The Lutheran Layman

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN September - October 2016

FOREVER FORWARD!

By Gerald Perschbacher

I

NDIVIDUALS WHO CONTEND THAT THE WORD “MINISTRY” is less a noun and more a verb seek good examples of that usage.

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al ary i c e sp ivers FF n O an KICK

Celebrate a Century . . . . . . .10 Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tracing Radio’s Impact . . . . . .14 Madagascar Online Trip . . . . . 17 Proclaiming in Laos. . . . . . . . .18 General Vessey Departs . . . . . 19

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SPEAKINGUP

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

A Place for SINNERS “I believe in the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints!”— HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THE POWER OF THAT CONFESSION? It’s amazing: we believe in Jesus and because of that we believe IN THE CHURCH, you and me gathered around the Means of Grace, by grace through faith in Him! So, when you are in church just take a look around.

You’ll see family and friends, but you might also see others that you don’t really know, maybe even some that you don’t like. Can you honestly say, “I believe in them”? Yes, you can. In fact, that’s the miracle of being the Church—a place where sinners, broken people in a variety of ways, gather and truly receive Christ’s mercy and grace not only in time of need, but for life, period. That’s the Church!

I love some of the words from a poem by Mavis Williams: “If you should find the perfect church, Without one fault or smear, For goodness sake! Don’t join that church; You’d spoil the atmosphere.

If you should find the perfect church, Where all anxieties cease Then pass it by, lest joining it, You’d mar the masterpiece.”

You see, the masterpiece is not us. The masterpiece is Christ, His grace, His mercy, His peace. There is no other institution in this world like the Church because of the proclamation of forgiveness, life, and salvation you’ll find there. That’s why we can even honestly look at ourselves, look at each other, and still say, “I believe in the holy Christian Church, the communion of Saints.”

It’s vital to get the idea of the “Church” right in our minds, so that we can talk about its purpose— its mission in this world for others. There are things that we do, decisions that we make, traditions that we keep, but we need to remember what makes the Church what it is, is not the wisdom of our structures or our ministries. No, what makes the Church special is that there is real forgiveness and mercy, from the real present Lord Jesus for all those who gather and receive His gifts through repentant faith. What

L AYMAN

with Speaker Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz

makes the Church special is the power of that faith in Christ to live life graciously to others in humble service.

To say, “I believe in the Holy Christian Church,” means that we can begin to believe in each of you as well, because the same Jesus who forgives you and covers you with His holiness and righteousness is the Lord and Savior of my life, too. He bonds us as people of His grace, grace we need and grace we receive together the same!

When visiting many of you, I often ask, “Why is it important to come to church?” Of course, many give wonderful answers like, “I come to hear God’s Word; I come to be spiritually fed; I come to sing God’s praises.” I say “All those answers are wonderful, but here’s another important reason to come— to miraculously learn to love people we don’t necessarily like!” We begin to do that by loving those God has gathered in this place called “Church” as fellow sinners saved by grace alone. Where else can you go to get that?

… that’s the miracle of being the Church— a place where sinners, broken people in a variety of ways, gather and truly receive Christ’s mercy and grace not only in time of need, but for life, period. That’s the Church!

So, together with you, LHM celebrates you, pastor and people, as Christ’s Church. We believe in you and will strive to equip you personally as God’s witnesses who need to desperately hear that the church is a place where sinners can go to find real life and salvation! To that end, may God richly bless us all. n

christ

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

The Lutheran

Vol. 87, No. 5 September - October 2016

Dr. Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.), Editor • Denis Kloppenburg & Andrea Thompson, Layout Subscription: $5. Printed bi-monthly. Send color photos for use. Photos sent to the paper may not be returned. Lutheran Hour Ministries, The Lutheran Hour®, Bringing Christ to the Nations, BCTN, This is the Life, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre, Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, Esta Es La Vida, Para el Camino, and The Hoffmann Society are ® registered marks, or SM service marks. The Puzzle Club is a service mark and trademark of Int’l LLL. All rights reserved, 2016 Int’l LLL. LHM Response Center: 1-800-876-9880

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

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

Hear the message of hope and download the free app at

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forever forward!

from page 1

Truly, there is no better example than the forward motion of ministry promoted by the lay movement called the International Lutheran Laymen’s League as manifested in its Lutheran Hour Ministries.

From the organization’s opening bell in 1917, the laity has been willing to “go to the mat” for the Lord time and again, rebounding from diverse challenges, never snagged and subdued by the ropes of hardship, and far from admitting defeat in ministry advancement. It’s little wonder that the Int’l LLL has as its mission and motto, Bringing

… the laity has been willing to “go to the mat” for the Lord time and again …

congregations. By 1930 that was enlarged to encompass programmatic outreach through The Lutheran Hour on radio, initially a domestic broadcast that grew to international stature by 1940.

Added to these advances were huge rallies around the cross of Christ, attracting thousands, even tens of thousands of people from all levels of society and all walks of life. Then came radio and print outreach in Early sign varied languages spanning the churches used globe in the 1950s and 1960s. Movie to signify production, then television, were their support.

(2) added to the ministry hopper.

This writer recalls the time when a Middle Eastern non-Christian country even supported the broadcasting of television programs courtesy of the LLL—not because of the programs’ Christian values and message, but due

Copy of original poster of TLH rally event

Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church, an apt phrase that encompasses the decades and depth of achievements that pave the road of successful ministry.(1) That success is not of man as much as it is of God Himself. Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, a giant among churchmen active in the 20th century, told this writer a simple phrase, several times: “I have never known an organization that can take so little and use it for so much.” What he underlined was how the budget never was expected to bring as much good as it did, but the Lord blessed the mites and dollars even granting excess at times when the tide of events seemed to bemoan nothing but shortfalls and difficulties. Regardless, the Word of the Lord continued to go and grow as He blessed the efforts.

Had the dozen founders of the LLL been privileged to see the advances of their ministry vision over nearly a full ten decades that followed their effort to retire the oppressive debt of the Missouri Synod in 1917, there is no doubt they would have been spellbound. The church body was organized for lay action as never before, initially involving not merely men but ladies and children, all centered on energetic projects to benefit local outreach via

Shaded areas represent responses from listeners of TLH in North America by Aug. 1936, according to The Lutheran Layman for that month.

‘The Lutheran Hour’ Audience Map

This map shows in figures how The Lutheran Hour audience responded. The tabulation is based on a total of 61,817 communications filed according to States. It is estimated that one out of every thousand listeners writes a letter to the sponsors of a broadast. On this basis TLH reached more than sixty million people. see top of next page

NOTES The phrase “The Lutheran Hour—Bringing Christ to the Nation From Coast to Coast” was the introductory announcement by CBS announcer David Ross on Radio Station WHK in Cleveland on October 2, 1930, the program’s first broadcast (see A Man Spoke, A World Listened, by Paul L. Maier, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, 1963; pages 116-117). When the program was offered in Spanish in 1940, Dr. Paul Maier offered his father the idea of adding an “s” and the phrase stuck: “Bringing Christ to the Nations.” The additional wording “—and the Nations to the Church” was added by Gerald Perschbacher on June 16, 1993, a few weeks before the launch of the ministry effort named Go…tell a NEW generation.

(2) Fred and Edith Pankow explained more on the rise of the LLL and its Lutheran Hour Ministries in the hardbound book, 75 Years of blessings and the BEST is Yet to Come!, Int’l LLL, St. Louis, Missouri, 1992. Please note that the LLL began in 1917 which also was the 400th anniversary of the Reformation. In 1930, when The Lutheran Hour was inaugurated, it was the 400th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession.

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forever forward!

KFUO radio tower

The Fisher family in This Is the Life television series, the 1950s.

to its cultural integrity. That in itself was a homerun for the Gospel!

Among the phenomenal advances in this movement was the inclusion of clergy as supporters of projects and programs.

Dr. Paul Ph. Spitz, a respected Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod pastor and later president of the LCMS Missouri District (1978-1991), was quick to say that “the LLL is for men, women, and pastors” and he went on to explain how the outreach was a magnet for ministry-minded congregations to support.(3) Dr. Dale Meyer, current president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour (19892001), likened the LLL to an active, living, breathing movement. While Speaker, he thrilled LLL supporters with the vision of international branches and related selfsupporting LLL organizations located in many nations.(4) Perhaps the growth of Bible Correspondence Courses is a foretaste of that reality. Dr. Walter A. Maier (first Speaker of The Lutheran Hour) was the author and promoter of early correspondence Bible studies in the 1930s and 1940s. By the time Pastor Ken Klaus took the Speaker’s post (2001-2010,

LLL booth at New York’s World Fair, early 1960s

Speaker Emeritus since then), he augmented the growth by offering two handy books for devotional study and added a long stream of Biblically based online Daily Devotions that continue to this day. The growth in interest is staggering. The number of new students for Bible Correspondence Courses internationally in fiscal year 2015-2016 alone almost surpassed 50,000!

Ancillary efforts advanced the Gospel. Before there was The Lutheran Hour, radio station KFUO had begun. It was guided by Dr. Walter A. Maier’s vision to “reach America via radio.” The LLL was a major source of funding to outfit the station by May of 1923 in an upper room of Concordia Seminary, located at the time on busy South Jefferson Avenue in St. Louis. When the station moved with the seminary in 1926 to suburban Clayton, the LLL was a leader in meeting the costs for revitalizing the station’s equipment in a new building on the campus.(5) Still, the radio station itself was not sufficient to reach the world at that time. The working relationship between the LLL and KFUO deepened over the years, and even now TLH is being broadcast on the station which enjoys worldwide outreach online (www.kfuoam.org). The same program also may be heard at www.lhm.org (www.lutheranhour.org), where it also is available in text and in print.

