The Lutheran Layman by Lutheran Hour Ministries

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN Your Partner in HIS Mission!

July - August 2015

Education’s ST. LOUIS, Mo.— It’s not easy coming By Allan Buckman, with Stanish Stanley and Judith Meyer

Photos courtesy of CFNA & Dr. Gerald Perschbacher

MISSION

to a country and culture that is unfamiliar, but thanks to Christians the acclimation can move more smoothly. see page 3

In Depth: ‘Hour’ & Bott . . . . . . . . . . . 6 700 were Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 MISSION U fits with You . . . . . . . . . 12 Digital Media in Kazakhstan . . . . 14 Sponsor Automatically . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Luther: Priceless Contribution . . . 17

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

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speak ing up

by Rev. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

What Does the

Future Hold?

“If God is for us, who can be against us? … NOTHING else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (Romans 8:31, 39)

hat does the future hold? What does YOUR future hold? What does the future of The Lutheran Hour and Lutheran Hour Ministries hold? Well, I can tell you this for sure: All of us, no matter what the future holds, are safe, secure, and saved in our Savior Jesus’ loving arms! And we here at Lutheran Hour Ministries will be making radio/media programs proclaiming the Good News of Jesus so that all can know Him, trust Him, and believe in Him. But there are some CONCRETE indicators of what that future might look like as we sit here today. How about The Lutheran Hour program recorded live around the country (at our churches or even our universities), inviting you and any of your friends and neighbors to be part of that broadcast church or missional outreach event for the day? How about The Lutheran Hour and Lutheran Hour Ministries expanding into TV and the digital media field so that more people can be shown that there is a freedom and joy that can only come from knowing Him as The Life (truly, THIS is the Life), a freedom and joy in Him that makes our life worth living, our families worth having, our dreams worth dreaming, our work worth doing, and people, friends, and enemies, worth loving. Or how about The Lutheran Hour and Lutheran Hour Ministries being a multi-media place for you to come to be encouraged and resourced in your faith, a place to bring your friends so that they can meet the Savior Jesus in ways that they can understand and believe. How about that? What do you think? I think that will happen—and more.

L AYMAN

Now, I realize that today, there are a lot of people who won’t even ask the question, “What does the future hold?”, let alone answer it. And I can understand why just asking that question confronts us all with real uncertainty, even the fear of the unknown. With all the turmoil that exists in this world each and every day, people tend to deal with the HURTS OF THE MOMENT, and they don’t much want to talk about what tomorrow might bring. But the message of the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus is forgiveness, hope, joy amidst real uncertainties, real fears—out there and in every human heart, A CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE that EMPOWERS you to face the issues of the day, come what may.

“All of us, no matter what the future holds, are safe, secure, and saved in our Savior Jesus’ loving arms!” So, if you’ve ever been truly uncertain, TRULY AFRAID, if the challenges of tomorrow have left you broken and feeling alone and helpless today, then hear especially what Paul says in Romans 8: “None of that can separate YOU from the Love of God IN JESUS! And I (as the voice of The Lutheran Hour) guarantee that we will be proclaiming THAT, now and in the days that come. You can COUNT on it! May God continue to bless us in our work together in His Name, into the future with joy! n

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

now broadcasting on the

bott radio

network (See page 6)

Visit our broadcast guide to find a station near you! lutheranhour.org

The Lutheran

Vol. 86, No. 4 July-August 2015

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, By Kids...For Kids, JCPlayZone, Life...revised, Living for Tomorrow, This is the Life, On Main Street, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre, Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, Esta Es La Vida, Para el Camino, Woman to Woman, Family Time, Teacher to Teacher, Reaching Out and The Hoffmann Society are ® registered marks, or SM service marks. The Puzzle Club is a service mark and trademark of Int’l LLL. Copyright 2015, Int’l LLL. LHM Response Center: 1-800-876-9880

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

with Rev. Gregory Seltz

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

lutheranhourministries

Photographs on the cover and in this article show interaction between students and instructors at After School Tutoring classes.

Education’s

MISSION

from page 1

Agencies and congregations in areas refugees now call home can share Christ despite cultural barriers and weak language skills of immigrants. Case in point: Saraswoti Gurung. She was age six when she and family members came to North America from a refugee camp in Nepal. That was half a dozen years ago—and while life in the refugee camp had been challenging, life in the Midwest quickly became bewildering. Apart from family members, she had few friends. By her own admission she did not know “good English.” Saraswoti needed help getting started. She found it at the Peace Center, the ministry center of Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) here. She regularly attended After School Tutoring classes twice a week and met volunteer teachers who helped her learn English. They “helped me finish hard homework,” she adds. As a result, Saraswoti says she “made many new friends from different ethnic backgrounds.” She also found “singing in the chapel, learning God’s Word, and being with people that are Christian” brought a very formative and satisfying

experience. As a result, Saraswoti, together with the members of her family as well as a growing number of recent Nepali arrivals, are attending Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis and its Nepali language satellite named New Life Fellowship.

Refugees from Ethiopia

the center as a “safe Christian place” where their children can be with friends and learn “good Christian values with good people that are willing to help.” Historically, education has always been important in outreach efforts of the Church. Today is no different as education still serves as a significant contributor to sharing Christian love, especially to children in need. Accordingly, with the Christian mandate “to serve” (Mark 10: 45), Christian Friends of New Americans is actively seeking to engage and serve the most “needy” refugees and immigrants “among us.”

Saba Dabi was seven years old when she arrived with her parents and nine siblings. They had been in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. Now 14, she has become a regular participant in the After School Tutoring program. She quickly affirms that “tutoring at the Peace Center has shaped my character; it has given me an opportunity to freely interact with American people.” She also points out that tutoring received Who are they? there has “improved my English speaking skills.” New Americans settling in St. Louis come The center is a place where “I have learned a lot from various nations and with diverse religious of new teachings from the pastors” who lead the backgrounds such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, devotions offered each evening. and African traditional religions. Almost all face Because of these benefits, Saraswoti and Saba difficulty in settling into an American culture that along with the more operates with an unfamiliar language. The than 100 students problem is exacerbated when new Americans Their parents see the who are currently center as a “safe Christian must deal with the American system and way participating in the place” where their children of life. Daily challenges for families include tutoring program conversing in English, arriving at appointments can be with friends and love to experience on time, properly answering questions raised learn “good Christian the Peace Center. by health providers, and very little or no contact values with good people Their parents see with American families, to cite a few examples. that are willing to help.” see next page The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

Students from various cultures can learn in a Christ-centered setting.

A New Strategy to Raise Serving Leaders in Urban Settings

“F

or decades Lutheran churches and schools have raised Christcentered serving leaders in St. Louis. At one time there were over 20 Lutheran schools providing an affordable Christian education to children in the city. This is no longer the case. Currently only three Lutheran schools operate in the restrictive confines of St. Louis city limits. Yet, along with these three schools, Lutherans continue to look for new strategies to raise up Christ-centered serving leaders.” So reports Rev. Dr. Matt Hoehner, regional executive director of Educational Enterprises, Inc., (EEI), St. Louis. “Through a partnership with congregations, we are seeing vacant school buildings resurrected and communities restored. In 2013, St. John’s Lutheran Church worked with EEI to renovate their school that had closed and opened EAGLE College Prep, a free public charter school that prepares children for college and intentionally teaches character development. Along with EAGLE, EEI operates Compass Educational Programs, a Christ-centered preschool and before and after school program for those who choose to attend from EAGLE. Together St. John’s Lutheran Church, EAGLE, and Compass collaborate to provide their community a loving worldclass education with the opportunity to grow in Christ. “EAGLE currently serves 185 students (kindergarten to fourth grade) with plans to expand to a K-8 school and eventually a high school,” explains Hoehner. “Compass Christian Programs is providing Christ-centered education and mentoring before and after school care for over 80 of the children attending EAGLE. In addition, Compass provides a high quality Christ-centered preschool for 22 children. In all, more than 200 children once again have access to a free high quality education and affordable Christian education.” The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, the Missouri District of the LCMS, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, Concordia Publishing House, and Lutheran Church Extension Fund are a few of the serving leaders that have joined together to successfully meet this urban need. The success of the first EAGLE school and Compass Program in St. Louis has led to the opportunity to serve more children. In 2015, a second EAGLE school will open in Emmaus Lutheran’s school building; and in 2016 a third EAGLE school will open at Messiah Lutheran’s school. Hoehner concludes: “As a parent, I’m thankful that my children have a loving, safe environment to grow within their diverse community and receive additional Christ-centered support from Compass and Rev. Mike Tanney of St. John’s. As we build the foundation of our future by raising up serving leaders, we are excited to see holistic renewal rising up around our educational communities in the form of affordable housing projects for new Americans. Furthermore, we rejoice with thanksgiving to God that Nepali and African congregations are worshipping our Lord in these new spaces.” n

To learn more about EEI, visit www.educationalenterprises.org. 4

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

Education’s

MISSION

from page 3

Add to this the issues faced by immigrant and refugee children who struggle to integrate with peers at school. They also should engage in meaningful academic learning and development. Noteworthy is the fact that most of the students who participate in the program are enrolled in public schools. In this context CFNA, a Registered Service Organization of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), facilitates educational support for the immigrant and refugee New Americans in our midst through its After School Tutoring Program. The tutoring outreach ministry operates with the objective of seeking to share and inculcate Biblical values in refugee children along with providing help for homework and enhancing academic performance. Along with tutoring, regular chapel devotions conducted by LCMS pastors have enabled New American kids to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ. Children from countries such as Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nepal, Sierra Leone, and Bhutan have availed themselves of this learning opportunity. Importantly, this Christian outreach venture of CFNA would not be possible without the participation of approximately 25 volunteers from various walks of life who have responded to the call to “serve.” Friends from LCMS congregations and students from local educational institutions including Concordia Seminary have freely shared their time, expertise,

and commitment to interact with New American children. Many volunteers have developed close relationships with the children not only through tutoring, but also through personal interaction including driving the students from and to their homes. Such an opportunity has been a special occasion for New American kids to engage and make friends with an American. Through the After School education outreach, and by the grace of God, there is an established Lutheran presence in the hearts and minds of a growing segment of the New American population in the Midwest. As it moves forward in this mission of our Lord, CFNA invites and welcomes anybody and everybody to seriously engage Scripture’s call: “Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright” (Prov. 20:11).

