The Lutheran Layman

LUTHERAN L AYMAN

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LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES CELEBRATING 100 YEARS 1917 - 2017

1917 - 2017

January - February 2017

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We’re all in this TOGETHER! See article on page 3 by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz

Focus of Each Believer. . . . . . . 5 Propelled into 2017. . . . . . . . . 7 The Journey Home. . . . . . . . . . 8 Devotions Aimed at Heart. . . . 10 Special: Annual Report. . . . 11-14 Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8557

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Share in Anniversary . . . . . . . 16

SPEAKINGUP

by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

lives as well. Gospel Partnership! And each of you puts that partnership to work every time you listen to The Lutheran Hour, every time you receive and share the many ministry resources here at LHM. So, to all of you who are rejoicing today in our partnership in the Gospel, to all of you who have been blessed by The Lutheran Hour and Lutheran Hour Ministries, I have a “partnership favor” to ask. Ready? LET ME HELP YOU in your witness of the Gospel, by having you put The Lutheran Hour to work in your witness. Put the program to work for you. I’m asking all of our listeners to not only keep listening on the radio, but get The Lutheran Hour app on your phone and on the phone of at least two people or more with whom you wish to share the Gospel as your witness.

This partnership challenge reminded me of one young man that I met after a worship service. He Philippians 1:4-6: “In all my prayers for all of you, waited until the very end of a long line to shake my I always pray with joy because of your partnership hand. He was with his parents, so I wasn’t ready in the Gospel from the first day until now, being for his clear testimony of the power of “putting the confident of this, that He who began a good work message of The Lutheran Hour to work” in the in you will carry it on to completion until the day lives of those he loves. He told me that he was an of Christ Jesus.” international business man and that with whomOne of the joys of my work as the Speaker of ever he does business, he tells them to get The The Lutheran Hour is to be with you (God’s peoLutheran Hour app on their phone and to listen to ple!) on those days/weekends when I get to be the program for at least a month or more. He then among you to share God’s Word in worship and offers this service: “And if you have any questions Bible Study. I recently returned from Reformation about what you are hearcelebrations in Arizona and from ing … I’ll be glad to talk to anniversary celebrations in Florida.

Let’s see what God you when I see you again!”

I rejoiced with all of you at our LLL Wow! He told of stories 100th Anniversary and celebrated can do with us together ! of shared faith, times of with principals, teachers, and DCEs prayer, and blessing with those who took him up at the LEA, speaking at their 75th anniversary. on the offer, all because he put The Lutheran Hour Amazing, truly amazing. And I love greeting each to work in his witness! and every one of you, hearing the stories of how Be “partners of the Gospel” with me. Put The The Lutheran Hour has been a blessing to you. I Lutheran Hour to work in the lives of people you love that you continue to listen-in each week. And love. Get our app on their phone, let them listen, here’s some Good News—we are over 1 million lisand then look forward to having a coffee with them teners and rising. What a joy to be in partnership in the future. Let’s see what God can do with us towith you IN THE GOSPEL. gether—partners in the Gospel— partners in His And that’s the kind of joy that Paul was talking mission. And when they wish to know more about about in Philippians. He was rejoicing that God Jesus—well, we’ve got lots more to share with them would accomplish His mission through people here at LHM. What a message, what a Savior, what just like you and me, as we love one another as He a ministry! I’m so glad to be partners with you to loves us, and as we share with others the blessings that end. God bless you. n of His Gospel that He has so richly poured into our

We’re in This Together – What a Partnership!

with Speaker Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz

christ

to the

nations

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Hear Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz on The Lutheran Hour and online at www.lhm.org!

L AYMAN The Lutheran

Vol. 88, No. 1 January - February 2017

Dr. Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.), Editor • Denis Kloppenburg & 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, This is the Life, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre, Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, Esta Es La Vida, Para el Camino, and The Hoffmann Society are ® registered marks, or SM service marks. The Puzzle Club is a service mark and trademark of Int’l LLL. All rights reserved, 2016 Int’l LLL. LHM Response Center: 1-800-876-9880

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

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The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

(1 Corinthians 12:27)

by Gregory Seltz

“W

E ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!” Have you ever heard that phrase before? Sure you have. But usually, when people say it, they’re probably trying to say, “We’re ALL in trouble, so ALL hands on deck.” But here’s the good news—when it comes to being the Church in this world, the statement “We’re all in this together” is not about trouble, but opportunity and power to make a difference! Why? Because we are all in this together IN CHRIST and that’s a good thing. That’s a great thing, indeed, no matter what you are facing at the moment.

The Church, the body of Christ, is a special place because it’s the Lord Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who calls all believers to Himself by grace through faith through His holy and precious Word. And, because of that, we truly are all together “IN HIM” for others. Martin Luther “re-emphasized” this teaching as part of his work in the Reformation. During that time, there were people who taught that only the priests, bishops, and pope were part of the spiritual work of God in the world. The idea that all Christians had a role in being the body of Christ for others had been lost for a time. Luther corrected such a narrow view of the Church in a treatise called, To the Christian Nobility, saying:

“For all Christians are truly part of the spiritual walk of life [‘Stand’—which can also be translated as estate] and among them there is no difference except because of the office alone, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12, that we are all part of the body.

Nevertheless each member has his/her own work so that they serve others … because we have one baptism, one Gospel, one faith, and are equally Christians.

For Baptism, Gospel, and faith alone make a spiritual, Christian people.”

“The idea that all Christians had a role in being the body of Christ for others had been lost for a time.

Luther corrected such a narrow view of the church in a treatise called, To the Christian Nobility …”

With the view that “all believers in Jesus are in this together,” namely pastors and people, public ministry and private ministries, Martin Luther restored the dignity and service that all Christians were called to render in Christ to others. Some people have coined his teaching as the “priesthood of all believers,” but really, all he was saying is what Scripture itself teaches. Like in 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light.”

For Baptism, Gospel, and faith alone

make a spiritual, Christian people. see next page The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! from previous page Did you hear that? All of us, yes, “we are all in this together IN CHRIST ‘to proclaim the excellencies of Him’” to anyone He brings into our lives. As baptized children of God, all of us are on a mission IN CHRIST FOR OTHERS! So, think of what that means. Not only are we in this together, but each one of us has a unique calling from Christ Himself to declare and share Him with those we meet. The priesthood of all believers answers the question, “Who gets to serve?” We all do, each according to the particular vocations and “estates” of life where God has planted us.

That’s a radical idea, but not in the way that you think. Yes, in Luther’s day it ruffled the feathers of those who thought that only certain people had a spiritual calling for their daily lives. There were some who were teaching that only the priests, bishops, cardinals, and pope had a spiritual calling for life. Luther didn’t argue against them having a unique calling from God for the sake of the Church, but he also didn’t falsely limit God’s work in the world ONLY through them. Yes, priest, pastors, popes, etc., had a spiritual calling, but so did “the butcher, the baker, and the candle stick maker,” in Jesus, too! Luther knew that by virtue of one’s baptism, Christ graciously has called you, me, ALL OF US, into His body, unto His mission. The public ministry has a unique calling for the sake of the “fellow priests/servants of God,” and all believers in Christ have unique callings for the sake of the world in which they live. All together, then, God’s people are to be about the business of being God’s people—“His priests, His servers”—in whatever vocation we have.

Not only are we in this together, but each one of us has a unique calling from Christ Himself to declare and share Him with those we meet.

That’s the key. The universal priesthood was the truth that ALL BELIEVERS HAVE UNIQUE SERVICE TO RENDER TO OTHERS IN CHRIST. It was misunderstood in Luther’s time as something only certain Christians could do. Today it is often misunderstood as an issue of “who gets to be in charge.” Those ideas miss the point entirely because all ministry is an opportunity to serve those that God has brought into your life, on God’s terms, in the various vocations where He has placed us all. That is exciting, indeed!

What an incredible thing, then, to be resourced by Jesus, led by Jesus, empowered by His Word, and then placed in “callings” that might seem merely as regular, ordinary stations in life. But, now IN CHRIST, they are part of a believer’s priestly service to those God brings into your life. That means that each day, every aspect of our lives is dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ to be His ambassador of a gracious, eternal life to anyone and everyone we meet.

Priestly service, it starts with our families, our spouses, our children. It starts in our places of work, the communities in which we live. All those places that seem so ordinary now, because we are Christ’s people THERE, they are part of Christ’s spiritual service to others through YOU! That’s one of the main points of the “priesthood of all believers.” All Christians have spiritual service to be rendered in the places where we live and work. God can do marvelous things, wonderful things, through all of us who see our stations in life this way, each day! To be part of the “priesthood of all believers” is to begin to see our relationships, our stations in life, as places where Christ Himself has called us into ministry through His baptismal grace.

Living, working, serving in Him is daily Peter 2:9) seeking to make the most of the “place” that

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light.” (1 4

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

… all ministry is an opportunity to serve those that God has brought into your life, on God’s terms, in the various vocations where He has placed us all.

THE FOCUS OF EACH BELIEVER KURT BUCHHOLZ: In each time where our church body slid and started to disconnect and decline from our society, what we found is, it was the actions of not just the professional church workers, but it was those professional church workers working together with the priesthood of all believers—every called person together —to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And when we did that, that is when the church began to grow again. We need to create that in today’s world.

DR. WILL SCHUMACHER: This Biblical teaching has been called the “priesthood of all believers.” And what’s meant by that is in the New Testament the idea of a priesthood is used really in two ways. First of all, Christ is our Priest, our High Priest. The other priests are those who belong to Christ. The New Testament doesn’t talk about a distinction between clergy and laity. Of course, some people have specific responsibilities and are “called,” but that doesn’t mean that they’re the ministers and everyone else is just there being served.

DR. LARRY RAST: No church body grew more quickly (between 1845 and 1895) than The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod…and an important part of that growth was the vigorous outreach of the laypeople of our church.

the Lord has given us for our spiritual service to others IN HIM. That renders our vocation at work, our times in leisure, our station in the community, even our service to our country as the places where we can “discharge our priestly service” in Christ, for others.

