” behind the project is to nur ture and strengthen the faith of Christians ,while introducing the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death and His Resurrection to those who have not comprehended it fully.

6

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

t is the Holy Spirit who brings people to the point of conversion.

But how will they hear the Good News unless someone shares it?

When only 15 to 20 percent of the people who live in and near Wittenberg, Germany, are professing Christians, something has to be done to increase that number. According to a good number of people in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, this practically is a necessity in the town where the Reformation was born in 1517. That same impetus has triggered interest by the Evangelical Church in Central Germany (known in Germany as SELK) and Concordia Publishing House in a cooperative plan.

Rev. David Mahsman understands the dilemma. That’s the main reason he now resides in Germany and makes Wittenberg his main focus. Mahsman is managing director of the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg and is director of special assignments in Eurasia for the LCMS. He is a former editor of The Lutheran Witness and is well versed on the current need to bolster the witnessing and outreach “over there.”

Mahsman’s lead article in The Lutheran Layman for March of last year outlined the details behind the effort. The article emphasizes the point that people in eastern Germany have little, if any, sense of virtuous dimensions brought by Christianity. Decades under Communistic rule blunted their feelings and viewpoints toward religion. Yet, if truth be told,

their negative outlook became a form of “religion” for many who once lived in East Germany, where Wittenberg is located.

The pivotal point for many Lutherans is to make the 450-year-old Old Latin School building a site for energetic Christ-centered efforts in many ways. The ministry plan, quite simply, is labeled The Wittenberg Project. Progress has been made since Mahsman last reported to the readership of The Lutheran Layman.

The “plan” behind the project is to nurture and strengthen the faith of Christians while introducing the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death and His Resurrection to those who have not comprehended it fully. Mahsman notes that the momentum includes attracting students and visitors, promoting confessional Lutheran theology, and opening doors to Gospel outreach and works of mercy.

In some respects, the progress is being measured literally in the physical improvement of the structure and

A dormitory room nears completion.

Fire-protective paint was added in the chapel.

Photos courtesy of Rev. David Mahsman

detailing the plans for its use. The time impetus for progress is the approaching 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, which is expected to attract huge numbers of visitors to Reformation sites, particularly in Wittenberg.

Mahsman recently emphasized the degree of historical accuracy put behind the school building, which will be a magnet for attention during the celebration and afterwards. Architect Helmut Keitel has been deeply and personally involved. “I asked him about the color on the south side of the Old Latin School, where the scaffolding had been removed. He replied that this was the color now approved by the Denkmalschutz (the historic-preservation authorities).

It’s more of a cream color than grey,” Mahsman noted. By the end of 2014, the entire building was slated to have been painted.

Historical accuracy is important to officials in Germany. Once finished, this aspect will enhance the interest of more travelers coming to the structure. Some of those people may have no religious leaning but could be introduced to the Christian faith.

The Old Latin School was the site for young scholars who were being positioned for advanced education at a university. Various territorial leaders either established their own Latin Schools or took the opportunity to send their “funded scholars” to a preparatory Latin School of choice. As the Reformation took hold and Lutheranism expanded, the Latin School in Wittenberg gained significance. Such was the power and pull of an education that was Christ-centered and Biblically based.

In recent months other work has progressed well for the Old Latin School. That included fire retardation elements, installation of dorm room plumbing, and finish work to walls.

It’s all preparatory to the launch of the site for its revitalized purpose of bringing Christ to others. n

Join Rev. Gregory Seltz, speaker of The Lutheran Hour ® on the trip of a lifetime!

Athens Jerusalem Bethlehem Galilee Paphos Kas Patmos Ephesus Miletus Pergamum Istanbul

Dr. Perschbacher is editor of The Lutheran Layman.

For further details on The Wittenberg Project, go to www.thewittenbergproject.org or write to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, P.O. Box 790417, St. Louis, MO 63179-0417.

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 11 , 2015 WWW. LHM. ORG/TRAVELWITHLHM • 800-876- 9880

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

7

By Mark Larson

I

f you could design the perfect environment to conduct evangelism, what would it look like? We know evangelism happens best when you have a strong relationship with someone over a significant period of time. The opportunity to clearly and frequently share the Gospel, the means the Holy Spirit uses to bring people to faith, would be ideal. How about being involved with the people they care about most: their children?

We have just described Lutheran schools! These schools have the ability to share the Gospel with the children of unchurched families on a daily basis. Lutheran school teachers have

the chance to build meaningful, loving relationships with unchurched parents over time. Churches with schools can model the love of Christ to their school families. It is hard to imagine a better environment than Lutheran schools to reach the lost.

This is a great harvest field! According to Terry Schmidt, director of LCMS School Ministries, about 25 percent of the 220,000 students in Lutheran Schools are unchurched.1 This is about 45,000 students. When you add parents and other family members, it is quite easy to see there is great potential to reach many people with the Gospel of Christ through our schools.

How are Lutheran schools doing?

The statistics2 show our schools are doing a significant amount of the outreach in the LCMS. According to the most recent reports completed by our schools, Lutheran schools reported that 2,178 parents joined LCMS congregations through adult confirmation. That is over 20 percent of the 10,789 of all adult confirmations that were reported in 2013 by LCMS churches. Lutheran schools also have a significant impact on the number of child Baptisms performed in the Synod.

Of the 21,318 Baptisms performed last year, 2,812 were through the outreach efforts of our schools. Terry Schmidt reports, “Baptisms at school chapel services are becoming quite common and are greatly celebrated. When the pastor engages his community through his Lutheran school, the Holy Spirit works in powerful ways.” 3 Included in this article is the list of Lutheran schools that have been blessed with effective outreach for

Lutheran Schools

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

Schmidt, Terry, e-mail 5/1/2014.

Statistics are based on reports from about 1,200 of the 2,200 LCMS schools. If there is no report, enrollment figures are carried forward from the previous year. The count of Baptisms and parents joining is only from schools sending a report for the current year.

3 Schmidt, Terry, e-mail 5/1/2014.

1 2

CITY

STate

Grades

Number of Students

Student Baptisms

Parents Joined

Concordia Lutheran Lutheran School Association Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran St. Peter Lutheran Immanuel Lutheran St. John Lutheran Trinity Lutheran Immanuel Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran Springfield Lutheran Our Savior Lutheran Zion Lutheran Zion Lutheran Mount Calvary Lutheran Preschool Zion Lutheran

Fort Wayne Decatur Scottsdale Arlington Heights Saint Charles Portage Sheboygan East Dundee Lakeland Springfield Springfield New Palestine Saint Charles Lake Arrowhead Walburg

Ind. Ill. Ariz.

Ill. Mo. Wis. Wis. Ill. Fla. Mo. Ill. Ind. Mo. Calif.

Texas

PS-8 K-12 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 K-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-K PS-8

393 503 518 544 472 123 144 304 390 233 236 246 444 33 176

15 4 30 6 6 2 2 1 4 1 7 8 6 5 5

31 27 22 22 21 18 18 17 17 16 16 16 16 15 15

Trinity Lutheran Early Childhood Center

Clinton Township

Mich.

PS-K

222

9

15

St. Paul’s Lutheran Trinity Lutheran Zion Lutheran New Hope Christian St. John Lutheran Concordia Lutheran

Munster Tinley Park Marengo Neenah Ocala San Antonio

Ind. Ill. Ill. Wis. Fla. Texas

PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-12 PS-8

245 300 304 308 347 405

6 6 5 6 5 11

15 15 15 15 15 15

More than 15 Parents Joined

8

the last reporting year. There are two groups. The first group is 22 schools that reported 15 or more parents joining the LCMS through the ministry of the school. Naturally, these tend to be larger schools. The second group is schools that were most effective on a “per capita” basis. This group of 20 schools is composed of those reporting five or more parents joining and had an enrollment-to- parentsjoining ratio of 15 or less. Said another way, in these schools it took 15 or fewer enrollees to reach one new parent.

Note that for both groups, only schools that reported are included.

This is a great harvest field!