Through Scholarship Assistance

New American families clearly value Lutheran education. During each of the past eight years, the parents of nearly 30 New American students have enrolled their children in Lutheran schools (made possible by the CFNA scholarship assistance program). Mustapha Passawe (originally from Sierra Leone), whose daughters have attended Word of Life Lutheran School for the past three semesters, said that “the girls have really learned English and use it at home now. Every day they

learn about God and get me up early on Sunday to go to church.” He chose Word of Life for his daughters on the recommendation of a family member. Since its inception, New American students have been enrolled in nine Lutheran schools. Presently they attend Christ Community, Grace Chapel, Green Park, Salem, Lutheran High South, and Lutheran High North. Almost all of the students are members of Lutheran congregations, and many of their families have also joined St. Louis area congregations including Messiah, Timothy, Hope, Ascension, Resurrection, Webster Gardens, and Immanuel Chapel. One Nepalese child was baptized at Hope, and Timothy’s and Messiah’s confirmation classes during the past several years have included several New American youth. Betty Mulat (from Ethiopia), a sophomore at Lutheran South who has been in the scholarship program for four years, said the program provided “the opportunity to learn more about God and share our faith with others. It also helps us learn how to behave and become a leader.” From the beginning, facilitators from within key ethnic communities have played a key role in the implementation of this ministry. Their primary responsibilities have been to provide for the enrollment of New American students into Lutheran schools, as well as to maintain the relationship between the school and the family thereafter. Their effectiveness may be measured by the reality that since its beginning eight years ago, the student attrition rate has been almost zero. Out of an aggregate of almost 50 students, only one has dropped out of the program. Which brings up another question.

How do you measure the success of this effort?

First, it must be noted that these students have all been successful academically, progressing from grade to grade, and then continuing to college-preparatory Lutheran high schools. The Lutheran Foundation has contributed substantially to this effort from day one, and has even provided funds required for an After School Tutoring program at Word of Life Lutheran school, where the majority of the elementary New American students have attended. The seven students who have graduated from Lutheran South are all attending college, and the current Lutheran high school students are all planning on college as well. see page 10

Mentoring

Right Where You Are By Gerald Perschbacher

entoring comes in many ways, from many types of people, with many different approaches and materials. Regardless, it’s very much a one-on-one principle. And you can do it just about anywhere. Parents can read to younger people. That includes children with learning disabilities, children from other cultures, and those who have little (if any) example of Christian faith in their families. Three booklets come to mind—small booklets for small children: Learning to Pray, The Bully, and Sharing Your Faith. Each provides easy-tofollow poetry aimed at children learning the fundamentals of reading or who enjoy the fun of catchy poetry with a Christ-centered aim. Several booklets can help parents and mentors assist in the raising of children and can be adapted to young folks of various cultural backgrounds. Parenting with Purpose covers boundaries, rules, guidelines, time together, communication, and appreciating the uniqueness of children. Other booklets can instill the mentoring process in adults and “big brothers” or “big sisters.” Talking Openly with Kids is one of these booklets. Two more are good resources: Parenting Families – Practical Strategies for the Blended Family and also Parenting Families – Practical Strategies for Family life. In this fast-paced age, there can be “cultural gaps” even in the same family, with age being a barrier. Grandparents may not understand how to communicate with their grandchildren. Parents may have a hard time keeping up with the trends among children. Add to this the cultural aspect of New Americans and the learning curve may need to be adjusted for young and not-so-young in order to share the Love of Christ effectively. Seek reputable sources for suggestions. Consult pastors and teachers for their advice, too. Congregations and groups can make the acclimation of children their prime target. By God’s grace, when we bridge the gaps in culture, language, and age, all participants can advance toward a keener understanding of the Lord and a deeper appreciation for each other along with the personal gifts they employ. To bridge the Spanish-English gap, consider obtaining copies of the Jesus Loves Me! coloring book. Copies may be obtained in both languages. Christ-centered drawing and captions allow for a Spanishspeaking adult or child to compare their booklet with the English version, aiding both types of readers in the experience. More than that, it directs each one to Christ! More information about the availability of items mentioned in this article is available. Calling Lutheran Hour Ministries at 1-800-8769880 or check SHOPLHM.ORG. n Dr. Perschbacher is editor of The Lutheran Layman.

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

‘Hour’ Begins on Bott Network

“W

e are just so delighted to have The Lutheran Hour as a partner on Bott Radio Network each Sunday morning,” said Rich Bott, president and CEO Rev. Seltz joyfully of the network. His words came on the first joins with Dick and broadcast of The Lutheran Hour over his Rich Bott upon network on May 31. The program will continue announcing each week at 8 a.m. for the majority of most Bott the news. stations. “When this time became available, I looked across the country because I wanted a broadcast ministry …that shared our vision and our passion to get the Word of God into the people of God and help people grow in the Lord through the application of Holy Scripture. The Lutheran Hour came to my attention….” “What a great day,” said the Rev. Gregory Seltz, speaker on The Lutheran Hour, as the news was conveyed to stations in that radio network. “We are privileged to enter into this partnership….” The presence of Hoffmann is Dick Bott, who saw Rich and his father, Dick The Lutheran Hour on the advance of LHM move mightily Bott, founder of the network, the Bott Radio Network through the years. “You stand on came to St. Louis on May 12 to the shoulders of giants” in the faith, and on many other dream about the future and to Dick told Seltz. “Your faithfulness stations is made settle final arrangements for the is being honored by the Lord.” present. They met at the offices possible through the People listen to the Bott Radio of Lutheran Hour Ministries. prayerful financial Network “because they get the The faithful preaching of God’s support of people straight stuff,” said Seltz, Word has been a hallmark of the just like you. “the Good News of the Gosprogram, said Rich Bott. He is pel—that’s what makes well aware of The Lutheran Hour’s associations this such an exciting time for us.” with National Religious Broadcasters, an organization founded by Dr. Eugene “Rudy” Bertermann who had been chief of staff for the Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League (Lutheran Hour Ministries). Even more familiar with the international impact of Bertermann and Dr. Oswald

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

Not only is the Bible-based message of The Lutheran Hour important, but it also “is relevant today in a tremendous application,” the Bott network president replied. Seltz added that many people say they know Jesus, but they really do not know WHO He is. “I’m amazed today when I hear people say they think they know who Christ is, and that’s our passion—to get the Good News…about the Christ of the Scriptures out to these folks.” The Lutheran Hour is not meant only for Lutherans but for all people. Messages follow the pattern of grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone “to anybody who would listen,” Seltz advocated. This was at the heart of the Reformation movement which deeply involved Dr. Martin Luther nearly 500 years ago. “People have been brought up for one or

“The Lutheran Hour is not meant only for Lutherans but for all people. Messages follow the pattern of grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone ‘to anybody who would listen....’”

two generations to be antagonistic to the whole idea of Christianity,” noted Dick Bott, elder radio executive and the initial energy behind the start of the network in 1962. “Our job is to love them anyway and point them to the foot of the cross wherein comes completion, comes salvation, whether it’s in a school setting or a home setting or a dislocated family situation. Each and every person needs to be loved and drawn to the foot of the cross through the preaching of the Gospel…genuine Biblical Christianity.” Rich Bott encouraged his network’s listeners to contact LHM and let staff know they are listening. “Thank you for your faithfulness in proclaiming the Word of God,” he added. Mark Eischer, program announcer, stated how the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association had given up the time slot and that this transition to The Lutheran Hour was fitting since Graham and The Lutherasn Hour’s Dr. Hoffmann were close friends in the Lord’s work for many years. Both were named members of the NRB Hall of Fame, as was Dick Bott. n

Bott’s Invitation was Well Aimed

photos by Greg Koenig

r. Eugene “Rudy” Bertermann “was the facilitator-leader of many things, Dick Bott noted in a special interview with Dr. Gerald Perschbacher, longtime editor of The Lutheran Layman. When NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) grew “to the point he could not handle it all on his ‘kitchen table’ as a volunteer…they hired Ben Armstrong to be kind of the executive… Rudy was the type of person to help everyone.” Bott’s elder executive underlined the importance of Christian education which can turn troubled boys toward the Good News of Christ to redirect their lives and futures. “Good teachers give (students) something to dream about, to aspire to, and the fun of learning and developing….The destruction of what we USED to have has left us with many empty little people growing up with rage and frustration.”

The Botts as interviewed by editor Perschbacher (foreground).

that are before us at this moment”—that’s what brought The Lutheran Hour to the Bott Radio Network. “That is the same Message it always has been – but the moments change and therefore the effort is directed” in fresh ways. President and CEO Rich Bott offered this thought: “Now, more than ever, in this Post-Modern Culture, we are in a time when religious liberties are under attack at many fronts, it’s important for people who love the Lord, people who have loved His Word, to work together … in ministry … so our longtime knowledge of The Lutheran Hour broadcast and its history, its see next page

ennek

l Lutheran amp, St. Pau

– Rev. Ron P

eland, FL

Church, Lak

“Why take on The Lutheran Hour now?’ Perschbacher asked. “Because now is NOW,” replied Dick Bott. “It isn’t where you’ve been, it’s where you ARE and where you are GOING—these are the things to keep track of.” Better than living in history, we must “understand history—if you don’t understand history, you’ll never understand the present, so how on earth can you have a future? “ “History is a springboard for the present and the future,” the editor replied. “Oh, it IS!” Mr. Bott strongly agreed. “The opportunity to meet the needs

Check out what churches are raving about—GodConnects, a video-based adult confirmation course featuring doctrinally-sound content, discussion guides, PowerPoint presentations, and customizable promotional resources.

lhm.org/godconnects Also available in Spanish! The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

from page

Bott’s Invitation

from previous page

heritage, and its faithfulness to the Word of God informed us that it is a perfect fit with Bott Radio Network and our ministry of getting the Word of God into the people of God…. So, I think partly, the times brought us together. The times in which we live provided the urgency of reaching out … to proclaim God’s Word.”

