The Lutheran Layman by Lutheran Hour Ministries

THE

LUTHERAN LAYMAN Spring 2020

Finding Comfort

During an Uncertain Time

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A Message from Our CEO. . . . . . . 7 Nurturing Your Faith. . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 Households of Faith Kit. . . . . . . . . 12 Best Practices in Ministry. . . . . . . 15 Gospel Adventures. . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Changing Lives Globally. . . . . 20-21 Honoring Phyllis Wallace . . . . . . . 22

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Extreme Measures I thank God for the extreme measures He takes to stay connected with us. by REV. DR. MICHAEL ZEIGLER, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

en years ago, I deployed to Iraq with my military unit. This meant that my wife, Amy, would be on her own to care for our four young children while I was gone. Well, not completely alone. My military pay would ensure their financial needs were met. But, there’s a lot more to caring for children than that. When I arrived in country, I learned they had a video camera over there. You could record yourself reading from one of the children’s books that someone had shipped over and make a DVD to send home to your kids. Amy said that when their DVD came in the mail a few weeks later, they were elated. See, they were scared. They had never been through anything like this before. Like a military family temporarily separated by deployment, we have been living in extreme circumstances. The human community was designed by our Creator for face-to-face connection, not isolation. However, out of concern for public health, we have made the sacrifice to slow the spread of this virus. We do this because we are called to love our neighbor. Love for neighbors includes caring for their bodies and other physical needs. But, there’s more to love than that. Beyond cellular health, there are mental, emotional, and relational dimensions to human health. We know this deep in our bones. This is why we go to extreme measures to stay connected. God, our Creator, is passionately concerned with human health, holistically. Sometimes people speak of “spiritual health” as a compartment within other parts of human health. This, however, is not how the Bible speaks. Spiritual health comes

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from the work of the Holy Spirit. As the Nicene Creed confesses, the Spirit is the “Lord and Giver of Life.” He upholds and integrates all aspects of human health. The “Spirit searches everything” (1 Corinthians 2:10b). Spiritual health comes from having a right relationship with God. When humankind disconnected from God, we cut ourselves off from the Source of life. But God deployed extreme measures. He sent Jesus, His Wordmade-flesh, to reconnect with us. The Holy Spirit works through the Word to bring us to fear, love, and trust in God, who will raise us up from death—whole, remade, renewed, bodyand-soul, at the return of Jesus. Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) takes extreme measures for the sake of spiritual health. These are anxious times. We’ve never been through anything like this. However, modern technology allows us to overcome social isolation in unprecedented ways. LHM’s global media network was and remains poised to respond during this pandemic. We will continue to use every means available to connect people to God through the Word and the Spirit at work in the church. My kids heard my words from that DVD, and it helped keep us connected. I thank God for the extreme measures He takes to stay connected with us. As the apostle Paul wrote, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future ... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39). =

The Lutheran

Chad Fix, Editor

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Vol. 91, No. 2 Spring 2020

Andrea Thompson, Layout

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

by CHAD FIX

Finding Comfort

During an Uncertain Time

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

n late December 2019, an outbreak of a mysterious pneumonia characterized by fever, dry cough, and fatigue happened in a wholesale seafood market in Wuhan, Hubei, China. As the disease began to travel throughout China and then quickly spread to other countries such as Thailand, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and Italy, people around the world were just beginning to realize the massive impact this coronavirus known as COVID-19 would soon have on their daily lives. Over the past several months, the virus that causes COVID-19 has infected millions of people around the world and led to hundreds of thousands of deaths. On March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization and led to local, state, and national regulations urging people to stay home except for leaving to provide or receive essential services. Most people can say the COVID-19 pandemic has affected at least one aspect of their lives. Whether it was switching to working from home, using curbside pickup at restaurants, ordering groceries online, or having in-person education transitioned to virtual classes, life is now much different from when the calendar flipped to 2020. Rev. Dr. John Mehl, executive director of Mission of Christ Network and adjunct instructor at Concordia University, Nebraska, shared his experience transitioning to online teaching for his Missional Leadership course. “It is normally a more handson class with guest speakers and going into the community to do asset mapping and other activities,” says Mehl. He said transitioning to virtual lessons is workable, but there is a different atmosphere when they aren’t together in a classroom. In October 2019, Mehl attended the Lutheran Education Association (LEA) Global Symposium in St. Louis and received a copy of The Reluctant Witness, written by Don Everts, LHM’s content development

manager (the book is available at lhm.org/conversations). When deciding on assignments that could be done outside of the classroom due to COVID-19, Mehl immediately thought of The Reluctant Witness and quickly found a way to get copies to his students working at home.

… life is now much different from when the calendar flipped to 2020. Mehl chose The Reluctant Witness as an assigned reading because, “Missional Leadership is a class that attempts to teach skills that make mission projection successful. It is the rare college student these days who has any experience in actually bearing witness to their faith. They are afraid to give offense and address many of the other things Don talks about in the book.” While reading through the book, his students answered assigned questions and personal reflections. One student reflected on the notion of “fear of offense” as mentioned in the book. “Sadly, I think the ‘fear of offense’ is very true. Instead of accepting the fear, I easily make excuses for myself or tell myself that if they really wanted to believe they would come to church. It’s easy to make excuses to not have to overcome fear, but in reality I have the Holy Spirit within me and the power of prayer to overcome that fear.” The students’ feedback about the book was good, and they enjoyed having the research to back it up. Mehl liked that the book “has a lot of empirical data that allows the students to know that they are not crazy or different, but most importantly it is giving students confidence that they can have spiritual conversations without being rejected. This book lowers those perceived barriers and the Spirit will work in and through them to give witness to the hope that is in them, as in 1 Peter 3:15.” see next page The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020 | 3

Finding Comfort … continued from previous page

Changes to Worship Methods The national guidelines issued by President Trump on March 16 included a call for Americans to avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more people. This restriction offered a challenge for many integral aspects of life, but especially for churches where members gather to hear the Word of God and sing and pray in fellowship with other congregation members. To abide by the 10-or-fewer guideline, many LCMS churches began offering online-only services. However, many churches do not have the technical capabilities to offer online worship and, even if they do, many of their members do not have the online access necessary to participate. The Lutheran Hour helped fill this void. In addition to offering messages of comfort and hope via local radio stations for people without online access, the broadcast reached tens of thousands of others who may not have previously listened through its podcast, availability on a mobile app, and streaming capabilities online. Richard Rutz is a long-time Lutheran Laymen’s League member from Indiana who began marketing The Lutheran Hour in his community as an ideal surrogate worship experience. Last summer he had started printing The Lutheran Hour broadcast schedule for his area onto magnets to use as a giveaway at local fairs. For Palm Sunday this year, his church held a drive through service. Members drove through the church

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parking lot to pick up a palm, the bulletin for the service, and one of Richard’s magnets to place on their refrigerators at home as a reminder that they can listen to The Lutheran Hour, even while practicing social distancing because of COVID-19. Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, also began producing weekly messages of encouragement to provide solace for people trying to navigate a path forward when the future seems unclear. These messages were distributed on video through email and social media and as audio recordings made available for radio stations. “I want to thank Pastor Zeigler and Lutheran Hour Ministries for the little devotions that I have been seeing come through to our church’s email each week,” says Shirley Hartwig, secretary at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. “This pandemic can really get to a person—remembering how great it was before the virus and wondering how life will be afterwards and when that life will resume. These videos have been lifesavers; just those few moments with each one has been so uplifting. The video about being hinged to Christ is thought packed with words that give me something to hold onto.”

These videos have been lifesavers; just those few moments with each one has been so uplifting.

LHM Continues Sharing the Gospel Globally … Without Interruption Individuals around the world, both Christian and nonChristian, need to hear Christ’s messages of hope and comfort now more than ever …

A pandemic like COVID-19 that stretches worldwide has the potential of causing a significant negative impact on organizations like Lutheran Hour Ministries that provide global resources and services. However, it hasn’t stopped (or even slowed) the Gospel outreach activities taking place through LHM. The majority of staff working at LHM’s headquarters in St. Louis quickly transitioned to working from home and many ministry center operations around the world modified their outreach efforts to emphasize radio/television broadcasts and digital means instead of in-person activities. These changes were made to not only conform to government regulations concerning quarantine and social distancing within each country or region, but to keep staff, volunteers, and individuals reached through ministry safe. Individuals around the world, both Christian and non-Christian, need to hear Christ’s messages of hope and comfort now more than ever—and LHM’s global ministry model allows us to continue sharing the Gospel without interruption. Amel is a 35-year-old laboratory worker in the Middle East who was worried about her future due to COVID-19. She comes from a non-Christian background and thought God was too ambiguous, so she had never taken the time to learn about Him. She recently saw an LHM Facebook post about worry and was inspired by it. When she contacted the LHM staff in the Middle East and North Africa, they told her to research Jesus to learn more. At first she was not convinced, but the staff continued to explain to her that only God can forgive sins and Jesus died to save us. Her eyes were opened to the truth of Jesus. The LHM staff read the book of Psalms to her and gave her a Bible to read on her own. Amel is now comforted in knowing that God is in control and has peace knowing God is in her heart.

