The Lutheran Layman

THE

LUTHERAN L AYMAN March - April 2015

Your Partner in HIS Mission!

By Gerald Perschbacher

Dr. Paul L. Maier, son of the founding Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, places a wreath at the Maier Memorial to mark the 65th year since his father entered glory.

January 11 marked the 65th year since Dr. Walter A. Maier went to his Savior in eternal glory.

In recognition of the founding Lutheran Hour Speaker’s formative influence, a special wreath recently was placed at the site of the Maier Memorial at Our Redeemer see page 3

Photo by Gerald Perschbacher

Expanding the Legacy

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How Does LHM Fit with You?

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Keeping the Best Focus

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Start Here, Start Now!

. . . . . . . . . 12

LLL Board Candidates

. . . . . . . . 16-17

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

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speaking up

by Rev. Gregory Seltz Speaker of The Lutheran Hour

The Legacy is

Much Bigger than the

L

Man

egacies, persevering faith that lasts not just for a generation, but for generations after generations—that’s what I’m writing to you about. This issue celebrates the legacy of The Lutheran Hour through the work of our founding speaker, Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier. The legacy he wanted to leave was the public preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that all might believe and know life in His Name!

As I recently stood at Dr. Maier’s grave in St. Louis, I was reminded that we’re celebrating a man big enough to be committed to a legacy that’s bigger than any one man! His was a persevering leadership in service to a powerful message of Good News for all people!

What Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4 is so fitting. He says, “It is written: ‘I believed therefore I have spoken.’ With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence.”

That’s the spirit of the work of Walter A. Maier through The Lutheran Hour. Nothing would deter him from getting the message of Jesus “out there” where people’s souls were in need. When I read about the history of The Lutheran Hour, nothing came easy.

NBC would have nothing to do with it, would not “air it” under any circumstances or price. After The Lutheran Hour’s first and subsequent successful seasons on CBS, forces in media still were trying to snuff it out, trying to make airtime too expensive, even trying to legislate against it to ensure that “freedom of speech and religion” was for everyone but orthodox Christianity, the

L AYMAN

Gospel of Jesus for all people…none of that dissuaded Walter Maier. It only made him try harder. That “lived out” faith for others is still the foundation for Lutheran Hour Ministries today!

As we look back in this issue, we see what we’ve always seen. We see God at work through people. We see what God can do with people who know, deep in their heart, that faith IN Jesus Christ, His work on our behalf through the Cross and Resurrection, is the key to life now and forever.

That’s what drove Walter Maier. I love the story about Dr. Maier and Eleanor Roosevelt.

As it happens, in 1948, she tried to label him, diminish him as a “fanatic fundamentalist.”

In his “confidence in Christ alone” way, he replied with a sermon entitled, “You, Too, Should be a Fundamentalist!” Grace alone, Faith alone, in Christ alone! Maier was standing on a foundation that had been laid long before him, sharing a legacy that was now his privilege to share!

As we honor his legacy, let’s never forget that every generation needs to learn anew the things of God because they are marvelous, beyond compare: God who saves through a manger, through a life of perfect servanthood and holiness, through a cross of eternal just punishment, to grant life and salvation to all who believe in Him. We say, “Dr. Maier, we will not forget, and we, too, will persevere to leave that legacy to the next generation, by God’s grace!” n

your life

Every Christian life is a witness

your community Build relationships that lead to opportunities for authentic witness

your world Reach out to the nations

w w w. l h m . o r g

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

The Lutheran

Vol. 86, No. 2 March-April 2015

Dr. Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.), Editor • 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, By Kids...For Kids, JCPlayZone, Life...revised, Living for Tomorrow, This is the Life, On Main Street, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre, Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, Esta Es La Vida, Para el Camino, Woman to Woman, Family Time, Teacher to Teacher, Reaching Out and The Hoffmann Society are ® registered marks, or SM service marks. The Puzzle Club is a service mark and trademark of Int’l LLL. Copyright 2015, Int’l LLL

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

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

facebook.com/LutheranHourMinistries vimeo.com/luthhourmin @LHMglobalmin

S

TATEMENT on the 65th Anniversary of the “Passing to Glory” of Lutheran Hour Founder Dr. Walter A. Maier, on January 11, 1950.

LHM Brochures make a hit in “As much as I have admired and respected those special voices the Lord brought to the microphone, it was Dr. Walter A. Maier who most touched my life.”

from page 1 from page 1 Cemetery in suburban St. Louis, Mo. The wreath was courtesy of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Concordia Seminary professor Walter A. Maier (affectionately called WAM) captured the imagination of America by the means of radio when The Lutheran Hour launched in October of 1930. His preaching style blended solid Biblical theology with practical application and intriguing examples from the past and present.

It was a lay-driven movement that spread the Gospel on the relatively new medium of radio. The effort was expensive and risky, too. No one knew exactly where this technology was going. Also, as with many new forms of communication, it was costly to produce the program. It was the Lutheran Laymen’s League (now known as the Int’l LLL) that

shouldered the program. It still does today as the flagship of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Maier said this in the first broadcast: “In accepting the unique privilege of establishing one of the most extensive radio broadcasting chains ever supported by one church—a chain that embraces 35 stations and that extends from coast to coast—the Lutheran Laymen’s League is conscious of but one purpose, actuated by one impulse: the consuming desire to hold up the Cross of Jesus Christ to the 120 million people of our nation as the only but all-sufficient source of salvation, both spiritual and temporal.”

Those words are as true today as they were in 1930. In fact, although the sudden passing of WAM in early 1950 was a shock to leadership, listeners, and supporters, the program continued

The Maier Family appreciates how Lutheran Hour Ministries has always honored the memory of our father as founder and first speaker of this extraordinary broadcasting ministry. We sons are often asked as to what our father’s reaction would be to how the program has developed in the years since his passing in 1950. Usually we avoid such speculation, but not in this case.

Knowing our dad, we can try to extrapolate how he might have responded.

Basic, of course, would have been his gratitude that the enterprise he founded not only survived, but prospered. In the months after his death, Lutheran Hour leadership was very concerned about survival, but WAM (as he was known to friends) would never have been. He always emphasized the cause, not the personalities involved. One of his favorite slogans was: “This is only the beginning,” and so the variety in all of the expanding ministries of The Lutheran Hour, aptly shown in the name change of its sponsorship to Lutheran Hour Ministries, would deeply have excited and gratified, but not surprised him, since the roots for such future outreach had already been planted in his day, and he had unending reliance on the power of the Gospel to accomplish great things through the “miracle of radio,” as he always called it.

The Maier family shares that excitement today in noting how the program has become an international mission outreach in various forms of service and media, ranging from the (initial) Orphan Grain Train to video programs that draw astonishing audiences, to the prize-winning float in the Tournament of Roses Parade this past New Year’s Day. No organization in our LCMS is more committed to evangelism and outreach than the LLL-LHM. Walter A. Maier would be so very pleased at that and grateful to God. n — Walter A. Maier II and Paul L. Maier

its outreach into the homes, hearts, and lives of countless millions over succeeding years. What is now Lutheran Hour Ministries is a multifaceted approach bringing the Gospel to cultures and nations far beyond the borders of a single country and in ways and formats that are creatively in tune with the societies being reached.

The Lord started something through WAM. And it continued far into the future.

An early influence on a succeeding radio Speaker developed in the depression days of the see next page The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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from page 3

T

he Maier Memorial in south St. Louis County (at Our Redeemer Cemetery,

8300 Mackenzie Road) has stood boldly since its dedication in 1951: 32 ½ tons of solid granite and a life-size statue of the risen Christ whom WAM proclaimed and whom The Lutheran Hour has continued to proclaim unapologetically since its first broadcast on Oct. 2, 1930. The memorial is as fresh looking now as it was when new. It was totally financed apart from the LLL and The Lutheran Hour.

The invitation of Christ still stands in granite: “Come unto Me….” That invitation is timeless and as good now as it will be for future generations.

Dr. Paul Maier (see cover), son of the Speaker, represented his family as the wreath was positioned at the memorial on Dec. 6, 2014. Also buried at the site is Hulda Maier, wife of WAM and a spiritual pillar in her own right. Interestingly, that date would have been the 101st birthday of Dr. Oswald Hoffmann, Speaker from 1955 to 1988.

Recently, on Dec. 11, Pastor Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, visited the Maier Memorial for the first time. That marked the 65th anniversary of the last full month of WAM’s life, which abruptly concluded on Jan. 11, 1950.

Shortly before his death, WAM wrote the following in a Day by Day leaflet scheduled for the Sunday after his death. Later these words seemed prophetic: “When we believe the Gospel of Christ’s atoning death for our life; when we begin to realize that one moment in heaven is worth more than centuries on earth, we will understand that God let our Christ-dedicated dear ones meet death so that they could the longer enjoy the hallowed bliss and beauty with their Redeemer. Then, washed in the blood of the Lamb, resurrected in celestial radiance, we will know in higher knowledge that our hours of agony are ‘not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us’ (Romans 8:18), when, face to face with Jesus, the unspeakable glories of Heaven are ours.”

In 1950 Rev. Dr. John W. Behnken, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, said this upon the passing of WAM in light of The Lutheran Hour: “This great mission of the air with its precious soulsaving message must continue, yes, shall continue to the glory of God and the salvation of precious, blood-bought souls.” n For more details on the life of Walter A. Maier, consult Paul Maier’s book, A Man Spoke, a World Listened.

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

1930s. That’s when seminary student Oswald Hoffmann grew close to WAM. As a student assistant, Hoffmann helped WAM in the processing of student papers from his seminary classes. Hoffmann told this writer that he looked up to Maier for his actions, his bold proclamation, and his drive to reach as many people as possible with the Word of Salvation in Christ. These aspects made a lasting impression on that program’s future Speaker.

