by REV. DR. MICHAEL ZEIGLER, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour ®
In North China, 1943, behind an electric fence in a prison camp with a thousand other inmates, Langdon Gilkey lost his faith in humanity. He had been working as a teacher nearby when Imperial Japan invaded, marking the beginning of World War II on the Asian continent. The Japanese military rounded up foreign nationals in China— missionaries and teachers, doctors and nurses, business executives and barflies—and confined them in internment camps for the duration of the war. Gilkey kept a journal while imprisoned and later wrote the book, Shantung Compound, based on his experience. The book opens with a quote that captures his disillusionment: “Even saintly folk will act like sinners unless they have their customary dinners.”
Gilkey once believed that human beings were essentially good and human society would only get better. But life in the Shantung Compound freed him of that idea. People could act kindly enough on a dinner date or in a country club, well-fed and warm. But take away just a few of these comforts, and the truth is revealed. “People—and I knew I could not exclude myself,” Gilkey concluded, “seemed to be much less rational and much more selfish than I had ever guessed, not at all the ‘nice folk’ I had always thought them to be.” And yet, he still marveled at how well the camp functioned, nonetheless. For all their moral failings, the inmates managed to organize themselves into a working society. They stoked fires, served meals, and devised clever technical solutions to all manner of unwieldy practical problems. On a practical level, nothing seemed to be too much
for their collective ingenuity.
Gilkey was rediscovering a paradox of human nature. The Bible describes our human situation as hopelessly hopeful. Even when looking on a human race steeped in sin with their “every intention” being “only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5), God Himself could still remark on human ingenuity, saying that, if these humans could communicate clearly with one another, “nothing they propose” would be “impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6). God scattered our forebears and confused our language because we ARE ingeniously effective. We are this way because God made us this way (effective, that is, not sinful—we walked into sin on our own). And even now, you cannot deny human giftedness. We are great at solving practical problems, but lousy at solving our ultimate problem—hopeless, really. We cannot deny human giftedness, but we also cannot ignore human need. God created us to be in relationship with Him. We are dependent on God. Like a newborn needs a loving mother and father, we need God. And our ultimate problem is that we have been confined in this lie that we don’t. Because we cannot trouble-shoot ourselves out of this problem, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to set us free. By His death and resurrection, He showed us not only our need, but also our ultimate value to God. And now, by His Spirit in us, God is redeeming our giftedness and guaranteeing our hopefulness, which is Christ in us—our greatest gift and only glory (see Colossians 1:27). u
Adapted from a message for The Lutheran Hour aired January 29, 2023.
Ike is a 20-year-old student at a university in Laos. He first heard the Gospel message while attending an LHM–Laos youth program a few years ago. He continued requesting materials from the ministry center to learn more about Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, Ike became a Christian. Now, he volunteers for LHM–Laos to share Christ with others and regularly worships at a local church.
Help us share the Gospel with people like Ike by visiting LHM.ORG/GIVE or sending a gift in the enclosed envelope.
… if these humans could communicate clearly with one another, “nothing they propose” would be “impossible for them”
(Genesis 11:6).
Globally, there are billions of people who have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. That is billions of fathers … mothers … children … grandchildren … close friends … and people we have never met from all walks of life who have not yet experienced the transformative love of our Savior.
God has called Lutheran Hour Ministries to share the Gospel with these people. Over the past seven years, LHM has more than tripled its reach by sharing the Gospel with people around the world more than 163 million times each week. But with one-third of the world’s population today still not knowing Christ, the need to advance this mission even further is greater than ever.
LHM stands ready to embrace the exciting future of global ministry as a strong, emergent, futurefocused ministry that harnesses new opportunities, research, and resources to fulfill its mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. LHM continues to move forward under the following vision:
“This vision, coupled with our desire to shift from being regarded as a North Americanbased mission organization that also does work internationally to a global mission organization that also does work in North America, demands a significant step forward in how LHM is structured and how our ministry operates programmatically on a global scale,” says LHM President & CEO Kurt Buchholz.
indigenous staff in ministry centers around the world. By relying on indigenous leadership for overseeing operations in the yet-to-bedetermined regions beyond the United States, we can ensure that our mission is tailored to the unique needs of each region to most effectively and efficiently share the Gospel.
As ministry oversight in each of these regions shifts to these indigenous leaders, a cornerstone of this new approach will be the development of a global evangelistic ministry model that is based on LHM’s core ministry philosophies. This will provide a comprehensive approach to evangelism and discipleship based on LHM’s extensive research and decades of real-world mission experience to provide a roadmap for ministry efforts and ensure consistency of the “LHM way” across all regions (learn more about this model in the Kurt Buchholz column on page 11).
•
• Every Christian is equipped to share the Gospel in word and deed.
Therefore, the organization is envisioning a multidivisional global mission rooted in localized regional leadership and paired with a new global ministry model—resulting in strengthened local ownership, revenue generation, and constituent engagement. This innovative approach will allow for a significant increase in organic global impact by building on the strong foundation that LHM has already established internationally through a unique ministry model that prioritizes raising
“Achieving our aggressive goals will require a significant investment of time and resources over several years,” says Buchholz. “The rollout of this new structure will be a phased process, starting in regions with the highest potential for success. The implementation will not be achieved through a single dramatic change, but rather through a strategic rollout of interworking components. This approach allows us to gradually build on our success and tackle challenges as they arise.”
Billions of people we have never met from all walks of life have not yet experienced the transformative love of our Savior.
For decades, LHM has proclaimed the Gospel to the world through a unique ministry model that identifies and equips local laypeople to build their presence and impact through established ministry centers using specific strategies and tactics contextual to the culture and language in which they serve.
Further building on that model, LHM is investing in this new approach to global ministry expansion through the development of coordinated ministry activities through a centralized regional location that shares media, creative, and strategic services to allow for globally dispersed ministry impact. The catalyst will come through a new program called the International Internship Program, which will
provide new ministries in the form of internship teams identified and developed through hubs.
“As we looked at how we have expanded our ministry centers in recent years, we typically have added one or two during a three-to-fiveyear period,” says Rev. Dr. Tony Cook, LHM’s vice president for Global Ministries. “We began to ask ourselves how we could expand our ministry more exponentially and move from just one or two to maybe twelve new ministries over a three-to-five-year period. Kurt and I took some time and consulted with our regional directors and ministry center directors around the world to develop this new model for global expansion.”
This program is focused on uplifting the next
generation of Christian leaders to do ministry in their local context … in their native language … in a very contextualized and specific way. “If we would sit here in the United States and try to figure out what ministries are needed in a country halfway around the world, we wouldn’t exactly know what their needs are,” says Cook. “That is why we work with local Christians, build them up, and give them leadership training and resources in order to start ministry in their own area. This program will allow for a flexible structure. These new ministries may not all need to be full-blown ministry centers, but possibly boutique ministries that are appropriate for each specific context and place.”
Four of LHM's existing ministry centers will serve as training hubs to assist intern teams in building new ministries.
The first step in this program’s development was identifying potential hub locations, existing LHM ministry centers that will serve as training centers for the interns. The initial hub locations are:
» LHM–PARAGUAY
Established: 2000
Major Strength: Youth Programs
» LHM–CAMEROON
Established: 2001
Major Strength: Holistic Outreach Programs
» LHM–INDIA
Established: 1951
Major Strength: Media Programming
» LHM–KAZAKHSTAN
Established: 1996
Major Strength: Social Media
Collaborating with the regional directors, LHM has identified areas around these hubs where LHM is not currently doing ministry that will be the most fruitful for Gospel proclamation. Each of these areas has the resources, the necessary group of Christians available to lead the ministry, and the infrastructure needed to make a new ministry successful.
Over the past several years, LHM has conducted extensive research when it comes to Gospel proclamation. This ongoing research has delved into the areas of how to share the unchanging Good News in today’s digital age, the development of Christian families, how Christians can make a positive impact in their neighborhoods, and what it means to be a healthy Christian community. Upcoming research will be done in the area of Christian discipleship. All of these things that have been learned will be included in a curriculum that the ministry center training hubs will use to educate the intern teams as they launch these new ministries. Providing all of this philosophical and educational support will equip the interns to be as successful as possible.
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Once training has been completed, each of the intern teams will create a ministry action plan to be submitted to the global leadership team. Leadership will then work with the interns to finalize and fund that plan so the new ministries can begin.
What will these paid internship teams look like? Starting out, it will be a group of three people on each team: a person focusing on programming, a person focusing on social media, and a person focusing on audio and visual media. The programming person will concentrate on the development of children’s ministry, the digital person will create the website and social media platforms, and the audio/visual person will develop the content to be used in face-to-face ministry activities and on social media platforms. One of the three interns will also assume the responsibility of team lead to oversee administration, management, and fund development functions for the new ministry.