As believers, we truly are IN THIS TOGETHER! Even more importantly, there are others who need the service that only you can provide. To me this is the most exciting part of this Biblical teaching. There are things to which God has uniquely called you, equipped you, and positioned you so that particular people might receive God’s gracious gift of faith in and through your unique service. I used to see this all the time in my work as a pastor. In fact, that’s one of the things that I loved the most about being a pastor. Sure, I loved the responsibility of preaching and teaching the Word of God for the people of God. But, I also enjoyed seeing that Word equip God’s people and compel them to the unique callings they had as “priestly servants to others in His Name.”

For example, I remember saying to our people at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brandon, Florida: “We’re in this together.”

Then I was privileged to watch them take

REV. DR. GREGORY SELTZ: By the late 1800s a new LCMS congregation was being added every two to three days. In fact, before he died in 1887, C.F.W. Walther’s final 40 years of life…saw the LCMS grow from 14 congregations to nearly 2,000. During the decade leading up to 1900, the population of the United States grew by a whopping 17 percent. And during that same time, the LCMS grew by an astounding 27 percent.

PASTOR MICHAEL NEWMAN: The DNA of this movement of the Gospel was embedded in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod from the very beginning. In fact, in 1872, C.F.W. Walther’s pastoral theology was assembled into book form. And in that pastoral theology he articulated the purpose of the church as “sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.” This is what he said, “Its purpose, as that of all theology, consists in leading the sinner to salvation through faith.”

SELTZ: Seminary Dean John Fritz (said), “Not only should mission boards, but every Christian congregation, every pastor, and every other Christian be on the lookout for new mission fields.” …What was lifted up?...We the church, the priesthood of all believers, pastors and people in mission together. And this is the language of the day that met the challenges of the day….

They continued to be the church with a broader vision.

BUCHHOLZ: I don’t think the answer to our problems and issues is in church structure, programs, or funding initiatives. Where I think the answer is, is where it always has been. And that’s coming back to our roots: to Jesus Christ, to the message of salvation. And that He has called each and every one of us together to share the Gospel message in our own lives, in our own work, in our own families.

NEWMAN: You can look through the Scriptures, and you see time and time again there are people who are outnumbered, outmatched, odds don’t look good, but they prevailed because of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This is what we need to hang on to. n

Excerpts from the LHM production DVD, We the Church: The Priesthood of all Believers, available at www.lhm.org.

“… it was the actions of not just the professional church workers, but it was those professional church workers working together with the priesthood of all believers—every called person together—to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

see next page The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

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WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! from previous page up the challenge and bring their friends and neighbors to our VIP (Very Important Persons) Class where I would spend 10 weeks, together with them, to teach our VIP guests about the Father who sent His Son, Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit to save us. I also asked my “fellow priests” to not only bring their friends, but to do whatever they could do to testify to the Jesus we worshipped and adored at Immanuel. At the end, I got to make personal evangelism calls to each VIP guest in their home to hear their questions and prayerfully even to confirm their faith with us as fellow priests/believers/servants of Jesus in this place for others, too!

But here’s another amazing thing.

Over and over again, class after class (there would be 40 or 50 new people invited by the members of Immanuel who gathered to hear more about this Good News) three or sometimes four times a year. WOW! “priesthood of all believers IN THIS TOGETHER FOR OTHERS!” I also remember at both Immanuel and Cross of Christ in DeSoto, Texas, that after every Sunday worship service, “crossbearers” (fellow priests/believers/ servants) would bring special gifts to visitors who came to church. Those gifts would often include pamphlets from The Lutheran Hour or other gifts to strengthen people’s faith.

Teams went out every weekend, rain or shine, to share Christ and to prayerfully serve. Wow! “The priesthood of All Believers IN THIS TOGETHER.” While serving in New York City, I was privileged to work with believers at Church For All Nations, LCMS-NYC, who led small group Bible studies in their homes and apartments throughout the week. When we all gathered for Sunday worship, during the prayer time, designated leaders from those small groups offered prayers particular to those groups so that we could lift one another up together. Small group studies, Sunday worship and Bible study, prayers by the pastors, prayers by the people—“Wow! We were IN THIS TOGETHER.” Of course, in each of those places all of God’s people were empowered to serve, to share their faith with others. Isn’t that what we just celebrated in October, our kick-off for the 100th anniversary of the Lutheran Laymen’s League? It is!

We gathered to celebrate the power of what God has done, and what He still can do when all of you, His “believers/priests” exert the power to pray for those God brings in your life, or are willing to pay the price to share His Word with those you cherish, or graciously take up the challenge to serve others in His Name in the PLACE where He has called you.

WOW!

There are things to which God has uniquely called you, equipped you, and positioned you so that particular people might receive God’s gracious gift of faith in and through your unique service.

Priesthood of all believers IN THIS TOGETHER FOR OTHERS!

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The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

I’ve not only seen this power unleashed in the churches where I’ve served. Today, I have been privileged to also see it IN SO MANY OF YOUR LIVES. As Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, as I travel the country and speak to churches and people from New York to Los Angeles, from St. Louis to Dallas, to Killeen, to Chicago, to Houston; from Montana, to Kansas, to Ohio, to Florida, from Minnesota to Michigan and every place in between—it’s God’s people called by their baptisms out of the kingdom of darkness into Christ’s marvelous light WHO ARE EMPOWERED TO SERVE and then are placed right where God needs you most so others might know Him. I see the joy of YOU, God’s people empowered to be the best “you” that “you can be” in Christ so that others might come to know HIM because they got to know HIM through you.

“Priesthood of all believers”—yes, there is a status to the calling, for you are Christ’s person by grace through faith.

But this stature empowers you for service, and such a service can be accomplished through the simplest, most ordinary things. God can do tremendous things through the prayers you offer on another’s behalf. He can do tremendous work through the words of grace that you share with another. He can literally transform another’s life because of the Jesus of the Bible that you share! In fact, if you look at the Scriptures, it seems that God has always worked that way, through common, ordinary people and things, to deliver an extraordinary message of forgiveness, life, and salvation.

Priesthood of all believers? Yes, We’re in this together IN HIM FOR OTHERS! What a blessing! What a joy! What an opportunity! Let’s see what Christ can continue to do with people who take their priestly power for service seriously. n

… it’s God’s people called by their baptisms out of the kingdom of darkness into Christ’s marvelous light WHO ARE EMPOWERED TO SERVE and then are placed right where God needs you most so others might know Him.

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One Story Among Millions

ew Year’s Day 2017 marked an event that has been occurring since 1951 – the appearance of the Lutheran Hour Ministries float in the traditional Tournament of Roses Parade. Lutheran Hour Ministries is proud of the exposure thanks to efforts by the Southern California District of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League. As the longest-running, and currently the only, Christian float in the parade, it is a bold representation of Christ’s love amid this increasingly secular event.

Millions of households watch the parade on TV. When you consider those who watch in groups, in public places, and online, many more are added.

The Tournament of Roses parade clearly has a momentous national impact.

It can be easy to lose sight of the individual impacts of this event that reaches so many people. As Christians, our hope comes in knowing that the Lord is reaching individual hearts and lives through our service. Lutheran Hour Ministries recently received a story which shows the impact of this ministry in one man’s life.

Tom Berggren, a Lutheran from Phoenix, Arizona, wasn’t even watching the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day 2016. He just happened to be walking by the TV and heard Al Roker say something about the only float in the Rose Bowl Parade with a Jesus in it, sponsored by Lutheran Hour Ministries. This caught his interest so he went online and found Lutheran Hour Ministries.

After exploring www.lhm.org, he was inspired to begin listening to The Lutheran Hour. He has

listened for the past year, but this was just the start as he has now dived into other resources including GodConnects and the A Man Named Martin video Bible studies. Tom shares how his faith has grown through these materials. He always thought that he was supposed to be chasing after God and felt like nothing was ever enough. The GodConnects series showed him that it is God who chases after us. “That was the beginning of a new story for my life,” Tom states. Soon he led a men’s retreat for his church using Lutheran Hour Ministries resources.

In Tom’s words: “I don’t even know how to say it.

I’m a Lutheran, I read the Bible, I do what Lutherans do, but you guys are incredible. You have the most valuable teaching tool on the internet. Again, thank you!”

God has been the Initiator and the Guide for Tom’s spiritual growth and the role that Lutheran Hour Ministries has been blessed to play in that process. Imagine how many other “Toms” have been reached by the LHM float over the last 65 years!

While Lutheran Hour Ministries gives all credit and praise to the Lord, at the same time we must remember how Tom’s story began—with the LHM float in the Tournament of Roses parade. LHM is thankful for the service of the Int’l LLL Southern California District and the thousands-strong volunteer force known as the Petal Pushers. Their faithfulness is touching hearts and changing lives of real people!

The Lutheran Hour float is an inspiring example of Gospel outreach. However, this ministry is just

by Brad Neathery

Tom Berggren (right) met Dr. Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, at a service in Phoenix, AZ. part of what God is doing through this organization to share the Good News throughout the United States and in more than 50 countries worldwide. As a member of the LHM family, your prayers and support allow this work to take place every day. n

Brad Neathery works with philanthropic supporters of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Propelled into 2017 Members of Lutheran Hour Ministries absolutely blew us away with their support in the final months of 2016! This time of year is especially important for most nonprofit organizations to meet their goals for the entire year.

These goals are more than just financial. As a grassroots ministry, Lutheran Hour Ministries is carried forward in our Gospel mission by the prayers, partnership, advocacy, as well as financial support of you and thousands of others.

