The Lutheran Layman

L AYMAN THE LUTHERAN

September-October 2012

Your Partner in HIS Mission!

The State of Outreach in the LCMS You may be Surprised Page 3 Hundreds Packed the Convention Page 8

Mosquito Nets in Malawi Page 10

One in Spirit: ‘Sonrise to Sunset’ Page 14

speakingup

Be sure to watch the New LHM TV Special:

by Rev. Gregory Seltz

Intersection of Church and State Fox Business Channel (as paid programming)

Sunday, September 30

Childlike Faith, Power for Unity!

The Good News of Jesus is for all people, of every age. There is no one too sophisticated, or no one too primitive for its blessing. It’s not merely comfort for when we are old, or joy for when we’re young. It is actually the very power and perspective of God to live life when we are young, old, and every time in between. Remember, Jesus says, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it!” (Mark 10:15) One aspect of childlike faith is its power to be amazed and yet to trust.

For instance, have you ever noticed that there are certain things in life that have the power to take everyone’s breath away? There are certain things that amaze us all, that help us to see our “smallness” so that we see God’s infinite greatness.

Yvette and I were privileged recently to take a pre-convention train ride with some special friends on their way to the recent Int’l LLL Saskatoon Convention. What a great time we had. It was a train ride through the Canadian Rockies and the vistas were amazing to all.

You didn’t have to tell the young people or the older people on that train to “be amazed” because the grandeur spoke for itself.

In fact, at one time, when we were all gathered in the observation car for devotions, I think the Lord Himself had a little fun with us. Just as we were about to start talking about how the mountains declare the glory of God, the train stopped. Now, that’s not unusual, but it just so happened that it stopped at a

L AYMAN

5 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Central, 3 p.m. Mountain, 2 p.m. Pacific See www.intersectionofchurchandstate.com for more info.

place where there was this incredible rock jutting out of the countryside. It was impressive, immovable, formidable, and awesome all at the same time.

And the train didn’t move from that place until we were finished with the study. Let me tell you, we were there for some time. We had devotions, we had prayer, and we ended with song, all in the shadow of that rock, grandeur that spoke for itself.

Well, we have a Savior who “speaks for Himself” so that you might know the uniqueness of His love readily available for you. Through Jesus’ cross and resurrection, we have a Savior, who awes us all with the grandeur of His grace, the magnitude to His mercy, and the power of His persevering love. We have a common faith in an awesome Savior that not only speaks to everyone of every culture of every age, but has the power to keep us together in that mission as we continue to focus our eyes on Him, loving others IN HIS NAME. So, let us all, young and old, continue to share our wonder, amazement, and trust in our Savior whose love takes our breath away while still giving us the breath of eternal life. For, “fixing our eyes on Jesus” with such childlike wonder and trust is not only the power for mission and evangelism, it is the power for unity— holding us together as we strive to fulfill God’s purposes in this “salvation-needing” world.

Hear Pastor Seltz on The Lutheran Hour! Check stations and times at www.lhm.org.

The Lutheran

Vol. 83, No. 5

September-October 2012

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

The Puzzle Club is a service mark and trademark of Int’l LLL. Copyright 2012, Int’l LLL

®

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

2 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

Also see the article in this issue, page 22

Beaming in Canada!

The recent Int’l LLL convention for Lutheran Hour Ministries attracted hundreds of participants from all over North America and beyond. Their faith was beaming! See more on page 8.

2012 Theme Resolution WHEREAS the God of all creation has provided us with a bountiful earth filled with beauty and riches, and WHEREAS we see His hand at work each day, “From the rising of the sun to its setting…” (Psalm 113:3), and WHEREAS “…the name of the LORD is to be praised” as the Source of all goodness, and WHEREAS many people around the world do not fully understand our great God and His love as manifested in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, therefore BE IT RESOLVED that members and supporters of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League voice a resounding vote of approval for the energetic proclamation of God’s Word near and far through the multi-faceted efforts of Lutheran Hour Ministries, and be it further RESOLVED that we implore the grace of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon this grand endeavor for outreach from “Sonrise to Sunset,” asking for heightened success in every way possible, all to His glory and the furtherance of His kingdom on earth; and be it finally RESOLVED that this approval be passed by voice vote, followed by the singing of the common doxology.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures, here below, Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. AMEN!

s a p

d se

The State of

Outreach...

By the Numbers

5

Five percent. What is the significance of that number as it relates to outreach in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)? Five percent of LCMS congregations do 50 percent of the outreach, at least as measured by the number of reported adult confirmations. There were 351 congregations that reported they confirmed 8,711 adults—or 50 percent of the 17,4251 that were added to the church in 2010, the last year statistics are available at this writing.

The number of adult confirmations is a valuable measure of the outreach and evangelism in our churches. While it may not be the only possible measurement, it is nonetheless a sobering barometer of the state of outreach in the LCMS. The fact of the matter is that whatever measurement is used, a large majority of our congregations come up short. Whether it is baptized or confirmed membership, affirmations of faith, or even child baptism, the trend is pointed downward.

Is this disconcerting trend getting the attention it deserves? Most church professionals read once a year in a church publication that donations are up, but membership is down. Lay members may not receive any information at all, except for a vague sense that we are losing members, and that their congregation is graying and declining. Do we know where these losses are occurring? Is it in the city, the suburbs, or rural areas? Is it in a particular part of the country? Do growing or declining congregations share any important characteristics from which we can learn?

The purpose of this article is to begin to answer some of these questions. It is hoped it will add some objective facts for a vital discussion about the state of outreach in the LCMS—not so we can preserve our institutions—but so we can work more effectively in connecting the lost to the see page 4 Lord through the powerful and effective message of His grace.

1 Note that in this article, a more generous method of counting adult confirmations is used. If a congregation did not report in 2010, the number for the last year reported is included. In 1999 the Synod changed its method of counting, so these numbers are not carried forward in congregations not reporting. For 2010, the Synod’s official count of adult confirmations is approximately 12,250.

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 3

A WORD ABOUT THE NUMBERS How do we know what is happening in our churches?

The only objective data available are the statistics reported by congregations each year. When these reports are mentioned, you often hear skepticism about their helpfulness and accuracy. You hear that few or at least an insufficient number of congregations actually fill these reports out.

The fact of the matter is that while one would prefer the response rate of these reports to be better, it is probably better than one might think. The last year of available statistics is 2010. Sixty-two (62) percent of congregations and new starts returned reports—not too impressive. However, 85 percent have reported in the last three years. While not perfect, it does provide a decent measurement of trends in the LCMS.

s Figure 1: U.S. Religious Groups Adherence Rates 2010 Membership in Millions

Religious Preference by Year (General Social Survey, 1972-2008)

None

Catholic

Jewish

Other

Protestant

Membership Loss Since 1990

Percentage Loss

American Baptist Church

1.6

-313,000

-16.7%

Episcopal Church

1.9

-493,000

-20.2%

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

4.1

-1.0 Million

-20.0%

Presbyterian Church in the USA

1.9

-1.1 Million

-31.0%

United Church of Christ

1.2

-709,000

-35.6%

United Methodist Church

9.7

-1.2 Million

-11.1%

s Figure 2: Distribution of U.S. Faith Groups Since 1972

s Figure 3: Membership Losses in Mainline Churches5

THE AMERICAN CONTEXT Before examining the statistics of our Synod in detail, it is instructive to see how broader Christianity is generally faring in the context of the religious landscape in the United States over the last 20 years. While it is true we don’t live in the 1950s, when church membership was booming, neither is the Christian church in the U.S. in defeat. We are fully engaged in the fray for the souls of people for whom Christ died. We are a still powerful force in the defining of our cultural fabric.

In 2008, the last year in which this comprehensive study is available, a full 81 percent of Americans identified themselves as Christians2 (Figure 1). This identification can take many forms—

from highly committed church members to those who may only have a cultural connection to the church. While we rejoice that it is still such a high percentage, only about half of those who identify themselves as Christians belong to local congregations.

This same report also indicates that those who adhere to a non-Christian faith are still a relatively small, albeit growing, part of the population. The total percentage of the U.S. population reporting to be Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or other (includes Mormons) totals 6.6 percent.

However, the trend lines are moving in troubling directions. Figure 2 shows the percentage of Americans identifying with a particular faith group. There was very little change in the distribution

from the early 1970s to the early 1990s.

After the early 1990s, however, changes began occurring. While the percentage of those identifying themselves as Jewish and Roman Catholic (buoyed by the immigration of many Latin Americans to the U.S.) remained about the same, the percentage of those claiming to be Protestant declined significantly, from about 65 percent of the U.S. population to around 50 percent today.