What opportunities are there going to be for The Lutheran Hour on the network?

should, never, never be limited by what is radio and what is not radio but always be reaching into the media sources, the media availability at the time to incorporate that into the root of what we do.” Rich added, “People have predicted the demise of radio many, many times, and they have always been proven to be wrong. Every time there is a new technology that comes out people say ‘that’ll be the end of radio’ but it never proves to be true. What we’re finding is that radio perhaps is changing somewhat as new technologies are coming along. Radio is what you listen to over the air; it may also be what you listen to over your computer or over your mobile device... the consumption of audio is increasing … (and) as people have easier access to radio, they are consuming more of it.” In coming years, it is calculated that “300 million people will have Smart phones with an FM receiver chip…in fact, it’s already there but most people have to turn it on….” He capped his comments by saying, “People have an insatiable appetite for the Word of God.” Now The Lutheran Hour will be a means to feed that spiritual appetite of listeners to the Bott Radio Network. n

“My answer is …to link wherever we can…to encourage each other… and do what God has called us individually to do …let’s forge ahead,” said Dick Bott. The network, now in its 53rd year, has 100 stations “plus we broadcast over the Internet and through iHeart Radio, iPads, mobile devices…and have heard from listeners in 169 countries throughout digital broadcasting, so The Lutheran Hour will be part of ALL that...to proclaim God’s Word to this generation.” The Botts said that their efforts can reach a potential listening coverage of 53 million people domestically. Perschbacher mentioned the 65 years of international broadcasting of The Lutheran Hour that began in 1940 on superstation HCJB from Quito, Ecuador. Both Botts were energized in their thoughts and recalled how that station resulted in the coining of the worldwide “Quito Effect” by the engineering world since the HCJB has the greatest coverage of any Christian radio station on the globe. The Lutheran Hour was a pioneer in having its Christ-centered messages heard as far away as London, England, and other far-off points thanks to choosing Quito—and other stations—in its advance of the Gospel. Rich Bott offered this thought: “One additional thing attracted me to The Lutheran Hour for this key time period in our Sunday morning lineup…the speaker Rev. Gregory Seltz. When I read about his background, his passion for the Word of God, and his Gospel…” “..And his life experience,” chimed Dick Bott. “…Yes, in urban ministry and cross-cultural ministry, wanting to get the Word of God into the people of God everywhere, that really appealed to me.” Dick Bott rounded off the interview by talking about the future. “I don’t know about radio’s future; what I see is MEDIA’s future. Radio is a means of transmission, and that’s what we really want, whether it’s AM or FM or digital or whatever it may be, God will provide a way for the GosFrom left: Dick Bott, Rich Bott, announcer Mark Eischer, pel to be heard—but it’s OUR job to access and use whatand Rev. Gregory Seltz as the news announcement ever means are available to do so. The Bott Radio Network was recorded for airing on The Lutheran Hour.

For station information on airings, go to www.lhm.org. Find OUR MINISTRIES, then click on The Lutheran Hour. 8

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

onthemove

by Kurt Buchholz President & CEO Lutheran Hour Ministries

WHAT or WHO?

From left: Kurt Buchholz with Rich and Dick Bott

The question is not “WHAT is LHM?” but rather “WHO is LHM?” This could be considered a strange week. When we ask the question, “Who is LHM?” our distinction but I will tell you that for the staff of answer is, “You are LHM.” You, the laypeople of the Lutheran Hour Ministries, this is no small matter. church, are sent by God (John 20:21) to bear witness We all understand that what is most important to the wonders that He has done. to a church’s identity is each individual believer The way that we talk about ourselves is very called together in Christian community. Defining a important in keeping us focused on who we are and congregation or a church by its building, corporate why we do the things we do in the ways in which we documents, boards, or organizational structure do them. Our language informs every aspect of the misses the point. Those things are important, but ministry and so we like to start with focusing on you the church is more about the and your call from Christ Jesus people than it is about the When we ask the question, Himself. building or organization. We are LHM, you are LHM, and “Who is LHM?” So when we ask, “Who is together we reach over 51 million LHM?” we are reaffirming people with the Gospel message our answer is, our identity as being broader each week. We do this hand in than our products and “You are LHM.” hand with local believers in the services, much broader than U.S. and in 34 countries around our corporate mission and the globe, reaching across borders vision statements, and much, much broader than into more than 50 countries on 6 continents. More our legal or organizational structure. It may surprise than 20 of these countries make the list for the most you that we believe that LHM isn’t even about the dangerous countries in the world for Christians and people who come into our office each day of the missionaries. The results are people coming to faith,

baptisms on an ongoing basis, churches being formed, and more people just like you joining LHM in our shared call of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. Whether we are talking about the global church, our congregation, or LHM, we are talking about the Body of Christ where we each play a role for which we have each been individually perfected. It is together that we look to a future in the next few years where we are reaching even more people, even double our current reach! Together we are increasing our efforts to effectively reach younger generations through new digital media channels and an expanded network of volunteers across the United States and around the globe. As we prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ministry of LHM in 2017, join us as we launch expanded efforts in Gospel proclamation through media, equipping of laity, international work, and into the digital realm. Your LHM is making a difference today and is poised to address the opportunities of tomorrow and into the future. Praise be to God! n

Athens Jerusalem Bethlehem Galilee Paphos Kas Patmos Join Rev. Gregory Seltz, speaker of The Lutheran Hour on the trip of a lifetime!

Ephesus Miletus Pergamum Istanbul

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 11 , 2015 • WWW . LHM . ORG/TRAVELWITHLHM • 800-876- 9880 The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

Education’s

MISSION

from page 5

Another key evidence of impact is shown in the way the older recipients of these scholarships are helping others. All of them are involved in the youth groups in their congregations, and have participated in mission service trips with their groups. One young woman leads nursery groups at her church, two others serve at a summer camp for intellectually challenged youth, and several others are members of the Key Club, a service club associated with the Kiwanis. The two young men who attend Lutheran North are now mentoring international exchange students who are attending Lutheran South and Lutheran North (see sidebar), helping those students adjust to life in the United States. One of the recent Lutheran South graduates is a leader in a service organization at her university. They also volunteer at CFNA fundraising events. Over the last eight years, the Lutheran Foundation has matched CFNA contributions received from individuals and congregations, thus providing up to 30 scholarships each year for New American children to attend Lutheran elementary and secondary schools. The goal of the program is to provide access to high quality Christian education, thereby helping the children, primarily from numerous African and Asian countries, to acclimate to life as Americans and to connect their families to Lutheran congregations. CFNA deeply values relationships with supporting individuals, congregations, ministries, and organizations. n Dr. Allan Buckman chairs CFNA, which holds RSO status in the LCMS; he also is a former LCMS mission executive. Rev. Stanish Stanley is an expert on the subject of After School Tutoring. Dr. Judith Meyer specializes in Scholarship Assistance.

Mentors Lead to

SucCess

hristian Friends of New Americans does many wonderful things for people, but the name suggests something bigger than acts of service. The ‘F’ in CFNA is about friendships. The relationships that start and grow through this ministry are making an impact in the lives of New Americans. This is evident in the lives of many New American teens. Noteworthy are James Gayeyou, Marchello Kaka and Henry Manu, who were involved in CFNA and benefited from mentoring and tutoring relationships with Tim Schrader and Tim Anas. This helped them make a big step in education by being accepted into one of the St. Louis Lutheran High Schools this year. Tim Schrader is a CFNA volunteer who has brought many teens to the church through sports and fellowship. He arranges soccer and basketball events which consistently result in new relationships to CFNA and the church. Tim’s involvement is a clear example of how mentoring a young life allows us to bring people to Jesus.

“Working for CFNA is the best job I’ve ever had. The refugees are not my clients, they’re my friends. I enjoy taking care of them—and they are very appreciative. I have so much fun visiting with them and joking around with them, especially my soccer players. They bless me just as much as I bless them, and it’s all to the glory of God.”

LUTHE R A N HO U R MIN IS TR IE S

- Tim Schrader, CFNA volunteer Tim Anas is a seminary student who has also spent countless hours mentoring teens and bringing them to church. Tim is committed to spending quality time with youth, which includes making meals with them and tutoring them every Saturday morning.

“A true mentoring relationship provides organic, meaningful conversation, crossing the barriers of age and background in a way no other partnership could.” - Tim Anas, seminary student/volunteer mentor God is sending His followers all over the world for the purpose of spreading the Gospel. Make an impact in another country when you and your team serve on an International Volunteer Trip!

lhm.org/teams 10

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

The fitting final step for these three New Americans to be able to attend Lutheran high school was their willingness to become mentors themselves. Henry, James and Marchello are dorm mentors in the Kitebridge program, serving international students attending school far from home. Mentors live in the dormitory during the school week, providing acculturation, English language growth, and day to day support. In return James, Marchello, and Henry benefit from the tuition assistance that allows them to attend their Lutheran high school. n - Mark Thompson, DCE, Timothy Lutheran Church - dce@timothystl.org

n o i t c A 00 in

7 s e e s Y A D K R O W by Paul Schreiber

utreach to communities, neighborhoods, and individuals was the ideal in this year’s Men’s NetWork WORK DAY. Achieving this were more than 40 men’s groups, marshaling their energies on Saturday, April 25. For the third year in a row, efforts were undertaken and accomplished that ranged from home repairs, maintenance jobs, and clean-up tasks to lawn care, trash pick-ups, and painting. This year’s emphasis was to take work off church grounds and into neighborhoods and communities whenever possible, in an effort to match outreach efforts with known needs. Among the jobs undertaken were these: A men’s group from St. John Lutheran Church and School in Ocala, Florida, painted, washed windows, and performed landscaping assistance at a local shelter. Some men from Concordia Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky, helped out on a local build site of Habitat for Humanity. Guys from Faith Lutheran Church in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, worked on a neglected Civil War-era cemetery, trimming trees, pulling weeds, and doing other general landscaping chores.