The outpouring of support by LHM members in November and December is truly humbling. Your support is propelling us forward into 2017 with bold new plans to share the Good News of Jesus Christ:

Ministry Goals for 2017 • Increase The Lutheran Hour’s reach beyond one million listeners every week. We will expand the reach of our website, podcasts, smartphone app, Daily Devotions, and placement on radio stations to

ensure The Lutheran Hour can be heard by more and more people.

• Expand Gospel ministry in the Middle East and worldwide. While we rightfully worry about the state of Christianity in the West, the Gospel is flourishing globally! Lutheran Hour Ministries has the largest international footprint in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, but we believe God can do much more.

• Develop new resources to reach the lost and nurture believers in the United States. Our mission is to create tools and resources that individuals and congregations can use for witnessing and personal growth. We will continue to roll out video-based Bible studies and launch thred.org. THRED is the centerpiece of our new effort to reach digital realms as an official mission field. The strategy includes social media, viral content to engage unreached people online, and opportunities for LCMS congregations to volunteer to connect with these people in their communities.

As 2017 unfolds, it is an especially exciting time

for Lutheran Hour Ministries. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the ministry organization. It’s more than just this ministry’s anniversary, it’s a celebration of the impact that LHM members like you have made in the U.S. and around the world over the last 100 years.

While we celebrate this milestone, more than anything we believe that our focus should be on how God wants to work through us in the next century. Lutheran Hour Ministries will continue to evolve to proclaim the changeless Christ in this changing world. Thank you for partnering with us to propel Lutheran Hour Ministries forward in this Gospel mission. n

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

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For the Prodigal in All of Us:

The Journey Home

by Paul Schreiber

For the incarcerated, life is an anxious, yet mind-numbing existence, full of pitfalls to sin and often providing few, if any, positive options for bettering one’s life. Addressing this negative situation is a powerful 12-lesson Bible study from Lutheran Hour Ministries. Written by Rev. Leroy Johnson, an ordained minister with The Missionary Church International, The Journey Home: A Bible Study for the Incarcerated is making headway into people’s lives— both in jail and out. The study centeres on Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son as found in Luke 15:11-32.

Getting this vital resource into the hands of those who need it is critical. Suzie Sallee, LHM’s coordinator of witness tools, shared this story about one inmate at Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as “Angola,” named after the city where it is located. The prisoner went through The Journey Home in 2016.

“Russell, a 36-year-old who had been incarcerated since the age of 17, was the first of 30 inmates serving life sentences without the possibility of parole to sign up to receive a copy of The Journey Home in Angola. He was also the first to complete it, and he excitedly asked his spiritual mentor Joe Whitehead if he would send his completed copy back to LHM, so we could see it and share in his joy too!

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The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

“We sent his certificate of completion that Friday, and it was due for delivery the following Tuesday. We learned that only two days later, Russell died of a heart attack in his cell.

The blessing is in knowing that Russell spent several hours in God’s Word with The Journey Home Bible study just days before his true journey home to be with God his Father whom he believed, trusted, and loved.

“God is moving in big ways with His Word in this Bible study!

When an inmate receives a copy, it draws other inmates like a moth to

a flame! It’s then we begin to see a spike in requests from inmates at the same prison or jail who would like to have their own copy. And this is fine with us.

In fact, it’s for Russell and the thousands of others all over the U.S. who are incarcerated that we have the privilege, honor, and mission to share God’s message of love, forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.”

Beyond its logical use in prisons, The Journey Home finds a ready audience at homeless shelters, teen counseling groups, home Bible study groups, and places where people battling addictions come to seek help. Jesse Rowland, who helps people with addictions at the Springfield Recovery Center in Springfield, Missouri, has twice led The Journey Home as a Bible study with more than 30 people completing it.

“This Bible study was totally effective because in the story addiction was present, along with the same life

Paul Schreiber reports on the impact of LHM’s ministry work in the United States.

choices. As a recovering addict working a program and having a close relationship with Christ, I understood firsthand the same experiences the prodigal son had, along with the painful thoughts and emotions he went through during the struggle,” Rowland said. “I feel I was able to relate to the prodigal son because the story addressed the same issues I faced I feel I was able to relate to the throughout my addicprodigal son because the story addressed tion—from addiction to recovery and from the same issues I faced throughout my being lost and hitting addiction—from addiction to recovery and the bottom in life to from being lost and hitting the being found, saved, and forgiven by Jesus bottom in life to being found, saved, and at the same time,” he forgiven by Jesus at the same time. added.

Sallee is quick to explain how The Journey Home resonates with readers. “This is a personal Bible study, whether it’s done alone or in a group. God created us to be unique, with different emotions, perspectives, and the way we see ourselves. Read Luke 15:11-32 and you’ll find yourself wondering who you are like in this parable. Are you the prodigal—rebellious and far from God? Are you the older brother—self-righteous and bent out of shape by your father’s doting on the lost son—your own brother? Perhaps you’re one of the household servants, rejoicing when your thrilled (and relieved) master sees his wayward son returning home. Then again, maybe you see a more real-life connection in Jesus’ words here. Perhaps you too have hit rock bottom, had your senses awakened, and are now running to God’s open arms of compassion and mercy!”

A personal identification with the lost son is what one prisoner expressed who wrote a note of thanks to LHM after receiving a copy of The Journey Home from Cindy Morley, a Response Center representative: “I have completed The Journey Home and, yes, I would love to receive a beautiful and well-earned certificate for the hard work I have put in on it. (These certificates are sent from LHM to inmates who complete the study’s 12 lessons.) I truly enjoyed doing this Bible study. It was wonderful, but I want a certificate. I would love to share it with my family. The lost son is an amazing story; it gives me a lot to see in my own past self.”

Altogether, Sallee estimates more than 1,000 copies of The Journey Home have gone out, with nearly that many requested by prisoners in 16 states. Other places the study is being used are by chaplain services in the St. Louis County Jail system and by chaplains instructing inmates through Good News Jail & Prison Ministry, a service operating in 22 states and 25 countries. Another group, Cowboys for Christ, out of Fort Worth, Texas, shares the Bible study with the incarcerated at Angola.

Wanda Ledoux and her husband Rick have been active with Cowboys for Christ for 22 years. Inside Angola there are various church services held throughout the week, and there’s an onsite seminary launched by the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1995. Copies of The Journey Home were given to camp ministers who distribute them to inmates per request. Two hundred copies of the Bible study were purchased by Cowboys for Christ and are meeting many of the desperate spiritual needs in this enormous correctional facility, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, with more than 6,000 inmates. “The men are always reaching out to learn more of God. They need the Word and this will help them read the Bible more,” Wanda said.

Single copies of The Journey Home are available for purchase from LHM for $5 or you can get 10 for $25. A FREE downloadable PDF is available for your review.

To order , visit www.shoplhm.org. n

“

”

A Big Idea from a Gift New Testament distribution at the New York State Fair gained momentum in 1971 when the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League gave $100 to purchase New Testaments for distribution at the fair via the Lutheran Laymen’s League booth. “The 300 New Testaments were distributed in one day at the Lutheran Laymen’s League booth,” recalls Fred Neebe, who coordinates the effort. “Now 46 years later a total of 81,000 New Testaments have been shared at the New York State Fair.”

Those LLL volunteers started with the Good News for Modern Man and later transitioned to the Contemporary English Version translation.

“These New Testaments from the American Bible Society are easy to read and understand and have a nice size print. This was useful in our outreach to teenagers and readers of all ages. The American Bible Society has cooperated in this distribution with reasonable pricing,” says Neebe.

Churches in Central New York and its members, ladies’ societies, and Thrivent Financial have been very supportive in funding the booth. “To staff the booth for 12 days at 12 hours a day we have drawn volunteers from 16 churches and 160 Gospel-sharing workers. The feedback stories range from sharing the New Testaments with friends or relatives to looking up a local Lutheran church when they return home and visit that church. The Lord has certainly blessed this Gospel outreach in the state fair setting.” n

Lutheran Hour Ministries’

LENTEN DEVOTIONS 2017 Lent is when we turn our eyes to the cross. It is there where Jesus, the sinless Son of God, suffered the indignity and shame of dying for our sins. And it is there where God’s wrath was satisfied by His Beloved Son’s supreme sacrifice, winning salvation for all who call Him their Savior.

See next page for information.

Download Today!

LHM.ORG/LENT

™

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

9

Lenten Devotions are Aimed

by Paul Schreiber

at the Heart

With Advent and the Christmas holidays now over, it will soon be time to consider the Passion of our Lord and Savior. As the busyness of Christmas retreats for another year, Lent moves forward to take center stage. From the Cradle to the Empty Grave is the title of this year’s Lenten devotion from Lutheran Hour Ministries. And now our hearts, while still joyful for Christ’s glorious appearing in the flesh, are sobered with the reminder of the cruelty God’s only Son suffered on our behalf.

Taking texts primarily from the latter part of Luke’s Gospel, From the Cradle to the Empty Grave captures the tenor of Jesus’ life on earth. These brief meditations show Him trekking the countryside and preaching the Good News, healing those with infirmities, countering Satan’s temptations, clarifying the Lord’s message to His disciples, and steadily—ever steadily—making His way to the spectacle of Golgotha.

Here’s a passage detailing the complexities surrounding Jesus’ ministry and final hours: “The Jewish crowds have the wrong idea about the Messiah; they think He will be a great king, driving out the Romans and establishing an earthly kingdom. Even the disciples are swept up in this dream. Now Jesus begins shattering that illusion and teaching them that He came to save the world through His death and resurrection.

“Jesus is fully aware of all the horrendous things He will suffer in Jerusalem, but He also knows the disciples are not ready for all the gory facts. So He draws a veil over the details and simply says, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things.’

“But the disciples need to know who will cause His great suffering. So Jesus teaches them that the leaders of His own people—the Jewish high court—will carefully examine Him and reject Him as their Messiah. They will kill Him through an act of judicial murder. But Jesus’ revelation to the disciples doesn’t end with His death. He clearly states that on the third day after His death He will be raised.”