Keep in mind that in order to maintain a certain percentage of the population, those adhering to a faith group would need to be growing, since the population of the U.S. increased from 250 million3 in 1990 to 314 million4 today. The percentage

http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen1990.html http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html, as of August 1, 2012 5 http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010/r/u/rcms2010_99_us_name_1990_ON.asp 3 4

2

http://www.thearda.com/internationalData/countries/country_234_1.asp

4 The Lutheran Layman September - October

belonging to other non-Christian faiths increased their percentages somewhat, but the real increase was in those who did not identify themselves with any religious group, the so-called “Nones.”

They advanced from about eight percent of the population to 15 percent.

Digging deeper one may ask in which denominations growth and loss occurred (Figure 3). In very broad strokes it is safe to say that mainline, Protestant denominations declined the most. They declined not only as a percentage of the population, but some had very steep losses in actual membership too. In fact, some denominations have experienced losses of more than 30 percent of

their members since 1990. Some of these losses are due to congregations leaving to form new, more conservative church bodies.

The more conservative, so-called evangelical denominations have fared better. No evangelical denomination was counted among the denominations experiencing the highest membership loss.

Some reported healthy gains in the 1990s, as did the Roman Catholics6 .

However, while in the 1990s some Protestant groups were able to experience growth, the 2000s have been even more challenging. Even denominations that have historically shown healthy growth such as the Southern Baptist Convention and the Assemblies of God are showing less growth or even losses in some years.

It is clear that American culture has changed significantly, making it more difficult for all denominations to attract members.

Transfer to Lutheran Church-Canada

s Figure 4: Baptized Membership Change in the LCMS by Year

TRENDS IN THE LCMS Membership trends in the LCMS appear to be influenced by the same forces faced by other denominations.

There is a general knowledge that the LCMS has been experiencing declines in membership. Many people think this trend has been going on for quite some time. It is true that LCMS membership has plateaued (or slightly declined) since the late 1970s. However there were instances of year-to-year growth, albeit small, in the 1990s.

This is no longer the case. Since 1998 the LCMS has experienced significant losses every year (Figure 4).

Seven LCMS districts showed growth between 1991 and 2000. However, every district has shown losses for the period of 1991-2010. The losses vary widely from as little as one percent to as much as 36 percent (Figure 5).

As is indicated by the national summary (Figure 4) most of the losses have occurred since 2000. While there are exceptions, the smallest losses were in the center of the country, the historic core of Lutheranism. The greatest losses occurred along the coasts. Probably contrary to conventional wisdom, districts without large urban centers tended to fare better.

Across Christendom, it is recognized that the most effective way to bring new believers into the church is through planting new churches. During the last 20 years, a number of LCMS districts have reported net increases in their number of congregations. While these districts tended to lose fewer members than districts with net losses in the number of congregations, they still lost see next page members (Figure 6).

6

http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010/r/u/rcms2010_99_us_name_1990_ON.asp

s Figure 5: Distribution of Percentage Loss of Baptized Members in LCMS Districts (1991-2010)

s Figure 6: Loss of Baptized Members Compared to Net Change

in Number of Congregations in LCMS Districts (1991-2010) The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 5

Outreach in the LCMS, from page 5 AGE OF CONGREGATION The scatter graph below (Figure 7) shows the correlation of the age of an LCMS congregation to membership gain or loss. Each congregation is represented by a dot7, either showing a gain or loss in baptized membership over the last five years.

One would need a pretty discerning eye to spot a pattern in this scatter graph. Congregations can show growth or loss at any age. However, when the table below is calculated (Figure 8), a clear pattern emerges.

Younger congregations tend to grow. Older congregations tend to lose members. However, the scatter graph tells the story that no matter how old a congregation is—it can grow. In fact 41 percent of congregations older than 40 years showed growth or remained the same between 2005 and 2010 (Figure 8). Age does not equal fate.

SIZE OF CONGREGATION When the size of a congregation is considered, a stronger impact on membership is noted. Larger congregations tended to grow while smaller congregations tended to lose members. Again, even though the correlation is stronger, size does not equal fate. Forty-one (41) percent of congregations with less than 300 members showed growth or no change in membership from 20052010. (Figure 9) Baptized Member

s Figure 7: Change in Baptized Members According to Congregational Age (2005-2010) Age

Number Gain/Loss

100+

2002

-31

81-100

709

-32

61-80

854

-36

41-60 1313

-32

21-40

665

-7

5-20

307

10

s Figure 8: Change in Baptized Members

<100

1312

-23.92

100-299

2264

-13.35

300-999

1894

-6.65

1000-1999

331

-2.02

2000+

114

4.03

according to Congregational Size (2005-2010)

ADULT CONFIRMATIONS

Congregations less than five years old are not included, are several congregations founded before 1800.

8 At times some argue that Adult Baptism is a better measure. However, adults who are baptized are also counted as adult confirmands and many people who may have been baptized in the past are reconnected to the church through Adult Confirmation. Affirmations of Faith are those who are received in the church most often because they have received instruction in the past either in one of our churches or from another Lutheran Church body with which we may not be in fellowship. Often their re-connection to the church is a result of an outreach effort.

6 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

% Change

s Figure 9: Percentage Change in Baptized Members

by Congregational Age (2005-2010) 7

Number

Souls are added to congregations through infant and adult baptism, transfer from other LCMS sister congregations, and affirmation of faith. Adult confirmation is the rite through which adults are received into the church. It is the generally recognized measurement of outreach8. By any measure the number of adult confirmations in the LCMS is paltry and declining. In decades past, it was bemoaned that only 25,000-30,000 adults were confirmed each year. In the last decade the number has declined to around 17,000 per year. That is about three adult confirmations per congregation. However, 54 per-

CONCLUSION cent of our congregations reported no adult confirmations in 2010. Eighty percent of our congregations confirmed three adults or less.

These numbers use the more generous method of calculation, bringing forward adult confirmations reported in previous years when no report is submitted. Applying the current method of counting used by Synod of not carrying these numbers forward, the results would be bleaker yet. Using this method, the Synod reports only 12,500 adult confirmations in 2010 (see footnote 1).

A small percentage of our congregations do a large portion of the reported outreach.

As mentioned above, five percent of our churches confirm 50 percent of the adults.

Congregations in this five percent confirm 12 adults per year or more. That means that one congregation in this group accomplishes as much outreach as 19 churches in the other 95 percent.

While much attention is rightly paid to the fact that 65 percent of our congregations confirm zero or one adult per year, we should not lose sight of the fact that we should be dissatisfied with how low the numbers are all along the scale. For example, why do only 6.6 percent of our churches confirm more than 10 adults? Why do only 2.4 percent confirm more that 20?

Imagine the names of all the LCMS congregations that did not report any adult confirmation last year flashing in front of you. If you watched from the beginning, seeing all the Advent Lutheran Churches, through all the Epiphanies, St. Johns, St. Matthews, and St. Martinis, until you got to the last Zion Lutheran Church, how long would it take at the rate of one per second?

The answer is 53 minutes.

Figure 10: Distribution of Adult Confirmations9

s

Percentage of Number of Number of Number of Adult Congregations Congregations Adults Confirmed Confirmations None

54%

0

668

11%

668

3.8%

796

13%

1918

11.0%

4-10

915

15.1%

5513

31.6%

11-20

259

4.2%

3772

21.6%

20+

144

2.4%

5554

31.9%

2-3

Thanks to the Synod’s Office on Research for their kind cooperation and assistance with this analysis.

Making a difference in how Christians talk about Jesus!

Percentage of Adult Confirmations

3274

1

This article is not academic; rather, it is to give us an accurate picture of where we are, so we can design a roadmap to get to where we want to be: effectively and consistently reaching the lost by the power of the Holy Spirit. There are many other factors that could and probably should be analyzed. God willing, this article will help prompt discussions to identify additional areas needing examination.

We have a picture of what has been happening in the recent past. Where we go in the future depends upon the Lord’s blessing. We sow the seed of the Word of God. The seed is good and produces fruit according to the Lord’s will. Are there ways we can more effectively scatter this seed and cultivate the field for a harvest? Are many of our congregations simply not scattering this seed outside their current membership?

With God’s help, we can take advantage of the opportunities to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples in our American context. While Christianity faces challenges, Americans are still very spiritual—even those individuals not currently connected to the church. Immigration brings people to our communities, and many may never have heard the Gospel in their home countries. The clear, strong theology of the LCMS remains an asset to our mission, not a hindrance.

The mission statement of Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) is Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. Lutheran Hour Ministries not only produces Gospel media programs such as The Lutheran Hour, Para el Camino, television specials, Internet and print media to “Bring Christ to the Nations,” we also offer training programs and other tools to “Bring the Nations to the Church.” Resources like MISSION U, five14, and the Men’s NetWork strengthen God’s people for the task.

As one of two auxiliaries of the LCMS, LHM shares in the responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission. We stand ready to do our part to change the trajectory of LCMS membership and, more importantly, of the lost who, God willing, will be connecting to Christ through our churches, instead of spending an eternity without Him. We pledge to humbly listen to our partners in the church and to work tirelessly—with you—to connect the lost to the Gospel of our gracious Lord! n

0%

MISSION U courses are

STILL AVAILABLE 9

Assumes 6,058 LCMS congregations; 17,425 Adult Confirmations.

for the

Fall 2012 semester!