The SJLC (Serving Jesus, Living in Community) Men from St. John’s Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Virginia, undertook various projects and clean-up work at Franconia Elementary, a local public school, and on their church campus. The A-Men group from Altenburg, Missouri, spruced up their southeast Missouri community by filling the back of a pick-up truck with several bags of collected trash. Guys from Christ Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Falls City, Nebraska, dug into yard work and landscaping projects. Soldiers of the Cross from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Kingsville, Maryland, took on numerous projects on the church and school campus, some of which will extend into future efforts for the group. Men from Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, Kansas, took on landscaping and house-painting tasks for two different individuals. A rain delay will put them back in action later to complete the painting. A team from the A-Men group hailing from Lutheran churches in central Wisconsin spent the day at Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose, installing window screens and assembling picnic tables. For those who missed out or were unable to get a group together on Saturday, April 25, don’t forget you can do a WORK DAY later in the year too. Just pick a time that works better for your men’s group

or your activity schedule. Several groups already have signed up to work on different days this year. In fact, one of those groups doing its work after the appointed WORK DAY date were volunteers from Faith Lutheran Church, Topeka, Kansas. After their tasks were completed on May 2, they wrote: “Windows were washed, shrubs were trimmed, dead branches were pruned, leaves were raked, dead plants were removed and replaced with new, and old mulch was removed and replaced with new. Afterwards, clean windows sparkled, shrubs dazzled, trees danced, gardens smiled, and the hearts and souls of all who worked were filled with joy in caring for God’s bountiful creation.” Once again, we tip our hats to these fine participants and all the others who gave their time and effort in this year’s Men’s NetWork WORK DAY. As in years past, many people benefitted from the time spent and the energy expended to do these jobs. This display of the church at work in the world is an important one, especially as it serves to show the body of Christ in action. To check out the WORK DAY pictures, go to the Men’s NetWork Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lhmmen. n Paul Schreiber is part of the LHM U.S. Ministries team in St. Louis.

See more WORK DAY photos at www.facebook.com/lhmmen The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

HOW by Paul Schreiber

haring our faith—some of us are better at this (more at ease, less anxious, more knowledgeable, less self-critical) than others. Overcoming these obstacles and others like them is central to MISSION U (MU) workshops. In case you haven’t heard, MISSION U from Lutheran Hour Ministries is a six-course suite of onsite, presenter-led workshops that equip attendees to share their faith. Expertly led, with time for participant interaction, these single-day events are assisting Christians around the country to more boldly share their faith. They do this by helping participants better understand the dynamics of their audience and the influences that shape their world view. Recently, questions were posed to three veteran MU presenters to get their “take” on the effectiveness of the MISSION U School of Witnessing. Answering questions were Heidi Breitbarth, wife and mother to two young children. She has served the church as a foreign missionary, teacher, director of Christian outreach, urban ministry coordinator, and coach. She is active in women’s Bible studies, listening to people’s stories, and

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

Fits with YOU! seeking out opportunities to serve. Dr. Jeffrey Burkhart is an emeritus professor in educational media/communications at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He’s a nationally recognized teacher, speaker, musician and author of 12 books, magazine articles, Christian musicals, hymns and poems. He has taught in elementary, junior high, and secondary schools. Steve Kipp is a former 20-plus year employee of Focus on the Family, who wrote for that organization on cultural shifts and other topics. He has a colloquy certification from the LCMS as a director of evangelism, and has engaged in outreach and apologetics endeavors overseas and in the U.S.

Q. How do MU courses help diffuse or counter the natural resistance people have to sharing the Gospel? “We walk participants through a series of guided opportunities to ‘try on’ the methods being presented, all within the familiar walls and alongside the familiar faces where the workshop is taking place. Before this hands-on experience, participants receive a generous reminder of the Word, helping diffuse fear and providing strength and encouragement that Christ is with us, and the Holy Spirit is guiding us to overcome any obstacles Satan would use to prevent us from sharing the Gospel,” Breitbarth said.

Q. Can you offer any concerns participants have expressed (distressed by lack of knowledge, confused on what to say, at a loss to handle objections, etc.) that reflect their decision to take an MU course? “In general, participants are eager to participate. Most have some experience in personal witnessing, but are looking to sharpen their evangelistic swords by expanding their ability to answer difficult questions and learn and practice new techniques they glean from MU courses. The most difficult concerns they have are often related to speaking the Good News to close friends and relatives,” said Burkhart.

Q. Do you have any memorable participant feedback you can share that reflects these concerns and how taking the MU course made a difference? Breitbarth said, “One of our participants, (let’s call him Mark) had a man approach him at a gun club the day after he (Mark) had taken our workshop. The two were recent acquaintances, not that close, and this man had a personal family tragedy occur the night before. In the absence of any friends or family to reach out to, he was reaching out for help because he needed to talk and knew Mark was a Christian. Mark was more than a bit surprised at how this friend (a toughas-nails Marine Corps veteran, retired patrolman, and 40-year non-churchgoer) suddenly broke down and shared so much with him. Mark listened for an hour, then encouraged the man with God’s personal love and care for him, along with

vocates, apologists, cross-cultural missionaries. Where are the titled M.Div. and colloquy ‘Ministers of eQuipping’ from our seminaries and Concordia colleges? To what degree have Concordia campus offerings specialized upon digital ministry venues? “Are churches equipped for real-time 24/7 digital discipleship in an era where relationships and ministry opportunities are borderless? How can our leadership better edify the e-fluency of our church body? These are questions that I not only didn’t see answered, but even raised. Lutheran Hour Ministries is to be highly commended for stepping into this neglected area.”

Q. One last question, what topic would you like to see added to the MU line-up? Kipp had four here, and one, “Obstacles Within Witnessing: Objections on Their Part—and Ours” came with a list entitled “Why Don’t We Witness/Evangelize? (40 Reasons, Excuses and Justifications).” Here are five that sounded familiar: Heidi Breitbarth

Dr. Jeffrey Burkhart

Steve Kipp

stories how Jesus had personally carried him through the roughest times of his life. He lined up resources and practical next steps to help this man move forward with healing and recovery. Mark credits the Holy Spirit and God’s impeccable timing, along with the practical skills fresh on his mind from the MU workshop the day before, for averting a fatal catastrophe in this man’s life, as well as with revealing the work of faith begun in this man’s heart. Additional follow-up revealed the man was now talking about joining the church, getting baptized, and looking into adult confirmation! Mark’s last line in his e-mail to me read, ‘God truly works in mysterious and marvelous ways, His wonders to perform, and I thank Him for this marvelous opportunity!’”

1. “I support my pastor/church staff” (who handles these kinds of things). 2. “I don’t discuss religion and politics.” (“And besides, most of the time people don’t like to talk about spiritual or religious things.”) 3. “I respect religious diversity and religious freedom. People should simply worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.” 4. “I’m studying ‘how to fish’ before I fish.” (“But I’ll go fishin’ one day.”) 5. “I’m a Lutheran; I don’t have a testimony.” MISSON U’s Saturday workshops are offered approximately in sync with the regular school year. The upcoming year runs from August 29, 2015, to May 28, 2016. For information on this excellent training program, go to www.lhmgift. org/missionu/muenrollment.asp and check on upcoming courses to be offered that may be in your area. If you like, you can schedule one at your church or place of meeting by calling Susan Spitz-Morrison at 314-317-5144 or e-mailing her at susan.spitz-morrison@lhm.org. n Paul Schreiber is part of the United States Ministry team at LHM.

Q. Have there been any unexpected takeaways (surprises) for you as MU presenter? “I am especially gratified to hear success stories from people I’ve taught when I’ve done follow-up visits to congregations. Usually they involve someone who finally engages in a meaningful dialogue with someone after lots of interpersonal discussions about faith and life. When people realize the evangelism process often takes a lot of time, they stop kicking themselves in their spiritual pants and realize it’s the Holy Spirit’s work to change the hearts and minds of people. I’m always happy to see people stop feeling guilty for not doing enough. When they relax in the Gospel and share the Good News without fear of failure, they have made a significant leap in the right direction,” Burkhart said. Kipp said, “I think a key transition for me was hearing Rich Cohrs train us with MU-203 - Sharing the Gospel in a Digital Age, before I even had a chance to present that course. I began realizing that though we live in an era where personal communications occur around the clock, people may feel connected to a degree but, in reality, they’re not docked anywhere that’s meaningful. Many are relationally adrift, hanging on to that next text, Facebook post, cell call, e-mail, instant message, etc. They are relationally thirsty; many lack significant in-depth conversations leading to in-depth relationships. “I also realized that however good our LCMS universities and seminaries are, we really weren’t training even our social media-savvy young adults to be digital discipleship operatives ... i.e., conversationalists, ad-

! r e f f o l a i c e p s

September 25-26

November 13-14

Receive a free Barna Group book when you register for a 2015 Regional Outreach Conference in Seattle/ Tacoma or Orlando! Get your questions answered on how to share the Gospel with the unchurched. Use promo code LMBOOK15 when registering. Offer valid online only, July 6-24, while supplies last.

