The Lutheran Layman

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN November - December 2016

THRED: A New Era in Outreach

By Greg Koenig

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see page 3

Madagascar & Ghana . . . . . . 8-9 Medium & Message . . . . . . . .11 Right Now Media . . . . . . . . . . 13 Classic This is the Life . . . . . . 15 Seasonal Devotions . . . . . . . . 18 Anniversary Kick Off . . . . . . . . 20

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SPEAKINGUP

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

Free to LOVE “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). hether you are a captain of industry, or W a mom taking care of her kids at home, a farmer, a laborer, a retiree, or a person struggling

But that wonderful calling can become buried with illness or loneliness, you have an incredible by a busy life, a distracted life, a life of despair. If purpose: a very important job. you’re a parent, you know what I mean. You get A wise salesman once said that his purpose so caught up in keeping up, so much so that you was not to sell products but to befriend people. forget your main purpose is to love your kids, That salesman touched on the ultimate purpose to lead your kids! The list of things to do grows that you and I have in life, our calling, job number long; the messes around the house overwhelm. one, it is to show love to other people.

Task after task can take you away from the reason That’s right. It’s that simple and it’s that you had children in the first place. You lose your difficult. Your calling, whatever you are doing in focus on your purpose. life, is to show God’s love to other people.

Your calling, whatever you are doing in But this is not a “have to” kind of thing … like when you were a child and your parents life, is to show God’s love to other people. told you to do your homework: “Ah, Mom, do And it’s not just parents. You may be a business I have to?” This isn’t a requirement that means person who gets so distracted by the hectic difficulty and drudgery. It’s a “get to” kind of details of your daily work that you forget about thing a joyful pursuit that permeates everything the customer. You may get so caught up in you do and every situation in which you find yourself; your own success, your own ambition, yourself. It doesn’t mean emptying yourself out; it means sharing the overflow of love you’ve been your own accomplishments, your own failures, your own life—that you lose sight of the people given. You see, we love others because we have you’re in business to serve. been loved so lavishly by God. In Jesus Christ, You may get so tired of the daily grind, tired you have been called God’s friend. Now you get of unkind people, tired of struggle after struggle, to befriend others. You get to pour love and care that your true calling is lost in a fog of despair. into their lives. That’s your job, your calling. It’s You have a delightful job to do. In every task your vocation. you tackle, at every moment in life, in whatever Jesus said it this way, “Let your light shine situation … you have a calling, a vocation. You before others, so that they may see your good get to bless people. You get to show God’s love. works and give glory to your Father who is in You get to elevate the conversation, change the heaven” (Matthew 5:16). In other words, because perspective, and bring dignity into a difficult world. of your love, people will see God’s love for them.

And God’s love for you in Christ is the source and You get to live in the life that He gifts you with, in Christ—love meant for you, love meant for all. n the resource for that kind of life, in the midst of all that you’ve got going on right now!

YOUR PARTNER

IN PROCLAIMING

THE GOSPEL

This subject recently was shared on The Lutheran Hour.

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

L AYMAN The Lutheran

Vol. 87, No. 6 November - December 2016

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

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

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The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

LHM.ORG

THRED: A New Era in Outreach

By Greg Koenig

I

MAGINE YOU’RE JEN. YOU AND YOUR PARTNER CODY AREN’T GETTING ALONG AND YOU’RE BEGINNING TO SENSE THAT YOUR RELATIONSHIP MIGHT NOT LAST. In the back of your minds you both thought that if you avoided getting married, you would avoid the messiness of divorce in the event you broke up. But now you have your daughter Skye, born two years ago—and all kinds of questions are arising in your mind about the complexities of going your separate ways after cohabiting for several years. You do want to avoid the legal mess of splitting up, but more than that, if it’s possible, you want to repair your relationship with Cody. And you begin to search for answers.

Friends and family are not a reliable part of your life; and faith has never been a part of your life at all. But technology has always been—so you turn first to Google.

You search combinations of terms such as Cohabitation, Marriage, Divorce, Family, Children, and Custody. A title catches your eye in your search results for Cohabitation and Children, and you follow the link to a post on Facebook—or maybe a video on YouTube, or a brief article at a website named THRED.org. You discover some practical discussion on the topic and begin to browse additional related topics; you click a few more times, read a few more articles, and even leave a comment in one of the topical discussions. And you make a note to come back because you sense the ideas here are worth thinking about.

“First of all, research tells us this is a very real situation in our 21st century culture,” says Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Andrew

Fitzgerald, who directs LHM’s new digital outreach project. “And it’s at points like this that we believe we’ll have one of our best opportunities to reach unchurched people in Jen’s age range with the message of Jesus.”

“Back-and-forth conversation online is commonly referred to as a discussion thread. And it’s the idea of discussion threads—threads of conversation—that is at the core of the name we’ve given to LHM’s new-technology model for Gospel outreach: THRED. The Jens of this world want to engage, but they need us to listen too. It’s about a dialogue.

“Note, too, that I refer to our content as the ‘message of Jesus,’” Fitzgerald points out. “Our research also tells us that many in Jen’s generation—the so-called ‘Millennials’ that everybody has been talking about— are wary of anything that smacks of our traditional idea of church—or organized religion in general. But quite a few are open just to discovering what the Bible says—and particularly what Jesus said and did in the gospel accounts. So the words and message of Jesus are central to this outreach project.”

“A lot of us grew up with red-letter Bibles,” Fitzgerald goes on, “versions of Scripture that highlight Jesus’ words in red ink. The unexpected spelling of our project’s name is a whisper of the importance of those redletter texts: The Red ... TheRed ... ThRed ...

THRED. One of our video series is devoted to encountering the red-letter words of Jesus; it features both churched and nonchurched folks engaging readings from the gospels. We’ve sub-branded this series the ‘THRED Dialogues.’” see next page

…we believe we’ll have one of our best opportunities to reach unchurched people in Jen’s age range with the message of Jesus.

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

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Why Reach Out Online?

THRED…

According to recent studies of trends in religion and spirituality, the traditional trails on which people are led to faith and church are growing narrower. Fewer families are active in a church; fewer parents are teaching the faith to their children; fewer people acknowledge the Bible as a reliable source of information and guidance for living. Unchurched people have fewer friends who are involved in a church.

So how can mission-minded Christians share the Good News about Jesus if the people we want to reach aren’t on or near those traditional trails of faith? Answer: Blaze new trails.

Author and speaker Jeff Bethke encourages the same thing. “Our Gospel message doesn’t change—but our methods can,” he says. “Go where the eyeballs are.”

The Jen and Cody characters whose story was narrated earlier in this article represent the many young adults who are members of the first generation of the digital age. They have virtually no memory of a time when there was no Internet to consult about everything. Their eyeballs are constantly on their computers, their tablets, and their mobile phones. That’s where Christians must be, too, if we expect to communicate the Gospel effectively to people like them.

Christians must be prepared to connect with non-believers in digital public space, engage them in digital social space, and build the trust required to be able to meet them in their personal space (which includes both digital space and, ultimately, real physical space).

from previous page

“Our Gospel message doesn’t change—but our methods can,” he says. “Go where the eyeballs are.”

TECHNOLOGY

and the Gospel

By Greg Koenig

If you were to go looking for examples of how Christians have used technology to spread the salvation story of Jesus, you’d have to turn back a lot of the pages of history—because technology has been employed in the service of the Gospel pretty much since the beginning.

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Technology underfoot. When the apostles took the Gospel to Antioch and Athens and Rome and beyond, they walked on a technological marvel of their time—Roman roads. The broad, durable highways that the empire had built for the efficient deployment of its armies and the flow of commerce were available to other travelers as well—including itinerant preachers carrying the message of eternal hope to the farthest corners of the earth.

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

A revolutionary type of communication. Johannes Gutenberg developed mechanical movable type and the printing press around 1440.

This new technology drove down the cost of producing information and served as the impetus for widespread literacy. One of the first major works to come off the printing press was the Bible—Gutenberg’s masterpiece, completed in 1455. In 1517, the printing press became an important component in the Protestant Reformation when it was used to print and distribute several hundred copies of Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses.

Luther is said to have called the printing press “God’s highest act of grace” because more than anything up until its time, the press made it possible for literate people to read the Gospel for themselves.

“That’s what THRED is intended to do, beginning with Phase 1 in 2017,” says Fitzgerald. “Lutheran Hour Ministries has built THRED to connect where non-churched people are in their lives and in their thinking, to engage them in conversation about the things that concern them most, to open up new perspectives from which to see the ancient, unchanging message of salvation through Jesus Christ—and to light a path to the hope that the Gospel brings. The path might look like this:

First Contact Online Programs

Programming or initiatives that allow for first contact with non-church audiences. From viral concepts to advertising.

Online Engagement Efforts

Programming or platforms that provide for more in-depth discussions, including comments, forums, etc.

Personal Connections

Opportunities for one-on-one engagement with Christians and connections to Christian communities.