At the top of the “per capita” list is Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Lake Arrowhead, Calif. With an enrollment of only 33 students, 15 parents were added to this congregation and five students were baptized. Rita Mancini, the director of the schools, said the keys to their outreach were the following: • As a small mountain community, everyone gets involved in raising the kids.

• The church is very involved in the community.

• The pastor is very involved in the life of the school.

• The church always includes the school in its activities.

• The pastor is always there to meet and engage the parents of the students.

• The congregation is always ready and willing to welcome new people in their midst.

Hannah Krause is principal at Trinity Lutheran School, Bend, Ore., where eight children were baptized through the ministry of the school. She says the culture of their church and school is that of a “churchschool” (one word!). It is a mindset that they are one ministry, one community. The pastors are at the school entrance each morning greeting the students. The teens from the church worship team sometimes lead school chapel services. They report many new parents joining the church, even though there is no tuition discount for church members.

Students/Adult Confirmation 12.68 18.63 23.55 24.73 22.48 6.83 8.00 17.88 22.94 14.56 14.75 15.38 27.75 2.20 11.73 14.80 16.33 20.00 20.27 20.53 23.13 27.00

Lutheran Schools

While there were definitely bright spots, it is also clear that schools could be used in an even more effective way to reach unchurched families. In statistics similar to those of congregations, 62 percent of Lutheran schools reported no parents joining through their ministry, and almost eight percent reported only one. Also mirroring congregational statistics, 50 percent of outreach was done by about five percent of the schools, that is, by 101 schools out of the 2,250 schools nationwide.

Number of Parents Joining None 1 2-3 4-10 11-20 20+

Number of Schools 798 99 172 156 48 5

Percentage of Schools 62.4 7.7 13.5 12.2 3.8 0.4

Total Number of Parents Joining in this Group 0 99 392 912 654 123

Percentage of Parents Joining 0 4.5 18.0 41.8 30.0 5.6

In the same vein, Lutheran high schools appear to have a lot of unused potential for outreach.

The LCMS has 90 high schools throughout the country. Of these, 51 free-standing high schools (not connected to an elementary school) reported last year that there was a total of 13 student Baptisms in nine schools and only four parents joined an LCMS congregation through two schools.

Are Lutheran schools reaching people for Christ? The answer is yes, at least for some. Even though a small percentage of schools account for a high percentage of the outreach, it is a significant portion of all the outreach occurring in the Synod. Can we use schools more effectively? see page 22

Lowest Enrollment-to-Parents-Joined Ratio (five or more)

CITY

STate

Grades

Number of Students

Student Baptisms

Parents Joined

Students/Adult Confirmation

Mount Calvary Lutheran Preschool Immanuel Lutheran St. John Lutheran Redeemer Lutheran Child Care Trinity Lutheran Trinity Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran St. Paul’s Lutheran Our Savior Lutheran Zion Lutheran Immanuel Lutheran Concordia Lutheran Gethsemane Lutheran Gloria Dei Early Childhood Ministries St. Mark Lutheran Springfield Lutheran Our Savior Lutheran Trinity Lutheran Early Childhood Center The Kings Academy Venice Lutheran

Lake Arrowhead Alpena Portage Englewood Lombard Sheboygan Roseburg Chicago Heights Fenton Walburg Bristol Fort Wayne Tempe Houston Brunswick Springfield Springfield Clinton Township Lake Ozark Venice

Calif.

Mich.

Wis. Fla. Ill. Wis. Ore. Ill. Mo. Texas Conn.

Ind. Ariz.

Texas Ohio Mo. Ill. Mich.

Mo. Calif.

PS-K PS-8 K-8 PS PS-8 PS-8 PS-5 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 K-8 PS-K PS-8 PS-8 PS-8 PS-K PS-3 K-8

33 94 123 35 78 144 132 74 91 176 86 393 105 145 116 233 236 222 74 75

5 4 2 4 0 2 9 1 7 5 2 15 28 6 4 1 7 9 5 1

15 14 18 5 10 18 13 7 8 15 7 31 8 11 8 16 16 15 5 5

2.20 6.71 6.83 7.00 7.80 8.00 10.15 10.57 11.38 11.73 12.29 12.68 13.13 13.18 14.50 14.56 14.75 14.80 14.80 15.00

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

9

onthemove

Move to A New Level

H

ave you ever considered what a board of directors is for? Since being appointed to the chairmanship of your International Lutheran Laymen’s League Board of Directors, and then being elected to the same position last spring, I have given this quite a bit of thought. Of course I knew what nonprofit boards do since I previously served on the Board of Governors, but now I am being asked to lead. I need to take that purpose and make it real. Allow me to outline my purposes for the Int’l LLL Board of Directors.

I tackled this issue the same way I do most; I researched it. This summer I read The Nonprofit Board Answer Book: A practical guide for board members and chief executives by Board Source (2007, Jossey-Bass) and The Fundraising Habits of Supremely Successful Boards: A 59-minute guide to assuring your organization’s future by Jerold Panas (2012, Emerson & Church). Both books were a little dry—you should have seen the looks I got at the beach—but they did help me decide on direction for the BOD over my first elected term.

The first thing to stand out for me was the vital role a board plays in setting strategic direction for the organization. “The board sets direction for the organization; on the basis of that direction, the staff fleshes out the plan…”

(Board Source, p. 16). My first goal for this BOD, one we have already started working on, is to review the League’s mission and vision, and then provide some strategic direction to Lutheran Hour Ministries staff. The governance structure, the executive director, the ministries, even the governing board

onthemove

itself have changed recently, and we need to make sure we are moving in the right direction.

Also a part of strategic planning, I want the BOD to look at our place in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and decide how best to help our church reach the world with God’s plan of salvation. The environment in which we operate is constantly changing, and we need to respond and anticipate change—be ready for it.

Our future depends on setting good strategic direction.

Also, the Board needs to take a more active part in fundraising. “Not everyone on a board is capable of making a large gift. But everyone is able and should be expected to call on others for gifts…it’s part of their responsibility” (Panas, pp. 57-58). If nothing else, we should be thanking our donors separately from the work of our advancement staff. We are hoping to move the League into a whole new level of giving, and the Board has an important role to play in that goal.

None of my plans for the BOD should be considered an indictment of the current mission. It is pretty exciting every time I go to St. Louis with the direction, talent, and energy that is evident in our current and previous work, but there is always room to improve. More importantly, it is part of the purpose of a Board of Directors. n

by Kurt Buchholz Executive Director Lutheran Hour Ministries

Opportunities!

T

ravel, travel, travel. It has been a bit too much all at once. How do I know this? One hint: I was introduced at a recent staff chapel service as a visitor.

Then there is the immense list of “little” things that could “wait until I returned.” But this article is about the conversations, the ministry, and the people who have come to know Christ via your work and witness through Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Lutheran Hour Ministries is driven by you to share the Word of God with more than 50 million people around the globe each and every week. Over recent weeks, I visited China, where you have provided printing presses and translated materials that bless the rapidly growing Christian church there. Burned in my mind is the picture of a Chinese Christian bookstore where more than half of the selections, which bring strong theological and doctrinal content to this challenging mission field, were printed through your partnership. We have not seen the ultimate outcome of our mission efforts, but we can see the trajectory, ,and we can praise God for what we are seeing.

In Nicaragua, I saw the work you are doing in public schools and in Bible Correspondence Courses. I witnessed the partnership that you have with the local Lutheran church towards urban church planting.

The Lutheran Church in Nicaragua has traditionally been in the rural areas and now, because of strong

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The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

Phil Krauss ll Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

partnerships and because of you, we are moving energetically into the major urban cities with the Gospel message of salvation.

In Lebanon, I saw firsthand the challenges faced

by Syrian refugees, both Christian and Muslim. We helped distribute aid while bringing Gospel programs to those communities. Through your giving you want to have a stronger Gospel voice in the Middle East, and we are doing just that. Please keep these people in your prayers and don’t let us be lax in our response to these opportunities.