For more information and to register, visit LhM.ORg/ROC The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

KAZAKHSTAN

DIGITAL MEDIA Advances the GOSPEL

by Greg Koenig

online format and increase the ministry center’s ability to interact with students and seekers. “Our current students are often our best link to new students,” says Vladimir. “So we will use a monthly email newsletter, social media and general chat conferences to stay in touch, sustain interest and generate new contacts.” Vladimir points out that using digital media offers the opportunity to use multiple channels to raise awareness and spark curiosity in prospective students. “We are creating a special ‘landing page’ on our website that engages visitors and highlights our online courses,” he says. “We will also use search engines like Google and social networks such as Vkontakte [the largest Russian social network in Europe] to advertise our ministry and generate interest in our resources. To make our content available to as many people as possible, we are also ensuring that it is accessible via any Internet-capable device—particularly smart phones and low-cost tablets.” “This is an exciting time for our ministry center in The introductory page of Lutheran Hour Ministries—Kazakhstan’s Kazakhstan and for the spread of the Gospel there,” entry-level online Bible Correspondence Course. It reads, in part, says Rev. Peter Kirby, LHM’s regional director for “Christianity. Religion or Belief? Welcome to our first class, on which Europe and Central Asia. “The center pioneered the we have embarked on a vast territory under the name of Christianity.” use of digital media several years ago by helping youth connect to its ‘Pure Line’ online community. hen the Lutheran Laymen’s League made the decision to Now, as the prospect is growing to be able to reach support the launch of The Lutheran Hour program in 1930, more Kazakhs with the Good News of Jesus through it was the beginning of an ethos: technology can and should online media, so is our capacity to achieve it!” n

be used in creative ways to advance the Gospel throughout the world. This spirit of innovation has resulted over the years in Lutheran Hour Ministries’ use of television, video, animation, cassette tape and MP3 media, the Internet and other technologies to share the Good News of Jesus. As digital media have evolved in recent years, so have the ways in which Lutheran Hour Ministries put them to work in Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. One of those nations is the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, where LHM’s ministry center is poised to make great strides in the use of digital media to share the Gospel. In the spring of 2015, the center joined several other LHM centers in offering Bible resources and other Christian materials through cell phone messaging. Now the center’s production manager, Pavel Stepanov, is busy converting its Bible Correspondence Course distance-learning resources to a format that can be delivered entirely online. “The use of electronic distance learning media has several benefits,” says Director Vladimir Stepanov. “Two major benefits are that there are no postage costs as with the traditional Bible Correspondence Courses, and communication is much faster; if students have questions or need additional resources, we can direct them to what they need quickly—often in just a few minutes.” Pavel is also developing tools that will both support the new

LHM—Kazakhstan Production Manager Pavel Stepanov, left, with Rev. Peter Kirby, LHM regional director for Europe and Central Asia.

Greg Koenig is a vital part of the communications team at LHM.

For more information about Lutheran Hour Ministries’ center in Kazakhstan, visit lhmkazakhstan.wordpress.com. 14

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

Tourney Anglers

Extend Their Reach by Paul Schreiber

t didn’t take long for registered anglers in this year’s Men’s NetWork North American Fishing Tournament to seize the opportunity to bring an unchurched buddy along with them when they went fishing. In 2015 the Men’s NetWork wanted to re-emphasize the original intent to focus this tourney on outreach more rather than on fishing. Still, there are great prizes and Internet accolades for those catching fish. In May we had two group qualifiers—each with an interesting story to tell—and a couple more who took a good stab at it. Coming in first was a submission from Joel Brutcher. You may recall, he was one of three guest anglers who fished with former LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman and Pastor Jim Rhiver in the Men’s NetWork Bible study Reel to Real—of Fish and Men. To get an idea what we’re looking for, check out Brutcher’s story:

“Today, my fishing buddy Craig Worland and I went to fish at Glenn Flint, a small reservoir in central Indiana. Craig and I have been friends and fishing together for quite a few years now. For the past several years I’ve been forwarding him LHM’s Daily Devotions, and he says he reads most of them. “Today before we began fishing, as we were sitting in the boat, I told Craig I’d like to start the day with prayer, and he agreed. We prayed for safety, the safety of others, that Jesus would be present with us in the boat and, of course, that we would catch some fish. “As always, the Lord answered our prayers, but we are going to have to be more specific on the size of the fish we pray for next time (ha ha!). Craig agreed with me on that one. I am continuing to pray for Craig that the Holy Spirit would work in him and eventually he would come to church with me.” Another entry was sent in from Pastor Ed Blonski of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. In this story fishing took place at Bresen Lake, a private reservoir developed by the Bresen Family in the 1950s, where two members of the family live. “Neither of the men in that family participates in our men’s ministry, so I found a way to get them involved—take the men’s ministry to their lake!” writes Blonski. And so he did. With eight other guys, Blonski and company fished, fellowshipped, and spent some quality time with the Bresens, where conversation ranged from talking about creation to God’s divine providence toward His creatures. So there you have it: two stories about outreach in the context of fishing. This year’s monthly prizes—1st ($250), 2nd ($100), and 3rd ($50)— are directly tied to those submitting outreach stories. The year-end Grand Prize ($500) goes to the best overall group submission for the entire tournament. So get creative, get industrious, and get busy asking your unchurched buddies along when you go fishing. You never know, it could be start of something great for them—and for you. You can go to the Men’s NetWork website at www.lhm.org/men to check out other outreach stories and the tournament’s rules. n

LHM Honored for Leadership in Mission A stark reality exists in the world today: nearly twothirds of the seven billion people on this planet are not followers of Christ. The Lord has placed Lutheran Hour Ministries in a unique position to respond. As a trusted expert in mass media proclamation with a global network of partners, Lutheran Hour Ministries carries out its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church by developing culturally relevant programs and projects that proclaim the Gospel to 51 million people each week. LHM’s leadership in mission was recognized with the J2e3 Outreach Award during the first-ever J2e3 Missions Summit at Concordia Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas, May 4-6. Kurt Buchholz, president & CEO

by Chad Fix

of Lutheran Hour Ministries, accepted the award on behalf of the LHM staff. “It is an honor for us to be chosen by our peers as the inaugural award recipient for our leadership in mission that exemplifies the summit’s passion of sharing ‘Jesus to Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,’” says Buchholz. “In a society that is moving steadily away from Christianity, it is more important than ever for Lutheran Hour Ministries to be present with a clear Gospel proclamation as a first step in reaching nonbelievers with the love of Christ.” Concordia San Antonio hosted this event as a way to share best practices of missional efforts that effectively reach the lost. Future summits are scheduled at partner congregations Hales Corners Lutheran Church in Hales Corners, Wisconsin (June 13-15, 2016) and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ft. Collins, Colorado (2017) before returning to Concordia San Antonio (2018). n

Say Bye-bye to JCPlayZone Children have enjoyed the games, puzzles and other activities available on Lutheran Hour Ministries’ JCPlayZone website. Thank you for your support through the years! Although LHM has decided not to maintain the site as one of its strategic priorities, a new partnership with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) will allow some content to be used in other ways. LCEF has built a website for children (http://yiclub.lcef.org) to complement its Young Investors program, and LHM has provided them with Daily Devotions, memory verses, prayers, and games to use, as well as other resources from JCPlayZone. Individuals who visit www. jcplayzone.com will be redirected to the LCEF website. n

Chad Fix manages communications for LHM. The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

THERE ARE MANY Reasons to be an AUTOMATIC SPONSOR Lutheran Hour Ministries is blessed with automatic sponsors that support this ministry every day. These individuals have signed up to make regular gifts from their credit card or bank account. You also may want to consider the advantages of this type of giving. CONVENIENCE When you sign up for automatic giving, you don’t have to worry about sending in gifts by mail to support Lutheran Hour Ministries. You can just choose to give from your credit card or bank account every month, every three months or once a year. Once your sponsorship is set up, you can be confident that you are an ongoing part of God’s mission. AFFORDABILITY Many people have said that automatic giving helps them to set a stable budget and know exactly how much of their resources are going to the causes they support. The staff of Lutheran Hour Ministries typically elect to give back to LHM by

auto-deduct for this very reason. Their gifts automatically go to the ministry and then they can plan with their remaining finances. SECURITY Once you set up an automatic sponsorship, your credit card or bank account information is kept in a secure encrypted database. This handling process has been reviewed and approved by external auditors to ensure the safety of your personal information. You can have peace of mind that your regular giving is safe and secure. Of course, the most important reason to consider automatic sponsorship is to invest in the work that God is doing through Lutheran Hour Ministries. You can go with LHM as we share Christ with the nations. God can use you to reach desperate souls with the truth of the Gospel! You can go with LHM as we share Christ with the nations. We’ll be glad to answer questions if you contact us at lhm-gift@lhm.org or 1-877-333-1963. You can also go online at www.lhm.org/automaticgiving. n

Please consider whether automatic sponsorship is the right option for you.

NEW BOOKLET Teaches Children About JESUS Lutheran Hour Ministries’ new booklet for children gives little ones memorable, easy-to-read sentences set in four-line verses, which tell about the life of the Savior. Do You Know Who Jesus Is? was written by Suzie Sallee, coordinator for witness tools, and Rev. Wayne Palmer, theological editor and writer, with illustrations by Masaru Horie. What this writer-illustrator team has produced is yet another handy, small booklet kids will enjoy and refer to, as they grasp the importance of Jesus. The booklet begins by asking these questions in poetic verse:

“Do you know who Jesus is? Have you heard His Name? Do you know His Father, Or the reason why He came?” It then reminds children how they already celebrate His life on December 25th.