Dr. Walter A. Maier used an acrostic for KFUO: Keep Forward Upward Onward.(6) The energetic drive and determination of Maier was very powerful as was his desire to spread God’s Word. His delivery was more low-keyed than other preachers of his era and seemed carefully aimed at a wide-ranging audience.(7) In effect, while the

That success is not of man as much as it is of God Himself.

By Chad Fix

H

Looking Up for

Future Ministry Opportunities 4

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

ave you ever caught yourself seeing something new in a place you’ve been to many times? It can be a startling experience. Suddenly you look up and a whole new world seems to appear!

The International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries has been looking up to uncover new possibilities for sharing the Gospel for nearly 100 years, while also challenging and encouraging

But the Word of God & His saving message have never subsided. the church and its people to do the same. The methods and mediums have changed. The strategies and tactics have evolved. But the Word of God and His saving message are unchanged and sorely needed.

Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, 1970s

Young adult ministries, circa 1980

lives of man and woman end, the Message of Good News in Christ continued, forever forward, looking upward, and moving onward. Such remains the emphasis not only for The Lutheran Hour but for each and every effort of LHM. In 1947 as a heavily damaged Europe awakened to a new era in the aftermath of the Second World War, the LLL gauged the future as it marked its 30th anniversary. According to Dr. Eugene Bertermann (then radio secretary for the program) the LLL was focused on worldwide radio mission work as never before. The timing was perfect from another perspective: 1947 was the centennial of the Missouri Synod. The Lutheran Layman on April 21 reported, “By convention resolution the Lutheran Laymen’s League has set itself a goal of using ‘every available and suitable station on earth for the proclamation of Christ’s eternal Gospel.’ What more fitting goal could our Church establish than this high ideal of worldwide evangelism?”

Simultaneous with that announcement it was noted that the LLL had five operating branch offices for The Lutheran Hour: in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;

The world today is quite different from a century ago when 12 laymen met in Milwaukee to form this ministry.

These lay leaders looked up and made a covenant to support the church and its mission to reach the lost and suffering and share the Gospel. That covenant continues today, but the realities of a fallen world are closer to our doorsteps than ever before. It makes our work that much more challenging.

• The “flatness” of the globe brings people together with the touch of a keystroke, and yet more people feel less connected today than ever before.

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NOTES Recollections of the writer as secretary of the voters’ assembly at Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Louis (where Paul Ph. Spitz served as pastor prior to his rise to the district presidency). Spitz was energetically favorable toward the LLL and its creative programs and projects. He often encouraged parishioners to follow his lead in supporting LHM. (4) Recollection of the writer. Soon after Rev. Dale Meyer became Speaker in 1989, he shared the idea of establishing overseas echoes of the LLL with the potential of increasing activity and funding to keep the Word of God boldly proclaimed. This idea encouraged a boost to ministry activity and closer coordination with LCMS missions.

(5) Pankow, pages 31-32.

(6) Christian Radio, The Growth of a Mainstream Broadcasting Force, by Bob Lochte, McFarland & Company, Inc., Jefferson, North Carolina, 2006, page 28; mention of the launch of religious radio is outlined beginning on page 21. The first religious radio station launch came in December of 1921, when the Church of the Covenant, Washington, D.C., received the first license granted to a religious organization. The KFUO launch with credit given to Maier is mentioned on page 21.

(7) Ibid., page 29.

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Cover for 50th Anniversary book 1980

• The Christian Church, in an attempt to maintain relevancy in the 21st century, finds itself battling to understand its position and identity within a world that often does not care.

So by God’s grace we see something new and bright and beautiful.

Beyond the cross we see tremendous opportunities to proclaim His love to a world with nearly four billion people who are not at this time followers of Christ.

The Lord has given LHM a unique understanding of how to

in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and in Adelaide, Australia. Two more were in the formative stage in China and England.

A high honor was extended by the United States government in 1947. Dr. Maier was invited to go to Europe during May and June “as a member of an educational mission to study the educational system of Germany and then make appropriate recommendations to the Military Government.” The hope was that more stations may be contacted as a result. Dr. Bertermann encouraged the entire LLL: “We pray that you will continue to bend every effort in behalf of Bringing Christ to the Nations. Christ is counting on you.” Truth be known, He STILL does!

Theodore Hillmann was in charge of LLL membership recruitment. He

reach, equip, and minister to these individuals. The ministry boldly moves into the future with strategies predicated on a strong message and a continued balanced approach to Gospel proclamation and evangelistic engagement activities that deploy the most relevant tools of the 21st century.

Beyond the cross we see tremendous opportunities to proclaim His love

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more

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forever forward!

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On Main Street with Dr. Dale Meyer (right), 1990s

noted, “True, church work was done prior to the founding of the LLL 30 years ago.

Yes, pastors 50 and 60 years ago had transportation. But progress has been made.

The automobile has supplanted the horse and buggy.” Dr. O.P. Kretzmann, a growing powerhouse for education within the Church, added this observation “Short-term planning and momentary misgivings, so easily prevalent in these dark and uncertain days, must not be a part of our work and action. Our plans must be projected into the decades ahead. We must take the long view.” He credited lay leadership as paramount in the advance of parochial education and the rise of the Lutheran high school system in the United States. Higher education on college, university, and seminary levels also was bolstered by a motivated laity. Forever forward!(8) A motivated laity has always been the temporal strength of the Church. Generation to generation, the Word is passed along by God’s grace. Generation to generation, people strive to communicate the Good News through the Holy Spirit. Generation to generation, people who are “saints and sinners” (simul justus et peccator) struggle to live faithful lives to God and to follow His Will. As long as people populate the earth, there will be a need for an active, faithful, motivated laity.

Amid changing times, communication advances. Radio is still viable and

Future Ministry Opportunities

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Living Online

The shift is inescapable – much of our lives are now lived online. From social media to career to finances, people expect to be able to accomplish everything online. What is considered by many to be the most important innovation since the printing press, the Internet (coupled with web and mobile technology) has not only radically changed communication but also how we live.

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

impactful, yet television garnered more attention as it was Pastor Ken Klaus, maturing in the 1950s and 1960s, first in black and white Speaker of (with poor reception and only a few scant broadcasting hours The Lutheran Hour, per day to start), then longer schedules and in color (a boom early 2000s of the mid-1960s). Soon after, the Lutheran Laymen’s League pioneered a mode of religious motion pictures in the late 1940s.

To reach young people and their parents, the LLL launched a vigorous advance in movie production with Youth for the Kingdom (1946) which was shown “in numerous public places and in about 1,800 of our churches.” This was quickly followed by Messenger of Peace (1947).

Traveling to Hollywood for that filming was Dr. Lawrence Acker (who was to become Speaker of The Lutheran Hour succeeding Maier for the 1950-1951 broadcast season).

Acker reported, “The LLL is to

Project Connect topical booklet ministry, early 1990s

Consider the following stats: • There are 2.9 billion internet users and an estimated 4.61 billion cell phone users globally.

• 87% of the U.S. population has the Internet.

• 90% of all existing data on the planet was generated in just the last two years (source: Jun Young; David Kinnaman (201401-07), The Hyperlinked Life: Live with Wisdom in an Age of Information p.30).

This shift in landscape requires a shift in strategy to share the Good News with a mass audience. We have moved into a digital era and LHM wants to embrace the use of this new mission field to share the message of Jesus. LHM is moving into the digital realm by treating it as a new mission field—one that has new opportunities and less boundaries.

The unique approach of LHM to digital evangelism is that we not only plan to proclaim the Gospel and pique interest in the Good News that Jesus brings to every person, but we also

plan to provide tools and mechanisms that allow for further connections and relationship building. Reaching unchurched people with the Gospel through this realm will not be easy, but maintaining connections online and facilitating “live” contact with Christian individuals and communities offers enormous potential for reaching generations of people who have not heard about Christ.

Phyllis Wallace, Host of Woman to Woman, early 2000s

be commended for its vision in entering the field of producing pictures which are highly entertaining and carry a deep message to all who will view them. As one movie executive in Hollywood put it: ‘We are very happy to see that the Lutheran Church is leading the way in the production of good wholesome pictures with a really worthwhile message.’”(9) What soon resulted was the LCMS launching This is the Life featuring the Fisher family (1952). That first year’s production of 26 episodes cost a towering $750,000 “completely on faith.” Given inflation, that amount in today’s dollars surpasses $6,750,000. Newsweek acclaimed it as “the most ambitious religious program in TV.” At the helm of the effort as program director was Dr. Herman Gockel, soon to be called the Father of Lutheran Television. Gockel had been released from the employ of the LLL to head the advance. He confided in this writer that he had been in line to be editor of The Lutheran Layman prior to the switch.(10) Due to financial burdens the LCMS asked the LLL to become co-sponsor of Lutheran Television beginning in 1967. Once more the motivated laity, clergy, and congregations stepped forward to meet the

The life of a Christian is a life of challenges, as every supporter of the LLL and its Lutheran Hour Ministries knows all too well.

Bible Correspondence Courses in Ethiopia

Christians are also living their lives online and want to access resources in this space. A knowledge revolution is in full swing—customized, personalized, and on-demand information is available to everyone. To meet this new expectation, LHM is working hard to make all of our training and resources

available online. Today, people can access The Lutheran Hour, daily devotions, Bible studies, topical booklets, training sessions, and more through LHM’s growing universe of webpages, smartphone apps, podcasts, social media content, and much more. The best place to get started is www.lhm.org.

We have moved into a digital era.

