The Lutheran Layman

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN Your Partner in HIS Mission!

March - April 2013

Outreach for an

Aging Congregation

by Timothy Wilkins, Pastor, Holy Cross Evangelical

Lutheran Church, in St. Louis, Mo.

W

hen I think of Holy Cross, two words come to mind: improbable and unlikely. In light of the recent history of our grand old city churches, the probability of finding one filled with life and vibrant hope is minimal. If you were looking for a Christian community made up of the wealthy and the impoverished, the homeless and the comfortable, Ph.D’s and folks struggling to read, people with white skin, black skin and all shades in between, 90-year-olds and toddlers, teenagers and university students — your chance of finding such a place would be unlikely. But thanks be to God, Jesus is Lord of the improbable and unlikely!

Let me tell you the improbable story of God’s grace at Holy Cross.

To begin, let’s make three things clear.

(1) Holy Cross is not alone. The Holy Spirit is renewing urban churches across the country. There is nothing in our cities that guarantees the demise of our churches. (2) I have no secrets to share on church revitalization. There are no programs that guarantee the fruitfulness of any urban church. (3) I am temperamentally more of an organic farmer and shepherd than an urban planner. At Holy Cross we do make plans and work hard, but the operative principle underlying all of our work is NURTURE. see page 3

Plowing and Pastoring— Beautiful and Good Work!

Young Digital Nomads

Importance of ‘Christ Lights’

Page 6

Page 7

Men’s NetWork WORKDAY Page 13

speakingup

About the Cover...

Lean Forward and Plow Ahead

by Rev. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

‘Still’… and Hectic!

D

id you ever think about Easter stillness and the power of faith in a hectic world? Scripture tells us, “‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10).

“Be still?” I don’t know about you, but life seems to be speeding up! It’s almost Easter, but it seems like Christmas and New Year’s Day were just yesterday. We live in a hectic world, don’t we?

• We fight traffic to get to work; we deal with problems all day long; there are always more “tasks” to do than “time” to do them, and then, • Even if you get ahead of those things, there still doesn’t seem to be enough time for family and friends, or the time we need with God. “BE STILL? Yeah, I get it, Pastor Seltz, but that seems like a pipe dream, impossible.”

Our lesson for today was written to people who were in the midst of tremendous upheaval. “All hell was breaking loose,” and there was nothing they could do to stop it. It would be the scene in a movie where everyone is screaming and “running for their lives.” This is the point where the Psalmist says: Be still! The Psalmist is not saying to merely “be physically or emotionally still.” The call to stillness was a call for them to look away from their BEST efforts and LOOK TO THE ACTIONS OF GOD IN THEIR MIDST—TO KNOW EVEN THEN THAT GOD WAS IN CHARGE. God is at work in this world, in our lives. We can “rest assured” of this. This “stillness” is a Good Friday, Easter Sunday reality, a faith confidence in the midst of

L AYMAN

the chaos. It is knowing that in all things, God will have the last say in our lives. Such confidence is real power to live a life of faith in one who lived, died and rose again so that our sins, our chaos wouldn’t be the substance of our lives, but His forgiveness, His life, salvation and peace, THESE would.

When OUR hearts are “still in Christ,” then we have power to face the chaos OF LIFE. When we look to Jesus in all things, even in the crazy-paced world in which we live, things can begin to slow down, to come clear. Such “confidence in Him” can become our greatest testimony to those who don’t know Jesus, namely, “we can trust Him no matter what!”

Sports Illustrated did an article one year where they spoke to several successful athletes— people who seemed to perform better when the pressure was on. Joe Montana, Michael Jordan, Barry Sanders, Jack Nicklaus, etc.—they were asked, “How do you handle the pressure?” One of them said, “I don’t really know how to answer that, but when the pressure mounts, the game seems to actually ‘slow down’ for me. I can see things even more clearly and the choices seem more obvious.” Call it confidence in the chaos, clarity in the confusion, and power to face the challenges of the moment.

THAT’S WHAT THE PSALMIST WANTS FOR YOU TODAY IN THE ULTIMATE GAME, THE GAME OF LIFE because Jesus is the Author, the Perfecter of your faith life in Him (Hebrews 12:2). Let that be your Easter testimony to those you love and pray that our work together in sharing that love, bless all who hear! A blessed Easter to all of you, in His Name! n

The Lutheran

Vol. 84, No. 2 March-April 2013

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

®

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

2 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

“When Holy Cross was founded in 1858, all of America’s farms were plowed with horses. This was the highest of the old agricultural skills. The farmer knew his soil and when the time was right for plowing. He and the horse understood each other and had a relationship built on trust and affection. When he whispered ‘step up,’ the horse leaned forward and the plow began turning the soil. The farmer led from behind with a gentle hand – and neither of them looked back (Luke 9:62). One man with one horse could plow one acre per day. Pastoring is a beautiful and good work built on knowledge, trust, and faith in Jesus.

When He whispers ‘step up’ we lean forward – and don’t look back,” says Pastor Tim Wilkins of Holy Cross Evangelical church in St. Louis, Mo. Wilkins is a practical man who appreciates fine carpentry and nice horses. That first passion fits well in an old congregation with an historic structure that dates to Civil War days and needs guidance in occasional upkeep to maintain the facility’s inviting condition.

Even more so, Pastor Wilkins’ appreciation for horses serves not only as an endearing endeavor but also as a reflection of what has happened in the congregation.

In past decades, Holy Cross was considered a “work horse” among congregations. It instilled leadership by example as lay members and professional church workers banded together in projects and synodical causes. That lessened with the aging and decline of membership, societal shifts, and other challenges. What Pastor Wilkins and the leadership team at Holy Cross have done in recent years is to teach an “old horse” some new things to advance the Cause of Christ.

Pastor Wilkins is the first to say that the Holy Spirit is the main Guide in the process. n

Outreach, (from page 1) History wasn’t enough!

Holy Cross has a long and stellar history. The congregation was founded in 1858 as one of Dr. C. F. W. Walther’s four churches in the Generalgemeinde (general community). By the 1920s and ‘30s the church was at its zenith with a membership of 3,000, and nearly 2,000 people worshipping on a regular basis. While the church was blessed with a strong ministry and vibrant school for many decades, the membership began a slight, almost unnoticed decline in the late 1930s. By the 1970s the decline was frightening. Fifty to 70 people were leaving every year. By 2003, 110 people attended worship on a weekend, and the church was in a state of survival anxiety. Many had done the math and were forecasting the death of Holy Cross by 2007.

In 2003, one of our dear sainted women said to me, “Oh, Pastor, our life at church has been so depressing.” At that time Holy Cross had 72 shut-ins. The majority of the people in worship were in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Sunday morning announcements shared funeral arrangements and the names of people in the hospital.

Four children attended worship on Saturday night and four on Sunday morning. We no longer had a viable Sunday school, vacation Bible school, confirmation class, or youth group. We had one

child in a Lutheran school. Our adult Bible class

was sparsely attended and met in a room with a

third of the lights not working. Our sanctuary was

famously hot in the summer. That year, a concerned leader came to me and said, “Pastor,

the church is going to die and there is nothing

you can do about it. We just don’t want you

to be hurt.”

How does a person measure growth within limits?

By some standards our story isn’t worth your attention. We have not “grown” in great numbers. Today there are still 110 people in worship and our communicant membership has declined. We are what many would call a small church. Church consultants tell us that a congregation our size is not viable; that we can’t afford to pay a pastor; that we don’t have enough talented people to lead ministries, and that we will soon be “out of business.”

Out of business?

Hardly! But I am perfectly comfortable with the word “small.” In fact, I’ll add a term of my own: We are “weak.”

We don’t make plans on a grand scale. We limit ourselves to the size of ministry that we can sustain fruitfully. Even Holy Cross in St. Louis, Mo., while working within as it stands today.

Vacation Bible school and other activities provide forums for the grace of God in Christ amid urban ministry.

our limits we often overextend ourselves and need time to rest.

We are not an example of programming expertise or efficiency.

We make mistakes and sin against each other. Despite all of this, I thank God that He has picked us up and carried us. He has forgiven us and is teaching us to forgive each other. I praise Him for leading us into a life of affection, and I praise God that Jesus is not a consultant! He hasn’t given up on us!

Through time and suffering Jesus has taught me to think and speak more clearly about urban ministry. Here are a few principles I’ve learned and are now part of our life together.

Our life at Holy Cross begins and grows out of the Divine Service. Our life begins in baptism; we are recreated in forgiveness, mercy, and the Word of God. The Post Communion Collect gives shape to our life and is the prayer that I plead, beg, and hurl at the Throne of Grace more than any other. This Collect is “in, with, and under” everything that we do at Holy Cross. My rendition of the prayer sounds something like this, “I beg You, merciful Father, that through Your Word and through the body and blood of Your Son Jesus, You would strengthen us in our faith toward You and that You would grant us a genuine, warm affection and love for each other.” He answers our prayer weekly.

Our life at Holy Cross begins and grows out of the Divine Service.

It’s because of Jesus Christ…!