“Every year at Christmas time, We celebrate His birth. This Jesus is God’s ONLY Son, Who made the heavens and earth.” Detailing Jesus’ life and ministry, the authors point to notable events in Jesus’ life such as His early travels in Galilee, His calling of the disciples, His healing the sick, His Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem, His Last Supper, His pleading in Gethsemane with the Father, 16

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

His crucifixion, His resurrection, plus the subsequent 40 days of appearances to His disciples and others. “He is the mighty Son of God, Who rules the sea and land. And now He lives high in heaven, And sits at God’s right hand.” Horie’s unique illustrations magnify the text, complementing it and bringing the rhymes to life. His ongoing involvement as booklet illustrator is one Sallee sees as typical of the way God works. After searching online for suitable artists for her first mini-book, The Easter Story, she came across Horie. “I contacted Masaru directly to inquire about drawing exclusively for the first children’s booklet I had written. God has had His hand in this, as Masura was overwhelmed with joy to draw for us. After completing the first booklet, it was clear he would be the perfect illustrator to continue working with us on future booklets. This was evident not only in his incredible skill but in his heart to serve the Lord with his God-given talent. After the text is penned, he creates each drawing so the reader sees the verse come to life! Lutheran Hour Ministries has been blessed greatly by Masaru to share God’s love, and I look forward to working with this talented artist for many years.” Tokyo-born Horie has been doing work as a graphic designer since 1990. For him, doing the artwork for these booklets is a dream come true. “I am extremely honored and thankful for this chance to serve my Lord. It’s such a fun job to think of drawings, along with these great rhyming stories. I am taking this as a grace from the Lord. I’ve prayed and asked Him to give me a job that glorifies Him. In fact, drawing a story book was one of my dreams. So He has fulfilled my prayer and dream all at once.” The release of Do You Know Who Jesus Is? comes with a great two-forone offer: for $7 plus shipping and handling ($4.95), you can get 25 booklets, plus another 25 free. That’s 50 booklets for the price of 25. To order your copies, go towww.lhm.org/Jesus and enter the special code LMJesus15. n

PRICELESS:

Martin Luther’s CONTRIBUTION

or those intrigued by the principal player driving the Reformation, a new booklet on Dr. Martin Luther will be a welcome addition to their summer reading list. Available now from Project Connect is A Treasure Revealed: Martin Luther and the Events of the Reformation. Penned by Dr. Carol Geisler, this booklet takes readers through the salient highlights of Luther’s life and work. It reveals why he’s revered the world over for his courage, his scholarship, and his Spirit-inspired work in making God’s Word available to the masses. The mission and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther have deeply influenced the history of Christianity’s last 500 years. Born in 1483 and raised in a demanding, yet loving and God-fearing home, the second child of Hans and Margaret Luther proved himself intellectually bright and motivated to excel. Equipped with these traits, the future held promise as he pursued law studies at the University of Erfurt and weighed the options for his life. It was a summer thunderstorm and lightning, however, on a return trip to that university in 1505, that abruptly shifted his career path. Sensing and fearing God’s anger in this outburst of nature, Luther pledged himself to a monastic life of solitude and devotion and entered Erfurt’s Augustinian monastery. But Luther’s religious struggles were not over. Grappling with the question, “How can I find a merciful God?” he was deeply unsettled by his ultimate prospects before Christ, whom Luther saw as Savior and righteous Judge. For Luther it was the horrors of God’s unmitigated judgment against sinners (among whom he felt a keen presence) that prompted, in part, a crisis of faith that would change the face of Christendom to this day. Overwhelmed by his sin, and sensing himself bound to receive God’s punishing verdict, Luther despaired of any hope for divine forgiveness or a future right standing with God. In this respect, “The righteousness of God” in Romans 1:17 troubled Luther greatly. Geisler writes, “Luther thought the righteousness of God described the holiness of an angry God who punishes unrighteous sinners. But as he continued to study those words, he came to a new understanding of the righteousness of God….Luther understood that righteousness—holiness in the sight of God through the forgiveness of sins—is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus. When he realized the truth about this gracious gift of God for sinners, Luther said he felt as if the gates of paradise had opened for him.” Surveying other noteworthy events in Luther’s life (the 95 Theses, his condemnation as heretic, his kidnap and stay at Wartburg Castle, his

by Paul Schreiber

outlaw status, his marriage to Katie, his writings, etc.), Geisler offers several of the major highlights of Luther’s storied life. Culminating with the wellknown Latin phrase, sola gratia, sola fide, sola scriptura (grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone), select Scriptures are given emphasizing these three points for the reader. In the end, this booklet reminds us “we are all beggars,” as Luther said. We come before God totally bankrupt and utterly corrupt in our sin, knowing God’s forgiveness is beyond reach. Yet, lost as we are, God steps in, giving us freely what could never be ours, an eternal treasure we’d never know—except by the grace of God. This Project Connect booklet is released in anticipation of an upcoming Bible study from the Men’s NetWork. Coming this summer, A Man Named Martin: Part 1—The Man will explore the early life and career of Martin Luther. It will be the first installment of a three-study series currently in development to honor the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. n Geisler, a former employee of Lutheran Hour Ministries, currently works part time as a staff assistant for the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations and part time as an editorial assistant for Creative Communications for the Parish in Fenton, Missouri. Paul Schreiber is an active part of the LHM U.S. Ministries division.

NEW Bible Study Series on Martin Luther

Meet the German monk and theologian whose understanding of God’s grace and justification were central to the Reformation. A Man Named Martin: Part 1 - The Man, a video Bible study from the Men’s NetWork of Lutheran Hour Ministries, explores the indomitable faith and truth quest of Martin Luther—a believer whose life challenges and inspires to this day.

Coming in late July!

S pecial Offer: For a limited time only, order your copy of A Man Named Martin: Part 1 - The Man at lhm.org/martin or call 1(800) 876-9880 and use promo code LMMartin15 to get 10 FREE companion Project Connect booklets. *Offer ends August 31 and is valid in U.S only, while supplies last.

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

LHM is at Work

Amid Jihadist

Persecution by Greg Koenig

“Why are you doing this for me?” … the question gives the Lutheran Hour Ministries staff the opportunity to talk about compassion in the context of Matthew 25:35-40 …

n an article titled “LHM and the Persecution of Christians Today,” the previous issue of The Lutheran Layman highlighted Open Doors International’s annual World Watch List, which ranks the 50 countries where persecution of Christ-followers is most severe. The article also focused attention on nine of those countries in which Lutheran Hour Ministries operates outreach centers. Persecution of Christians in such countries often takes the form of pressure from governments, communities, and family members who oppose Christianity as an unwelcome outside influence. Let’s bring into focus LHM’s work in lands very visible in today’s media—nations in which the influence of Islam is strong. First, a little background. The blur of images we see daily of war in Syria or of jihadist militants wreaking chaos and violence in the Middle Persecution of East and East Africa tend Christians in such to simplify a complex countries often takes tangle of religious and the form of pressure political activity. While from governments, “untangling” this religious communities, and and political milieu is not family members who possible here, we can offer oppose Christianity a “thumbnail” that helps as an unwelcome bring it into perspective. Much of the unrest outside influence. among followers of Islam that often leads to persecution of Christians or other non-Muslims (sometimes even other Muslims)—can be traced to two influences: the Sunni-Shia succession controversy and the rise of political Islam.

Sunnis and Shiites—

The Prophet Muhammad’s death in A.D. 632 ignited a debate: who is the rightful successor to the prophet? One faction asserted that by divine right, the family of Muhammad—in particular, Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law—should lead the Muslim community. 18

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

This faction came to be known as the Shia, or Shiites. One distinctive characteristic of the Shiites is their belief that religious leaders called imams receive knowledge directly from Allah—and therefore, their teachings are infallible. A second faction identified four companions of Muhammad as “Rightly Guided Ones” who were the most qualified to succeed the prophet. This faction came to be known as “Sunnis” because they claim to follow the approved sunnah, or path, of Muhammad according to the Qur’an and tradition. Unlike Shia, Sunnis do not attribute any divine characteristics such as infallibility to any particular imam. Sunnis consider Sunni Islam to be “orthodox” Islam. Worldwide, about 85 percent of Muslims are Sunnis, and about 10 percent are Shia. Approximately 95 percent of Iran’s Muslims and 55 percent of Iraq’s Muslims are Shia. Most Muslims in Africa and Asia are Sunni. The rift between the two factions is a continuing source of friction that often erupts into violence—for example, in the aftermath of the 2003 war in Iraq and the current civil war in Syria.

Political Islam—

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a movement developed among Muslim intellectuals who desired to return Islam to a more pristine condition by rejecting things such as Western cultural influences and in their place imposing an all-encompassing Islamic life style. Three of the movement’s strongest proponents were the Iranian Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini, a Pakistani intellectual named Mawlana Mawdudi, and the Egyptian thinker Sayyid Qutb. Much of the militant and terrorist activity of groups such as al Qaeda and ISIS can be traced to the ideas of Qutb. Qutb believed Judaism and Christianity had failed to instill in their followers a true reverence for God and a desire for purity. Both faiths, he claimed, had sold themselves out—adopting, or at least tolerating, aspects of Western culture that were inconsistent with

a life of piety and devotion. In a book titled Islam: The Religion of the Future (International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations, n.d.), Qutb characterized this sacred/secular rift as a “hideous schizophrenia.” Even Islam had become corrupt because of Western secular political and social influences. The solution, Qutb believed, was a true, whole-life Islam freed from non-Islamic forces, in which all political and social aspects of life are united with the sacred aspects. To bring about this totalitarian solution, he envisioned a “vanguard,” an army of committed disciples, who would eradicate corrupt Western influences, by force whenever necessary. This was Qutb’s understanding of the Islamic concept of jihad, holy war—and it is a common thread that runs through the messages of jihadist groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State today. We’re doing it! Syrian children like this boy, together with their families, are able to enjoy nutritious meals, stay healthy, and hear the Gospel because you have given freely in Jesus’ Name.

Years ago, anti-Christian actions against churches even in places like Russia resulted in this devastation.

Where Jihadists are Active Persecution in Kenya (#19) —

Lutheran Hour Ministries supports an outreach center in Kenya, which is ranked 19th on Open Doors’ World Watch List. Over the past two years, terrorists belonging to the Somali jihadist organization al-Shabaab have carried out a number of attacks in Kenya, most notably a September 2013 assault in which 69 people at Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall were killed and an April 2015 attack at the University College in Garissa, which left 147 students dead. “They asked students their faith,” says LHM—Kenya Director John Maina. “They intended to kill Christians, not Muslims.” More than ever, says Maina, “we have reason to continue preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus that is able to deliver people from the grasp of evil such as this.”