What would seemingly end in despair God has made His ultimate triumph: the redemption of mankind through the sacrificial blood of His Son, resurrecting Him to reign forever at His right hand.

From the Cradle to the Empty Grave can be read online and heard as a podcast. It can also be received as an e-mail subscription throughout the Lenten season. Congregations are encouraged to download, personalize, and print these seasonal meditations to give to members or offer them to guests and visitors as a resource for outreach. These devotions are available online now. The audio version will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 1, at hm.org/lent.

Also, this year LHM is featuring Lenten devotions in Spanish. Allí me verán (“You’ll See Me There”) will be available online at paraelcamino.com/cuaresma to download, print, read, and receive by e-mail on Ash Wednesday, February 1, 2017. They were written by Rev. Hector Hoppe, senior editor multilingual, at Concordia Publishing House.

Here’s a sample text in translation from the Spanish devotion for Easter Sunday: “When I read Jesus’ words, I can only think of the many times we tell similar words to our children and friends, ‘I’ll see you at home.’ That was Jesus’ promise: ‘I’ll see you at home.’ And it’s still His promise for us. The victoriously resurrected Jesus, full of immortal life, is telling us today, ‘I’ll see you at home.’

“John is reminding us that Jesus ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us (see John 14), ‘to meet us at home.’ No other promise can bring us greater comfort either in life or in death.

“The resurrected Jesus is telling us today: ‘… go to Galilee; you’ll see Me there’ (see Matthew 28:10). Where do we find our Galilee? In the Word of God and the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus is present and willing to see us, to perform miracles, to restore us from our sin. But not only there. There’s also an eternal Galilee, the place where we’ll meet Him forever. We’ll see each other there.”

The season of Lent is when we remember the ultimate price that was paid to redeem us from our sins. It is at this time when we recall the torrent of abuse and grief Jesus endured to satisfy God’s wrath, taking our place as condemned sinners on the cross and winning our salvation—an eternal victory that is freely available to all. To maximize these devotions, be sure to go to lhm.org/lent and click on the side link called “Outreach Ideas.” There you will find several suggestions for sharing these devotions with others. n 10

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

GOSPEL IMPACT THROUGH YOU 2016 Annual Ministry Report Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, As we embark upon Lutheran Hour Ministries’ celebration of 100 years of mission and ministry, we recognize that the strength of this organization has always been the called, equipped, and SENT laypeople at the grassroots level. From the formation of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League in 1917 to today, individuals like you have taken ownership of the mission of Jesus Christ by coming together to find new ways to move forward with Gospel proclamation.

In today’s increasingly post Christian world, the need to boldly proclaim the love of Christ is greater than ever.

We rejoice that you made the decision in the past year to partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries. Your support allows us to share the Good News with more than 56 million people each week in more than 50 nations around the world through a variety of culturally-relevant outreach programs and resources. Your gifts, prayers, and volunteer involvement allow hurting people to find answers and relief in the Gospel.

Please explore this year’s ministry report to see just some of the examples of how God is working through you. I hope you are humbled to see the ways in which God uses our talents and treasures to make His Gospel known.

Again, thank you for your faithful support, and may God bless you richly in the coming year!

In His Service,

Kurt Buchholz President & CEO Lutheran Hour Ministries The LutheranLayman LaymanJanuary January- -February February2017 2017 11 11 The Lutheran

A Year in Review

HOW YOU HELPED LHM CARRY THE GOSPEL FORWARD IN 2016

Lutheran Hour Ministries witnessed exciting progress in 2016 for each of the four strategic ministry priorities outlined in our comprehensive strategic plan. Following are just some of the ways in which Lutheran Hour Ministries was abundantly blessed by God during the last year.

Grow God’s Kingdom through Expanded Media Outreach Lutheran Hour Ministries’ flagship ministry, The Lutheran Hour®, reaches around 1 million listeners each week through traditional radio, a mobile app, and its web site. The program’s newest segment, Action in Ministry, highlights the church at work and presents a global view of how God is working through Lutheran Hour Ministries by providing ministry stories and sharing available resources.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, was honored with this year’s Legacy & Leadership Award from Bott Radio Network during the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention in Nashville, Tenn. The award recognizes Seltz’s service as a Christian leader as well as the long-standing history of The Lutheran Hour radio program.

The Lutheran Hour continues to expand its footprint by securing more ideal time slots on powerful radio stations such as WRKO/680 AM in Boston. The broadcast also returned to a familiar spot on the radio dial this year when it began airing on WLW/700 AM in Cincinnati. WLW was one of the first stations to air The Lutheran Hour in 1935 and it continued airing the weekly broadcast until December 2014.

LHM’s expanded corporate social media presence regularly reaches tens of thousands of people through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, and YouTube. An innovative whiteboard video entitled The Empty Tomb was released just before Easter and quickly went viral with more than 82,000 views.

Energize, Equip, and Engage Laity for Outreach Two new videos serve as great resources for churches to use in Bible study classes. We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers examines the role of LCMS laity both inside and outside of the church and challenges today’s church members to embrace their rich heritage as disciples by sharing the message of hope they have in Christ Jesus.

A Man Named Martin—Part Two: The Moment paints a fascinating picture of competing ideologies, historical events, and personality clashes—all of which came to a head with Luther’s famous nailing of the 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg.

Nine classic episodes of This is the Life were re-released on DVD featuring stars like Jack Nicholson, Leonard Nimoy, and Angie Dickinson long before they hit the “big time”. Each episode has one thing in common: God reigns through every event in our lives, and it is by faith in His Son that our lives find their fullest meaning.

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The Lutheran Layman January January -- February February 2017 2017

LHM continues to investigate ways to effectively leverage technology for equipping even more people to share the Gospel. Work has begun on developing a Learning Management System (LMS) to allow for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of e-learning training programs.

The vibrant history of laity-driven ministry and a bold vision for future sharing of the Gospel were highlighted during a 100th Anniversary kickoff event in St. Louis. Around 900 attendees visited with LHM ministry center representatives from around the world and heard from a slate of speakers who challenged, energized, and equipped them with tools and encouragement to put their faith into action. Presentations are available to view online at lhm.org/100years/videos.asp.

Bring the Gospel to the Unreached Around the World LHM expanded ministry efforts into new areas with large non-Christian populations by starting operations in Turkey and Laos. Proclaiming the Gospel in places like these requires telling people about what we believe, teach, and confess in a non-confrontational way so that the Holy Spirit can do its work on people’s hearts and lives can be transformed.

The launch of a Regional Digital Outreach Project in Latin America uses the internet and its tools to reach out and digitally connect to the non-believer and non-Christian population. This online platform addresses topics (such as marriage and family,

relationships, and more) that are of concern to the target audiences and allows them to start an online dialogue with trained volunteers from LHM ministry centers in Latin America.

LHM’s refugee relief program in Lebanon continues to grow and over the past year served more than 10,600 people residing in the affected areas of Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. As this conflict lengthens, LHM is becoming known and trusted by local people from a variety of faith backgrounds.

Around 250 Lutheran schools participated in the Online Mission Trip to Guatemala during National

Lutheran Schools Week 2016. This virtual mission adventure enriched students’ world-view as they saw firsthand through pre-recorded videos the importance of sharing God’s message of salvation through LHM–Guatemala’s ministry efforts.

Launch a New Digital Mission Field

2,500,000

Many Christian organizations have tried and been unable to find an appropriate approach for delivering online content that reaches unchurched and dechurched individuals. LHM has spent much of 2016 researching and developing optimal web and mobile platforms for reaching these individuals with the Gospel as it moves closer to the launch of THRED in 2017 for using the digital realm to reach individuals who are disconnected from the church.

Initial components of THRED will include: • A Facebook page that provides daily and weekly topical posts (image, text, and video) that can be shared by Christians on their social media platforms to encourage conversations with non-churched individuals about aspects of faith, Jesus, and/or Christianity; • A monthly online topical discussion hosted by THRED that looks at topics such as peace, community, faith, politics, etc. with the help of Christian and non-Christian guests. They will also be posted as a playlist on the main THRED YouTube channel.

• A website, thred.org, that serves as the home base of content and the location where we drive traffic when people are looking for answers and want deeper conversations. Thred.org will also be the location that many online topical searches are driven to.

• A Jesus Dialogue video series located on YouTube and our thred.org web site that offers a more in-depth look at what Jesus said.

• A volunteer-based, proactive online outreach program (social listening), along with a volunteer-based e-mail system that responds to any inquiries that happen as a result of THRED content.

1 Million

56 Million+

Print Materials Distributed Annually Around the World

Listeners to The Lutheran Hour Each Week

People Reached with the Gospel Globally Every Week

75,000

1,700+

185,570

Members Today

North American Stations Airing The Lutheran Hour

Web Video Views in the Last Year

49,577

New Bible Correspondence Course Students Enrolled Annually Around the World

49,274

Annual Referrals to Churches

18,815

People Connected with Christian Communities Each Year

213

Local Staff in LHM’s International Ministry Centers

128

LHM Staff throughout the United States

422,480

Annual Responses to Outreach Efforts

4,500+

LCMS/LCC Churches Using LHM Resources

50+

Countries– Ministry Reach

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

13

1% - OTHER INCOME

FTS GI

S

Income

M 76% -

70% -

CO

Chairman Phillip Johnson

Secretary Janice Wendorf

Vice Chairman Gene Partlow

Treasurer Paul Pettit

Maplewood, Minnesota

Williamsburg, Virginia

TR

IS

Consolidated Operating

IN

Expenses

TRY

Consolidated Operating

29% - ES TA T

E

LHM Board of Directors

TION

17% - FUND DEVELOPMENT

IBU

7% - ADMINISTRATION

N

Michael “Mick” Onnen

Jack Ficken

Leonard Pranschke

Richard Gast

Andreas Schwabe

Gretchen Jameson

Weldon Schwiebert

Kay Meyer

William Snow

Fairview, Tennessee

Year ended May 31, 2016 with comparative totals for 2015 OPERATING SUPPORT AND REVENUE

INT’L LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE

LHM FOUNDATION

$28,860 586 29,446

$424 (436) (12)

$29,284 150 29,434

Donor support Other income, net Operating income

OPERATING EXPENSES Ministries 24,138 Administration and Fund raising 7,231 Operating Expenses 31,369 Operating Income in Excess of Expenses Non-operating income Non-operating expenses Non-operating Net Income Endowment and other fund distributions

Mission Viejo, California

Brookfield, Wisconsin 2016 CONSOLIDATED TOTALS

2015 CONSOLIDATED TOTALS

$32,032 1,393 33,425

167 167

24,138 7,398 31,536

23,580 7,153 30,733

(1,923)

(179)

(2,102)

2,692

1,320 1,028 292

240 (240)

1,320 1,268 52

1,292 1,248 44

St. Louis, Missouri

-

-

(633)

(1,417)

(2,050)

2,736

17,030 $15,613

47,766 $45,716

45,030 $47,766

Lutheran Hour Ministries is the registered d/b/a name for the International Lutheran Laymen’s League. * A majority of the losses noted under “Change in Net Assets” are due to less than projected performance as a result of financial market conditions during the LHM fiscal year ending May 31, 2016. A copy of the full audit report is available online at lhm.org/report.