LHM wants to embrace the use of this new mission field to share the message of Jesus.

see top of next page NOTES (8) Documents on file at Int’l LLL headquarters.

(9) Ibid.

(10) Details derived from Celebrate! Lutheran Television 1952-1982, 30th anniversary edition, center section, written by Matthew Welser, Int’l LLL. He indicated that “before its first birthday, This is the Life was carried on more stations in more cities than any other televised program in the world. More than I Love Lucy. More than Milton Berle. More than Arthur Godfrey. The Word of God was going out in strength.”

Going Digital Globally

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ digital mission is not confined to our ministry work in the United States. As an international organization, LHM is developing mission strategies that meet people online around the world. In some ways, this shift is happening more naturally outside of the U.S. because of the audience emphases that LHM has chosen to focus on globally:

1. Unreached People: As an evangelistic 1) organization, a priority should be people groups (or people) who have little or no possibility of hearing the Gospel. As a mass communications ministry, we are uniquely poised to reach beyond those areas where Christ is already known, to those among whom relatively little effort is being made by most North American mission agencies.

2.2) Urban Areas: The majority of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and the urban areas will continue to grow in proportion to the rural population worldwide; however, much missionary work currently takes place in rural areas.

Urban areas present new challenges along with exciting new opportunities.

3.3) Young Adults: In many countries around the world there is a “population bulge” of younger people. In fact, today almost 50% of the world’s population is under the age of 25. The emerging global youth culture is connected in ways unimagined by their parents, and has been called “another unreached people group.” We recognize that this growing population is at once open and in need of the life giving message of hope that is ours in Christ Jesus. more The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

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forever forward!

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challenge. This led to specials, too. For 1981, YESHUA began production as a fivehour miniseries to air nationwide. Dr. Oswald Hoffmann hosted this magnificently produced walk through Biblical times that culminated with the life and mission of Christ Jesus.

Without hesitation Hoffmann confessed to this writer that YESHUA was the high point of his productive career. That spoke volumes for a man who established the department of communications for the LCMS, was one of only two Protestant representatives from North America invited to Vatican II (1964), toured the troops in Vietnam at the height of war, was the first man to record a Christian message for radio distribution in communist mainland China (Christmas of 1988), and was one of three people who oversaw and managed all details of the towering classic film Martin Luther (1953) starring Niall MacGinnis in the lead role (with research by Dr. Theodore G. Tappert, Lutheran historian and author, and Jaroslav Pelikan, Yale professor and author).

Coming full circle: the LLL began as an organization for men, women, and children.

It was meant for the laity at large but did not exclude the clergy. By 1943 the Lutheran Women’s League was formed (later named Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) and

Future Ministry Opportunities

Since 1917, people of all ages have been reached.

has been a vital partner in mission and ministry. Support from the LWML has been directed toward such programs as This is the Life and Woman to Woman (the latter hosted by Phyllis Wallace from 1991-2011 and attracted not only women listeners but a large number of men). In effect, the cycle for the LLL and LHM has come full circle to involve anyone with a mind for mission and a heart for ministry (as a verb!).

The life of a Christian is a life of challenges, as every supporter of the LLL and its Lutheran Hour Ministries knows all too well. They are the ones who know a little prayer goes a long way in our walk with Christ. This is the beauty of living with the right focus. Faith is not an occasional thing, pulled out of a box once in a great while, when we think we might need something or feel deeply depressed and hopeless. Faith is an all-time thing, a state of action, a relationship to be

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LHM is already taking steps forward to reach these audiences in new ways. LHM–Russia uses social media to provide a forum for intellectual and philosophical interaction. The ministry center recently created a public group called “NaCl” (salt) on VKontakte, Europe’s largest Russian-language social network, to inspire lively conversations about topics such as creation, the inspiration of Scripture, the human condition, and many others. The group has grown steadily, with many of these subscribers 8

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

being non-churchgoers or non-believers.

The online discussions often lead to opportunities for members and visitors to participate in LHM–Russia’s Bible Correspondence Courses.

A new regional digital outreach project was launched in Latin America in June to use the Internet and its tools to reach out and digitally connect to the non-Christian population in multiple countries. Based out of the LHM–Brazil ministry center in Sao Paulo, the project provides an online platform with information about topics and issues that are of concern to the target audiences.

In addition to newspaper and radio advertisements, the use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Pinterest, Snapchat, and search engine optimization reaches people who are searching for answers to connect with them online. Once visitors arrive at the platform, they are invited and motivated to look deeper into their topic of concern through images, text, audio, and video that hopefully leads to them starting an online relationship with ministry staff and volunteers.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ international approach of hiring local staff in each country aligns perfectly with this new ministry focus. The staff in each country are more attuned to what will work well with people in their region and how to best utilize ministry resources. LHM is able to learn from our international ministry center staff so we can be as effective as possible in reaching new audiences worldwide.

the ultimate impact will be LHM’s ability to reach more people with the Gospel message and place them in closer proximity to Christian communities.

lived joyfully, each day. Call faith a walk with God, hand-in-hand, in an attitude of “I-am-not-alone,” with eyes looking upward and onward, knowing that letdowns do not have to be putdowns….With God’s help, good tunnel vision beats the letdowns.

And the light we follow is the Light we read about in Scripture: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4,5).(11) Forever forward! n

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Dr. Gerald Perschbacher serves as editor of The Lutheran Layman and manages the Int’l LLL/LHM Research Center Archives.

Don’t miss your chance to Celebrate a Century of Gospel Proclamation!

OCTOBER 21–23, 2016 AT ST. LOUIS UNION STATION The weekend festivities will: • Honor LHM’s rich history of partnering with the laity to share the Gospel; • Feature dynamic presentations from outreach experts; • Bring the ministry’s global reach to life through the eyes of LHM’s international ministry center directors; and • Offer plenty of opportunities for fellowship and fun!

$125 per person* ($25 youth) *lodging not included NOTES Most of this paragraph was written by Editor Perschbacher for the February 1988 edition of The Lutheran Layman, page 1, bottom. It is still apropos.

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The Power of Relationships Remain

In the midst of this movement online, Lutheran Hour Ministries believes that some essential human truths remain. We all need loving and supportive relationships and crave the community of others. This basic need is why the believers who come together in congregations are still the most powerful means to share the Good News to a world in need. LHM remains focused on encouraging and equipping the laity, both in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and around the world. The Great Commission is global—so is LHM’s mission to equip laypeople to live out their faith.

More than half of all Christians today have not shared their faith with even one

Learn more at LHM.ORG/100YEARS

person in the past year. With such great news to share, why do so many Christians feel inadequate when it comes to sharing their faith? LHM plans to change this dire statistic by supporting the outreach efforts of the laity in three vital areas: 1) 1. Train individuals and groups of all ages to evangelize to others in their everyday lives.

2) 2. Develop resources such as topical booklets and video studies that lay members can use to address situations in people’s lives or answer questions about Christianity and faith.

3) 3. Provide research on how today’s culture is evolving and how Christians and congregations can respond to reach their communities with the Gospel.

LHM will create a roadmap of strategies and resources to help congregations connect with the community and follow up with visitors and new believers. This ministry roadmap will contain the flexibility to be applied at local, regional, and national levels.

LHM is blessed to be able to reach more than 51 million people each week, but the need for Gospel proclamation is greater than ever. As this ministry prepares to enter its second century of bringing the changeless Christ to a changing world, the ultimate

impact will be LHM’s ability to reach more people with the Gospel message and connect them with Christian communities. The Lord will do His work with His message in His way while we (under His guidance) continue to boldly step out in faith and proclaim the Gospel faithfully, lovingly, accurately, clearly, and understandably for another 100 years and beyond! n Chad Fix oversees the corporate communications of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

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ST. LOUIS UNION STATION • OCTOBER 21-23, 2016

Celebrate a Century of Blessings on lll/lhm

by Chad Fix

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ery nearly 100 years ago, a group of faithful “pioneers” gathered together for the first time as laity to support the church in word and deed. It was with this particular act that the ministry of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League / Lutheran Hour Ministries (Int’l LLL/LHM) first formed. Little did these laypeople know then of all the tremendous plans God had for this worldwide ministry, yet we are here today as a testimony to the sovereign plan of God, as well as serving as representatives of what God can do through people who follow His will.

While there have been difficulties along the way, as well as times of great testing, we have seen many examples of God’s providence, power, and protection! God truly is good ALL the time— even when we may not understand His ways.

Thanks to the sustained, generous support of faithful individuals like you, LHM stands on the verge of celebrating a remarkable 100-year milestone. We are honored to be preparing for this special time in history, as we eagerly look with anticipation to even greater things in the future!

This October 21-23 (Friday through Sunday), you are invited to join in a special event celebrating a century of the Int’l LLL/LHM serving others through Gospel proclamation, producing resources for personal and congregational growth, and declaring a changeless Christ to a changing world.

Union Station in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, will be the site for this weekend-long celebration and will feature a Family Night Oktoberfest in traditional German style, including German cuisine, music, and authentic Deutsch dancers on Friday.

There will also be a special showing of the brandnew feature-length film Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World. This production, which is sponsored by Thrivent Financial and produced by the Emmy Award-winning team of Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein, will show nationally on PBS in 2017.

It’s narrated by Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham of Downton Abbey), and it highlights Luther’s life and theology, showing how the events of the Reformation continue to have an effect on the lives of Lutherans and the world-at-large.