REACH

RESPONSE

“… the ancient, unchanging message of salvation through Jesus Christ …”

REFERRAL

see next page

The Gospel in our living room, part 1. When the invention of radio began to take American culture by storm in the early 20th century, people were swept up in the technological miracle that allowed vocal communication to be transmitted through the air. “Is there a man today who really understands and comprehends the mystery of radio? Truly, the works of God are wonderful!” wrote one person at the time. Visionary Concordia Seminary professor Walter A. Maier proposed the idea of Christian radio broadcasting several years before he helped launch The Lutheran Hour program in October 1930. The Lutheran Hour was reaching an estimated worldwide audience of more than 20 million when Maier’s tenure as the program’s Speaker was cut short by his early passing in 1950. The audience would continue to grow in subsequent decades.

The Gospel in our living room, part 2. In the mid-20th century, Christians were quick to take advantage of the capabilities of the new technology of television. In 1951, Bishop Fulton Sheen’s Life is Worth Living program pioneered national religious TV broadcasting. In 1952, Rex Humbard, often referred to as the U.S.’s first televangelist, recognized that television would be a force that could take the Gospel to “every state in the Union”; Humbard founded his Cathedral of Tomorrow program the same year. 1952 was also the year that Lutheran Television launched the nationally syndicated series This is the Life, an innovative program that used the genre of drama to communicate Christian thought. In 1972, one observer wrote of the series’ success, “The dramatic format … attracts the attention of those who otherwise would not look at religious programming.... Thus This is the Life gets a viewership largely composed of its primary target audience: those who would otherwise not hear the Gospel message.”

Electronic roads. Author Robert C. Crosby writes that the Internet, the smartphone, and social media are the “Roman roads of today.” As the media that place at our fingertips the Bible, study materials, Christian music, and forums for conversations about faith, Crosby says “these electronic avenues are open and ready for a million journeys of faith and witness.” These new virtual roads, according to one Internet media creator, could lead the current generation to become the most Biblically engaged one in history. n

Perhaps that’s only THE BEGINNING… The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

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THRED…

from previous page

Multiple Connection Points THRED.org. Beginning with Phase 1, the THRED.org website will be the hub of THRED Gospel outreach—both a source of content and a platform for interaction. A visitor to the site can begin by exploring short articles or media about a broad range of topics—from marriage and family to depression and life purpose, to poverty and prejudice, to the existence of God and the truth of the Bible. Longer, in-depth articles are available for those who are ready to go deeper.

A visitor can also browse the THRED Dialogues videos mentioned earlier, which present authentic roundtable conversations by believers and non-believers about the Gospel narrative.

Social media. In Phase 1, THRED will establish a robust presence on Facebook and other social networking sites. THRED’s Facebook page will feature daily and weekly

“THRED doesn’t hammer them with Law and Gospel, it doesn’t pose any dilemmas about where they might spend eternity, and it doesn’t ask them to ‘make a decision’ about anything.”

posts of attention-grabbing photos and Internet memes, relevant pop culture newsbits, quizzes, polls, short topical videos, articles, live events, content from the THRED.org website and more.

LHM will also use Facebook ads to place THRED links on Facebook and other social media.

YouTube. The THRED channel on YouTube will include multiple playlists such as THRED videos and THRED News. Videos will present creative, thought-provoking perspectives on current personal, social, cultural, and faith issues from a Christian worldview.

By Phase 2 of the THRED project, continuing research of the Internet and emerging social networking sites will lead to an expanded THRED presence in social media such as Twitter and Instagram, as well as to mobile device apps designed to coordinate with all THRED website and social media content.

“THRED is built not on the assumption that people who come to the site are in search of eternal salvation but rather on the expectation that they simply have an interest in exploring a perspective that’s different from their own.”

People Connections “THRED is built not on the assumption that people who come to the site are in search of eternal salvation but rather on the expectation that they simply have an interest in exploring a perspective that’s different from their own,” says Fitzgerald. “So THRED doesn’t hammer them with Law and Gospel, it doesn’t pose any dilemmas about where they might spend eternity, and it doesn’t ask them to ‘make a decision’ about anything. Instead, it invites discussion. That being said, we have to acknowledge the obvious: discussion isn’t a web application you can program—so it’s at this point that flesh-and-blood Christians become directly involved!”

Phase 1 of THRED will feature a variety of opportunities to engage in dialogue:

Forums. One component of the THRED.org website is an array of forums that invite visitors not just to read THRED content about issues of culture, society, and faith but to participate in conversations about those issues. A THRED moderator will post a question or a problem for a topic such as Marriage or Family or Cohabitation; a visitor such as Jen may surf from an article on Marriage over to the forum on Marriage and exchange ideas there with both Christian and non-Christian participants.

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The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

“Different media, different look and feel, different presentation strategy for a different generation— but the same pure Gospel message.”

THRED

HOW WOULD YOU REACT TO THESE WORDS OF JESUS? Facebook. In addition to the website’s forums, THRED will use the interactive features of Facebook to engage in “small talk” with the page’s followers—primarily through the THRED page’s daily and weekly posts.

THRED Live. Every month, THRED will host an online discussion involving

both Christian and non-Christian guests and exploring topics such as peace, community, faith, politics, or some other aspect of culture and life. These topical dialogues will be posted as a THRED Live playlist on the main THRED YouTube channel.

Social listening. THRED will also invite visitors into “personal space” conversations—that is, private conversations in which a visitor and a Christian volunteer can exchange emails that go beneath the surface to address deeper concerns that THRED content has generated in the visitor’s mind. The process of building Phase 1 of THRED has included development of a strategy for recruiting and training volunteers for sensitive interaction with non-believers. “We anticipate that mission-minded folks in congregations will feel called to join us in this effort to reach out to unchurched people,” Fitzgerald says. “So THRED is positioned to become a busy center of Spirit-fueled grassroots witness.

“Even at the levels of interaction we expect from THRED,” Fitzgerald cautions, “the intent of the outreach is not primarily to push for some sort of profession of faith—although if that happens through the power of the Spirit, our volunteers will be equipped to connect the visitor to a local faith community. But what we want most for THRED to be is just what we’ve described in THRED’s tag line: ‘an open and honest conversation, for people of all backgrounds, about life, faith, and Jesus.’

Acknowledging this helps THRED do what it’s intended to do: serve as a tool of the Holy Spirit as He works to change hearts.”

“THRED is positioned to become a busy center of Spirit-fueled grassroots witness.”

From the beginning, the vision for THRED has been for it to be an environment that promotes reasonable thought and conversation unfettered by traditionalist jargon and presuppositions, an environment into which someone searching for answers—or simply a perspective from a different worldview—can venture without feeling judged or trapped.

“Different media, different look and feel, different presentation strategy for a different generation—but the same pure Gospel message,” Fitzgerald summarizes, adding, “We anticipate that THRED will fill a big role in the future of Lutheran Hour Ministries outreach.” n

MENTAL HEALTH

Greg Koenig is on staff with LHM and is deeply involved in THRED.

Look for THRED to launch in early 2017!

Now Available!

FREE Mobile Apps

• The Lutheran Hour sermons and archive • Daily Devotions

How THRED is Different—and the Same

• Men’s NetWork Bible studies

Internetevangelismday.com is a website that encourages Christians to use digital technology to reach out to non-believers. Site developer Tony Whittaker points out that in the world of Christian resources, “the vast majority of material is produced entirely for Christians, in terms of language, content, and underlying assumptions.”

This is true also, he says, of Christian content online. “We Christians need teaching, discipleship, and encouragement.... But the lack of truly evangelistic websites in the English language (let alone other languages) is tragic.”

• Project Connect booklet ministry

Download for FREE at LHM.ORG/APPS! The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

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When You Shop, Amazon Gives!

Last year more than half of all Americans reported that they planned to use Amazon as part of their Christmas shopping. That number only looks to increase this year. It’s more likely than not that you, or someone you know, will visit Amazon this Christmas season.

Now when you shop on Amazon, you have the ability to support the causes you love at the same time!

Amazon has introduced a new service called AmazonSmile.

When you begin your online shopping at smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com, you will have the opportunity to select a charity that you want to support, such as Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Amazon will then donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases you make to the organization of your choice.

Every time you start at smile. amazon.com afterwards, a portion of the purchase price of every eligible item you buy will be given to charity!

You can even change your charitable organization of choice at any time.

Christmas is a powerful time for you to begin using AmazonSmile and encourage others to do the same. All of the shopping that you do for friends and family at Christmas can create a massive impact for ministry!

This Christmas season, start your shopping experience at smile.amazon.com. n

smile

Online Mission Trip Materials Now Available

by Brad Neathery

Thousands of students across North America will journey with Lutheran Hour Ministries to Madagascar in January. LHM’s Online Mission Trip will transport them there through dynamic daily videos as well as interaction on Facebook and via email.