14 The TheLutheran LutheranLayman Layman January January- -February February2017 2017 14

Westland, Michigan

Watertown, South Dakota

Brian Mitchell

Curtiss Wittbracht

Jeffrey Craig-Meyer

Lois Engfehr

Larry Pritchett

David Lanius

Trustees Kurt Buchholz

Paul Pettit

Vice Chairman Lee’s Summit, Missouri

President St. Louis, Missouri

Vice President St. Louis, Missouri

LHM President & CEO St. Charles, Missouri

Secretary Riverton, Wyoming

Treasurer Waterloo, Illinois

Assistant Secretary Collinsville, Illinois

Assistant Treasurer St. Louis, Missouri

Int’l LLL Board of Directors Representative Lincoln, Nebraska

Roy Schmidt

Bay City, Michigan

Betty Duda

Lynn Scudieri Naples, Florida

Glenn Gerber Katy, Texas

Net Assets, Beginning of Year 30,736 Net Assets, End of Year $30,103

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Loren Podoll

Chairman Bay City, Michigan

Cocoa Beach, Florida

*Change in Net Assets

St. Louis, Missouri

Officers John “Jack” Kidwell

Chesterfield, Missouri

(998)

Davenport, Nebraska

The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation

Phil Daniels

998

Lincoln, Nebraska

Directors Londa Borer-Skov

Sacramento, California

International Lutheran Laymen's League and Subsidiaries Consolidating Statement of Activities (in thousands)

Grafton, Wisconsin

Shawn Sny

Saginaw, Michigan

Phillip Johnson

Int’l LLL Chairman of the Board Maplewood, Minnesota

Calvin Neeman Waterloo, Illinois

Karen Soeken

Ellicott City, Maryland

Pastoral Advisor Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz St. Louis, Missouri

ON THE MOVE

Phil Johnson Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

Called, Equipped, and Sent with a Purpose

Phil Johnson

One Calling In Luther’s explanation of the Third article of the Apostles’ Creed we read, “The Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth.”

God the Holy Spirit has called you. The Greek word translated “to call” (kaleo) describes God’s gracious invitation into saving faith and union with His Son (Romans 8:30). God the Holy Spirit has called us. His call brings us into a relationship with a body of believers. In fact the Greek word for church—ekklesia —literally means the “ones called out.” We are distinct, set apart from the world

by God’s call through His Word and Sacraments. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people who belong to God” (I Peter 2:9).

One Body One of my favorite images for the church is the body of Christ. In Romans 12, I Corinthians 12-14, and Ephesians 4 Paul paints a picture of many different parts, each part having a different function, all formed together by God into one body and equipped (prepared) by its leaders to serve others in His Name.

In Ephesians 4:11-16 Paul speaks of Christ giving His church “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers” with the purpose of “equipping the saints.” The Greek word Paul chooses is kataritzo which can be translated as “complete, perfect, prepare, put right.” We find the root of that word in Luke 6:40—“but everyone, when fully trained will be like his teacher,” and again in Hebrews 13:20-21, “Now may the God of peace . . . make you perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” In many places throughout the New Testament we find that a clear goal of leadership in the church is to align (perfect, prepare) the body (church) to carry out the calling it has been given (1 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11).

pare (equip) us so that our service in our homes, our jobs, our communities, and our congregations is coordinated, complementary, and clearly displays the love of God made known through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Paul captures this thought so well in 2 Corinthians 5:15,20, “He (Jesus) died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised. Therefore we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal through us.”

One call into one body, each and every one of us gifted and equipped to serve for the purpose of (say it with me) Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. n

LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES

online mission trip J A N U A R Y 2 3 - 2 7, 2 0 1 7

One Purpose Luther’s Large Catechism teaches “when you pray for ‘daily bread’ you are praying for everything that contributes to your having and enjoying your daily bread. . .you must open and expand your thinking, so that it reaches not only as far as the flour bin and baking oven but also out over the broad fields, the farmlands, and the entire country.” By this Luther focuses our work to the benefit of others. God serves and cares for us, and for all people, through the most basic roles and tasks—like plowing fields, digging ditches, and diapering babies. All reflect God’s calling. All are ways of doing God’s work in the world. There are no “levels,” no service that is more valuable or brings us special distinction.

We have been called into this restored relationship with God and with each other through the Gospel. We are each declared to be part of one body, the Church, and gifted to serve others in His name. He has provided leaders to pre-

l h m .o r g / o n l in e m is s io n t r ip s The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

15

Share in the BIG Anniversary!

I

t’s no secret by now that the International Lutheran Laymen’s League with its Lutheran Hour Ministries is marking its 100th anniversary year in 2017. The kickoff conference held in St. Louis this past October was the opening event, and you are encouraged to join in the thrill of celebrating in your own way HOW?

Learn More About The LLL/LHM by reading this official paper, checking for letters and mailers coming your way, visiting the website at www.lhm.org, enjoying social media, and asking local leaders or your pastor that you would like to learn more.

Pray For Success And Donate to the work as your community is impacted

by Gerald Perschbacher

by The Lutheran Hour, special activities, television outreach, booklets, communications, devotionals, DVDs, Bible studies, and events. The fervent effectual prayers of the righteous avail much! Go to the website to explore opportunities.

Be a Promoter in your congregation, school, and organizations. To present some ideas on what can be done, see the pictures and accompanying thoughts.

Not only is 2017 an important year for this anniversary, but it also is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. That could be an additional theme to pursue, alongside the realization that the good of the Reformation continues to the present day and beyond, as cold hearts are warmed by God’s grace through the Gospel. And LHM is there as your partner to keep the momentum going. n

t t

The first LLL convention was held in 1920, just three years after the formation of the organization. Visionary men and women joined in a common goal of spreading God’s Word and supporting their church. By organizing with a clear and righteous purpose, the Holy Spirit blessed their efforts–and continues to do so. Do YOU have groups in your congregation that are affiliated with the LLL/LHM? If so, give them a boost, offer fresh ideas, join their ranks, and visit www.lhm.org for a wide range of options and ideas, along with outreach that continues by the grace of God. Be a “partner.”

Dr. Walter A. Maier was the first radio voice on The Lutheran Hour and attracted tens of thousands of people at special rallies at which he spoke. Why not schedule a special event in your town or congregation and invite Lutheran pastors and educators to speak on the greatness of God in Christ? Could an audience of a hundred people show up? Two hundred? Five hundred? You could have special exhibits put up by local organizations of your congregation to show the present impact of God’s Word—with a special salute to Lutheran Hour Ministries. t t

These display “walls” were prepared for the kickoff event last October. You can carry forth the idea by making your own informative “walls” with local material, finding people in your congregation who have LLL/LHM material you could use for a display, gleaning more visual ideas from www.lhm.org, and be creative for the Lord! In a certain way, the 100th anniversary is a celebration by God’s people anywhere because it is a celebration of the clear proclamation of God’s Grace in Christ Jesus which is needed by all.

Internationally, there is hardly a place known to mankind that does not have access to the marvelous beams of radio, telecasts, internet access, and social media. LHM is on all of those and continues to be a blessing a in countless ways. Seekers are everywhere! Answers come through Christ. Find out how you and others in your area can find a renewed enthusiasm for Gospel outreach. If you have a local LHM Ambassador or seasoned LHM volunteer, ask them how you can “get something started” and become a vital part of advancing the Cause of Christ through LHM. Learn more about becoming an ambassador at lhm.org/ambassador.

Dr. Gerald Perschbacher serves as editor of The Lutheran Layman and manages the LHM Research Archives.

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The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

ON THE MOVE

by Kurt Buchholz President & CEO Lutheran Hour Ministries

Opportunities Ahead!

The 12 founders of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League

W

hat an incredible autumn for celebrating ministry. We had a phenomenal turnout for the 100-year anniversary kickoff event. I was joyful as I visited and celebrated with nearly 900 LHM family members and friends at historic Union Station in St. Louis. Additionally, we celebrated 70 years of ministry in Australia and 65 years in India where over 400 LHM faithful came to celebrate what God has done through His people in Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. But what impressed and humbled me most was that these LHM faithful were not gathering only to reminisce a shared past but they were energized for the work to be done as we embark on the next 100 years of mission.

Here is a thought I shared with those gathered: If God could work through 12 laypeople 100 years ago to achieve such incredible Gospel impact over those decades, imagine what the next 100 years could be like with not 12, not 1,200, not 12,000, but potentially 120,000 called, equipped, and SENT laypeople driving forward in faithful service to make the Gospel known! Let's not let that opportunity be forgotten.