We believe that everyone who comes through the beautiful red doors of Holy Cross has come because Jesus brought them. There are no “casual visitors”; there are no “regulars.” We are all His invited guests. He brings all of us through the red doors to fill our lives with His love and grace. And every week He calls, forgives, and fills us.

We have two rules at Holy Cross. First: everyone is required to rob the place blind of all the love and grace of Jesus that they can stuff into their pockets. Second: if you see someone with empty pockets – fill them! We want everyone to leave full. see page 4 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 3

Outreach, (from page 3) We never badger our members to “Go into all the (whole) world and make disciples.” We are a weak and simple lot and the idea of taking on the world is beyond us. We do, however, encourage each other to invite friends and family to come and meet Jesus. It is a joy to see our people do just that and to see their friends become disciples of Jesus.

(PS—Since we have learned to invite our friends to meet Jesus, He has given us the ability to support the ministries of those who are able to go into all the world.)

We never use the word “neighborhood” when we talk about ministry. In 1858 Holy Cross’s neighborhood spanned 15 to 20 city blocks.

When Henry Ford offered society cars at a modest price, the neighborhood changed. It changed again when President Eisenhower gave us highways, and again when Steve Jobs and friends gave us iPhones, the Internet, Facebook, iPads and whatever else we’ll have at our fingertips tomorrow. The old understanding of the term “neighborhood” is too small for the extent of our ministry. Today our world at Holy Cross includes universities, downtown St. Louis, the kids across the street, gated suburban communities, burned out drug houses, young urban professionals, rural communities, at least two dozen non-English speaking communities, friends across the country — the list is too great for the space I have to tell this story. The word “neighborhood” is simply too small for the work Jesus has put in front of us.

What we mean by this is that everyone needs a personal invitation to church, to Sunday school, to a picnic – to everything. Two lines printed in the bulletin and newsletter are necessary, but not enough. The invitations need to come through multiple venues – through the phone, tweets, texts, Facebook, and personal conversations.

In all this, Jesus has been gracious. How? Here is a brief sketch of what He is doing among us.

Where we are today

In 2003 I began to do things that might be called a ministry of affection — of personal connection. I began greeting and talking with people before the service. My wife and I hosted Sunday evening get-togethers for fun and relationship building. We started having church picnics again, one in the fall and one in the spring. We created “Gift Night”—a time when we come together two weeks before Christmas to share talents, silliness, Christmas carols, and food. I began to play with our children before, during, and after our worship services. My children’s messages were at times sanctified mayhem.

Our Lenten dinners became a time of joy. If the children answered my Bible and Catechism quizzes, everyone at dinner got ice cream for dessert. And, yes, they could ask anyone in the room for help with the questions. Pretty soon our Lenten services were filled with families.

We took courage and tried VBS again. We dove in with affection and hard work. The first year we were overwhelmed with 15 children.

A few years later we met our match with 100!

Frankly, a hundred children were too many for us so we now minister fruitfully to 30 or 40.

Jesus continues to bring new adults through Race is not an issue our doors and is leading them to maturity in We do not believe in “race” as the word faith. Between 50 to 60 percent of the people is usually employed. We believe that race is worshipping on Sundays have come to Holy a concept that was created to make the difCross since 2003. Most have been invited by ferences between people alienating and infriends and family. Some found us on the Insurmountable; and, frankly, for one group ternet, some returned after years of being away, to take advantage of the power they have and others simply walked through the doors. over another. Racism and prejudice surface More and more come from non-Christian around us every day. But we have no minisbackgrounds. But again—everyone who comes tries that address people by skin color or any through the red doors of Holy Cross is there beother distinguishing characteristic. We have cause Jesus brought them. ministries that address people by name.

The Lord has brought gifted leaders to the When Jesus brings you to Holy Cross, we It’s more than a church doorway—it’s an entry ministry of Holy Cross. Some are full-time to good things from God. want to know your name and hear your story. called workers, some are part-time, and many We never use the term “inner city.” In pracvolunteers give generously. The Lord has retice “inner city” is often the term used by people who moved out of newed our worship experience through the music ministry of Rev. David the city to describe the neighborhood that they grew up in but is now Johnson. The preaching and teaching ministry has been strengthened with the home of people they don’t like. City streets have names. When the gifts of Rev. Bob Bernhardt, our associate pastor for youth and family we ask people where they live, we’re not asking for a concept, we’re ministry (ordained in June 2012), and Dr. Jeffery Gibbs. Lay Minister Bob asking for the name of a place they call home.

Lehr continues to bring the mercy of Jesus to our shut-ins. Shirley Booker, We avoid using the terms “contemporary” and “traditional” when the director of the Lutheran Community Center, brings Jesus to about 50 talking about worship. We use the term “Divine Service.” In the midst children from all over the city as well as teaches our confirmands, delivers of survival anxiety, many churches cast about for a sound in worship children’s messages, and guides our Acolytes. Kay Meyer of Family Shield that will appeal to a particular group, hoping to fill the pews with that Ministry works out of office space on our campus. And the regional branch group. Contemporary urban society is filled with more groups than of Orphan Grain Train, a Lutheran international relief agency, is housed on can be counted, so at Holy Cross, we worship with the voice of the our campus. In the middle of all this, filling the important job of “directing church which is gracefully out of step with all groups and gracious- traffic” is Joyce Seiber our gifted secretary. ly delivers Jesus to everyone. The Divine Service is filled with Jesus From the top of the steeple to the basement of the school, the Lord has — and we receive Him and celebrate His grace with reverence and blessed us with building renovations. The cross and clock on the steeple beauty. have been re-gilded and repaired. A carillon has been installed and fills our We’ve learned that no one gets to meet Jesus without a phone call. community with hymns. The sanctuary has been fitted with new lighting, 4 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

carpet, air conditioning, and new hymn books. The church offices and bathrooms have been remodeled. The church basement has been remodeled into an inviting fellowship area. The school building has been tuck pointed, all the windows have been repaired and painted, and new lighting was installed in the gym. Two bathrooms are now being remodeled and a new bathroom is being added. Because of the generous gifts of our members and friends, and the stewardship of our leaders – and God’s grace—Holy Cross has no debt.

This is an improbable and unlikely story, but that’s what grace is—and so much more. We are daily aware of His presence among us and the vocation He has given us as an urban church. So daily we pray, Lord God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. n

Fresh Start

“We restarted Sunday school. With love and hard work we brought Jesus to about 25 children. In the last few years about 20 young people have confirmed their faith publicly. Many of them are now active in the youth group and are encouraging each other in their discipleship. On Sunday morning, depending on the time of year, we are blessed with three adult Bible studies, a Sunday school, a confirmation class and a youth Bible study.”

—Rev. Timothy Wilkins (Pastor-Senior administrative, Holy Cross, St. Louis) At its website, the congregation proudly promotes links to Lutheran Hour Ministies.

For more about Holy Cross, go to www.holycrossstl.org or call (314) 772-8633.

History, Ministry, Outreach!

History is important at Holy Cross, but ministry is its future.

The church manages parts of two city blocks in an area that was central in the rise of the LCMS. From the 1860s to the 1920s, seminary professors, people prominent in business, and Dr. C.F.W. Walther, first president of the LCMS, lived in the shadow of the church. The area — and ministry — seem to go hand in hand for Holy Cross.

Demographics have made major shifts surrounding the cathedral-like façade of the church building constructed in 1867.

Once a heavily German American area, adjacent blocks are racially mixed with the largest Bosnian population in North America nearby. The area slipped into an elderly state in the 1970s and 1980s. Today the age breakdown of the population near Holy Cross is practically evenly divided in segments of 12% each in seven categories from age 5 to 65 and older, with a slight boost to more than 15% for ages 45 to 54. (Source: American Community Survey 2011, U.S. Census Bureau, 2012.) Bottom line: the area is ripe for outreach.

As time progressed, so did roadways and interstate highways making Holy Cross an “easy reach.” The congregation and its heartfelt slant on ministry has attracted people far beyond a typical neighborhood.

People delight in knowing that its property had been the site for the first lo-

cation of Concordia Publishing House and radio station KFUO. The surviving section of old Concordia Seminary still stands. Refurbished as the congregation’s Parish Hall, Dr. Walter A. Maier, pioneer radio voice on The Lutheran Hour, spoke at its dedication in 1935.

There are significant Int’l LLL connections, also. Two of the 12 LLL founders were associated with the church (August Brauer was confirmed there in 1871 and Rev. Edmund Seuel had two children baptized at Holy Cross in 1890 and 1891). Dr. Herman Gockel, father of Lutheran Television, had two children confirmed there. And the first editor of The Lutheran Layman (seminary professor Dr. Theodor Graebner) plus the present editor were regular worshippers at Holy Cross over the years.

But history stands still for no one, including a congregation.

The old “sem” building is now a suitable home for the Missouri-Illinois Branch of Orphan Grain Train. Family Shield Ministries uses one of the houses that stands adjacent to the main church facility. In the once-vibrant Holy Cross school building, a Lutheran community center is active, attracting children under the banner of God’s love.

Outreach: old buildings, new life. And that life is in Christ.