Dr. Kenneth Klaus, emeritus speaker of The Lutheran Hour, is quick to admit the founding speaker’s impact on his life. “Every Lutheran Hour speaker has his own style. There was the deceptively simple style of Oswald Hoffmann. Blessed with an encyclopedic memory you will work hard to find words of more than two syllables in Dr. Hoffmann’s sermons. Then there was the single season of Lawrence Acker who brought the insight of a parish pastor to the microphone. Multi-tasking Dale Meyer managed to juggle the TV show ‘On Main Street’ with The Lutheran Hour where he courageously spoke for the Savior and against those who would undermine God’s message of salvation.

“As much as I have admired and respected those special voices the Lord brought to the microphone, it was Dr. Walter A. Maier who most touched my life. Simply stated, Dr. Maier taught me how to preach. Some may find that surprising since I was only two years old when Dr. Maier was taken home to the Savior whom He had served so well. Indeed, Dr. Maier was little more than a memory to me until I met him one summer’s day in Hot Springs, South Dakota. I was serving my first parish as a pastor when it was decided the church would update its library. One of the books which was being given away was Christ for Every Crisis!

“I thumbed through the volume which contained

Dr. Maier’s radio sermons from the second season on The Lutheran Hour. Then I retreated with it to my office. That afternoon I devoured those messages. When I came home that night I said to Pam, “Dear, today I think I’ve learned how to preach.”

Not for a moment would I have you think my seminary education was inadequate, it was not. Still, nobody had ever taught me how to do what Dr. Maier did. He put words together in a wonderful way, a unique way, a powerful way. His sermons marched with beautiful order until a clear, logical victory had been won for the Savior.”

Klaus adds, “Yes I read that book and immediately began to collect all of Dr. Maier’s other Lutheran Hour sermon books. Not wishing to keep his words to myself, once or twice a year, I would share one of Dr. Maier’s sermons with my congregation. They relished his words and let me see how the Holy Spirit can use a man with a vision to bring Christ to the nations and the story of salvation to individual souls. Dr. Maier gave me a lesson I have never forgotten, and someday, in heaven, this student will thank the master for teaching him how to preach.”

Pastor Gregory Seltz, today’s Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, realizes that WAM started something by God’s grace which succeeding speakers continued in their own styles. “I’m honored to be included in the long line of Speakers whose goal was to faithfully be Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church,” says Seltz. “I’m also very excited about the new opportunities for presenting that same Good News to our increasingly multi-cultural and diverse world.”

The original 35 stations mentioned by WAM grew to the hundreds, eventually extending to well over 1,400. The program never was 60 minutes long but used the term “hour” in a figurative sense of “time.” Thus the broadcast had its “moment” on the air.

WAM also had his “moment” at the microphone of the program. He was not the longest termed Speaker. Hoffmann had that honor. But WAM did something the others didn’t: he was the founding voice of the broadcast and carried the Message of Christ for the better part of two decades..

Upon his passing, it took a little time to construct a special 32 ½ ton solid granite Maier Memorial which eloquently stands to this day. The cost was covered by the Dr. Walter A. Maier Memorial Association, Inc., in no way associated financially or operationally with the LLL. The purpose of the memorial was “to perpetuate

“He always brought Christ to the Nations— in season and out of season. He preached the full and complete Christ.”

the memory and work of this now sainted servant of Christ.”

At its dedication on Oct. 7, 1951, more than 1,200 people attended the event.

Words were offered by Pastor Herman Etzold of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church (which was founded by WAM): “One of the outstanding qualities of Dr. Maier was his deep humility…Dr. Maier always stated that to God alone belonged all glory and honor for any success he may have been privileged to have.”

As opportunities arose, the outreach and proclamation of the program grew around the world, extending the radio Pastor Seltz signal into non-Christian lands where the at the Maier open expression of the Gospel was lacking Memorial. due to persecution and death threats.

An immense amount of expansion and creativity have followed in the 65 years since WAM’s entry to heavenly glory.

This issue exhibits a good number of present outreach and proclamation efforts currently in use. More will be mentioned in future issues.

This expansion is in line with the vivacity of WAM. At the memorial dedication, Dr. Eugene R. Bertermann, Lutheran Hour director, noted: “He always brought Christ to the Nations—in season and out of season. He preached the full and complete Christ.”

The Lutheran Hour and Lutheran Hour Ministries remains true to that message today and into the future as it shares the Gospel so millions more may move upward toward greater glory. n Dr. Gerald Perschbacher is editor of The Lutheran Layman and chief historian for the Int’l LLL.

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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Petal Pushers Decorated a Winner

By Chad Fix

K

ay Sanders and husband Wes welcomed 2015 by doing something special—they joined friends in one of America’s timehonored New Year’s traditions.

No, they didn’t make a toast in Times Square while the glass ball descended just before midnight on New Year’s Eve. Instead they left their Ohio home to spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s in California “pushing petals” in

preparation for the New Year’s Day Rose Parade.

The Sanderses belong to the Petal Pushers, a special corps of individuals who travel from all over North America to gather in Pasadena, Calif., each year. Around 5,000 Petal Pushers spent the week attaching thousands of roses, carnations, lilies, mums, and other flowers, as well as natural materials such as seeds, coffee beans, and leaves, to create the majestic beauty and splendor of the floral floats riding down Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard during the annual parade.

“Ever since I was a child, watching the Rose Parade on television has always been a priority for me,” says Kay. “I used to tell my kids, ‘The remote is mine and your lunch is in the crockpot!’ Once I found out about this group organizing the float decorating experience, I said ‘We’re in.’”

Photos courtesy of the Gast family.

Others agree. “I decorate floats for Mardi Gras and often wondered how live materials are used to decorate the Rose Parade floats,” says Danny Crawford of Shreveport, La. “I enjoyed working with the fresh flowers and seeing the abundance of living materials used on these floats.”

Many Petal Pushers come to decorate the Lutheran Hour Ministries float—a Tournament of Roses perennial for 65 years and the only Christian-themed float among 37 float entries in the parade. As a self-funded project of the Southern California District of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL), the float carries on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from the parade route to televisions all over the world. The parade, which also included marching bands and equestrian groups, was watched live on television by some 40 million Americans and by millions more people in 150 countries.

The LHM float was honored with the Princesses’ Award trophy for “Most Beautiful Float 35 Feet and Under” for the second year in a row and the third time in 10 years. This year’s float, under the theme of “The Bible ... God’s Story,” depicted an open Bible, inviting viewers into the Word of God with inspiring stories of faith that burst forth from its pages.

Highlights included: • The story of the Baptism of Jesus who was acclaimed the Son of God by God the Father; • The story of Moses who became God’s instrument of deliverance as he led God’s people out of bondage in Egypt; • The story of the Nativity and the faith of young Mary who found favor with God and gave birth to the Savior of the world; • The faith of Noah who heard God’s call to build a great ark and, despite the craziness of this calling, saw it through.

Riding on this year’s LHM float were Philip Krauss II, chairman of the Int’l LLL; Rev. Tim Klinkenberg, pastoral advisor for the Int’l LLL; Dr. Kurt Krueger, president of Concordia University Irvine; Rev. Roger Sonnenberg; Jennifer Williams; Jesse Brubaker; Dave Fosgett; Linnea Buchholz; Rev. Jon Thomas; and Rev. Matt Nolte.

A large number of the Petal Pushers also helped on six other Rose Parade floats—for American Honda Motor Company, the City of Los Angeles, Farmers Insurance, Western Asset Management Company, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the United Sikh Mission. Thus, the week was turned into one of the largest servant events in the country. Volunteers made new friends, networked, and shared expressions of the faith that gave deep meaning to their experience.

“This was my first year,” says Carol Plowman from Adair, Iowa, who came with her friend Grace Mackrill. “Decorating floats has been an item on my ‘bucket list’ for many years … and the experience of meeting all the volunteers who came from all over the country has been fabulous.”

“I grew up in nearby Alhambra and attended several parades,” says Beverly Fendler of San Jose, Calif. “I even marched with my high school band twice, but I had never worked on the floats. It has always been something I wanted to do. It is amazing to see firsthand the amount of detail involved in putting together these floats and the number of volunteers required to accomplish the task.” n Chad Fix manages LHM’s corporate communications.

For details about the work of the Petal Pushers and how you can get involved, visit www.petalpushers.org.

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

CPH’s Two-Volume ‘Bible Companion’ Draws Raves

A

n immense number of research and study tips, visuals, charts, and more fill the 2,000 pages in the two-volume set, Lutheran Bible Companion available from Concordia Publishing House based in St. Louis, Mo. The set was released several months ago and has received high marks by scholars.

CPH editor Edward Engelbrecht says the set conveys a wealth of information about each book of the Bible and the Apocrypha, along with extensive comments by Martin Luther and Johann Gerhard— essential spokesmen for the Reformation.”

Engelbrecht explains that the set arose from intense research began in 2003 and involved the Grow in His Word adult Bible study effort by CPH. Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for The Lutheran Hour, wrote the foreward. He notes that the set “deals with questions that modern readers might ask concerning the nature of the teachings of the Bible. Articles about miracles, science and the Bible, ancient customs and their application to today—all these are taken head-on, showing the serious student that the Bible is indeed a Word for all ages, for all people, for all times….”

Each book of Scripture is examined in detailed fashion for private and group edification. For example, the section on psalms goes from page 540 to 619. Included is a synopsis of each psalm plus details on psalms in other books of the Bible. Readers learn about context, writers, dates, festivals, theology, doctrinal content, composition, names, personalities, literary features, purpose, recipients, instruments, and canonicity. Comments from well established theologians (such as Luther and Gerhard) are added. Commonly asked questions are addressed.