In Ethiopia, I was blessed to see one of the fastest growing Lutheran churches in the world. Why is it growing? Because people are moved by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel with a passion. In meeting with church leaders, I asked what role you, through LHM, have had in their outreach efforts, and they could not count all the congregations that were started through LHM’s Gospel rallies, Bible Correspondence Courses, and Equipping the Saints programs. In recent memory alone, they counted more than 20 off the top of their heads. Wow! God is using you and this

organization to have a lasting impact around the globe.

I rounded out my travel marathon both wearily and joyfully with a 24 hour layover in Nairobi, Kenya, to meet the staff and hear the stories of dynamic youth programs, robust social ministry programs, and strong partnerships with the local Lutheran churches. The opportunities are immense; how can we scale up our already successful programs to meet these open doors? It overwhelmed me. Then I remembered that this is God’s mission.

Each of you is called to this ministry, and we work in response to your initiative. I pray that God will move you to action, and that you in turn will demand action from Lutheran Hour Ministries so that we will continue to stretch ourselves to continually expand our efforts in Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. It’s really all about being SENT! (John 20:21) n Learn more by checking our international blog sites to see what is happening now around the globe through your faithful support of LHM (www.lhm.org/intlportal).

2014 ministry report

with you

February 1, 2015

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

“Whom shaLL I send? and who will go for us?” and I said,

“Here am I. Send Me!” IsaIah 6:8

Be SENT through Lutheran Hour Ministries!

We will send FREE bulletin inserts and offering envelopes (shipping included), but only if you request them atod has called you to do great things in your life. With every breath and every choice, you are able to take on the great opportunities that God has set before you.

LHM.org/LHMSuNday or by requedecision We st in the past year to partner with Lutheran calling 1-800-876-9880. Please rejoice that you made the Hour Ministries! order at least two weeks in Your gifts, prayers, and advocacy allowed children to hear the Gospel, families to find advance of your event to relief, and those who were to find answers in the Gospel. All of this happened matseeking e r i a l s year’s ministry report to see examples of how with your support.

Please explore this ensure delivery.

G

FREE

today!

God is working through you and LHM. Explore more stories, pictures, and videos online at www.lhm.org/report.

Thank you for allowing Lutheran Hour Ministries to be SENT with you!

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

11

A New Outreach Opportunity: Bringing Christ to… Mongolia

to New Places

Around the World

Societal cues, existing ministry, and partnerships pave the way for expansion into former communist country

Lcommitment to expand international outreach utheran Hour Ministries remains steadfast in its

that shares the Gospel with unreached peoples, in urban areas, and among the burgeoning number of youth worldwide. LHM’s new ministry center in Mongolia illustrates our passion to reach the unreached.

Once home to only a handful of believers, Mongolia has recently been characterized as a “modern day Acts,” where in just three decades the number of Christians has steadily grown to as many as 100,000.

In post-communist Mongolia there has been a new openness to Western business and culture—including religion. In response to this shift in culture, Lutheran Hour Ministries has established a new ministry center in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.

“In October our center became officially registered as a Non-government Organization, or NGO, in Mongolia,” says Rev. Peter Kirby, LHM’s regional director for Europe. “In Mongolian the center is called ‘Yel Dauisi,’ which means ‘Voice of the Nation.’

“We already have extensive experience doing

outreach in Kazakhstan, and we believe that that can be our entrée to beginning work in Mongolia,” Kirby explains. “Many people of Kazakh heritage live in Mongolia’s two westernmost provinces; we are working to reach out to them in the Kazakh language and help them connect with their Kazakh culture while also sharing the message of Jesus Christ. We are working closely with the Far East Broadcasting Company’s WIND FM station in Ulaanbaatar. WIND FM is planning to open satellite stations in rural areas of Mongolia, and one of the first will be in the western city of Hovd, which is home to a large number of Kazakh speakers.”

Voice of the Nation began broadcasting on November 15. The ministry center’s two-hour Kazakhlanguage program is presented in a “magazine” format: 15 minutes of history and “Biblical connections,” 15 minutes of local news, and an hour and a half of Kazakh-language classical and Christian music.

“Our aim is to connect listeners who respond with the local evangelist and to direct them into ‘Biblelistening groups,’” Kirby adds. “As that develops, we

LHM—Mongolia Director Karligash, in training at WIND FM for the ministry center’s November broadcast debut.

will look to launch another satellite broadcast in the Ulaanbaatar-area city of Nalaikh.

“We’ve been very encouraged by the support we’ve received from the LCMS missionary in Mongolia, as well as Lutheran pastors and other Christians working there. Please pray for our Director Karligash, our partners, and all efforts to share the love of God through radio, print media, and relationship-building.” n

Why Begin with Radio Ministry in Mongolia? t a time when there four billion people worldwide with Christian broadcasts Aare rumors that the in 130 languages,” Rutt says—“including ‘non-reachable’

Internet and other media could render obsolete the old stand-by medium of television as we know it, what is it that makes the even older medium of radio an attractive tool for outreach by a new ministry Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Eric Gates, Gunya NaThalang, center such as LHM’s Peter Kirby, and Dr. Douglas Rutt met with Trans World center in Mongolia?

Radio conference hosts President Lauren Libby, left, and Media Development and Services Director Ralph Stores, “People have been right. Photo courtesy TWR Media Development and Services. predicting the end of radio for a long time, but it’s still there and it’s not going away,” says Dr. Douglas Rutt, LHM’s director of International Ministries. In October, Rutt and LHM’s international regional directors participated in Trans World Radio’s (TWR) 60th Anniversary “Footsteps” Conference at the radio giant’s headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. “The stations of TWR’s network reach

“People have been predicting the end of radio for a long time, but it’s still there and it’s not going away.”

places such as North Korea.

“As we have learned from TWR and other partners,” Rutt goes on, “about 80 percent of listeners to Christian radio around the world are already Christians. We are interested in exploring how radio can be used effectively to reach the unbelieving world.

“One thing we are looking at is how the radio stations themselves are set up. One of the main models for radio outreach has been the large, overarching Christian network that owns stations and broadcasts its own menu of programs. Now there seems to be a trend toward broadcasting religious content over small local stations that carry news and other programs of local interest in local languages. We think this model is worth exploring for opportunities to present the Gospel to people who aren’t being reached in other ways.

“The station from which we are broadcasting in Mongolia,” says Rutt, “is a satellite of the Far East Broadcasting Company—one of those large Christian radio networks I described—but we anticipate that Lutheran Hour Ministries’ unique blend of Kazakh-language news, culture, and music will have a truly local feel for Kazakhs in the communities of western Mongolia.” n

To learn more about Lutheran Hour Ministries’ use of radio to spread the Gospel around the world, visit www.lhm.org/international.

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The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

the LHM’s Ministry byNumbers

“Your good deed has inspired me

to take action.”

51 million people reached

globally with the Gospel each week 1

1,089,842 page views

on the Daily Devotions web site 2

800,000 listeners

to The Lutheran Hour each week 1

534,467 page views

into our

communities

on the Men’s NetWork site 2

proclaiming the gospel and emboldening the laity to be missionaries at home

Tof how to equip and minister to individuals—en he Lord has given LHM a unique understanding

masse through modern technology and on a personal level through local partnerships and training.

As the world’s longest-running Christian outreach radio program, The Lutheran Hour is more than just an icon in American broadcast history—it remains a powerful tool for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with 800,000 people each week.

That’s why Lutheran Hour Ministries continues to implement new technologies such as a mobile app so the program can be more accessible to listeners and potentially reach out to new audiences.

But LHM also has a long and respected history of providing outreach tools to individuals and congregations that work in concert with its proclamation activities. This foundation serves as the catalyst for partnering with the laity to embolden them to be missionaries in their communities.

It can be as simple as getting a group of guys together, grabbing a bite to eat, and watching the Men’s NetWork’s latest video Bible study release or lending their skills and services to benefit others.

That’s exactly what Men’s NetWork groups across the country such as the one from Concordia Lutheran Church in Louisville, Kentucky, are doing regularly.

“Each month after our breakfast and Bible study, we feature a different speaker, field trip, or service project,” says Aaron Siletto from Concordia.