A volunteer for LHM–Argentina started a conversation in March with a woman named Maria on a messaging app. Maria told the volunteer that she was very afraid and had a lot of fear from the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of her fear and anxiety, she had been unable to sleep at night. The volunteer sent her a digital copy of an LHM booklet about fear. After receiving it, Maria sent a message to the volunteer saying after five nights of restless sleep, she was finally able to rest after reading the booklet. Maria said she now knows God loves us and He takes care of us, so she can find comfort in the Lord and not let fear control her life. Beyond the work of the ministry centers, LHM’s resources are providing hope and encouragement to people who live in areas where LHM does not have an on-the-ground presence. “I provide pastoral support and care for LCMS missionaries who often share mission vignettes with me about their work,” says Rev. John Fale from the LCMS Office of International Mission. “I recently visited with a missionary named Cindy who serves in the Czech Republic. On other visits, Cindy has described her sadness at how many people in Prague had never heard much about God, and nothing about Jesus. Cindy told me about a young man studying to be a lawyer, whom the Holy Spirit converted to Christianity. “He sought Cindy’s help in knowing how to introduce his girlfriend to learning about Jesus, so Cindy gave him two copies of LHM’s Lenten devotions penned by Dr. Kari Vo. He has since contacted Cindy and said this devotion book is perfect. Since Prague is under strict quarantine, he and his girlfriend planned to read the devotion book first thing each morning over the phone and then discuss the reflection questions. Cindy is giddy with joy over this! It’s wonderful to see how the Lord is using these devotions to touch the lives of both those who are Christian as well as those who do not yet know Him.”

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… she now knows God loves us and He takes care of us, so she can find comfort in the Lord and not let fear control her life.

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Finding Comfort … continued from previous page

Looking for direction in these difficult times? LHM is here to help you stay close to God’s Word while grappling with the fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. Many of our products and resources are free, easy to use, and digital so you can use them in your home and share them with your friends, family, and congregation. Below are just a few of the timely and relevant resources offered by Lutheran Hour Ministries to help you deal with this unprecedented time. To learn more, visit lhm.org/covid-19. These FREE resources are made possible by generous donors like you! When you support LHM, you support our mission of bringing the Gospel to people all over the world. Thank you! = Chad Fix oversees the corporate communications of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

LHM Resources for You

Daily Devotions~

LHM Learn~

Strengthen and encourage your faith as you do the same for others.

Gain a hearing for the Gospel message and equip yourself to reach out with the love and Good News of Jesus Christ. It’s needed now more than ever! We are currently offering the following courses without enrolling in LHM Learn to get you started! Or, check out our full LHM Learn library of more than 30 FREE courses. • Stress & Worry in the Life of a Christian • Me and My Household • Building a Vibrant Household

The Lutheran Hour~ Are your church services cancelled and not able to livestream? Hear God’s Word at the click of a button!

Gospel Adventures~ Need something for the kids? Send them on a virtual trip with Gospel Adventures! Watch videos and access five days of FREE curriculum where they can meet kids from another part of the world. Start your journey to Mongolia today!

Project Connect~ Our booklets address a wide variety of topics that connect God’s Word to real-life issues. Download the app or explore our virtual library. We suggest Talking with God, Why Do Bad Things Happen?: Courage During Difficult Times, and Where’s God in All of This?

Spanish Resources~ Visit paraelcamino.com/coronavirus for a wide variety of digital resources in the Spanish language.

Need help or have questions about LHM products or resources? Contact us at 1-800-876-9880 or lh_min@lhm.org. To learn how LHM can support your congregation, contact Suzie Sallee at 1-800-876-9880, ext. 4214 or suzie.sallee@lhm.org.

SAT-7 Partnership Responds to the Growing Need for Programs During COVID-19 Pandemic by MEGAN MCDANIEL

utheran Hour Ministries has been strategically partnered with SAT-7, the first and largest Middle East and North African Christian satellite television network, for several years. Through this partnership, millions of Persian-speaking children, youth, and women are hearing the Gospel daily on television programs. One of the popular children’s series offered through this partnership is Golpand, which means “beautiful” or “golden advice” and shares the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Although the programs have proven to be successful, during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), SAT-7 was faced with the difficult task of keeping employees safe while providing live programming to share the Word of God as millions of people were confined in their homes. Although the channels were left to work with fewer staff as a result of COVID-19, producers, presenters, and crew worked diligently to ensure as many live programs as possible could be aired instead of relying on pre-recorded programs.

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“Our programs are once again a crucial lifeline to many, with our regular viewers expecting to be able to contact us and participate in the programs.” “We are making every effort to ensure our live programs continue, our audience relations teams can respond to our viewers, and that whatever

happens over the coming weeks and months, SAT-7 will continue its ministry,” shares SAT-7’s CEO. A church in Beirut cancelled their in-person Sunday church service because of COVID-19 concerns but encouraged the congregation to worship at home through SAT-7. With so many new cases of COVID-19 each day, and people staying at home to slow the spread, “our programs are once again a crucial lifeline to many, with our regular viewers expecting to be able to contact us and participate in the programs,” says the director of SAT-7 PARS. SAT-7’s USA president, comments, “People once turned to God, the church, or family. Today, not so much, and now for public health, churches are closing their doors. In this chaos and crisis, SAT-7’s broadcasting ministry continues to beam the Light into darkness, reminding people the Sovereign God is with us; He has not forgotten, He loves us, He is our source of solace, protection, and peace.” = Megan McDaniel reports on the impact of LHM’s ministry work around the world.

We’re in This Together “… Christ is with us, loves us, and provides us calmness and peace while we grapple with uncertainty.”

by KURT BUCHHOLZ, President & CEO, Lutheran Hour Ministries

“W

e’re in this together.” I’m sure you’ve seen and heard this phrase plastered all over the media recently through ads, public service announcements, company emails, and social media platforms. While this is technically a true statement as we face a challenge that most of us have not seen in our lifetimes, it’s sometimes difficult to think about being “together” at a time when inclusivity seems unattainable due to social distancing regulations and shelter-in-place orders. While COVID-19 impacts some people more than others, it unfortunately touches all of us in some way. Whether by infecting someone we know, putting first

responders and medical teams in high-risk situations, causing friends and family members to lose their jobs, or leading to the cancellation of fellowship and worship opportunities through local congregations, this global pandemic has meant none of us are immune from it. The good news is that, as the Body of Christ, we all have a common thread to provide light and guidance even during the darkest days. We can be assured that God is looking out for us during this challenging time and will be our Source of strength whenever we begin the process of putting COVID-19 behind us. The past couple months have allowed me to focus on the

importance of today. What is here and what is now—that Christ is with us, loves us, and provides us calmness and peace while we grapple with uncertainty. This faith is what will carry us through the coming days, weeks, and months as we learn to live with what most assuredly will be a new sense of normalcy. LHM continues to provide messages, resources, and materials of hope and love to you that we might collectively find calm in the Word of God and share those messages and feelings with others. In times like this, our mission to share the Gospel requires boldness like never before. People need what we provide, and it’s clear that God was preparing us for this moment.

Our resources and Christian outreach both domestically and internationally are speaking to the heart of the moment. As part of our global ministry family, you remain in my and our team’s prayers now and always, that God might grant us a measure of comfort and lift us up in care and love for the sake of those who might be anxious, nervous, and scared. Please continue to pray for our staff here in the United States and around the world—we have many loyal and faithful servants working globally through these trying times, steadfast in their call to bring the Gospel to the lost and hurting. Your support is so appreciated as we continue this important work. =

Unable to attend your weekly church service? Look no further than

Available on Spotify, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Podcasts, the American Forces Network, and ‘The Lutheran Hour’ mobile app.

L U T H E R A N H O U R .O RG

Also check out our podcast network! LHM.ORG/PODCASTS The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020 | 7

Cameroon Holistic Programs Assist At-Risk Young Women by MEGAN MCDANIEL

overty, sickness, and violence are everyday occurrences in Cameroon. As a result, many young women cannot receive an education, leaving them to find other ways to make ends meet. LHM–Cameroon has set out to provide practical training to young women, while also sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Women who are victims of sexual abuse and have been stranded as a single mother often face physical and mental trauma which also affects their children. The LHM–Cameroon sewing school program consists of free training sessions that are meant to restore the dignity of these young women who are seeking self-employment and economic independence, while being nurtured with spiritual counseling. In addition, the women are able to bring their children if necessary, as basic childcare is available. The main objectives of LHM–Cameroon’s holistic outreach programs are to provide social rehabilitation through Christian-oriented education, counseling, and vocational training for victims of sexual abuse, and abandoned teen mothers. Each year, about 18 women graduate from the program. One of the previous graduates is Amélie. Amélie’s father passed away when she was only one year old. In order to make a living, Amélie’s mother had five more children,

The program has restored hope to many hopeless young women, in large part because of the compassion and dedication of LHM– Cameroon’s staff.

each with a different man. Amélie needed to find a way to provide for herself, so she started learning hairdressing. When she found out about the LHM–Cameroon sewing school, she was eager to join. Amélie graduated from the program five years ago and since then has volunteered her time to train and coach the other teen mothers. She is now married with three children and is a member of a choir group at her local church. Amélie said, “All my life I will be thankful to LHM–Cameroon and to God.” The program has restored hope to many hopeless young women, in large part because of the compassion and dedication of LHM–

Cameroon’s staff. Chantal is married, mother of four children, and active in her church community. She joined LHM–Cameroon staff in 2008 and serves as the ministry center’s administrative manager, as well as leader of the women’s holistic training program. As a woman, she can relate to the struggles the students face, building trust that inspires them to succeed in the program. During the training, LHM–Cameroon staff shares the Word of God with the women, many of whom come from a variety of faith backgrounds. The women participate in Bible studies and learn that God will never abandon them even in difficult times. Every woman who has participated in the program has shared that the teachings and trainings have positively and spiritually impacted their lives. Using the technical skills they learned in the program, several women have gotten together to start their own business of dyeing and sewing clothes to sell. With the money they make, they are able to provide for themselves and their children. The women who graduate from the LHM– Cameroon program have a new skill that they can use to make themselves financially selfsufficient. In addition to this new skill, all the women understand how much God loves them. =

Two New Titles Reflect LHM Learn’s Increasing Course Diversity by PAUL SCHREIBER

uring this period of stay-at-home living, LHM Learn is an ideal way to boost your faith walk when your small group Bible study or church Bible class is on hiatus. Consider the latest offerings from LHM. Two new courses—The Sent Life: A Study of Sending in the Gospel of John, and Face2Face: Building Relationships with People with Disabilities— are good examples of the topical variety found in LHM Learn’s growing subject selection. With more than 30 courses available in five different faith-strengthening categories, LHM Learn’s FREE online course catalog is an ideal go-to destination to grow in your faith during our current stay-at-home regulations. In The Sent Life, learners will explore the Gospel of John. Each of the four sessions examine Scriptures that show God’s work in the lives of people, drawing them to Himself and sending them into the lives of others. We are called to share God’s Good News, and as we are led by the Holy Spirit, that may involve us going out into the world or staying in place where we are.