What’s in store? Online Mission Trip participants will experience an entirely different culture without leaving the classroom. More importantly, they will see all the powerful ways that the Gospel can be shared in other countries. LHM’s prayer is that trip participants will understand many ways in which we all can be missionaries for Christ!

You don’t have to be in a school to participate in the Online Mission Trip. Homeschool classes, Sunday school groups, preschools, and other audiences join the trip each year! Parents with children in public school can also download and share the videos with their kids at home so they can take part in this truly unique educational experience.

LHM is already sharing materials for the Online Mission Trip online!

Visit lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips and check the Resources page. Materials on this page include:

• Printable handouts that give a preview of what students will experience in Madagascar and how they can give to support ministry outreach.

You shop. Amazon gives.

Visit

smile.amazon.com

• Video sneak peeks of the amazing footage to be shared during the Online Mission Trip.

• A complete curriculum for teachers to download and utilize in teaching about Madagascar and mission work there—plus around the globe.

As you explore these materials, share them with others you know through social media, email, printed materials, and word of mouth. You can help others get excited about the Online Mission Trip to Madagascar!

If you know educators and parents who would be interested in this oneof-a-kind opportunity, please direct them to lhm.org/onlinemissiontrips where they can sign up for this coming trip. n Brad Neathery works with philanthropic supporters of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

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The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

L

Shown on this page: participants in Ghana were of various ages.

LHM–Ghana Partners with Bible League International on Literacy Program

by Chad Fix

iteracy is an important part of sharing God’s Word. Yet, many people around the world who desperately need the Gospel struggle with reading, especially in impoverished areas of Ghana.

Literacy attainment can be difficult in many regions throughout the country. While the national average for literacy in Ghana is 58 percent, more than four out of 10 Ghanaians cannot read in any language. In order to support efforts by the government and other not-for-profit organizations to bridge the literacy gap in the country, LHM–Ghana, known locally as Lutheran Media Ministry, has recently partnered with several local organizations to increase literacy while sharing God’s Word. In July, LHM–Ghana partnered with Read for Change, an organization led by students of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, to conduct literacy training for 481 children in the Volta region. In September, LHM worked with Bible League International to organize a three-day Bible Literacy Training for individuals from Bekawopa and

Budumburam in the Central Region of the country.

The objective is for trained volunteers to teach students how to read and write in the English language through the use of the Bible. This ensures that while people of all faiths learn to read and write, they come into contact with the Word of God. The program is being piloted in rural areas of the Volta and Central Regions and will hopefully be extended to other areas of concern.

“Bible-based literacy has a powerful influence in communicating God’s Word,” says Eric Gates, LHM’s regional director for Africa and the Middle East. “Lives are transformed through learning and further exploration of the Gospel, and new opportunities for evangelism arise naturally from the excitement of learning to read God’s Word. In addition, literacy raises educational levels and living standards throughout communities.”

Gideon Yaw Acquah was among the individuals who participated in the training at St. Michael Lutheran Church, Budumburam, Sept. 13-15 after seeing several announcements promoting it. He says he did not have any initial interest in being part of the program until he was encouraged by his father to participate as a way to help him deal with his timidity and low self-confidence.

Not only did he commend the program and the skills he acquired, but he emphasized that the biblical aspect had really impacted his life and he would like to extend the knowledge to others as well. The training equipped him with teaching skills and the constant Bible references gave him the opportunity to know more Bible verses. Gideon’s participation in class improved day after day and he now looks forward to helping others with their reading and writing, vocabulary, and comprehension as a way to share the Word of God. n To learn more about LHM–Ghana, visit http://lmmgh.wordpress.com .

Chad Fix oversees the corporate communications of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

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Q A &

with JIM ARAND

He Brings More Skill to

Jim Arand, associate director of The Lutheran Hour.

The Lutheran Hour

The Lutheran Hour radio broadcast is the longest-running Christ-centered radio broadcast in the world. The program which had its kick-off on October 2, 1930, with Dr. Walter A. Maier as Speaker, was the brainchild of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, itself formed in 1917. Helping The Lutheran Hour continue its mission of reaching the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ is the associate director of the program, Jim Arand. Recently, Paul Schreiber on the LHM staff visited Arand to learn about the nuts and bolts of what he does, the operation of the program, and what he sees in its future.

In your capacity as associate director, what are your main tasks, and could you explain each briefly?

“My work with the ongoing production of The Lutheran Hour includes all aspects of the program, including its syndication—i.e., maintaining continued contracts with existing stations and adding new ones along the way. Other aspects include various program components such as the Action in Ministry (AIM) segments and the Questions & Answers portion, which appears at the end of each broadcast. I also work with our syndication staff, Roy Middleton and Sharmon Perschbacher, in respect to securing airings for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ various television specials.

“The inclusion of the AIM segment has been a real boon to the broadcast. In this portion we feature professional church workers, pastors, authors, videographers, professors, and laypeople—guests who share their particular project (a booklet, Bible study, LHM program, various area of expertise) with Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, and Mark Eischer, senior producer. Online you can find it at lutheranhour.org/action.”

Has The Lutheran Hour been made stronger with the AIM segment?

What are this segment’s advantages?

“As a Christian ministry on the cusp of 100 years, we have many resources—old, new, and in between.

Many of these resources are gems we ‘rediscover’ as we search our archives for content. In sharing these with the public, AIM is a perfect tool. Following Rev. Seltz’s sermon in the broadcast, AIM gives us an opportunity to remind our audience of the numerous resources we have available, and frequently at no cost to acquire. Our listeners and viewers of the program (the AIM segment is also a video clip found on our website) have responded, too. We have seen on average a ten-fold increase in interest to whatever 10

resource we offer that week. One thing I really find cool about this segment is how we look at the resources from different perspectives. Sometimes it’s the author or producer; sometimes it’s from people who have used it to better their lives or increase their outreach to others; and sometimes it’s just a reminder about the type of work made possible through the support of this ministry.”

Arand finds working in concert with Rev. Seltz one of the major benefits of his position. As for the Speaker’s suitability for the job, Arand said, “Rev. Dr. Seltz is always in demand. I don’t think a day goes by that he doesn’t receive an invitation to be part of some event or speaking engagement. Beatriz Hoppe, manager of the Office of the Speaker of The Lutheran Hour—and the one who fields these requests—can tell you that.

People love to see and hear him ‘live’ and ‘in person.’

And it’s no wonder; he’s a person with unique and abundant gifts who has dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel and living out his calling. To label him a talented speaker is an understatement. We’ve been blessed richly by his services, and his zeal for the work is contagious. Oh, and by the way, he’s fun to be around and has a great sense of humor. Our hopes are that more people will get to see this side of him, too, as we’d like to get him doing events where he’s interacting with people around the country more, possibly even recording future sermons in a ‘live’ venue in different locations.”

The Lutheran Hour might seem like a one-man show but, in reality, there are several moving parts. Can you give us an idea of how it all comes together?

“There are so many people involved in the program. Beyond Rev. Seltz and Rev. Ken Klaus, there’s a whole team that keeps the machinery chugging along, each with an important role. On-air is our long-time producer Mark Eischer—the announcer’s voice on The Lutheran Hour. There are guests

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

for the AIM segments, audio engineers, videographers, producers, website folks, marketing staff, our response center, the mailroom, the folks in syndication, and other logistical staff, and these are just the folks that pop into my head.”

Do you have a favorite story about how The Lutheran Hour has impacted someone?

“You bet. There are so many stories about that, and some are quite amazing. Letters we get from the incarcerated are particularly moving. A couple years ago we visited a prison and got a firsthand view of what it can be like behind bars. The isolation these people endure was clearly evident. It’s a rough existence. I understand why they need to be there … yet, some of the letters we receive from inmates tell us how the program and resources have made a difference in their lives. They’re pretty remarkable! It reminds me of the robber at Calvary. He was punished for his actions, alongside the sinless Christ—and yet, in spite of the robber’s crimes, he was forgiven and promised paradise, and it’s the same paradise promised to all who believe. That’s what The Lutheran Hour is all about: sharing that message of certain hope we have in Jesus. The bottom line is we’re all a mess, and we desperately need Christ’s forgiveness and hope. If you have a story to share, you can reach us at 1-800-876-9880.”

What do you like most about your job?

“The best part of my job is seeing how God has everything under control. That might sound like a canned answer from someone who works for LHM, but we get glimpses from time to time of how He is completely in control, making things work out.

It’s easy to overlook the goodness and blessing He provides, but when things happen that are way too coincidental, I just smile and know WHO is really in charge.” n

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

ON THE MOVE

Phil Johnson Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

Don’t Confuse Medium with Message Phil Johnson

Over the decades, new technology has advanced and the Gospel goes right along.

F

ive hundred years ago a new technology, the movable-type printing press, revolutionized communication by making information readily available to many people. The Protestant Reformation took advantage of this new technology, making the good news of salvation by “Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone” accessible to people in their own language.