By Gerald Perschbacher

Further resources are shown for use by the laity and by church workers. Illustrations augment the text very well.

Volume 1 basically covers the Old Testament.

Volume 2 includes the intertestamental period, the New Testament, and a Bible dictionary. In its depth, the set is commendable.

“There is a wealth of information available at my fingertips, information that answers some of the tough questions when reading God’s Word, and supplies much-needed background, maps, charts, photos, and resources for further study,” says Janice Wendorf, a former LWML president and a current member of the Int’l LLL Board of Directors. “As I continue to encourage women to be in God’s Word, I will also encourage them to purchase and use this. This book will be my companion in my daily quiet time.”

Dr. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour, concludes that the “Lutheran Bible Companion” has the “scholarly goal of using the Scriptures to point people to Jesus; it is simply too valuable to be positioned anywhere other than where it can be instantly and regularly consulted.” n

For more details, contact www.cph.org and type in “Lutheran Bible Companion,” or call 1-800-325-3040.

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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How does LHM fit with you?

More to offer than You Might

imagine The following comments are from Bruce Sutherland,

a constituent relations manager in the Constituent Services Division of Lutheran Hour Ministries. In this capacity, Sutherland works closely with pastors, church staff, district office personnel, and lay leadership. Cultivating positive relationships with these individuals is key to showing how churches and schools can benefit from LHM’s many and varied resources. Interviewer was Paul Schreiber of the LHM staff.

Can you give us a little background about your career path before your arrival at Lutheran Hour Ministries?

Bruce Sutherland in action with small audiences, where he finds many opportunities to share Christ.

I served as a church worker for eight years prior to LHM. I was the executive director for a Mission Transformation Movement in the Eastern District during the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Ablaze years and did some gift-planning and development work with the LCMS Foundation. I am a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science in economics and marketing, but the Lord led me to church work.

What prompted you to consider LHM for your future?

I was contacted by one of our late Lutheran Laymen’s League governors, Dave Muck, who thought I would be a good match for the job. I was reluctant to apply at first because I didn’t know much about LHM. However, he shared a heartfelt and compelling vision for the organization. Ever since that day I have been continually excited and thankful to be part of a ministry that’s making an eternal impact for God’s glory.

As an organization, LHM has numerous programs, products, and services to offer. How do you determine which of these to promote when you’re visiting church staff and congregations?

Each congregation, plus each staff and lay leadership team has unique but related needs. Therefore, it all starts with what I call a “listening mission.”

I want to find out about their challenges, strengths, and goals for the future. Once they’ve painted a picture of their ministry, I try to unfold the tools, resources, and opportunities LHM has to support their Great Commission efforts. This listening mission is also a way for me to learn how congregations apply resources in their own contexts. These grass roots stories and applications become key feedback and a source of best practices to then share with others.

The level to which churches utilize LHM’s resources depends in large part on if they know they’re out there. From your experience, how familiar are congregations with LHM’s mission and programs?

There will always be gaps between what churches know, what resources are available, and how to maximize the use of those resources. Part of that dynamic is a natural result of ever-changing congregational leadership. My job as a constituent relations manager is to create a platform for fresh, creative and consistent communication that positions LHM as their “go-to” outreach partner.

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

In what areas are congregations lacking when it comes to LHM awareness?

Our biggest challenge is what I call “application awareness.” Many congregations know we have Men’s NetWork Bible studies, the Project Connect booklet ministry, and five14 for teens. These tools, however, are often viewed as internal or discipleship resources and not seen as a way to extend the church’s reach beyond its doors. Internal application is good, of course, but mission-minded congregations take those same resources and apply them in a way that connects to their local communities and people on the fringes of the church. Congregations with good application awareness are first and foremost asking this question: “How can this LHM resource be used to connect with people outside the community of faith?”

What are some LHM resources that really resonate with congregations? Have you heard of any novel ways in which these programs have been put to use?

We just released a new and novel resource called GodConnects. It teaches the basics of Christianity in a video-based platform. While congregations will naturally use this as a Catechism refresher or in a new member class, I think its best application will be for people outside the faith. The video and message presentation are excellent, and Rev. Gregory Seltz’s informal approach invites viewers to explore these biblical truths and connect to the fellowship of believers, in the process. In fact, my own pastor, Rev. Philip Sallach of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church and School in Niagara Falls, New York, facilitated his GodConnects presentation with the hope of Gospel outreach. Through prayer, intentional promotion, and the work of the Holy Spirit, God sent an unchurched woman to our class who asked to be baptized shortly after completing GodConnects.

We rejoiced, echoing the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke: “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

What is/are the most rewarding thing(s) about the work you do?

Nothing is more heartwarming than hearing firsthand faith stories. At a recent church worker conference I had a pastor walk up to me and say, “God saved my family through Lutheran Hour Ministries.” Now that’s exciting! It’s also encouraging to hear people say they use our resources and appreciate the work our St. Louis staff is doing to create and distribute these materials.

Just in Time for Spring: Six New Workshops from Five14

F

ive14 has six new workshops designed to encourage teens in their outreach. Available now, these workshops are led by a five14 presenter and are often included as a component within a larger, daylong five14 event.

In each workshop participants gain insights and contribute their viewpoints in an interactive forum, which includes an outreach component that expands the topic covered.

In Finding Your Calling, teens are encouraged to think about what God would have them do with their lives. Here teens ask themselves questions like “What do I enjoy doing and what am I good at?” “What do responsible people in my life think?” “How does family factor into my decision?” The idea is to get teens thinking along the lines of the bigger picture for their lives.

In From Instagram Followers to Jesus Followers, using social media platforms in outreach is explored. Through online media like Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and others, people share everything imaginable, which makes these vehicles ideal for sharing the Good News too. Jesus using Instagram might sound farfetched, but His determination to connect with people might say otherwise.

In Men by Faith: Seeking Your Identity in Christ, the identity of the Christian man is considered. Our needs, expectations, friends, spouses, churches, etc. help define us. Asking questions like “How does striving for excellence lead me to greater achievement?” “How do women figure into my decision-making process?” and “How can I seek God only?” are important when seeking a Christ-centered life.

In You Are Worth More, the identity of the Christian woman is carefully see page 13

Jesus would have used instagram

…if he came in 2015.

So why not teach our teenS

updated outreach techniqueS?

What is/are the most demanding thing(s) about your work?

Trying to balance multiple priorities and opportunities is always a challenge. We have large territories, and often we get the chance to present or speak at an event—sometimes at the expense of another.

That’s tough when it happens, but maybe that’s the kind of demand we can also be thankful for.

How does your work at LHM fit with your personal drive to engage in outreach?

I’m thankful this is the kind of job that has built-in accountability in terms of sharing my faith. I want to be both a hearer and doer of the Word, as it says in James 1:23.

There is no other way to function credibly in this job. n

six new workshops for youth outreach

available now!

www.lhm.org/five14 The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

9

onthemove

by Kurt Buchholz Executive Director Lutheran Hour Ministries

Keeping the Best Focus

H

ave you ever gone to buy a used Ford Focus and after the deal was done they handed you the keys to a brand new Ferrari? How about the time you put a quarter in a gumball machine, ratcheted the knob around, and out popped a gumball-sized ruby? It’s probably not something that has ever happened or will ever happen to you and me. We live in a world where you get what you pay for.

Lucky for us, our God is not a “you get what you pay for” god. Our God is the “you get what I paid for” God. We sure didn’t earn the Gospel and all it entails or got lucky and won the jackpot because we put in a quarter and pulled the handle. It’s not our “karma,” good genes, lucky rabbit’s foot, or fate. It is simply a gift: a gift for you, not because you deserved it, but freely given because the Giver wanted to for His own reasons. It is simply a gift.

Though God has not given most of us gumballsized rubies or Ferraris, He blesses us daily with so much more. Often these gifts are best seen in retrospect. God has a way of giving gifts in little ways that sometimes don’t appear to be gifts at all. But then He nurtures and grows that gift with His love, and it works through your life in wondrous ways, blessing you and others in its wake.

As I confront a new year of ministry, opportunity, and challenge, I pause to turn around and see what God is doing in Lutheran Hour Ministries through His gifts.

God has blessed us with the gift of partners in the harvest fields. And there are thousands of them: • Passionate, dedicated, and talented staff at our St. Louis office, deployed staff around the United States, and local ministry staff reaching more than 40 countries around the globe; • Volunteers throughout the church that sacrificially give of their time and talents, laboring to get the work done, the message out, and the place cleaned back up when no one is watching; • Donors, blessed in large and small ways, who respond to God’s goodness through giving that gift of the Gospel to those who have not yet heard; and • “Prayer warriors” who pray for Lutheran Hour Ministries, as well as for those who hear the Word of God through its work.

God has blessed us through resources that have challenged us to open new ministry centers in places like Mongolia and expand the work of others to reach more than 50 million people each week! These resources allow us to look more closely at the issues

facing our own church here in the United States and pilot new programs aimed at reversing the decline in membership we know all too well. Through this generous support we are able to embark on a new online ministry effort to connect in a real way with generations who were born into a digital world.

The next question I ask myself is, “What is God preparing us for?” I’m including YOU here! We are ramping up, doing more, challenging the status quo, and redefining what ministry is in today’s world. We are increasing our efforts for the same reason that we have always gathered as lay people of this church. Because God has prepared the harvest fields and is calling for workers, for you and me, so that all might know Him. God continues to bless all of us through mission and purpose. Let us not hesitate to go as we are called together into mission, Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church! n

“Since we have such hope, we are very bold.”