LHM Learn’s FREE online course catalog is an ideal go-to destination to grow in your faith during our current stay-at-home regulations. 8 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020

Sessions are introduced by Dr. Brian German, course author and assistant professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin. He’s also the director of Concordia Bible Institute, LHM’s partnering organization in this course. Downloadable resources for The Sent Life include a printable journal, discussion guide, video transcript, and tip sheet for use with small groups. In Face2Face, learners will gain skills and expertise for nurturing relationships with those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Heartwarming stories, numerous Scripture references, and communication tools to foster respectful dialogue and affirm the lives of people with disabilities are presented throughout. Poignant commentary and touching words from those with disabilities and their caregivers make Face2Face a valuable learning resource. All four sessions are introduced by Rev. Jay DeBeir, LHM’s executive vice president and COO. Bethesda Lutheran Communities of Watertown, Wisconsin, partnered with LHM to produce this course. Downloadable resources for Face2Face include a printable journal, discussion guide, video transcript, and tip sheet for use with small groups. All LHM Learn courses are absolutely FREE and tailored to be both Christ-centered and convenient. You can start and stop them mid-stream and return where you left off. You can find everything you need to know about these two courses and all the rest at lhm.org/learn. = Paul Schreiber reports on the impact of LHM’s ministry work in the United States.

NURTURING YO U R FA I T H : PA R T O N E

Practicing Forgiveness

Watch a video introduction with Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, LHM’s regional director of North America, at lhm.org/studies.

elcome to Nurturing Your Faith: Forgiveness. In this four-part Bible study, we will look at how forgiveness received—and forgiveness offered to others—is central to our lives as Christians. God in His mercy has granted those faithful to Jesus the gift of new life, and with it comes His forgiveness. It’s a pardon whereby our sins are hurled “into the depths of the sea,” leaving us completely cleansed and “white as snow” in the eyes of God (see Micah 7:19; Isaiah 1:18). All this is possible because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (see Acts 2:22-24, 38-39; Hebrews 1:1-4). But first, a few words about why mankind needs forgiveness.

The Necessity of Forgiveness To be sure, according to the Bible, man finds himself in a dilemma. Born into a world of sin (see Psalm 51:5), we are destined to suffer its consequences: death and eternal alienation from the Creator (see Ezekiel 18:20; Isaiah 59:2). But is that the end of our story? In Genesis we learn that though man has a hard time following simple instructions (see Genesis 2:16-17; 3:8-13), God didn’t bring him to a crashing conclusion, right then and there. Amazingly, even in God’s garden, the first sin of Adam and Eve—as spiteful and self-centered as it was—didn’t end with God blotting out His creation. Instead, His response—consistent with His love and mercy—was one of hope and a future. But let’s go back to the garden. Speaking to the serpent who deceived Adam and Eve, God said, “Because you have done this, cursed are you.” For their rebellion, serpent, man, and woman will face a future reckoning where they will be held accountable (see Genesis 3:14-15; Revelation 12:9). The chasm had been created, and man could not bridge the distance back to God. Helpless before God’s throne and His sinless presence, man’s fate was sealed. But for the grace of God, all was not lost. With their expulsion from paradise, God set His plan of redemption in motion. There will be an escape provided, but it will be costly, and it will not be without the shedding of blood: the blood of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ (see Isaiah 53:4-6; Hebrews 9:22b). And that’s where forgiveness, God’s unmerited forgiveness, comes in.

Questions: 1. Why couldn’t Adam and Eve’s cosmic blunder simply be forgiven by God—like a do-over? 2. As perpetual sinners, we’re all professionals by nature. What is your sense of your own sin? Do you believe God is able to forgive your sins—every last one of them? How does that make you feel? 3. God’s promise of forgiveness is to all mankind. Why is that something worth sharing? continued …

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Questions:

God’s Gift Mankind’s sin against God produced a dire consequence: “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20a). That’s harsh. That means all our sacrifices, all our feeble attempts at keeping God’s Law, and all our pious showboating before Him, and others, could not remove a single sin from our damning ledger, before a holy and righteous God. Why? Because nothing we have to offer—either today or in Old Testament times—can qualify a person before God. It is faith alone—a trusting confidence grounded in His promises—that imparts “righteousness” to the believer, as it did for Abraham through the covenant God made with him (see Genesis 15:6). The same holds true for us today. The apostle Paul echoes Ezekiel’s thought in the New Testament when he writes, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). Once again, the blunt truth. We’re in dreadful shape, and there’s not a thing we can do about it. But God could, and out of His endless supply of grace and mercy, He did! Now, we no longer look to a future promise of God yet to be fulfilled in a coming Messiah. Instead, we look to the cross where God’s own Son won our forgiveness. It’s all God’s doing. We “are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith” (Romans 3:24-25a). With our redemption comes God’s pardon. We are forgiven, and by the power of His Holy Spirit, we can forgive others, too.

Forgiveness at Work As God in the flesh (see John 1:1-5, 14), Jesus was subjected to the sin that permeates this world. He endured the brunt of it many times. Scripture records His encounters with scribes and Pharisees (Jewish academic and religious leaders) who would disparage His message and seek to discredit Him, shame Him—or worse (see Mark 2:6-12; Luke 6:7; Matthew 12:14). Elsewhere, Jesus’ preaching so riled people they were ready to hurl Him off a cliff (see Luke 4:16-30). In the end, it was an unruly mob that called for His crucifixion (see Mark 15:9-15; John 19:14-16). Yet, even on the cross, resentment and contempt for what man had become would not win the day. There, Jesus withstood the world’s scorn and sought for mercy, asking divine forgiveness for man’s ultimate injustice against God’s own Son: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing’” (Luke 23:34). Who can fathom the weight that lay on the Savior’s shoulders that day!? There, alone against the world and the powers of darkness, the compassionate nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit broke through the gloom, just like it had millennia before. As in the garden, so at Golgotha, man once again was found wanting and utterly corrupt. But God stepped in, fulfilling His original promise to “bruise” the enemy’s head, even while suffering His Son to be slain (see Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 52-53). With Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, God did the unthinkable for us “by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). Now, through the blood of the Sacrifice Lamb, God has forgiven us all our sins. And with that, we are to go and do likewise.

Pray Heavenly Father, forgiving isn’t easy for us. It certainly wasn’t for You. Before You, we don’t stand a chance—except through the forgiveness offered to us through the blood of Jesus, Your Son. Awaken in us a true desire to give thanks daily for Your forgiveness, and make us a people who long to be forgiving, acquitting others of their sins against us, even as You have done the same for us. Amen. 10 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020

1. How does faith in God put us into a relationship with Him? How does faith tie into forgiveness? 2. Have you ever wondered why God would forgive anyone? Why do you think He would do so at such a great price? 3. Are there things in your life you seek or need forgiveness for—either from God or another person? Take some time to journal about this or if you are comfortable, share with your small group.

Questions: 1. What is the difference between forgiving and forgetting? What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to forgive? 2. Do you consider yourself a forgiving person? What can hold you back from forgiving others? 3. Why do you think it is difficult for people to believe they are truly forgiven?

or Martin Luther, God’s loving forgiveness in Jesus to the sinner was the centerpiece to which God pointed repeatedly through the prophets, promises, and pages of Scripture. What man had defiled and severed in the garden (his relationship with God), God was to make right, and He alone could repair the breach. Luther writes, “Now no one (not even an angel in heaven) was able to do away with the eternal, irreparable damage and the eternal wrath of God, which we had earned by our sins, except the eternal Person of God’s Son Himself. And this He did by stepping into our place, taking ours sins upon Himself, and answering for them as if He were guilty of them Himself,” (What Luther Says: A Practical In-Home Anthology for the Active Christian). It’s Jesus all the way. Forgiveness is possible for you and me because of Him. He is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29b). He is the “One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15b). He is the Savior “who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34b). He has done it and because He has, we too can live and love—and forgive—as God intended. That’s not to say it will be easy, however. Our reluctance to forgive is often that rough patch or pothole where the rubber meets the road in our day-to-day lives of faith. Still, Scripture is plain on how we are to be; though we have a hard time getting it anyway. As Paul writes, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Now is the time to ask God to forgive us our sins, for the sake of Jesus’ blood. Now is the time to extend that forgiveness to others.