“This year, we hosted the University of Louisville head women’s basketball coach and the mayor of Louisville as speakers; took a “hard hat tour” of a bourbon distillery; hosted a home-brewing

demonstration; and participated in both a Habitat for Humanity build and a Kids Against Hunger meal-packing event. We have been richly blessed in 2014 by each other’s fellowship and our time together in the Word. I look forward to more great things from the Men of God at Concordia in 2015.”

Or what about using a Project Connect booklet to help a person in need? It was one woman’s battle with cancer that launched a novel use of LHM’s Coping with Cancer booklet and started a chemotherapy-turban outreach program called Project Joanna through Grace Lutheran Church in Vestal, New York.

“We attractively package the booklet along with a turban, a prayer card for patients, and a stamped postcard that can be returned to request a prayer or a Bible,” says church member Rita Schultz. “As an outreach in a time of deep need, these kits provide a warm hug on a cold day. My favorite response came from a woman who said, ‘This kind of support is so meaningful. It makes me feel I am not alone and have support from unknown friends.

I never realized the value of this. What your work has inspired in me is the desire to reach out to just one person who needs support. Your good deed has inspired me to take action.’”

The Lutheran Hour. Men’s NetWork. Project Connect. MISSION U. Outreach Conferences. five14. These are just some of the ways that Lutheran Hour Ministries has been SENT to build momentum across the North American church for learning and boldly sharing God’s Word. Your generous support of LHM helps make it happen. n

405,000 annual responses

to global outreach efforts 2

66,000 people trained

in evangelism internationally 3

50,915 subscribers to Daily Devotions 1

47,511 new Bible course

students enrolled annually 2

38,810 people referred

to a church internationally last year 2

30,000 people trained

in witnessing in the United States 3

20,013 registered users for the Men’s NetWork 1

12,849 downloads

of the Daily Devotions app 3

11,625

people connected to a church last year through LHM’s international efforts 2

1,400 North American

radio stations airing The Lutheran Hour 1 Running total at the end of fiscal year, May 31, 2014 Results during fiscal year June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014 3 Cumulative total since the program’s inception 1 2

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

13

International Lutheran Laymen’s League and Subsidiaries Consolidating Statement of Activities (in Thousands) Year ended May 31, 2014, with comparative totals for 2013 Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League

The LHM Foundation

2014 Consolidated Totals

2013 Consolidated Totals

Board of Directors As of fiscal year ending May 31, 2014

Chairman Philip Krauss II Westland, Michigan Vice Chairman

Richard Gast Mission Viejo, California Kay Meyer St. Louis, Missouri

Phillip Johnson Operating Support and Revenue Paul Pettit Maplewood, Minnesota Donor support $ 255 $27,162 $27,417 $33,460 Lincoln, Nebraska Secretary Other income, net 843 1,962 2,805 3,274 Leonard Pranschke Janice Wendorf 2,217 30,222 36,734 Operating Income 28,005 St. Louis, Missouri Grafton, Wisconsin

Andreas Schwabe Treasurer Operating Expenses Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Michael Brown Ministries 21,820 0 21,820 21,124 Weldon Schwiebert Westminster, Colorado Administration and fund raising 6,607 139 6,746 6,504 Westland, Michigan Operating Expenses 28,427 139 28,566 27,628 Directors Richard Sindlinger

Londa Borer-Skov York, Pennsylvania Operating Income Sacramento, California William Snow in Excess of Expenses (422) 2,078 1,656 9,106 Jack Ficken Watertown, South Dakota Fairview, Tennessee 1,295 0 1,295 1,229 Non-operating income Non-operating expenses 1,012 292 1,304 1,555 The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation Non-operating Net Income 283 (292) (9) (326) As of fiscal year ending May 31, 2014

Net endowment earnings distributed

701

(701)

0

0

562 1,085 1,647 8,780 Change in Net Assets

Net Assets, Beginning of Year $28,760 $14,623 $43,383 $34,603 $29,322 $15,708 $45,030 $43,383 Net Assets, End of Year

Lutheran Hour Ministries is the registered d/b/a name for the International Lutheran Laymen’s League. A copy of the audit report ­­­is available upon written request from the LHM headquarters at 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141-8557.­

Consolidated Operating Expenses Fund Development (17%) Ministry (76%)

Administration (7%)

Consolidated Operating Income

www.lhm.org/report

Contributions (57%) Estate Gifts (34%)

Other Income (9%) 14

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

Officers

Dr. Marvin Swan Chairman Grant, Nebraska V. Dale Stoner Vice Chairman Lady Lake, Florida Harold Melser President Columbia, Illinois Adam Eggemeyer Executive Vice President Waterloo, Illinois Larry Pritchett Vice President St. Louis, Missouri Loren Podoll Secretary Riverton, Wyoming Curtiss Wittbracht Treasurer Waterloo, Illinois Lois Engfehr Assistant Secretary Collinsville, Illinois David Lanius Assistant Treasurer St. Louis, Missouri

Trustees

Kurt Buchholz LHM Executive Director St. Charles, Missouri Jared Dollar Jefferson City, Missouri Betty Duda Cocoa Beach, Florida Glenn Gerber Katy, Texas Philip Krauss II Int’l LLL Chairman of the Board Westland, Michigan John W. Kidwell Bay City, Michigan Brian Mitchell Lee’s Summit, Missouri Calvin Neeman Waterloo, Illinois Roy Schmidt Bay City, Michigan Weldon Schwiebert LHM Foundation Board of Directors Representative Westland, Michigan Karen Soeken Ellicott City, Maryland Pastoral Advisor Rev. Gregory Seltz St. Louis, Missouri

A Video Course on Christianity: GodConnects In a difficult and confusing world, God is connecting to you!

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odConnects, www.lhm.org/godconnects, offers real options for people interested in exploring the Christian faith. It has 12 video sessions and written material for adults. Hosted by Rev. Gregory Seltz, the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, these 10-minute vignettes present key Biblical concepts of the Christian faith in a style ideal for those considering the faith. Long-time Christians will also benefit as a way to review the foundations of faith. The series offers a deeper insight into the nature of God “who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32).

Detailed discussion guides supply supporting Scriptures, pose questions to consider, and provide additional web resources to review. These 12 sessions are ideal for new-member classes, but

also can be used by Bible study groups, individual study, or even as a way to share the faith.

On the website, you’ll find all the resources needed to implement a GodConnects class. Under “Pastor’s Resources” a preparation guide and checklist outline steps to schedule, recruit, and conduct a class. There are tips and tools for getting the word out and personalizing invitations. To track prospective members a referral form and Excel spreadsheet are provided. PowerPoint slides for each session highlight important ideas and sharpen focus.

Getting GodConnects up and running in your church is easy when using the program’s built-in ad tools. Under “Promotional Resources” you will find bulletin announcements, a customizable poster, a PowerPoint

slide, and a brief video to show the congregation or study group. “Save the Date” cards are ideal for distribution.

GodConnects is designed to present in a clear and coherent way the essentials of Christian doctrine and practice. It is aesthetically appealing, engages intellectually, and challenges attendees to earnestly consider the content presented. The 12 sessions of GodConnects are Why Jesus?; Why the Bible?; Ten Commandments; Nature of God; Work of Christ; Holy Spirit; Prayer; Baptism; Confession and Absolution; The Lord’s Supper; End of the Age; and Christian Life.

This curriculum is also available in Spanish!

Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Pastor Luciano Vega-Ayala hosts the Spanish language version of GodConnects. Titled Dios Se Revela, the curriculum mirrors the GodConnects series and offers most of the same resources for Spanish speakers. Go to www.paraelcamino.com/ DiosSeRevela to access. n

The course and all resources are free at lhm.org/godconnects; DVD version is available for $29.95 on the site.

! w e N CPH Teams with LWML for Orders

I

n November, Concordia Publishing House embraced the distribution and ecommerce services for the more-than-95,000-member Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML).

“We’re pleased to have the opportunity to bring CPH’s excellence in quality systems and the distribution process to support the mission of the LWML,” said Dr. Bruce Kintz, president and CEO of Concordia Publishing House.