One hundred years ago radio was a relatively new method of communicating the human voice through the air so that it could be heard by people miles away. The International Lutheran Laymen’s League, through the efforts of Dr. Walter A. Maier, was one of the very first to use this groundbreaking new technology to proclaim the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ to people all across our country and around the world.

A few short years later television provided an entirely new form of communication and, true to form, The Lutheran Hour tested this new technology to introduce people to the Lord.

Now we find ourselves in a new digital age where communication instantly reaches around the world and information is stored for others to access anytime, anyplace. Once more LHM is seeking ways to

harness this new technology for the Good News.

The medium of communication has changed, but the message remains timeless. In Colossians 4:2-6 the apostle Paul provides believers some insights in gospel communication—regardless of the medium. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward those outside the faith, making the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Paul calls on us to devote ourselves to prayer, since we are helpless in our evangelistic efforts without the guidance, direction, wisdom, and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. Kneeling to pray, on behalf of ourselves or in support of others, reminds us of our need to trust in God’s love to guide and empower our efforts.

Paul reminds us that we are loved by God, and that God’s love leads to action—the greatest of which was offering the life of His only Son to bring new life.

Paul calls on believers to translate the love they have

been given into actions that serve others, especially those who don’t know Jesus. Loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind and loving others in His Name is how we make the most of every opportunity God gives us.

Finally, Paul calls us to season our speech with salt. Salt can be a preservative, can add flavor, but also makes people thirsty. As we learn salty speech, we make people thirsty for the Living Water only Jesus can provide. Translating God’s love into words points others to the source of life and love.

God continues to bless us with new technology.

The medium continues to change, but the message never does. Pray for those who serve others through Lutheran Hour Ministries, that they may proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly and effectively. Pray for those who bring the message across ethnic or cultural boundaries in the United States and around the world. Pray for one another that in everyday life we remain watchful, thankful, wise, grace-full in our actions and salty in our speech so that regardless of the medium, whether over the airwaves, the Internet or your own backyard fence, our shared efforts remain focused on Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church! n

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

11

Seminars Reach Youth in Kazakhstan

by Chad Fix Many countries have a “population bulge” of younger people. In fact, more than 50 percent of the world’s population is under age 25.

This emerging global youth culture is connected in ways unimagined by their parents, and has been called “another unreached people group.” Lutheran Hour Ministries recognizes that this growing population is in need of the life-giving message of hope in Christ Jesus.

Lutheran Hour Ministries–Kazakhstan is fulfilling this strategic priority by reaching hundreds of children and teens in recent months through the seminar titled “I Am Unique” at churches in key locations. The seminar addresses topics of concern to attendees.

Answers for life are provided from a Christian perspective while teaching spiritual truth and Christian values. Many participants are not familiar with Christianity, so the seminar is drawing unbelieving children and teenagers to church while introducing them to the ministry center’s Bible courses.

Each seminar includes games, songs, and crafts that appeal to children of different ages and nationalities.

This unites them in new

Smiles reflect the Gospel’s impact friendships. LHM–Kazakhstan staff distributes its booklets, coloring books, lessons, and other printed materials while offering information about its Internet lessons. Attendees are invited to join the ministry’s social networking group, “V contacte,” to continue the conversation.

“The children and teenagers who have come to the meetings have been very active. We were glad to lead them in very spirited discussions,” says the director of LHM–Kazakhstan. “Discussions have brought forward many spiritual and social subjects. Of course, attendees love being able to create exclusive crafts and meet new friends!”

The seminar also interested parents. Many mothers and grandparents listened and some of the adults even participated in master classes to learn more about parenting skills. After the children and parents went home, ministry staff talked with the pastor and Sunday school teachers of each host church about future cooperation and joint activities. n

Please keep the efforts of LHM–Kazakhstan in your prayers.

For more details, visit lhmkazakhstan.wordpress.com.

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The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

RightNow Media Carries Your LHM Video Resources

‘Tis the Season to Give the Gospel

Armed with just a username and password, Lutheran Hour Ministries’ video resources— along with materials from numerous other faith-based organizations—can be accessed by individuals at a single online location. Calling itself “Netflix Videographers for the church,” RightNow Media at rightnowmedia.org has capture com“over 5,000 videos from more than 150 leading Christian pub- ments from lishers and ministries” such as Max Lucado, Bill Hybels, Veg- Dr. Paul Maier gie Tales, Dave Ramsey, Matt Chandler, Lisa Harper, Francis and others Chan, David Platt—and now, 15 titles from LHM. RightNow for RightNow Media also produces its own videos. Taken together, its video Media. catalog allows individuals to customize a video Bible study library for themselves and their families.

RightNow Media offers its subscriptions primarily through churches, with some 10,000 congregations and other organizations currently signed up. Here’s how it works: for a monthly fee based on church membership size, a congregation sets up an account—and pays the fee. Thereafter, church members can access and use RightNow Media’s resources, in effect, for free. At present, RightNow Media offers plans for churches with memberships ranging from under 100 to more than 5,000.

With an intention of equipping families, resourcing groups, and developing leaders, RightNow Media‘s video resources can be accessed on a TV, com- As more people stream content to their TVs, puter, phone, or any phones and tablets, it’s vital that we play in mobile device. This makes its resourc- this digital realm, just as we used new media es ready for instant years ago in radio and television, and as we streaming to men’s and women’s groups, do on our own website and social media...

Bible study classes, youth fellowships, school classrooms, and individuals— wherever they may be—at home or on the road.

“Being on RightNow Media for churches and RightNow Media @ Work for businesses, gives LHM yet another digital channel to share the Gospel of Christ to people when they need it and where they want to view it,” says Ken Ohlemeyer, director of Marketing and Creative Services for LHM. “As more people stream content to their TVs, phones, and tablets, it’s vital that we play in this digital realm, just as we used new media years ago in radio and television, and as we do on our own website and social media. RightNow allows us to reach people who may be unfamiliar with LHM and help bring Christ to the nations. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this ministry.”

If you are interested in signing up and viewing RightNow Media’s vast library of video resources, contact your local pastor or administrator and ask them to check it out. Your place of worship or place of business may purchase a membership and offer it to parishioners and employees. n

“

“

REJOICE IN 100 YEARS OF MISSION AND MINISTRY

with this inspirational book highlighting Lutheran Hour Ministries’ rich history of Gospel proclamation. This publication includes uplifting messages of faith and a celebration of LHM’s history.

Purchase your copy of this special edition 100th anniversary book today at shoplhm.org or call 1-800-876-9880.

gr e ide at gi a! ft

It’s a clearinghouse of Biblical video resources.

For Christians, the Christmas season often leaves us feeling conflicted. We rejoice together at the celebration of our Savior’s birth and the eternal ramifications of that miraculous event. At the same time, we often cringe at the overwhelming materialism that runs throughout this season.

As you watch news reports of billions spent on Christmas gifts, it’s impossible not to wonder how some of the resources that God has blessed us with could be put to other use. Lutheran Hour Ministries humbly asks you to consider giving to something eternal this Christmas —the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Every day, God is working through LHM to change lives with the Gospel in the U.S. and worldwide. In 2016, the Lord blessed LHM’s ministry impact to reach more than 56 million souls every week! As 2016 comes to an end, you can support this mission to proclaim the Good News to all who would hear.

You can consider making a gift in one of the following ways: 1. Support a matching gift campaign. Lutheran Hour Ministries is blessed to have generous donors who match every dollar given by donors like you at special times of the year. You can respond to these limited-time opportunities online and through the mail.

2. Give online anytime by clicking the donate button anywhere on lhm.org and lutheranhour.org.

3. Consider making a Christmas gift to Lutheran Hour Ministries in honor of a special friend or family member. What a wonderful way to keep Christ in your gift giving this year!

4. Support ministry through a charitable rollover from your IRA. Or consider other giving options which allow you to impact ministry while providing for family and reducing your tax burden! Find out more at lhm.org/giftplan.

Our prayer is that you would partner with Lutheran Hour Ministries, your church, and other Christian organizations to help the Gospel be shared this Christmas and throughout the year. Billions need to hear the message of a Savior who is more valuable and precious than all the wealth of this world. Please help share that life-changing message with a world in need. n

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

13

Woman’s Journey to Faith Began with a Song on the Radio

by Chad Fix

Ngam is a 25-year-old housewife living in the Tak Province of Thailand. As she listened to the radio while watching her two children, she searched the channels to find an interesting program.

When she came upon a local community broadcast, she heard a song she liked. She paused to listen. When the song finished, she continued to listen and was intrigued by the message. It was on Encouragement for You, a program produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries–Thailand.

As she listened, she felt less stressed and more positive. The speaker talked about Jesus, but Ngam had no idea who Jesus is. Then she heard about LHM–Thailand’s Bible Correspondence Course and applied to participate. Ngam has already finished the first course and is beginning to study the first lesson in the second course.

The LHM–Thailand team spoke to the woman and introduced her to a church in Tak Province. She has started worshiping at the church and says she is very happy to be introduced to God. “The course is helping me get to know God and how to follow Him,” she says. “I’m very thankful to your ministry for preparing such good materials.”