Online Bible Studies Share the Word of God Amid Difficult Times by MEGAN MCDANIEL

n the midst of chaos, stress, and pain around the world from the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to share the Good News of Jesus Christ is greater than ever before. Before the pandemic, LHM–Brazil (Hora Luterana) hosted a weekly online Bible study on Facebook. The topics of the studies were relevant and focused on God’s grace and love. On average, 80 to 100 people would join and chat online during each live study. In the days following the live Bible study, around 5,000 people would watch the recorded version. Brazil is the largest country in Latin America with a population surpassing 210 million people. When COVID-19 spread to Brazil, the Brazilian government issued a mandatory stay-at-home order for

its citizens. Since in-person church services were cancelled, Hora Luterana decided that this was an opportunity to spread God’s love even further. Hora Luterana turned their successful weekly online Bible study into a daily online Bible study in response to the stay-at-home orders. The daily Bible studies had an average of 500 live participants and more than 12,000 views after the live session ended. The live chat allowed people to interact with others and ask for prayers. Since everything is online, Bible studies reached people from outside Brazil including people in Germany, Paraguay, and Great Britain. A woman from Paraguay commented on Facebook saying, “Thank you for the spiritual nourishment during these difficult days.” Beyond the Bible studies, Hora Luterana partners with 120 hospitals to provide biblical materials to the patients and produces a daily radio program that is aired on 130 radio stations throughout Brazil. In addition to their ongoing efforts in response to this pandemic, please keep the staff of Hora Luterana in your prayers as they complete their transition to become a financially selfsustaining member of LHM’s global ministry family beginning June 1. =

… the need to share the Good News of Jesus Christ is greater than ever before.

What Are the Causes that Define You? by CHAD FIX ost people race to responses like family or freedom. These are powerfully important issues, but ultimately faith is the central definition of every believer’s life. Our life and mission here on earth is the Great Commission itself—and doing what we can to see the Gospel of Jesus Christ shared with every person who needs to hear it. Lutheran Hour Ministries is grateful for many Christians who make a wonderful impact on the sharing of the Gospel through years of faithful support for the ministry. Many of these Christians have left powerful testaments as they’ve gone on to their ultimate reward—one that will last beyond your lifetime—by including LHM in their will. Taking this step allows individuals to continue to be defined by their passion for sharing the Good News, even after they’ve joined their Father in heaven.

There are several ways to include LHM in your estate. • Direct your gift to the area of greatest need, which gives LHM the financial freedom to use your gift in the way that will be most effective in spreading the Word of God to unreached people who desperately His messages of love and hope. • You can set up an endowment to make sure your gift lasts as long as God’s mission through LHM. • If you feel a strong connection to a certain program or ministry center, you can choose for your gift to go to that specific area. LHM is honored to include these faithful people in The Hoffmann Society upon learning that we are included in their estate plans. The Hoffmann Society is a faithful group of more than 2,000 individuals who have professed that they want to support the cause of sharing Christ’s name during their life and after they go on to their eternal glory. These faithful believers are a key part of LHM’s planning and ensure that the Gospel is shared with future generations. Many people have included LHM in their final plans and have not shared this decision. If you are one of these people, you are a member of The Hoffmann Society! For more information, or to tell us we’re in your estate plans, please go online to lhm.org/giftplan or contact LHM’s gift planning staff by email at lhm-gift@lhm.org or over the phone at 1-877-333-1963. Thank you for being a part of the cause that defines LHM: Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church! =

Daily Devotions from LHM With several ways to read and listen, you can get your daily dose of Scripture when you need it. Visit lhm.org/dailydevotions to subscribe for email delivery to your inbox, sign up for the podcast, or download the app for your mobile device—all for FREE!

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Amidst COVID-19 Uncertainty, THRED Usage Spikes by PAUL SCHREIBER

“When a connection is made we listen to understand, ask questions to clarify, and take a genuine interest in that person’s life.”

s COVID-19 drives us inside and away from face-to face contact with others, our cell phones and laptops are getting a workout. Lutheran Hour Ministries has also seen a surge of people using its Facebook page and its digital conversation website THRED (thred.org). In recent weeks, THRED’s visitor traffic and interaction have reached new highs as people everywhere are searching for an encouraging word. “THRED content continues to spark spiritual conversations in digital spaces, and the website is seeing an incredible increase in use,” said Rachel Legouté, digital development manager for Lutheran Hour Ministries. “Final numbers aren’t available yet, but in the first week of stay-at-home orders, THRED views and engagement were up more than 1,000 percent. Also, a new video blog (vlog) created in response to the pandemic charted more than 70,000 views in two weeks,” she added. The vlog is part of the THRED brand voice and features Legouté and Jon Christopher, one of LHM’s video editors. The vlog offers advice on how people can respond thoughtfully during COVID-19. “It’s a good example of how THRED is positioned to pivot quickly and engage people in spiritual dialogues caused in part by our global struggle with

COVID-19,” Legouté added. As with all THRED content, these vlogs are designed to connect with those outside the church. “When a connection is made we listen to understand, ask questions to clarify, and take a genuine interest in that person’s life,” Legouté said. “THRED has been working hard the past three years to create safe spaces for conversation and community online. Because of the work we’ve done to gather an audience and gain their trust, we are uniquely positioned to respond to our current global crisis with empathy and compassion,” she added. Barna research shows that a typical 15 to 23-year-old will spend nearly 3,000 hours a year using screen media. Out of those 3,000 hours, that same sample group will take in only 153 hours of spiritual content. The competition for our attention on digital devices and from screen-based media is huge. “With such a small portion of that content being spiritual in nature, we know that there is a lot of room to create THRED content that gets people talking about life, faith, and Jesus,” said Legouté. Access THRED’s thought-provoking articles, vlogs, and more by going online at thred.org or finding it on Facebook. =

Just in Time for Self-Quarantine: the Households of Faith Kit by PAUL SCHREIBER

t’s time for some good news! For those wanting to increase the spiritual vibrancy of their homes, the just-released Households of Faith Kit is a bright spot in these difficult days. With a stay-at-home scenario the new norm for many around the world, this resource kit comes just in time. Just as LHM’s Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age Kit speaks to today’s aspects of faith-sharing interactions, this second collection of resources addresses the way we cultivate and grow spiritual life inside our homes. Based on extensive research obtained in partnership with Barna Group through hundreds of surveys, the kit is ideal for households eager to deepen their shared faith life. (See The Lutheran Layman’s Winter 2020 issue for kit resources.) First comes the 150-page researchbased monograph: Households of

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Faith: The Rituals and Relationships That Turn a Home into a Sacred Space. Here, essays, data, graphs, illustrations, stories, suggestions, and more describe real-world household traits and offer insights on how to make your home a spiritually active and vibrant place. For example, do you have children you would like to encourage in their faith-walk with God? If so, the kit’s three Helping Your Child booklets by Mary Oldfield—HYC: Have a Relationship with God, HYC: Grow Through Faith Conversations, and HYC: Welcome Others—are full of great ideas, insightful anecdotes, and Scripture references to help parents in this vital task. Use these booklets’ thoughtful takeaways to help you raise children who love God and who want to share Him with others. For many households, talking

about spiritual matters is like speaking a foreign language. But knowing what to do with a deck of cards is another matter. The kit’s Vibrant Conversations Deck is a great way to play your favorite card games and get people talking about God and faith at the same time. Use the deck’s 52 questions and prompts to spark conversations during game night, as an ice-breaker game with your Bible study group, or as a fun Q&A resource for the great questions they have.

It’s time for some good news! Additional kit resources like the book, The Spiritually Vibrant Home by LHM’s Content Manager Don Everts, along with a small group study DVD, three illustrated children’s booklets, and 30-Days of Household Devotions booklet will help households come together during these days of social distancing. You can order a Households of Faith Kit from LHM for $37 by going to the LHM storefront at shoplhm.org. =

New Partnership Encourages Meaningful Connections We hope you are well and are finding ways to stay connected during this extended time of social distancing and quarantine.

by NICOLE HEERLEIN

e remain in a time which calls for us to shelter in place, social distance, and utilize video and web platforms as methods to keep in contact with each other and the world. How are you feeling these days? We hope you are well and are finding ways to stay connected during this extended time of social distancing and quarantine. Have you reached out to anyone while sheltering? Has anyone reached out to you? These questions are important to us all and especially those who were already shut in or finding it challenging to integrate in society. Before this unprecedented time began, Lutheran Hour Ministries was presented with a unique opportunity. Bethesda Lutheran Communities sponsored “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” during March 2020 and asked LHM to join them in the movement. What seems like a no-brainer may give us pause, especially during our current times of isolation. Are we not trying to find additional ways to connect? However, we live in a world where people with disabilities are underrepresented at work, at church, and in the larger community. We are grateful to Bethesda for their invitation to partner. Together, we worked to inspire and encourage our constituencies to perhaps think in a different direction and make meaningful connections and include others through faith. An LHM Learn course titled, Face2Face was created as part of our collaboration. For further

detail on that course, check out the story on page 8 of this issue. Social posts can be found on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages, and LHM’s Action in Ministry March 17 podcast hosted Bethesda CEO Mike Thirtle for a thoughtful conversation on the importance of this movement. If you missed it, the March 17 episode can be found at lhm.org/action. Bethesda created a library of free resources, including a downloadable guide titled, “Welcoming Others in Faith” available at www.includeallabilities.com. The guide will equip you and your congregation to start meaningful communications and relationships with people who have disabilities. It hosts a wealth of information including studies on the following: Psalm 139 and how we are all “wonderfully made” by our Creator, the Body of Christ, and how it is only complete when all people are part of the body, and the gifts that people with disabilities bring to the church. Other guides are also available through the includeallabilities.com website. Please know you remain in our prayers, especially during these uncertain times. Have you taken this LHM Learn course, reached out to an underrepresented population, or are moved to take action? If so, let us know through our Response Center. We love hearing how your faith is motivating you and it’s another way we can encourage each other to make the world a better place for all of us. =