CPH now manages the sale, distribution, and storage of more than 700 items carried by LWML. Customers wishing to order products from the online “LWML store” can click the “Store” tab from LWML.org, as they always have, and will be taken to CPH.org to complete their purchase.

“The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League begins a new venture as we collaborate with CPH, who has won many prestigious awards for their customer focus, process management, and exceptional quality over the years,” said LWML President Kay Kreklau. She noted this new partnership “will allow the LWML to focus more of our time on missions and sharing the Gospel.”

New features will be added, such as gift registry, mobile shopping, and digital gift cards at CPH.org. n Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

a video-based adult confirmation course from lutheran Hour ministries Each of the 12 sessions includes: • 6-7 minute video explanation • doctrine approved by the LCMS • downloadable discussion guide • PowerPoint presentation Take the guesswork out of publicizing your class with free, customizable promotional resources!

plan your class today! lhm.org/godconnects The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

15

By Paul Schreiber

I

n Eastern Nebraska, staff and members of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha have been behind bars.

It’s not as bad as it sounds. At Divine Shepherd, work being done by Vern Nemitz (the church’s director of outreach), along with members Joni Johnson, Lyle Kruse, Dean Raabe, and others have been making inroads with those on the inside. Through weekly visits with prisoners at Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, they offer prayer, friendship, and (above all else) the life-changing Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ.

“It’s Matthew 25 stuff!” said Senior Pastor Dr. Mark Hannemann, referencing the Scripture where Jesus speaks about caring for the “least of these” who are thirsty, hungry, without clothes, sick, and in prison.

“Joni Johnson has been going to the youth detention center each week for a number of years. Dean has partnered with Lyle and is involved. Vern is our most experienced prison visitor and has many stories to share. We have been recruiting more to be involved. Things are developing in the Nebraska District as well, and our guys are leading the way,” he added.

Nemitz has been working in prison ministry for 15 years. He said members from Divine Shepherd visit people at adult and youth jails in Omaha, as well as the medium/maximum state prison in Tecumseh. Some go as often as three times a week. They visit about 100 prisoners in all. However, there are hurdles when trying to spark interest in this kind of ministry. He said, “Most people don’t want anything to do with prisoners because of who they are and what they have done. But we all fall short

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The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

of the glory of God, and He wants them to know Him, also. As a prerequisite for this kind of service, he says people need to “have a heart for people and meet them where they are in life—and forgive them, as Christ has forgiven us.”

“For most people, this ministry is one of those ‘I could never do that’ ministries,” Hannemann said. “Few people are willing to go through the steps to meet the requirements to become a regular visitor in jails or prisons. It is a bit daunting to be locked up yourself. It is scary. The ‘least of these’ population in our jails and prisons are one of the most neglected populations because, after all, they are getting what they deserve, right? But these, too, are those for whom Christ died,” he added.

In addition to providing prisoners with Bibles, the prison ministry volunteers give inmates inspirational cards and notes penned by young people and ladies from the church (no personal names included); copies of Portals of Prayer and the Gospel of John; study Bibles for inmate group leaders; Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Project Connect booklets and sermon CDs from The Lutheran Hour and, as funds allow, Christmas gifts for inmates’ children who have no money; gas cards for family members, when necessary, to visit inmates; and drinks and snacks for inmates attending Bible studies.

Of the Project Connect booklets, Kruse, a trained Stephen minister and a three-year veteran of prison ministry, emphasized, “These booklets really work. We’re sending about 100-150 of them per month to prisoners, and we’re sharing booklets with several other people in other cities in Nebraska to be used for prison ministry. One of the best

As a Stephen minister, Lyle Kruse, left, brought the joy of the Christ Child to this and other prisoners.

is Loved … And Not Forgotten. God is using them for His purpose. Feedback has been awesome. I can share that two Satanists have read the Great Deceiver booklet. We are praying for both of them to know Jesus. Christian prisoners are sharing the booklets with other prisoners who don’t know Jesus or who have fallen away. They love the booklets!”

Kruse gave us a list of what he calls “divine events” that have taken place by God’s grace among prisoners, using LHM’s Project Connect topical booklets: 1. Young men have asked to be baptized due to the study of Loved … And Not Forgotten.

2. Young men have asked us to help them learn to pray after studying the booklet Prayer: When You Don’t Know What to Say. 3. Young and old men have asked to study the Bible after reading What Happens When I Die. 4. Two Satanists are attending Christian church services after their reading of Great Deceiver.

5. Several men have asked for forgiveness after studying Forgiveness is a Choice. Several have forgiven their family members and asked for forgiveness from other family members.

6. Men have different levels of understanding of the Bible, and The Bible: What? When? Why? helps them understand the Old Testament in comparison to the New Testament and how to read the Bible to find answers to their issues.

7. The Finding Peace booklet has helped prisoners find peace for themselves, while showing them how to make peace with their family (even if the family has deserted them).

8. Several men have attempted suicide or were planning to take their lives. However, hearing CD sermons from The Lutheran Hour, reading a number of booklets, and attending Bible studies have given them a chance to understand in a new way the love Jesus has for them.

Appreciation from the prisoners has been strong.

“We have received more than 100 letters and more than 300 cards from prisoners in Tecumseh alone,” Kruse said. “They are expressing thanks and also witnessing to us and the younger men in the youth prison. It’s amazing seeing God use prisoners to witness to other prisoners. The younger prisoners will listen to older prisoners. The young ones know the older ones have been there and done what they are talking about,” he said.

Prison ministry is a type of service that tends to fall outside many people’s radar. When asked what prompted his involvement in prison-related ministry, Nemitz replied: “I feel there are two ministries where people have little or no hope, one is prison; the other is nursing homes.”

The personal impact prison ministry can have, however, is undeniable. Nemitz shared this story: “I have seen many prisoners over the last 15 years. My first one—a prisoner in Georgia—killed someone.

He had a chance to get out of prison if I would sponsor him. He was on parole but needed a job and a place to live. I owned a bowling center at the time, so I took him on and he worked with me. I had partners and told them I just hired a new person.

Naturally, they said that was fine, but when I told them he was a murderer, they said, ‘What!?’ I told them he would only work alongside me and no one else. I had always shared Jesus with this man and how He died for us and our sins. I told him how if we would ask Him for forgiveness He would give it to all who believe in Him. To make a long story short, that person is now a pastor in a Christian church in Omaha, and we are still very good friends. I could tell

you a million more stories how Jesus has changed lives, but that is just one.”

Suzie Sallee, LHM’s coordinator of witness tools, has been visiting and mentoring prisoners since 1997. She knows firsthand about the misconceptions people have about prison ministry and working with those behind bars. “Often the public at large looks at those who are incarcerated as throwaways, no good and unredeemable. In the U.S. there’s a legal system we count on for judgment and justice. Is it infallible? No, but it’s the process we use. If someone has inflicted pain, injury or death to a loved one, as humans we typically want punishment to the fullest extent of the law. On the other hand, if your loved one was the perpetrator, we may find ourselves begging for leniency. The volunteer’s role is to look with the eyes of Jesus on those who are incarcerated.

Our job isn’t to judge. Our job is to encourage and show God’s mercy and grace, while extending an invitation to the prisoner to allow God into his or her life to change them from the inside out. If God sent Jesus for all sinners, then it includes all people.”

While life behind bars is harsh and sobering, it’s not unlike the situation we all face apart from God’s grace. Echoing words from Loved … And Not Forgotten, Nemitz reminds us, “Without God we are all in prison, awaiting the sentence we deserve. Jesus’ life, death 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.” n Paul Schreiber is on the LHM staff as senior editor for the United States Ministries division.

PC Booklet Offers Hope beyond Regrets

L

ife can be full of regrets. Some stain our psyches and defy erasure. In Regrets, Reality, Restoration, a companion booklet that complements the LHM Men’s NetWork Bible study of the same name, the disciple Peter is singled out for his colossal regret.

Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer, theological editor for LHM’s Untied States Ministries division, this Project Connect booklet puts Peter under the microscope as the one who pledged his devotion and steadfastness to Jesus no matter what the consequences. But Peter, the “rock,” worried about a possible taint by association with the arrested Savior and the persecution that could follow. Even as Peter was disgraced by his heartless indifference to his Lord’s predicament, he was restored—by the grace of God—to a life that has made a difference in the lives of untold millions through the centuries.

What do we do when the condemning memory of past offenses won’t be silenced? Complete restoration is not a matter of personal resolve or positive thinking. It’s turning to the One who has taken all our grief, sorrows, anxieties, blunders, and crimes to the cross and where, once and for all time, He won for us an ultimate victory through His death and resurrection.

Order the Regrets, Reality, Restoration video Bible study for $15 and receive 10 FREE copies of the companion booklet. Go to www.lhm.org/regrets and plug in the code LMRegrets14. Offer good through January 30, 2015. n

This and all the other titles are available through the Project Connect website: www.lhm.org/projectconnect.

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

17

,

“T

his evening of German food was fabulous! A great evening made special by the food and the people.” Remarks like this were made by residents of Hope Lodge during the recent Oktoberfest meal offered by members of the A-MEN group and their wives. Hope Lodge is an American Cancer Society facility for patients of St. Joseph’s Hospital and their families in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The building resembles a three story motel that offers a large multi-kitchen facility for residents’ use.

The residents and A-MEN members made up the nearly 40 people that enjoyed bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, red cabbage, and tasty German desserts. “Thank you so much for supper. It is really appreciated more than you know,” said a grateful person. Ed Bieno, a member of the A-MEN group, added, “Our A-MEN members split up and sat with the residents, talking with them, but mostly listened. As opportunities arose,

our men prayed with the residents and offered spiritual comfort. For the few residents that did not have hope, we extended God’s Word and showed them that they were not alone. Jesus was with them.”

Bieno was supported in taking the outreach a step further. “I ordered a Project Connect Jr. display to place at the Hope Lodge,” he said. “It will be stocked with cancer-related booklets. Pastor Andrew Wilson, Christ Lutheran Church, Marshfield, will keep it filled.” The ordering process was simple. Bieno just called 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4210.

Using Project Connect booklets extends the impact as a displayed resource in churches, healthcare offices, or community centers is an effective way to get these valuable resources

Celebrate LHM Sunday on Feb. 1

A

stark reality exists in the world today: billions of people live without the hope of Christ. In fact, four out of every 10 people in the world today have never heard of Jesus Christ; the fastest-growing religion in the world is Islam; and the fastest-growing religious belief in the United States is “none.” The need for bold proclamation of Christ’s love has never been greater.

The challenge is immense, but Lutheran Hour Ministries is undaunted. The Lord has given this ministry a unique understanding of how to equip and minister to individuals—en masse through modern technology and on a personal level through local partnerships, outreach resources and evangelism training. As a laity-driven ministry, one of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ most valuable partners is you—Christians who faithfully and joyfully share the Gospel truth with friends and neighbors who are lost and hurting. We are all “Called … Loved … and SENT” to share Christ’s message of hope with those who need to hear it—in our own communities and around the world.

Join us by celebrating and supporting Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday in 2015 so your congregation can learn more about LHM’s long and respected

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The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

distributed to people burdened by difficult circumstances and desperate needs. The booklets are written by LCMS pastors and ministry professionals on topics ranging from parenting to forgiveness, Alzheimer’s, the Bible, pornography, faith, and more.

A-MEN is a group of men from several central Wisconsin locations within a 30-mile radius that meet in various locations on the second Tuesday of each month. “We don’t have meetings; we have a men’s night out. No dues or officers, just a group of Christian men that enjoy each other’s fellowship.”

They do it with a Christ-centered purpose and make a difference in life! n

history of creating outreach tools that work in concert with its Gospel proclamation activities. The official date for LHM Sunday 2015 is February 1— but you can celebrate LHM Sunday whenever your calendar permits. Here are just a few suggestions to maximize your congregation’s LHM Sunday efforts: • Designate a few Sundays to have offering envelopes for LHM, either starting or ending with LHM Sunday.

• Set up a display and offering box in the back of the church to promote LHM’s programs. Keep it visible for several weeks.

• Talk to various groups or organizations within your congregation, such as the men’s club or Men’s NetWork group, the LWML group, the youth group or Bible study groups, to encourage a donation from their group.

• Host a pot luck luncheon after church, and show the LHM Sunday promotional DVD. Give a short presentation and take a collection after eating.

Bulk quantities of bulletin inserts and individual offering envelopes are available to congregations for FREE, but they must be ordered online. Call 1-800-876-9880 or visit www.lhm.org/lhmsunday for more information about LHM Sunday or to order materials. Please order at least two weeks in advance of your event to ensure delivery. (Also see page 23.) n

Getting Beyond the Guilt with Regrets, Reality, Restoration

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here’s likely not a person alive who doesn’t grapple with regrets. Who wouldn’t relish the chance to pull back those caustic words, that slap in the face, or some foolhardy decision that prompted anguish or embarrassment? The bigger question is what do we do when accusations from our past won’t be silenced? Was dope the blunder? Was it booze? Was it pride and selfishness? Was it violence?

Regrets, Reality, Restoration, a new Bible study from the Men’s NetWork, shares the life stories of four individuals who experienced profound regret over their actions. In these profiles it was drug and alcohol abuse, abandoning one’s Christian faith, poor ethical decisions in the White House, and a fatal car accident that changed lives forever. Interviewees speak frankly about complex past events and ill-fated decisions that would invade their day-to-day lives in the present. With each story is the common thread that these battles weren’t won overnight—nor were they won alone. As you will see, the backstories of these individuals do not dominate their present—or their futures. Even in their bleakest moments, it was God’s love in Christ Jesus that brought forgiveness and restoration to their anguished pasts.

This Bible study features a companion Project Connect booklet of the same name (see notice at bottom right). Written to augment the video presentation, the video and booklet together make an excellent twin pack for group Bible studies, individual use, or as a gift to someone beset with regrets, who needs to know there’s a way out of the self-condemnation.

For every $15 DVD purchase of Regrets, Reality, Restoration, you’ll receive 10 copies of the Project Connect booklet FREE! When ordering, please go to www.lhm.org/regrets and use the special code LMRegrets14. This offer expires January 30, 2015. n

Float Contest Winners were Chosen

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our winners in the 2015 contest were among 900 students in preschool through eighth grade who entered the 2015 Rose Parade Float Coloring Contest, sponsored by the Lutheran Hour Ministries Float Committee. This year’s LHM float theme is “The Bible ... God’s Story” (www.petalpushers.donorshops.com/2015-float.php). The float is a project spearheaded by the Southern California District of the Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League (LHM).

Winners were selected from four age groupings and received a Family Pass to the 2015 Behind the Scenes Party, a float T-shirt, and a float magnet. Teachers of winning students received a family pass to the party.

Winners are SYDNEY SIMON of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Tempe, Ariz. (kindergarten, age 5; teacher is Susan Burke); AMELIA AHLERS, Zion Lutheran, Pierce, Neb. (grade 2, age 8; teacher is Sarah Bretschneider); MADISON KEMP, Abiding Savior, Lake Forest, Calif. (grade 4, age 9; teacher is Mary Schirrmacher); and REBECCA PIKE who is home schooled in Cheyenne, Wyo. (grade 7, age 12; teacher is Sherry Pike). n

Glad to Be of Service—

Men at Work

Coming in April!

T

his marks year three of the Men’s NetWork WORK DAY. The date: Saturday, April 25. The task is simple: render service to somebody (community or public service projects) in need of a few hours of labor you and a few buddies can deliver.

The first and second WORK DAY saw some grand work accomplished, with many grateful recipients. This year we’d like to continue and expand that tradition. Along that line, think NEED and OUTREACH when planning your project(s). Are there families hard pressed that need home improvements? Are there elderly couples (widows or widowers) whose 40-year-old bungalow could profit from a generous application of fresh insulation? And who’s helping that young couple—you know the ones—with the disabled daughter? Wouldn’t they be thrilled to get a wheelchair-accessible ramp installed by their front door?