—Editor Gerald Perschbacher

Outreach: old buildings, new life And that life is in Christ

The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 5

Young Digital Nomads:

The

New Unreached People

I

Today more than 50 percent of the world’s population is under the age of 25

by Douglas Rutt

t has been common for mission agencies to talk about “unreached people groups.” The term refers to roughly one-third of the world’s population who have little or no opportunity to hear the Gospel of salvation in Christ Jesus. Most unreached people groups live within what is often referred to as the “10/40 window,” a region of the eastern hemisphere and of the African and European area of the western hemisphere that falls between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude. Much effort has gone into finding ways to penetrate this area with the Gospel.

According to some world evangelism strategists, there is an “other unreached people group.” It is a growing group, and it is not defined geographically but generationally: global youth. In a WORLD Magazine report, author Mindy Belz notes that today more than 50 percent of the world’s population is under the age of 25—but the “youth” in this age range look different, perhaps, than earlier generations might envision. Young people today enter puberty at an average age of 10 years, compared to an average age of more than 14 years in 1900. Yet according to some observers, many of these young people will experience a longer period of adolescence and marry at a later age compared to the “youth” of years ago. * In fact, the phenomenon of extended adolescence is one of the reasons why organizations like Global Youth and Family Ministries (www.gyfm.org) stress the importance of engaging youth around the world. Since adolescence is the developmental period when self-identity is formed and crystallized, these organizations assert that Christians should seize the increased number of opportunities this offers to present the Gospel to young people in meaningful ways.

“An Emerging Global Youth Culture” Another significant difference, says Global Youth and Family, is what the organization refers to as “an emerging global youth culture.” Thanks to technology and media, a young person anywhere in the world has much more in common than ever before with a

Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon staff member Katia Sahyouni, second from left, heads up efforts to recruit and provide Equipping the Saints evangelism training for groups of university students and young adults.

young person anywhere else in the world.

But the technology and media have a down side: youth everywhere are bombarded with the negative messages of secularism, consumerism, individualism, materialism, even postmodernism. Instead of being taught respect toward others and reverence for God, they are taught that life is really just a big party and that they are here to enjoy it and get what they want out of it. And the message of consumerism tells them they can experience happiness if only they purchase this cell phone or that brand of jeans.

This is increasingly true around the world, even in the slums of Nairobi and on the sidewalks of Mumbai.

Belz points to another disturbing development as this global youth culture emerges: a widening separation between generations.

“The very things that Lutheran Hour Ministries—Uganda’s unite young people ministry among youth provides “Peer Educator” seminars like this one, to divide them from develop the skills to make sound lifeadults,” Belz ex- style choices. plains. “They learn the day’s conversation topics from a social media website, not the dinner table. They go to YouTube for direction on how to change the oil in the car, not Dad. If they have a question about who took the first walk on the moon or what is an HPV vaccine, they’re more likely to Google it than to ask in the car on the way home from school.” Belz notes also that parents in general seem disinterested in bridging the gap. This has serious implications for passing traditions, values, and faith to this generation.

The picture is not all bad. The technology that exposes youth to negative influences also allows young people to connect with other young people—anywhere. Social media tools have eliminated geographic barriers, and widespread use of the English language opens avenues in ways unimagined by preceding generations. I refer to youth today as “young digital nomads”— because it is not uncommon for a young man in Sao Paulo to be “friends” with a young woman in New York, and another in St. Petersburg, Russia, and so on.

It is this connectivity and potential for community that hold so much promise! In fact, we believe that the opportunity to harness this technology for the extension of the Gospel is almost limitless.

The emerging global youth culture can certainly be considered an “unreached people group,” because it is a culture—a culture unto itself—that desperately needs to hear the Gospel.

This is why Lutheran Hour Ministries’ International Division has made outreach to global youth a priority. We have a message that will lead to the freedom that people in this culture are searching for—it is the message of a loving God who created them, redeemed them, and sanctifies them. * Mindy Belz, “The Other Unreached People Group,” at www. worldmag.com/2012/01/the_other_unreached_people_group (Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt directs the International Ministries Division of LHM.)

6 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

onthemove

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

The Importance of

‘Christ Lights’

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Consider the witness of over 5,000 lights shining into the lives of millions. It is absolutely dazzling! I had the honor of being among more than 5,000 volunteers who dedicated their time and labor to a work of witness called the Lutheran Hour Ministries Rose Parade Float. This faith in action group is lovingly referred to as the Petal Pushers. For over 60 years these dedicated “Christ lights” have descended on the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., to bear witness to the message of hope and life that is found only in our Christ Jesus.

Anyone watching the event, either in person or on TV, saw the light of Christ clearly revealing the one true way to heaven and life eternal. Those 5,000 faces, those 10,000 sore and worn hands, humbly showed us what ministry should be. Paul said it best in his letter to the Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”.

When bold witnesses like the Petal Pushers serve selflessly to shine their Christ-lights around the country and around the world, I am reminded what ministry is all about.

Kurt Buchholz joined LWML president Kay Though the flowerKreklau as riders on the 2013 float. covered floats are similar and the message is the same, ministry has changed dramatically over six decades. Costs and regulations have risen while U.S. culture continues to become more skeptical and less welcoming of a bold witness in such a public event. Through these changing times the ministry has changed and adapted without altering its purpose and message. Parade souvenir booths help offset the huge cost of the float, while witnessing booths have been raised simultaneously to assure the clarity of the true message. Volunteer labor has increased to offset the rising production costs. Dedicated committees meet year-round to assure an all-around flawless event. The result: millions of parade viewers were struck by the message of Christ.

I have applauded the growth of ministries that address situations where we have failed to change and adapt as a church. There is great need for ministries to Christian families whose children have fallen away from the church, for churches that no longer serve their communities (urban and rural) and must be revitalized or they will close, and for providing spiritual care to returning ser-

Jenny Buchholz, Kurt’s wife, also volunteered.

vicemen and women. These efforts—are sorely needed.

I would love to see the next 10 years defined by a strong growth of ministry efforts aimed at strengthening the agility of the church to change and adapt without becoming “of the world”—maybe to the point of changing communities so naturally that we identify, address and therefore avoid problems before they begin to tear apart our families and churches.

Lutheran Hour Ministries has made great strides in serving and witnessing to a changing world through innovative programs and projects such as JCPlayZone, Men’s NetWork, Project Connect, Daily Devotions, seasonal items, and a variety of creative international efforts.

But what really excites me is that, just like those who make the LHM Rose Parade float a witness to millions, LHM has a vision for engaging our church and world in order to understand its needs, investing in ministry innovations to meet those needs, and walking together with the church celebrating each Christ light that shines in this world.

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:17).

It is a personal blessing for my family to support Lutheran Hour Ministries through stewardship, prayers, and service. I pray that it is also a blessing to you to be a part of such an innovative and ever-changing ministry rooted firmly in Christ whose Light—not my face or yours—is what is seen by people around the globe who seek Him! n

Registration now open!

MISSION U courses for Fall 2013

Six different MISSION U evangelism training courses are available to help your church members focus on outreach in their daily lives and in the community you serve. www.lhm.org/missionu 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4144

The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 7

Kay Meyer in her favorite pose at a radio microphone.

Families are Transformed

Through the Gospel of Christ

by Kay L. Meyer

How can meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs open doors to share the Gospel? How do we respond with love and point people to Jesus Christ when they struggle with relationships, parenting, marriage, communication, physical illness, addictions, and the myriad of other issues today’s families face?

The family and the Church are two institutions established by God. Would you agree with me that these two institutions are under attack in today’s world? Together we must take up the shield of faith and use the spiritual weapons God has given us. This includes the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Why is reaching people for Christ and making them His disciples so critical in today’s world? Here are some statistics that help answer this question: • The United States is the third largest mission field in the world. (The only other countries with more nonbelievers are India and China.)

• The United States is going through an unprecedented change in religious practices. Large numbers of American adults are disaffiliating themselves from Christianity and organized religions. 76.5% (159 million) of Americans identify themselves as Christian. This is a major shift from 86.2% in 1990. Identification with Christianity has suffered a loss of 9.7% in 11 years, about 0.9 % per year.

• Nearly one in five Americans say they are atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.” * • Five years ago adults who claimed “no religion” made up 8 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

about 15% of the population. It is a seismic shift from 40 years ago, when about 7 percent of American adults said they had no religious affiliation. * • One-third of those ages 18-22 are religiously unaffiliated today.

• The most recent George Barna research said that the leading influences in American society is no longer the church, but movies, television, the Internet, books, music, public policy and law, and the family. The Christian Church, his research shows, is no longer among the top influences these days — a far cry from the way things used to be.

The good in all the bad news is that the family is still a leading influencer.

Working together, we can more effectively reach and equip individuals and their families for Christ.