2 Cor. 3:12

Latino Outreach Supported in California

G … to Dr. Paul C. Hunsicker, Sr., and his congregation, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Colby, Wis., in conjunction with Linda Phillips (founder of Helping Hands Bulgaria) due to their successful involvement of outreach by adapting LHM material for use in Bulgaria. LHM granted permission to have the material translated. The effort was highlighted in the previous issue of The Lutheran Layman, page 3. For more on their efforts, see www.helpinghandsbulgaria. net or find out about St. Paul Lutheran Church by calling the office at (715) 223-1726. n

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

race Latino Ministries (GLM) is the recipient of a grant from the endowment fund of Sunshine Zone of the Southern California District of the Int’l LLL. The money allows for the purchase of Spanish Bibles and LHM booklets, reports Lou Marting, an active LLL/LHM volunteer.

In mid-January, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gomez represented GLM via a presentation for the Int’l LLL’s Southern California District. He indicated that Latino lives are being changed by the Lord in this present adult generation and their children.

The event was at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside, Calif. The presenter explained how the term Hispanic is suitable but that the word Latino is very appropriate since it is not just the language but the culture of those to be reached. Many are second and third generation United States residents. Thus, English is a predominant language.

It is believed that the best way to win Latino people to Jesus Christ is through church planting.

Currently, GLM is active among California congregations in San Diego County at Grace Lutheran, Escondido, Pilgrim Lutheran Chula, Vista, and Our Redeemer, San Diego; in Orange County at St. Paul’s Lutheran; and in Arizona at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran, Phoenix.

Involved at the recent event were LCMS ordained ministers and those in training as part of the Pastoral Certification Program and the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. Also involved is the Cross-cultural Ministry Center at Concordia University–Irvine. n

messages. “One of our important goals is to build authentic relationships with people—to become friends,” says Artis. “And we have discovered that one of the best ways to make friends is simply to have fun together.”

One memorable stop on this mission trip was at historic Striki School in the city of Saldus. It was September 1st and the beginning of a new school year. Artis explained the Striki School’s various traditions. “It’s a very special day,” he said “—like a celebration!”

Students dress up and each one presents flowers to the teachers; the day is full of greetings, songs, and the excitement of renewing relationships with friends. The day concludes with a special opening worship service in the ruins of Zvarde Church, which was built in 1567 but destroyed in 1954 during Soviet occupation.

As on past Online Mission Trips, LHM’s hosts encouraged schools to chat in questions and comments—and received hundreds of responses every day. After their virtual visit to Striki School, chat responses included: Absorbed. These captivated students at Concordia Lutheran School in Kirkwood, Mo., were among approximately 20,000 children in Lutheran schools across the country who participated in LHM’s 2015 Online Mission Trip to Latvia.

Thousands thrilled by Online Mission Trip to Latvia

“Wish our kids were that excited to start school!” (Immanuel, Giddings, Texas) “Our schools should start that flower tradition!”

(Good Shepherd, Pleasant Prairie, Wis.) “Their first day of school looks very meaningful.”

(Martin Luther School, Bismarck, N.D.) Online Mission Trip students learned about the LHM— Latvia ministry activities such as Family Sports Days, which bring families together for a morning of fun and opportunities to learn about God’s love together.

By Greg Koenig

A

s many as 20,000 students at nearly 200 Lutheran schools across North America joined Lutheran Hour Ministries for the organization’s fourth Online Mission Trip during National Lutheran Schools Week, January 2629. The event offered schools and their students opportunities to learn about and support the Gospel outreach of LHM’s ministry center in the Baltic nation of Latvia.

Online Mission Trip 2015 was hosted by LHM’s Chris Myers and Rev. Peter Kirby, regional director for Europe and Central Asia, who interacted live daily via streamed internet video with LHM—Latvia Director Artis Purins.

Artis introduced the thousands of “virtual missionaries” across the U.S. and Canada to the geography and people of Latvia, as well as to the ways in which LHM reaches out with the Gospel to a country where the Christian faith was repressed for generations under communist rule.

Artis describes three ways in which Lutheran Hour Ministries works in Latvia: “We have a radio program that raises awareness of the Christian faith, Christian values, and Christian community. We also reach out to people who are not active in a congregation—with the hope of bringing them closer to God. And, once we have connected with people, we provide resources that help them develop a growing relationship with God.” Often the ministry center’s outreach involves bringing individuals and families together for events that combine fun activities with Christian

Other highlights of the trip included virtual visits to Latvia’s Gauja National Park, Technographic Open-air Museum, and Lutheran Cathedral in Riga, as well as up-close looks at LHM ministry events: a vacation Bible school, a family sports day and a hip-hop dance class for children, all held at churches around Latvia.

After four years of Online Mission Trips, LHM’s Polly Gregali is enthused by the response of schools across North America. “Not only was overall participation sustained this year,” says Gregali, who developed the program as manager of International Ministries Partnerships, “but we also had 33 schools participating for the first time and 25 schools on their fourth trip!

Student response was amazing, too—they chatted in hundreds of questions and comments. Artis will be answering the questions on his blog for months.”

The 2015 Online Mission Trip concludes the round of virtual mission experiences that LHM began in 2012 with its Online Mission Trip to Paraguay.

Thanks to students, teachers, principals and everyone at Lutheran schools across the U.S. and Canada for embracing and supporting Online Mission Trips and LHM’s international outreach through participation, prayer and chapel offerings. Please continue to pray for LHM’s ministry in Paraguay, Thailand, Kenya, Latvia, and wherever people need to hear the Good News of salvation and new life in Jesus. n Greg Koenig is on LHM’s corporate communications team.

The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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International Volunteer Trip Opportunities:

Start Here, Start Now!

By Greg Koenig

M

any people find that a short-term mission service trip is an adventure of faith.

It tugs them out of their comfort zones. It challenges them to experience the world’s need for the Gospel in new ways.

Have you been prayerfully considering stepping out to serve and share in another country? A great way to start is to learn more about an International Volunteer Trip to one of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ outreach centers around the world.

Chris Myers knows the opportunities. She is specialist for the LHM International Ministries Partnerships Program. Myers says about a dozen teams have already chosen projects that range from English conversation classes in Nicaragua, to a children’s summer camp in Russia, and even to youth evangelism training in Cambodia. “It’s exciting to see so many teams gearing up to serve already,” she says, “but there are still more trips available! LHM is looking for groups to sign up for some great projects in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.”

The majority of projects will put volunteers to work on construction tasks. Other mission-service activities include helping with vacation Bible school, language instruction, or health and wellness service at a medical camp. While some projects—such as the children’s camp in Russia—are linked with a particular season, most projects are flexible and can be scheduled to suit a mission team’s needs.

A benefit of partnering with Lutheran Hour Ministries in international volunteer service is LHM’s comprehensive training program that helps heighten team members’ understanding and awareness before they embark. This spring LHM is introducing a new feature to augment its already great training curriculum: Equip for the Trip.

Equip for the Trip is a series of free half-hour webinars that bring several topics in shortterm mission service into sharp focus—making it an ideal training tool even for savvy LHM International Volunteer Trip veterans. Equip for the Trip kicked off in February with Chris Myers’ presentation of the topic “Why Missions?” Presentations to be offered in the coming months include: • • • • • • •

Responsibilities and Organization of a Team Coordinator Serving in Latin America Team Recruiting and Fundraising Luke Comstock (below) was part of an Serving in Asia LHM Volunteer Team that traveled from Building Trust Creston, Mont., to Thailand in February.

Serving in Africa The team’s first servant activity was helping English language students Serving in Europe and Jamaica practice their conversational English.

These four students were assigned to interview Luke.

Jason Barcus (above) was part of a team from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mt. Prospect, Ill, that traveled to Cambodia in 2013 to help build two Sunday school classrooms for a rural church. See our story on page 13 to learn how the church has used the classrooms since they were completed.

Information about LHM’s International Volunteer Trip opportunities can be found at www.lhm.org/teams.

Updates about Equip for the Trip webinars, plus links to register for upcoming sessions, can be found at www.lhm.org/teams/equip.asp. n 12

The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

Results are Realized

by Volunteers to Cambodia

T

he “seed” that was sown two years ago has brought a bounty for the Lord.

To appreciate that success, go back to February of 2013 when a 10-member LHM International Volunteer Team from Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Mt. Prospect, Ill., traveled to Kompot Province in Cambodia. (LHM told the team’s story in the MayJune 2013 issue of The Lutheran Layman.)

Upon arrival, team leader Sue Husar had blogged, “We are very eager to follow God and learn what His plans are for us in Cambodia!” God’s plans for the group included several days of good hard work helping build two Sunday school classrooms for Prich Lutheran Church in Kompot province.

Along the way, the team made friends with the local construction foreman and his crew, the church’s youth group, and the members of the Prich congregation, with whom volunteers worshiped on their last day in the community.

The experience left the group with a new sense of the bigness and diversity of the Body of Christ. After blending their English prayers and songs with Khmer songs and prayers of their Cambodian brothers and sisters in Christ, Sue reflected, “So many voices, two

Six New Workshops

different languages—and our amazing God clearly heard each one of us.”

Now comes news of the bounty. Prich Lutheran Church reports: “Nearly 50 children are studying Khmer and English languages in these two classrooms.” LHM Asia Regional Director Gunya NaThalang adds, “The facilities are making it possible for LHM—Cambodia’s staff to work with Pastor Sopheap and help local children learn about Jesus through our Bible Correspondence Courses.”

Due to this, the Holy Spirit led 29 children to be baptized in November 2014!