The sky’s the limit on what you can do for somebody—somebody who may well be outside the church. And who knows, this may be the first step to getting them inside. n

Check out the Men’s NetWork website at www.lhm.org/men for all the details.

What do we do when the past won’t be silenced?

Regrets, Reality, Restoration, a new video Bible study from the Men’s NetWork, shares the stories of four individuals who experienced profound regret over drug and alcohol abuse, abandoned faith, poor decisions, and a fatal accident.

Thankfully, today their backstories do not dominate their futures. See how God’s love in Christ Jesus brought forgiveness and restoration to their pasts.

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy the DVD and receive 10 FREE booklets!

Written to accompany the study, this booklet provides guidance and comfort for those struggling with a painful past.

Enter coupon code LMREGRETS14 at lhM.oRg/REgREts or call 1-800-876-9880 to take advantage of this offer.

Hurry, this special offer ends January 30, 2015!

Watch the video for FREE today!

Lhm.ORg/mEn The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

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By Mark Jasa

H

OW IT STARTED: In 2011 I was asked to teach a class on secularism and a class on Buddhism in Vancouver for the LHM ROC (Regional Outreach Conference). The class on secularism was a great success and many local pastors from the Alberta-British Columbia District attended. Some asked me if I could come back the following year for a project spearheaded by Vancouver pastor James Paulgaard, so I returned for a tour of the churches on Vancouver Island, in Edmonton, and in Calgary. In 2013 the district asked me to return. That time I not only taught classes but began doing “flight school”—the real-world evangelism experiences. Previously we had “ground school” (classes being taught in churches) but 2013 was different because this time we took pastors and parishioners out on the campuses and began engaging the students.

I call this Flight School because the teachings are no longer theoretical but being put into practice with real live human beings.

Editor’s Preface: It’s good to stand on firm ground, but some ideas deserve to take wing and fly to new vistas. That’s the thinking of Pastor Mark Jasa of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Pasadena, Calif. His idea is to take God’s Word and Christ’s work of salvation out to the people for whom it is meant. As a result, creativity is important. So is training.

Here is how Pastor Jasa explains his methods of sharing the Good News.

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The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

Pastor Jasa has spent witnessing time on the campuses of the University of Victoria, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary. He followed up with existing teams to continue their outreach and enter new locations. Recently, he has been in Denmark and England with similar outreach ideas in mind.

I have been working with Paul Roggow (missionary-at-large for the ABC District) and much time has been spent doing evangelism extensively on these trips. Each year the tour of Canada expands further and further with more dates and more churches becoming involved.

Also, I have been working with the Lutheran Laymen’s League’s Sunshine Zone in San Diego.

Jasa believes it’s good to cast the Word of God and watch the results.

Give it away for free, then stand back, and leave it alone. Often in public settings various church denominations lead people to give the Gospel away and then immediately follow it up with “this is what you have to do,” which ultimately nullifies the Gospel. All the people hear at that point is what they have to do. It comes across as a bait and switch.

Simply put, tell them what Jesus has done. Tell them their sins are forgiven. Tell them that heaven is free, and let them rest in that realization. They in turn may challenge the Gospel—and when they do address that issue, allow them to bring it up.

It’s good to find venues and times when people are open to the Gospel.

A “meetup” is an internet social gathering that gives times, dates, and places for certain kinds of interests. Meet ups can be a great way to meet atheists and people who are simply turned off by churches that did not give away forgiveness for free. This gives you a chance to listen to the broken who have not heard (or understood) the Good News.

The commonly called “Prodigal Son” is a good example (Luke 15:11-32).

Parables are helpful teaching tools even for people who don’t believe. I shared the parable of the Good Father (and his lost son) with a group of Muslim men. These men were horrified by the younger son’s behavior and immediately saw the father as unworthy of respect. But what I found most interesting about this encounter was that all of the men identified themselves with the older brother. However they also saw that the older brother excluded himself from the great feast.

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) helps Muslims see themselves in the story and see that Jesus forgives those who are not obedient to God’s laws. A Hindu woman clearly understood the message of

Christianity because her response was that Jesus lets bad people off the hook.

Rather than becoming discouraged by your mistakes learn from your mistakes. Listen to the people you’re engaging and find out what problems they have.

Use the concepts, terminology, and ideas that are meaningful, valuable, and precious to your hearer. Just do what the apostle Paul did. With a Jehovah’s Witness I will not use the terms heaven and hell, instead I will talk about the New Earth and Annihilation. In a Muslim context sin and hell are reasonable to use, whereas in a conversation with an atheist these concepts are not already accepted. With an atheist I will speak of guilt and death rather that sin and hell.

Try using quotations they know.

Although it is valuable to study religions by reading their own sacred documents, it is also important to hear what the individual himself believes. Even in our own pews not all Lutherans believe (gasp) the same thing!

However, I regularly use the “sacred” documents of other religions to show that followers are condemned by their own teachings. I use the Quran to show Muslims that they have failed to keep their own law.

I use the Book of Mormon to show Mormons that their own

documents condemn them and that there is an eternal punishment. For example: Jacob 6:10—“And according to the power of justice, for justice cannot be denied, ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever, which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment.”

Moroni 10:32—“Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.” For “Muslim-specific outreach” versus generalized outreach, I use one sign to attract attention. It says, “Religion is for the weak.” I have another sign that is particularly aimed toward engaging Muslims. It quotes Surah 24:24-25: “On that day when their tongues their hands and their feet bear witness against him as to their actions, on that day Allah will pay them back all their just dues for Allah is the very truth who makes all things known.”

The sign is in the original Arabic, which in and of itself sparks interest for almost anyone who walks by.

Many Muslims and other Middle Easterners approach me and ask me if I know what the sign says. I recite the English translation and that gets the discussion going. It amazes them that I have memorized part of the book that Muslims hold dear. This causes some to appreciate my interest in their religion.

This particular quotation demonstrates that Muslims have the Law. The sign conveys the fact that God knows everything we’ve done, and He is going to pay us back for all of our deeds.

So the question is, “If God gives you what you deserve, what will you get?” I ask them, “When God judges you, what is going to happen?

Are you going to go to heaven or to hell?” Obviously I will want to build rapport with the person and always tell them that I am under this condemnation as well.

This sign with the verse see page 22

Patsy has seen Pastor Jasa at work. His witness brings results, thanks to the effort of the Holy Spirit. Here is what Patsy says:

P

astor Jasa is a compelling speaker. After his presentation, I wanted to see him in action.

So I went to San Diego State University after he promised me that I wouldn’t have to do anything but observe. I know you are thinking, “no guts,” but that promise is what encouraged me to be there. Right away he requested that I find someone else to join us. He is hard to turn down, so I recruited someone else who had heard him speak.

Watching him and his “I’m here, come and talk to me” style of evangelism was amazing.

I didn’t think anyone would stop. His small sign declaring that “religion is for the weak” netted two distinct reactions. The first was the believers who wanted to set us straight by witnessing to us. Then they had an “aha!” moment about the meaning of the sign that declared “religion is for the weak” when they realized that it really was saying that we are all weak and need Jesus.

The other type of responders were the unbelievers who thought they had found an ally. The first group was simply reminded of the love of Christ. The second group was led a few steps towards seeing their need for the Savior.

The sign was provocative. I wouldn’t have stopped to talk, but those in whom the Holy Spirit had planted a hunger did stop to talk.

One young woman whose mother died when she was a child was still reeling from the loss (although she didn’t recognize it), declared that after death there is nothing. Yet she spoke with Pastor Jasa for more than 30 minutes while the rest of us prayed for her soul. He was watering the seed planted by the Holy Spirit.

Did she become a believer that day? Probably not, but she did hear the Gospel and it gave her food for thought.

Pastor Jasa’s father was there quietly supporting his son and speaking with students as well, helping them to see their life from God’s point of view.