Ngam is being nurtured by the church and is preparing to be

baptized. She is asking for prayers to continue learning and understanding more about Jesus so she can follow Him closely. She prays that her family will get to know God, too.

Radio programming is one of the main forms of ministry that LHM–Thailand uses to share the Good News of Christ among the 99 percent of the population that has not heard about their Savior. Radio is the media that can reach countless people for the Lord. In addition to Encouragement for You, LHM–Thailand broadcasts several other programs every day on two commercial radio stations and 15 free community radio stations around the country. Each program has been effective in touching the hearts of people like Ngam with the Good News of God’s love. n

To learn more, visit the blog: http://lhmthailand.wordpress.com .

Thanks to your prayerful support, God’s Word of life in Christ is reaching people in places like Thailand

This scene from Thailand shows the importance of radio broadcast in that land.

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The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

Classic Episodes of

This is the Life Now Available

by Paul Schreiber

J

ust released this October is a two-DVD set of This Each episode In “Undertow,” Harry (David Ogden Stiers—Mais the Life. Born during the “Golden Age” of TV jor Charles Emerson Winchester III in M*A*S*H) is a is introduced and in the 1950s and 1960s, this compilation package father wracked with grief and bent on revenge. Los- capped with comfeatures nine programs that highlight the solid sto- ing his daughter in an ocean drowning, he blames mentary from Rev. rytelling and acting that made this program a televi- lifeguard Jim (Gil Peterson), who warned him about Dr. Gregory Seltz, sion staple for more than 30 years. allowing his daughter to swim in dangerous condi- Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. In his comments he For those fortunate viewers who watched the tions. Overcome by loss he turns his anger on Jim offers interesting tidbits and little-known details on program when it originally aired on TV, they’ll re- who’s grappling with his own fatal mistake—one the actors and directors involved in the production member a host of actors and actresses who went that likely caused the death of his wife a year earlier. of This is the Life. He closes each episode with a on to notable careers on TV, stage, and film: Ron In “The Flames of Hate” Betty Blackwood (Angie brief message that highlights God doing His work in Mazak, Kathy Garver, Henry Darrow, Joan Pringle, Dickinson) is stuck between the man she loves, Art the lives of ordinary people. Shot on Hollywood sets James Hong, and Karen Valentine, to name a few. (Ed Kemmer), and her obsessive father Nate (Edgar and backlots, these episode additions were filmed For this two-DVD set some of television’s biggest Dearing). With Nate’s opinion of Art putting him by Hollywood Impact Studios (HIS), a mentoring stars have been selected. Here you’ll see Daniel Tra- on the low end of the scale—somewhere between organization founded by Gary and Cyndi Hall. It vanti (Hill Street Blues), Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek), womanizer and deadbeat—there appears to be no works with inmates in the Los Angeles County Jail Angie Dickinson (Police Woman), Jack Nicholson (A chance of reconciliation, but it’s Betty and Art’s system, training incarcerated men in television and Few Good Men), and Mike Farrell (M*A*S*H). And elopement that fulfills Nate’s worst nightmare and film production. who can forget Pastor Martin (Nelson Leigh), the with that, he cuts them off completely.

You can get your fix of classic TV from Luthercleric who offered inspired wisdom in just the right an Hour Ministries in two ways: (1) This is the doses in a number of episodes?

Life: Classics on DVD for $34.95. This Here’s a sample of what you’ll includes nine episodes—each feaAngie Dickinson Jack Nicholson find in this DVD set. In “The turing stories of God’s extraordinary Missing Ingredient” Bob (Jack love in action in the lives of ordinary Nicholson) and his fiancée Lynn people, (2) This is the Life: Classics (Susan Crane) are planning Deluxe DVD set for $39.95. This optheir wedding. There’s a probtion includes the nine episodes plus a lem, however. Lynn’s parents’ bonus CD disc with 12 behind-themarriage is coming apart at the scenes photos, small-group discussion seams. After she overhears her sheets, PDFs of the TV scripts, promofolks’ plan to separate, she wontional video, and more. ders about tying the knot with You can select from these two offers Bob and what it is that keeps two by going here: lhm.org/classics. n people together when the going gets rough.

Leonard Nimoy

David Ogden Stiers

The Fisher Family

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

15

Accurate Views of the Reformation

by Gerald Perschbacher

R

eady for the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in 2017? If not, then increase your knowledge and wit by tapping several resources.

Since the Reformation and Martin Luther have been hot topics over many years, some legendary aspects of long-ago events have almost been accepted as historically accurate. You may want to know the in-depth scoop on some of those factors.

Who were some of the important folks active in early Reformation thinking? Lives & Writing of the Great Fathers of the Lutheran Church is a softbound book (320 pages) compiled by editor Timothy Schmeling (Concordia Publishing House; 1-800325-3040 www.cph.org). More than a dozen writers’ entries on 21 significant men in that religious movement bring forward some names you may not have known but who carried the Reformation forward by God’s grace: Hunnius, Nicolai, Dedekenn, Hutter, Dietrich, Rudbeckius, and Quenstedt, to name several.

Aegidius Hunnius was born in 1550, shortly after Martin Luther passed to heavenly glory. His impact as a Christ-centered theologian was felt in German Hesse as Hunnius promoted the omnipresence of Christ’s human nature. He was under fire for his stern defense of Christ amid the political uncertainty that gripped his region. Eventually he was called to the University of Wittenberg “to restore the orthodoxy of the land.” His rise in influence catapulted him to supervisory roles, he engaged in important debates based on Scriptures, and was seen as one of the main second-generation leaders of the Reformation.

What the Lord started through Martin Luther was to continue through others in later generations.

Those key people advanced the Cause of Christ as Reformation thinking embraced more hearts in their generation and in those that followed. It is not unrealistic to think that had it not been for those dedicated theologians, the Lutheran Reformation may

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The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

have been a one-shot event of short term. But it was men like Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608) who helped to keep the impact going and growing in the north Rhineland (Westphalia). He faced military threats, the loss of salary, and reduction in his freedom to speak and preach but persevered due to the necessity of promoting a clear Gospel. He eventually made Hamburg his base of operations since the area was in much need of his orthodox devotion.

The section on Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) applauds his “insistence upon pure doctrine as well as his persistent polemics,” thus reflecting what some contemporaries called “the third man of the Reformation after Luther and Chemnitz.” To show the admiration which came his way, his epitaph simply stated: “Here lies Piety, Honesty, Sincerity, and Johann Gerhard. Such praise befits him, and that is enough.”

All of that was long ago. So, how has the Reformation continued to make an impact? A book from WCC Publications is named Reformation – Legacy and Future and was edited by Petra Bosse-Huber, Serge Fornerod, Thies Gundlach, and Gottfried Locher (333 pages, softbound). The book was issued by the World Council of Churches in Switzerland (www.oikoumene.org) and draws on papers and presentations at a jubilee congress revisiting the Reformation from its formative years on up. Four parts of the book deal with the theological foundation and legacy of the Reformation, then comes a section on opportunities and limitations “for today with respect to different contexts or dialogue partners of the jubilee” relating to social and national issues and how well the messages are hitting their targets. Finally, assessments and retrospectives of the congress round out the work “especially from the standpoint of Free Churches and the radical wing of the Reformation.”

Lord Rowan Douglas Williams (former archbishop of Canterbury) said this: “The Reformation affirmed

the absolute difference of created and infinite action; its consistent emphasis on the sovereignty of God … second, the Reformation established the principle that Scripture was not only a source for true teaching and for illustrative clarification of that teaching but also a critical presence in the church … (third) that the church was first and foremost the assembly of a people, not of rulers and subjects ...” Later, General Secretary Olaf Fykse Tveit of the World Council of Churches based in Geneva, added, “The recovery of the Bible as a primary source of authority is one of the great legacies of the Reformation to be affirmed ecumenically …, ‘All Christians share the conviction that the Scripture is normative’” (page 89).

Another book from CPH is The Real Luther, A Friar at Erfurt & Wittenberg by Franz Posset (195 softbound pages, subtitled: Exploring Luther’s Life with Melanchthon as Guide). The author provided results from research on how legendary aspects have grown around the facts of Reformation events. Then he said, “Luther’s public persona was wide-spread, but one did not have to be a convinced Lutheran to see saintly qualities in Luther. Being reform-minded, conservative Catholics may have welcomed the Luther of 1520. Some in 1520 even saw in Luther “the Apostle and Savior of Germany” (page 34). Later he remarked, “Luther was not a loner or a constantly depressed introvert. He always was in conversation with fellow friars” (page 94).