It’s a fact. The culture we live in is changing. But, as the Holy Spirit convinces people of our sincerity, we can be confident the Lord will open doors to share the Law (Romans 3:20) and Gospel (Romans 1:16; John 3:16). Although our culture continues to change, the Gospel of Christ remains the same. It is the Gospel that transforms lives in time for eternity!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19). Witnessing begins as we GO into our homes and share God’s love with our children and grandchildren. And as we GO, we trust that the Lord will open doors for us to share God’s love with our families and others in our community. So what are we waiting for? Let’s GO! I was elected in 2012 to serve on the Int’l LLL Board of Directors, the gov* (source: Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life)

erning body for Lutheran Hour Ministries. What an honor and privilege to It’s amazing how often God has placed me on an airplane or at serve the Lord! I was reconnected to LHM when I was invited to speak at a a conference where the person sitting next to me is struggling with Regional Outreach Conference (ROC) in Branson, Mo., on “Sharing Christ grief or a loved one’s illness. with Hurting People.” I love LHM’s renewed focus on “equipping the saints So, talk to your family, friends, and those in the community to witness.” about the Lord and how He has walked with you through various LHM is equipping the saints in many and varied ways. People of all ages challenges of life. The more you do, the easier it will be. are being equipped to witness through The Lutheran Hour radio program, Recently a friend in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod LHM Regional Outreach Conferences, and MISSION U. I encourage you to called me with the following idea. He said, “We must give our Lupromote these outreach and equipping opportunities in your congregation theran members opportunities to share their faith with their loved and your community. ones. I thought it was such a good idea I want to share it with supWHAT ARE WITNESSING BASICS? porters of LHM and congregational leaders. Any congregation or Before we can effectively begin the process of meeting people’s needs with group could do this.” a goal of sharing Christ, we should understand basics about witnessing. These Allow members to tell their children/grandchildren witnessing basics are shared in more detail in my book Witnessing—A Lifestyle. what their faith means to them and how the Lord has Begin with prayer been with them in good times and in bad times Do you know someone who is not a Christian or who has fallen away from Churches can coordinate this. Get a video camera, set it up in the Church? Then begin praying for the person. Continue to pray until God a church conference room. Have your members who are parents/ opens a door of opportunity for you. Remember God answers prayers. He grandparents come in and record what their faith means to them desires that we pray for those who do not know Christ. for their loved ones. Look into the camera. Then just speak about Betty called to talk with me following a radio program on “Improving Your your faith and how God has walked with you through good times Prayer Life.” She asked if I would pray for her and her husband. She explained and bad times. Give a copy of it to your children and grandchilthat he had been unfaithful. She had recently learned of this and was strug- dren. Call them testimonies of their faith or call them faith stories. gling to find a way to forgive him. As we talkThe presentation doesn’t need ed, I learned she and her husband had not to be smooth or professional. attended church in years. This conversation Encourage members to speak gave me the opportunity to talk about the from their heart.

Lord and what He had done for her and her Answer questions, show husband. We referred her to important reconcern, be open and honsources and stayed in touch. And we prayed est, and respond to needs for Betty and her husband. It took time, but Answer questions people ask. their marriage survived. They are now active Questions are often the way the in a congregation.

Lord opens doors. Certainly Listen attentively we can ask unchurched peoThe next step in the witnessing process is ple questions, too. But I really to listen attentively and find ways to build a like it when someone asks me positive, trusting relationship. Some people a question. Show concern and think this always takes weeks, months, or respond to their needs. years, but I have had hundreds of witnessing Here is one example: On the opportunities in the community and as I trav- Former LCMS president Dr. Gerald Kieschnick spoke about way home from the LLL conel. It doesn’t always take a long time. At times, family challenges and the impact of society during a radio vention in Canada last summer God may bring someone into your life that I sat next to a young man who interview by Kay Meyer in 2006. you will minister to for months or even years. asked me where I’d been. I told Share your personal testimony and relate faith to life him and added that I was elected to serve on the Board of DirecWhat is a personal testimony? It’s when we testify — when we tell others tors. He then asked, “Are you a pastor?” I laughed…and said, “No, how the Lord has walked with us through good times and bad. We can also I’m a lay person who loves the Lord.” As I listened and showed call them “faith stories.” concern for him and his family, I learned they recently joined a My youngest son, Jeff, died of cancer when he was 32. The Lord walked Protestant church because his 9-year old daughter asked him why with our family through this difficult time. I was overwhelmed as the main they never went to church. He went on to explain that he had nevcaregiver for Jeff who lived with us during his illness. My younger sister or- er been a churchgoer and his wife was a fallen-away Roman Cathganized family and friends to bring a meal once a week to help. The meals olic. I encouraged him in his new faith journey. were brought on the day I took Jeff to doctors’ appointments and radiation or He thought Lutherans, Roman Catholics, and his new Proteschemo treatments. Jeff passed from this life to the next on June 22, 2010. As tant church were different religions. I explained that they were you can imagine this was a very difficult time for our daughter, my husband, all Christian denominations and part of the Body of Christ. As I and other extended family members. But, I can testify that God walked with explained this, I shared a brief Law/Gospel presentation. Folus through the valleys. He was also with Jeff. We praise God that Jeff knew His lowing this, he asked me more questions about faith issues and Savior and is now with Him in heaven. “Jesus said, I tell you the truth, whoev- God’s Word. It was a great visit that lasted for much of our trip. God er hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not opened this door of opportunity because of a question he asked. see page 10 be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 9

Lives are Transformed,

from page 9

Use actions and words I enjoyed interviewing Rev. Dr. Alvin Barry, a past president of the LCMS who is now with the Lord. His daring goal was to share Christ every day with someone. As I interviewed him, he told one story after another of times he has shared Christ with people he met in his daily life. It almost always started by meeting human needs and showing care and concern.

The following are two of the stories. Dr. Barry was flying across the country. A woman near him had gotten sick. She had two young children with her.

No one wanted to help her. Finally Dr. Barry said, “Give me the children. I can take care of them. I’m a grandpa. I can do this.” He then said, “I took off my tie and bounced the two children on my lap for the rest of the trip.” As they got near their destination, the woman began to feel better. She turned to him and said, “Why did you help me? No one else would.” He

Simply “talk about Jesus,” Kay Meyer suggests.

responded, “I’m a Christian. Jesus is my Savior. He suffered for my sins and wants me to be His hands and feet in the world. You needed help, and I was here. So, I offered to help. Now that you are feeling better, maybe I could share more with you about Jesus. Would that be alright with you?”

Here’s another story from Dr. Barry. “A woman sat next to me on another flight. She had on a nice white pants suit. Soon the stewardess brought us drinks. I thought this would be a great time to get acquainted with her. Then I accidently spilled my coke all over her white outfit. I said, “Oh, I’m so sorry! I so wanted to tell you about my Savior and the forgiveness he offers us.” She turned to look at him and responded boldly, “Buddy, you need His forgiveness more than I do.” He shared with a little laugh, “You win some and you lose some…but you don’t stop sharing the message with those you meet.”

Don’t go ahead of the Holy Spirit Allow the Lord to open and close doors. Too often Christians who want to witness rush ahead of the Holy Spirit. Wait on the Lord. Be patient. Allow people to ask you a question by being open, honest, and kind.

10 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

Seven Points in Sharing the Message of Salvation with an Adult * The following are points to share about God’s love with those in the community: 1) Talk about God: God is just and righteous (Psalm 7:11, Dan. 9:14, Matt. 5:48). He is loving (John 3:16) and He must punish sin.

2) Talk about man: God created man in His image (Gen. 1:26). Man rebelled or sinned against God. Sin separates man from God (Rom. 5:19). And man cannot save himself (Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).

3) Talk about sin: There is no one righteous (Rom 3:10, 3:23, 3:20). We all sin daily. I often use myself as an example and suggest to those in the class that they be open enough to do this, too. So, I’ll say, “I can break the first commandment while I’m sitting in church. Instead of listening to the pastor’s sermon, I’m thinking about what I’m going to prepare for the family when they come over after church. I’m not putting God first.”

Explain that the Ten Commandments are a mirror and a guide. Explain that God’s Word says if we stumble in one place we are guilty of all (James 2:10).

Explain that sin separates us from God (Is. 59:2 and Rom. 6:23a).

4) Talk about Jesus: Jesus is both true God and true man at the same time. He was perfect and without sin. He suffered and died in our place. His death brings us forgiveness and eternal life (Phil 2:6, John 1:1, 1:14, John 20:28).

5) Talk about repentance: God tells us to repent of our sins. He wants us to turn to Him and trust Him for our salvation (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30).

6) Talk about faith: Eternal life is a gift, not a result of our good works. So, although we want to help others, our works do not gain us brownie points with God. He has given us faith as an unrestricted gift (Eph. 2:8,9). [Note: Our faith is not abstract. It is given to us in the proclamation of the Gospel and the distribution of the sacraments. The language of Jesus purchasing atonement on the cross and distributing our salvation is central to mission work and evangelism.]

7) Talk about the gift of eternal life: I love the story in Acts 16:24-36 — why don’t you read it with your family some evening at the dinner table? Paul and Silas were in jail. Yet they were praying and singing hymns to God. The prisoners were listening. So, obviously, was the jailer. After the earthquake that opened the prison doors, he asked them, “What must I do to be saved?” They reply, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and your household.”

Then they spoke the Word of the Lord to him and all the others in his house.