True to his promise that we wouldn’t be put on the spot, we didn’t have to say a word. But this experience has given me the courage to be a little more provocative in order to have an opportunity to share the saving words of Christ—who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life—for the weak and for those who think they are strong. n

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

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Lenten Devotions

from page 9 This answer here is also a resounding yes. As stated at the beginning of the article, Lutheran schools offer a near-ideal environment to share the Good News of the forgiveness, life and peace offered by our Savior for this life and life eternal.

How can schools become more effective? It begins with realizing our schools are a mission field in which we are building meaningful relationships. In just a few years, as students enroll and eventually graduate, the number of relationships with unchurched individuals can easily number in the hundreds of thousands. Because of this, Lutheran school teachers can view themselves as missionaries. Through these student-school connections, “churchschools” can establish ongoing relationships with students, parents and other family members—many of whom will likely not know salvation by grace through faith in Christ.

Lutheran Hour Ministries sees outreach through schools as an effective strategy to connect new believers to the body of Christ. If you have insight or experience on how your Lutheran school is adapting to this mission field, we are listening. Please contact Bea Hoppe at beatriz.hoppe@lhm. org with your suggestions. n Rev. Dr. Mark Larson is director of the U.S. Ministries division of LHM.

Creative

outreach from page 21

and unfair, because if it is true, then even criminals are forgiven.

But if it is not true, then we are responsible for our sins. They are caught in a pickle.

So I ask, “What would be fair?”

Would it be fair for God to give you what you have earned? Do my sins deserve punishment? And if so, what is that punishment? Is there a hell?

Rather than turning it on them I turn it to myself and ask, “What do I deserve?” Like the sheriff in an old western movie, “the law always gets his man and brings him to justice.”

Have you understood the Gospel?

from the Quran reminds them that they have no sure and certain hope of salvation. The flipside is the fact that I continuously convey to them what Jesus has done. So when they hear the Law, they know they have no hope. When they hear the Gospel, they see that it is good and they know that they have never heard it before.

When they hear the Gospel they often think it’s ridiculous 22

I have a sign that says (there is only) one good reason not to believe in Jesus. So as people approach, they see the sign that says: “One good reason not to believe in Jesus.” But as you get closer, you see the smaller print of above that says, “There IS only….”

My point is that if you hate the God that will simply forgive anybody… then you’re not going to be happy with Jesus. n Read more about Pastor Jasa and creative outreach methods in the next issue of The Lutheran Layman!

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

Available Online January 1.

L

utheran Hour Ministries’ Lenten devotions for 2015, The Light Shines in the Darkness, offer a moving portrait of Jesus as given in the Gospel of John. Penned by Theological Editor and Writer Rev. Wayne Palmer, these reflections deliver a gripping portrait of Jesus waging spiritual war against the darkness of unbelief, prejudice and blind, murderous hatred, as He fought for us on the cross.

It was His death, however, and more to the point, His resurrection, that sealed our triumph over sin, death and the father of lies.

These devotions take the reader through the Gospel of John, showing that in Jesus’ earthly mission God has come to dispel the darkness once and for all. Addressing those who may be ambivalent in regard to God’s life- and light-giving Son, Palmer writes, “Which side of the line are you walking on? Are you truly walking in the light of Christ or the darkness of this unbelieving world? Jesus warns all of us that our time is short. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Today is the day to live in Christ through faith, rather than die in your sins.”

The Light Shines in the Darkness devotions are available at www. lentendevotions.net beginning January 1 as a downloadable, printable, and customizable offering. An audio version, as well as the e-mail subscription, will be available beginning February 18, Ash Wednesday.

For those desiring their Lenten devotion in Spanish, the selection for 2015 will be available online at www.paraelcamino.com/cuaresma.

Entitled De acuerdo al plan de Dios (“According to God’s Plan”), they were written by Rev. Héctor Hoppe.

Long before Jesus appeared on earth, the Father’s grand design for our salvation was put into action.

Hoppe reminds his readers that our limited perspective often loses sight of the eternity of God’s work, especially when it comes to His promises.

“Rejected and sentenced by His own people, Jesus was executed by the Gentiles, thus fulfilling God’s plan to the last detail. Sometimes we, too, like that crowd, because of our frustrations and failures, feel numb before God’s promises. We don’t understand the importance of a promise when the only thing we want is for God to change our situation.”

Faith relies on the unshifting nature of God’s Word to us, regardless of our circumstances. “His promises may not instantly change our situations, but they do change the way in which we face them. Trusting in His promises we keep going, resting in the assurance that He knows what He’s doing, and that what He does on our behalf is always for our good,” adds Hoppe.

De acuerdo al plan de Dios is available January 1 as a downloadable, ready to print, and customizable resource. The e-mail versions will be available on February 18, Ash Wednesday.

Lenten devotions are an excellent resource to share via e-mail. They work well as thought-provoking meditations that encourage others to join you at church during the Lenten season. Please visit the website for an extensive list of outreach strategies you will find useful. n

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Years Ago

February 1, 2015 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

“Whom shaLL I send? and who will go for us?” and I said,

“Here am I. Send Me!” IsaIah 6:8

O

n January 11, 1950, Dr. Walter A. Maier passed to Eternal Glory in Christ. His departure left a legacy of Gospel proclamation that has not been forgotten. In fact, it has expanded in even greater ways over those succeeding 65 years. That’s worth celebrating! Which is why Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday is marked nearly every year by a multitude of congregations just like yours. Want to be part of the celebration this year? Discover more by checking www.lhm.org or call 1-800-876-9880. n Artwork by John Lautermilch

Be SENT through Lutheran Hour Ministries!

We will send FREE bulletin inserts and offering envelopes (shipping included), but only if you request them at LHM.org/LHMSuNday or by calling 1-800-876-9880. Please order at least two weeks in advance of your event to ensure delivery.

request

FREE

materials today!

The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

23

Opportunities! … seen through recent travel internationally In Lebanon…LHM’s Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM) has formed relationships with nomadic Bedouin tribes. As Syrians fleeing the violence in their own country have come to southern Lebanon seeking refuge, MELM’s Bedouin friends connect the ministry center with refugee groups and provide much-needed relief. In October, Lutheran Hour Ministries Executive Director Kurt Buchholz, International Director Dr. Douglas Rutt and Africa/Middle East Regional Director Eric Gates visited one of these refugee communities. They shared the love of Christ, distributing much-needed food and supplies, assisted with the children’s activities, and built relationships with refugee families and their Bedouin hosts. n

In Ethiopia…

Nearly two-thirds Christian, Ethiopia is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian denominations, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, as well as the world’s largest Lutheran church body, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). With a large Muslim population and many people practicing traditional faiths, much of Ethiopia is a mission field in desperate need of the Gospel. LHM—Ethiopia supports the work of the Mekane Yesus Church through evangelism events for local volunteers who present the Gospel to hundreds of unchurched people through rallies, music, drama, and film. Executive Director Kurt Buchholz went to Ethiopia with LHM International Ministries Director Dr. Douglas Rutt and Africa/Middle East Regional Director Eric Gates. These leaders met with EECMY leaders to celebrate the organizations’ ongoing relationship and talk about going forward together. Buchholz, Rutt, and Gates also participated in LHM—Ethiopia’s outreach event, encouraged new graduates of the ministry center’s evangelism course Equipping the Saints (photo), and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the LHM—Ethiopia rally. n

In China…For 25 years LHM has served as a strong partner of

the China Christian Council/Three Self Patriotic Movement, providing print and media resources for the growing number of Christians.

LHM Executive Director Kurt Buchhloz’s busy fall itinerary included a visit to the Protestant body’s Shanghai headquarters to mark this milestone in the organizations’ partnership and to meet with Rev. Gao Feng, CCC president, and Elder Fu Xianwei, chairman of the Three Self Patriotic Movement. Buchholz also took time to help the LHM-supported Ai Ji Press celebrate its 20th anniversary in the Chinese Protestant church. At left, Ai Ji Press Manager Zhu DeFang shares with Buchholz a history of the press. At right is Dr. Stephen Tsui, who has served for many years as LHM liaison to the CCC. n

Want to learn more? Be sure to read Kurt Buchholz’s Executive Director column on page 10 of this issue!

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The Lutheran Layman January-February 2015

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