As we drive without hesitation into the ministry opportunities ahead of us, we know there are some challenges to overcome. We know that younger generations are being led by society away from their churches and, even worse, away from their faith. Many LHM members have shared their personal concern for this heart-wrenching reality and their dismay when they do not see the church doing enough to go after them. We have heard this concern and know that, together, God is calling us to do something about it—NOW! Equipping, resources, and programs are coming online as you read this but action comes from God's called people—YOU, WE, together —the royal priesthood of all believers.

I'm asking you to be one of the original laypeople for this next 100-year ministry push. But remember, it won't be 12—it will be many multiples of that, and the ministry impact will be all to God’s glory! Pray and personally consider this one question: How has God uniquely called, equipped, and SENT me to assure that Christ is brought to the nations and the nations to the Church in the next 100 years? Please do it. We know if we delay action, then chances are that the hectic pace of life will distract and derail. The

beautiful part of our shared history is not that 12 laypeople were called to action but rather that they doggedly acted when the world and the devil sought to distract.

Already people just like you and me are driving ministry forward. LHM has invested in a new digital mission field and opened new international fields. Right now ordinary laypeople are telling the story of Gospel proclamation opportunities throughout the Arabic-speaking Middle East. Half of the necessary funds have been raised or committed, and we are confident that 2017 will see massive expansion throughout this region where God’s love, salvation, and peace are so desperately needed.

Did you get that? Together we are poised for massive Gospel ministry expansion both here in North America and globally! Praise the Lord!

I would like to ask you for a favor. I know that most of you are on Facebook, and I would love to connect with you beyond this article. I would be honored if you would search for “Kurt Buchholz” on Facebook and send me a friend request. This way I can share exciting news as it happens and work together to expand the LHM ministry family. You can also like the Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Facebook page for updates. God Bless! n

Be a part of the

Online Ministry Response Team!

Get involved at lhm.org/volunteer

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

17

Young Volunteers Made Their Mark in India

Left: Rev. C. David (far left) and Kurt Buchholz (LHM president and CEO far right) joined in the Bible’s unveiling ceremony in India.

by Gerald Perschbacher

Lutheran Hour Ministries, along with a veritable army of enthusiastic youth in India, plus the power of cell phones’ joined in a creative idea that resulted in one of the BIGGEST productions of God’s Word most people could ever imagine. The end product was a huge hardbound Bible, 23 inches wide and 36 inches high, weighing more than 130 pounds. This Bible is in the hand-written Tamil language.

“The Word of God is eternal, so we wanted to encourage the younger generation to open the Bible to read, to meditate,” reports Rev. C. David, who directs the Christian Media Center—India for Lutheran Hour Ministries. “We planned to use cell phones to motivate young people. We advertised through television, Facebook, and Whatsapp to register their mobile phone numbers to take part… .”

Here is how it happened. There are nearly 400 youth clubs throughout the area of Tamil Nadu.

CMC-I made contact and obtained 800 youth who joined in the project. Students in schools participated along with youth from their homes. Youth worked by the dozens, some even in darkness with the light of cell phones tracing their copy work. As it was in process the book became a literal copy of a very old and cherished Tamil Bible, only much larger. “We really appreciated their spirit,” adds David. “There were 13 staff members from CMC—I who took part.” David had the honor of writing the first page from Genesis.

Outreach resulted as 90 youth in one group par-

Right: Rev. David reviews the text.

Far right: Dr. Douglas Rutt, who directs LHM’s International Ministries, with two men who particpated in the project.

ticipated even though they were not Christians.

Other non-Christians also joined in the work. There were some challenges, too. One young lady who participated was told afterwards that her parents did not allow her to enter their home.

The special hand-written Tamil Bible was done as part of the 65th anniversary of CMC-I. Dr. Douglas Rutt, who directs the International Ministries

VBS Changes Lives in Kenya “Could we have VBS every day, during holidays?,” asked an innocent 11-year-old girl who was attending the annual program hosted by LHM’s ministry center in Kenya. The VBS facilitators just smiled at each other as they told her they felt the same way.

“When I minister to the kids it’s my way of giving back,” says Jeff, an LHM—Kenya volunteer. “Freely give as you have received.”

To understand the enthusiasm you would need to hear their individual stories. Quite a few staffers and volunteers first heard the Gospel when it was presented by a Lutheran minister at either Sunday school or a youth event. For many it changed their perspectives on Christianity and their lives. It is the main reason why this mission is not just a task but a calling that staff and volunteers have in seeing this program grow.

When it gets close to August each year, kids throughout Nairobi begin to pester their teachers and parents to prepare them for the VBS. They come to the event with high expectations to find out new things about the Bible story, so the team is vigilant in crafting a program that keeps children engaged.

“God gave us an opportunity to serve the kids in terms of building their faith in Jesus Christ,” says LHM’s director in Kenya. “Our team needs to ensure

division of LHM in St. Louis, says that the idea was spearheaded by Rev. David Geevadhas, audience relations manager for our CMC-I ministry in India.

Rutt further explains that this was a 65th anniversary project of CMC-I. Kurt Buchholz, president and CEO of LHM, did the ribbon cutting when the finished Bible was unveiled recently. The book design was by C. Peter Sathiasdass. n

by Chad Fix

that it is not boring or all play.”

Support among congregations in Nairobi continues to grow. The host congregation rotates each year to give them a sense of ownership in the program and to also build their capacity towards developing their own programs. Around 200 kids attended this year, many who were participating for the first time because of LHM—Kenya’s concerted effort to attract kids from unchurched or dechurched families. The VBS is also a way to speak to children about what is happening in the slums in which they live.

Crime, drugs, and promiscuity often start at a very early age in many of these residential areas.

When the 11-year-old girl was asked why she wanted to attend VBS daily, she said, “Home is no fun, and there are bad things happening all around us.

Every day when we are in VBS, we learn new things and … our faith becomes so strong in Jesus Christ.” n

Chad Fix oversees the corporate communications of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

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The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

To learn more about the ministry of LHM—Kenya, visit its blog at nurulhm.blogspot.com.

Be Part of the Celebration!

How can you join in the celebration of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ 100th anniversary all through the year? By purchasing new and special commemorative items. Many of these items were introduced during the 100th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration in St. Louis last October, and they can now be yours. Whether purchasing for yourself or as a gift, you support LHM’s mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.

Energize your faith with our newest publication, CALLED. EQUIPPED. SENT.: Inspirations from 100 Years of Sharing the Gospel. This lavishly illustrated, soft cover coffee-table style book contains more than 130 pages of historic photos and inspirational writings from the Speakers of The Lutheran Hour through the years: • Dr. Walter A. Maier • Dr. Andrew Melendez (Spanish Speaker) • Dr. Lawrence Acker • Dr. Armin C. Oldsen • Dr. Oswald C.J. Hoffmann • Rev. Dr. Wallace Schulz (Associate Speaker) • Dr. Dale A. Meyer • Rev. Dr. Kenneth Klaus • Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz

by Ken Ohlemeyer

Adorn your walls with new limited-edition, two-sided posters. One poster includes a reproduction of a classic 1940s-era promotion of The Lutheran Hour on one side and a modern colorful, stylized message of Bringing Christ to the Nations— and the Nations to the Church on the other side. The second poster available is a brightly colored illustration representing our international ministries complete with travel stamps of our international centers on the back.

Finally, raise a toast to 100 years of the Int’l LLL/LHM with this limited-edition ceramic stein. Debuted during the anniversary Oktoberfest, the stein includes four classic LLL/ LHM logos on one side and the colorful 100th anniversary celebration logo on the other side.

The perfect gift for coffee and beer aficionados alike! Prost! n

Also included are inspirational messages from Dr. Herman Gockel, who directed This is the Life and Lutheran Television, plus Phyllis Wallace, who hosted Woman to Woman.

As a bonus, this special commemorative anniversary edition contains a foldout history timeline which documents important dates and milestones from the beginning of the Lutheran Laymen’s League to the exciting digital mission field of today.

Ken Ohlemeyer directs marketing and communications for LHM.

All of these items and more are now available online at shoplhm.org or by calling 1-800-876-9880.

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

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This is the Life’s Untold Story From the 1980s--Dr. Ardon Albrecht (left, in charge of This is the Life production at that time) directing Doc Siegel (seated) for a Lutheran Television production. In the center is John Daniels, Int’l LLL executive director at the time.

T

by Ardon Albrecht his is the Life’s second Emmy was presented to worked on This is the Life was the happiest period in Doc Siegel in 1977 for his sound mixing artistry my professional life. It was a good show, good crew, on “The Healer,” one of the episodes of our 25th and just generally good people to work with.” season. “The Healer” is the story of a phony faith In a nutshell that is the story of This is the Life’s healer who finds himself personally seeking the faith second Emmy. But there is a much greater untold which he hypocritically proclaimed to others. The story. From the start, Doc and I hit it off spiritually. show is now being offered by Lutheran Hour Min- As a youngster he had planned on becoming a rabistries as a part of This is the Life: Classics on DVD. bi, but later discarded the dream. Perhaps it was In his day, Doc Siegel was one of the most sought because of that background that he took a special after sound engineers in Hollywood. He had made a interest in the Gospel messages in our shows. If he name for himself for the special effects he designed noticed an actor changing that message by only a for the 1973 movie “The Exorcist.” Two years later we single word, he quickly brought it to my attention. snagged him to do one of our This is the Life epi- As our spiritual bond grew he would sometimes say sodes, and he enjoyed that experience so much that enviously, “My God is always angry. Yours is love.” he made himself available to us season after season.