Contact us now to book one of six MISSION U courses!

For more information, visit www.lhm.org/missionu or call 1-800-944-3450, ext. 4217.

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 7

President Onnen (left) passed the gavel to Kurt Buchholz, new chairman of the board.

Plenty of smiles and Christ-centered reflections

Rev. Gregory Seltz (left) and Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman offered insights.

International outreach was a sectional topic.

8 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

Hundreds at Convention in Canada Praised God, Rejoiced over Ministries Nearly 600 people from across North America converged on Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, for the 94th International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League. The convention, held July 26-28, included worship, fellowship, spiritual enrichment, and much more under the theme, “Sonrise to Sunset” (Psalm 113:3): “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”

Key convention highlights featured reports on the work that God is doing around the world through Lutheran Hour Ministries; updates on what is happening with various partner organizations; an inaugural convention address from the new Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, Rev. Gregory Seltz; recognition of the outgoing Board of Governors; and the installation of the new Board of Directors.

“Today, I’m honored and humbled, just as I was four years ago, to stand before you, this time as the outgoing president of your International Lutheran Laymen’s League,” said Mick Onnen. “It has been an extremely busy and challenging but rewarding tour of duty with the league, and I thank God that He was present each step of the way.”

Kurt Buchholz, the Int’l LLL’s new chairman of the board, is from Glen Arm, Maryland. He told the convention, “What an honor it is to be standing here with each and every one of you as

The young in action

we look to the future around our common calling—the calling that brings light to the darkness in a very personal way.” Buchholz also thanked LLL members for the “honor and confidence given to me to lead the new board as it seeks to hold fast to the strong foundations that have been laid by past and current leaders and to the [LHM] vision for a future Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.”

Another key feature of the convention was a “mini-Regional Outreach Conference” held on Saturday. Through video and audience participation, Speaker Seltz shared examples of witnessing scenarios designed to sharpen evangelism skills.

“As a Christian, it is not just about running the race at the final day. It’s about how you train,” Seltz told attendees. Hs explained how the experience in Saskatoon would assist in empowering individuals and sharpen skills so they will “be ready for the opportunities that God is going to send your way.” Those opportunities are spelled: P-E-O-P-L-E, who need the Good News of Christ Jesus. As those people come into the lives of the attendees, Seltz asked, “Will you be ready?”

Following the morning session, attendees took part in two breakout sessions of their choice from 12 pertinent outreach topics, including several MISSION U courses as well as workshop titles such as “How Media Shapes the World We

Mission U courses proved enlightening

are Trying to Reach,” “Outreach to Men,” “Growing Your Outreach Efforts When Your City Shrinks,” and “Getting Out into Their World: Creative Strategies for Youth Ministry.”

Convention attendees also voted on three potential changes to the Articles of Incorporation while in Saskatoon. Results are as follows: “Article VI—Conventions” (the change failed): This would have changed the wording from “The League shall meet in convention as frequently as determined by the convention in assembly, but at least biennially” to “The League shall meet in convention as frequently as determined by the Board of Directors.”

“Article VII—Board of Directors” (passed): Removing the words “between conventions” from “Authority and responsibility for the general supervision and to conduct the affairs of the League between conventions shall be vested in a Board of Directors (“Board”) which shall consist of such number of persons as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Bylaws of the League.”

“Article X—Amendments” (passed): Changing the Article from “The Articles of Incorporation may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members voting at any regular session at a convention of the League, provided that notice of any proposed amendments shall have been published in at least two issues of the League’s official publication prior to the convention” to “The Articles of Incorporation may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members voting during an election of the members, provided that notice of any proposed amendments shall have been published in at least two issues of the League’s official publication prior to the election.”

The next Int’l LLL International Convention is scheduled for 2014 in Dearborn, Michigan. n

Top left: International directors socializing.

Top right: Congratulations to the new board chairman and his wife.

Left: the Board of Directors was installed.

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 9

onthemove

Mosquito Nets Spell ‘Ministry’ in Malawi Project

by Kurt Buchholz

What About the Harvest Fields?

My wife Jenny and I recently returned from the 94th convention of the International Lutheran Layman’s League in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It was a time of celebration and praise— and a time of clear contrasts. I was struck by the contrast of flying from the U.S. at a time of severe drought and descending to the airport in Canada by flying over acres and acres of lush green canola fields. I also saw this contrast when talking to many attendees who were either farmers or were connected to the farming industry. What I saw were laymen who praised the name of the Lord from the rising of the sun to its setting (Psalm 113:3) even as they had watched bone-dry crops back home being plowed under for the year.

Many of you were not able to be with us and our gracious hosts in Saskatoon when I shared a little of who I am and how I see God blessing and leading the league today and into the future. Between this article and a separate Q&A section in this issue of the LAYMAN I hope to introduce myself and share my prayer for LLL in the coming years.

In our more than 20 years of ministry in the LCMS my beautiful and very patient wife Jenny and I have been blessed to experience our church from quite a few perspectives: as evangelistic missionaries to Taiwan, as a mission leader of our church body, and as a bridge for Lutherans to engage in global relief and development through Lutheran World Relief. God has taught me many valuable lessons about myself, about Himself, and about His ministry through each of these perspectives. One of those lessons that has proven true in each of these places of ministry is that His call is to His people—not to organizations or structures of man but to His people.

I share this with you because I believe the Int’l LLL is built around this understanding: individually called Lutherans coming together in Christ-cen-

tered community to bear witness to the saving Gospel of Christ.

Join me in sending a prayer of thanks to our God who blessed us with leaders like retired President Mick Onnen and the Int’l LLL Board of Governors who led selflessly through many challenges and celebrations.

I thank the league for the honor and the confidence given to me to lead the new Int’l LLL Board of Directors as we seek to hold fast to the strong foundations that have been laid by past and current leaders and to the vision for a future Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.

I thank my God for each and every one of you who faithfully support this vital ministry. I am humbled by your faith that continues to be put into action through your leadership, your generosity in giving, and in your sharing of your faith even as we watch bone-dry crops being plowed under for the year. Your priorities and your faith are evident in your actions.

May God continue to bless us with the continued call to His mission, with a bold vision for the future, and with courage to put our faith into action: Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. n

10 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

Kurt Buchholz, Int’l LLL Chairman of the Board

New mosquito nets were highly appreciated when LHM distributed them recently in Malawi.

At right, officals show how to use the nets.

T

here is only one correct way to spell “ministry” but in Malawi you could say it is spelled “M-o-s-q-u-i-t-o N-e-t.” Lutheran Hour Ministries—Malawi has begun a project in partnership with the Lutheran Church in Malawi to provide bed nets to more than 1,000 households in the country’s central region in order to protect mothers and newborn babies from malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

“Malaria is a major public health and economic problem in Malawi,” says Mphatso Thole, who directs Lutheran Hour Ministries—Malawi.

“The poor are badly hit: malaria costs adults an average of 25 working days per year, which results in a significant loss in family income.

Children under five, pregnant women and those living with HIV/AIDS are most in danger of contracting malaria and dying from it. Lutheran Hour Ministries—Malawi hopes to help mitigate the country’s malaria endemic by providing bed nets and the healing Word of God to at-risk Malawians in the central region.”

On Saturday, June 23, at the Katonde Lutheran Congregation in the Chadza area, the Malawi ministry center held the first of many bed net distribution rallies. Fifty expectant mothers and mothers with newborn infants received mosquito nets at no cost.

The ministry center will also provide counseling and training in the use of the nets. Ruth Kandoje, vice chairperson of the Lutheran Hour Ministries—Malawi board, is shown in the accompanying pictures demonstrating the proper method of deploying a net.

“God serves His people through other people,” said Kandoje to the crowd. “Therefore, we must acknowledge His presence in this gift.”

For information about partnering with Lutheran Hour Ministries— Malawi, visit www.lhm.org/partner. n

Q and A interview

Present and Future Outlook for LHM is Positive, Says Chairman Kurt Buchholz, newly installed as chairman of the board of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, recently fielded several questions by the LAYMAN editor relative to the multiple efforts of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Here are the questions and answers.

Q

UESTION: What excites you about the ways in which LHM is Bringing Christ to the Nations – and the Nations to the Church?

ANSWER: God’s call is to His people—not to organizations or structures of man but to His chosen people.

This truth can be seen in the programs and strategies LHM employs as it seeks to bear witness to the Light in a world of darkness. It is exciting to see how this is playing out in the U.S. and around the globe. People are hearing the message of salvation and being connected to God’s people. They are not preached to and then left alone— but, rather, they are connected to those who have been trained to teach them and connect them to the church.