Because Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected, we can have forgiveness and eternal life. It’s a gift!

Remember to tell people they don’t need to “do anything” to win salvation. Ask if they have questions.

Ask if they would like to repent of their sins and put

Dedicated to Educating and Equipping

by Kay L. Meyer

I’m the founder and president of Family Shield Ministries and radio host of Family Shield. The ministry often begins its relationship with individuals by addressing issues and challenges in daily lives. Then we strive to share the Law and Gospel as the Lord opens doors.

Family Shield Ministries’ (FSM) mission is to: educate and equip people, through the power of the Gospel, to know Christ, grow in His Word, and strengthen individuals and their families. A Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, the ministries and services include the weekly Family Shield radio program heard on over 50 stations in 25 states, the counter-cult ministry, educational programs, sharing and promoting resources, and working in partnership with other like-minded Gospel-oriented organizations.

Family Shield Ministries’ name is based on Eph. 6:16 “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” n

their faith in Christ. Pray with them or encourage them to pray privately to the Lord. Explain that when they repent and believe, the Holy Spirit is in their hearts through faith. He will teach them (John 16:13).

Join us in praying that the Lord will bless the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Lutheran Hour Ministries, and Family Shield Ministries as we “equip the saints to share their faith in their daily lives.” n * From Witnessing—A Lifestyle, a book by Kay Meyer

onthemove

by Bruce Wurdeman Executive Director Lutheran Hour Ministries

Ugly!?

Ugly people! They were truly ugly people—inside and out. You don’t believe it? Let’s see if you would invite these folks to a cookout on your deck. Let’s take inventory. We know that they built small pyramids out of human skulls—skulls of their victims.

We know that they lined their temples with human hides. We know that they sometimes impaled alive on their temple walls those they had defeated in battle. We know that they conquered nations and, when they did, they put fishhooks through their captives’ noses, tied them all together, tied them to a saddle and led them, on foot behind the horses, to prison.

I’m sure by now you want names and addresses so that you can invite these folks to your next party.

Many of you have figured out that I’m talking about Assyrians from the 8th century BC. These folks were ugly folks—arch enemies of almost everyone around them, including Israel. With their headquarters at Nineveh, they controlled the world—at least that part of the world—and they did so with brutality and extreme force.

Enter Yahweh. Yahweh had an idea. Let’s send a prophet to address the sins of this pagan nation—to call them to repentance. Let’s see. Who will it be?

How about…Jonah! You know the story. When Jonah

receives this most unsavory call to go to the nation’s worst enemies and try to convert them, he runs as far as he could the other way—toward southern Spain.

But God wouldn’t let him get away. A storm, an attempted drowning, salvation by a fish and a regurgitation on the shore and Jonah is back on track.

And, as wildly unlikely as it is, Jonah is successful! His recorded sermon is short: “Yet 40 days and Nineveh shall be overthrown.”

That’s it. If he said more than that, it isn’t recorded. But Yahweh can use most anything and anyone to accomplish His purposes and the king repents and instructs his subjects to do the same. Nineveh is spared!

Somebody pays attention to a prophet’s words—a rare circumstance in the Old Testament! You’d think Jonah would be overjoyed.

But you’d be wrong. Jonah is angry. Read Jonah chapter 4. Jonah wants to see these people fry!

He’s frustrated that God is forgiving and merciful.

Jonah’s worst enemies and his nation’s worst enemies will live another day. Jonah is angry at God and he lets Yahweh know it. Then comes Yahweh’s response—the punch line to the whole book: “… should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who don’t know their right hand from their left [little kids] and also much cattle?”

The lesson for Jonah and the lesson for us is that

God cares about every person in His creation. Let that soak in for a minute. He cares about the mother in a Florida prison who killed her three children. He cares about those who fight against the U.S. in the Middle East wars. He cares about the guy down the block that you really don’t like very much. And He cares about really big sinners—like you and me.

Our goal at Lutheran Hour Ministries is to bring that message that God cares—that He cared so much that He sent His Son to be our Savior—to all kinds of people. That message goes out on the radio waves, TV cables, print pieces, and in digital bytes to people throughout the U.S. and around the world. And yes, it finds its way to some really ugly people, too—people you wouldn’t invite to your barbecue, but people you will spend eternity with because God touched their ugly hearts and made them His. And, you know, that’s His business—salvaging ugly people and ugly hearts—including mine. n

Has a r Ministries u o H n a r e th u L our y d e lp e h m a r prog h outreach? it w n io t a g e r

cong

Has one of ou r pr grams touched youo r life?

Become an LHM Brand Advocate and share your story and ours with your peers and congregation!

Partner with us today at

www.lhm.org/advocate

Partners in HIS Mission The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 11

Put me to the test…

Let’s face it, deciding where to give can be hard. Trusting God with your finances can be hard.

Most of all, just finding the resources to give can be hard.

In Malachi 3:8-12 the people were told not to hold back their tithes and offerings to the Lord.

God told the people to “put me to the test” by giving their full tithe. In return, He promised overflowing blessing to the “produce of your soil” and the “vine of your field.”

For individuals working in the agricultural industry, the metaphor in Malachi is just what they may need to hear. If this applies

Malachi 3:10

to you, LHM prays that God will make fruitful the works of your hands in 2013.

Follow God’s call to give and receive His blessings as He chooses.

Through the First Fruits Giving program, farmers, ranchers, cattlemen, etc., have a special giving opportunity to partner in God’s mission through gifts of crops, land, property, livestock, or other bounty. This is a great option to give of the assets God has uniquely provided. Even better, your family will likely qualify for significant tax savings.

If the First Fruits Giving program is right for you, please contact the Lutheran Hour Ministries Gift Planning Department at 314-317-4113 or lhm-gift@lhm.org. n

Changes to Thrivent Choice — The Thrivent Choice program is a special resource for many faithful people who support Lutheran Hour Ministries each year.

Prior to 2012, Thrivent members could set up a recurring direction to LHM, and Thrivent would designate Choice Dollars to the ministry every time they were available. But this has changed.

Thrivent members can no longer set up a recurring direction to an organization, such as LHM. Thrivent members now have to go through the gift designation process every time Choice Dollars are available.

Thrivent officials did not make this change lightly. It was done in order to not deplete the program’s budget and have to reduce Choice Dollars overall

designation rates. These steps keep the program fully funded to ensure members can contribute as much as possible to the causes they support.

LHM wants Thrivent members to take full advantage of the Choice program, whether you choose to support this ministry or any other.

To find and support Lutheran Hour Ministries through Thrivent Choice online, simply go to www.

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

Zone Explores New Options

by Gerald Perschbacher

An era of Christian service concluded with the recent closure of the Jacksonville Developmental Center in Jacksonville, Ill. The facility was graced by monthly visits for 47 years by members of Zone 7 of the LLL Central Illinois District, reports Norman Kleinschmidt, longtime Int’l LLL leader.

Over the years, dozens of zone volunteers offered Christian support and fellowship to patients. Early on, seven churches were involved in the effort. The time spent in the Christ-centered visits pointed patients to God’s Grace.

But the LLL zone continues in outreach activities that include LHM booth exhibits at the Illinois State Fair, a county fair, plus a homecoming and major fall festival, to name a few. Demand is high for handout material relating to cancer, health matters, and children. Opportunities have been advanced in outreach to the Hispanics in the zone.

More options are being considered for the future in an effort of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. n

The Proof is in the Archaeology!

Popular Lutheran author Dr. Paul Maier (standing at right) addressed 400 friends and members of the Int’l LLL at the Grand Canyon District Lutheran Hour Ministries Rally, Jan. 26. His topic was “The Crescent and the Cross.” Maier said, “Christianity is number one and Islam number two—that’s why we get attacked!” However, archaeology often supports Christianity.

A freewill offering supported the LHM International Ministry Center in Paraguay. The event was hosted by Mountain View Lutheran Church, Apache Junction, Ariz. n

12 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

速

The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 13

Viewer Feedback

Commends Intersection

Pastor Gregory Seltz, host of Intersection

T

he Intersection of Church & State, a Lutheran Hour Ministries-produced television program which aired across the United States last fall, was greeted positively by viewers who contacted LHM with their comments and suggestions. This hour-long program, hosted by Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, explored the idea of “the separation of church and state,” especially in light of the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ….” Using news clips, on-the-street responses, and expert commentary, context was given to the historical antecedents behind the church-state relationship.

Instead of characterizing the church-state relationship as possessing a “wall of separation,” the program suggests a superior metaphor describing the churchstate relationship actually resembles an intersection, which benefits us all.

One viewer wrote, “We just watched the program The Intersection of Church & State. It was very well done. It contained valuable explanations about the interaction of church and state. Thank you to all who made this program possible. Another wrote, “Well done!

This is The Lutheran Hour and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod that brought my mother to the Lutheran Church in 1938!

Keep up the excellent work....”

Church and state actually work together on many fronts. In fact, the Tad Armstrong, legal expert and author, was one of intersection of these several who brought the message of church and two entities is unavoidstate to the screen.