Posset began by investigating the truth of Reformation perceptions and legends. A professor of German literature may see Luther one way while a German “Marxist before the fall of the Berlin Wall

probably did not see the same Luther that as Catholic saw who came of age after the Second Vatican Council” (preface, xi). The Saint Bernard “renaissance” around 1500 had a deep impact on Luther’s views “on salvation by grace alone and on consolation” (page 2). The book asserts that Luther “did not use the title ‘Reformer’(reformator) for himself” and that Luther said the Church is in need of a reformation, “but that it is not something to be undertaken by human beings, but by God alone”; then a scant six years later, Luther “spoke of ‘reform’ in a letter of 1534. He claims that he has done more reforming with his Gospel than five councils” (pages 7 & 8).

Interestingly, the first known pictorial rendition of the Posting of the 95 Theses “surfaced only around 1700. A 1750 image of Luther’s nailing is known from an anonymous Austrian artist in the form of an ivory plaque” (page 10).

Then comes an intriguing truth on the next page: “… the commemoration of the Reformation was celebrated up to the 19th century not on the 31st of October, but on the 25th of June which is the date of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession, i.e., the celebration in the south German territories … the idea that the ‘Posting’ was not always understood as the decisive event that would call for celebration.”

In quoting Melanchthon, the right-hand contemporary co-worker of Luther, Posset cited these words: Luther “wanted us to hear the [original] voice of God itself, and through it he wanted true faith and prayer to be kindled in many, so that God would be truly worshipped and that many would be inheritors of eternal life” (page 168).

As the pre-anniversary interest in the Reformation gets off the ground, Paul L. Maier and R.C. Linnenkugel offer a new abridged and edited (with commentary) version of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (originally by John Foxe, 1570 version), Kregel Publications, 2450 Oak Industrial Dr., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505-6020 (www.kregel.com). In effect, the history of the Church was already marked by numerous martyrdoms many years before Luther entered the scene. Even for England and Foxe, the idea of the Reformation played a notable role. “For the last decade of his life, Foxe was preoccupied with ministering to the pastoral needs of the godly and the conversion of those who had not embraced Protestant Christianity” (introduction, page 19).

Beginning with the Biblical Stephen in Acts, the book tracks the torture and elimination of great men of faith and those who caused their demise. Various European cultures were involved in inflicting martyrdom, sometimes for impure political or selfish motives. The target of oppression centered on a wide range of people: St. Hildegard, a nun and prophetess in the year 1146; Peter Waldo (c. 1140-1218) and the Waldensians; the Albigensian Crusade; persecution by Turks; and lesser known personages such as minister M. Peter Spengler who met his end in a 1525 drowning. He was “a vigilant minister, a man very well learned in Scripture. Of a good name, known for living a godly and blameless life, having for a long time faithfully done his office and duty” (page 234).

More than half of the book’s 436 pages relate to the Reformation period and the persecution of its followers, including Luther. Through the book we see how dangerous the era was and how Luther himself walked a very thin rope over the canyon of martyrdom.

While working on the new book, Dr. Maier was haunted by the horrific violence of the reports, so much so that he addressed recent letters of appeal to

Sample illustration from Foxes Book of Martyrs showing Jerome of Prague burning at the stake.

Pope Francis and to Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, asking for them to issue apologies for all Christians martyred by both of their institutions. Maier noted, “Obviously you can’t expect apologies from innocents for mistakes of their predecessors, but this does happen when great institutions are involved.” Maier concluded with this comment to the present Pope: “When … you took the courageous step of apologizing to the Waldensian Christians for the persecutions inflicted on them across the centuries, I wondered then if, guided by the Spirit of God, you might … go on to include also subsequent Protestant church bodies in a broadened, general apology for the martyrdoms inflicted on those fellow Christians.” If such a statement were issued, Maier said it “could forever endear your papacy to Christians throughout the world and secure for Your Holiness an indelibly laudable place in history.” n Dr. Gerald Perschbacher serves as editor of The Lutheran Layman and manages the LHM Research Center Archives.

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

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Seasonal Devotions May Be Passed Along for Outreach

The enthusiasm Christians experience during the holidays of Christmas and Easter can be contagious—or at least it should be. While each holiday has commercial and secular trappings that put people in a feel-good frame of mind, what about the deeper meaning behind these two main events in the lives of believers? How do we convey that Christmas and Easter are more than twinkling lights, presents, and an oversized bunny with colored eggs?

For years Lutheran Hour Ministries has produced and distributed Advent and Lenten devotions to mark these milestones in the church year. With their annual appearance, the savvy believer realizes he or she has been given a great resource to share Jesus with others. With availability as a printed document (including a large-font text), an audio file, an e-mail subscription, or just reading and listening to them online, it’s easy to pass along God’s message of love and hope to others.

Connecting with the reader is vital. For instance, in Christmas Memories, stories of childhood and growing up—including the giddy thrill of Christmas gifts—are paired with commentary from Luke 1-2 and the impact the Savior’s birth had on those closest to the events.

“As a child I had no problem going to church Christmas Eve because I knew the presents wouldn’t come before midnight. My problem came Christmas morning, after opening our presents and playing with them, then to have to go to church again.

Obviously, at that time presents were the biggest part of Christmas to me.”

“Did Zechariah (John the Baptist’s father) have that same problem? After all, he had been silent nine months, and finally got his speech back. If it was you, what is the first thing you would talk about? Wouldn’t it be your child—the one you had waited and prayed about for so long?”

This devotion closes with what should be our real focus during Christmas: speaking truth to the hearts of those who long to hear what Christmas is all about. The reader is reminded that …

“There’s even more to the story. Not only has the Christ Child come to live with us, He has come to redeem or ransom us—to buy us back from our slavery to sin, death, and hell. Zechariah spoke of the ransom payment that still lay more than 30 18

by Paul Schreiber

years in the future. It was then when Jesus would be nailed to a cross, on a hill outside of Jerusalem. It is there He will give His life to free us from God’s wrath and the eternal punishment of hell that we deserve.”

In turn, this truth points directly to Lent and Easter morning, when the Baby born in Bethlehem is no longer living with His parents. Instead, He’s criss-crossing the Judean countryside, guiding the lost and displaced, speaking to and befriending sinners, liberating the diseased from their afflictions, and heading straight to the cross—upon which He would die for our sins.

Here then is where LHM’s Lenten devotions, From the Cradle to the Empty Grave, pick up the rest of the story, after Jesus has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (see Isaiah 53:4).

“As they reached the tomb they found the stone rolled away. While the women are looking in, two angels appear as young men in the prime of life, wearing dazzling clothes. Immediately, the women are gripped with fear. The angels point out the folly in what these women are doing: ‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!’ Then they remind the women of Jesus’ predictions and the divine necessity behind His suffering. God’s divine love for fallen humans required Jesus’ suffering and death to remove our sins. They mention three essentials: Jesus had to be delivered into the hands of men, die by crucifixion, and rise again in glory.

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

“At these words the women remember, quickly returning to report them to the 11 apostles, and the other believers with them. Peter sets out for the tomb, stoops down to look into it, and sees with his own eyes the linen bands, empty and undisturbed.

Even with this clear evidence of Jesus’ miraculous resurrection, Peter still isn’t ready to accept it as truth. Instead, he goes away wondering exactly what has actually happened.”

Peter’s not unlike the rest of us, is he—including those we share these devotions with? Who can believe such a story—rising from the dead, saving us from our sins? To dimwitted man it’s absurd—sheer folly—but to the heart touched by the Holy Spirit it’s the greatest news in the world. This is a message worth sharing.

This is what seasonal devotions are all about.

This Advent and coming Lent take a moment to consider how you can share these devotions with others: a quick note in an e-mail with a link to the devotions; a phone text telling someone they can read and listen to them on their mobile device; making a few copies and handing them out to your Bible study group or class at school. It’s easier than you think. You can find them here: lhm.org/advent.

Using seasonal devotions in outreach can be said of LHM’s Advent meditations in Spanish as well: Desde Edén hasta Belén (“From Eden to Bethlehem”). Share them with Spanish speaking indivduals in your congregation.

An announcement in your church bulletin lets these folks know this resource is available and where to find it, which is at paraelcamino.com/adviento. n

Not only has the Christ Child come to live with us, He has come to redeem or ransom us— to buy us back from our slavery to sin, death,

and hell.

ON THE MOVE

by Kurt Buchholz President & CEO Lutheran Hour Ministries

Opportunities—and YOU

I

find myself on the sixth flight of what will be an 11-flight trip visiting LHM ministry centers and partners in Southeast Asia. As I look out the aircraft window at 35,000 feet above the ground, I am given a unique perspective from which to reflect on our world today. From this vantage point I cannot observe the movements of everyday life, nor can I perceive the emotions guiding people’s minds and actions. What I do gain is a broader perspective of this world and its interconnectedness: the ease of transportation, communication, and access to vast stores of information.

I am struck by the opportunities this present-day reality provides for bearing witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a global population searching for something they cannot even put into words.

This trip is bookended by two very special events. The first is the ribbon cutting for the grand opening ceremony of the LHM–Laos ministry center, beginning Gospel proclamation media work through a national staff to a majority non-Christian country and supporting a budding Christian church presence. The second event is a celebration in honor of LHM–Australia’s 70th anniversary.