Host a Digital LHM Sunday to Discover the Joy of Spiritual Conversations by MEGAN MCDANIEL

idn’t have a chance to host a Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday in February or March? Consider joining the celebration of LHM Sunday from your home on any day of your choosing. With churches offering live streaming or recorded services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s LHM Sunday might look a little different, but it can still happen! LHM offers a wide variety of digital resources for you and your congregation members to discover while worshiping at home. This year, we are focusing on the opportunities God gives each of us to engage in spiritual conversations with those around us. LHM offers a variety of digital resources to help equip you to meet people where they are in their faith journey, beginning conversations at natural points. LHM Sunday is also an opportunity to celebrate together the impact the Lord makes on those people’s lives, one heart at a time. Here are some ways to host a digital LHM Sunday this year: • Download the bulletin inserts from lhm.org/lhmsunday and email them to your congregation members • Share the link to our Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age Bible study found at lhm.org/lhmsunday with your congregation so they can watch the videos from their homes • Encourage members to visit lhm.org/learn to explore more topics through self-paced digital studies Becky Pagel, LHM’s director of constituent advancement says, “hosting an LHM Sunday is a great way to share our resources that can help us become more comfortable having spiritual conversations with those around us.” To help make LHM Sunday as easy as possible, all our FREE LHM Sunday resources are available at lhm.org/lhmsunday. From there, you can download materials and use the links to navigate to our online Bible studies and LHM Learn courses. Ask your pastor if your congregation can host a digital LHM Sunday. If a digital event won’t work, you can schedule an LHM Sunday for later this year once shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted and your church campus reopens. LHM Sunday can be held anytime throughout the year! To discuss the ways LHM can provide resources for your congregation, contact Suzie Sallee, our community facilitator, at suzie.sallee@lhm.org. =

“Hosting an LHM Sunday is a great way to share our resources that can help us become more comfortable having spiritual conversations with those around us.”

Nicole Heerlein is associate director for strategic engagement at Lutheran Hour Ministries.

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LHM Scales Back October’s Equip 2020 Event Focus Shifts to Celebrating Success of the SENT Initiative by BECKY PAGEL

D Sharing the Good News of Jesus with Children in a Remote Village by MEGAN MCDANIEL

n February, LHM–Malaysia partnered with a local outreach ministry called Starfish Malaysia Foundation to reach out to students in the remote town of Kapit. Kapit is a river town and is accessible by express boat, taking three hours one way. Despite its remote location, Kapit has many public schools and a few kindergartens run by the local church. The majority of people in Kapit are the indigenous people. They live in longhouses (a long, narrow, single-room structure), and the majority are below the poverty line. Our partner, Starfish Malaysia, has started a successful outreach program among the public schools in the district of Kapit through their education and sports programs. They have also built a community center called Lighthouse Kapit. Through the partnership, LHM–Malaysia supplies Starfish Malaysia with outreach materials and resources to be distributed to children in remote areas. In mid-February, the LHM–Malaysia team hosted a campaign in two public schools located about an hour boat ride from Kapit. During the meeting in one of the Primary Residential Schools, 97 students were brought to faith in Jesus by

14 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020

the power of God’s Spirit. Immediately after they became Christians, every student was given an LHM Prayers for Children booklet in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language). They They are so were taught how to hungry for the pray and recite the Word of God, Lord’s Prayer as an and this booklet immediate follow-up activity, which is very has really significant for them in blessed them. their new-found faith. In total, LHM–Malaysia has given out more than 1,100 children’s prayer booklets in the Malay language and 360 booklets in English to the students in the region of Kapit through this new partnership. The response from these children was overwhelming and touching. They are so hungry for the Word of God, and this booklet has really blessed them. “We pray that this will bring about a spiritual revival in Kapit,” says Gunya NaThalang, LHM’s regional director for Asia. “We truly want to thank God that He is using these LHM resources to touch and make such a big difference in the lives of these children.” =

ue to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lutheran Hour Ministries has significantly scaled back the LHM Equip 2020 event set to take place October 16-18, 2020, at Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. With ongoing travel restrictions worldwide and the changing nature of the virus response, LHM will not be bringing our international directors to St. Louis for this event. Additionally, the all-day equipping segment, designed to train laypeople for outreach, has been cancelled. The Int’l LLL district presidents annual meeting will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2020. “We are disappointed to have to change our plans, but with everything that’s going on in the United States and the world with this pandemic, it is the right thing to do,” says LHM President and CEO Kurt Buchholz. “We hope to bring the international ministry directors to the U.S. another time so we can celebrate with them the life-changing work they are doing in Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.” Saturday evening’s SENT Celebration gala will still take place as LHM staff, along with the SENT National Leadership Council and Regional Leadership Teams, gather for an evening of thanksgiving and celebration of all that was accomplished through the SENT Initiative. “In the past five years we’ve accomplished so much thanks to the SENT Initiative,” says Jeff Craig-Meyer, vice president of constituencies at LHM. “Through SENT, with the help of our loyal donors, our volunteer leaders, and staff, we’ve blown past our goals and reached more people worldwide with the Gospel message. SENT’s focus on equipping laypeople, expanding media outreach, proclaiming the Gospel to the unreached around the globe, and engaging individuals in the digital mission field has uniquely positioned LHM to follow God’s lead into the next phase of our ministry.” The SENT gala is an open event. Registration and hotel details can be found at lhm.org/sent2020. = Becky Pagel is director of constituent advancement for LHM.

“In the past five years we’ve accomplished so much thanks to the SENT Initiative.”

Households of Faith Well-Received at Best Practices Conference “Best Practices equals hospitality; it’s as simple as that.”

by MEGAN MCDANIEL n February, LHM employees joined 2,500 ministry workers from around the country at Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix, Arizona, for the annual Best Practices for Ministry Conference. The free, three-day conference is full of fellowship, worship, teaching, learning, and exhibits for attendees who are passionate about ministry and looking for ways to improve. “It was so uplifting to meet and talk with so many different people over those three days,” says Becky Pagel, LHM’s director of constituent advancement. “We were able to share the exciting things LHM is doing to help laypeople create spiritually vibrant households and people were really eager to take those principles back to their own homes.” Booths, breakout sessions, and keynotes are all on the agenda for the conference, educating attendees on almost any topic imaginable. This year, LHM hosted a booth and presented at two

breakout sessions. Using research from our latest study with Barna Group, LHM employees led breakout sessions called, Messy Prayers, Loud Tables, Open Doors: A Recipe for a Spiritually Vibrant Home and The Lost Art of Spiritual Coaching. “I look forward to Best Practices every year. It’s a great opportunity to talk with ministry leaders on the ground who are using our resources—find out how things are going, what we can do better—and make sure they know about our new resources,” shares Ashley Bayless, LHM’s curriculum development manager and presenter at this year’s conference. “I also enjoy encouraging lay leaders and church leaders alike, in their sharing of the Gospel message in their context. It helps me create better resources knowing their stories and their contexts!” At the LHM booth, LHM-branded sunglasses were a hit among attendees to use in the bright Arizona sun. In addition to the excitement over the sunglasses, word spread quickly around the conference about the chance to preview our new Households of Faith Kit, with materials made in response to the research uncovered in partnership with Barna. There was a good

amount of traffic at the LHM booth, with many people excited to see our new materials. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, LHM’s regional director for North America, says, “This was my first time attending Best Practices and I was amazed at the number of people in attendance who were simply hungry for resources and encouragement to help them better connect people to Jesus. It shows how meaningful LHM’s ministry is for churches across the country.” “Best Practices equals hospitality; it’s as simple as that,” shares Nicole Heerlein, LHM’s associate director of strategic engagement. “During a long weekend of learning, sharing, and loving your neighbor, what really made a difference was the congenial welcoming and hospitality bestowed upon anyone entering the church campus.” =

Thailand Eyeglass Clinic Shines the Light of Christ by CHAD FIX

he LHM–Thailand team witnessed Christ’s love in action when they conducted an eyeglass clinic outreach project in February. This project was done in partnership with five volunteers from Brookfield Lutheran Church in Wisconsin, five Thai optometrists, and Kuiburi Church in Kanchanaburi Province. At least 1,000 people attended over four days to receive a free professional eye examination, a free pair of glasses, and Christian booklets about breast cancer and depression. Kuiburi Church hosted the event so the pastor, his wife, and church members were able to follow up with everyone who participated. Fifty-one people who needed special prescriptions returned to the church to pick up their

glasses on Sunday morning before the weekly worship service. While helping the participants move smoothly through the eye exam stations, the Brookfield team shared the Gospel through their words and a few songs. LHM staff and volunteers also led the attendees in fun activities that told about Jesus while they waited for their number to be called. “We thank God for the joy that we saw on the faces of the participants as they received new sight,” says Monta Ekwanit Denow, director of LHM–Thailand. “We pray that the Gospel messages they heard will take root in their hearts and that the light of Christ will shine in their lives.” =