14 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

able; the purpose of the state is to “promote the general welfare” of its citizens on this earth. The purpose of the church is to deal with spiritual issues and truth as people live their lives in this world, with an eye to the next. Each seeks the improvement of our country’s citizens.

There is tremendous potential for a healthy collaboration in caring for the needy, settling refugees, child adoption, chaplain services and more. “I believe most people think there is this stark separation between church and state and ‘never the twain shall meet.’ But since both kingdoms are in the people business, there has to be overlap. I think the program did well at showing what great things can be accomplished for people in need when both church and state come together (as in the case of the immigrants),” noted Rev. Wayne Palmer, LHM’s theological editor and one of the writers for the program.

One donor wrote about the church-state dichotomy: “The Intersection of Church & State helps explain the issues at stake and why there are two different worlds. The documentary tried to make sense out of what is going on and reaching out to help other people understand our position. Greg (Seltz) did a great job of tying it all together (with the help of) a lot of good participants.”

Responding compassionately to the urgent and often dire circumstances people endure when facing disaster or calam-

LCMS President Matthew Harrison offered a Biblical perspective on the mission of the Church in relation to the nation.

ity are exactly the kinds of things church and state can do well together. “There have always been and continue to be broad areas of cooperation between church and state. Church and state cooperate in the areas of education, social ministry, adoption, military chaplaincy, and the like. The church continues to play a vital role in caring for the spiritual and physical needs of the citizens of our country,” said Rev. Mark Larson, director for U.S. Ministries at LHM. For more about The Intersection of Church & State go to www.lhm.org. n

Project Connect Extends Discount on Start-Up Kit Congregations can still take advantage of a special discounted price for the Project Connect StartUp Kit. These three-tier stands are freestanding, rotate for viewing, hold 24 different Project Connect booklets, and come with a supply of 230 booklets to get you going.

They’re perfect for your congregation, community center, doctor’s office, auto body shop, and anyplace else folks gather. To get these Christ-centered booklets into your community, just call our response center at 1-800-876-9880. Tell one of our reps you’re interested in the “special price” of $180! We’ll pick up the cost for shipping and handling. Please hurry—supplies are limited! n

Coming Soon:

Men’s NetWork Fishing Tournament

It’s time to cast off the shadows and gloom of a long winter and think again about battling lunkers!

Soon it will be time to pull out the tackle box, rewind the spools with fresh line, and sharpen the barbs on hooks for the Fifth Annual LHM Men’s NetWork 2013 North American Fishing tournament, which kicks into full swing from April 8 to September 1. Details are available at www.lhmmen.com.

Ten bucks gets you in for the whole contest. Each registrant receives a Men’s NetWork cap and more. To verify submitted fish, we want a close-up and clear picture of the fisherman with the fish as well as one of the fish on a scale, clearly showing its weight. Weekly winners in any one of the 12 categories get a specially made T-shirt and a $10 Bass Pro Shops® gift card. At the end, the winner in the Grand Prize drawing sails away with a $500 MasterCard or VISA gift card.

It’s as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. Registration is now open. n

Get a lift… from a Daily Devotion, courtesy of LHM. Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour, provides written messages each day in English—and also offers an English audio version. It’s free and brimming with Good News in Christ! Find out for yourself by going to www.lhm.org and click on the box at mid page that says, “Need a morning boost?” n

Harold W. Decksheimer, a Canadian active in activities supporting LHM, has authored a book, “Christianity Your Free Passport to Heaven.” He emphasizes more than a dozen major points of the faith. LHM is referenced. The author may be reached at hdeck33@ telus.net or (250) 762-5235. n

Stay connected for the latest ministry news!

Visit us online at www.lhm.org.

facebook.com/ LutheranHourMinistries

Follow us on Twitter: @LHMglobalmin The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 15

Learn How YOU Can Share Christ with Your Neighbors Make Plans Now to Attend a Regional Outreach Conference in 2013

by Chad Fix

M

any people in today’s world are becoming spiritual wanderers—who often discover little purpose for their lives, little hope for a future and no one to turn to for real comfort and strength in times of trouble.

As Christians, we know that outreach can be intimidating because many of us believe it is difficult to speak to others about their beliefs without crossing any boundaries. So how do we leave our comfort zones to be empowered to share the Good News without fear to those who are lost and hurting?

Providing individuals and churches with the necessary tools to witness effectively is why Lutheran Hour Ministries launched its Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) in 2011 and is hosting eight more conferences throughout 2013. As witnesses of God’s mercy, we have a phenomenal story of a God who loves us so deeply that He gave His Son as a ransom to save us from evil. At the ROC, you will learn ways to share this story of salvation with those who desperately need the God of the universe to intervene in their lives.

“We are living in a world that is falling apart,” said Rev. Dr. Robert Newton, president of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. “We have this It is not an wonderful Gospel treasure for the broken situations in this accident that world. It is not an accident that God has chosen us to share the God has chosen Gospel at this time. The world is listening … what do we want us to share them to hear?”

These two-day conferences, the Gospel at which already kicked off with California conthis time. back-to-back ferences in Sacramento and Long Beach, include: • rock-solid and relevant keynote presentations from well-known individuals throughout the Lutheran community (Rev. Gregory Seltz, Rev. Dean Nadasdy, Rev. Bill Woolsey, Rev. John Nunes, Rev. Mark Zehnder, and Rev. Newton); • a multi-media, interactive session on navigating difficult outreach situations; • live worship music; • on-site advice from outreach consultants and technology experts to enhance attendees’ personal, congregational, and online witnessing abilities; • fun and memorable learning options for adults, teens, and younger children.

Each conference also features hands-on witnessing oppor16 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

Rev. Gregory Seltz offers practical outreach help for everyday situations during ROC— Sacramento.

Conference attendees share ideas during a small group discussion.

Kip Fox leads the Sacramento worship music.

tunities, small- and large-group discussions, information-packed workshops covering a variety of outreach topics that reach today’s culture and powerful ministry tools to enrich and inspire attendees to share the love of Jesus, our spiritual ROCK, with people in their world.

“We want to help you be prepared to give an answer when you encounter a witnessing opportunity,” says Rev. Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. “Always be ready to share the hope within you, by explaining to the person that Jesus loves you the way He loves me.”

“Get to know the culture you are speaking to so you can earn the right to further your conversation and share your faith,” said Rev. Nadasdy, president of the Minnesota South District of the A ROC attendee explains LCMS, during his keyhow he would handle a difficult outreach note presentation in situation.

Sacramento.

“Our congregational focus is on how to bring the church to the community and this conference gave me insight on how to best do that,” said Michael Dubé of Elk Grove, Calif., after attending ROC—Sacramento.

While the Sacramento and Long Beach ROCs are already in the books, you are encouraged to check out one of the six remaining conferences this summer and fall being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada); Richmond, Virginia; Cleveland, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; Omaha, Nebraska; and Houston, Texas. For more information on these conferences, including program, registration and lodging details, visit www.lhm.org/roc.

“Don’t pass up an opportunity to attend,” said Jennifer Delamotte of Turlock, Calif. “The conference is well worth the time and energy for people of all ages and is highly relevant whether you’re a pastor or a layperson.” n

Service Opportunity at ROC:

‘The Sock Project’

Attendees of the 2013 Regional Outreach Conference (ROC) series will have an opportunity to participate in a special outreach project that will positively impact our communities. Lutheran Hour Ministries will be putting personal hygiene items into socks at each conference for distribution to local homeless shelters within the region in which the ROCs are being held. Lutheran Hour Ministries’ staff at the headquarters in St. Louis has also been donating items to work in partnership with what is collected from ROC attendees.

If you attend a ROC and would like to participate in this project, we are in need of the following new, travel-sized hygiene products (unopened hotel freebies are great too): toothpaste, single-packaged toothbrush, comb, shampoo, bar of soap, men’s deodorant, and Kleenex packs.

Simply bring your donated

items when you check-in for the conference or drop them by the Lutheran Hour Ministries booth in the exhibit area anytime throughout the conference.

Thanks for helping us make an impact in the communities where we are hosting Regional Outreach Conferences during 2013! n

New ‘Look’ at JCPlayZone If you haven’t sailed over to JCPlayZone in a while, it’s high time to come on by. When you arrive at www. jcplayzone.com, you might be surprised at the new homepage look: it’s an ark—packed with a cargo of goodies. Here you’ll find a boatload of seafaring critters drifting about in search of kids—and adults—that are looking for fun !

In addition to Bible stories, music, cards, printable and online coloring pages, crafts, recipes, and daily devotions, this gopher wood cruiser is now bearing parables, featuring some of the memorable stories that Jesus told so well, accompanied by an illustration. For the up-and-coming Bible scholar, the website now offers memory verses too. Ideal for giving your young one a hearty gem from God’s Word, these bite-sized verses are perfect for kids that want to beef up their diet with some sound Bible nutrition.

With JCPlayZone, sharing is easy. Just click on the bubble above the whale’s head, and you can send a note with the JCPlayZone link to a buddy. n The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 17

Online Mission Trip 2013 Engages Schoolchildren in Thailand Outreach “Sawadee ka!”