Persecution in the Middle East—

News of salvation and renewed life in Jesus with refugee children. They have built relationships with Muslim refugees who frequently ask, “Why are you doing this for me?” Whether they ask out of curiosity or suspicion, the question gives the LHM staff the opportunity to talk about compassion in the context of Matthew 25:35-40 (“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat … I was a stranger and you invited me in.”); for many Muslims, what they hear about a loving and merciful God is a brand-new, unfamiliar idea. Members of MELM’s staff have also encouraged believers whose faith has been impacted by events beyond their control, even far outside Lebanon. One such believer is Akilah. “I came to know Christ through your ministry two years ago,” wrote Akilah in a letter. “I used to listen to your radio programs, and they were an encouragement to me,” she said. “Your words illuminated my mind to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Akilah is an Iraqi—and a former Muslim. When her community was captured by ISIS several months ago, her family fled to a refugee camp in Turkey. “During that time, we lived in difficult circumstances and it weakened me spiritually,” she wrote. “I felt so down and desperate and disconnected from God.” Akilah’s crisis was compounded when her family relocated to a refugee community half a world away on a different continent. “I’m so in need now of your help to revive my relationship with God!” she wrote. “Please send me Christian books, the Bible, and any publication in Arabic that would bring me closer to Jesus.” “MELM took care of Akilah,” says Director Fadi Khairallah. “We supported her with everything she needs to calm her worries, heal her wounds, and help her grow in her faith. Day by day she is growing stronger in her relationship with Jesus!” Lutheran Hour Ministries centers in Kenya, Lebanon, and other Islam-influenced countries courageously proclaim Jesus as the only Hope for humankind. Your support helps them offer that Hope to so many hopeless people—and it encourages them in the often dangerous work they do. n Source Acknowledgments: Major sources consulted for this article include “The Other Islam: Who Are the Shia?” published in 2009 by the Christian Research Journal, http://www.equip.org/article/theother-islam-who-are-the-shia-2, and “Submit or Die: The Geostrategic Jihad of Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda, Parts 1 and 2,” published in 2006 by the Christian Research Journal, http://www.equip.org/article/submit-or-die-the-geostrategic-jihad-of-osama-bin-ladenand-al-qaeda-part-one and http://www.equip.org/article/submit-or-die-the-geostrategicjihad-of-osama-bin-laden-and-al-qaeda-part-two. Thanks also to MELM Director Fadi Khairallah for his insights on the Shia-Sunni controversy.

Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM) is Lutheran Hour Ministries’ outreach center in Lebanon. While Lebanon is not on Open Doors’ World Watch List, MELM’s staff and volunteers are acquainted with persecution. They regularly have opportunities to share the Gospel and the love of God with people who have suffered Greg Koenig specializes in researching and writing international articles for The Lutheran Layman. violence either because of the historic Sunni-Shia controversy or because of those who consider themselves the vanguard of political Islam. As has been reported in previous issues of The Lutheran Layman, approximately 1.4 million Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon, most of them settling in small shanty communities in the Bekaa Valley. The majority are Muslims fleeing the conflict between Sunni-dominated rebel groups and Shia-controlled government forces, although some are Christians who fled their homes because of threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a jihadist group that strongly resembles Qutb’s “vanguard” concept. More than 17,000 Iraqis have also come to Lebanon seeking refuge from ISIS. Many are Christians who were given three options by Islamic State militants if they wished to remain in their homes: convert to Islam, pay an exorbitant tax, or face execution. They chose instead to leave everything behind. Regardless of their faith or ethnicity, MELM has worked since 2013 to provide emergency food, clothing, medicines and hygiene supplies to several thousand of Middle East Lutheran Ministries Katia Sahyouni (center) visits with Syrian women living in a these survivors of violence and intimidation; a grant from LCMS Mercy Ministries refugee community in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. in 2014 has enabled MELM to assist even more. Along the way, MELM staff and Relationships built in this way open doors volunteers have offered them a message of hope. They have shared the Good to conversations about the Christian faith.

You can help right now! Call 1-877-333-1963 or visit www.lhmgift.org to find out how. The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

New Bible Study

Anticipates Reformation’s ‘500th’

by Paul Schreiber

on the run; a protected guest at Wartburg Castle; a husband to his beloved Katie and, ultimately, the human driving force behind the Protestant Reformation. All this only scratches the surface. In five sessions, A Man Named Martin chronicles the life of this extraordinary human being. Raised in Germany and dedicated to the Roman Catholic Church, Luther—even as late as 1517, the year he posted his 95 theses—was a devout Catholic. Yet, ultimately Born in Eisleben in 1483, he was the son of Hans and Margaret (after numerous debates, conferences, and pamphlets), it was the Luther. Throughout the study Luther is revealed in successive Spirit-inspired recognition of Scripture as the supreme authority stages: a student of law and theology; a fear-struck Augustinian over the papacy and his clinging to the truth that it is God’s grace— monk; a doctor of theology; a protestor of Roman Catholic pracand His grace alone—as expressed in Romans 1:17, “The righteous tices (penance, works righteousness, indulgences); a thorn in shall live by faith,” that cinched Luther’s exodus from Catholicism. the side of the Catholic Church, a condemned heretic; an outlaw Expanding on Rev. Gregory Seltz’s contributions are no less than seven leading scholars, who contribute to the final narrative of A Man Named Martin. Among them are Dr. Robert Kolb, Dr. Paul Maier, Dr. Ken Schurb, Dr. Mary Jane Haemig, Dr. Joel Biermann, Dr. John Eck“To say Luther and his and Rev. Daniel Preus. Together these life were complex would rich, contributors, along with a script prepared certainly be an in the main by Jim Likens, senior video producer for LHM, have produced a Bible understatement.” study that will give viewers a fresh look into the genius of Dr. Martin Luther. It certainly did for Likens: “When I went to Concordia Seminary I had two classes on the Lutheran Confessions, but I don’t think I had a course on Martin Luther. What I discovered about the life and times of Luther when preparing for this study was absolutely astounding. To say Luther and his life were complex would certainly be an understatement. I hope those who watch this series gain an appreciation of not only Luther the man, but what it really means to be Lutheran. We possess a heritage and personage that changed the course of Western civilization. We aren’t just another church; we are the Lutherans. We brought you the Reformation,” Likens said. A Man Named Martin is an ideal Bible study to use in the fall, especially as your church celebrates the Reformation. As an incentive, everyone purchasing a DVD of A Man Named Martin: Part 1–The Man will receive 10 FREE copies of the just-released Project Connect booklet, A Treasure Revealed: Martin Luther and the Events of the Reformation. Written by Dr. Carol Geisler, this engaging booklet is a perfect complement to the Bible study. To take advantage of this offer, enter the code PCMartin15 when you order at lhm.org/martin. This offer ends August 31 and is valid in the U.S. only, while supplies last. n

Coming this July, the Men’s NetWork from Lutheran Hour Ministries will release A Man Named Martin: Part 1–The Man. In this first installment of a three-part series, viewers will meet Martin Luther.

Also, be sure to check out three Martin Luther-related “Action in Ministry” (AIM) segments on The Lutheran Hour, airing July 12, 19 and 26. 20

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

ere’s a common situation many couples and individuals find themselves in today: they own homes, assets, or other property that they don’t want to leave as a burden for family members when they go on to heaven. If you find yourself in a situation like this, then a charitable remainder trust may be the perfect option for you! A charitable remainder trust allows you to place that asset into a trust. At initial setup, you have control over directing the payments-payments can be made to you for one or two lives, or for your lives and a number of years beyond. You may also be able to receive a sizable tax deduction for one or more years. When the trust does come to an end, the remainder will go to

benefit the charitable recipient(s) that you have chosen. Not only does this type of gift benefit you and the people you love, but it can make a lasting impact on the causes that matter to you! Many people may be tempted to think charitable trusts are too complicated of an option for them. Lutheran Hour Ministries is here to help you with the steps and questions involved in setting up a charitable trust. We would be happy to speak with you to discuss the options you may have. A charitable remainder trust may be your best option to secure your finances today and in the future. Let us help you with this opportunity. n

Is This YOU ?

Please contact Adam Eggemeyer at Lutheran Hour Ministries at lhm-gift@lhm.org or 1-877-333-1963.

Charitable Trusts the idea

is easy...

We'll help you with the hard parts! Your assets

your trust

your donation

You can use many types of assets to fund a trust.

You choose the person(s) and period of time for funds to be paid*

The remainder goes to benefit God’s mission at LHM! *Certain restrictions apply.

To support Gospel ministry with a charitable trust, contact Adam Eggemeyer for more information at 877-333-1963 or lhm-gift@lhm.org. The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

INDIA

Reaching ’s Largest Urban Area Within an area roughly one-third the size of the United States, India is home to rugged mountains, a vast coastline, some of the longest rivers in Asia, the world’s 17th-largest desert—and 1.2 BILLION people. For 62 years, Lutheran Hour Ministries spread the Gospel in India through its outreach center in the southern city of Chennai (formerly Madras). Sensing a call to mission in

In 2014, LHM—India organizers praised God that an Equipping the Saints workshop held in Gujarat State, north of Mumbai, attracted a large number of committed young-adult Christians for training in Gospel witness. the northern part of the country, LHM—India opened a satellite center in the northern city of Mumbai in 2012. What have been the results? A port city looking west onto the Arabian Sea, Mumbai—known for many years as Bombay—is a bustling hub of commerce and culture. With an estimated population of 21 million, it is one of the largest urban centers in the world. Historically, Mumbai’s prosperity came from textile milling and maritime trade, but in recent years, finance, engineering, healthcare, and information technology have also contributed to the community’s local economy. It has been claimed that there are more millionaires per square mile in Mumbai than in Manhattan. Ironically, India’s largest slum—which was highlighted in the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire—is also in Mumbai. The majority of Mumbai’s residents are ethnic Marathi whose faith is Hinduism. Other ethnic groups in the city include Gujarati, Punjabis, Tamils, and (among the minority religions) there are followers of Islam, Buddhism, plus Christianity. Also present are believers of Zoroastrianism, which was brought to the region from Iran by ethnic Parsi refugees who fled persecution by

by Greg Koenig

Muslim invaders roughly a thousand years ago. Reflecting on the prospects for ministry in Mumbai, LHM—India Director Rev. C. David says, “Indians are very religious; the Hindu religion stresses a person’s search for truth. This offers us a good opportunity to show them what the truth is: that the way to salvation is through faith in Christ Jesus. Also, India has a large youth population, and our ministry in Mumbai has a tremendous opportunity to reach out to them with the Gospel.” The ministry center’s challenges in establishing a Mumbai satellite have included translation of ministry content into new languages—primarily Marathi, Gujarati, and Hindi. Another challenge has been recruiting and mobilizing a force of volunteers from scratch. The fledgling satellite center has seen progress especially in the last six months. Progress has come in a variety of forms: November 2014—The center celebrated the graduation of 235 Bible Correspondence Course students and trained 25 people for evangelism in an Equipping the Saints (ETS) workshop. Later in the month, the center held a free medical and eye screening camp that attracted 162 residents of a rural village. The center also inaugurated a new youth club in the rural town of Sai Nager. December 2014—The center partnered with a Mumbai congregation to present a six-day vacation Bible school program for 656 children. Ministry center volunteers also distributed 460 Bible Correspondence Course booklets. January 2015—The Mumbai center trained 61 Christians for witness through an ETS workshop. Ministry center staff and volunteers helped establish a youth club in a local community. February 2015—The ministry center held an ETS workshop to train 50 Marathi-speaking church members for effective witness. The center also engaged 32 youth through a puppet show outreach. March 2015—The Mumbai center held two ETS workshops for a total of 62 participants. Lutheran Hour Ministries praises God for the steady growth of its ministry in northern India. This growth comes at a time of increasing uncertainty, however: the current government, a strong proponent of Hindu nationalism, is working to enact