It’s not often that Lutheran Hour Ministries has the opportunity to report on the specific results of an International Volunteer Team’s efforts. The additional 29 souls to the kingdom because the Spirit is working in this facility—that’s worth celebrating.

And the Spirit is still at work there, calling still more children to a new life in Jesus.

Is God inviting you to join Lutheran Hour Ministries’ workers as they reach out with the Gospel in a faraway place? Why not take a step and learn more about serving through LHM’s International Volunteer Team program? Go here: www.lhm.org/teams. n

from page 9

considered. Since physical beauty is only one aspect of being human, basing one’s worth on the world’s standards can lead to poor results. The approval we seek should be God’s. He created us. He chose us. He redeemed us; it is He who values us more than anyone else.

In My Life is Boring! How Can I Shine?, dilemmas youth face about their lives and futures are looked at. Though tech gadgets and social media abound, teens may still find their lives dull and monotonous. The truth is Christian teens are the light of the world! Each individual is created by God to live a big—not boring—life. Each has strengths, aptitudes and interests usable to shine God’s love to others.

In Overcoming Rejection, holding fast to the truth of our redemption in Christ is vital. Since Christ was no stranger to rejection, can we expect anything less? Clinging to rejection can undermine our service to others when we seek approval/validation. Humbly, prayerfully, we should turn our bruised feelings and hurt over to God and rest in the freedom that is found in Jesus. n Five14 is a Christ-centered ministry resource for teenagers and young adults.

For descriptions and details on scheduling, please check the website at www.lhm.org/five14 or contact C.C. Brown, coordinator, at 314-317-4217.

EQUIP THE TRIP Topics include: L U T HERA N HOU R MI NI STR I E S

We’ll help you prepare! Mission trip veterans and new beginners will find value in these free, 30-minute informational webinars.

Team building fundraisers local cultural challenges

lhm.org/teams/equip The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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onthemove

Phil Krauss ll Chairman, Int’l LLL Board of Directors

“Since we havethe Norm Time Spent Beyond such hope, we

I

’ve had the opportunity to travel for work, very bold.” vacations, even for some otherare organizations, but it wasn’t until I got involved in the 3:12 ESV 2 Cor. International Lutheran Laymen’s League that I got the chance to visit such exotic destinations as Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Duluth, Minn.; and Peoria, Ill. But in all seriousness, the Int’l LLL asked me to travel this fall to more interesting places than usual. In the next issue I’ll tell you about my New Year’s trip to Pasadena, Calif., to ride on the Lutheran Hour Ministries float in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

But for now, this column is about my trip to Nicaragua for the LHM Foundation Board of Trustees.

I serve on that board in my role as chairman of the Int’l LLL Board of Directors. I admit I was a bit nervous when the Foundation Board decided to go there in the fall of 2014. Like some of you, I remember the 1980s civil war in Nicaragua—and the “bad guys,” the Sandinistas, won! Nicaragua is part of Central America, and wasn’t that a dangerous place for us Americanos?

Turns out those impressions were wrong. In fact, Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in the Western Hemisphere. So my wife and I packed up and traveled the farthest we ever had.

One of the days was spent holding the

Foundation board meeting in a pleasant hotel right in the capital, Managua. The rest of the time was spent visiting sites where LHM-sponsored mission work was being done. We spent an afternoon being thanked, rather formally, and entertained, rather enthusiastically, by students of a public school served by one of our Project JOEL programs in the city of Granada.

We also visited, toured, and helped dedicate the relatively new LHM ministry center in the

heart of León. While in León, I had the honor of passing out graduation certificates to students (children and adults) who completed our Bible Correspondence Course and others who completed a unique LHM-sponsored

career training program in computers. These students also entertained us enthusiastically with music, comedy, and dance specific to the León area of Nicaragua.

Our final full day was spent participating in a children’s Reformation worship service/ drama and activity day at the Lutheran Synod of Nicaragua center in Chinandega. Everywhere we went, we met highly dedicated servants of our Lord and people who were extremely grateful for the work we sponsor in Nicaragua (I shook so many hands, I felt like a politician on the campaign trail). I came away from the trip with a renewed dedication to the work that our International Ministries team does around the world.

Of course, we spent a little time sightseeing and sampling local cuisine. I have now smelled an active volcano (sulfur), seen the sunset on the Pacific Ocean, gawked at 17th and 18th century Spanish architecture, and driven through tropical forests. Nicaragua is a land of extreme contrasts—corrugated steel shanties are just down the road from walled-in mansions; bicycles, animalpowered carts, scooters, overloaded buses, and Land Rover SUVs all share the roads at the same time; cows and pigs graze along the side of country highways right next to modern factories. It was fascinating to see. I hope I will have the opportunity to see it again sometime. n (See related story on next page.)

Bosse Was One of the LLL Twelve

“H

e held church positions in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as a national board member, was a staunch supporter of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and was the friend of synodical officials until his untimely passing in 1922. Bosse also was well rounded in the affairs of his community as mayor of Evansville, Ind. Again and again, he contributed large sums of money toward his church and synod…as an expression of his gratitude toward the tender mercies of God,” said Dr. Ludwig Fuerbringer, a former seminary president.

Atop all this, Benjamin Bosse was one of the twelve founders of the Lutheran Laymen’s League in 1917.

Now the story of his life and career appears in the book, When Everybody Boosts Everybody Wins, the heretofore untold story of Benjamin Bosse, 14

The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

mayor of Evansville, Ind., by Jeffrey A. Bosse, M.T. Publishing Company (www.mtpublishing.com; softbound, 320 pages).

Theologian Dr. Theodore Graebner, a contemporary of Bosse, said this of him: “Those that were close to him know that behind that great force of will and astonishing ability there was a life grounded in the Word of God and drawing all its force from it, and that behind that boyish smile there was a heart at peace with Jesus.”

This book on Bosse conveys the strength and depth of Christian spirit that a lay leader exemplified in the course of regular work and long days. That ideal still has much to offer for current Christians who wish to live according to their faith in Christ.

Politician, businessman, church supporter, civic activist for progress, and defender of good causes, Bosse was typical of the hard-working and spiritually dedicated founders that formed the LLL. The release of this book is timely since the 100th anniversary of the LLL takes place in 2017. n

LHM Foundation Board

Saw Nicaragua Ministry Firsthand

By Greg Koenig

L

By Chad Fix

G

iving back has always been important to members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent has provided more than $170 million through its Thrivent Choice® program to help congregations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations such as Lutheran Hour Ministries since the program launched in 2010.

The program has been a great blessing for LHM, bringing in more than $760,000 for the ministry!

Lutheran Hour Ministries wants Thrivent members to be able to take full advantage of the Thrivent Choice program, whether you choose to support this ministry or another. Eligible Thrivent members are designated Choice Dollars at various times throughout the year, based on their insurance premiums, contract values and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership, that can then be directed to thousands of nonprofit organizations nationwide. Choice Dollars are currently made available to Thrivent members as follows: • $2.50 Choice Dollars per $100 of annual premium on qualifying insurance products is designated monthly based upon the premium payments you made in the prior month.

• $1.25 Choice Dollars per $1,000 of contract value of qualifying products is designated on a quarterly basis. Twenty-five percent of this amount will be designated to you each calendar quarter based upon the actual contract value at the end of the quarter.

• $50 Choice Dollars for holding a qualifying Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership position is designated once each year.

• Choice Dollar amounts range from $25 to $5,000 for eligible members.

Choice Dollars designated during the calendar year can be directed until March 31 of the following year. For example, the Choice Dollars designated to you in 2014 can be directed until March 31, 2015.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please remember that recurring direction of Choice Dollars to organizations such as Lutheran Hour Ministries is no longer an option; you must now go through the gift direction process every time you receive notification that Choice Dollars are available. Thrivent officials made this change at the end of 2012 to ensure that the program continues to be fully funded so that members can contribute as much as possible to the causes they support.

Supporting Lutheran Hour Ministries through Thrivent Choice is very simple. Go to www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice and search under “Lutheran Hour Ministries,” “LHM,” or “International Lutheran Laymen.” Or call Thrivent at 1-800-847-4836.

Eligibility requirements can also be found at that web site. n Chad Fix manages LHM’s corporate communications for LHM.

ast fall’s Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation Board meeting was what LHM Latin America Regional Director Nilo Figur characterized as an “historic event.” The Board met in Nicaragua—“the first time it has met outside the United States,” said Figur, who went on to say, “The purpose was to offer Board members an opportunity to have a firsthand experience visiting and interacting with one of our international ministry centers.”

In addition to a full slate of LHM Foundation business, the Board expressed its thanks to outgoing Foundation President Harold Melser for his service and also welcomed Jeff Craig-Meyer as its new president. Following two days of business sessions, the Board traveled to various places to get an up-close look at the ministry work of LHM—Nicaragua. In Granada, Board members witnessed a Project JOEL activity. In León, they participated in a combined graduation ceremony for students who had completed either a Bible Correspondence Course or a computer training course. Board Chairman Dr. Marvin Swan called the ceremony a highlight of the trip: “The joy on the students’ faces was evident to all present. It was exciting to see how our staff and volunteers interacted with these students.”

Another highlight of the four-day meeting’s itinerary was the opportunity to attend the dedication of LHM—Nicaragua’s new office space. “It was a privilege to meet the staff and volunteers who are serving LHM and our Lord and Savior so faithfully,” said Swan.

LHM Foundation Board members saw Lutheran Hour Ministries international outreach work for themselves as part of their historic four-day meeting experience in Nicaragua.

A special children’s Reformation worship service at the Chinandega headquarters of the Lutheran Synod of Nicaragua provided a fitting climax to the LHM Foundation Board’s Nicaragua adventure.