On Saturday, speakers such as Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, Rev. Greg Finke, Rev. Mike Newman, Rev. Matt Popovits, Cindy Steinbeck, and others will challenge and motivate those attending through their heartfelt ministry stories and messages of God at work in the world. Be prepared to expand your international horizons as directors from LHM’s more than 30 international ministry centers will be in St. Louis, sharing their mission of taking the Gospel to a world desperately in need of the Savior. Saturday night will include a gourmet meal; music from jazz songstress Erin Bode; a testimonial from Gary Hall, founder of Hollywood Impact Studios, who will share the impact that the This is the Life television program had on his faith; and comments about future ministry opportunities from Kurt Buchholz, president and CEO of LHM. On Sunday morning, free shuttle service from Union Station will take guests to the campus of Concordia Seminary for breakfast and a special sending service led by Dr. Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour. n

Act Soon!

• Register today for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ 100th Anniversary Celebration by visiting lhm.org/100years or calling 1-800-876-9880.

• Book your hotel room at the DoubleTree Union Station for a reduced rate of $119 per night. This rate applies for room reservations booked for the nights of Oct. 16 through Oct. 26 and the discount is being offered until Sept. 26 (or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first). Call the hotel directly at 314-231-1234 and mention “Lutheran Hour Ministries,” or book your reservation online through the “Hotel & Transportation” link found at lhm.org/100years • Help us spread the word about this special celebration event within your congregation by sharing the videos or using the downloadable resources (posters, bulletin announcements, etc.) that are found online at lhm.org/100years/promote.asp • Are you interested in attending, but don’t want to drive yourself or fly? Get a group together from your congregation and consider renting a bus to come to St. Louis. This is a great opportunity for long-time attendees of Int’l LLL/LHM conventions and other events to invite congregation members and friends to join us so you can share your love for the ministry and introduce them to what it is all about.

We are excited to have you join us in St. Louis! To get additional details and to register for this showcase event —100 hundred years in the making—visit lhm.org/100years or call 1-800-876-9880.

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

ON THE MOVE

OC Ava T. ilab 1, le 20 16

Phil Johnson Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

Celebrating our Past . . .

Remembering our Future Nearly 500 years ago a small group of believers led by a young German monk and motivated by hope founded in God’s Gospel Promises launched a movement. Their efforts to clearly proclaim the Good News of Jesus changed history, and the efforts of faithful believers through the years continue to impact our world to this day. Next October many will pause to celebrate 500 years of God’s faithfulness.

Nearly 100 years ago a small group of Lutheran laymen joined together to encourage their church in its mission to make disciples through the proclamation of the Gospel’s message of hope. This October many will gather to celebrate a century of God’s faithfulness begun through the efforts of this small group who launched the Lutheran Laymen’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries; a movement that today proclaims the Good News of Jesus to over 50 million people around the world each and every week.

Celebrating what God has accomplished through faithful followers is important. Celebrating our past serves to remind us of God’s never ending love. In Lamentations 3:2124 we read “But this I call to mind, And therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion’ says my soul, ‘therefore, I will hope in Him.” Like the writer, we also take hope and comfort from our memories of God’s past faithfulness. But hope is stronger still. Look closely

Phil Johnson

at both the first and final verses “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope,” and “therefore I will hope in Him.” Celebrating God’s faithfulness in the past strengthened the writer’s hope for his future. Hope is the confident expression of God’s promises yet to be fulfilled.

Whatever one thinks and believes about the future is formed by where they have invested their hope. The hymn writer states with confidence, “Our God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come,” and Revelation 22 reminds us of our hope as John paints a vivid image of Christ’s kingdom come. This is where we have invested our hope; not in the memory of past accomplishments, but in the faithful God who holds the future of the world in His loving hands and points us toward a bright future. Memory can strengthen hope, but hope remains stronger than memory because in this dark world we have invested our hope in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

This is an exciting time for the International Lutheran Laymen’s League! 100 years of God’s blessings call to mind many inspiring stories of His steadfast love and mercies as He blessed our efforts of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. Even more, this anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to remember with confidence our bright future, and to rededicate ourselves to bringing this hope to those who are hopeless. I join with you in thanks to God for His blessings on the Lutheran Laymen’s League and I pray that our celebration of His faithfulness will help us to remember our future. n

Enjoy our favorite episodes of the groundbreaking television series!

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

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

Visit lhm.org/classics or call 1-800-876-9880.

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

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QA&

with POLLY GREGALI

Renewing Relationships

“An awesome opportunity to serve the Church,” says Polly Gregali as she addresses another group ready to support the Gospel.

by Paul Schreiber

Recently, writer Paul Schreiber spoke with Polly Gregali of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Having worked at LHM in several areas, Gregali has wide knowledge of LHM’s mission of service and outreach and how it is positioned for the future. Beginning her employment in the 1990s as a secretary, she is now a ministry resource manager based in Alabama. From there she serves pastors, church workers, congregations, LCMS district offices, and other synodical organizations as a frontline LHM ambassador from the central Midwest to the southern states. Her task is to communicate the many varied ministry resources and programs LHM developed for church and individual use. To learn about YOUR regional Ministry Resource Manager, visit lhm.org/mrm.

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fter attending Concordia University in Austin, Texas, and Southeast Missouri State as a liberal arts major, Gregali worked in healthcare in Austin, Cape Girardeau, and St. Louis, where she handled emergency room admissions and medical records. It was when her children were attending Hope Lutheran School in St. Louis, however, that she first considered a career at LHM. Friend and school secretary Kathy Collet shared how her husband Joe was looking for a secretary in the then newly formed area of Volunteer Opportunities.

Gregali recalls, “It was an awesome opportunity to serve the Church in a new department as well as work in a different environment, with hours more conducive to my young family. I was excited to be working with churches, schools, and the people in outreach programs, engaging people of all ages in ministry. That was over 20 years ago, and I still love the people I work with and the mission we are on.

I have been blessed to grow immensely during my time here while given the opportunity to stretch and try new things. I have had great mentors and loving co-workers that have been such an influence on me.”

How do you determine which of LHM’s many resources to promote when you’re visiting church staff and congregations?

“I do this by learning where their mission heart lies as well as possible new ministry connections for their community. Before I meet with any congregation or schools I try to learn how they have been involved with LHM in the past, which may be the starting point of their current connection. They may not know if that resource is still available or be aware of the other new ministry tools and materials we produce now.”

From your experience, how familiar are congregations with LHM’s mission of outreach and its various programs?

“Most pastors and lay leaders are familiar with at least one particular resource from LHM because they have a passion for that particular ministry. It’s not that they tune out the other resources; rather,

Photo by Bea Daily

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they may be unsure how to incorporate them into the ministry they are currently doing.”

In what areas are congregations lacking when it comes to LHM awareness?

“The majority of congregations do not have an LHM ambassador or affiliated group(s) within them.

That personal connection with LHM is crucial to keeping churches informed, engaged, and utilizing LHM materials. If a church hasn’t had this vital communication link for a while, they’re looking elsewhere for their resources. Thankfully, we are blessed with many passionate LLL/LHM members throughout the country. Moving forward, it’s their hands-on involvement that makes a big difference on so many levels.”

How are we addressing these areas more efficiently under LHM’s network of field employees?

“With the introduction of ministry resource managers a couple of years ago, we now have the ability to renew and strengthen many of the LHM-church relationships already in place regionally. We’d had help from pastors in suggesting ambassador candidates, and we’re working more efficiently with LLL and lay leaders to keep lines of communication open and running smoothly. Our lay leaders have rolled up their sleeves alongside LHM staff in recruiting ambassadors, sharing information with congregations and schools, and representing LHM at local conferences, meetings, and ministry events. Plus it helps our constituents in the field by giving them a staff contact to assist with resources, ideas, and information.”

What are some LHM resources that really resonate with congregations?

Many people praise The Lutheran Hour and Daily Devotions, and the positive comments about our Advent and Lenten devotions are overwhelming. At teachers’ conferences there’s great feedback about our Online Mission Trips and how they bring the world to the school. Many have said that kids are learning about Christian brothers and sisters whom they never would have had exposure to in their hometowns or cities. I’ve heard of many students re-

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

turning to school the next year, wanting to pray for the children, families, and LHM staff. DVD-based Bible studies have been an enormous blessing to groups, small-group ministries, youth groups, and individuals doing their own Bible study.”

Have you heard of any unique and interesting ways these programs have been put to use?

“Creative people in our church do great ministry.

At one school each student created a book of their mission trip, and the school sold them online as a fundraiser for the ministry center featured on the Online Mission Trip. There’s the Project Connect booklet ministry with texts in Spanish and English that are being used in the church’s food pantry so people can be nourished with a Christian message.

Another church prays every Sunday during worship services for the director, staff, and work of a particular LHM foreign ministry center and highlights the ministry. A man shared with me how he uses The Lutheran Hour app on his phone with his youth group Bible study on Sundays. They listen to The Lutheran Hour message for that day, and then discuss it as the basis of their Bible study.”

What is/are the most rewarding thing(s) about the work you do?

“Traveling to all these churches and seeing what God is doing every day, everywhere. I hear the struggles, disappointments, challenges, but I also hear the joy, the excitement, and the goodness of God as He blesses the church in ministry. I’m always excited to suggest something new, even as I acknowledge, encourage, and thank churches for letting LHM be a part of their on-the-ground mission of outreach. I also enjoy bringing back church suggestions and ideas to LHM staff in St. Louis because it demonstrates the love the laity and clergy have for this ministry. As we celebrate 100 years this year, congregations definitely want us to continue engaging future generations with our mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.” n

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

He Ended up at the White House

Medical student in training.

Janice Hermerding in recent years.

Hospital staff in lab.