In March 2015, LHM—India assisted in planting a new youth club at a church in the Mumbai area.

anti-conversion laws that could severely restrict Gospel outreach in Mumbai and throughout India. Your prayers and support are critical to the ongoing witness of LHM’s centers in both Chennai and Mumbai. n

LHM’s Greg Koenig is deeply involved in international reporting and Internet communications.

To learn more about Lutheran Hour Ministries’ work in India, visit lhmindia.wordpress.com. 22

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

As summer days wind onward, here are a few books with outstanding impact that you and others may come to enjoy. Contact a local bookstore or the publisher (as noted) by Gerald Perschbacher for further details.

GOOD reading... GOOD books

A fine assortment of quick and poignant daily devotions are packed into “Timely Reflections,” a softbound, nearly 500 page book by Dale Meyer, former speaker on The Lutheran Hour and currently president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Subtitled “A Minute a Day with Dale Meyer,” entries are drawn from the radio/ Internet series The Meyer Minute which has become popular for short devotional thoughts. Bible passages are the backbone of the book with interesting applications towards nature, the economy of prayer, relationships with God, time, keen perception, chaos, fulfilled lives, and far more. One installment includes this thought: “When you have gone through tough times…and had nothing to hang onto except the promises of God, then in hindsight you see that God, though hidden, truly is personal, close, and caring. Faith does sustain us” (page 163). Another devotion pauses to consider the importance of the “dash” in showing the years in which a person lived: “They say the dash between a person’s birth and date of death is most important…for all of us still ‘living the dash’” (page 187). Topical helps and special notes take up a considerable section of the book, making it fuller in depth than most others. Bible studies could be based around the devotions and extra helps. For private use and for application in church and school, this book is a blessing. For ordering information, check www.TriPillarPublishing.com ($19.95 + shipping ).

How can you reach listeners? Editor Scott M. Gibson compiles a dozen perspectives on “communicating that connects” in the soft-backed book, “Preaching to a Shifting Culture” (255 pages, also in e-book format; Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan; www.bakerbooks.com). “Preaching has had to change,” says Gibson in the book. “Preachers are confronted with how they engage with the challenges of culture’s shift. People who preach, moreover, people who live in the culture, cannot help but be influenced by their culture. The question is, how will preachers respond to the challenges?” Various professors and preachers included in the book approach the relevancy of the Old and New Testaments. They realize how today’s spiritual communicators must address pluralism,

Scriptural relevancy, pressing the Truth, shaping sermons, and change. The much-used phrase “Postmodern” is defined as the book aids readers in how to share the Gospel as they reach people today. Outlines and discussion ideas are included as practical “how-to” helps. All this leads to creative expression that can add vibrancy when planting the seed of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. Contributors are not Lutheran but offer ideas that can spark the hearts and minds of many within our congregations, especially anyone who addresses groups and crowds. The book also provides perspectives on how current “evangelicals” approach their outreach. The book remains in print even though it has circulated for a while, which says something about its helpful impact.

Some books seem timeless, and such is the case with “A Summary of Christian Doctrine” by Edward W.A. Koehler (Concordia Publishing House; check www.cph.org for price and availability). Its 328 softbound pages bring depth to the understanding of basic doctrines that have withstood the stress of ages. The Rev. Dr. Koehler was a cherished faculty member of Concordia Teachers College until 1951, the year of his passing to glory. Thus, his work influenced many Lutheran teachers as they progressed in their education from class to class and eventually into schoolrooms and congregations throughout The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. His book, now in this reprinted edition, carries theological and insightful impact as much as before. This book can benefit individuals seeking a more solid stance in their understanding of God’s Word. Students, along with teachers, even pastors, and the laity overall can glean precious truths about the Scriptures, God, creation, angels, man, the Law and sin, the Gospel in Christ, salvation, the Church, civil estates, and the Last Things. “The Word and the Sacraments are valid because God Himself ordained them (Matt. 28:10), and when administered in His name, that is, in the sense and meaning He Himself put into them, they are valid and efficacious (Heb. 4:12),” Koehler wrote. His manner of phrasing is applicable to today’s spiritual discussions just as in the past. Akin to a roadmap but on a greater level spiritually, it is a handy source for theological insights that have been the strength of countless Christians for innumerable years. see next page

Dr. Perschbacher is editor of The Lutheran Layman, an author, and a longtime reviewer. The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015

...Good books (and DVDs) from page 23 How wise is wise? Some folks point to the man in the title of the book, “Frederick the Wise, Seen and Unseen Lives of Martin Luther’s Protector,” by Dr. Sam Wellman (Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis; phone 1-800-325-3040; www.cph.org; softbound, $25.99 plus shipping). The author is a Kansan who has carefully studied the life of the Reformation Era “elector” who was among a handful of extremely influential and wealthy men of his time in all of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The bibliography, notes, and index comprise nearly 100 pages of the book’s 321 pages of text. The historical backdrop of the Reformation era is marvelously revealed factually with human relationships forming a major part of it. Thus, this is a book of human factors, of individual failures, and of fabulous flashes of faith. Sobering comments are made, such as, “Luther was a baby at politics. The first rumors of political consequence for posting the Ninety-five Theses alarmed him….The rumors said Frederick encouraged Luther, because he was jealously guarding his own indulgences and resented some of his Saxons venturing over the territorial borders….this misunderstanding was so wrenching to Luther that he offered to participate in any disputation on indulgences to prove it was the issue of spiritual importance and nothing else” (page 163). Neither Frederick the Wise nor Dr. Martin Luther lived in a vacuum. This book offers insights into the times, lives, and challenges faced in the early years of the Reformation, up to the time of Frederick’s death in 1525. It is an excellent effort to understand the past as a tapestry of time and events from which it was woven, and which we still find very spiritually intriguing.

Special discounts ranging from $70 to tures expert commentary. $100 (through August) are being offered for DVD sets from the Biblical Archaeology Society (non-profit, non-denominational). These include Jesus and His First Followers, Jesus and the Second Temple, The Bible in Context, The Worlds of the Old & New Testaments, and Biblical Sites Unearthed: Ancient Cities of the Holy Land. The following are being offered at $19.95 (which is $60 off their original prices): Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls, God’s Images in the Prophetic Books, Approaches to the New Testament, and Uncovering Early Christianity. Each single DVD and each set fea-

There is also a 10 CD-ROM set called The Holy Land in Pictures, which has dramatically been reduced in original price. For details on these and other DVD offerings contact: www.biblicalarchaeology.org/ sale54 or call toll-free at 1-800-221-4644 ext. 2, (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time); Visa, MC, AMEX or Discover card are accepted. Mention PROMO CODE H5B40 when ordering; sale for individuals only, not for bookstores, wholesalers, or institutions. Quantities are limited. n

OGT Keeps the Aid Coming In early June Orphan Grain Train based in Norfolk, Nebraska, sent 145,440 “Kids Against Hunger” meals, hospital beds, various medical equipment, sewing machines, and 10,000 pounds of edible beans to be distributed through Lutheran Hour Ministries’ efforts in Leon, Nicaragua. OGT didn’t stop there. Officials recently reported that rice meals are nourishing destitute families in portions of Nepal devastated by earthquake early this year. Elsewhere, the Wisconsin Branch of OGT sent 165 boxes of quilts and linens plus 1,180 boxes of clothing along with medical equipment to Moldova. • Many LLL/LHM supporters prayerfully follow the progress of OGT and its deliveries to various sites in more than 60 countries, including several sites with LHM connections. Last year 3.4 million meals were shipped in addition to clothing, blankets, household items, plus medical and hospital equipment. n

ELECTION Results Announced ore than 9,500 contributing members of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League

recently voted to fill open spots on the organization’s Board of Directors. Elected candidates will be installed at the board meeting in St. Louis in July. Phillip Johnson of Maplewood, Minnesota, was elected to a twoyear term as Vice Chairman, a position to which he initially was appointed two years ago. The following were elected to three-year terms on the board: Jack Ficken of Fairview, Tennessee; Gretchen Jameson of Brookfield, Wisconsin; Kay L. Meyer of St. Louis, Missouri; and Weldon Schwiebert of Westland, Michigan. This is the fourth year that all contributing members have had an opportunity to participate in the election through mail-in and Internet voting. The International Lutheran Laymen’s League is the governing body for St. Louis-based Lutheran Hour Ministries, a trusted expert in mass media proclamation with a global network of partners that reaches 51 million people around the world each week with the Gospel. The ministry’s flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, airs weekly on more than 1,600 radio stations. LHM works with local staff and volunteers to develop culturally relevant programs and resources that proclaim the Gospel to the unchurched in more than 50 nations on six continents. For more information about Lutheran Hour Ministries, visit www.lhm.org. n

Jack Ficken Phillip Johnson

Weldon Schwiebert Kay L. Meyer Gretchen Jameson

The Lutheran Layman July-August 2015