Marketing/Fundraising Committee Chair Dale Stoner called the historic meeting “the most life-changing experience” in his last five years with LHM:

“It was exciting to see how our staff and volunteers interacted with these students.”

“All I can really say is WOW! The Lord certainly has placed the folks with the ‘right stuff’ in positions of leadership at LHM. Only by stepping out of the box, looking over the horizon, touching, smelling, seeing and tasting the culture can you really step up to the plate and tell our story, how we love Jesus and want all the world to know.” n The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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2015 Candidates for the Int’l LLL Board of Directors T

he following are candidates for open positions on the International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’l LLL) Board of Directors in compliance with Article III of the current Bylaws. Additional information about the 2015 election will be mailed to all contributing members in April along with instructions for voting. (Contributing members are defined as those individuals who gave a gift to Lutheran Hour Ministries between Oct. 1, 2013, and March 31, 2015, and are members of a congregation of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod or Lutheran Church—Canada). To be counted, ballots or online votes must be received by the Int’l LLL’s chosen tabulation firm between April 20 and May 30. Results will be reported this summer in The Lutheran Layman.

For Vice Chair:

(listed in alphabetical order; vote for one) Phillip Johnson of Maplewood, Minnesota Phil Johnson graduated as a director of Christian outreach from Concordia—St. Paul and later earned his M.A. in nonprofit management and Ph.D. in leadership and organizational change. He served congregations in Nebraska and in Colorado as a DCO, then returned to Concordia to teach outreach and coordinate the DCO program. He was awarded the 2006 Master DCO Award from the Lutheran Educators Association.

He joined the staff of the Minnesota South District of the LCMS in 2013 as assistant to the president for mission formation. Married and the father of four, Johnson is vice chair for the Int’l LLL Board.

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

Rick Johnson of St. Louis, Missouri Rick Johnson has been president of Creative Communication for the Parish since 2007. In this role he plans, develops, manages, and establishes policies and objectives for the publishing company in accordance with board directives. He served in management positions at Concordia Publishing House for 15 years, finishing as executive director of marketing & sales. Married (father of three), he graduated from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri and completed his M.B.A from Saint Louis University.

Active in his congregation, Johnson also serves on the board for Lutheran Family and Children’s Services and as president of Living Faith Foundation.

Wendell Lee Kucker of Oakdale, California

For Director:

(listed in alphabetical order; vote for four) John Eckrich of Webster Groves, Missouri Eckrich has led all aspects of Grace Place Wellness Ministries as president/CEO since 1999 following a 30-year career in internal medicine/ gastroenterology. His extensive civic involvement includes terms as vice president of the Missouri Athletic Club, chairman of the board for Lutheran Medical Center, and chairman of the department of medicine for Lutheran Hospital, as well as board membership for several other organizations.

Married and the father of three, Eckrich earned a degree in biology from Washington University and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Missouri. He completed his post doctoral fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Chicago.

Jack Ficken of Fairview, Tennessee Ficken (married, father of two) has been a financial associate with Thrivent since 1995.

He earned his degree from the University of Missouri and was executive vice president of a non-profit association, where he concentrated on strategic planning, fundraising/budgeting, membership growth and convention planning and implementation. Currently a member of the Int’l LLL Board of Directors and an Ambassador, Ficken’s previous church-related involvement includes serving as an LLL district president, on the board for the Mid South LCMS district, and as past president and elder for his congregation. He has received numerous industry and Thrivent awards for sales and service.

Gretchen Jameson of Brookfield, Wisconsin Jameson is vice president for strategy, culture, and external relations for Concordia University, Inc. (Wisconsin and Ann Arbor), providing leadership to engage all constituencies in the sustained pursuit of the vision established by the president and board. She previously was principal/owner of purePR, corporate communications director for Concordia Publishing House, associate director of youth ministry for the LCMS, and a secondary educator. Married (mother of two), Jameson earned degrees from Concordia University Nebraska and Webster University. Her numerous awards include Concordia’s 2010 Young Alumna of the Year and the 2012 Emerging Young Professional Award from the Athena Foundation for Leadership.

Kucker has been in the financial services industry for 35 years and is currently with Morgan Stanley as senior vice president. A Certified Financial Planner, his primary focus is on managed money, retirement planning, and corporate money management.

Married (two children and seven grandchildren), he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from South Dakota State University and a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Kucker has served as president and board member of numerous organizations, including Medical Ambassadors International and Capstone Ministries, Inc. Congregational participation includes finance/stewardship committees’ member, senior choir, Bible class teacher, and co-leader of three study tours to Israel.

Kay L. Meyer of St. Louis, Missouri Meyer is founder and president of Family Shield Ministries and host of Family Shield, its weekly radio program. A member of the Int’l LLL Board, she is a popular speaker/author on family life, spiritual nurture, apologetics and learning to witness. Sample books include: Witnessing—A Lifestyle; Teaching Your Children Christian Values; and Mission Field on Our Doorstep: Jehovah’s Witnesses. Meyer has over 35 years of evangelism, family ministry, development, public relations, and strategic planning experience.

Married (three children and three grandchildren), she has an undergraduate degree in education and a master’s degree in media communications from Webster University, St. Louis.

Gene Partlow of Williamsburg, Virginia As CEO of Partlow Associates, Gene Partlow provides consulting services regarding management and licensing of intellectual property. He previously was an executive for The Boeing Company, Lucent Technologies, and AT&T, managing business units including 300-plus attorneys and professionals and $500 million in revenue. He is active in his congregation and LCMS district, and earned a Thrivent Volunteer of the Year in 2011 and the New Jersey Citizens for Life Volunteer of the Year in 1997.

Married (and the father of six), he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois and his M.B.A from Northwestern University.

Weldon Schwiebert of Westland, Michigan A graduate of Weaver Airline Training School (Kansas City, Mo.), Schwiebert is married and was a customer service agent with U.S. Airways in Detroit for more than 40 years. A current LLL Board member and Ambassador, he is a former LLL governor, district president, district manager, and committee chairman. Locally he has been Lutheran Brotherhood branch president, chair of the board for Lutheran Homes of Michigan, and president of a Thrivent chapter. Schwiebert is on his congregation’s finance board, serves as stewardship chairman, and is also a Church Extension Fund representative following previous stints as vice president, secretary, and elder. n The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

17

Casting a Wider Net

in this Year’s Fishing Tourney

By Paul Schreiber

T

his marks year number seven for the Men’s NetWork North American Fishing Tournament.

While the objective of catching fish remains the same, this year we’re focusing on those who do the fishing.

Stated another way, this tournament was originally envisioned as a fun and natural opportunity for guys to invite their buddies, casual acquaintances, and family members to join them. The thought was this neighborly invite and time spent together would yield some positive results in terms of interaction and, perhaps, even some extended invitations to church.

While that sort of interaction may have occured at times, most of the anglers registering for the tournament flew solo when they headed out to fish. Therefore, in an effort to get back to our initial intention, we’re zeroing in on “groups” of more than one that will fish together.

Here’s how it works: this year’s tourney runs from April 6 to September 6. It’s still $15 to get in the contest and signing up gets you a Men’s NetWork cap and a first-rate pocket knife. The rules are basically the same as last year with the exception that this year prizes will be awarded bi-weekly. For instance, the tourney begins on Monday, April 6, and will run through the two-week period ending April 19th.

We will award prizes based on the largest fish taken during that full two-week period. This is the pattern for

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

the entire tournament. As in previous years, anglers catching the largest fish in individual categories still win a $10 Bass Pro Shops gift card, along with a 2015 tournament T-shirt for their first win.

In respect to the fishing categories, we’ll still post pictures of the current leaders but—and this is the new twist—we’ll also post pictures of any and all groups (two or more guys fishing) that send us a picture. With these pictures we’re looking for descriptions, brief narratives, stories really, that show guys inviting church outsiders (i.e. unchurched or de-churched guys) along to go fishing. Ideally, from these submissions we’ll see the makings of some outreach taking place. Here the more info in the description, the better the chances of winning. So, go fishing with your buddies, sure, but invite a friend or two along too— guys with whom you can build a positive connection in a godly direction. Remember, it’s the strength of the story that counts.

Each month, members of the MNW team will review these team submissions and, upon their discretion, award prizes for 1st ($250), 2nd ($100), and 3rd ($50) to the top group stories for that month.

Winning groups for the months of April through August will also receive MNW baseball caps for the guys in their group. This year’s tourney concludes September 6, 2015.

At the end of the tournament, a Grand Prize for the best overall GROUP submission will be awarded. This prize, a $500 MasterCard or Visa gift card, can be used however the group sees fit to reward its outreach accomplishment: purchase a barbecue rig, donate it to a worthy cause, buy a king’s feast worth of bacon or, as the case may be, squeeze in all three.

This will be the single Grand Prize for the tournament. There will be no individual Grand Prize.

Again, the driving goal for this tournament is to build rapport and cultivate relationships. Naturally, we want men to fish with other guys, establishing friendships in the context of having fun that can develop into spiritual ties. These relationships are important, and in this fragmented world we live in, fishing is a terrific forum for getting guys together, sharing viewpoints, and learning from each other’s life experiences. This year groups will earn prizes based on what they did together and the details of their stories. In other words, the fish caught are secondary to the relationships being forged.

Now if two or more guys head out and slay a stringer full of crappie in the process, well, then, that’s your basic win-win!

Registration opens March 9. Updated contest rules and regulations will be available on the MNW website at www.lhm.org/men. n Paul Schreiber is on LHM staff in U.S. Ministries.

