Light shines in the darkness, and the
The
darkness has not overcome it! John 1: 1, 4-5
The Word is a gift for all – and yet many are denied. But perhaps there is a way... In an Asian country far across the ocean, three young children gather around their computer. Soon their American English conversation teacher will join them in a videoconference, where they will improve their English skills by chatting about a variety of topics – including their assigned Bible lesson for the day. The children are part of a Gospel outreach program devised by Rev. Jim Radloff, a retired Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod missionary and is part of a mission organization called 316NOW. Because it’s illegal to openly evangelize in this country (country name omitted so Rev. Radloff ’s work isn’t threatened there), having private conversations via the Internet has proven to be an excellent way to introduce unbelieving children to Jesus Christ, as well as to strengthen the faith of young believers and their parents. The classes are led by American volunteers. “Classes last for about an hour,” Rev. Radloff explained. “After an ice-breaker conversation, we move into the English portion of the lesson. For example, we might practice how, when we ask a question in English, our tone goes up at the end. Or we might practice pronouncing challenging words.” “Then we move on to our Bible lesson for the day,” added Rev. Charlie Heup, another pastor who coordinates the Bible lessons. “If we’ve been learning about creation, for example, the teachers will ask, ‘What do you think about that, how God was able to make our whole world in six 24-hour days?’ So it’s an opportunity for the children not only to learn the facts, but the Holy Spirit uses those facts to strengthen their faith in the Savior.” Rev. Radloff travels regularly to Asia to visit the program’s adult leaders (all Christians) who oversee the students. He is always sure to include LHF’s translations of the Small Catechism and A Child’s Garden of Bible Stories to give to the participants. But even more written materials are needed, and LHF is actively investigating the best ways to provide them. “Last year, we had about 50 kids in 9 different cities participating,” Rev. Radloff said. “This year, without recruiting, our enrollment has increased to somewhere between 200 and 300 children. So now we really, really need American volunteers to help teach them!” Rev. Radloff emphasized that no special skills are needed to be a 316NOW volunteer. Sunday school teachers or anyone with a heart for sharing the Gospel with children can be effective English conversation teachers. “I like to say that you can be a world missionary from your couch,” he said. As Rev. Radloff looks to the future, he and his team are excited about mission possibilities opening up in other Asian atheist and Muslim countries where governments don’t allow the Gospel to be freely shared. “It’s like an invisible Sunday school,” he said.
Just in time for Christmas:
LHF Russian study Bible brings new understanding Even for the longtime Christian, Scripture can be confusing. The catechism’s question, “What does this mean?” often comes to mind. Just in time for Christmas, LHF’s many supporters are providing a gift to the people of Russia to help them better understand God’s Word to them: a Bible with study notes. “This is something the people have been asking for for a very long time,” said Rev. Leif Camp, missionary to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia. “That this project has come to fruition is a great thing!” Previously, the study notes were available in a separate volume, which wasn’t always convenient, but inserting the study notes into the Bible layout was a monumental task. A Lutheran pastor in St. Petersburg, Rev. Mikhail Ivanov, took on the project with the help of his adult instruction class. After working all summer long (and even on Rev. Ivanov’s honeymoon!), the Bible was finished in late October. “This edition of the Russian Bible opens Scripture for thousands of Russians,” said Rev. Matthew Heise, LHF’s executive director who was on hand for the Bible distribution. “What a wonderful gift to our brothers and sisters who want to deepen their understanding of who Jesus is and what He’s done for them!”
The Word at Work
Read more at www.LHFmissions.org. For information about being a 316NOW volunteer, email Rev. Radloff at EFL@316NOW.org.
65,000 BOOKS NOW SHIPPING OUT!
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! Through your faithful support, nearly 65,000 books like Luther’s Small Catechism, Bible Stories in Pictures, The Good News About Jesus and more are now shipping from LHF’s publishing center in Bangkok, Thailand to churches in Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, India, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea and the United States. SOLI DEO GLORIA!