We all know well the reality that the membership of the LCMS continues to decline. Each year fewer and fewer of our neighbors know of the saving love of Jesus Christ. This always has been and continues to be unacceptable. Whether through radio programs, Bible Correspondence Courses, puppet shows, or Bible studies, LHM is in the business of making and strengthening connections. The methods will continue to change as opportunities and technology evolves but the fact that LHM is about connecting and investing in people is, and will continue to be, the main goal as we are Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.

The Int’l LLL is reorganizing for action. What are the greatest benefits you see for the near future? Will there be challenges, too?

The clearest benefit that I see is that this reorganization brings all Int’l LLL members together. Joining the representation of all those who have traditionally been able to come to the league conventions with the representation of the tens of thousands of additional lay people who continue to invest in our ministries and mission.

One of the challenges facing the league today is the necessity of engaging the next generations in our shared mission. We cannot be about the business of inviting people to be members to an exclusive club or organization; rather, we must be about letting the next generations see us put our

faith into action. Please pray with me our common missionary prayer—that our eyes will be open to the people who God knows will be crossing our paths, both those people that need to encounter Christ and those “next generation laymen” who will be companions along that very path.

How does a motivated, Christ-centered laity fit into today’s world?

The priesthood of believers continues today as they have since the beginning of Christ’s church; bearing bold witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As our world changes at an increasingly faster pace we are challenged to accomplish this witness in new and ever-changing ways.

I am confident that in this new and changing environment the laity will continue to be essential to the spread of the Gospel. Historically, knowledge and training have been centralized through necessity. Today’s world allows for the opportunity to decentralize knowledge and training. We have the ability to continue the equipping of the saints but at a scale and efficiency never before seen. Additionally, we have the ability to keep the laity connected like never before. see next page

Start 2013 with an educational

Online MtoissiThonailaTndri!p LHM invites Lutheran Schools across North America to join the second online mission trip to Thailand.

January 28-31, 2013

To learn more and to register for this online trip, visit

www.lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 11

Outlook,

from page 11 Some analysts say skepticism and “relative truths” threaten traditions and religious practices. In what ways can people effectively advance the Cause of Christ to people in our multi-cultural, postmodern world?

The beauty of God’s Word is that it has the ability to transcend time, culture, and social changes. We can be confident that our message is not only relevant but just as critical for the broader population as it ever was.

Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 to be in the world but not of the world.

As a missionary and church worker, I have often felt that we underemphasize the ‘in the world’ part. We cannot witness clearly the Cause of Christ to the culture that surrounds us today without speaking to people where they are and in the language and style that they understand. As Lutherans, we understand that this can be done while holding fast to our doctrine and theological heritage.

Any final thoughts?

God continues to call you and me to be faithful in the moment. We can very easily be distracted by the past or blinded to the present by focusing all our efforts on a preferred future. When this happens, we miss the opportunities and blessings of the moment that is now. We learn from the past and strive for the vision that God has made clear in His Word but we focus on the wonder of the moment and seek God’s guidance and strength to face that moment for Him. n

Nominations are Open

Nominations for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries are being requested now from members of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—Canada.

LHM members will vote on the roles of vice chair and four director positions during the Spring 2013 mail-in election. You are urged to prayerfully consider the God-given talents, skill sets, passion for outreach ministry, and service to the Lord of potential nominees. To download a nominations form, or learn more about eligibility requirements for nominees, visit www.lhm.org/nominations. Nominations must be received

by Oct. 1, 2012. n

Guatemala Center Now in Partnership with National Church Also attending the On May 28, Rev. Eduformal signing was Rev. ardo Bonilla, president Nilo Figur, Lutheran of the Iglesia Evangélica Hour Ministries’ ReLuterana en Guatemala gional Director for (Lutheran Church in GuaLatin America and the temala), and Rebeca de Caribbean, who called Franco, director of Cristo the occasion “a joyful Para Todas Las Naciones moment for our min(Lutheran Hour Minisistry in Guatemala.” tries—Guatemala), signed Rebeca Figur observed that the a Memorandum of Unde Franco event was also special derstanding (MOU) that to Lutheran Hour Minformally established a partnership between the two orga- istries’ International Director nizations. Although both have long Dr. Douglas Rutt, who served enjoyed a cooperative relationship, for six years as a missionary in this “Acuerdo de Compañerismo” Guatemala and later as Latin formalizes the organizations’ com- America Regional Director for mon desire to work together and The Lutheran Church—Misthe boundaries of their partnership. souri Synod. n

Guatemala Facts: T

he Lutheran Hour Ministries center in Guatemala City uses a variety of community-based programs to spread the Gospel.

• The Project JOEL program is based on solid Christian teachings and is used to reach thousands of youth in public elementary and high schools.

• LHM staff and volunteers also reach children through visits to hospitals and orphanages, and offer seven adult and two children’s Bible Correspondence Courses.

• Other LHM—Guatemala activities include teaching God’s Word through a young theater group called “Kerigma,” and broadcasting LHM television specials on secular channels during Christmas and Easter.

• Equipping the Saints training is given to lay people involved in evangelism. It provides them with LHM materials and other resources to reach the lost.

• LHM—Guatemala often conducts outreach events in cooperation with local Lutheran churches and U.S. volunteer groups.

For more information visit www.lhm.org/partner.

12 The Lutheran Layman September - October

Evangelistic Zeal

is Rekindled in Uganda

In June, a team from Lutheran Hour Ministries—Uganda traveled about 70 miles to the Iganga district in eastern Uganda to present an Equipping the Saints (ETS) evangelism workshop. The group gathered at Christ Community Lutheran School in Kawete, sitting at student desks in the shade of a large tree in the school yard.

Most of the 31 Lutheran laypersons who attended are involved in youth ministry leadership, women’s ministry leadership or pastoral work in the eight congregations from which they came.

The Holy Spirit was at work. “During the ETS workshop, the zeal for evangelism was rekindled,” writes ministry center director Rebecca Kyomuhendo, “and new commitments were made by these laymen to enhance ministry in their communities by forming evangelism and visitation teams and by improving hospitality and friendship in their congregations.” Participants were also introduced to new ways of thinking about the use of music and drama as tools for worship and evangelism.

The ETS students had opportunities to put the strategies they learned into practice at Lutheran Hour Ministries’ film show events held the same weekend. “During the film shows,” writes Kyomuhendo, “the trainees got some hands-on experience...as we prayed for and counseled those in need.”

According to Kyomuhendo, the threeday ETS and film outreach generated more than 500 responses and 150 referrals to local Lutheran congregations—despite a rain storm in one location, at which people finished watching the film under the verandas of shops where they had sought shelter when the rain began.

To learn how you or your congregation can partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries’ ministry center in Uganda, visit www.lhm.org/partner. n

Join us this coming holiday season as we recall

Christmas Memories Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Advent devotions for 2012.

Available online October 1st at

www.adventdevotions.net

Iganga Equipping the Saints workshop participants learn witnessing strategies in an open-air classroom.

The Lutheran Layman September-October 2012 13

One in Spirit: from ‘Sonrise to Sunset’

by Jane Wilke, Administrator of Communications, Lutheran Senior Services, St. Louis, Mo.

I

“

Love to Tell the Story!” Don’t you start humming the refrain of this much-loved hymn as soon as you hear the title? Don’t the words resonate as the melody begins to play in your mind?

“I love to tell the story; ‘twill be my theme in glory; to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”

I started my professional career working with three, four, and five year olds as a teacher in Lutheran schools. While telling the story of Jesus and His love happened every day during “Jesus Time,” I quickly learned that it expanded well beyond those planned 15 minutes. “Jesus Time” happened every time His love was shared through word and deed. It was in each smile, helping hand, and listening ear.

We didn’t just love to tell the story; we were living to tell the story.

I now work with 74, 84, and 94 year olds— but living to tell the story hasn’t changed. In fact, it has become richer and deeper because with aging comes depth and wisdom. I see in these older adults a desire to pass on the legacy of their faith to the younger generations. I see that no matter our age, we can be one in the Spirit. People of all ages need Christ; people of all ages can share Christ; people of all ages can love to tell the story by living to tell the story.

The organization I now serve is Lutheran Senior Services. We are based in St. Louis and we touch the lives of approximately 8,500 older adults each year through a variety of ministries and programs—senior living communities offering all levels of care, affordable housing apartment communities,

14 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

in-home services, and hospice care. What struck me as I first came on board as Administrator of Communications was that our employees and residents alike seemed to know and fully embrace our Christian mission of “Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest”— for them it had become more than just caring for physical needs, it had become caring for body, mind, and spirit— both now and into eternity. Whether it was one of our chaplains leading a Bible study or a staff member tending to a need, this mission comes alive through serving others as Christ would serve them.

Isn’t that what we should all be about? Shouldn’t we all be stewards of God’s grace no matter what age we happen to be? No matter where He has placed us? In 1 Peter 4:10 we read: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” We belong to Christ and one another, bound together by the Holy Spirit. The story of Jesus and His love comes alive when we touch the lives of others.