New Booklet Handles a

Thorny Topic T

he weight of suicide on those surviving the deceased is the topic of The Unbearable Sorrow: When Suicide Hits Home from Project Connect.

The impact and irrevocability of this final life choice leaves people reeling in its wake, searching for answers, loaded with questions. “Why?” “How could this have happened?” “What troubled this person so much?” “What more could I have done?” “What more should I have said?” These are the questions of suicide’s survivors—those left in the tumult of emotion and confusion after a loved one has taken his or her life.

The act of suicide is a complex and perplexing event fraught with loose ends. As this booklet maintains, “One of the most difficult things we must acknowledge as survivors of those who have committed suicide is see next page

Three-piece Pack Tackles Regrets

N

ow available from LHM is a three-piece ministry resource on the topic of regrets.

Included in this bundle pack are the new Men’s NetWork Bible study and accompanying Project Connect booklet—both of which are entitled Regrets, Reality, Restoration. Complementing these two items is a three-CD set of sermons from The Lutheran Hour by Speaker Rev. Gregory Seltz. Fueled by the topic of regrets and how we can overcome them, these related resources feature in-depth material that addresses griefbearing issues that often plague us from our pasts.

Each message of The Lutheran Hour is an entire broadcast. Speaking to regrets beyond those found in either the Bible study or booklet, Rev. Seltz reminds us all that God is ready—and willing—to forgive us for our past—no matter what we’ve done.

In the sermon “The True Author of Your Life Story!” he addresses the person wracked by remorse: “God has a message for you today, if you are overwhelmed by grief, struggling with sorrow. If your grief, anxiety, guilt and sorrow are rooted in your need to be reconciled and restored to God, there is an answer of rescue and salvation through the forgiveness of your

sins. When Christ’s story, His story, becomes yours by faith, life changes!” This is the message God has for each of us: He is there to lift the weight of regret from our lives.

The “Question & Answer” sections following these regret-based sermons allow Rev. Seltz to comment directly on queries posed by listeners. Here he addresses questions such as, “Do I have to forgive someone if they’ve really hurt me?” and “In order to be forgiven by God, do you just need to feel badly about your sins and failures? I’ve heard the term ‘repentance.’ Is that what repentance is?”

Unfortunately, regrets can last a lifetime, but they don’t have to hijack our futures. The four-part Men’s NetWork DVD Bible study shares real-life stories of four individuals with super-sized regrets. By God’s grace, each overcame his or her past and found true freedom through their faith in Christ. A discussion guide expands the onscreen presentation and gives additional user resources to explore the topic further.

In the Project Connect booklet, the apostle Peter is the central figure—one whom history has shown to be no stranger to regret. Pledging his undying allegiance to the Savior, it was the crowing of a

New Booklet Handles a Thorny Topic from previous page that some of our questions may not find a satisfactory resolution.” This lack of clarity, along with the overpowering mental funk that accompanies such a death, can put survivors into their own sort of tailspin, searching desperately for answers that may never come.

Opening with a recollection of a final conversation between friends on the eve of a suicide, The Unbearable Sorrow follows this exchange, until the friends say good-night—and one of them ends his life. This tragic finale itself is more frequent than we would like to imagine. Sadly, at least four suicides occur nationwide every hour in the United States. The survivors of these deaths, it is estimated, include at least six other people; chances are that number is much greater. You may be one of these.

Compounding the questions and the struggles for explanations, survivors experience anger, shame, depression, hopelessness, and the fear someone else they know might opt for suicide too. Taken together, these hurdles can seem insurmountable. “Being alone with the memory of your loved one’s suicide is a dark and lonely place where the suicide can become an all-consuming obstacle to move forward,” one of the authors writes. Addressing this, the booklet seeks to provide spiritual insight on the topic of suicide, citing biblical accounts of individuals who took their lives. It also offers help to those who themselves might be considering suicide as an out to their present circumstances.

Written by Suzie Sallee, coordinator of witness tools, and Rev. Wayne Palmer, theological writer and editor for LHM, this Project Connect booklet examines the phenomenon of surviving a loved one’s suicide, in an honest and sensitive manner. It concludes with spiritual insights into how God works through all things—even the devastating act of losing a loved one to suicide. n

By Paul Schreiber

rooster that announced his abysmal failure to make good on his pledge of support to Jesus. Yet even here the Savior comforts and restores His companion, transforming him into one of the pillars of the early church.

This collection of resources has wide-ranging application for those inside and outside the church.

After all, who among us wouldn’t like to redo or undo something from our pasts? A brief glance backwards is sometimes all we need to stop us in our tracks with the sobering realization that we, too, have been less than decent human beings. Was it dope and booze?

Was it sex and greed? Was it pride and selfishness?

Was it violence? Sadly, there may be deep wounds that have scarred our psyches, which stem from past actions we’ve leveled against others—actions we profoundly regret to this day.

For a limited time, you can purchase the Regrets, Reality, Restoration resource bundle for $25 plus shipping & handling. This includes the Men’s NetWork Bible study and discussion guide, 10 Project Connect booklets, and the 3-CD sermon series from The Lutheran Hour! This offer is valid March 30 - April 30 in the U.S. only. n

What do we do when the past won’t be silenced?

Regrets, Reality, Restoration, a DVD Bible study from the men’s NetWork, shares stories from people who have experienced deep regret—and the life-changing power of forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

Complementing this Bible study is a Project Connect booklet which looks at the apostle Peter’s denial of Jesus and the great gift of God’s grace.

A five-part audio sermon series by Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker for the lutheran hour®, will explore the nature of regret and the forgiveness God holds out to each of us—regardless of what we’ve done.

For a limited time, receive the DVD Bible Study, 10 booklets, and the 3-CD sermon series for $25. Order at lhm.org/regrets and enter promo code lmBundle15, or call 1-800-876-9880.

Offer ends April 30, valid in the U.S. only.

The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

19

simple gospel—

tough challenge

By Mark Jasa

Pastor Mark Jasa’s article in the previous issue of The Lutheran Layman dealt with creative proclamation, one on one, with university students who maintain a non-Christian stance. In this issue he continues his thoughts and offers examples of sharing the news of Christ as Savior. Jasa is based in southern California and is pastor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Pasadena. Local officials of the Lutheran Laymen’s League are supportive of his efforts.

I

n Luke 10:25-28, Jesus was questioned by a lawyer.

The lawyer asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus basically responded by saying, “You’re the lawyer, you tell me.” So the lawyer responded by saying, basically, to love God with your whole heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said, “You’ve answered correctly.”

Then Jesus put the cherry on top: “Do this and you will live.”

Now the fascinating thing about this passage is this: If I ask people “have you done it? Have you loved God with your whole heart and have you loved your neighbor as yourself?” then I get the same answer whether it’s atheists, Muslims, or Christians. They all answer the same way: I’ve tried, I’ve done my best.

Where in the text does it say anything about doing your best? It doesn’t. In our heart of hearts it’s easy to believe that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people.

One of my all-time favorite encounters happened some months ago. A young Muslim man came up to me on the campus of San Diego State University.

I started discussing our weaknesses and how we need God. He agreed that we need God and that our need for God demonstrates our weakness. Through our conversation he saw his own guilt. He saw his inability to achieve what Mohammed told him in the Quran. I then began proclaiming to him that Christ

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

is not only the Savior of the world but Christ is his savior. He found this very interesting and began asking how I know all this is true.

He asked, “What makes you believe it?” I told him the reason I believe it is because Jesus actually rose from the dead in ordinary history. This encounter with the young Muslim man resulted in a discussion about the Resurrection. Did Jesus’ resurrection actually happen? The seed was planted. It was planted not by me but by the Word of God.

Another example: He and She She was driven from home due to constant threats of hell from her parents. There was pestering, cajoling, lecturing, distancing so as not to appear to “condone” bad behavior. She and her boyfriend were living together and using drugs. In the chaos of sin, she wanted her boyfriend to know the love of Jesus. How could she tell him? She wasn’t up to the task. She was weak. She was brought down by her own behavior. But her love and commitment to her boyfriend made her stay. She knew her parents were right. She knew she wanted to bring Jesus to her loved one. Where could she turn?

She had no pastor since she hadn’t darkened a church doorway in years. Yet, she yearned to come back to Jesus, the One who loved her. So I talked

with them. They were fearful. They also believed there were unholy spirits in their house and they asked me to come and pray for Jesus to take them away. I took them through confession and absolution, and the girlfriend was able to confess things that she knew to be sin. I told her there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Neither angels nor demons can separate her from the love of God in Christ Jesus. They both were relieved to hear that the devil (no matter how powerful he is) cannot hurt us. We are safe from him because we are children of God. We are people of God. What about their cohabitation? The Law is working on this couple in several ways. They have a lot to think about—so let’s trust God that His word will do its work.

One Student Appreciated a Calming Voice

A young woman came to me on campus and wanted to talk about Jesus. She was interested in all the teachings that her parents taught her while growing up. She was rejecting their beliefs, but she still wanted to talk about Jesus.

Evangelizing in Canada is No Different

By Karla M. Anderson

Karla M. Anderson attended Concordia University Irvine and is actively involved in Christian outreach at the University of Victoria (on Vancouver Island in Canada).

She has firsthand experience in watching Pastor Mark Jasa’s Gospel techniques.

Here is her story.

One-on-one witnessing in a conversational manner.

She asked why I was able to discuss my deeply held beliefs with her without raising my voice. I told her that since I wasn’t emotionally invested in her, that I could say things to her that her parents were unable to say. I was able to listen calmly and not worry about her responses. She is still their little girl and they are scared to death that she is an unbeliever. I gave her one of my “get out of hell free” cards that says “because Jesus paid for your sin” and she was quite thrilled to get it. This shows that she’s actually thinking about the Gospel.