Memories of Vietnam are Vivid

“While I was in Vietnam I experienced as never before, or and admired their outstanding achievement.” after, the ‘closeness’ of fellow Americans be they military or She adds, “I attended Lutheran worship services in civilian. A wild, spontaneous wave from a soldier in a passa chapel near an Air Force base. When the chaplain aning Jeep, a courteous smile, assistance, and support beyond nounced Dr. Hoffmann would be giving the Christmas belief from a total stranger. TRUST.” These are some memmessage at the base, I volunteered to serve at the reception. ories that spring up in the mind of Janice Hermerding, a I thought an LWML-type reception would be good for the faithful supporter of Lutheran Hour Ministries, as she shared troops—a bit of back home.” When the day arrived, Janice those with the editor of The Lutheran Layman. dressed in her best uniform even though the day already was She was 26 years old when she encountered the Vietnam hot and humid. Her drive to the destination was slowed by wartime experience, witnessing the service of many young a Buddhist funeral procession with people chanting as they men from age 18 to 20. Those incidents still seem fresh. “I think slowly walked along with the pulled cart. Due to the slowof when the U.S. Army Colonel stopped and patiently told me down, she arrived wilted and frustrated. She took a place in how to safely prepare my drinking water by boiling and filterthe last pew in the full chapel. The service had just begun. ing. (I had just been scolded…for not knowing this “Dr. Hoffmann’s message centered on a young during my first week there). Never did get sick traveler cycling through the Swiss Alps expewhile there. Never saw that Colonel before riencing pain, isolation, and fear as he lay Dr. Hoffmann’s or after. Yet, he had been friendly—proin a hospital ward in a foreign countective.” In some respects, kind acts try suffering serious injuries from message centered on a of that nature reminded Janice of a mountain accident. That young young traveler cycling Christ’s words, “I will never leave you man found Christ to be his Comnor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). fort, Strength, and Hope for rethrough the Swiss Alps It was a visitor who came to covery.” The message went to the experiencing pain, isolation, Vietnam in December of 1970 that hearts of those who heard it. made a lasting impact on Janice Miss Illinois Suzanne Johnson, and fear ... That young man and the lives of others. It was Dr. a Christian vocalist, accompaOswald Hoffmann, Speaker of The nied Dr. Hoffmann along with the found Christ to be his Lutheran Hour, who came upon accompanist. As for the reception, Comfort, Strength, and the request of President Richard Nixit seemed as proper and as nice as on. Hoffmann delivered the Christmas any held at home during that season!

Hope for recovery. message to thousands of troops from Janice recalls a later surprise: “Upon DaNang to Saigon. returning from this mission, Dr. Hoffmann “I was privileged to attend the worship service was summoned by President Nixon to the White in Saigon and also to serve at the reception,” Janice recalls.

House Oval Office. He thought this would be a five-minute “This is how it came about: I was a teacher to Vietnamese pat on the back and a handshake… However, this was for students of laboratory medicine, specifically blood banka lengthy, in-depth discussion of what he saw, heard, and ing, as a Registered Medical Technologist. This was a sevenfelt during his ministry to the troops. Dr. Hoffmann shared year-long project…to update Vietnam’s antiquated system his heart-felt responses to what he witnessed while among of medicine. We taught 120 lab students from various provthousands of troops in Vietnam.” inces of South Vietnam plus 20 staff from outlying hospiThe Spirit-led words and witness of one man can last a tals… They were excellent learners; I grew very fond of them lifetime. n

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Dr. Oswald Hoffmann made trips to Vietnam (1970 and 1971) as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour and as president of the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A. Following the second-round visit, Hoffmann met with President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office on February 22, 1971. Hoffmann said the Chief Executive was particularly interested in the drug problem among troops.

Hoffmann reported the matter was taken more seriously among military authorities. Chaplains were receiving special training on drug abuse recognition. “In a year or so these chaplains could very well be the most accomplished people the church would have in this area,” said Hoffmann. Both invitations for him to be in Vietnam at forward fire support bases came directly from General Creighton W. Abrams, Commander of U.S. Forces in Vietnam.

No one knew at that time that U.S. military action would continue up to April 30, 1975. n

Upon his return from Vietnam, Dr. Hoffmann conferred with President Richard Nixon.

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Long-Time Announcer Traces the Impact of Radio Mark Eischer has managed production of The Lutheran Hour and other once popular LHM radio efforts such as Woman to Woman and Crosswalk since he joined the staff in 1982. That first year he divided time between the studio and traveling around Midwestern states as a field representative. He recalls, “Meeting and working with volunteers in the field gave me a broader perspective on outreach and a deep appreciation for the support that takes place at the local level.” That experience was a blessing! Here are recollections Mr. Eischer is pleased to share with readers in his current role as senior producer and announcer for The Lutheran Hour. Conducting the interview was Dr. Gerald Perschbacher, editor of The Lutheran Layman.

Mark, what is the earliest memory you have of joining staff in radio production?

“Dr. Elmer Knoernschild, former Lutheran Hour producer and announcer, was interested in electronic music so he hired me to record some musical transitions and sound effects. I learned how to record from Bruce Brown, who was our audio engineer at that time. Corinne Duever taught me how to edit tape and gave me some valuable advice on how to read a script. Recording equipment was much bulkier and heavier back then. We rented a panel truck and drove it to Universal Recording Studios in Chicago to pick up several hundred reels of Lutheran Hour master tapes. From there, we went to Concordia University in Wisconsin to record the choir with Dr. Ken Kosche. This was at their old campus in Milwaukee and we had to lug heavy Scully tape recorders up several flights of stairs to the auditorium.”

That's a good point, Mark. Would you compare the process used by the studio years ago to the way things are done today?

“In 1982, there were no computers. We recorded to analog magnetic tape and edited sermons using surgical prep razor blades and adhesive tape. If we accidentally cut off the beginning of a word, we had to dig through the trash can to find that little sliver of tape and then re-attach it. Nowadays, everything is recorded digitally directly to the computer and the audio waveforms are displayed on the screen. Editing and mixing is often as much visual as auditory. We still use some of the same microphones, however.”

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

How important is the outreach of radio?

“It’s really not so much about radio but rather it’s the message that’s the key. Radio is one of the distribution channels we use. It has the ability to reach into areas where access is otherwise limited, for whatever reason.”

Today, how many stations carry The Lutheran Hour? How much coverage does this provide?

“The number of stations fluctuates all the time.

We’re presently carried on about 1,600 stations, give or take a few. Our syndication staff is constantly working with stations to get the best coverage at the best rates. Many local congregations and individuals also help to underwrite airtime costs.

In addition to the coverage provided by terrestrial radio, our mobile app allows listeners to access the program anytime they choose. They can also find historic past messages by previous speakers at lutheranhour.org.”

Over the years, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in recording the messages?

“The recording studio is a somewhat unnatural environment. You can’t see the people who are listening, and it often looks and feels as if you’re talking out loud to yourself in a padded cell! We work hard to make the delivery sound conversational and natural, even though sermons are scripted out to the word.

The Speaker is addressing hundreds of thousands of people he can’t see. At the same time he’s also really speaking to them as individuals, one-to-one. Former

Speaker Dr. Oswald Hoffmann said it’s sort of like driving in a car and having a conversation with a friend who’s sitting in the back seat.”

Are there some memorable moments you recall over the years that relate to recording our programs?

“The most memorable and sobering experience I can recall is when we visited Moscow and St. Petersburg in 1993 and interviewed several Christians who had endured persecution under the Soviet communists.

They told of faithful pastors who were arrested, imprisoned, and sent off to die in Siberian labor camps and how the Church survived, despite the efforts of the atheistic government to wipe out Christianity. It illustrated for me the powerful truth that the gates of Hell will not overcome the confession of Christ as Lord and Savior.”

Any special recollections of Speakers of The Lutheran Hour?

“Without exception, they all have been focused on making their messages understandable, accessible, and inviting. Working with them as they prepare and record their messages has been for me like a great post-graduate course in theology and communication.”

Top to bottom: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, current Speaker of The Lutheran Hour.

Dr. Ken Klaus, Speaker from 2002 to 2010.

Dr. Dale Meyer (Speaker, 19892001) in a working pose with manager Mark Eischer.

What is the biggest opportunity we have for radio in the present—and the future?

“Some people think radio is a media in decline. In reality, it has been joined by other media options. People say the internet is the future—and it is part of the future, but the technological jump is not as abrupt nor complete as some believe. If you look at most media outlets, they are a combination of communication channels: TV, internet, radio, satellite radio, and print. There are very few standalone media sources that use only one distribution channel. A good example of this is ESPN, which distributes its content to people through multiple distribution channels. It’s certainly a TV channel, but it’s available on cable, too. ESPN also has a satellite radio channel, a website, a smartphone app, and a print magazine. The Gospel message we proclaim each week on The Lutheran Hour is the most important content of all! So what’s the future? It’s all of the above, including radio.” n More information about the outreach of Lutheran Hour Ministries through radio and other formats is available online at lhm.org. The site provides an opportunity for you to support the work through prayer and contributions.

Pennsylvania Men’s Group Takes WORK DAY Outreach Honors Men in Mission, a men’s group from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in York, Pennsylvania, grabbed the top honors for outreach in the fourth annual Men’s NetWork WORK DAY held on Saturday, April 30. For its efforts the group nabs 10 Men’s NetWork DVD Bible studies of its choice, plus a very nice duffle bag to pack them in.

As mentioned in the July-August issue of The Lutheran Layman, there were numerous projects undertaken (all of them beneficial, and some specifically geared toward outreach), but it was these guys and their work at a local rescue mission that took top billing.