It becomes exciting to look around and see the many and varied ways congregations and organizations are fostering environments for living the story across generations. Locally, we can all find ways to engage congregations, groups, and individuals in glorifying God through service to others. For example, there is an organization called Send Me St. Louis with whom Lutheran Senior Services partners for volunteer opportunities. Even as this article is being written, there is a call out for local volunteers to serve at a Family Fun Day happening at one of our senior living communities.

Just one click on the website for Lutheran Hour Ministries (www.lhm.org) will lead you to various opportunities for living the story in your own life, the community, and the world. It piqued my interest to read about International Ministries Volunteer Trips where “teams work alongside local LHM staff and volunteers in projects such as outreach events, ministry to children, construction, etc.” Can’t you just picture a youth group alongside adults all of whom are actively engaged in living their faith by serving together?

However, not every opportunity

Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can help influence the proper maturing of younger generations.

People of all ages need Christ; people of all ages can share Christ; people of all ages can love to tell the story by living to tell the story.

Three Easy Steps to Expand Online Outreach

for telling the story of Jesus and His love across generations needs to be as dramatic. There are retired grandmas who lovingly rock the babies at their church’s daycare center. There are dads who coach the youth basketball team and model Christian sportsmanship in both wins and losses. There are families who spend Thanksgiving Day serving the homeless before sitting down at their own tables to give thanks.

Then there is living the story across the generations in your own family. Rev. Walter Schoedel, a retired Lutheran pastor who also serves as Director of Church Relations “I love to tell the for Lutheran Senior Services, story, for those who recently wrote this in the Winter 2012 issue of Engaging the Agknow it best seem ing: “As an older adult with chilhungering and dren, grandchildren, and greatthirsting to hear it grandchildren, I want to answer two important questions: How like the rest. And do I go about influencing the when, in scenes faith of my family? And how do I practice my faith in their presof glory, I sing the ence? Studies, research, and my new, new song, own experiences have shown ‘twill be the old, me the way my life can serve as a beacon for my family.” old story that I have He goes on to share several loved so long.” things he and his wife do to share their faith legacy. They include praying for each individual member of the family, noting that it can take weeks to go through the entire list; marking important moments in their lives through personal cards, telephone calls, and emails; hosting family gatherings where they pray together, play together, and spend time in conversation; and sending devotional booklets and other articles of inspiration.

What can you do to live the story across generations? Review a key stanza: “I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, ‘twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.” n

By adding a Project Connect web banner to your church’s website, you immediately make dozens of topical booklets available to your congregation and community. This web-ready banner is titled “Topical Help Tips and Booklets from Project Connect.” It offers an immediate link to Project Connect’s growing library of timely and Christ-centered booklets.

For an example of the banner in action, go to http://lll.ca/, the website for the Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada. A simple click on the banner at the bottom of that page takes you to Project Connect’s “Download PDFs” page.

There you will find dozens of booklets available for free download. You can also read them

online, if you like.

When you’re ready to add the “Topical Help Tips and Booklets from Project Connect” banner to your website, go to http://www.lhm.org/ resources/banners.asp. From there go to “Help Topics & Booklets Banners” and click. What you will find are the three, easy steps you need to add the banner to your church’s website or homepage.

Also, don’t forget that Lutheran Hour Ministries has enhanced its corporate website, including its Project Connect pages. As you review and update your church’s Project Connect links, be sure you include the current links for Project Connect, so everything is in good working order. n

LHM Foundation Honors Two Original Trustees Two original trustees of The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation have concluded their terms of service. Don Brosz of Laramie, Wyo., who most recently served as the FoundaVon Seggern (left) and Brosz tion’s Chairman of the Trustees (as well as a former Int’l LLL President), and Virginia Von Seggern (a past LWML President) of Orchard, Neb., were honored for their exemplary three terms of service since the Foundation’s inception in 2000. They were recognized during the Annual Meeting of Foundation members at the International Lutheran Laymen’s League Convention in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Due to the expiring terms for Brosz, Von Seggern and William Kaske, the members elected three new trustees during the meeting: Ronald Fischer of Stratford, Ontario, Canada; Dr. Karen Soeken of Ellicott City, Md.; and Loren Podoll of Riverton, Wyo. The Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation manages the assets given by God’s people through endowments, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts and other estate gifts. Through the generous financial support of donors and the good stewardship of the LHM Foundation Board of Trustees, the endowments and funds managed by the Foundation have continued to grow, thanks to God’s blessings.

In 2011, the Board changed its distribution policy to significantly increase its annual support to God’s mission through Lutheran Hour Ministries. As a result of this change, Foundation Chairman Dr. Marvin Swan presented a check for $584,369 at the convention to LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman as this year’s distribution. n The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 15

Conference on Prison Ministry

Highlights Need and Potential Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour, is slated as keynote speaker for the Prison and Jail Ministry Training & Equipping Conference, Sept. 29 and 30, at the Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport Hotel. Sponsored

by The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, this gathering features plenary sessions and sectionals to give pastors, deaconesses, teachers, and lay people a fuller picture of prison ministry, and how they can serve the incarcerated by sharing the love of God.

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Project Connect has released a topical booklet on ministering to those who are hurting in prison. Loved… And Not Forgotten, written by Pastor and Chaplain Steven Hokana, shares how God’s message of love and redemption is the only answer to those held captive to sin—whether they’re behind bars or on the streets.

Presenters include professionals in counseling and corrections, parish pastors and chaplains, business people, long-term volunteers, and others. Plenary sessions will feature “Prison Ministry: How to Get Your District Involved,” “Proclaiming HIS Presence to Set the Prisoner Free!” and more; sectionals will include “Redeeming the Irredeemable,” “Getting On after Getting Out,” “Rocks on the Road—From Prisoner to Volunteer,” “The Islamic Challenge,” and “Dare To Be You: Women in Prison Seminar.”

For details, visit the website of the conference host—the Southern Illinois LCMS District at http://sidlcms.sharepoint.com. There you will find more information and a printable registration form. n

Mark Your Calendars!

2013 Dates for LHM Regional Outreach Conferences Make plans now to join hundreds of other mission-minded individuals at a Regional Outreach Conference (ROC) hosted by Lutheran Hour Ministries throughout 2013. Cities and dates are confirmed for seven of the eight conferences, and site locations are being finalized.

The 2013 schedule includes: • Sacramento, California, Feb. 22-23, Hilton Arden West • Long Beach, California, March 1-2, The Queen Mary • Nashville, Tennessee, April 19-20, Millennium Maxwell • Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada), July 5-7, Venue TBD • Richmond, Virginia, Aug. 2-4, Holiday Inn Koger • Cleveland, Ohio, Aug. 9-10, Holiday Inn Westlake • Omaha, Nebraska, Oct. 18-19, Venue TBD Regional Outreach Conferences are designed to inspire, energize, and equip attendees to share God’s love, nurture their families, and witness to the community.

Through workshops, hands-on witnessing opportunities, small and large-group discussions and more, attendees will learn how to become comfortable sharing and living the life-changing message of the Gospel. More than 2,100 people attended a ROC during the inaugural series of conferences held throughout North America in 2011.

“As a Christian, it is not just about running the race at the final day; it’s about how you train,” says Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. “We want to empower you and give you skills so that you will be ready for the opportunities that God is going to send your way. God is going to send people who need to hear the Good News into your life.… Will you be ready?”

Registration and program details for each conference will be available soon. Visit www.lhm.org/roc for more information. n

16 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

Your gifts, and God’s love, at work:

Agnostic to Church Trustee

Lutheran Hour Ministries receives many stories each month from people whose lives have been touched by the Holy Spirit through one of its programs.

Here is one of those stories, a testimonial from Jeremy in Wyoming: “Five years ago I was an over the road truck driver, gone for weeks every month. It was so hard on my family – my wife and I were even talking ‘divorce.’

“One morning I woke up in my truck outside Strausburg, Missouri. I turned on my radio and the only station I could find boomed out —“Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!” God must have been working, because I just kept listening…

“I grew up in a home that wanted nothing to do with God, and for a long time I felt the same. I didn’t want someone to tell me what I had to do, but when I listened to The Lutheran Hour I kept hearing about what Jesus had done for me. I found The Lutheran Hour every Sunday on the road and listened for months. I reached a point where I knew I was completely broken and I cried out to God for forgiveness. It was like I was free, liberated.

“When I got home, I started talking to my wife about saving our marriage and our family. I even told her about The Lutheran Hour and we started listening together.

“God is so good—18 months from that morning in Missouri, my wife, daughter and I were all baptized on the same day. I even became a trustee in our Lutheran church. Our son was born in 2012—and he was baptized on Easter morning. God has blessed our family in ways I never thought possible.” n Lutheran Hour Ministries is able to do this work through God’s grace and the support of individuals like you. Thank you for your ongoing support to God’s work through Lutheran Hour Ministries. If you are interested in making a gift to further support ministry, visit www.lhm.org/give or call 1-800-876-9880.