Finally, the interns will go back to the areas where they were recruited from and will begin implementing their ministries. The hubs will work with the intern teams for two years helping them build their ministry. As part of a phased approach, each hub location will then establish a new intern team following the first and second years and start the recruiting and training cycle over for each of these new teams.
“At the end of three years, we will have established twelve new ministries in areas where LHM has yet to minister,” says Cook. “This is almost three times the international ministries that we can plant using this model than we have ever planted before in such a short time. This is why it is extremely exciting for us. We welcome your prayers as we implement this new model for reaching more people around the world with the hope and comfort of the Gospel.” u
Chad Fix oversees the corporate communications of LHM.
With recurring political turmoil, social instability, and high unemployment rates among the challenges faced each day, people throughout the Middle East and North Africa search for hope and peace for their lives that are often filled with emptiness. Desperate for hope, they question the best path forward for themselves, their families, and their countries.
In much of the region, personal interaction involving religion can violate the law or risk peoples’ safety. Written materials entail tight government restrictions. Moreover, because illiteracy is particularly high in many countries, much of the population turns to social media videos and satellite television broadcasts as primary sources of information. Individuals can visit digital platforms or tune in to programs from the privacy of their homes without fear of backlash.
Over the past several years, LHM has partnered with SAT-7 to produce satellite TV programming that shines the light of Christ into dozens of countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Many viewers watching these broadcasts hear about Christ for the first time or have incorrect knowledge about Christianity. This partnership continues to flourish as we near the completion of a third season of New Light, a weekly, 55-minute talk show where three co-hosts engage the audience and introduce a topic for the program. Going live for the first time this season has enabled real-time viewer interaction by bringing more voices and variety to the program. Other new features to capture the
attention of viewers include a segment with youth guests in the studio, outdoor interviews, a spiritual message, and pre-recorded inspirational success stories. Plans are now underway for a fourth season.
Many viewers reach out to the SAT-7 audience relations team through social media following the broadcasts seeking more information about what they heard and how it can fill the emptiness in their lives. “Most of the time, I don’t know what feelings are supposed to come out,” shared one viewer of the program. “I am also afraid to lose my feelings in fear of being broken, so I keep guarding them inside me. In talking with your team, I learned more about God’s love and how His love can fill every need and void I have. God’s Word is truly real, and the first steps are prayer and getting close to God. Thank you for talking this through with me. I am now seeing change in my life.”
In addition to reaching people through satellite television broadcasts, LHM has also encountered tremendous success sharing God’s love with people in this region through four social media platforms. In the past year, LHM messages have reached tens of millions of people, and nearly 1.5 million from throughout the region have responded by subscribing to LHM pages. LHM staff has had conversations with tens of thousands of these individuals where they shared the message of God’s hope and love for their lives.
Two recent stories illustrate not only the incredible reach of ministry through paid social media advertisements, but the tremendous power the Holy Spirit has to transform lives. Samia is a 19-yearold woman from Algeria, while 3,000 miles to the east is
Aaron, a 29-year-old man living in war-torn Yemen. Both were reached by the same LHM social media post that contained a short video message called Facing Your Fears.
Both grew up following the majority faith in their region but had nagging doubts and questions. Samia was abused when she was young and had found her religious texts lacked love and compassion. Aaron was seeing war and suffering all around him and was in pain from living in fear. Both yearned to know the unconditional love of our God.
Over time, LHM staff and volunteers were able to share the Gospel with Samia and assure her that through Jesus, God shows His limitless love and grace towards us. After several days, she asked LHM staff to help her become Christian. After praying and repenting of her sins, she felt moved by the Holy Spirit to accept the gift of faith. She said, “I am crying! Is this normal?” She is now reading the Gospel of John. Please pray that her faith continues to be strengthened.
With Aaron, LHM staff shared how faith in God strengthens us and His eternal plan for our salvation gives us hope, comfort, and peace to work through any earthly trial. In time, Aaron asked, “How can I change my perspective about God?” LHM staff members shared that our perspective comes through our knowledge of, and relationship with, Christ. Aaron was not yet convinced. He said that only God [the Father] can forgive sins. Our staff taught him more about Jesus, sharing testimonies about redemption that comes only through Christ. At last, Aaron confessed he wished to know Christ. LHM staff prayed with him as he was called to faith through the power of God’s Word. The LHM team continues to nurture him as he now lives in confidence as a child of God. u
Aaron now lives in confidence as a child of God.
Samia felt moved by the Holy Spirit to accept the gift of faith.
The greatest joy of being involved with Lutheran Hour Ministries is knowing that the Gospel is being shared with people around the world who previously have not experienced the hope and love of Christ. Even more than that, it is reading and hearing the personal testimonies of real people who have seen the transforming work of Jesus in their lives. It is so gratifying to know that our support of this work that God is accomplishing through LHM is saving lives for eternity.
Because of the tremendous leadership provided by Kurt Buchholz, the dedicated efforts of a talented and passionate group of staff members and volunteers, and your generous support of ministry work around the world, LHM is truly a bright light within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church—Canada as we fulfill our mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church
However, with billions of people not yet having heard the saving message of Christ, our work is not done. The urgency of the Gospel is real, and the time to act is now. The Board of Directors believes that LHM is uniquely positioned to go out into the world and grow, nurture, and expand the body of Christ.
This is why we are so excited to give a green light to bold global expansion plans that Kurt and the LHM staff have developed to allow the ministry to reach even more people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. This new initiative is not intended to replace what has already been established, but to expand upon it. The goal is to create a more effective and efficient organization that better serves LHM’s mission and constituents.
As plans to move to a multidivisional global mission are strategically implemented over the next five years, they require some immediate changes to get the ball rolling.
• The Board has approved the separation of Kurt’s President & CEO titles. As of June 1, Kurt will become the CEO of Lutheran Hour Ministries to fully focus on this new globalization initiative. While maintaining support of principal fund development in the United States, he will develop and execute a global fund development strategy and cultivate the partnerships and relationships necessary for future phases of this initiative.
• To further invest and expand ministry work in the United States, Kurt has appointed Jeff Craig-Meyer, LHM’s senior vice president and chief strategy officer, to serve as president of the U.S. region. Jeff will provide dedicated leadership to LHM’s ministry operations in the U.S. and organize this division to continue serving as the administrative center for LHM’s global operations during the transition.
• Kurt has tapped Rev. Dr. Tony Cook, LHM’s vice president for Global Ministries, to serve as the organization’s new global chief mission officer. Tony will continue to oversee regional ministry efforts outside of the U.S. until future regional operations are established. He will also conduct program research, develop ministry philosophies, oversee the global leadership development process, and create standard operating procedures for contextualization and ministry strategy and execution.
This is an exciting step for LHM, and this opportunity to broaden the reach of the Gospel would not be possible without your passion to make His Name known. We greatly appreciate your ongoing prayers and support as we fulfill God’s mission of reaching lost and hurting souls. u
For Holy Thursday and Good Friday, LHM aired two new radio programs. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, these half-hour specials featured multi-voice character portrayals, re-enacting the tragic events of Jesus’ betrayal, death, and resurrection as recorded in Matthew 26-28. Observations between Zeigler and Mark Eischer, senior radio producer, worship music by the Erin Bode Group, and commentary from Zeigler invited the listener to consider who Jesus is and why He matters to us.
“Hearing who Jesus is, hearing what He’s done for us, pulls us closer to Him so that we see our lives, our biographies, still being written as smaller plot lines woven into the story of Jesus’ life and death, resurrection, and promised return to reign as King,” Zeigler said. “We come to understand the events of our lives, the joys and the sorrows, temptations and failures, denials and betrayals, prayers and opportunities—we see them all under the shadow of Jesus’ cross,” he added.
More than 430 airings of these specials on stations featuring The Lutheran Hour ran in the United States and Canada, which even surpassed the recent Christmas special, How Long .... Included in this number was the addition of the Salem Radio Network’s SiriusXM channel, which broadcast the specials on the afternoon of Holy Saturday.
For more info on The Lutheran Hour and its seasonal radio specials, visit lutheranhour.org. There you will find sermon and reflections archives, a broadcast guide, podcast programs, and more. u
The latest Project Connect booklet, Journey Through Addiction, offers compassionate and Christ-centered support for individuals and their loved ones in their addiction struggle. It complements two other Journey booklets that preceded it: Journey Through the Rat Race and Journey Through Anxiety Addiction comes in many forms. It may be substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc.) or it may be a behavioral obsession (internet, gambling, gaming, shopping, pornography, etc.). Whatever character the all-consuming dependency may take, it sadly and quite often can lead to the abuse of others or even death.