That was the daily greeting from Lutheran Hour Ministries— Thailand’s director, Boom Ekwanit Denow, to more than 13,000 “virtual missionaries” in Lutheran schools who participated in the 2013 Online Mission Trip to Thailand. For four days in late January, Lutheran schools across the country took part in a unique mission experience on the other side of the world—without leaving their classrooms.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Online Mission Trips use streamed video, both live and recorded, to introduce students to the culture of another country and to the ways in which the organization’s international ministry centers reach out with the Gospel. Students have an opportunity to meet and interact with the ministry center’s director live through videoconferencing and online chat. Participants are encouraged to support the featured ministry center’s efforts through their chapel offerings for the month.

Designed to coincide with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s National Lutheran Schools Week (Jan. 28-31 in 2013), Online Mission Trips are open to Lutheran Schools and Lutheran home schools. The program, now in its second year, has educated an estimated total of nearly 21,000 students about Lutheran Hour Ministries’ outreach around the world.

“This Online Mission Trip was a great opportunity for the children in the U.S. and Canada to be able to see, listen and learn for themselves how Thai people live—especially Thai children!” said Gunya NaThalang, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Regional Director for Asia.

“Students received some important insight into the work of Christian evangelism in Thailand,” said Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt, Director of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ International division.

“Spreading the Good News about Jesus is a challenge—especially in a place where 95 percent of the population is Buddhist. But I think that after seeing the videos of our ministry center staff in action, students had a sense of how enthusiastically the staff works to share the Gospel with the people of Thailand.”

Rutt and NaThalang hosted the Online Mission Trip from the ministry’s St. Louis-based studio. Denow joined them via Skype over the internet.

What are participants saying about the event? A group from Nebraska wrote, “Thank you for the OMT experience! We will be praying for the people in Thailand to hear the good news.” A teacher from Oklahoma shared, “Some of my students want their own elephants now. It has been great learning more about Thailand and how the Gospel is spread there!”

Thailand ministry center Director Boom Denow has posted follow-up comments on her blog; to read them, visit lhmthailand. wordpress.com. The Lutheran Hour Ministries International staff will begin planning the 2014 Online Mission Trip to Kenya soon.

To learn more about Online Mission Trips, visit: www.lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips n

18 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

Boom Ekwanit Denow (on screen) of Thailand visited electronically with school children in America. The January Online Mission Trip was hosted by Gunya Na Thalang and Dr. Douglas Rutt (seated).

One group of participants included this class in St. Louis.

Live action made the Online Mission Trip exciting as great distances were instantly spanned.

Online Mission Trips: Just Completed —

L

Thailand

utheran Hour Ministries in Thailand uses mass media technologies to proclaim the Gospel to the Thai people, while supporting local churches and LCMS missionaries. Their work is rapidly expanding.

The ministry center broadcasts a variety of 25-minute radio programs each day plus follow-up for individual listeners. They offer two adult Bible Correspondence Courses and one children’s course.

The website has downloadable radio programs, dramas, Christian music, print materials, Bible courses, free booklets, online daily devotions, and a bookstore.

Parade on the Move in Kansas for 55th year

The center’s relief ministry has historically been very effective in assisting struggling people and building relationships.

Locally Known as: Journey Into Light Ministry Blog: lhmthailand.wordpress.com s For more information, visit www.lhm.org/partner, or contact Polly Gregali at 1-800-944-3450 ext. 4164, or polly.gregali@lhm.org

s

The Biblesta celebration in Kansas is one of the greatest events of its kind in the world. So says LHM supporter Kenneth Lott who has been involved on the annual project for many years. The floats are not commercially made and each one is built on a Biblical theme. The event, which reaches its 55th year this October, is believed to be the only parade in America where everyone is in Biblical costume. The idea for the parade is attributed to Dr. Arthur Carlson, a local veterinarian. n

Coming Next —

B

Kenya

esides interactive website content, social media, and text messaging, Lutheran Hour Ministries in Kenya is also active in key holistic areas.

Director: John Maina

Reaching Rahab is designed to rehabilitate convicted women. The program recruits young inmates for Bible study and a vocational training program that teaches them income-producing trades.

Ministry’s mission teams present film shows and rallies featuring music and drama as well as a Gospel message.

People who respond are invited to enroll in the center’s popular Bible Correspondence Courses.

Locally Known As: Nuru Lutheran Media Ministry Blog: lhmkenya.wordpress.com

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

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

2013

Teams routinely test people for disease and help them develop ways of coping with their condition. They also connect clients to local pastors for follow-up spiritual care.

Winnipeg, Canada July 5-7 Richmond, Va. Aug. 2-4 Cleveland, Ohio Aug. 9-10

Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 6-7 Omaha, Neb. Oct. 18-19 Houston, Texas Nov. 15-16

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

The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 19

Fox Installed as Director of LHM Partner Ministry in Australia

O

n December 2, 2012, Rev. Richard Fox was installed as director of Australia-based Lutheran Media Ministry during a regular worship service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide, Australia. Fox succeeds Rev. Richard Mau, who retired November 30 after 16 years in the director role.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Australian partner Lutheran Media Ministry got its start in the mid-1940s, when broadcasts of The Lutheran Hour program over station HCJB in Quito, Ecuador, could be picked up in Australia. In 1945 an Australian network aired The Lutheran Hour on 44 stations and the program grew in popularity Down Under; in 1949, Australian broadcasters began substituting music by Australian choirs for the American music that typified the program. Over time Lutheran Media Ministry has added technologies such as television and the internet to its list of Gospel media.

LMM’s impact in Australia is comparable to the impact of The Lutheran Hour and other LHM media in the United States. “While somewhere between 30,000 and 60,000 Lutherans will gather [in churches] to worship God throughout Australia and New Zealand on any given Sunday, Lutheran Media Ministry reaches more than one million people every week through the use of radio, internet, television, and print media,” writes Linda Macqueen, Communications Coordinator at the Lutheran Church of Australia. (Adding to this perspective, between 800,000 and 900,000 worship in LCMS churches in North America weekly— while The Lutheran Hour, the Men’s NetWork, MISSION U, and LHM’s booklet and Daily Devotion ministries touch people with the Gospel more than a million times a week!)

“It is still a surprise to me, the reach that we have into houses and homes,” says Fox. “It’s like doing pastoral visiting right where people are. The amount of feedback through responses and requests for our materials is phenomenal. Through radio there is almost an instant response to programs and spots.”

Rev. Richard Mau (left), outgoing director, welcomes Fox is excited and believes Lutheran Media Ministry will keep growing, building espenew Director Rev. Richard Fox to his new role at Fox’s cially on the strengths of its flagship Face to Face program. installation service.

“Face to Face has now been accessible at no charge through iTunes and mobile devices for six months,” he says. “Media is heading into a world of diversity – it isn’t just about radio, television, internet, and print.”

To learn more about Lutheran Media Ministry and the Lutheran Church of Australia, visit http://www.lutheranmedia.org.au/lutheranmedia. n

International Volunteer Trip:

A Hands-on Mission Adventure for You! Around the world, the need for the Gospel is great—and it’s urgent. What can you do? You can provide financial support. You can pray for international missions—especially the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Also, through a Lutheran Hour Ministries International Volunteer Trip, you can GO. Work side by side with Lutheran Hour Ministries international staff and volunteers doing real day-to-day Gospel outreach on an exciting and inspiring International Volunteer Trip! LHM offers a variety of opportunities to suit the Gospel outreach to which you have been called—from helping to build homes or churches to leading vacation Bible school to teaching conversational English to assisting with mobile medical clinics.

Lutheran Hour Ministries oversees all logistical details and provides you the training you need for effective witness. Projects are available now. Ready to sign Volunteers on site during an International Volunteer Trip. up? Visit www.lhm.org/teams to get started! n 20 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

Holistic Ministry in Latvia

Opens Doors to Witness In an effort to help strengthen the family as the foundation of Latvian society, Lutheran Hour Ministries— Latvia brings families together— just to be together and have fun! This Family Sports Day was held in the town of Baldone.

Families in Aloja, Latvia, gather for a day of sports and games hosted by Lutheran Hour Ministries—Latvia.

How important is building relationships to the spread of the Gospel? Lutheran Hour Ministries’ center in the Republic of Latvia knows. One of the center’s new initiatives aims to strengthen poor families by responding to physical needs and fostering togetherness.

Austerity measures adopted by the Republic of Latvia and other Baltic states early in the current financial crisis have staved off national bankruptcy. But unemployment has risen in Latvia. Many have traveled to other parts of Europe to find work. The poor left behind have been hard-hit.

Luteranu Stunda Director Artis Purins builds relationships with Lutheran churches throughout Latvia to reach out to the poor by stockpiling shipments of new and used clothing, household goods, and supplies via Orphan Grain Train. In cooperation with the churches, Luteranu Stunda now hosts family sports days, as children and parents participate in sports and games.

A sponsoring church begins the day’s activities with devotions.

Then the ministry center’s events manager, Eriks Laime-Babris, leads families in sports and in community-building activities. Par-

ticipating families enjoy refreshments. Each family is given a gift package from Orphan Grain Train supplies.