The first of these events speaks to the continual drive of those who spur LHM forward to seek to reach even one more soul with the message of salvation. I am constantly encouraged, motivated, and challenged by the members and supporters who will not rest until every person has the opportunity to hear the Gospel in an understandable way. The second event speaks to the rich heritage of mission and ministry from those who came before us, whose work to this day is continued and blessed with significant eternal harvest.

I sit at the feet of those God has called to His service throughout Southeast Asia and am enthralled hearing the stories of how the Word of God, shared through His witnesses, changed their lives for eternity and called them to proclaim Christ’s Name, even where it is not safe to do so. Whether that person is a pastor and wife who adopted 20 children in addition to their own, or a young man who came to faith after seeing Christians save his sister from human trafficking and prostitution, it is clear to see that God’s plan of salvation will not be hampered by those who oppose Him. This is also a time for perspective on the mission that God calls us to be Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. We live in a time where Gospel proclamation can be expanded in massive and immediate ways, in North America and throughout our global home. Lutheran

Hour Ministries has proven models and the ministry staff who know how to make deep impact with the Gospel. This impact is carried forward through a strong foundation of members (like you!) who pray, support, and push LHM to be good stewards of the message entrusted to us.

But still the opportunities outpace the harvest workers. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2), Is God calling on your heart to make these Gospel opportunities a reality?

Is there someone you know who needs to join the LHM movement? Has God blessed you with the ability to make a transformational impact now or through your estate? Ultimately, I don’t know where the necessary resources will come from, but I know that God has already placed these resources where needed so that His work will not lack.

Please pray for God’s discernment in your life and contact LHM to see how you can be part of reaching into every nation with the message for salvation. We will help you explore the giving options and methods that work best for you and your family. There is no limit to what God can do as we follow His perspective to reach a world in need. n

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Officials from LHM ministry centers around the world attended the event.

Believers do not boast in themselves, but boast in the Lord, Seltz told the crowd.

The importance of creative sharing Word was a strong point made by

A Century of God’s Blessings with an Eye on the Future

by Chad Fix

In 1917, a visionary group of 12 men at a convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Milwaukee met to settle a $100,000 debt (over 2 million in today’s buying power) by the church body. They accomplished that goal, and in the process formed the Lutheran Laymen’s League. But that was just the beginning of a story that now approaches 100 years in the making.

“These men retired a debt, but I don’t think that was the only thing they intended to do,” said Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. “Why did they retire the debt? They didn’t want Christ’s message to die. They wanted that message to be publicly proclaimed and went out church to church to raise the resources so that the message would not be silenced.”

“The strength of this organization has always been the called, equipped, and SENT

up of presenters included Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus, people,” added LHM President & CEO Kurt Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour; Rev. Buchholz. “These individuals took ownerMatt Popovits, pastor of Our Saviour New York, ship of the mission of Jesus Christ by coming a family of parishes in Manhattan and Queens; together to find new ways to move forward Rev. Greg Finke, author of the book Joinwith Gospel proclamation.” ing Jesus on His Mission and founder/ The vibrant history of laThere are people executive director of the Dwelling 1:14 ity-driven ministry and the bold vision for future shar- within 50 yards of nonprofit ministry; Cindy Steinbeck, a ing of the Gospel were where you live … retired director of Christian education common themes as around 900 within 50 feet of in the LCMS who now owns and opparticipated in the centeani- where you work erates Steinbeck Vineyards and Winal kickoff that began at Union … and within five ery; and Rev. Mike Newman, mission and ministry facilitator for the Texas Station in St. Louis, Oct. 21-23, feet of your grand- District of the LCMS. Each presenter to help the International Lutheran Laymen’s League / Lutheran kids at school who challenged, energized, and equipped attendees with the tools and encourageHour Ministries kick off its cel- don’t know Jesus. ment to put their faith into action. ebration of 100 years of mission “Twenty percent of the unchurched and ministry. The weekend in America today do not even know one Chrishighlighted many blessings that God has betian,” said Finke. “There are people within stowed on LHM, including volun50 yards of where you live … within 50 feet of teers, leadership, staff, and radio where you work … and within five feet of your hosts; the impact of the This is the grandkids at school who don’t know Jesus.”

Life television program through the “Your neighbor has changed, but the remedy eyes of producer Dr. Ardon Albrecht has not,” said Popovits. “Throughout this minand Hollywood television executive istry’s history, faithful men and women have Gary Hall; and a chance for attendembraced technology to love their neighbor ees to visit with LHM ministry cenand get into their ears and hearts. This is how ter representatives from more than we must share the Gospel today. We must be 30 nations to learn about culturally creative, innovative, and understanding of the relevant outreach efforts used by needs of our new neighbors. The more things each center. change—the more they stay the same.”

Besides Seltz, the dynamic lineAttendees also heard powerful motivators for getting out of their comfort zones to reFrom left: Hall, Albrecht, and (see page 24) Seltz eyed the future potential for revitalized outreach on TV.

“

”

photos by Dr. Gerald Perschbacher 20

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

g of God’s Popovits.

Buchholz thanked past and present supporters and encouraged prayers for LHM’s active endeavors internationally.

LHM SUNDAY is

February 5, 2017!

Phyllis Wallace made a special appearance at the conference.

Partner with us as we continue the celebration of our 100th year of ministry by holding an LHM Sunday in your church!

Women of the LWML enjoyed fellowship as they offered words of encouragement to the LLL/LHM.

Log on for more information, to download resources, or to order your materials today!

Finke: “Twenty percent of the unchurched today do not even know one Christian.”

WWW.LHM.ORG/LHMSUNDAY The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

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Third ‘Luther’ Production to Come Next Year

by Paul Schreiber

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s the 500th anniversary of the Reforma- Church on a number of tion draws closer, A Man Named Martin these issues that signifi– Part Three: The Movement will complete cantly accelerated the the Martin Luther trilogy. If previous sales Reformation. While Luof parts one and two are indicators, sales of the ther’s act of nailing the third installment will be brisk. The timeliness of 95 Theses to the church the first two Bible studies makes them ideal for door at Wittenberg may groups studying the unfolding drama of the Ref- have been the spark in ormation and the key figures behind it. What’s the tinderbox, there are evident in each study is the determined German many other individuals friar’s tenacious grit and determination as he who played key roles in was driven to know more of God’s grace and to the advance and ultimate success of the Reformatake that knowledge to the people.

By way of recap, here is a brief reminder of the tion as well. This was first two parts. In A Man Named Martin – Part 1: recently observed by a The Man viewers saw how Luther was a person of retired pastor from Masextraordinary talents matched with a spiritual fer- sachusetts.

“Sometimes in the church’s presentation of Luvor and courage that did not blink. Forging ahead through public ridicule and even death threats, ther and the Reformation, Martin Luther is prehe questioned the practice and authority of the sented as a ‘Clark Kent – Superman’ of his era, late Medieval Church. It was his Spirit-inspired when in essence it was the supporting cast (both grasp of God’s justification of sinners through pros and cons), and the events of the day, which faith in the Savior that kept him pressing on, un- gave it power. It is an example of God acting in shackled as it were, from the chains that formerly mysterious ways, using friend and foe, sinner and saint, to achieve what we refer to as held him captive.

God’s will.”

You can find out The medieval religious milieu Viewers of Parts One and Two and of Luther’s day conflicted with more about the first those who watch the third installment, his spiritual convictions on sevtwo Martin Luther coming in 2017—A Man Named Mareral fronts, especially when those tin – Part Three: The Movement—will Bible studies as convictions looked like they might challenge the status quo. well as all the other see that Luther was a remarkable man, pushing hard, often through physical “If I had to describe Luther in one studies Lutheran ailments to get his work done. “One word it would be ‘courageous,’” of the things I found in my research Hour Ministries said Jim Likens, video director and writer for LHM. “He stood produces by going to that overwhelmed me was the amount of physical suffering he went through up to the Pope, Emperor Charles V, other radical theologians, and www.lhm.org/studies. in his later years: digestive problems, kidney stones, ulcers on his legs, metfellow professors. Though he thought he might die when he went to the Diet of abolic disorders, and more. And yet, he kept writWorms, he still went. I think he was a lot like St. ing and building the church,” Likens said.

When asked what he thought would be some Paul who wrote to the Philippians, ‘For to me to big-picture takeaways viewers would get from this live is Christ, and to die is gain.’”

The errant teachings and traditions of the trilogy, Likens offered four points: “One, when late Medieval Church are brought into focus In Luther’s fear of God was changed by the Gospel, A Man Named Martin—Part Two: The Moment. Luther lost his fear of men. Two, there was nothIt was Luther’s decision to debate the Catholic ing more important to him than the Gospel and a

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The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

right understanding of the Bible. Three, society was held as a prisoner, chained to the church for its salvation, and Luther shattered those chains.