Journey Through Addiction gives readers clear explanations on what addiction is. It offers insights into the effects this disorder has on those suffering through it and how it also impacts those who support them in their struggle. Strengthening the booklet’s insights and observations are biblical texts emphasizing that even in our deepest pain and isolation God is with us, caring for us, ever ready to help.
While the visible sides of addiction are plain—health issues, broken friendships, busted marriages, financial ruin, and more—the internal tumult is more hidden. As the booklet describes it, “What is it like, this journey through addiction? It can feel like stumbling in darkness, tripping over obstacles you can barely see. It can feel like walking through fire and water, trying desperately to survive. It can feel like a walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”
It is in the hope of offering readers a fresh perspective and a hopeful future that Journey Through Addiction was written. It addresses addiction primarily from a spiritual standpoint, looking at the underlying causes that lead a person into these behaviors. “What we are attempting to do is to look with clear-eyed compassion at the roots of addiction in ourselves and in others.”
To do this, ten hopeful exercises are provided. They move readers forward on a journey that leads from the discovery of unmet needs to identifying if there is a problem. Questions and space to write allow for a personal appraisal of one’s own situation.
There is no easy way out of addiction, but it can be done. And starting with gratitude to God who became Man in Jesus Christ to share our suffering is a good place to begin. To find out more about Project Connect booklets, go to lhm.org/projectconnect. u
by PAUL SCHREIBER
Informing churches about LHM’s many available resources is one key role LHM Ambassadors play.
From Barna Group researchbased kits and LHM mobile apps to Gospel Adventures™ and LHM Learn courses, LHM’s array of resources gives people of all ages tools to deepen their faith. However, to do that people must know they exist. One tried-and-true method to get the word out is a simple one: the church display table. On it, LHM Ambassadors can highlight LHM resources during Advent, Lent, the start of the school year, when hosting an LHM Sunday, or any other time that’s suitable.
LHM Ambassador Ryan Foor from St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, Nebraska, said, “Each season, I select relevant materials to expose folks to different LHM resources. At the Lenten season table, I had copies of the Lenten devotions, which our church also provides copies of. During Advent, I had the What Is Christmas? booklet and The Christmas Journey children’s booklet. I also showcase LHM’s global work like Project JOEL in South America.”
Cheryl Lindeman, an LHM Ambassador at St. John Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minnesota, said, “I especially like the Prayer Outreach Cards/Prayer Wallets because each card talks about what is happening at LHM. People wanted to pick up a set so they
had the information to take with them. Great idea! It wasn’t overwhelming—just bullet points to get them interested.”
Broadening LHM’s Christian outreach is vital, and LHM Ambassadors are especially important in seeing that resources get in the hands of those who need them. “One thing I love about LHM resources is that I can do mission work right here in Seward with a ten-dollar bill. What I mean is that the resources are inexpensive and very well done,” Foor said.
Appreciating LHM’s widening scope of outreach was Charlie Leslie, a new LHM Ambassador. He serves Our Savior Lutheran Church in Centerville, Texas. He said, “I am especially interested in helping our younger generation gain knowledge and an understanding of the Gospel. With the Holy Spirit, hopefully, this knowledge will become faith in Jesus as their Savior.”
LHM Ambassadors take great inspiration in their work from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). To find out more about LHM’s Ambassador program, go to lhm.org/ambassador u
Offering readers a fresh perspective and a hopeful future.
One tried-and-true method to get the word out is a simple one: the church display table.Photos courtesy of Charlie Leslie and Cheryl Lindeman.
Are you baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
longer lasting than you might know. It allows us to say: I
Martin Luther puts it like this: “I believe that there is on earth a holy little flock and community of pure saints under one Head, Christ. It is called together by the Holy Spirit in one faith, mind and understanding. It possesses a variety of gifts, and yet is united in love without sect or schism. Of this community I also am a part and member, a participant and co-partner (or co-heir) in all the blessings it possesses” (Large Catechism, p. 438).
If you are not yet baptized, please consider a conversation with the leader of this Bible study today.
We are ailing and failing in our life together because of an ancient spiritual flaw: St. Augustine’s recognition that we are created for God alone and will remain restless apart from union with the One in whom “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28b). Of course, that union will not in our lifetimes be perfectly achieved, but in the meantime, we are not helpless. There is work to be done.
We have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sends to us in Jesus’ Name, and He will teach us all things. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is our teacher, our tutor, and our trainer in righteousness, as Paul confirms in his words to his young protégé, Timothy (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Watch the video at lhm.org/studies from Rev. Dr. John Nunes on this topic and then come back here to continue the study at right.
• How is the image of God which we all possess, albeit imperfectly, only realized and recognized in relationships?
• We confess our faith in the one church, yet with tens of thousands of denominations globally, we too often see ourselves irreconcilably divided. In what ways are these divisions the result of sin? The Lutheran Catechisms assert, in spite of evidence to the contrary, that the church is united. In answering the question what the church is, the Large Catechism states, it is “principally an association of faith and the Holy Spirit in the hearts of persons” (Large Catechism, p. 174).
• Read Ephesians 5:25-27. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, how did the members of the church obtain a holy identity?
• Who qualifies to belong to this communion of the saints?
Luther teaches us that the “holy ones” (communio sanctorum) are scattered throughout the entire world. They agree on the Gospel, have the same Christ, are called by the same Holy Spirit, celebrate the same Sacraments, “whether or not they have the same human traditions” (Large Catechism, p. 175).
We know where this unity comes from—because the body of Christ possesses a single Head. “And He is the Head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18a).
No one, despite how different they are, possesses an identity that is dispensable, optional, or disposable, as Jack Preus puts it: “We are the ‘body of Christ,’ which emphasizes the unity and necessity of each Christian for the well-being of the church. Because we are united in the most profound way, we are free to rejoice in our differences. We are free to see them not as sources of division, but as God meant them to be: sources of delight” (Just Words, p. 142).
“We are to fear, love, and trust God above all things” (Small Catechism, First Commandment, p. 2). Nothing is above God among our priorities. Nothing is more important than God among our possessions. Nothing is greater than God among those affairs or affections which govern our heart. Unfortunately, we often exchange this absolute God for relative gods. The options and temptations are more than we ourselves can manage.
By “relative,” we’re referring to anything that is secondary. Only God is primary. Only God doesn’t require anything from another source to be who He is. God is His own power source, His own energy source; everything else exists for the sake of something else.
• Read Luke 13:22-24. As a child hearing this reading, one might think a reason people could not enter through the narrow door is because they were holding on to things that made them too wide to pass through. In other words, they accumulated too much stuff they weren’t ready to let go of yet. What are some of the relative gods that people possess?
• How can we keep God “above all things”?
We are not a secret society or a private social club for self-righteous saints. We are not here to put on bingo games or bake sales or fish fries. We are not fryers of fish. Remember Tertullian said: “We little fishes are born in water following our Big Fish, Jesus Christ, and are we saved in no other way than by remaining in the water” (Tertullian, De Baptismo, pp. 1, 3).
We are called to be fishers of men, women, boys, and girls, bringing them into the holy little flock, the community of saints under one Head, Christ.
Wilhelm Loehe, a leader in Lutheran Confessional revival, describes this holy thing called the church: “Springing up on Pentecost and Calvary, the church flows through the ages like a river, and that same river and no other will flow unchanging on through the ages until that great day when it will empty completely into the famed sea of eternal blessedness” (Three Books About the Church, p. 55).
God’s eternal things are public things. The splashing of Holy Baptism, the homiletical speaking of God’s Word, the solemnizing of vows for marriage, the promises of confirmation spoken at the altar, the breaking of bread and the sipping from the cup at the Lord’s Table—these happen “in church.”
Loneliness has reached crisis levels in our world. A recent study at Harvard suggested that more than a third of all Americans suffer from “serious loneliness.” Quite simply, we were never created to be isolated, independent creatures. We are created beings, created by the Creator who not only created every human person, but creates communities of human persons. Of course, we are unique individuals, one of a kind, irreplaceable, and irreducible to a category, but all humans also possess a sameness with all humans. The abundant life that Jesus came to restore (see John 10:10) finds its full flourishing in that particular institution, the community called church. So much more than merely a human structure, the church is a mystical and mysterious participation in the body of Christ. We praise the Holy Spirit for the work of bringing us, through the Divine Word and the Holy Sacraments, into an everlasting community grounded in Christ and growing in love for one another.