At first, some parents feel silly playing games suited to children—but community spirit encourages them to get involved and build relationships.

As LHM staff participate in the activities, they have numerous opportunities to witness about Jesus.

Family sports days result in referrals to local congregations! Relationships are the key. North American congregational and individual partners are seizing new opportunities to minister to people by building relationships with them and encouraging them to build relationships with each other as well.

To explore how you can support Lutheran Hour Ministries—Latvia as an International Ministries Partner, visit www.lhm.org/partner. n

2013 IRA Gift Opportunity — Make your gift go further!

New book on Hoffmann as All-American All-American Dave Hoffmann tells his story as a Washington University Husky Legend in the book ‘The Husky Hitman,’ written by Hoffmann and Derek Johnson. Dave is the son of Pastor Paul Hoffmann and grandson of Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, a revered former speaker of The Lutheran Hour. Subtitled The Life and Times of a Linebacker in the Golden Age of Washington Football, the 154-page hardbound book captures the verve and excitement of Dave Hoffmann’s rise to football fame and Rose Bowl memories.

Available from DJ Books, P.O. Box 8298, Port Orchard, WA 98366 (derekjohnsonbooks@comcast.net); on Kindle at Amazon.com. n

• Make a gift of up to $100,000 per person.

• Gifts count toward your required minimum distributions (RMD).

• You must be age 70½ or older.

• Gifts must be transferred directly to LHM by your IRA administrator, not by you.

• Make your gift by December 31, 2013.

Call 1-877-333-1963 for more information or visit www.lhm.org/ira The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 21

Women Made an Impact

on Mission in Guatemala

W

hen Janice Wendorf had the opportunity to head to Guatemala last November, she had one big thing in mind: MISSION. The purpose came naturally since Jan is a former president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) and a current member of the Int’l LLL Board of Directors.

“I went on the mission trip with a group of 13 LWML women from Michigan, Indiana, and Virginia. The trip was sponsored by MOST Ministries,” she notes.

(Mission Oppotunities Short Term, Ann Arbor, Mich, an RSO of the LCMS). “I am interested in going again, on an LHM trip, so that I might be able to see more of what the ministry is doing in Guatemala.” The motive for this desire comes out of Psalm 86:11: “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart.”

Jan wanted to sign up for a mission trip since 2008 when she was LWML president. Back then, “I issued a challenge to our 40 LWML districts to each sponsor two short-term trips in the next couple of years. Since I had set the challenge, I figured that I should also go!” Why? “I wanted to get a better insight into ministry in other countries.”

She saw the excitement that bubbled in conversations among women who had been on similar trips. Most of those ladies were ready to go again. “I wanted to find out about that!”

When the “baker’s dozen” arrived in Guatemala, it only took a short time before they met Rebeca de Franco, who heads the Lutheran Hour Ministries Ministry Center in Guatemala City. “Rebeca was preparing for a large gathering as part of Project JOEL (supported by a current LWML grant). Rebeca was working on final details but found a few hours to connect with us. When we attended worship that Sunday, November 11, it was my birthday. As a birthday blessing, Rebeca sang ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You’…there weren’t many dry eyes.

She had a beautiful voice. Guatemalans really know how to celebrate. They shot off fireworks at breakfast right after singing to me.”

A few days later, as the LWML bunch helped with mission efforts among women and children at Santiago Zamora, Rebeca brought her daughter Maria to offer a helping hand while sharing the love of God in Christ. “It was amazing to see God working in the lives of children and women we worked with at five locations/churches. “There was a sincere passion shown by ministry center officials who endeavor to serve the children and women of Guatemala.”

“This made me appreciative of all that God has entrusted to me, and also renewed the commitment to share more of His blessings with others,” Jan adds.

Women at Santiago Zamora show their craft projects. Rebeca de Franco coordinated the effort as part of mission outreach.

22 The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013

“The trip reaffirmed the importance of the work and gave me new insights in how to pray for that work …. I found myself grateful for the people who work to spread the news of Jesus Christ.”

Now that a few months have passed, Jan finds that she turns special thoughts toward LHM. “My support of LHM is important! I would like to go to Guatemala on an LHM trip, especially to see Rebeca in action, see her office, meet her staff, etc.”

Jan can’t think of any disappointments on the trip and she does not see age as a hindrance. “As far as encouraging others to get involved: go for it! If God has given you good health and the desire to go, try it.”

Jan concludes, “I was the youngest woman on the trip. Everyone else was older. They were my heroes!”

For details about LHM Volunteer Trips, go to www.lhm.org/ teams/ and consider the options for a variety of destinations in the coming months! n

Janice Wendorf (left) receives a birthday package from Rebeca de Franco of the LHM Ministry Center in Guatemala. Wendorf was one of 13 women who made a November mission trip to Guatemala.

A ‘Growing Practice’ Brings Far-Reaching Benefits

by Brad Neathery

Jared Dollar is a living example of how God uses Christians to serve Him through their personal and professional lives. A real estate agent and resident of Jefferson City, Mo., Jared has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years. Trinity has the distinction of being the only Lutheran church with a school in his part of central Missouri. Jared has proudly been able to have his children attend Trinity Lutheran School and sincerely relates that “I can think of no better place for kids to go to school in the area.”

Jared’s association with Lutheran organizations goes far beyond the school and church.

Dollar is active in a men’s group at Trinity that regularly takes advantage of Men’s NetWork materials and Lutheran Hour Ministries’ devotions. Seeing the impact of these resources has led Jared to be a proud long-time supporter of LHM. In 2011, Jared Dollar had an opportunity to support the Cause of Christ through his professional work as well. Skip and Shirley Eno, a couple from his church, wished to donate a piece of rental property to LHM. They asked for Jared’s advice. Lutheran Hour Ministries would, in turn, sell the property and invest the proceeds to support God’s mission in the U.S. and around the world.

Donating real estate and personal property is a growing practice at LHM for many reasons. Donors are able to deduct the value of the property, creating valuable tax savings that benefit them and their family. They are also able to give back of the blessings God has given them to make a real difference in the work of this ministry.

Jared Dollar inside Trinity Lutheran Church Skip, a former LLL district president, and wife Shirley wanted to support Lutheran Hour Ministries with this type of gift. However, after over half a year of trying to sell the home, there was a problem – the house just wasn’t drawing buyers. Jared assessed the situation. He decided the issue could be a 30-year-old garage door on the house. This door presented cosmetic and safety concerns for potential buyers.

Jared wanted this gift to impact the Lord’s work at Lutheran Hour Ministries, so he offered a solution.

By God’s providence, Jared had a relatively new garage door available. Without hesitation, he made a personal donation of the door and covered all expenses for installation.

Jared’s gift paid off – 45 days after the garage door was replaced the home was sold. Jared had helped the Enos to benefit Lutheran Hour Ministries, but just as importantly he had allowed God to use him to make a greater difference in the world. To be an instrument of God in this way is one of the great blessings we are offered in this life – to be a part of something greater.

For anyone who would like more information on this type of giving, please contact Adam Eggemeyer at adam.eggemeyer@lhm.org. If you have any other questions concerning financial support for Lutheran Hour Ministries, please contact lhm-gift@lhm.org. n Jared with Men’s NetWork material he uses locally

Are you ‘Automatic’?

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way… – 2 Corinthians 9:11 God’s Word makes it clear – He loves and blesses a cheerful giver. LuGod’s Word theran Hour Ministries believe that makes it clear– God has called us to tell the nations He loves and about His love and forgiveness; and that’s why we ask for financial supblesses a port. Your partnership allows us to cheerful giver reach out with the Gospel.

Martin Luther said that “whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still posses.” Your gifts to Lutheran Hour Ministries do not go away—

you are still connected to them because your generosity plays a part in transforming hearts and lives of real people. Your impact can reach into eternity!

A great way for you to partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries on a daily basis is to establish an automatic gift. This option allows you to set up a schedule (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually) for when you want gifts to Lutheran Hour Ministries to be automatically deducted from your account.

Think of it this way – You don’t worry about keeping your watch running because it’s automatic. In much the same way, you don’t have to worry about remembering to support God’s mission through

Lutheran Hour Ministries if your giving is automatic. You can have peace of mind and be confident that you will be there as we share the truth of Christ.

Signing up for Automatic Giving is easy and we’re here to help you every step of the way! You can check it out online at www.lhm. org/automaticgiving. Or you can contact Lutheran Hour Ministries for direct assistance at 1-800-9443450 or lhm-gift@lhm.org. n

The Lutheran Layman March - April 2013 23

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

’Still’... and Hectic page 2

PAID

St. Louis, MO. Permit No. 619

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

“When our hearts are ‘still in Christ,’ then we have power to face the chaos of life.” — Pastor Gregory Seltz Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive • St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8557 • (314) 317-4100 or 1-800-944-3450 Kurt Buchholz, Chairman • Bruce Wurdeman, Executive Director The Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League, with its outreach through Lutheran Hour Ministries, is an auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—Canada.

Mission Trip 2013

Families at Stake!

pages 8 - 10

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