The Future is What You Make of It! While it’s impossible to know or control what happens in the future, giving a gift through your will helps you find peace as you look ahead. You can provide for the people and causes that matter to you most. Contact LHM’s gift planning team to learn how you can provide the hope of the Gospel for future generations. 1-877-333-1963

lhm-gift@lhm.org

lhm.org/giftplan

The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020 | 15

TAKE A GOSPEL ADVENTURE by MEGAN MCDANIEL re you looking for a great educational activity to complete from the comfort and safety of your home? Gospel Adventures: Go Mongolia provides an informative and interactive virtual learning experience based around five days of FREE curriculum. In partnership with Group Publishing, Lutheran Hour Ministries takes grade-school through middle-school-aged children on a new week-long global adventure each year. This year’s trip allows participants to “travel” to Mongolia to witness the importance of God’s work by exploring this country’s rich culture. With remarkable landscapes from the Gobi Desert, the Altai Mountains, and more, Gospel Adventures: Go Mongolia is sure to be a journey to remember! Participants are introduced to kids just like them living in Mongolia who carry their faith with them through day-to-day life. The grade school curriculum is designed to be led by a teacher or parent while the middle school curriculum uses an interactive website for children or adults to explore Mongolia at their own pace. Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 3:17-19 and letting the immensity of Mongolia

“I really like the song because of the tune. It’s so much fun to sing and dance to with my friends.” –Esther, age 6

illustrate it, participants of the 2020 trip learn about God and “how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.” This adventure includes videos, maps, colorful graphs and charts, hands-on activities, identification boxes, questions for discussion, and more—all working together to highlight the country’s religion, ethnic groups, ways of living, culture and customs, history, and other features that make Mongolia so vast and diverse.

… learn about God and “how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.” By the end of the journey, participants will possess a deeper understanding of the work of the Gospel in their own lives and how God is at work in people’s lives in this exciting— and remote—part of the world. Nearly 30,000 elementary and middle school students have already participated in the program this year, but Gospel Adventures offers something for people of all ages. Interested in learning more about what you will experience? Here is a sneak peek of just a couple of the activities and portions of the curriculum for Gospel Adventures: Go Mongolia.

“I learned about being an eagle hunter. The eagle knows their voice and lives with them for 5 years. I learned that God’s love is bigger than the desert!” –Easton, age 8

“I learned that God watches everyone in the whole world! I would like to go to Mongolia someday! –Jersey, age 10

... TO MONGOLIA! Did you know? • Mongolia only has about 500,000 visitors each year • 95 percent of the population speaks Mongolian • The Gobi desert is one of the world’s coldest deserts due to its northern location • Camels can drink 30 gallons of water in only 13 minutes • For many years, Christianity was not allowed in Mongolia • Half of Mongolia’s population lives in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar • Mongolians see up to 250 days of sunshine a year • Missionaries brought Christianity to Mongolia only 30 years ago • Ger (gehr) is the Mongolian name for structure

Ger Building Activity: “Travel” to Mongolia to witness the importance of God’s work!

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade at First Immanuel Lutheran School in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, participated in Gospel Adventures: Go Mongolia during Lutheran Schools Week in January. Students and teachers gathered in the sanctuary for 30 minutes each day that week while Karl Roeske, the church’s missions director, presented the Gospel Adventures curriculum. The students sat in “chapel families” consisting of children from different age groups. The older children were encouraged to interact with the younger ones in their “family” and help them understand the daily lessons. Roeske shared that the students “enjoyed the videos very much, and I used them daily. This year, they seemed to really like the song video. They sang it with much enthusiasm.” In addition to participating in the educational aspects provided by Gospel Adventures, the students and congregation members at First Immanuel raised more than $2,000 for our Global Kids Fund. Members of the church raised money for the Global Kids Fund through the “Mission of the Month” program since their mission in January is usually set up to support an LHM ministry program. Students raised money for the Global Kids Fund through coin crusades, competing in various activities against other grades or classrooms. Support like this from kids in the United States helps LHM spread the Gospel message to children around the world who need to hear it. Since 2012, kid donors have given around $200,000 to support LHM’s global ministry efforts that reach into more than 50 countries. For example, in Mongolia, the ministry hosts vacation Bible school, youth gatherings, and workshops, provides holistic outreach to youth in need, and develops a variety of age-appropriate resources that teach about Jesus and offer biblically-based guidance. Do you have stories about participating in Gospel Adventures? Join our Gospel Adventures Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/gospeladventures) to share stories, pictures, and ideas with others! Ready to sign up? Everything you need to get started on this Mongolian adventure is available for FREE when you register at gospeladventures.org. =

“I had no idea that LHM offered an online program for children! Since we’ve been working on our schoolwork while at home, we have added Gospel Adventures to our curriculum! Thank you for sharing, this is awesome!” – Alexis, mother of two

“I like the music the best! It’s fun to sing along and see all the pictures.” –Judah, age 4

You can build your own Mongolian home, known as a “ger”! All you need is: • Craft foam cut in a 3x12 inch strip • 6 flexible straws • 1 full sheet of paper towel • Tape • Scissors • A pencil • A ruler Follow the directions in day three of the online curriculum to see how you can turn household items into a miniature ger!

“We learned about people in Mongolia living in big tent homes with a lot of land around them. I think it would be fun to stay in one of those.” –Lydia, age 7 The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020 | 17

More than a Half Century of

DEDICATED SERVICE by MEGAN MCDANIEL

fter 54 years of dedicated service to the International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries, Gaylene LaBore will retire at the end of May. Gaylene held several roles for the LLL/ LHM during her tenure, including serving as executive assistant for two Speakers of The Lutheran Hour and several executive directors before finishing her LHM career as a part-time receptionist. Born in the small town of Davenport, Nebraska (near long-time Speaker Dr. Oswald Hoffmann’s hometown of Snyder), Gaylene’s parents were very active in the LLL. After moving to Idaho, Gaylene’s father became district president of the Utah-Idaho LLL and took the family to a convention where she first met T.G. Eggers. Eggers was the first full-time employee of the LLL and had a long management career within the League. He had never met Gaylene, and didn’t even know if she could type, but asked her to come to work for him since his current secretary would be leaving after getting married. Teenage Gaylene boarded the Union Pacific train in Idaho with her friend, who also got a job at the League, for the long trip to St. Louis, not knowing how her career would evolve. Arriving to 103-degree Missouri heat, she made her first visit to the LLL headquarters. Little did Gaylene know, but her future husband, who would later work alongside her serving Dr. Hoffmann and his family, also came to St. Louis that weekend. “Rev. Richard LaBore came from New York to start his studies at Concordia

Seminary on the same weekend I arrived in St. Louis from Idaho, but it took a few years before his East met my West,” Gaylene recalls. She began her career working with Eggers and Edgar Fritz, the director of club services, before Dr. Hoffmann moved to St. Louis in 1963. Dr. Hoffmann had been named Speaker of The Lutheran Hour eight years earlier but had stayed in New York to also maintain his position as the Synod’s director of public relations. He would record sermons in New York and ship them to St. Louis for the music and other pieces to be added. When Dr. Hoffmann moved to St. Louis, he came with a multitude of filing cabinets but no assistant. Even though she enjoyed working with Fritz, Gaylene quickly became the clear choice to fill the new role. “I took care of his calendar and made all travel arrangements, typed sermons and reports, and took care of a lot of details,” says Gaylene. “It was an enjoyable job and certainly my great privilege to serve the Lord with Dr. Hoffmann all those years!” “Dr. Hoffmann traveled to many countries for The Lutheran Hour, so it was interesting for me to write to, meet, and talk to these people from all over the world,” she says. “In addition to the tours he led for the LLL, he served with Rev. Billy Graham, met with military troops and four U.S. Presidents, attended the Vatican Council twice in Rome, and served in leadership with several Bible associations. He would send me dictation from wherever he was and I could sometimes hear monkeys in a tree or other noises if he was dictating from the desert or another remote location.” Of all her experiences serving with Dr. Hoffmann until his death in 2005, one thing stands out. “He did not know the word ‘no’ and accepted every possible engagement he could,” says Gaylene.