• Luther writes: “The Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as He calls, gathers, enlightens and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth” (Small Catechism, Third Article, p. 355). How might belonging to the community of believers, the church, uniquely shape our identity—that is, in a manner that differs from the formation we receive from other communities, like workplaces, families, our cultural group, or society in general?
• What are some of the distractions that keep us from effectively being fishers of men, women, boys, and girls?
Lord Christ, keep us close: close to one another and close to Your work of redeeming our relationships. You are our Creator, our Comforter, our Lord and Life-Giver; for You alone seek us, draw us, deliver us, and keep us in the kingdom of grace through Your holy church. Amen.
When I think of LHM and the work that has been done through this organization during our 105-plusyear history, I think of a movement of people with a common passion to bring the Gospel message to a world that has not yet heard it.
As we go into the future, it is exciting to see how God is blessing us. Individuals around the world currently experience the Gospel more than 163 million times each week through our efforts. That means tens of millions of people each week hear the Gospel message in their language, in their context, from someone they can relate to. But we know that God wants that to be even more.
This is why LHM is preparing to embark on a bold globalization initiative over the next five years that will allow us to exponentially expand our ministry work into places that we have not yet had an opportunity to explore. This initiative is not intended to replace what has already been established, but to expand upon it and create a more effective and efficient organization that better serves our mission and constituents.
You may ask, “Why are you doing this, and why now?” We recognize a number of factors that make this the right time to move forward:
• The shifting global center of Christianity;
• The need for a dynamic indigenous leadership model that brings ownership and leadership closer to where ministry is happening;
• The need for an enhanced global structure which allows for programmatic and functional contextualization while maintaining a core ministry philosophy, global leadership development opportunities for regional leaders, and increased global scalability; and
• The rollout of our new International Internship Program drives the need for an increased capacity of indigenous leadership as well as management bandwidth over and above our current U.S.-based management models.
In addition, LHM’s work on our core ministries’ philosophies, products, and services will culminate in the next 24 months, allowing for the articulation of a global ministry curriculum to anchor this effort. This will be a comprehensive approach to evangelism and discipleship based on extensive research and decades of real-world mission experience.
It will provide a roadmap for our efforts and ensure consistency across all regions. It will be designed for use by individuals, churches, and organizations to support the rhythm of faith and life in today’s world.
Offering a holistic ministry approach based on the stages of faith and life development, this model will begin with gaining a hearing for the Gospel and then move through stages of deeper discipleship and outreach. The materials will support each stage of the journey and provide guidance for how to effectively share the Gospel, make disciples, and cultivate Christian community.
The model will also provide a researchbased framework and a variety of contextually adaptable tools that can be used at home and abroad. It will be able to be used as a personal discipleship plan, a strategy for reaching one’s community, or a way to equip a church for global evangelism.
Your continuous support has put us in a strong financial position to embark in this exciting initiative for growth and expansion. None of what we will be doing can be done, will be done, or will ultimately be successful if you had not responded to the call and said, “Lord, You have blessed me with resources and excitement about mission and ministry.” Thank you for being part of LHM’s global family. I look forward to seeing what God will do as we work together to be on His plan, on His mission, to make His Name known with even more people around the world. u
With several ways to read and listen, you can get your daily dose of Scripture whenever you need it!
by MEGAN MCDANIEL
Lutheran Hour Ministries, in partnership with Group Publishing, takes grade school- through middle school-aged children and some adults on a week-long adventure each year. Gospel Adventures: Celebrate India, an informative and interactive virtual learning experience, is complete with five days of FREE curriculum in two formats and bonus materials. Kids learn about the foods, animals, people, and places of India with Gospel Adventures. Visit gospeladventures.org to sign up today!
Amy Duever, principal at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Beatrice, Nebraska, shared how students from kindergarten through fifth grade participated in Gospel Adventures: Celebrate India during National Lutheran Schools Week this year. “We watched all of the videos and did the discussion readings,” says Duever. “Some classes made chai tea, or completed the art activities that were included. Our students love to learn about another country. They enjoyed the music video, and the daily videos about life in India.” St. Paul’s began participating in this program when it was called Online Mission Trips before becoming Gospel Adventures. The chapel offerings during the month of January went to the Global Kids Fund. “My students were sad when they reached ‘the last day’ of their adventure. They truly enjoy the experience!”
Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Immanuel Lutheran School in Loveland, Colorado, participated in Gospel Adventures: Celebrate India in January. “We did some coloring sheets, played the recess games with the numbers, practiced some writing, and enjoyed all of the videos,” says fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, Elizabeth Grimm. Students particularly enjoyed the videos and number-counting games. “Students really enjoy seeing the videos and ‘meeting’ kids from other countries. It really provides an element of perspective as we talk about faith and blessings. The videos and Gospel Adventures program also provides a wonderful springboard for cross-cultural connections, great conversations, and writing activities.”
Sylvia McEwuen from Morgantown, West Virginia, participated in Gospel Adventures with her ten-year-old and four-year-old grandchildren during spring break. Together they watched the videos, worked through lesson pages, practiced writing, and tried tea. “They enjoyed the videos the most but were also interested in learning more about the Hindu religion and about who harvested tea,” says McEwuen. “We had questions and discussion. It helps them learn more about kids from other places.” She shared this was the second year they have done Gospel Adventures together.
As a way to support children’s ministry around the world, individuals, schools, and churches participating in Gospel Adventures: Celebrate India can choose to donate through chapel offerings or change drives. These donations will go toward LHM’s Global Kids Fund, which supports programs that are similar to the ones they see during the Gospel Adventures program. This year, gifts made to the Global Kids Fund will supply games and resources for youth clubs in India.
One of the ways LHM–India reaches out to individuals is by focusing on the spiritual needs of the younger generation. Therefore, they have created several youth clubs in many parts of the country. Through participating in these clubs, youth are encouraged to follow four goals in their lives:
1. Create an environment of unity
2. Self-development through education
3. Keeping their village clean and green
4. Social concern and serving their community
Each youth club is equipped with games and materials to help promote the four goals. You and your classroom can help support these programs by purchasing items for the youth clubs. Around $50 will supply one youth club with the following items:
• One blackboard
• One Carrom board (Indian board game)
• Chess set
• Volleyball
• Tennikoit (ring tennis)
• Badminton rackets
• Badminton net
• Badminton cork
Lutheran Hour Ministries and Group Publishing have teamed up for an exciting new Gospel Adventure for kids! The Gospel Adventures Show is a weekly audio program that takes young listeners on a Bible journey with hosts, Ben and Noah, to learn valuable biblical lessons from some of the most-loved Bible characters. Each 30-minute episode has a theme, Bible verse, Bible story, an interactive activity, and a story from a kid.
The Bible stories, along with memorable music and engaging activities, will teach valuable lessons in each week’s new episode! The vibrant songs will send kids singing memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics to remind them of each valuable lesson. For added fun, listeners can even join in special guided activities with their Adventure hosts!
Listen to the Gospel Adventures Show wherever you listen to podcasts or at gospeladventures.org/show
by MEGAN MCDANIEL
The Spring 2023 LLL Event consisted of two prerecorded videos that could be watched by registrants any time after March 15. Participants were able to register individually online or, just like previous LLL events, some LLL districts chose to host a local in-person event to view the videos together.
The videos took participants on a deep dive into Gifted for More based on research done in partnership with Barna Group. Viewers learned more about EveryGift™ and how they can discover, grow, and share their unique gifts.
Ashley Bayless, director of production at LHM, led a Gifted for More presentation that included insights based on the book Discover Your Gifts, interviews with individuals who helped create Gifted for More, and an overview of the new resources available to you and your congregation.
“Research has found that Christians are willing to grow and share their gifts in their faith communities,” says Bayless. “With the release of Gifted for More, we are excited to share a number of new resources that help equip Christians to share their abilities and skills in everyday life.”
In an additional video, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour® Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, led a devotion, and Jennifer Prophete, director of community programming, shared LHM ministry and resource updates.
One participant shared that they enjoyed “the energy of the speakers, structure of the presentation, and caliber of guest speakers.”
This new format allowed LLL districts to use these video segments for their convention or as a separate opportunity to gather people together. Individuals could register to watch and learn within their households at a time that works best for them. No matter how you viewed these event videos, it proved to be a great opportunity to learn more about this exciting research and how you are a gift from God with gifts to share.
One viewer shared that the videos were “convenient and inspiring,” while another said they are “looking forward to future events.”