Since the rescue mission provides food and shelter to area homeless, Men in Mission’s outreach effort was, in a sense, doubled by helping the mission, benefitting an enterprise that’s helping others through the vital work it does. Smart thinking, guys!

Here’s what David Stetler from Men in Mission said about the project: “Our small group of five men helped our area rescue mission with some painting. The mission provides shelter and meals to the area’s homeless. We worked at the men’s mission, painting over a chalk drawing so that their artist could do a new chalk painting.

We also painted one of the bedrooms. As there is more work to do here, we hope to come back in the near future, hopefully, with a larger group!”

When asked why Men in Mission decided on this project, Stetler replied, “In the past several years, Good Shepherd has partnered with the York Rescue Mission at the annual Family Fest at a local park. This is a free event for the poorest people in York city, providing free food, free games and activities for children, and a presenta-

Consider a $250 Boost to Help Your Project How does it sound to get a few extra bucks? That’s what Thrivent Action Team dollars are all about. For a bit of effort, motivated groups doing a one-time fundraiser, service activity (such as a Men’s NetWork WORK DAY project), or an educational event to be completed within 90 days, can receive a $250 Community Impact Card to buy project supplies and create promotional materials. For men’s groups still planning on doing a WORK DAY project in 2016, this is good news. That means a group can still apply for Thrivent cash and apply it to a project this year. For all the details, go to www.thrivent.com.

Click on the “Making a Difference” link at the top and drop down to “Thrivent Action Teams” to get started. n

Volunteers at work for the Lord!

tion of the Gospel message. We have provided volunteers to help with this event. We have also had several fundraisers for the Rescue Mission.

It seemed a natural fit to see if there was some service we could do for them for the Men’s NetWork WORK DAY, and they had work for us!”

Congratulations to the men from Men in Mission—and to all the other groups that participated in this year’s Men’s NetWork WORK DAY. Your efforts were a rousing success, and the long-term good accomplished from the work done will far outlast the brief time it took to do it. n

NEW VIDEO BIBLE STUDY

In A Man Named Martin–Part 2: The Moment, the reformer puts on his gloves and the clash between him and the late Medieval Church begins in earnest with his nailing of the 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg.

For a limited time only, order your copy of A Man Named Martin–Part 2: The Moment and receive 5 FREE copies of The Reformation Twelve, a companion booklet that delves into the roles of the key players of the moment!

Enter promo code LMMartin16 at lhm.org/martin16 to order!

Offer ends September 30, 2016. S&H $4.95. US Only.

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LHM Had a Significant Presence at the LCMS Convention in Milwaukee July 9-14, 2016

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, shared his message “Repentance, Life and Death? No, Death to Life!” based on Luke 15:11-32, The Parable of the Prodigal Son. To catch his message, visit bit.ly/seltzmessage

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, enjoyed one-on-one conversations with hundreds of convention attendees in the exhibit area and signed copies of his recent publication, The Lord’s Prayer Book.

Representatives from LHM’s Lebanon, Panama, Cambodia, and Latvia ministry centers joined headquarters staff in the LHM exhibit booth to talk about some of the culturally relevant ways that the ministry shares the Gospel in more than 50 countries around the world.

Dr. Dale Meyer, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour (19892001) and current president of Concordia Seminary, stopped by the exhibit area to catch up with LHM staff members. Convention attendance topped at 1,500.

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

Making good use of video, LHM President & CEO Kurt Buchholz discussed the critical role of the laity in the origin and development of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and shared how the Lord continues to provide great blessings and open new doors of opportunity for LHM to boldly proclaim hope in the name of the risen Savior. Buchholz and LWML President Patti Ross addressed convention delegates, officials, and other interested members on behalf of the official auxiliaries of the LCMS. Visit bit.ly/buchholzpres

L H M’s ‘O n l in e M is s io n T r ip ’ Heads to M adagascar

by Chad Fix ince 2012, Lutheran Hour Ministries has been introducing students to how the Gospel is shared around the world through the Online Mission Trip. Past trips have taken students to Paraguay, Thailand, Kenya, Guatemala, and Latvia. This year’s trip is journeying to the island nation of Madagascar off of the eastern coast of Africa.

The 2017 Online Mission Trip will take place during Lutheran Schools Week, January 23-27. The videos will be made available online at the beginning of each school day, which means that home schools and others outside of Lutheran Schools can participate as well.

Madagascar is known to many people for its natural beauty and abundance of rare plant and animal species. However, most kids know the country better from the series of popular animated films in the last decade featuring stars such as Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, and Jada Pinkett-Smith. Lutheran Hour Ministries is excited to show kids the real Madagascar, a land filled with fascinating people and cultures as well as amazing opportunities to share the Good News!

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Students Go Beyond the Classroom Since it is meant to be a virtual trip, the goal of the Online Mission Trip is to take students “outside” of the classroom and experience the people, places, and ministry in a different part of the world.

Students watch engaging daily videos that expand their awareness of the world and how God’s church

is at work. Past segments in these videos provide opportunities to meet ministry staff in the country, trips to historic locations, day in the life videos with kids in the country and on-site filming of ministry programs. The goal throughout the week is to immerse the kids in many parts of the countries where Lutheran Hour Ministries operates.

Beyond the videos, classes are encouraged to interact with the staff of Madagascar by posting questions and comments on Facebook and Twitter.

W h at c a n y o u d o t o b e a pa r t o f t h e O n l in e M is s io n T r ip ?

• Schools can go online to register for the trip at lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips/register.asp. To learn more about Online Mission Trips with LHM or get details about this year’s exciting and memorable event, visit lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips.

• Continue to pray for Lutheran Hour Ministries as we create the Online Mission Trip content and pray for the students, teachers, and parents that they will be blessed to see God at work in Madagascar.

• Join school kids across the U.S. in generously giving to support the ministry work taking place in Madagascar. Simply go to www.lhm.org and click “Donate.” Select LHM-Madagascar in the dropdown on the donation page. Your support will help students see how the Gospel is shared, in Madagascar and worldwide!

Our staff in the U.S. and Madagascar will respond to these questions and continue the conversation with classes around the country. Students are also encouraged to color pictures and write notes for kids in Madagascar! These notes will be sent to the ministry center in Madagascar and shared with children in that country. This simple act allows students in the U.S. to see firsthand how they can share God’s love with other kids around the world!

Students also learn how they can directly impact the people they see in the Online Mission Trip.

Students, parents, and schools are invited to generously support the mission work taking place in Madagascar. Many schools choose to designate part of their chapel offerings for the year to the Online Mission Trip destination country. Students also fill milk carton banks to support Lutheran Hour Ministries’ global mission work. Of course, all individuals can simply go to lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips and click the link marked donate to give at any time.

Christians understand that giving to support ministry is about so much more than financial support.

It’s about believing in what God is doing around the world and choosing to be an active part of His mission. For students, this giving opportunity is a fantastic learning opportunity to see how Gospel ministry takes place around the world and learn how they can be involved. Kids learn the value of giving to ministry, globally and right here at home. Since the beginning of the Online Mission Trip in 2012, more than $100,000 has been given by kids in response! n

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

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aos

LHM Hits the Ground Running in L

A unique feature of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ consumed with evils.” Many people looked at international efforts is that its ministry centers him like he was crazy as they saw him walkare staffed by local indigenous staff who uning the streets and talking to himself. Out of derstand the language, appreciate the culconcern for Petro, one day his relative took ture, and know best how to communicate the him to meet with the manager of LHM–Laos Gospel in their context. Not only does this and other servant members of the church allow the ministry to be relevant to the peobecause the relative said “God could help him.” ple and culture being served, but it allows new Members of the LHM–Laos staff shared the operations to get off the ground quickly.

Gospel with Petro on several occasions, but he This was the case in Laos, said he could not make a decision “Praise the Lord that we because “the evils speaking inside of where LHM established ministry operations earlier are able to proclaim the him were telling him to deny Jesus.” this year. While the official But after several more visits with Gospel in places like opening ceremony/ministry LHM staff, he decided to leave the Laos where people center dedication won’t take Buddhist temple and stay with his place until Sept. 10, it doesn’t otherwise will relative. He is now a Christian who mean that ministry efforts attends church every week and is not hear the have been on hold. LHM–Laos eager to learn more about the Bible.

Good News.” is already making significant “Praise the Lord that we are able inroads through their ministry to proclaim the Gospel in places programs and activities. So far they have launched like Laos where people otherwise will not radio programs, Bible Correspondence Courses, hear the Good News,” says Gunya Na Thalang, a Bible study group for college students, and a socLHM’s regional director for Asia. “Petro’s cer sports ministry to name just a few. In the first story is a great example that it is possible to three months of operation alone, they received tell people about what we believe, teach, and 316 responses, had 49 referrals, and connected confess in a non-confrontational way—and 21 individuals to local Christian communities. that is what we seek to do. Then the Holy One of the more powerful connections during Spirit can do its work on people’s hearts and this ministry’s infancy has been with a man we we know that lives can be transformed.” will call Petro who previously had been a monk in Please pray for the people of Laos and for a Buddhist temple. In Petro’s words, “his life was further expansion of the Gospel there. n

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

The Hoffmanns share a jovial word with General Vessey at a banquet in St. Louis where Dr. Hoffmann was the main focus.

The General (at head table, second from the left end) bowed his head and joined others in prayer. Dr. and Mrs. Hoffmann were at his side.

Vessey Passes; Befriended The Lutheran Hour Longtime LHM supporter Gen. John W. Vessey, Jr., 94, feted on the battlefield in the Second World War and who later (as a four-star general) chaired the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Reagan administration, died August 18.