“He was a very good fundraiser, and people just opened up their wallets and gave to The Lutheran Hour when he came into the room!” As she prepares to retire a second time (she originally intended to retire in 2007 until Larry Lumpe returned to LHM as executive director and asked her to serve as his assistant), the memories from more than a half century of service come racing back. “One of the real blessings of working at LHM are the contacts I’ve had with so many wonderful people from across the United States and all over the world who are helping with our exciting mission,” says Gaylene. “Our files are full of beautiful letters from people who, beginning with the first broadcast from Dr. Maier to Dr. Zeigler today, have written in appreciation and thankfulness for the great job our Lutheran Hour speakers do in bringing the Gospel message in such a clear and helpful way to people who have never heard of Christ. It’s amazing!” LHM employees will miss seeing her friendly face behind the receptionist desk, connecting through mutual friends, and sharing favorite travel memories. “I will certainly miss the daily contact with the many friends I’ve made here in the building,” says Gaylene. “We have a good staff and a lot of new things going on in different parts of the world where it isn’t possible to broadcast The Lutheran Hour as we knew it before. It’s exciting to see how the Gospel is still getting into those parts of the world through new electronic ways.” As for what’s next? “My husband and I will continue to be involved in projects at our church and other organizations, travel, and spend more time with our children and grandchildren as the Lord continues to bless us!” Read more at lhm.org/ourLHM. ==

“It was an enjoyable job and certainly my great privilege to serve the Lord with Dr. Hoffmann all those years!” 18 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020

Mirrors of God by PHIL JOHNSON, Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Genesis 1:27

ave you ever stopped to reflect upon what this verse means to you? In all of creation only human beings carry “the image of God.” We know this wasn’t a physical manifestation, it referred to something more profound. Somehow we, as human beings, were set apart from the rest of creation for a special purpose. We are given a glimpse of what this means just a few verses later when our first parents are given two tasks: care for the garden and don’t eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. By their selfless care for what God had made, and by their obedience to His command, they were given the opportunity to express back to their Creator the kind of selfless love that only comes from God. They were given the gift of being mirrors of God’s image, to reflect the very heart of their Creator to one another and the rest of creation. Read just a bit further and you quickly learn that, by human sin, the mirror was broken, distorting the image of God and hiding His reflection in the resulting darkness. God’s purpose for us was the same, but we had lost the will and ability to carry out the purpose for which they had been created. Humans quickly learned that a mirror can’t shine on its own, it

can only reflect. The image in the mirror of our lives may have been distorted, but the purpose remains intact. Even though a reflection can’t be seen in the darkness, the mirror is still there. A mirror is always a mirror, and mirrors are meant to reflect light.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

That’s why I’m so excited to stand with each of you in this effort we call Lutheran Hour Ministries. Together, we are given the opportunity to reflect the love that God has for all people everywhere. We share resources and ideas for reflecting God’s love to people who are geographically close by, and we support and encourage brothers and sisters all around the world in their efforts to do the same. We combine our efforts and our resources to do more together than we could ever do on our own. More than 135 million times every week, ministries supported through LHM

reflect the light of Jesus into lives darkened by sin, and together we rejoice as people respond as the Word of God calls them out of darkness and into the marvelous light of Jesus Christ! I encourage you to visit lhm.org to discover a new way you can “polish the mirror” of your witness or help others to do so. Scroll through the many resources, all offered with the purpose of equipping you to clearly reflect God’s love. Join with others to pray, give, speak, and serve so that, together, we can “show forth” the praises of God by Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. =

1 Peter 2:9 Peter reminds all of us who believe that we have been called out of the darkness of sin into God’s marvelous light! Because of the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus, our very purpose has been renewed! Once again, we “show forth” the praises of God to all of creation. We can once again love as we were created to love, selflessly and fully. Now mirrors don’t reflect themselves. Neither do we. As we “thank and praise, serve and obey,” we reflect to the darkness around us something far nobler than all the stars in the night sky. This dark world most often takes its notions of God from those who say they “belong to God.” When the world sees us, we pray that they would instead see the light of Jesus. Through our lives of consecrated stewardship, we dedicate all we have to “showing forth” the love of Him who has “called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.”

LHM Learn

FREE Online Courses to Guide You Through a Difficult Time

STRESS & WORRY IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN Learn to look to God’s Word for strength, manage your own stress or worry, and reach out with Christian support to someone who is dealing with stress or worry. ME AND MY HOUSEHOLD Examine the concept of households in the Bible and in our culture today. Learn to map your whole household and consider just how vibrant it is.

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Enroll in these self-paced courses at LHM.ORG/LEARN today! The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020 | 19

CHANGING LIVES BY MEGAN MCDANIEL

Lutheran Hour Ministries develops culturally-relevant programs and resources to reach people in more than 50 nations who may not be familiar with the Gospel. Below are just a few examples to show how God has been using LHM recently to change lives around the world with His Good News.

CAMBODIA ~

Mexico MEXICO ~ Rolando is 63 years old and often attends the LHM–Mexico BREAD program that offers a Bible study followed by a meal served by volunteers. Rolando suffered from physical abuse during his childhood and lived away from his home. He always felt resentment toward his brother. After he started attending the BREAD program, he began to study the catechism. During this process, he had the desire to confirm himself and fully understand what God has done for him. He was also moved by the Holy Spirit to reconcile with his brother. Rolando now knows that he doesn’t have to live in fear, and he can be thankful for what God has done for him. Recently, he made his confirmation of faith, trusting that God will guide him and help him change his life. Rolando continues to go to the LHM–Mexico’s BREAD program events and attends the divine service every Sunday to continue to grow his faith.

Rolando now knows that he doesn’t have to live in fear, and he can be thankful for what God has done for him. 20 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020

Peou is 32 years old and owns a grocery store in Cambodia. His wife wants to move to Thailand to find a job for herself because their business is not doing very well and they are not making enough money to support their family. Peou is not sure if he should let his wife move to another country alone, and if he closes his store and moves with her, their two children want to stay at the school they are in now. Peou practices a non-Christian religion but he has heard about the Gospel message before. He recently took his children to see an LHM–Cambodia puppet performance at their school and stayed to watch the performance himself. After listening to the message based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Peou felt that God was caring for his two sons. He prayed with them to God the Father, who makes the heaven and earth. After the puppet show, LHM staff gave Peou booklets to help him learn more about Jesus. He said he would pray to God and seek guidance from Him on the decisions facing his family.

He prayed with them to God the Father, who makes the heaven and earth.

Cambodia

LATVIA ~

Latvia

Inese is 63 years old and is married with two grown sons. Since she is not good with words, she enjoys her hobby of gardening because she can show her love through the beautiful flowers she grows. Inese grew up going to church with her family, but early in her adult life she stopped going. She soon realized there was something missing in her life but convinced herself for many years that she had everything she needed. A short time ago, Inese began to reconsider a relationship with God but realized she hadn’t taken communion in more than 20 years and thought maybe it wasn’t enough that she was just praying. One of her co-workers invited her to attend the local Lutheran church with her, but Inese was afraid. Then one of her sons showed her a video produced by LHM–Latvia that highlighted a pastor from the church riding his motorcycle and talking about faith in an understandable way. She was inspired and felt that she could belong to this church. She has been reminded that God loves us no matter what. Inese went to church with her friend and is growing in her faith once again. She hopes that her faith will continue to bloom like her flowers because she is in God’s hands and He is protecting her.

She has been reminded that God loves us no matter what.

the AROUND THE WORLD withGospel SRI LANKA ~

UNITED STATES ~

Earlier this year, LHM–Sri Lanka conducted a youth gathering. The pastor of the church where it was held helped invite children to attend. Around 75 youth attended the event and only 20 of them were Christians. All the kids were involved in every activity like singing, group discussions, competitions, and more. LHM staff and volunteers saw the joy of Jesus in all the kids’ faces after the final prayer. Soon after the event, a non-Christian religious girl named Amaya shared about her experience. She said she felt that Jesus was there to deliver them from their sins. She said that she and the kids she participated with felt that Jesus is always with them. Amaya said that she needs to show others how Jesus can deliver them from their sins as she has seen the correct path. She knows Jesus is walking beside her and she can hold on to the name of Jesus always.

Heather is a single mom who struggles to make ends meet. As quarantine restrictions began to progress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Heather sought assistance from a local elementary school that passed out food for students who rely on school meals but were no longer attending classes. The school gave students packages with food, drinks, and even included books for the children to read. When Heather and her daughter picked up their food package, one of the ladies offered a blessing to them and Heather immediately knew she had something she could give back to include in the packages. She went back to her car to grab some LHM children’s booklets and gave them to the workers. The women were so impressed that they asked where they could get more to pass out to children who need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ during this difficult time. Heather was glad that she always keeps LHM booklets with her because you never know when, or where, you’ll meet someone and have a chance to share His love. ==

She said she felt that Jesus was there to deliver them from their sins.

Sri Lanka

GHANA ~

Ghana

Recently LHM–Ghana had a send-off event for one of their staff members. At the event, attendees shared stories and memories they had with the staff member through the years. One person who spoke was Akyadze, a 52-year-old man who owns a local radio station. Akyadze met the LHM staff member when he broadcast an LHM–Ghana radio program on the station. The LHM staff member shared the story of Jesus and salvation during the airing, and Akyadze learned about Jesus and that salvation is freely given to those who trust in Jesus. He was surprised to hear that salvation cannot be bought or sold, but it comes through faith in Jesus. Akyadze prayed for direction and felt so much appreciation to the Lord for now feeling spiritually fulfilled. He is now excited to share about the gift of salvation with others.

Ethiopia

She went back to her car to grab some LHM children’s booklets and gave them to the workers.