Plans are underway for the Fall 2023 LLL Event. Look for more details in the next issue of The Lutheran Layman. u
by MEGAN MCDANIEL
FEBRUARY 16-18 — PHOENIX, ARIZONA
LHMstaff joined more than 1,500 ministry workers from around the country for a free, three-day conference full of fellowship, worship, teaching, learning, and exhibits. This year, LHM hosted a booth and presented at three breakout sessions.
Through The Hopeful Neighborhood Project™, LHM has developed tools to equip everyday neighbors to pursue the common good in their neighborhood and love where they live. Jennifer Prophete, director of community programing for LHM, led a session titled, “Leading Your Church to Love Where They Live.” This practical session inspired Christians to live out their faith by connecting with their neighbors. Engaging winsomely with Spanish-speakers is often somewhat uncomfortable because of language and cultural differences. But it can be as simple as “loving your neighbor as yourself.” Beatriz Hoppe, Hispanic coordinator for LHM’s North America region, presented a session titled, “‘No Comprendo!’ You Can Reach Your Hispanic Neighbors!” During this session, Hoppe shared that reaching Hispanics can be as easy as being a friend, and with Jesus as our model, He has already shown us the way. The digital world is impacting us all. Rachel Tichich, digital development manager for LHM, presented a session titled, “Your Church and the Digital World—Equipping People to Live Out Their Faith Online.”
MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
MARCH 4
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
Kevin Bonine represented LHM at the Minnesota South District Early Childhood Conference as a member of the Minnesota South LLL District Board and former LLL District president. At this booth, Bonine shared LHM materials and resources to very grateful Christian educators. Attendees enjoyed learning about Gospel Adventures and appreciated being able to access our Gospel-centered resources.
MISSOURI DISTRICT
EARLY CHILDHOOD C ONFERENCE
MARCH 4
WENTZVILLE, MISSOURI
LHM staff hosted a booth to share resources like Project Connect booklets for children and Gospel Adventures, which was a highlight for the teachers and administrators in attendance. Teachers were encouraged to incorporate Gospel Adventures into their curriculum at any time throughout the year.
Have you noticed the households in your community changing? Are you curious about the makings of a spiritually vibrant home amidst the shifts in size, shape, and complexity of American households? Rev. Dr. Jason Broge, senior director of design and development at LHM, and Don Everts, senior pastor of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church (an ECO church in Springfield, MO) & author, led a session titled, “The Spiritually Vibrant Home: Three Characteristics for Nurturing Faith” during the ECO National Gathering. LHM staff also hosted a booth at this gathering with Households of Faith resources and materials. The Project Connect booklets for children were well-received as were the Spiritual Conversation decks of cards.
“TELL THE NEXT GENERATION”
C ONFERENCE: THE CHRIST CENTERED HOME
MARCH 11
ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI
Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, LHM’s regional director for North America, presented at this Missouri LCMS District conference about building a spiritually vibrant home based on research done in partnership with Barna Group. His session, “The Spiritually Vibrant Home: Three Characteristics for Nurturing Faith,” helped attendees center their household as a primary location for God’s work of forming faith in ways that are sticky and last for one’s whole life. u
The LWML Convention and LCMS National Convention are coming soon. Be sure to connect with LHM staff at these events this summer!
It can be as simple as “loving your neighbor as yourself.”
Working in conjunction with government-recognized congregations and organizations, LHM staff and volunteers in Southeast Asia share the hope of the Gospel through Bible Correspondence Courses, social media, musical performances, puppet shows, holistic outreach like eyeglass clinics and nutritional programs, and soccer tournaments to demonstrate Christian values to youth.
As a complement to Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Gifted for More resources, LHM Learn is releasing three short courses in May. Each 20-minute course zeroes in on a different aspect or step in the process of understanding our various gifts and living out those gifts in our lives to serve God and bless others.
Course titles correspond to the Gifted for More approach of comprehending, developing, and sharing our God-given gifts. Course one, Discover Your Gifts–The Challenge of Awareness, encourages learners to dig deep and explore all the ways God has gifted them. Course two, Grow Your Gifts–The Challenge of Intentionality, urges learners to maximize their gifts through deliberate action. Course three, Share Your Gifts–The Challenge of Generosity, motivates learners to use their gifts in abundant ways.
Each course is centered on the belief that “everyone is a gift with gifts to share.” We all have aptitudes, interests, and skill sets that God has richly blessed us with. It is these personal assets that make the body of Christ on earth so powerful, as we lovingly and compassionately express our gifts in thanks to God and in service to one another.
by PAUL SCHREIBEREach LHM Learn Gifted for More course includes content drawn from LHM’s ongoing partnership with Barna Group. Video interviews with Barna researchers and study developers highlight key findings in the data. Scriptural references reinforce important points, and study questions challenge learners to consider the gifts they possess and how they can use them. Each course is practical and engaging, so learners can jump in and begin to discover, grow, and share their gifts.
Gifted for More is a comprehensive collection of resources that LHM has prepared in concert with Barna Group, a visionary research firm which has conducted more than two million interviews and done tens of thousands of studies. This work has produced an enormous database of spiritual indicators speaking to faith and culture, leadership and vocation, and the changing dynamics of how people live out their faith.
LHM Learn courses come in five FREE faith-strengthening categories: Christian Foundations, Cultural Concepts, Everyday Insights, Outreach Essentials, and Spiritual Reflections. Each is perfect for self-study, but there are small group discussion guides available for home or church use, too. Courses can be accessed on any digital device, making them portable for use anywhere. To learn more, visit lhm.org/learn u
Everyone is a gift with gifts to share.
One of the ministry’s longest-running and most effective activities is the distribution of printed Christian literature at churches and LHM-hosted events. On average, more than 1,000 people of all ages are reached each month through these printed materials. Not only does this project impact the lives of recipients, but also the volunteers distributing the materials.
Huy is a 32-year-old volunteer who mainly works with children in the highlands. “Not only do I experience the joy of giving away books, but I have learned new lessons that have helped my spiritual life grow day by day,” he says. “This book distribution project also shows that we care for the young generation at a time when society is often immersed in technology.”
Huy enjoys seeing children sharing with each other the stories they have read and wanting to learn more through the lessons. “Children really love our books since they are well designed and contain meaningful stories,” he says. “More importantly, they firmly sow the seed of God’s Word in their hearts. We hope that one day these children will be touched by the Holy Spirit and their lives will be transformed.”
“I thank the staff for giving me this valuable chance to volunteer and I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him through this ministry.” u
by CHAD FIX
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour® radio program, passed away March 23 at his home in Texas. He served as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour from 2002 until his retirement at the end of 2010. Following his retirement as full-time Speaker, he continued recording one sermon a month for The Lutheran Hour before returning to the program as interim Speaker in 2017 and 2018. Using stories, parables, and common-sense messages, Pastor Klaus was known by listeners for one thing: preaching Christ crucified and risen.
In addition to his weekly sermons on The Lutheran Hour, Pastor Klaus initiated the writing and recording of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ popular Daily Devotions, a resource that shares God’s love in Jesus Christ with readers and listeners worldwide. He also developed and hosted several LHM Bible studies, spoke at conferences and events across the United States and Canada, led ministry tours internationally, and published many works, including volumes one and two of Stories from The Lutheran Hour: A Changeless Christ in a Changing World and two prayer books (one for use by people in the military and a companion book for loved ones at home).
“Tens of thousands of listeners have been blessed to learn from and be strengthened in the faith through the powerful messages delivered by Pastor Klaus,” says LHM President & CEO Kurt Buchholz. “We give thanks for his faithful service as we remember his family and friends in our prayers.”
“In 2004, I was serving in the military, praying to see if God wanted me to be a pastor,” says Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour since 2018. “Hearing Ken Klaus on The Lutheran Hour and seeing some of the materials he had written for military members encouraged me to take the next steps to become a preacher.”
Before taking the Speaker’s microphone, Pastor Klaus was administrative pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas, and served the International Lutheran Laymen’s League as its pastoral advisor from 1996 through 2000. During his more than 30 years of parish ministry, he held pastoral positions at Lutheran churches in Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, and South Dakota.
Pastor Klaus is survived by his wife, Pam, and their three adult children, Kurt, Kirsten, and Kristianna. He was a beloved grandfather as well as a friend to many people around the world.
To hear his sermons, visit lutheranhour.org/archives.asp and select Pastor Klaus’ name from the drop-down menu of speakers. u
“John used 20 chapters to tell us what Jesus has done to save us; he dedicates the last chapter to let us know, when it comes to Jesus, there will always be a rest of the story—a rest of the story which, even now, is being written in the pages of your life. I have some pretty amazing news: The Man everyone thought was dead is alive. Even now, He wants to come in and show you He is alive. Jesus is alive and ready to come in. What will you do? What is the rest of the story? Will you keep Him out, or will the suffering Savior, the crucified and risen Christ, live within you? I pray you will trust Scripture, which was given so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His Name.”