Missouri Couple Sets a Good Example Lutheran Hour Ministries is blessed to have supporters who give faithfully to the ministry year after year. But a special blessing comes from supporters who choose to continue giving, even after the end of their lifetime. How is this possible? By establishing an endowment with the Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation, donors can set up a stream of support that will last until the end of the age!

Brian and Karen Mitchell of Kansas City, Mo., have been involved with Lutheran Hour Ministries their entire lives.

Both can recall attending rallies with Dr. Oswald Hoffmann in the 1960s. Brian currently serves as president of the LLL Missouri District.

Through their adult lives, their involvement has included financially supporting Lutheran Hour Ministries.

In 2011, they took the step of establishing an endowment to fund continuing broadcast of The Lutheran Hour.

The Mitchells considered making a major gift to Lutheran Hour Ministries for several years. Karen believes, “If you keep waiting until you feel ‘ready,’

Receive Fixed Payments for Life

the time may never come. If you want to give, just give — and God will take care of your needs.” Brian concurs, “What I have comes from God. The best I can do is give of my blessings to further His kingdom.”

Donors establishing an endowment can consider a range of tax-savings methods through which to give. They can also give over the span of time that works best for them. “It’s really very easy,” says Brian.

“LHM helps you figure out exactly what works for you and your family. It’s a great feeling to know that, even after I’m gone, I will still be supporting God’s work.”

If you would like more information on establishing an endowment with the Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation, contact the Gift Planning department at 1-877-333-1963 or at lhm_gift@lhm.org. n

Support the Lord’s work with a Charitable Gift Annuity through Lutheran Hour Ministries AND receive fixed payments. Find out how at www.lhm.org/giftplan.

Or call 1-877-333-1963 for more information.

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 17

Thai Music Inspired

Convention Attendees One of the highlights for attendees of the 2012 International Convention was the beautiful music of Thai GMM Grammy recording artist Rose Sirintip Hanpradit. Rose was asked by her father, who is a Lutheran pastor and a member of the Lutheran Hour Ministries—Thailand Advocacy Board, to attend the convention and perform during a luncheon hosted by LHM’s International Ministries.

Rose has a long affiliation with LHM— Thailand. Beginning in 1998, when her mother was a radio speaker with LHM—Thailand, Rose recorded three songs on two Christian music albums produced by the ministry. The song Take Your Wounded Heart to the Cross was written especially for the LHM—Thailand album. She has also assisted the ministry with several special outreach events through the years.

In 2001 Rose met a record producer in church and he arranged for her to get auditions and opportunities for live show experience. She recorded her first album, Time Machine, in 2004 and one of the songs on that album, Gon Hin Gon Nun, became popular throughout Thailand.

She currently has recorded five solo albums and often holds concerts in Bangkok and other cities throughout Thailand.

“My mom plays the keyboard and my dad plays the guitar, so I have always had an interest in singing and my love of music grew from there,” says Rose. “But I couldn’t be where I am today without God. He made me discover what I love [music] and made me an outgoing person so that I can spread His message through my music.”

The Saskatoon convention was the first time she has attended an international conference. “Everyone has been so nice; it’s like being a part of one big family,” says Rose. “It’s wonderful to see the loyalty to the ministry and everyone giving their time and efforts to share the Gospel.

I truly feel blessed to be here.” n

Thailand Facts: J

ourney Into Light, the Lutheran Hour Ministries center in Thailand, uses mass media technologies to proclaim the Gospel to the Thai people, while supporting local churches and LCMS missionaries. Their work is rapidly expanding out of Bangkok and into the central, southern, and northeastern portions of the country.

• The ministry center broadcasts five 30-minute programs each day.

• Follow-up for individual listeners and promote the use of tracts and participation in Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC).

• Two adult BCC and one children’s course.

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

• Equipping the Saints conferences equip and engage active lay people in churches to serve as LHM volunteers.

For more information visit www.lhm.org/partner.

18 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

Men’s NetWork Bible Study Addresses the Military Dedicated to veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, Warriors of Faith – Military Men reminds these warriors they are called to their primary MOS—a child of God, redeemed under Christ, and a member of His Kingdom.

Written and dedicated to fellow veterans by Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Steven Hokana, this soon-to-be-released Men’s NetWork Bible study explores the topics of anger, grief, guilt, forgiveness, and love, as they relate to the unique perspective of those who have served this country in one of the United States Armed Forces. n

Texas Retreat for

Men was Only the Beginning

Eugenio, center, with Nancy, the ministry center’s project coordinator, and Elda, the center’s administrative assistant.

New Location and Director for LHM in Mexico

Eugenio Gallastegui is the new director of the relocated Lutheran Hour Ministries—Mexico ministry center. Eugenio is a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mexico City—a congregation of the Lutheran Synod of Mexico.

Eugenio is enthused about serving as a leader in a strong Lutheran organization. He wrote to Lutheran Hour Ministries: “My experience in the Lutheran Church has been of constant edification, discovering that the Word of God is of great relevance and significance for a world that is confused and without direction…. It is a church that…is prepared to respond to the contemporary challenges LHM’s new ministry center in Mexico (to of post-modernity.”

The new direcbe dedicated on Dec.1) will be located on the tor’s undergraduate property of San Pedro Lutheran Church in degree is from the the heart of Mexico City. Events before and National College of after the dedication will include a cultural Technical Profesprogram, a city tour, and a special worship. sional Education of Visitors are invited to the series of events.

Mexico, and he has studied at Augsburg Seminary in Mexico City. His most recent professional experience is as a manager of public relations for a Christian bookstore.

Rev. Nilo Figur, area director for Latin America and the Caribbean, visited Mexico City in July to get to know Eugenio and advise him and his staff and board as they cast a vision for the new ministry center. Figur was encouraged by the way the members of the new center’s board “got so engaged with the new ministry center project”—especially the moving process and the location of the center.

“With joy and gratitude we welcome Eugenio into our midst, desiring many blessings for him in his ministry in Mexico,” said Dr. Douglas Rutt, LHM’s director of International Ministries.

Officials ask that supporters of Lutheran Hour Ministries engage in prayer for Eugenio, the staff, and the board of this new ministry center as they work to establish a powerful Gospel outreach in Mexico City and across the country. n

After 32 years of experience in holding an annual men’s retreat, Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst, Texas, has its act in order. But equally impressive is the congregation’s follow up.

Justin Rossow (greg@timedelay.com) sent this initial email: “As we all get back to our regular routines, we hope we can stay connected in some way over the next year. We want the discussions started at the Men’s Retreat to continue as we all move forward on the journey of faith together. Peace Lutheran Church has many ways that we will be sharing information from this… retreat and we want to make sure that you are a part of the conversation.”

Retreat stories and pictures were posted on Facebook. “We hope that you will also add your voice to the conversation. And then in the weeks and months ahead, if you land ‘the big one,’ find yourself on a beautiful course, or see an amazing landscape on a ride, we en-

courage you to go ahead and snap a picture and share it with our community. Find us at: www.facebook.com/peacelutherandfw.”

Postings were made at www.youtube.com/ peacelutherandfw. “Here at Peace…we unapologetically believe everyone needs Jesus, and everyone needs a church family. We hope you already have that church home, but if you are still looking, we hope the videos on our site will keep you connected to the Word of God.” The follow-up included this special statement: “If you are looking to start a men’s group, or you just need a way to reenergize a group you are in, you can find some resources we talked about at the Men’s NetWork: www.lhmmen.com.”

Lutheran Hour Ministries’ mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations— and the Nations to the Church is happening in this and hundreds of other congregations, thanks to the grace of God and the faithful support of donors like you. n

Lutheran Hour Ministries Recognized as Top Workplace Lutheran Hour Ministries ranks number six on the list of top small companies in St. Louis (under 149 employees) as published this summer by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. The ranking is based on employee opinions gathered in surveys conducted as part of the Top Workplaces program through WorkplaceDynamics, LLC. “This honor represents a significant improvement in employee morale and it is most rewarding to see an independent, respected agency recognize the quality of workplace we’ve built together,” says LHM Executive Director Bruce Wurdeman. “And employee morale does have a great deal of impact on productivity and ministry. Happy, focused people are also more productive people. We genuinely like working on God’s mission together!”

The Top Workplaces program recognizes the very best organizations by partnering with 30 leading publications around the country to produce a special section profiling national and regional winners. More than 4,000 organizations currently participate in the program and more than one million employees per year complete a survey to tell WorkplaceDynamics about their company. n

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 19

Iowa Sunday School Makes a ‘Virtual Visit’ to Paraguay For four days last March, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ 2012 Online Mission Trip to Paraguay transformed about 7,800 students at almost 100 U.S. Lutheran schools into virtual missionaries—but when the final live session concluded on March 8, the event wasn’t quite over. Some Sunday school leaders in Cedar Rapids, Iowa wanted to participate too, and they had an idea.