Four, the Reformation was more than a moment in Germany; it became a movement that changed Western Civilization.”

This last point was echoed by Jim Burcke, LHM’s video production manager: “I don’t think people realize the impact the Reformation has had on so many different areas of modern society.

From politics to education, the results of Luther and the Reformation laid the groundwork we take for granted today. Something as simple as having the Bible in our own language was unthinkable before the Reformation.”

Luther and others who were instrumental in the Reformation set the wheels in motion on something none of them could have seen at the time. “When the Wright brothers first flew their airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, I am sure they could not envision how they would change the world,” said Likens. “The Wright Flyer seems so simple by today’s standards, but it flew. Sometime after posting his 95 Theses, Luther would say, ‘I would never have thought that such a storm would rise from Rome over one simple scrap of paper....’” In 2017 A Man Named Martin – Part Three: The Movement will show viewers just how big that storm would become. n

Support a Special Partnership to Proclaim the Gospel

by Brad Neathery Lutheran Hour Ministries traces its origin to 1917, when the United States was considered an overwhelmingly Christian nation with a deeply embedded spiritual culture. While the U.S. is still a Christian nation, it is now also considered one of the fastest-growing global mission fields.

This seeming contradiction can leave us wondering “How can this be?” The fact is that the majority of people in America still identify as Christian, but growing numbers have drifted away from active practice or expression of their faith. The numbers of Americans who identify with no faith group at all continues to grow as well. This shift in religious practice and belief is happening across all generations.

However, the movement is most apparent in younger generations such as Generation X and Millennials.

Many agree that America is at a critical point in history as more people than ever have become disconnected from God and His teachings. Yet these disillusioned generations still long for meaning and purpose in life and they find that the world’s answers always fall short.

Lutheran Hour Ministries fully believes that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only response to this faith epidemic. We began sharing the Gospel truth on the radio in 1930 through The Lutheran Hour.

The program continues to boldly proclaim God’s eternal Good News today, but the communications methods have evolved as the world has changed.

Today, The Lutheran Hour presents the changeless Christ through radio, podcasts, smartphone apps, lutheranhour.org, and the American Forces

Network. The Lutheran Hour also shares the Gospel in other ways through Daily Devotions, video-based Bible studies, books, live events, and more. The mission is to continue to present the timeless Gospel in a way that is impactful for individuals today.

You can help this Gospel proclamation continue into the future through a new partnership with the Lutheran Legacy Foundation (LLF). LLF has partnered with Lutheran Hour Ministries to create the endowed fund for Public Proclamation. This endowed fund has a very special purpose: to provide sustained future funding towards the enduring mission outreach of The Lutheran Hour in the United States and around the world. As Lutheran Hour Min-

istries’ public proclamation continues to evolve, this endowed fund will provide a catalyst of funding to support us in that mission.

As partners in this public proclamation mission, the Lutheran Legacy Foundation has made a very special offer for supporters of Lutheran Hour Ministries. LLF will match 40% of the first million dollars given towards the endowed fund for Public Proclamation. This will provide $400,000 in additional matching funds to help proclaim the life-saving Gospel!

The Lutheran Legacy Foundation is based in Illinois and has a mission to help plan and provide for the future of Lutheranism. LLF seeks to nurture Christian faith and values to future generations. The foundation works with individuals, churches, and organizations. Since its founding in 1953, LLF has awarded more than $30 million for Lutheran causes.

Since this special project is for an endowed fund, all supporters will automatically become members of the Hoffmann Society. The Hoffmann Society was named after Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour from 1955-1988. His life and work were a powerful example of the impact of Christian service based around publicly proclaiming the Gospel message.

Hoffmann encountered tens of millions in his life with the truth that their lives and eternities could be saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Hoffmann Society recognizes dedicated Christians who have been led to support the Lord’s work through Lutheran Hour Ministries, even after they have gone to their heavenly reward. Members of the Hoffmann Society are honoring and continuing the Gospel legacy of Dr. Hoffmann and Lutheran Hour Ministries. n

How can you support the endowed fund for Public Proclamation?

Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz

As part of this unique partnership between Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Lutheran Legacy Foundation, the endowed fund for Public Proclamation will be managed by LLF. Lutheran Hour Ministries will have unrestricted access to use these funds to support Gospel proclamation ministry. Individuals who want to support this endowment can give directly to Lutheran Hour Ministries which will process all gifts to the endowed fund with LLF. To support the endowed fund for Public Proclamation, address all checks to Lutheran Hour Ministries and write “LLF match” on the memo line. All gifts are fully tax-deductible, as allowed by law.

Do you want to sustain Gospel ministry into the future? Lutheran Hour Ministries needs your help to continue Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church. For additional information, please contact Lutheran Hour Ministries at 1-877-333-1963 or lhm-gift@lhm.org.

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A Century of God’s Blessings (from page 20) spond to God’s call and follow in the footsteps of the founding lay leaders who paved the way for the ministry we see today.

“Every one of us is called by God,” said Seltz. “LHM is here to equip and resource you to be the best you can be so that other people will come to know Jesus because they got to know you. There will be people in heaven who got to know Christ because they got to know you.”

Klaus: Keep the Klaus added: “Go out with the focus on Christ! same courage, confidence, and commitment as those who preceded you, and set an example of proclamation for those in generations coming after you. This day is your day; this moment is your moment. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”

Stay tuned to learn about other ways that LHM will celebrate this special 100-year milestone. To see more photos from the 100th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration, visit www.LHM.org/100 years. n

Surprises on Float in Pasadena As final plans are made for the coming Tournament of Roses Parade, LLL/LHM volunteers in southern California are counting the days before the Lutheran Hour Ministries Float entry rolls down the streets of Pasadena, California, while television cameras carry the event—and the Good News carried by the float—to the ends of the earth on January 2, 2017.

Promoting the message to Celebrate Jesus, the float will highlight Christ Jesus as the Founder and Perfector of our faith. A notable person will be remembered: Dr. Martin Luther, who took a major step of faith in the Reformation 500 years ago. To mark the 100th anniversary of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and to celebrate its Lutheran Hour Ministries, the 2017 float will carry two living voices from The Lutheran Hour: former Speaker Dr. Dale Meyer and Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, current Speaker. President Patti Ross of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League will be on the float, saluting her organization’s 75th anniversary.

Whether you can be there or not, you can enjoy merchandise to commemorate the event. Simply contact The Lutheran Hour Float Committee, PO Box 20044, Riverside CA 92516-0044 or go to www.petalpushers.org n 24

The Lutheran Layman November - December 2016

Clayton Andrews exemplified the Gospel heart of Christians by actively helping people in need.

Co-Founder of OGT Enters Glory

by Gerald Perschbacher

Clayton Andrews, 96, of Norfolk, Nebraska, and vice president plus CEO of Orphan Grain Train, passed to heavenly glory on September 15, the 24th anniversary date of OGT.

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ndrews’ active support of Pastor Ray Wilke’s vision to meet the physical needs of people under the now-defunct Soviet Union resulted in the launch and maturing of OGT into a volunteer organization with international impact for the Good News of Christ.

The idea of OGT found wings during the 1991-1992 Latvian residency of Dr. Wallace Schulz, then-Associate Speaker of The Lutheran Hour. Wilke, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Norfolk, saw the need of struggling Christians in Riga, Latvia, and other sites while on a mission visit to the area. His desire for ministry became contagious; Andrews soon became a major influence in the safe and efficient shipping of goods to Riga and beyond.

OGT’s early years were spent as an adjunct to Lutheran Hour Ministries. It wasn’t long before the hands-on mission movement permeated the Lutheran Laymen’s League, and branches of OGT were formed in many places throughout the United States. Today Orphan Grain Train is independent of the LLL and gives necessary help involving endless requests for food, clothing, medical supplies, and Christian-centered literature to areas struck by calamities. To date, Orphan Grain Train has made inroads into 65 countries and 28 states with more than 2,600 full shipments delivered.

Clayton Andrews dedicated his life to OGT since its start. As owner of Andrews Van Lines, he made arrangements to ship goods and general commodities worldwide. The first OGT shipment was bound for Riga and included clothes and quilts. Andrews also helped to establish and fund Hope for the Starving, LLC, which facilitates Mercy Meals and other food packing programs to benefit starving people worldwide. OGT has shipped over 10 million of such meals throughout the world. Andrews also donated several warehouses for OGT use.

When semi tractors and trailers were needed to haul OGT items, Andrews handled logistics. He supported OGT privately in many ways that most people may never know.

Andrews was preceded in death by wife Vivian and leaves behind daughters Jean and Jane, plus their families. The funeral and burial took place at Grace Lutheran, Norfolk, on September 21. For more details about Orphan Grain Train, visit www.ogt.org or write to P.O. Box 1466 Norfolk, NE 68702. OGT is a recognized service organization (RSO) of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Many shipments have been made in cooperation with Lutheran Hour Ministries, LCMS World Mission, LCMS World Relief, and other Christian ministries. n