— The Lutheran Hour, April 15, 2007
“My friends, I rejoice that there are still those who have not been touched by religious hatred and prejudice. My prayers will continue to ask that their lives may be lived without ever personally seeing how much the world despises the Savior. But what can we say to those who believe there may be some dark days ahead for believers? How shall we answer those who want to know how the church can best invest its time and spend its energy, so believers might be prepared for such tough times?
“First, we need to remember that the Lord Jesus has won the ultimate victory over sin, death, and devil. While there are still good-and-evil skirmishes being fought in this world, God’s Word and Sacraments assure us that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God, which is ours via Christ’s life, death, and rising. Second, we need to make sure our young people are prepared for difficult days. Now, while we have time, we need to lovingly and thoroughly educate them in the fundamentals of the faith and the tricks and temptations they may encounter. While there are many things a 21st-century church needs to do, I can think of none that would be a better investment than training and warning our children to be faithful.”
— LHM Daily Devotion, January 26, 2015
“Tens of thousands of listeners have been blessed to learn from and be strengthened in the faith through the powerful messages delivered by Pastor Klaus.”
“Pastor Klaus was one of those ‘no-doubt-about-it’ gifted preachers and devotion writers. There will be a whole lot of souls in heaven because God used Pastor Klaus every day.”
“I enjoyed listening to him on The Lutheran Hour each Sunday before I went to church. His sermons were so instructive and relatable.”
“Pastor Klaus’s sermons each week were my rock and inspiration. He was one of a kind.”
“Pastor Klaus was the main speaker at an LWML Convention I attended. He decided that he wasn’t going to use what he had prepared because God had put it on his heart to speak about something else. He spoke extemporaneously for 45 riveting minutes that I will never forget.”
“I loved hearing his sermons on The Lutheran Hour. He had a personal way of speaking as if it was directly to me.”
“We will always remember Pastor Klaus’s bold proclamation of the Gospel. We thank God for his tenure as Speaker of the Lutheran Hour and his many gifts that he shared through Lutheran Hour Ministries.”
by PAUL SCHREIBER
March 20 was Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day. On this day, community-minded people took part in activities to honor Mr. Rogers’ birthday. The Hopeful Neighborhood Project (HNP) partnered with the University of Missouri Extension to invite people around the U.S. to engage in activities to bring people together and build up the social health of their neighborhoods.
“Honoring a man who’s been like a neighbor to us all is a nice fit with HNP,” says Jennifer Prophete, LHM’s director of community programming. “Mr. Rogers tirelessly reminded people that their personal involvement contributed to the diversity and uniqueness of their neighborhoods.”
To inspire participation, HNP offered ideas and resources. Downloadable coloring sheets, a live virtual workshop, and a video tutorial were developed for participants to hand letter, “It’s a Beautiful Day in this Neighborhood,” on paper or by using sidewalk chalk. The Won’t You Be My Neighbor website designed by HNP asked people to provide their ZIP codes, which automatically created a map reflecting nationwide participation. The website also provided an opportunity to submit a brief action report and photo of their activity.
“A great preacher whose messages were so personal and relevant.”
“His online Daily Devotions helped me in my time of grief after I lost my son to cancer.”
“His voice and stories kept me company over so many miles across North America.”
“I’m thankful to our Almighty God for the faithful Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Klaus. The Lord certainly worked through his Daily Devotions to encourage, comfort, and teach me. May he rest in the Lord’s heavenly peace!”
Results show people in 23 states joined the fun, representing more than 80 neighborhoods coast to coast. Feedback and social engagement was strong with some 1,300 hits to wontyoubemyneighborday.com, and numerous downloads of the “It’s a Beautiful Day in this Neighborhood” poster. Additionally, there were more than 100 shares of social posts for the event.
Some of the activities included people giving cookies and brownies to their neighbors, attaching a poster to the shared goodies. Sidewalk chalk was used to decorate the spaces in front of people’s homes, telling passersby about the special day honoring Mr. Rogers and his work. One person sent thank-you notes to those doing good in their neighborhoods. Another printed 82 posters for all the homes on her block to post. There was even a chicken coop donated to a neighbor to celebrate the day!
An encouraging validation of the HNP-MU Extension work came from Maxwell King. He is the author of The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers. King shared the work and resources of the HNP-MU Extension with the folks at the Fred Rogers Institute, located on the campus of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Rogers’ hometown. The institute features curated displays, memorabilia, and an archive detailing Rogers’ life and his longtime role as the TV host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood u
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!
Congregation name: Our Savior Lutheran Church
Location: Bettendorf, Iowa
Congregation size: 1,350 members
Contact person: Pastor Keith Piotter
How does your congregation support LHM?
Our congregation has been using LHM’s resources for many years. We have several Project Connect racks stocked with topical booklets that members can pick up. Personally, when someone I know is going through a difficult time, I will often share the booklets with them. Through the years, we have also taken advantage of the variety of men’s group Bible studies; the courses for learning outreach, evangelism, and growth; and the booklets to share the Gospel with local prisoners.
In January, we began using the Households of Faith materials. I led a six-week sermon series called “Spiritually Vibrant Homes,” and we launched a new small group program that more than 100 people participated in. These materials enabled us to launch new small groups that have continued beyond the Households of Faith series.
What was the motivation behind supporting LHM?
LHM is a relevant entity in our Synod that produces great resources. Many resources are outreach-focused, which assists our congregation in our mission and outreach efforts within our community. It is huge to have so many resources at our fingertips. I’ve drawn on LHM for evangelism, outreach, mission, and friendship-type resources.
What has been your members’ feedback? What do your members like about LHM?
All the resources we have used have been well-received. I know members share the Project Connect booklets with their friends. Everyone has a great appreciation for having so many resources available to them. The resources that cover felt needs and help give a biblical perspective on what people are going through are valued.
If your congregation would like to learn more about how you can support LHM’s mission, contact Robin Forsythe at 314-317-4152 or robin.forsythe@lhm.org. If you would like to make a gift of support, visit lhm.org/give u
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Indianola, Iowa, has begun incorporating LHM materials in its programs and activities. Members Jeret and Caroline Koenig were introduced to LHM around 10 years ago by another member at Mount Calvary. Since they were interested in our materials and how they could be used within their congregation, the Koenigs reached out to become LHM Ambassadors. They believe in LHM’s mission and see the potential to reach individuals with LHM resources. The Koenigs have been involved in different variations of serving in their congregation over the years and currently serve on the evangelism board. Below is a glance at how LHM materials have been incorporated into some of Mount Calvary’s recent programs and activities.
During the pilot sessions of the small group program, five couples and their children read through The Spiritually Vibrant Home, a book based on Households of Faith research done in partnership with Barna Group. Taking one chapter at a time, the group discussions lasted six months. “This book was a great transition from other books we had previously covered in our small group,” says Jeret. “It built on concepts we were familiar with and was an easy, manageable read that was recommended to us by LHM staff.”
Couples in small groups took turns hosting at their homes. Together they shared a meal, discussed the book, had a Bible study, prayed, and enjoyed fellowship with one another. “Reading this book helped reinforce the need for more spiritual relationships, faith sharing, and caring for those around us in our everyday lives,” says Caroline. This study prompted one member to make family meals around the dinner table a priority in his household. The small group and other congregation members have made an effort to help serve the needs of their community. “Our group will continue to
meet monthly, and we will start doing service projects from time to time,” says Jeret. “We also plan on visiting some homebound members in the congregation and branching out into the local community.”
The goal of the small group program is to duplicate the pilot group and expand to several groups, so every member can be a part of a small group. Assigned in March, The Reluctant Witness from LHM and Barna’s Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age research is the next book to be discussed in the small groups. This topic will also be covered in Mount Calvary’s weekly Sunday morning Bible study for additional insight on this subject.
Beginning in April, Mount Calvary started a six-week Sunday morning Bible class focusing on Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age. Every participant was provided a copy of The Reluctant Witness to read, and Pastor Vanderbilt is using other SCDA materials to teach the course. “People are often scared or uncomfortable sharing their faith, but it doesn’t have to be as stressful as we make it out to be,” says Caroline.
About 25-30 people started attending this program in April. The group enjoyed the conversations and discussions so much that they exceeded the time by 20 minutes during the first gathering. “We hope to give our members tools and confidence to share their faith with those around them in this new environment we live in,” says Jeret.