Besides religion there were other qualities about “The Healer” needed a man Doc that soon made him my As our spiritual bond grew of Doc’s talents. It presented favorite sound man: his kindDoc would sometimes say special sound challenges. ness, faithfulness, and unusuSome scenes were filmed al sense of humor. Never have enviously, “My God is always in rooms with severe echo I met a man who could laugh angry. Yours is love.” problems. There was also so quickly in the midst of the the challenge of pre-recorded singing that had to be most frustrating situations as Doc Siegel. I believe he mixed perfectly into the film sound track. could have been attacked by a swarm of hungry mosAs Doc Siegel was presented with a national quitoes and laughed himself half sick over it. Many of Emmy (the highest honor awarded by The Acade- our TV shoots were on location in the San Fernando my of Television Arts and Sciences) specifically for Valley, often in a flight pattern. When the noise of a outstanding individual achievement in religious plane interrupted one of our most dramatic outdoor programming, he said: “I’m happy to have won scenes for a third time and we were all growing tense the award, and I am especially happy to have won and exasperated, Doc would break out in contagious the award for that show. The year and a half that I laughter, and that would save the day. Soon we all

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The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

were laughing with him. That was the Doc I grew to love as a friend. No, more than a friend. I considered him a prince of friends.

Early in my acquaintance with Doc I wondered what his wife must be like for him to come to work each day in such jovial spirits. She must be exceptional herself, I thought. When I first met Mitzi—I think it was at one of our TV wrap parties—I saw that I had guessed right. The same kindness I saw in Doc I saw in her. I got the impression that she adored Doc a bit like Nancy Reagan adored “The Gipper.”

Fast forward to August 14, 1988. There was a farewell party thrown in my honor. Knowing that I was moving on to the parish ministry, good friends from This is the Life days had come to say goodbye.

Doc Siegel and Mitzi were prominent among them.

I don’t recall the tributes spoken that night, but I do recall that Doc and Mitzi lingered after the others had left. We chatted about our long friendship and the direction his career had taken. I knew that Doc had recently finished a stint with “The Golden Girls,” and I wondered what his next big project would be.

He said that he had signed on for an ABC special entitled “Head of The Class” Mission to Moscow. It would be shot on location, and he would be leaving for Russia shortly.

Less than two months later, Mitzi was on the phone. She had found my office number at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, California, where I had been installed in late September. There was a see page 24

LHM Sunday is about YOU

Are You Among them?

Daily Devotions Enjoy a Committed Following

Pastor Ken Klaus

When Pastor Ken Klaus he signed off with his Daily Devotions late last year, succeeding devotions took on a holiday focus to mark Advent. Those messages were from Christmas Memories—read by Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour—and ran from November 27 to January 6.

On November 26, Rev. Klaus, Speaker Emeritus for The Lutheran Hour, wrote, “My friends, this is the last devotion you will receive from me for a few weeks. … Between now and when I pick up my pen again in January, God grant you a most blessed holy day celebration, as the Holy Spirit touches your heart with the story of God's grace, which came to us in Bethlehem. In short, may your heart hear the angels sing of God's Son who has come to take us from darkness into the Lord's marvelous, saving light.”

That temporary “departure” prompted a number of comments from his “Daily Devotioners,” as he likes to call them: “You will be missed.” “We’ll be looking for your safe return.” “May our Lord bless you and keep you safe until we hear from you again.” “Enjoy your time off and have a merry and blessed Christmas.”

“Blessings to you and your family this holiday season…! I look forward each morning to your devotions.”

by Brad Neathery

Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday (LHM Sunday) is officially held on February 5, although churches can hold this event any Sunday of the year. LHM Sunday celebrates what is the driving force of Lutheran Hour Ministries—YOU. Lutheran Hour Ministries is, and always has been, a family of lay members who are committed to sharing the hope-giving Gospel.

As a member-based ministry, part of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ focus is providing resources that you can use to reach out with the love of Christ in your family, your community, and your world. This year we highlight five ways you can use LHM resources to impact those in your life: 1. The Lutheran Hour shares the Gospel every week in ways that speak to the real-life struggles and questions that we all face. You can encourage friends and family to visit www.lutheranhour.org or download The Lutheran Hour mobile app.

2. Project Connect booklets address tough topics and big questions like breast cancer, divorce, and depression. These easy-to-read tools can be the first step to begin a conversation with someone in need.

3. Video resources are a great way to share the Gospel with someone who may be unwilling to enter a church or even discuss spiritual matters, but who is willing to check out a video that you forward or share with them.

4. International Volunteer Trips allow participants to experience and take part in being the hands and feet of Christ in another part of the world.

5. You can be a part of digital outreach efforts that Lutheran Hour Ministries is launching in 2017. Follow Lutheran Hour Ministries on Facebook for news and announcements.

As a grassroots ministry, Lutheran Hour Ministries relies on your prayers, advocacy, and support. Please consider taking part in LHM Sunday this spring to celebrate all that we can do to share the Gospel together.

Visit lhm.org/lhmsunday to find more information, download resources, and order materials. For churches wishing to host a February 5 event, place your order for materials by January 22. This will ensure ministry dollars are not spent on expedited shipping charges. Churches that are holding their LHM Sunday after February 5 can order after this date. n

Klaus is an admirable spokesman for the Kingdom and one people count on daily for his hope-filled messages.

For years Klaus has delivered timely messages that have resonated with people from all walks of life. Taking his cue from events here and abroad, he frequently delves into the gritty details of people’s lives and brings to the fore observations of how God works through our circumstances—both good and bad. He reminds us of a Heavenly Father who is present in our lives. With abundant mercy and longsuffering to sinful man, the gift of God’s Son is the eternal pledge of His love toward us. In conveying these truths, Klaus is an admirable spokesman for the Kingdom and one people count on daily for his hope-filled messages.

By the time you read this, Pastor Klaus should again be penning his thoughts and sharing his insights, as his Daily Devotions resume on Saturday, January 7.

Please remember that during the upcoming Lenten season, running March 1 through April 17, LHM’s seasonal devotions will be available at lhm.org/lent, and there will be devotions in Spanish as well at paraelcamino.com/cuaresma.

You can find the Daily Devotions by going to https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions. There you will be able to read them online, review previous devotions in our archives, sign up to receive them as a daily e-mail subscription, and listen to the audio of each day’s message. n

share the gospel

beyond your lifetime!

You can do just that through gifts of life insurance.

How? The final policy you give to charity will be greater than your premium payments—allowing you to make a larger impact and share the Gospel further.

To learn more, contact lhm-gift@lhm.org or call 1-877-333-1963 today!

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

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Reaching Latin America Digitally

by Chad Fix

The internet, coupled with web and mobile technology, has radically changed communication and lifestyles. A knowledge revolution is in full swing where customized, personalized, and on-demand information is available to everyone, any time. Lutheran Hour Ministries embraces the use of this mission concept to share the message of Jesus around the world.

LHM recently launched a Regional Digital Outreach Project in Latin America. The purpose is to use the internet and its tools to digitally connect to the non-believer and non-Christian population. In coordination with all LHM ministry centers throughout Latin America, this project is based at the LHM ministry center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It is guided by Flavio Knopp, production manager at LHM–Brazil, who now concentrates his efforts on this project.

The strategy includes an online platform with information about topics and issues of concern to target audiences. This will bring visitors to this new and unique website designed for non-believers, using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Pinterest, Snapchat, and other tools. There will be newspaper and radio advertisements, as well as search engine optimization (SEO) to reach people who are searching for answers online.

As visitors arrive at our platform, they will be invited and motivated to look deeper into topics which may include marriage and family, how to deal with loneliness, relationships, pornography, and more.

“We hope this project will open up opportunities to start an online relationship with our trained volunteers from all of our ministry centers in Latin America,” says Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt. “From this point, the local response, referral, and connection process begins.”

LHM–Uruguay has taken the initiative and utilizes platforms such as Facebook and YouTube as proclamation tools. Its use of social media allows the ministry center to proclaim Jesus’ love and act as an important tool to promote events and activities. It was through social media that LHM–Uruguay reached a woman named Anna, her husband Juan, and their son Enzo. The family connected with LHM –Uruguay through Facebook and was interested in learning about materials the ministry offers, including Bible studies. Through this social media connection, Anna and Juan are now participating in the Bible course GodConnects and Enzo has enjoyed some of LHM’s children’s booklets such as Do You Know Who Jesus Is? Anna, Juan, and Enzo continue to show interest in learning more about the Lord.

Their love for Christ is growing!

Another great example of using social media as an outreach tool is through the story of Marcos and Nahara, who made their first connection with LHM–Uruguay last April through a social media campaign. Initially they were interested in print materials and booklets but now are enrolled in Bible Correspondence Courses and attend catechism

classes. They made initial contact with LHM–Uruguay through social media and now are active participants in weekly worship.

“Nahara is pregnant, and we are hoping that through God’s will a new baby will be brought to the baptismal fount,” says Gabriela Silveira, director of LHM–Uruguay. “We thank God that we are able to witness how He acts in the lives of people and uses us to bring them to Christ and to His church.”

Marianela Bravo, who directs LHM–Chile, worked for months in partnership with Rev. Jim Tino, founder and director of Global Lutheran Outreach and a missionary for the Lutheran Church of Chile. They planned and developed a new social media and radio program that targets the young in urban Santiago, capital of Chile. A high percentage of the population includes young people between the ages of 15 and 25. Part of this program’s success came through the preparation, which included hosting a focus group to gather the concerns of the youth, targeting those concerns through advertised radio spots, and creating a special website, Mi Camino—My Way. The radio spots direct people to an online quiz supported through the Mi Camino webpage, micamino.cl. The website offers a chance respond and register for classes, presentations, and other programming activities at local churches. The focus of Mi Camino is to help young adults, ages 20-30 years old, on their way to independence. Topics include classes or presentations such as responsibilities of living on their own, paying their own bills, and how to handle issues on their own. So far, more than 33,853 people have visited the website and 1,031 have left their contact information.

These connections show the power of social media and how it is a viable avenue for ministry. The Lord is using LHM’s new digital mission opportunities throughout Latin America to impact lives with the Gospel of Christ.