He called Dr. Oswald Hoffmann and wife Marcia his confidants and friends in matters religious. As such, he formed a strong bond with LHM and The Lutheran Hour during the three decades Hoffmann was its Speaker. Vessey was invited to major events where Hoffmann spoke. The General was a regular at the main table with the Speaker.

Thanks to the encouragement of men like Vessey, Hoffmann made it a point

to visit troops in Vietnam twice, not far from active battlefields, in an effort to bring the Word of God to them.

Vessey concluded his military career in 1985. His 46 years in the military made him the nation’s longest-serving active soldier. During the presidential administrations of Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton, Vessey sleuthed the fate of Americans who were on the prisoner of war or missing in action lists. His efforts resulted in uncovering the battle-time resting places of nearly 900 individuals. In 1992 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Not surprisingly, Vessey had wanted to become a Lutheran minister. n

Worth Saving for the Next Century It isn’t every organization that survives to its 100th year. Even rarer are those religious organizations that fostered outreach through media for a century.

“It’s amazing to think that in 1917 the 12 founders of the Lutheran Laymen’s League had the drive and determination to help their church body overcome its financial shortfall that year. It’s even more amazing that by 1930 a multitude of their successors caught the vision for the rising form of media called radio and invested heavily in time, energy, and finances to advance the spread of God’s Word on the airwaves of the world,” says Dr. Gerald Perschbacher, historian for the Int’l LLL and its Lutheran Hour Ministries. “That’s the truth of the matter, and now the league will mark the turn of its first century.”

“It was a gamble for those visionaries in 1917 and in 1930. There was no guarantee that The Lutheran Hour would be successful or that many people would tune in. They totally trusted the Lord to bless their efforts. Results proved that they did not trust Him in vain,” Perschbacher adds.

In 1980, in response to the 50th anniversary of The Lutheran Hour, the Research Center Archives of the Int’l LLL/ LHM was established. It now proposes to be the second largest reservoir of historical significance within The Lutheran Hope and Church—Missouri Synod.

Healing Many people have contributed documents, letters, recordings, photos, books, and more that relate to religious broadcasting, Lutheran history, programming, Speakers of The Lutheran Hour, the rise of Lutheran Television, and the LLL/ LHM in particular. In recent weeks, individuals have been offering material to the archives, picking up the costs of shipping just to rest peacefully knowing that they have been good stewards in passing along their material with a purpose.

If you and your family wish to preserve items of significance relating to these subjects, this may be the perfect time to donate them. LHM officials are making final plans for the celebration as they tap as many historical reservoirs as possible. Please make contact by email (gerald.perschbacher@lhm.org) or call the LHM Response Center at 1-800-876-9880 to share your details. n

A

Hope and Healing

st Cancer

Surviving Brea

st Cancer

Surviving Brea

cancer is particularly out there, breast this diagnosis, the Of all the cancers naturally recoil at feared. While women highly treatable. With of cancer is often truth is this form patient strategy for a proactive doctorthis early detection and es for those with outcom le favorab care and follow-up, es in oncology have ing steadily. Advanc in many cases improv are disease n people’s lives and said, battling done much to lengthe altogether. That being eradicate the cancer so often requires doing and ge challen cancer is no small other forms of chemotherapy, and by surgery, radiation, effort best waged ting it is an all-in treatment. Comba your care and, ideally, staying focused on . leaning on God, tive family and friends engaging with suppor in you with there g that God is In all of this, knowin your cancer, is the single most ly in your cancer, especial . Here Jesus puts ay from this disease sparrows sold important take-aw tive, “Are not two the matter into perspec of them will fall to the ground not one of your head for a penny? And But even the hairs of more apart from your Father. therefore; you are not, Fear red. are all numbe ew 10:29-31). sparrows” (Matth value than many

6BE165

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Hope and Healing looks at this subject and reminds us that through it all, in sickness and in health, God is present in our lives.

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

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Eyeglass Clinic in Jamaica Meets Physical & Spiritual Needs

by Chad Fix ack of access to eye care services is a severe problem in the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica. Recent statistics show that more than 40 percent of the population has never received an eye examination and less than a quarter of the country’s people receive a regular eye exam every few years.

To help with this problem, LHM–Jamaica recently partnered with MOST Ministries to host an eyeglass clinic in three locations throughout the country. Each year, MOST Ministries provides around 10,000 pairs of recycled eyeglasses to people living in the developing nations around the world. Generous individuals, churches, and organizations across the United States collect and send used eyeglasses to MOST Ministries, where they are then sorted, tested, and repackaged by volunteers for distribution by short-term • In one year 4 million pairs of mission team members. eyeglasses will be discarded in the U.S. The MOST team of 10 arrived at the Sangster Interna• 158 million people worldwide suffer tional Airport in Montego Bay from uncorreced vision on June 23 to meet up with LHM–Jamaica’s staff and volunteers and begin their journey to the first stop at Bath Mountain in Westmoreland. Over the next several days, the team came across children as young as four years old, and men and women who were as old as 90. Each and every one of them has walked out of the clinic with perfect or almost perfect vision as well as the Good News of God’s love and saving grace.

By the end of the week, the team served 514 individuals and gave out 585 pairs of glasses (some people went home with two pairs of glasses since they needed them for both close and distance). Response to the clinic was very positive: • At Bath Mountain, one person went around shaking each team member’s hand to thank them because “the Lord has truly sent you for now I can see better. This has helped me both physically and spiritually because I can now read my Bible.”

• At the RCL Nursing Home in St. Elizabeth, one of the residents there got her glasses and her eyes lit up as she gave a big smile. While she didn’t say anything, the glow on her face told the whole story.

• In Kingston, a young woman asked questions about the ministry and what we do. When all of her questions were answered she asked if she could send her children to our Vacation Bible School. The answer: Absolutely!

“Wow...that is all that our team can say,” reported MOST team member Laura on her group’s blog. “We have been overflowing with joy and love sharing the Word of God and giving the opportunity of sight to the people here in Jamaica. We are so thankful that we were able to have such a successful mission in Jamaica and also able to serve the people there by spreading the Gospel.”

Please keep praying for the people of Jamaica and their health, as well as the ongoing ministry efforts of LHM–Jamaica. To learn more about LHM–Jamaica, visit lhmjamaica.wordpress.com. n

L

Top photo: Volunteers helped meet basic vision needs of more than 500 Jamaicans, thanks to involvement

by LHM–Jamaica's staff.

Middle: Eye exams were critical first steps toward better vision.

Bottom: MOST Ministries partnered with LHM to distribute 585 pairs of eyeglasses.

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

MOST collects eyeglasses. If you or your church wish to participate in a “Drive,” call MOST at (734) 994-7909.

Individuals connected with LHM were among volunteers active in the recent "Grace Day" event.

Hundreds of people were helped in a matter of hours.

Photos by Paul Schreiber

Little Help New Friends

With a from

by Paul Schreiber

It was a collaboration from the git-go. That’s what 550 children from kindergarten through high school made Saturday, August 6, a huge day for people were helped, reports Tim Krysl, Zion’s congregation heading to Zion Lutheran Church’s second annual president and event organizer. There were 175 volun“Grace Day” in Hillsboro, Missouri. More than 750 teers, including coaches and players from Hillsboro people attended and received a wide range of FREE High School, who were on hand to make the event products and services. happen. To keep people flowing through the stations The list of items offered was impressive: back- of products and services, visitor groups linked with a packs, school supplies, New Testaments, gym shoes, volunteer “personal shopper” upon arrival. This persocks, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and son visited with them while efficiently guiding them loads of clothing (2,000 pounds laundered, separat- along the way. ed, and organized). There were health screenings, Brad Koogler, an elder at Zion who was team capvaccinations, dental referral assistance from the tain for personal shoppers, was thrilled to assist. He county health department, haircuts (more than 75), believed this group of volunteers “would be touched family and individual pictures, and a caricaturist to by our guests. I also knew I would be able to hear, make the event even more memorable. Basic auto- while still heavy on their hearts, the stories from the motive assistance was offered, too: topping off flu- personal shoppers—like the one of the lady who was ids, airing tires, cleaning windows, minor fixes, etc. living in her car, or the little girl who told her mom Several staff members from LHM participated and she was hungry. Timid, the girl didn’t want to talk to were amply rewarded spiritually for their time and Steve, a friend of mine who also works in construceffort by the response shown from attendees. “To see tion, until he found her fruit and cookies. Later, Steve the kids’ eyes light up when they got the backpacks, took her to get her hair cut. She asked him not to pencils, shoes, and socks, even!” said leave until she was finished Ken Ohlemeyer, director of market- For details on how to hold a because she wanted him to ing for LHM. “Families were so apsee her new haircut. It simply similar event in your area, preciative of everything and everymelted that hard-core concontact Tim Krysl at body that it just goes to show what struction worker.” president@zionhb.org, giving of ourselves to others can do,” Zion’s Pastor Mark Harriss he added. said his favorite aspect of the or by calling 314-856-5526.

Approximately 160 families with day was “seeing all of the vol-

unteers come together on a Saturday morning from various churches and organizations.” He also saw needy people come from more than 60 miles away.

Some came early. “I saw the need of people who were lined up before 5:30 a.m. to come and get clothing and other services. There is a real need in our county, and I hope other churches take what they learned here and do a little piece of it in their towns.”

The undertaking was not inexpensive. “We had a multitude of monetary gifts from members of Zion and friends who wish to remain anonymous. The Jefferson County Memorial Foundation and The Lutheran Foundation both granted Zion $5,000 for Grace Day. Thrivent Financial also contributed through Action Teams and Choice Dollars. Locally, a number of big-box and area retailers, car dealerships and parts stores, restaurants, dental offices, banks, and several other businesses gave significantly,” Krysl said.