In addition to the small groups and Bible class, preschool through high schoolaged students recently participated in the Gospel Adventures program during Sunday school. Mount Calvary leadership has also announced that they will begin planning to use Gifted for More materials in the fall.
To learn more about how you can bring Lutheran Hour Ministries’ resources to your congregation by becoming an LHM Ambassador, visit lhm.org/ambassador. u
Poverty, 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. Some of these atrisk women are victims of sexual abuse; others have been forced to live life on the streets; and many earn their living through prostitution.
LHM–Cameroon continues to offer a successful holistic program to young women that provides practical training while also sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Divine Sewing School seeks to restore the dignity of these young women by training them with tangible and marketable skills like dyeing cloth, making patterns, and tailoring new clothing, which has led to some of these women opening a successful business on their own and achieving their dreams of economic independence. Most importantly, the women are nurtured in faith through regular Bible study and prayer while learning that God will never abandon them, even in difficult times.
Would you like to give more to charity but also need income during your retirement? Do you own an IRA? If you answered “yes” to these questions, a new law provides an easy way to accomplish your goals using a tax-free distribution from your IRA.
Beginning in 2023, donors over age 70 ½ can now make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) in exchange for a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), offering an appealing and viable option for some donors. A CGA through Lutheran Hour Ministries allows you to make a gift that helps the ministry share the Gospel while providing you with the security of predictable payments for your lifetime (and the lifetime of a loved one, if you choose) no matter what happens with the economy. In addition, payout rates recently increased for the second time in six months— resulting in the highest rates in more than a decade.
To take advantage of this new law, there are several things to keep in mind:
• a donor can make this election in only one tax year;
• there is an aggregate limit in that year of $50,000;
• the entire gift annuity payment will be fully taxable;
• the annuitant(s) must be the donor and/or the donor’s spouse; and
• there is no charitable deduction.
To learn more about this new opportunity, or other giving options to support LHM’s mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church, contact our team at lhm-gift@lhm.org or 1-877-333-1963. u
CHAD FIXThis March marked the graduation of a new class of 24 women from the program who now have the skills to help them overcome poverty and care for their families.
Nina is a teen mother who learned about the Divine Sewing School while enrolled in LHM–Cameroon’s Bible Correspondence Courses. Nina had been abandoned by men in the past, causing her to lose hope. After recently completing the sewing school program, Nina shared that she thanks God for restoring her dignity and confidence.
“My dream of financial autonomy has come true,” says Nina. “I am so thankful for the LHM–Cameroon staff providing me with the skills necessary to earn money to provide for my family while also hearing the Gospel and learning more about Jesus.”
“This year’s group had some of the youngest students I have seen in the class over the past ten years, including some girls as young as fourteen years old,” says LHM’s regional director for Africa and the Middle East. “We praise God for using this program to make His Name known and transform lives.” u
The Divine Sewing School Graduation Day. Twenty-four graduates now have the skills to help them overcome poverty and care for their families.by MEGAN MCDANIEL
Alexander is now working on turning his life around.
Margaret contacted LHM–Nicaragua staff through LHM’s digital platform in Latin America, Vivenciar.net. She explained to the staff members that she suffered from insecurity related to her unstable childhood and struggles with anxiety. She told the staff that she did not have a relationship with God but was open to learning about Jesus. The staff members shared the Gospel message with her and sent her printed materials about anxiety as well as Bible verses that would give her hope. The materials provided Margaret with comfort and now she is interested in becoming a volunteer for LHM–Nicaragua so she can encourage others who are hurting.
Margaret is interested in becoming a volunteer for LHM–Nicaragua so she can encourage others.
Alexander is 45 years old and has been a Lutheran for most of his life. The church he attended closed, and he had nowhere else to go. He experienced disappointment in his life, which led him to turn to bad habits to cope with his problems. He began drinking alcohol excessively and felt like he had lost hope in his life. A pastor who volunteers for LHM–Kazakhstan reached out to him and ended up being the new pastor at the church that Alexander used to attend. The pastor was working on restoring the church and invited Alexander to help with the restoration efforts. Alexander was excited to have something to work toward and knew he wanted to attend the church again once it reopened. Alexander gave up alcohol and is now working on turning his life around.
Narongrat no longer feels lonely and is thankful for LHM–Thailand’s programs and resources.
Dieudonné is 18 years old and recently lost both of his parents. He felt disconnected after their deaths and dropped out of school. He joined a soap-making class hosted by LHM–Cameroon and was able to make some new friends through the program. During each class, LHM–Cameroon staff play their radio programs so participants can hear the Word of God. Dieudonné learned more about Jesus through these broadcasts and enrolled in the ministry center’s Bible Correspondence Courses. He shared with the staff that he feels more confident now and is looking forward to going back to school. He also now has the skills to sell his soap products to financially support himself. He is thankful for the LHM–Cameroon staff offering their soap-making lessons and sharing the Gospel message with him.
Narongrat is a government officer who comes from a nonChristian religious household. He has always wondered about the true meaning of life. He often felt lonely and believed that he did not have anyone to lean on. One of his friends took him to a local Lutheran church where he started studying the Bible and attending worship services there. He signed up for LHM–Thailand’s daily devotions and followed their Facebook page for additional encouragement. He no longer feels lonely and is thankful for LHM–Thailand’s programs and resources. Through the power of God’s Word, Narongrat became a Christian. He continues working on growing in his faith and applying God’s Word to his daily life.
Dieudonné feels more confident now and is looking forward to going back to school.
Elvis is thankful for learning the values he was taught during his time with Project JOEL.
Meruet lost her home to a fire last year. She didn’t work at the time, so it was difficult for her and her family to recover from the fire. She practiced a non-Christian religion, and when she first heard the Gospel message from LHM–Mongolia staff who visited, she had no desire to learn about Christianity. Several months after her initial contact with LHM–Mongolia staff, a volunteer invited her to a listener’s meeting for an LHM radio program. She agreed to go and was encouraged by the conversations at the meeting. She continued going to the meetings and enjoyed learning more about Christianity. Through the power of God’s Word, Meruet became a Christian. She was able to rebuild her home and is thankful for her new relationship with God that comforts her during challenging times.
Ezekiel is now sharing the Gospel with others.
Elvis shared that he volunteered with LHM–Panama’s Project JOEL program to receive social work credits. He got his first Bible while working with the program and was introduced to the Christian faith. He said that distributing toys and Christian literature and teaching values as a team has improved his life. Now in college, he is thankful for learning the values he was taught during his time with Project JOEL, and he wants to put his knowledge into practice by helping others learn about the Word of God.
Tan is 23 years old. He was born into a Christian family but did not understand the Gospel message until he joined a youth athletic program hosted by LHM staff in Southeast Asia. During one of the group gatherings, LHM staff asked the participants what “Jesus is Savior,” the sentence on the back of their jerseys, meant. The staff members shared the love of Jesus through that conversation and following subsequent events. Several weeks later, the Holy Spirit had touched Tan’s heart and he reached out to the LHM staff and asked to learn more about Jesus. He prayed with the staff, and through the power of God’s Word, Tan became a Christian. Tan is continuing to grow in his faith and said he wants others to know Jesus, too.
Tan reached out to the LHM staff and asked to learn more about Jesus.
Ezekiel is 30 years old and was initially sentenced to 25 years in prison. He is a Christian but never actively practiced his faith. He lost hope in life when he was sent to prison because he knew he was innocent. Another inmate introduced him to the Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) offered through LHM–Kenya. He enrolled in the courses and worked on growing in his faith. He was recently released from prison and reached out to the LHM–Kenya staff asking for additional resources to continue learning more about Jesus. Ezekiel is sharing the Gospel with others and has encouraged them to enroll in the BCC lessons so they can learn more about Jesus, too. u
Individuals around the world are reached more than 163 million times each week with the Gospel through Lutheran Hour Ministries’ culturally relevant programs and resources. 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.
Through the power of God’s Word, Meruet became a Christian.
Both growing up in Lutheran families, Paul and Jean Niewald of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, have always been connected to LHM. “Listening to The Lutheran Hour® with Dr. Oswald Hoffmann was the centerpiece of that connection,” says Paul.
While many of LHM’s resources and programs have had an impact in Paul and Jean’s lives over the years, the one that stands out the most to them is the Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age workshop that they attended several years ago. “The workshop showed us how sharing our faith has changed over the years and it helped us to be more comfortable bringing our faith into conversations,” says Paul. They also enjoy the LHM mobile apps for Daily Devotions and Bible studies that allow them to access the resources wherever they are.