“In May we often combine our Sunday school classes into a single group, and we try to present something that engages kids of all the different ages,” says DCE Randi Petrik, director of youth ministries for Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. “In February, we discovered LHM’s ad for its Online Mission Trip in the LCMS Reporter newspaper, and it looked perfect—if we could adapt it for use in our

May Sunday schools.”

Petrik contacted LHM’s Manager of Partnerships, Polly Gregali, who helped her plan and present the Online Mission Trip on successive Sundays in May. Petrik used the archived Online Mission Trip videos from the week of March 5 and incorporated ideas from LHM’s downloadable Paraguay curriculum. On the final Sunday, the group arranged an interactive video chat with Paraguay ministry center Director Victor Verruck and his daughter, Alicia.

“The students enjoyed learning facts about Paraguay, tried the bread recipe in the curriculum, wrote messages of encouragement and made witnessing bracelets,” says Petrik. They also collected eyeglasses for another project involving

Paraguay

Facts: L

utheran Hour Ministries—Paraguay, locally known as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, relies on a network of staff and volunteers to share God’s love. The office reaches many people through radio broadcasting.

• LHM promotes Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) for adults and children.

• Staff members do a great deal of traveling – making personal visits, and going to various churches throughout the country to spread the message of God’s love and to be an example of Christian witnesses.

• LHM—Paraguay offers the Equipping the Saints (ETS) program to train individuals for outreach in their own neighborhoods, and a small group ministry with Bible study and discussions on its application to daily life.

• The office also operates a bookstore offering many Christian materials.

For more information visit www.lhm.org/partner

20 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

the Paraguay ministry center. “These were great experiences in discovering how their lives compare with those of children in Latin America.

“Polly was so great to work with—so helpful while we were getting this put together,” Petrik says. “And on the last day, Victor did a great job talking about the ministry center and their work.

“So glad LHM put the ad in Reporter!” says Petrik.

Lutheran Hour Ministries is gearing up to present its second Online Mission Trip in January 2013. Students and teachers at participating Lutheran schools will go on a virtual missionary journey to Thailand and learn how Lutheran Hour Ministries’ center there reaches out with the Gospel in a place where 90 percent of the people are Buddhist. For details about the 2013 trip, go to www.lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips. n

Advent Devotions Reflect on Christmas Memories

With the help of a local teacher, Lutheran Hour Ministries—Myanmar has been able to provide muchneeded food and supplies to 32 internally displaced families living in the Bamaw Lisu refugee camp.

Myanmar Ministry Center Provides Humanitarian Assistance in Refugee Camp

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olunteers and staff of the LHM ministry center in Myanmar are playing an important role caring for people in Myanmar’s northern province of Kachin who have been displaced by civil unrest and relocated to refugee camps. By sharing the love of God through Christ Jesus, Lutheran Hour Ministries—Myanmar has a powerful opportunity to show Christian love in their actions.

Since its independence in 1948, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has undergone periods of civil unrest and violence. In the most recent flare-up, a 17-year cease-fire broke down in June 2011.

People in government-controlled areas and in areas controlled by the opposition Kachin Independence Army were forced to flee.

Some crossed into China to stay with relatives, but most—approximately 60,000—have sought sanctuary in camps set up for internally displaced persons.

Nine months after the recent conflict erupted, United Nations convoys carrying humanitarian aid supplies were allowed into northern Myanmar. During this delay, churches and other charity organizations struggled to respond. Now a year later, refugees still suffer from shortages of food, water, blankets, firewood, medicines, school supplies, and other necessities.

In May, the staff and volunteers of the Myanmar ministry center visited the Bamaw Lisu camp and distributed desperately needed supplies for 32 families. Working with a local teacher, Lutheran Hour Ministries—Myanmar (known locally as Word of Hope), provided these families with meat, eggs, and other foodstuffs; firewood and cooking utensils; clothing, blankets, and mosquito nets; and medicines and cleaning supplies.

Since the refugees intend to resume school activities in the camp while they wait to return home, the Lutheran Hour Ministries volunteer team also sewed school uniforms and provided school supplies for the families’ children.

LHM—Myanmar director Mar Lay reports that the families were overjoyed and thankful to receive the assistance, offering prayers for Word of Hope. But “they need peace,” she says.

Please pray for peace in Myanmar. n

Nau in Glory Rev. Dr. Louis Y. Nau, 84, of Gurnee, Illinois, former International Division staff member for Lutheran Hour Ministries, was called to his heavenly home on Aug. 4.

Nau joined LHM in 1992 as an Asia consultant, served as International Ministries’ Area Counselor for Asia from 1997 until 2003, and then was Area Counselor for Europe and Thailand until his retirement. Prior to joining Lutheran Hour Ministries, Nau worked as a professor at University St. LaSalle, Bacolod City, Philippines, and as Asia Secretary for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Board for Mission Services. His doctorate was earned at Arizona State University.

What was your favorite part of Christmas? Was it the lit Christmas tree with ornaments and all the decorations? Was it family coming over, and all the songs and stories they shared? What about the smell of baked chocolate chip cookies? Maybe it was the carefully laid out Christmas village, with miniature houses, sidewalks, ponds, metal figurines, and fake snow. Was it the presents?

This year Christmas Memories captures the essence of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Advent devotions for 2012. Written by LHM’s Theological Editor and Writer Rev. Wayne Palmer, these meditations draw from the biblical account of Luke chapters one and two and, in particular, Mary’s observations. “Just as we all have cherished memories of Christmases past, Mary shares her treasured memories of the first Christmas, relating the events to Luke to include in his Gospel,” according to Palmer.

“As a pastor, one of my favorite things was to ask our elderly members to share their childhood

memories of Christmas. Searching their memory always brought a twinkle to their eyes, and it was delightful to listen to their laughter, as they pulled out the treasures which had sat in the attic of their memory, gathering dust,” Palmer added.

Hearing these stories from his congregation’s older members figured notably in Palmer’s approach for this year’s Advent devotions. “I want to bring alive the events of that first Christmas through the recollections of a very special woman of faith who ‘treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart’ (Luke 2:19),” he said.

Available to read online or to hear as a podcast, Christmas Memories can also be received as an email subscription throughout the Advent season.

It will be available beginning October 1 and the audio version will begin December 2. All the details can be found at www.adventdevotions.net. n

The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 21

Church & State: the Focus of a New Television Special

H

osted by Rev. Gregory Seltz (Speaker of The Lutheran Hour), The Intersection of Church & State explores the tension— and the potential—of church-state interaction. This intersection—this relationship and how it functions best—dates back to disputes held by this country’s Founding Fathers. Regardless of how separate the two entities are in theory, the fact is church and state interact constantly—yet not without friction.

The public debate centering on issues of church and state has been growing in recent years. The decision of the Health and Human Services Department to require health plans of religious institutions to pay for contraception is only one example. The Supreme Court convenes and decides on these controversial issues with growing regularity. Politicians line up on both sides of the issues, adding to the rancor.

It might appear “the separation of church and state” would be an easy solution. Both church and state have their unique and separate function.

The purpose of the state is to promote the general welfare of its citizens on this earth. The purpose of the church is to deal with spiritual issues and truth as people live out their lives in this world, with an eye to the next. Yet the intersection of these two entities is unavoidable; they both seek the improvement of the life of our country’s citizens. Instead of being a point of controversy, this intersection can and should be an empowering relationship.

The Intersection of Church & State explores the background of this issue, especially in light of the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ….” It will examine the origin of Jefferson’s description of the church-state relationship as a “high and impregnable wall of separation.”

The Intersection of Church & State will trace the history of cooperation between these two groups—in bringing care to the needy, the settlement of refugees, the adoption of children, the service of military chaplains, addressing political oppression, and in other ways. It will also consider how these valuable and long-running church and state partnerships can be jeopardized.

This hour-long television program will suggest a far superior metaphor in describing the church-state relationship is not one using a wall or barrier but, instead, an intersection, which benefits us all. The Intersection of Church & State will air on selected networks this fall. For program and listing details, visit www.intersectionofchurchandstate.com. n

22 The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012

Has the Reformation Lost its impact?

by Gerald Perschbacher

If you enter the word “Reformation” for an online search, you may be surprised. Wikipedia’s definition: “The Protestant Reformation was the 16thcentury schism within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. It was sparked by the 1517 posting of Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses.”

Next comes a site with no religious content but filled with visuals of nontraditional ladies’ fashions.

Third on the hit list was The Catholic Encyclopedia’s treatment: “The usual term for the religious movement which made its appearance in Western Europe in the sixteenth century, and which, while ostensibly aiming at an internal renewal of the Church, really led to a great revolt against it, and an abandonment of the principal Christian beliefs.”

Seeing such searches may make you conclude that the Reformation movement of the 1500s hardly fits the mode of today.