Above all, Pastor Harriss credits God’s gracious provision with the success of Grace Day. “All of this was only possible through Jesus Christ…(who) worked through many to make this event happen. It would be hard to add up all of the time and sweat equity that went into planning, gathering, and setting up…. All of the smiles I saw on Saturday (patrons and volunteers) showed that we are a redeemed people living in God's graces.” n

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

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Take a Moment to Look Back This Christmas

by Paul Schreiber

C

hristmas will be here before we know it, and with it comes a special time for reflecting on Christmases past. This year’s Advent devotions titled Christmas Memories will give readers a gentle nudge toward remembering all those things that make the yuletide such a special time of year: family traditions, the bright lights and decorations, the anticipation of Christmas gifts—both giving and receiving—and, of course, the music, message, and miracle of our Lord and Savior’s birth on Christmas morn.

In Christmas Memories readers step back in time to Christmases long ago. They remember their family sitting together in the living room, after the candlelight Christmas service, enjoying a crackling fire and the light from a Christmas tree. Conversations spin out funny Christmas memories, while everyone enjoys their coffee and hot chocolate.

Weaving personal recollections in with Luke’s account of the Messiah’s birth, these meditations achieve a healthy balance of the modern and the ancient. While family matters factor into most of these devotions, it’s Luke’s narrative that drives the story forward, pressing on as God sets the stage for the world’s most awesome birth: that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, come into the world to redeem us from our sins.

Christmas Memories will be available to read online or to hear as a podcast. These devotions can also be received as an e-mail subscription throughout the Advent season, beginning November 27. After September 27 you can find the printable PDF, which includes a large-font text, bulletin inserts, bulletin shells, and PowerPoint slides. Audio availability begins on November 27 with Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, reading the devotions. All the details can be found at lhm.org/advent.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Advent devotion in Spanish this year is Desde Edén hasta Belén (From Eden to Bethlehem) written by Rev. Antonio Schimpf, from Concordia Seminary in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It will be available as an e-mail subscription and can be read online at www.paraelcamino.com/adviento, beginning November 27. A printable version will be available October 3.

Advent devotions from LHM make an excellent resource for connecting with others.

They can be forwarded in an e-mail, printed and handed out in the classroom, read online before youth group get-togethers, or incorporated into Sunday school classes. They’re also an excellent resource for one’s own devotions during the Advent season, which runs from November 27 until Epiphany, on January 6, 2017. During that time Advent devotions will replace the Daily Devotions from Rev. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus for The Lutheran Hour.

The regular Daily Devotions will begin again on Saturday, January 7, 2017. n

YOUR PARTNER

IN PROCLAIMING

THE GOSPEL

LHM.ORG 22

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

Board Nominations Now Open for 2017 Nominations for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors for the International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries are being requested now for next spring’s election. Vice chairman and four director positions will be on the Spring 2017 ballot. You are urged to prayerfully consider the God-given talents, skill sets, passion for outreach ministry, and service to the Lord of potential nominees who are members of a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or Lutheran Church—Canada.

To download a nominations form, or learn more about eligibility requirements, visit lhm.org/nominations. Nominations must be received by Nov. 1, 2016, to be considered.

Look for details in upcoming issues of The Lutheran Layman about how contributing members of Lutheran Hour Ministries will register to vote beginning with the 2017 election. n

Eternal Returns of Investing in Gospel Ministry by Brad Neathery Many people are familiar with the term return on investment. The basic idea is to determine what increase is achieved when people invest energy and resources into a certain area. At many points in Lutheran Hour Ministries’ history, the decision was made to invest into new areas of ministry: Radio, Television, Internet, International Ministry, etc. Each investment required great energy and resources from Lutheran Hour Ministries and its generous members. More than anything else, God called us to invest our prayers and our faith in Him and His plans for this world.

In return, God has blessed Lutheran Hour Ministries by helping us reach new audiences and expand our mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. This issue of The Lutheran Layman gives many examples of the impact that God has made with the investment of time, talents, and treasures from individuals such as yourself.

In 2015, Lutheran Hour Ministries made a calculated decision to invest more ministry resources in expanding our mass media outreach in key regions of the world. Investing in mass media greatly increases the number of people who are hearing the Gospel message through LHM international ministry center efforts on TV, radio, and online. God greatly blessed these efforts as the number of people reached by Lutheran Hour Ministries worldwide every week increased by 5 million in 2016. In terms of reaching people with the Good News—that is a great return on investment!

Lutheran Hour Ministries also believes it is important to track how many people respond to our ministry efforts directly by contacting our ministry center staff around the world. We know the Holy Spirit is changing many lives through this ministry work that will never respond in person. Yet this is still a good barometer of the actual impact of our mass media efforts. By this measure, LHM saw an increase of 40,000 souls who responded to our global mission work in 2016. Again, God brought a great return to our mission work!

It is encouraging to know that our work is making a real impact in this world for the Gospel. Behind every statistic is a real person whose life and eternity may be forever changed by our Savior. As we celebrate 100 years of ministry, thank you for continuing to invest in the work that God is doing every day through Lutheran Hour Ministries. n Brad Neathery works with philanthropic supporters of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

YOUR HOME CAN HELP SHARE THE GOSPEL! You can donate your house, land, rental property or other real estate to make an amazing impact on ministry. Even better, you can provide income and security for yourself and loved ones at the same time!

To learn more, contact Lutheran Hour Ministries at 1-877-333-1963 or lhm-gift@lhm.org.

Certain restrictions apply

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

23

New Director in Madagascar Daniel Andramanjaka has returned to Lutheran Hour Ministries as the new director of LHM—Madagascar. He previously worked for the ministry for a year following the completion of his master’s degree. He brings a wealth of experience to the position after previously serving as communications manager for the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Antananarivo and holding leadership positions in government and other non-profit organizations. He most recently was the Chief of Staff at the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Antananarivo.

“We look forward to utilizing Daniel’s skills and experience to help expand the ministry in Madagascar,” says Eric Gates, LHM’s Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East. “He wished to leave his work in the secular sphere to come back and serve the Lord in some capacity. We are privileged to have him.”

Andramanjaka replaces Jaona Andrianasolo, who officially retired at the end of June following 17 years with the ministry.

Andrianasolo was instrumental in opening the Madagascar ministry and leading its growth to where today LHM—Madagascar has radio programs airing in more than a dozen cities across the nation. He has been honored with a lifetime appointment as the spiritual advisor for the Antananarivo Toby, the largest spiritual retreat center in the capital city which is run by the church.

“We are deeply appreciative of Jaona’s work and will honor him later this year with a special retirement celebration,” says Gates.

We praise the Lord for Jaona’s years of service and ask that you remember Daniel, his family, and the work of the Madagascar ministry in your prayers.

To learn more about LHM—Madagascar, look for the ministry center’s blog at lhmmadagascar.wordpress.com. n

Here is an example of the view seen by the director of LHM– Madagascar as he speaks to Christians in worship settings.

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The Lutheran Layman September - October 2016

OLORING Contest C

Promotes LHM’s Rose Parade Float The Petal Pushers, a group of 5,000 volunteers supporting the Lutheran Hour Ministries Float in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, invites students from preschool through eighth grade across the United States to enter its sixth annual Petal Pushers Coloring Contest.

Here's how to enter: • Download a coloring page at petalpushers.donorshops.com/color.php.

• Complete the page by coloring the picture and entering the requested information in the appropriate spaces.

• Submit your entry to: Lutheran Hour Ministries Float Committee, P.O. Box 20044, Riverside, CA 92516-0044.

Four winners will be selected: • One winner from preschool-kindergarten; • One winner from 1st-2nd grades; • One winner from 3rd-5th grades; • One winner from 6th-8th grades.

Each winner will receive a $50 coupon to use on Petal Pushers merchandise from their online store, a Petal Pushers t-shirt, and a

Lutheran Hour Ministries Float magnet. The teacher of the winning student from each category also receives the same prizes. Second and third place winners (students) will receive a Petal Pushers t-shirt and a float magnet.

Entries must be postmarked by November 1, 2016. Be sure to provide all information requested on the coloring page; incomplete entries will not be judged. Submissions will become the property of the Petal Pushers and will not be returned.

Be sure to visit petalpushers.org for more details or to download materials, or visit the site to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available through the Petal Pushers. n

He Saw the Actual Work Phil Krauss of Michigan is an advocate of international understanding. The desire to learn more about other cultures and the need to spread the Gospel of Christ in those lands were motivating factors that urged Mr. Krauss to visit Uruguay and Brazil earlier this year.

Krauss recently served as chairman of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League’s Board of Directors.

What Krauss realized were several special blessings. Visiting overseas sites where Lutheran Hour Ministries is active allows individuals to learn about the progress and impact of this specialized international work. In effect, visitors become advocates. Upon their return home, they provide first-hand knowledge and understanding of the Int’l LLL’s international work since they have seen results.

Krauss saw Christ-centered “literature being passed out to non-Christians in Montevideo and Sao Paulo…children’s Bibles being given out to new mothers in a maternity wing of a hospital…youth activities with a Christian message being held for students in a school …daily devotions held for hospital staff, and…

Lutheran Pastors receiving material to help in reaching out to the unchurched in their neighborhoods.” He also saw “the staff of LHM reaching lost souls in three international cities where mostly young people either have never known Christ, or had been given a false vision of Him.” He adds that the indigenous LHM staff members were not just competent and dedicated, “they were passionate about the work they were doing.” He truly saw staff Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.

More news about international outreach by LHM can be checked regularly by going to lhm.org/international. n