There are many things that stand out to them about LHM, but “the key area is staying true to the Gospel and the focus on connecting people to our Savior,” says Jean. “We are also impressed with LHM’s global reach and the ability to continue to use new resources and ways that enable connecting people to Christ.”
“Both of us were blessed with being brought up from birth knowing that Jesus is our Lord and Savior,” says Jean. “We realize that not everyone has had this opportunity to know Jesus and the salvation He offers. Supporting LHM, through its creative resources and global reach, provides us an excellent way to share the Gospel with the unreached.”
Paul and Jean realize the importance of making the Gospel known around the world. By supporting LHM through an endowment, they know the Gospel will be shared through LHM’s global ministry efforts with those who want and need to hear it. “One of our favorite hymns is ‘Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying’ because the words in the verses resonate with us,” says Paul. “We cannot preach like Paul but ‘with our prayers and with your bounties, you can do what God demands; you can be like faithful
Aaron, holding up the prophet’s hands.’ Setting up an endowment is our way of ‘holding up the prophet’s hands’ and supporting those on the front lines in the mission field.”
“This endowment establishes an enduring source of funding that allows the mission of LHM to carry on during lean times and continue long after we are gone,” says Paul. “Our desire was to use our earthly treasure to continue the task of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) by sharing the Good News and creating a legacy to provide future resources that continue the mission. There are a lot of negative influences out there in the world today and many things competing for people’s attention. We want to ensure the promise of salvation is not lost.” Another reason Paul and Jean were drawn to an endowment was the ability for family members to contribute to it over time. “All of our blessings in life are because of God’s grace,” says Jean. “By establishing an endowment, we wanted to provide a vehicle for our family members and future generations to continue this mission as well as set an example of being good stewards of His blessings.”
If you are thinking about setting up an endowment, Paul and Jean encourage the first step to be “prayerfully considering the lasting impact an endowment can have on other people’s lives. It is a rewarding experience to know that you can connect people to the Lord for years to come,” says Jean.
Setting up an endowment is easy to do. “The process was simple and efficient,” says Paul. “We went to the LHM website and found the contact information. In less than a week, the effort was in motion. The staff is outstanding and continues to answer our questions and ensure that we are kept up to date on LHM’s ministry activities.”
To learn more about how you can continue LHM’s mission for years to come through the Vine and Branches Endowment Circle, or other planned gift options, visit lhm.org/giftplan or call 877-333-1963. u
by CHAD FIX
Hundreds of thousands of people in southern Turkey and northern Syria continue to be displaced and in need of basic supplies following a series of devastating earthquakes and aftershocks. To help people who are struggling with rebuilding their lives, LHM has partnered with Lutheran Church Charities to bring emergency assistance along with the message of comfort and hope found in Jesus Christ. Through the generous donations from supporters of both organizations, this partnership has already provided basic necessities to nearly 12,000 people during February and March.
Following the initial earthquake on Feb. 6, LHM staff and volunteers in the region quickly mobilized to begin gathering and purchasing needed items to assist the earthquake victims. These items include drinking water, baby bottles, baby food, food for adults, baby diapers, adult diapers, hygiene products (especially for women), clothes, gloves, shoes, baby shoes, sleeping bags, and blankets to send to a partner church in Turkey for distribution to people directly affected by the earthquake.
“We appreciate working with Lutheran Church Charities to respond with a holistic approach that shares God’s love by attending to people’s physical and emotional needs as well as their spiritual needs,” says LHM President & CEO Kurt Buchholz. “Often the recipients of holistic efforts like this desire to learn more about the God who motivates these Christians to reach out in love.”
Thank you to everyone who has made a financial donation so far. Please continue to pray for the millions who have been affected by this catastrophic disaster. u
“We are impressed with LHM’s global reach and the ability to continue to use new resources and ways that enable connecting people to Christ.”
by PAUL SCHREIBER
Lutheran Hour Ministries’ digital outreach to Hispanics in the U.S. continues to move forward through its consultant partnership with Kerux Group. Working with LHM’s Marketing and Communications team, LHM’s Spanishlanguage social media channel Para el Camino—with content on both Facebook and Instagram—has seen positive percentage gains in online indicators, such as follows, comments, interactions, engagements, reaches, and impressions. This joint effort in expanding Hispanic outreach speaks to a combined expertise and a passionate synergy. It shows a willingness to adapt to the shifting terrain of the digital landscape, applying focus and energy to address what the data reveals. The upward trending stats speak for themselves. “It is indicative of everything that has happened across much of our digital presence based on the changes we’ve made to improve our reach and engagement,” says Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, LHM’s regional director for North America.
Next up: repeating these online experiences through LHM’s Hispanic social media outreach channel, Sentido Latino. This will be done by experimenting with various kinds of posts, considering when best to schedule particular types of content, assessing which manner of presentation— text, video, music, talking head, or combination thereof—gets the most traction in digital spaces. All this is done
to foster a connection between the user and LHM, to build relationships that gain a hearing for the Gospel.
Improving these online strategies have broader implications than just for Hispanic outreach in North America. Since there’s a shared language and cultural similarities, many of the same approaches will be used in LHM’s Latin America region. In countries like Uruguay and Guatemala, as well as many others, digital interactions are leading to hopeful connections and the chance to share the Savior. “This work is ongoing, but the data we’re gathering over time is helping us to develop a nimble strategy that will better serve our efforts at sharing the Gospel with our Hispanic constituency,” said Beatriz Hoppe, coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for North America.
Helping achieve these objectives will be Christina Lopez-Robin, LHM’s new digital and social media marketing specialist for Hispanic Ministry. She will be tasked with keeping LHM’s Spanishlanguage content relevant, fresh, and flexible. “We needed someone who could effortlessly bridge the gap between Hispanic and Anglo cultures—both by speaking Spanish fluently and having a Hispanic background and strong international experience,” Lakies said.
“We’re confident her ideas and creativity will help us continue our efforts to grow our audience and engage with them on a deeper level,” he added. u
Sharing the Gospel with youth has long been a major strength of LHM’s ministry center in Uruguay. One of its many youth activities, a popular after-school program, resumed in May 2022, following a hiatus due to the pandemic.
Each Monday evening from May through December, up to 14 children visited the ministry center to complete homework while working oneon-one with a high school student volunteer from San Pablo School. The weekly interactions also allowed the volunteers to work through some of the children’s doubts and difficulties while using support materials put together by LHM–Uruguay staff from Christian books for kids to practice grammar, math, and reading exercises.
Prior to the start of the classes last spring, the volunteers participated in a training workshop led by San Pablo’s Christian education teacher. Despite attending the school, many of these volunteers are not Christian. The workshop taught them different study techniques for children, the importance of service to others through volunteering, and how to surrender with love while assisting the students in their studies.
At the end of each session, the school’s Christian education teacher shared a small reflection using the book, A Garden of Bible Stories, which focuses on Christian values and the example of Jesus Christ. Many program participants had never heard about Jesus and this program allowed staff to regularly share the Good News with them.
“We love offering these weekly activities, trusting that the Lord is the One who guides us to provide this service of love to both the participants and volunteers and bring them closer to His Word,” says the director of LHM–Uruguay.
Aitana and her mother have participated in several LHM–Uruguay activities over the past few years. While Aitana’s mother stopped going to church many years ago, she recognizes that her daughter’s participation in LHM’s activities is the only space where she hears about the love of God and learns about Jesus Christ.
Aitana is grateful for the weekly interactions through this program. “I thank you for those days that I came with homework or some activity so that someone could help me,” she says. “I appreciate you very much for the wonderful time I have spent with you and the friends I have made.” u
by CHAD FIX
Edilberto Mendez Mora, LHM’s ministry center director in Panama since 2004, was called home by the Lord February 5, 2023, following a brief illness. Edilberto joined the staff of LHM–Panama, known locally as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN), in 1997. Since becoming director, he had overseen the daily operation of the ministry center, provided vision for the development and presentation of the center’s various programs and resources (including the highly successful Project JOEL program for offering biblically based guidance to youth that originated in Panama), and coordinated all aspects of CPTLN’s relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama. He also served as the coordinator for LHM’s satellite ministry in Peru and was instrumental in the development and operation of LHM’s digital platform in Latin America, Vivenciar.net. He was deeply involved, as a leader, in the national Lutheran Church of Panama, while being a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Panama City. Edilberto is survived by his mother, Digna; a sister, Nidia; and a brother, Aldo, as well as by uncles, nephews, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by LHM’s staff, volunteers, and partners in Panama, as well as by all his colleagues from the Latin America region and around the world. u
by CHAD FIX
“I appreciate you very much for the wonderful time I have spent with you and the friends I have made.”