United States

ETHIOPIA ~ Dejene recently participated in the Bible Correspondence Course hosted by LHM–Ethiopia. After finishing the courses, she reached out to LHM staff to thank them for the experience. While she had no prior interest in learning about Christianity, she shared that she now feels the presence of God in her life. She also feels peace that her home is in heaven. She reads her Bible regularly and is working on living her life by faith and hope. The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020 | 21

Phyllis Wallace Passes to Glory by CHAD FIX

hyllis Wallace, the creator and long-time host of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Woman to Woman radio program, died peacefully at her home March 24 at the age of 79. The popular syndicated radio program ended with Wallace’s retirement in 2011. The award-winning Woman to Woman broadcast offered hope and help for the great challenges facing women. By introducing listeners to guests who had expertise on the topics being covered, Wallace filled each show with talk you could trust. Her objective was simple: “Inform, inspire, transform, and set fire to the hearts of women so they could apply God’s very practical, loving genius to the demands of everyday life. He adds the ‘extra’ to ‘ordinary’, and this show was about how that works in a very practical day-to-day sense.” “Woman to Woman was one of the mainstays of our organization’s ministry offerings for two decades,” says Bruce Wurdeman, LHM’s executive director from 2009 through 2013. “It was the perfect vehicle for the kind of soul Phyllis embodied: poetic yet down to earth— and enlivened and fueled by her love for Jesus. Woman to Woman blessed so many—and that includes all of us at LHM who had the privilege of working with Phyllis!” “Phyllis Wallace was one of the most vibrant persons I’ve ever known, and her energy was greatest when she was telling people about Jesus,” says Dr. Dale Meyer, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour from 1989 through 2001 and retiring president of Concordia Seminary. “Diane and I met Phyllis and her husband Richard in the 1970s and have respected and treasured them all these years. After she began Woman to Woman, I introduced Phyllis and her program to the administrators of Lutheran Hour Ministries. They also were taken by her passion to bring the Gospel of

It may take longer than you want to learn a lesson from life, but it never takes longer than you have! 22 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020

Jesus to everyone she could reach. She is of blessed memory and her work endures into eternity.” Wallace created Woman to Woman in 1991 to air on St. Louis radio station KFUO-AM. LHM picked up the program in 1993 and expanded it to 400 stations in syndication. She hosted more than 1,400 broadcasts featuring guests such as Charles Schulz, Lynne Cheney, Betty Ford, Suze Orman, and Amy Grant. “I enjoyed my time behind the microphone and I am glad the Lord has allowed me to reach so many men and women through Woman to Woman,” said Wallace following her retirement. “God gave me a dream and He made a lot of that dream come true. To have the privilege of lifting Jesus higher through people’s stories of faith under fire has been awesome.” Prior to hosting Woman to Woman, Wallace was an author, family counselor, and educator whose efforts working with youth addicted to drugs were recognized by the Governor of Illinois. Her graduate research included work with street gangs and the State of Illinois Department of Corrections to build self-esteem and life skills in delinquent youth, a unique approach that was featured in Psychology Today magazine. Her numerous honors included the Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to Youth, Homemaker of the Year by Eagle Forum–State of Illinois, and several broadcasting-industry awards. She also led a weekly Bible study for more than 100 women from 14 different church backgrounds at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois, for 10 years, an experience that opened numerous doors to serve as a keynote speaker at conferences and seminars around the country. Her speeches often centered around embracing stress, overcoming your past, and opening the gifts you have hiding under your “stuff.” Her upbeat, candidly refreshing enthusiasm came through in her stories, eliciting laughter and tears as she shared how the Truth sets us free. Phyllis contended, “It may take longer than you want to learn a lesson from life, but it never takes longer than you have!” =

I N LOV I N G M E M O R Y

Phyllis Wallace M A RC H 3 , 1 9 4 1 M A RC H 2 4 , 2 0 2 0

LHM Responds to Puerto Ricans Impacted by Devastating Earthquakes by MEGAN MCDANIEL

arlier this year, Puerto Rico was hit with several devastating earthquakes, leaving many residents with damaged homes and no access to basic needs. The earthquakes caused significant damage in two cities close to the LHM–Puerto Rico ministry center office. Earlier this year, LHM’s Regional Director for North America, Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, and Coordinator for Hispanic Outreach, Beatriz Hoppe, traveled to Puerto Rico to check in on the ministry center and provide assistance to the ongoing efforts to recover from the natural disasters. “Being able to survey the earthquake-damaged areas was a real eyeopener,” shared Lakies. “I had never seen that sort of thing in person. The people of Puerto Rico have been struggling for a long time with what seems like disaster after disaster. LHM and our partners are actively speaking hope and the Gospel into people’s lives at a time when there is such an openness and yearning for the Good News.” The LHM–Puerto Rico staff and our partners were able to provide spiritual relief and comfort to many citizens of Puerto Rico after the earthquakes. The LHM–Puerto Rico ministry center director shared that LHM–Puerto Rico was the first Christian team to respond in the midst of the crisis. Through the many established relationships LHM–Puerto Rico has made through their regular ministry efforts they were able to establish a significant presence among those affected by the devastation. “Our staff and volunteers quickly became known by the locals as the ‘Jesus people’ because we were the ones sharing passages from the Bible and the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone we came in contact with,” said LHM– Puerto Rico’s ministry center director, Ms. Yaritza Rosa. In addition to the spiritual support, LHM–Puerto “LHM and our Rico distributed more than 400 whistles. Whistles partners are are a critical tool for communicating during disasters like earthquakes. Since two of the island’s actively speaking largest earthquakes happened in the early morning hope and the while people were still sleeping, and the damage Gospel into people’s from the earthquakes caused the power to go out, lives at a time whistles were a way to allow people who might be when there is such in danger or lost to receive the care they needed or an openness and get reconnected. While distributing the whistles, the LHM–Puerto Rico team was able to establish yearning for the new relationships with many in addition to giving Good News.” spiritual and holistic support. With your support, LHM staff in Puerto Rico have been able to reach those who have been unreached and displaced from the earthquakes. Although the earthquakes have been devastating, it has allowed LHM to establish relationships with hurting people who need to hear the Gospel. This time of turmoil has given LHM the chance to share the Gospel and encourage people that there is hope in Christ, even in difficult times. ==

New App Available! LHM has a virtual library of topical booklets that connect God’s Word to real-life issues on our new Project Connect app!

Learn more and download the app today!

LHM.ORG/APPS The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020 | 23

Stay at Home and Serve Others for This Year’s Men’s NetWork WORK DAY by PAUL SCHREIBER

… serve others by doing your project at home.

ith social distancing in full swing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Men’s NetWork WORK DAY will take a different slant this year: serve others by doing your project at home. Just because group tasks aren’t doable right now doesn’t mean service to our neighborhoods and communities must stop. What’s required now are some creative ways we can still serve others—from our homes. On the Men’s NetWork website, there’s a list of helpful suggestions your men’s group can do this year. Go to the WORK DAY graphic in the rotating banner at the top of the page and click the “Learn more” link. There you will find more details, our suggestion list, and a link to register your project. Here are few suggestions from the list: • Text/contact neighbors to see if they need help with any errands such as picking up medicine or groceries. • Collect food for your community food pantry. • Purchase/collect for gift cards to give to medical professionals and other emergency workers who are working extra hours in dangerous situations or who may have lost their jobs. • Equip your local Christian non-profit with LHM’s Project Connect booklets and children’s booklets to include in their food giveaways or deliveries.

This year presents both challenges and opportunities for men’s groups to help others. People are stressed; they’re worried about their health, their families, their jobs, their finances, etc. What better time than now to show compassion by becoming the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in their lives! Consider this: your WORK DAY “project” might be separate efforts done at different times without your group gathering together. If so, make a list of what your group did and include it (with some photos!) when you share your project with us. And remember if Saturday, April 25, didn’t gel with your group’s schedule, you can select another day that works before Labor Day, September 7. Don’t forget, too, we’re now offering three LHM Neighborhood Service Awards for the spring and three more for the summer WORK DAY. Winning projects will target neighborhood and/or community concerns. For their efforts, these groups will receive a $100 VISA gift card to use as they choose. One last note concerns the caps we ordinarily ship. In accordance with St. Louis County mandates and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, LHM is operating with minimal staff in our physical office, and caps will not be shipped until further notice. =

Cook Provides Thought Leadership at Q’s Virtual Summit by CHAD FIX

ore than 12,000 Christian leaders from across the country gathered online April 22-23 for an insightful virtual experience showcasing educational talks by thought leaders and stories from change-makers that inspire culture-shaping conversations and opportunities in the year ahead. Rev. Dr. Tony Cook, LHM’s vice president of global ministries, was honored to be a featured speaker during Q’s Virtual Summit to share the vision for The Hopeful Neighborhood Project that is now in development based on the third year of research uncovered through LHM’s partnership with Barna Group. “The Hopeful Neighborhood Project will be a collaborative network committed to improving neighborhood well-being around the world,” says Cook. “Our resources and online network will equip and encourage neighbors to work together, using their gifts and the gifts of their community, to pursue the common good of the neighborhood.

24 | The Lutheran Layman Spring 2020

“This work is not about researching another church program,” Cook continues. “It’s not about adding one more thing to the congregation’s calendar. It’s about unleashing our neighborhoods’ God-given gifts in everyday life.” You can learn more about the research behind this upcoming project and how Christians can be a welcome influence in their neighborhoods by ordering the Better Together monograph produced in partnership with Barna Group. It is available now at shop. barna.com for $39. Additional information about how you can become involved in this exciting initiative, as well as resources to accompany it, will be available later this year and in early 2021. Q’s annual conference, which went digital this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a proven vehicle for building and sustaining a vision for restoring the credibility of the Christian faith in western culture for new generations. By

“It’s about unleashing our neighborhoods’ God-given gifts in everyday life.” equipping strategically positioned Christian influencers to renew the way they believe, think, and act in regard to culture, this event increases the positive effect Christianity has on society. Gabe and Rebekah Lyons founded Q in 2007 as a learning community that mobilizes Christians to advance the common good in society. They convene leaders in America’s most influential cities and equip them to engage public life in winsome and thoughtful ways. Gabe is the co-author of Good Faith: Being a Christian When Society Thinks You’re Irrelevant

and Extreme, author of The Next Christians and co-author of UnChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity and Why It Matters. Prior to launching Q, Gabe served on the team that co-founded Catalyst, the largest gathering of young church leaders in America. Rebekah is a national speaker and bestselling author of Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose, You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are and Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning. ==