Active Lutherans take a different stance on relevancy. Lutheran Church— Canada says this on its website: “We Believe there is only one God who created everything, controls everything, cares for everything; who shows us He exists through nature and conscience; who tells us about Himself in the Bible; who has revealed Himself as three distinct persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit; who is the only True God among the gods of all religions.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America asserts: “We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person — questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.” The LCMS states: “With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God’s Word and Sacraments….The teaching of Lu-

ther and the reformers can be summarized in three phrases: Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone.”

If Lutheran teachings are fundamental to daily life, why hasn’t Lutheranism spread farther than it has?

The book “The Church from Age to Age” (Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 2011; general editor Edward A. Engelbrecht), notes this: “The Lutheranism that spread in the German states after 1521 soon took root in other countries. Luther’s works were read widely throughout Europe, and the students who flocked to the University of Wittenberg from many non-German lands brought Luther’s theological views back with them to their homeland.” By the mid-1500s Lutheranism had spread to Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Eastern Central Europe, Poland, and the Balkans. By God’s grace, what fostered the spread was the printed word and the encouragement of people to take it to heart.

Later the book states, “It is difficult to determine the future of Christianity…cultural challenges such as abortion, same-sex unions, the ordination of women, stem-cell research, and endof-life issues — aided through increased secularization — affect Christianity….”

Still, “North American Christianity reveals great vigor and interest in worldwide mission, spending vast resources on both personnel (often short-term missionaries) and literature.” The same age-old desire to share the faith is alive in the 21st century.

In his foreword to that book, Lutheran historian Dr. Paul Maier is not frustrated. “Christianity is the greatest success story in the history of the world. No other religion or institution or government comes even close to the number of its adherents, with some 2 1/4 billion in the present generation alone. It has exerted a greater influence, changed more lives, and educated more people, fostered more progress in the arts and sciences, inspired loftier achievements in culture, and had a more powerful role in helping the helpless than any other institution on earth. In the past 2,000 years, it has indeed proven to be the greatest movement ever.” Lutheranism is part of the impact of Christianity.

That impact remains relevant. Thom-

as Korcok in his book Lutheran Education, from Wittenberg to the Future (2011, CPH), indicates that Lutheranism has been mainstream in American education.

Luther agreed with the simple, wholesome aspects of spreading an understanding of the faith through education. Luther “envisioned the catechism being taught by household fathers, classroom teachers, and parish pastors,” Korcok adds. In effect, the spread of Christianity was heavily hinged on the propagation of the faith in a family setting as the main calling o f parents. A natural progression dictates that if parents are sincere and faithful teachers, then they will continue their educational efforts in proclaiming the faith to others, even when their very own children are on their own.

“Within 100 years of Luther’s death, Lutheran education arrived in North America,” Korcok notes. They brought a sincerity toward education.

“Wherever Lutherans settled in North America they almost always established a Lutheran school.”

While they were not the first to promote Christian education in the Midwest, the 1839 arrival of Saxon Lutherans in Missouri made an impact. “They…were determined to instill it in their children. To do this they would institute schools, train teachers, and develop teaching resources…in time it would develop into the largest Protestant school system in North America.”

Johann Konrad Wilhelm Löhe (Loehe), a German pastor who encouraged Lutheranism in America during the 1800s, strongly supported early American efforts to propagate the faith among the young. Author Erike Geiger in her book The Life, Work, and In-

Luther “envisioned the catechism being taught by household fathers, classroom teachers, and parish pastors”

fluence of Wilhelm Loehe, 1808-1872 (translated in English by Wolf Knappe; CPH, 2010), notes that Loehe believed “every Christian should become a pastor…for his neighbor and should ‘involve other Christians in ever widening circles to save the soul of an individual.’”

God’s Word brings change. Too often, it’s hard to track that change. Dr. Keith Willhite is an expert in writing and rhetoric (Duke University, Durham, N.C.). He says: “What preacher does not yearn for his listeners to think how his message is to modify their experience? What preacher does not want his listeners to comprehend the relevance and sufficiency of the Biblical message and to respond accordingly?” (Preaching to a Shifting Culture, Scott M. Gibson, editor, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2004) The Barna Group is respected as a stalwart in assessing the trends about Christians and non-Christians in America. Barna indicates that at least 28 percent of the adult population does not attend church services or related activities. Today that number may reach 100 million of which 65 percent are adults and 35 percent are children below age 18 (www. barna.org). These children may not know the Good News of Christ unless the Holy Spirit works through grandparents, other relatives, friends, and educational endeavors to open the door to faith.

It was Martin Luther himself who felt the impact of personal witness and encouragement by a senior friar who explained the greatness of forgiveness. The words of witness came at a critical time in Luther’s life, when inner struggles robbed him of the peace he wanted through the realization of God’s forgiveness in Christ. Through the friar’s oneon-one sharing of a written message, and through his gentle Christian witness, Luther’s outlook changed dramatically. * That change still impacts people today as one-on-one witnessing continues. * From The Real Luther, Friar at Erfurt & Wittenberg, Franz Posset, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, Mo., 2011.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Running The Race The parallels between first-rate athletic performance and an effectual Christian life are numerous.

Each requires commitment, training, endurance, attitude, goal orientation, stick-to-itiveness, and perseverance, to name a few things. Just released as a Bible study from the Men’s NetWork, Running The Race shows how sports and the Christian’s life of faith have much in common. This is especially true when it comes to maximizing our daily walk of faith by stretching our ability to serve God and the people around us.

In this three-session Bible study, media personality and host Chris Schneider shares career insights he’s gained visiting with sports legends and Hall of Famers. Shula, Staubach, Dungy, Marino, Theismann, and Landry are all NFL greats Schneider has interviewed and learned from over the years. What he’s found out is that these sports pros— through their philosophies and strenuous work ethic— mirror some of Scripture’s greatest teachings on pushing forward and making the most of circumstances.

When it comes to sports imagery, the New Testament is loaded with gems such as running the race, fighting the good fight, and going for the prize. In the Old Testament, stories about Moses, Joshua, David, and the prophets dramatically speak of individuals overcoming struggles and hardships to achieve great things for God. Their victories exemplified their faith in action and often showed them making tough choices in extremely difficult conditions. Again the similarities with athletics are obvious. As Schneider said, “There is no athlete that became a champion by accident; they chose to give everything they have to win.”

Chris Schneider is the sports director and morning drive anchor of CBS affiliate 1080 KRLD in Dallas, Texas. He has worked for ESPN, the BBC, Prime Sports Radio, and Sporting News Radio. He has also penned a best-selling book, Starting Your Career in Broadcasting. You can access this and all the other Men’s NetWork Bible studies at www.lhmmen.com. n

He Served for 36 Years Former production manager Al Koenig, 84, of Collinsville, Ill., went to heavenly glory on July 31. For 36 years he coordinated the Int’l LLL’s in-house printing, handled mailing services and order fulfillment, was in charge of stock, and oversaw facilities. He was responsible for the league’s mailing schedule and managed the processing and mailing of as many as 40,000 pieces in a single day. “Al saw ‘ministry’ in everything he did for the league and tried to save costs whenever possible in order for more money to be used in outreach and Christian training,” said Gerald Perschbacher, Layman editor. Koenig belonged to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville. n The Lutheran Layman September - October 2012 23

Inside thisissue

3-7 Rutt (left) recently met in Russia with Savich (center) and Kugappi to form closer ties in Bringing Christ to the Nations— and the Nations to the Church.

8-9

Russia Ministry

Center Strengthens

I

its Relationship

n May 2012, Dr. Douglas Rutt, director of International Ministries, met with Russia Ministry Center Director Igor Savich and Bishop Arri Kugappi of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ingria (ELCI).

The purpose of the meeting was to explore opportunities to strengthen and expand the working relationship formally established between Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Ingrian church by a Memorandum of Understanding in May of 2010.

The partnership has resulted in increased reach throughout Russia for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Bible Correspondence Courses and, particularly, Equipping the Saints workshops—Director Savich conducts Equipping the Saints seminars on a monthly basis for the congregations of the ELCI. Lutheran Hour Ministries—Russia has also provided support for the Ingrian church’s 400th Anniversary Jubilee and published flyers for a joint outreach with the Ingrian church to a community in Estonia.

“We place a high value on the collaboration we have with our partner churches, so that working together we can accomplish much more for the Kingdom of Christ,” said Rutt.

To learn how to partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries for outreach in Russia, visit www.lhm.org/partner. n

10 19 Special Report: ‘State of Outreach,’ pages 3-7 Results From Int’l LLL Convention, pages 8-9 Mosquito Nets in Malawi, page 10 New Location & Director in Mexico, page 19 Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8557 (314) 317-4100 or 1-800-944-3450 Kurt Buchholz, Chairman • Bruce Wurdeman, Executive Director The Int’l Lutheran Laymen’s League, with its outreach through Lutheran Hour Ministries, is an auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—Canada.

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

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