“God did not give us these new tools just so people can make more money; they will help to promote the extension of His Kingdom,” says Rutt. “We look forward to seeing our digital efforts progress since we know that digital media presents us with a tremendous opportunity to share the Good News with a mass audience.” n

International Volunteer Trips = Hands-on Adventures!

There is a great and urgent need for the Gospel around the world. For many people, a short-term mission service trip is an adventure of faith that tugs them out of their comfort zones and challenges them to experience the world’s need for the Gospel in fresh ways. If you have prayerfully considered to serve and share in another country, Lutheran Hour Ministries can help you get started—with information about an LHM International Volunteer Trip to one of the outreach centers around the world.

Chris Myers knows the results. She manages the the International Ministries volunteer teams. 93 teams have participated in the program over the 22

The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

by Chad Fix

last decade and several more are already lined up in 2017 for projects ranging from English language improvement classes in Thailand to a children’s summer camp in Russia and Sunday school teacher training in Cambodia. “It’s exciting to see so many teams gearing up to serve already,” she says, “but there are still more trips available! LHM is looking for groups to sign up for great projects in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.”

Projects will put volunteers to work on construction tasks as well as other mission-service activities include helping with Vacation Bible School, language instruction, or health and wellness service at a medical camp. While

Bridging Gaps, Reaching out—

Sharing Our Faith by Living the Six Coming early in 2017 will be a new video-based Bible study from Lutheran Hour Ministries. Live the Six: Learning to Live as an Everyday Missionary will address a basic concern we all share as believers: How do we live our lives and use the gifts God has given us to serve Him and make an eternal difference in the lives of others? Tackling this subject will be writer and host Dion Garrett, senior pastor at St. John Church in Ellisville, Missouri.

Do you ever wonder if there’s more to your life as a Jesus-follower than what you’re experiencing?

Do you sometimes feel there should be a greater intention to your faith life?—a more purposeful and Christ-centered direction to your steps? If these questions strike a chord with you, you’re not alone.

It’s thoughts like these that prompted Garrett to conceive a faith-walk paradigm called “live the six.”

Garrett explains: “I was raised ‘going to church.’

In some parts of the world, including here in America, that’s becoming a less-common thing, but

there’s nothing else like it. It’s the place where we assemble with other flawed-yet-spirit-filled people and we are strengthened by God’s Word. But at the same time, I think there’s been a misunderstanding.

For most of us our spiritual lives revolve around one day a week: Sundays. That’s good, but it’s only the beginning of what God has in mind for us. I don’t think most people know that we have a calling that’s so much more than sitting for an hour, enjoying— or enduring—church one time a week. And it’s this misunderstanding that’s killing us. It’s leaving us feeling stagnant in our faith, without purpose and unfulfilled. It’s also what’s killing the witness of Jesus” going forward to the world.

This situation can be changed, however. Garrett continues: “But something dramatic can happen in us and in the world around us, when we embrace a deeper calling that God has placed on our lives.

It’s not only to be people who go to church, but to be the church in our everyday lives—to the countless

After Sunday come six more days to share God’s love and grace—so “live the six.”

some projects—the children’s camp in Russia, for example—are linked to a particular season, most projects are flexible and can be scheduled to suit a mission team’s needs.

One of the benefits of partnering with Lutheran Hour Ministries in international volunteer service is LHM’s comprehensive training program, which helps heighten team members’ understanding and awareness before they embark. One relatively new feature that augments its already great training curriculum is Equip for the Trip, a series of free half-hour webinars that brings several topics in short-term mission service into sharp focus—making it an ideal training tool even for savvy LHM International Volunteer Trip veterans. Some of the previous topics have included: • Adventures in Short Term Mission: The Essential Guide • Responsibilities and Organization of a Team Coordinator

people we interact with every day. Or, as I like to call it: to be people who ‘live the six,’ who live the rest of the week … as everyday missionaries.”

The video of Live the Six features six interviews with people who are applying their faith in meaningful ways, each under different circumstances. Among those sharing their faith-walk are foster parents, neighbors who reach out to others, and those caring for others who are seriously ill. Throughout this study Garrett considers the power of these individuals’ missionary-like efforts, emphasizing how their actions are positively impacting others—both in the here and now and in how their lives are a tangible witness to their faith and the truth of the Gospel. A discussion guide containing relevant Scriptures, study questions, and ideas on how to live the six will also be included.

Complementing this Bible study’s release is a Project Connect booklet previously written by Garrett of the same title. In it he offers illustrations and insights on maximizing the impact of our Christian walk, while providing “15 Practical Ideas to Get You Started to Live the Six.” This approach to the Christian life is nothing short of revolutionary.

He writes, “And when you begin to take hold of this sacred calling, this sacred privilege, it’ll even change the way you see that ‘hour on Sunday.’ No longer will Sundays be the expression of your Christian life; your life lived between Sundays will be that.

Instead, Sunday mornings will become for you a sacred respite where Jesus forgives you and fills you and fires you up about living as His priest for the next six days. If you don’t believe me, just try it and let the transformation begin. Get out there and Live the Six!” This study will soon be available for purchase at lhm.org/studies. n

• Serving in Latin America • Team Recruiting and Fundraising • Serving in Asia • Building Trust • Serving in Africa • Serving in Europe and Jamaica • Your Mission Trip and Social Media Discover today how God uses ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference by checking out information about LHM’s upcoming International Volunteer Trip opportunities at lhm.org/teams. Updates about Equip for the Trip webinars, plus links to register for upcoming sessions, can be found at lhm.org/teams/equip.asp. n The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

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This is the Life’s Untold Story (from page 20) strange tone to her gentle greeting. Then she blurted out, “Doc is dying, and he wants to see you!”

My heart pounded as I raced the 20 minutes to St. Joseph’s Hospital. I mulled over the slim data Mitzi had provided: Doc had contracted pneumonia while shooting at a distant location in Russia, but either couldn’t or didn’t seek medical help. Now back in the States it was too late. The doctors had just taken him off life support and asked the family to say their goodbyes.

Rarely have I prayed so desperately as I did during that 20-minute drive. I cried to the Lord, “Let me say something to Doc that will make a difference.” I repeated that simple prayer hundreds of times while wracking my brain for the best words to prepare him to meet his Savior.

Finally, I was at his bedside, hugging Doc and wiping tears from my eyes. Then I said, “Doc, would it offend you if I spoke to you about the Messiah?”

Doc’s voice was gone, but he could whisper, and he whispered for me to go ahead. Fighting to keep from breaking down, I spoke about the Messiah as the door to the Father’s house and how much I wanted Doc to enter. Not that Doc hadn’t heard similar words from me many times, and that he hadn’t read them often in our This is the Life scripts. But this time they were just the right words, words that I prayed would make a difference. And they did. I will never forget Doc’s reply. “Ardon,” he whispered with great difficulty, “You … I … will be … in the Father’s house together.”

Then he turned to Mitzi, and next to Marci, his daughter, and whispered hoarsely, “I want Ardon to do my funeral.” So it was that not long after Doc died I was at Mt. Sinai, the main Jewish cemetery in greater Los Angeles, speaking from a pulpit in a Jewish chapel. To standing-room-only I repeated the words God had given me to speak at Doc’s bedside and his reply, “You … I … will be … in the Father’s house together.”

I was not expecting very many descendants of Abraham in the congregation to be pleased with my obvious Christian message. But to my surprise scores came forward after the service to express their thanks. Then, in December 2005, Marci called and spoke almost the identical words Mitzi had used on the phone to me 17 years earlier. But instead of “Doc” she said “Mitzi”—“Mitzi is dying, and she wants to see you.” She added, “And Mom wants you to do the same thing at her funeral as you did at my father’s.”

The next day I was at Mitzi’s bedside, talking to her about her Good Shepherd and dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. She propped herself up on an elbow with enough strength left to reach up and kiss me as she expressed her faith in our mutual Savior.

Before long I was back at Mt. Sinai cemetery again, telling of my love for Mitzi as I had told of my love for Doc, two people who were God’s special gifts to me in my journey of life. n The story written for this issue also was shared in person by Albrecht at the anniversary Celebration this past October.

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The Lutheran Layman January - February 2017

Registration for LHM’s Annual Election Begins Feb. 15

O

ne of the Bylaws changes approved by International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries members in 2016 calls for a voting membership to be formed each year to participate in the ministry’s annual election. As a membership organization incorporated in Missouri, the Int’l LLL is required to follow Missouri state law by having at least 10% of its membership vote during an election for it to be considered valid. Reaching this quorum had become increasingly difficult (and would have resulted in funding a new election at great costs if this requirement was not met in each year), so the addition of this voting membership means the 10% requirement now applies only to those who desire to and have registered to vote.

As part of this new election process, all active contributing members of the ministry (those who have given a gift between July 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016) will receive a postcard in early February with

details on how to become part of the voting membership for the 2017 election. Members will have the option of registering online to receive an electronic ballot (the preferred method since it saves substantial ministry dollars) or mailing back the postcard to receive a paper ballot.

All members who register by March 15 will constitute the voting membership that will receive materials to participate in the annual election running from April 15 through May 15 for open positions on the Board of Directors. Election results will be announced by the end of May so that the new Board will be in place at the beginning of the ministry’s new fiscal year on June 1.

Look for your postcard to arrive in February and be sure to register by March 15 to be able to make your voice heard in the 2017 election. If you have questions about the new election process, please call 1-800-8769880 or send an e-mail to lh_min@lhm.org. n

Enjoy your favorite episodes of the groundbreaking television series!

This is the Life: Classics on DVD $34.95 Includes 9 specially selected episodes, featuring well-known actors and timeless stories.

This is the Life: Classics Deluxe DVD Set $39.95 Includes 9 specially selected episodes, plus a bonus disc containing group discussion questions, behind-the-scenes photos, and video extras!

Purchase today at lhm.org/classics or call 1-800-876-9880!