She’s heard it. So, as a third-party, I helped her out.

People have noticed that the Gospel is utterly simple and Luther believed that salvation is by grace alone. Wow! IF Luther is correct, that really is simple. As Dr. J. Vernon McGee once said: Faith + Nothing = Salvation. Yes, behold, the Lamb of God really does take away the sin of the world! n

Pastor Mark Jasa’s sign read: RELIGION IS FOR THE WEAK. When asked, “What does that mean?”, Pastor Mark Jasa didn’t miss a beat. “Well, it means that we are all in need of a savior. If you are drowning in the ocean, would you need a swim coach to teach you how to swim, or a helicopter to rescue you?”

“Let’s go to UVic and tell students about Jesus.” Sounded simple enough, right? I can do this, right? I know theology, I know apologetics, I am confident in my faith. I will say the right thing. I won’t be a rambling idiot! I’ll remember to declare first and then defend. I’m not scared—I am excited about sharing the awesome power of the Gospel.

I knew that hearing the Gospel changes lives. I was excited at the prospect of having conversations with atheists and agnostics, and maybe even correcting some of their disheartening stereotypes of Christians.

I can definitely do this, I thought.

It was scary; especially when a good friend, who happens to be an atheist, came up to us and was shocked to see me there. Accusingly, he said, “You’re using this as a hook, aren’t you?” I suppose he was right in a way—it’s a conversation starter. It is also, however, a refreshing kind of evangelism where people approach you and ask you questions. If they don’t want to talk, they don’t.

Simple. Some people walked by and glanced at the sign, with a look of wonder in their eyes. Some shouted, “Yeah!” I hoped they would walk by again with the time and inclination to start a conversation.

On the first day, I spoke with about five people and watched my friends (Pastor Mark Jasa, Pastor Scott Lyons, Pastor Paul Roggow, and Pastor David Wear) talk to students and staff at the university who saw the sign and were curious. On the second day, a few members of my church, Hope Lutheran Church in Victoria, joined us. In all, we probably spoke with about 30-40 people and countless others saw the sign and overheard the conversations.

Here’s the thing that got me out there: I think Lutheran theology is awesome and more people need to hear about it. Yet, Lutherans aren’t the ones out there talking to people as much as we should be. I didn’t grow up Lutheran, but as soon as I heard the Gospel it sure clicked. More people out there need to hear the Gospel. This is one great way of doing that.

Here is a summary of some of the conversations I had, and what I learned from the experience.

One of the first was with a guy. It was the most memorable for me. He was young, from Vancouver, and studying physics at UVic. He was intrigued by the sign because he’s into “death metal” and the lyrics he listens to all the time often “…it means that we are all in mock religion. He saw the sign as doing the same thing. need of a savior. If you are drowning “What’s this sign about? in the ocean, would you need a swim “Well, I believe it’s true,” I said. coach to teach you how to swim, “Yeah? And why are you out here?” or a helicopter to rescue you?”

“We’re out here to have conversations like this....” Then came an awkward lull, not sure what direction to take this. I glanced at Mark and Scott. They were talking to someone. OK, I can do this. “Do you think it’s true?” see next page The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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Regional Outreach Conferences Return

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ake plans now to join hundreds of other mission-minded individuals when Lutheran Hour Ministries hosts two Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) this Fall. The two events, Sept. 25-26 in Seattle and Nov. 13-14 in Orlando, will feature leading speakers on ministry, instructive breakout sessions, takeaway resources to use at home, and inspiring worship—all designed to empower attendees to share their faith in word and deed.

No doubt you’ve heard the terms “Millennial” and “Gen X” in recent years regarding the decline of the church. Are you wondering just who they are, and why they are disinterested in church? This is just one topic that the Regional Outreach Conferences will seek to answer.

Discover how you can teach members of this generation to be discerning, influential followers of Christ to their peers.

This is also an opportunity to rub elbows with best-selling author and researcher David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group, as he helps to clarify the “lost” generation; be inspired

by Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, as he shares his unique experiences through keynote and workshop presentations; and meet other pastors and leaders in the church who can shed light on what’s working for them in their congregations.

Conference registration is now open for Seattle and will be available for Orlando later this spring. ROC—Seattle, which is being held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, costs $125 for adults and $75 for youth (ages 14-18). Members of LHM affiliated groups can register at a discounted price of $100 for adults and $60 for youth. Your registration includes all mainstage and workshop sessions; a dessert reception on Friday evening; lunch on Saturday; takehome tools; and continued training after the conference ends. Discounted lodging rates at the Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way are available by contacting the hotel directly. Check the ROC web site for more details. n

Be equipped. Be empowered. Be uplifted and encouraged to make a change in your community. Be SENT! To learn more about ROCs, visit www.lhm.org/roc.

You and the LCMS U

By Marcus Zill

C

ampus Ministry is encouraged and developed throughout The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through LCMS U—the place to connect and support college students as they head to college and face countless challenges to their Biblical worldview, doctrine, ethics, and practices. It is a way to encourage and resource parents, congregations, and campus ministries as they care for them, so that all can boldly bear witness to Christ on college campuses.

There are many reasons to be present on college campuses in a bigger and bolder way today, including: 1) caring for our own collegiate sheep, 2) reaching out to the lost or unchurched, both atheist and agnostic alike, 3) witnessing to the increasing number of international students and their families coming to the United States, and 4) keeping a place in the increasingly secularized academic square and within the collegiate incubator of ideas.

The college campus today is quickly itself becoming one of our primary national mission fields. Many new horizons await as we support existing campus ministries and address the ever developing need to be more present in complex urban campus communities and community colleges. Challenges are increasing in campus ministry but so are the opportunities. Learn more about LCMS Campus Ministry and the growing LCMS U network at www.lcms.org/lcmsu. n Rev. Marcus T. Zill is director of LCMS Campus Ministry and LCMS U.

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The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

Evangelizing in Canada … from previous page “Well, I don’t know,” he replied. “It’s kind of offensive. I mean, I think religion is wrong, but people should be allowed to believe what they want.” Post-modern, much?

“Why is it offensive?” I asked.

“Well...,” I could tell he was a thoughtful guy and wanted to be polite. He went on: “It’s not my place to call anyone else weak. It’s kind of insulting to religious people.”

“I’m religious. I’m weak.” This raised his eyebrows.

“Yeah?

“Yeah.” Another awkward lull followed. I glance around.

What did Mark say in his presentation? Oh yeah—the problem of the fear of death and guilt. So I asked him, “Are you afraid of death?”

His response, “No, not really.”

“OK,” I thought. That can’t be true, but OK…. So I continued, “What do you think happens after we die?”

He thought for a moment: “We decompose.”

He and I went on to talk about the existence of a soul and his belief in evolution. It was an interesting conversation. I certainly thought he was a kind and sweet guy, but I didn’t know exactly how to declare the Gospel other than by saying, “I know that Jesus lived and died for us.”

There were awkward moments of silence as our exchange wound down. I felt unsure of the conversation’s direction.

The next day he came by again. Since I was sitting in another area, I didn’t talk to him. I hoped I could see him again and continue the conversation.

The following day I spoke a little and listened a lot. There was one guy who talked with Mark for about an hour. Then Scott and I visited with him. Scott led the conversation while I interjected occasionally.

The student started the conversation by trying to make the point that we cannot prove anything and that nothing can be proven at all. “Do you believe in the supernatural?” he asked, trying to catch us in circular logic, to get us to try to prove the supernatural. Scott pointed out (quite eloquently) that you can’t prove something supernatural based on natural laws.

Proof? I asked, “Do you love your mother?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Can you prove it? I’m a skeptic.”

He smirked.

The main thing I learned over those two days is that it’s hard at first to talk to people, and when they argue, it’s best to just declare the Gospel so they will have heard it. It gets easier, though, because you end up saying the same things again while you sort and organize them in your head. You can figure out the best way to articulate what you want to say, what we are called to say—with gentleness and respect.

I’m excited to go out again, even bundled up with toque, scarf, and mittens, with a coffee…, to talk to more people and hopefully learn more about what God’s people need. I think that was the biggest lesson for me.

In a certain way, “God’s people” are everywhere. Christ died for the world and all people need to know it. I also have a need to tell them.

It’s kind of simple. n

Off-Campus Outreach this April 25

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n a few short weeks, motivated men’s groups from around the country will bring their resources and initiative to bear in the service of the third annual Men’s NetWork WORK DAY on April 25. Here the twin targets of OUTREACH and NEED should top the priority list when projects are considered. While WORK DAY efforts are typically accomplished in a few hours of concentrated effort, performing a job requiring more than a single day to complete is certainly an option. If this is the case, planners need to allow for participants’ future availability to determine if a larger-than-one day job is feasible.

As groups firm up their plans for the jobs they will tackle, there are questions to address: • What are the most pressing community NEEDs your group could take on and complete?

• Who would benefit from your Saturday of service that couldn’t afford the work otherwise?

• Will your group perform one good-sized job in a single location?

• Will the group break off and tackle a few, smaller tasks, in more than one location?

• What kind of special skill-sets do your members possess?

• What kind of equipment is available to your group that makes a certain kind of work possible?

• What job(s) undertaken would really make a strong OUTREACH impact on others?

The questions above may require a little investigative work on your part, but that helps you drill down to find the best possible candidate(s) for your services.

Who would truly benefit from your FREE work in a most worthwhile way? Be sure to ask around. The goal here is to apply your skills, power tools, and

Ready workers from a previous WORK DAY. What can your men’s group do?

gracious labor in the most beneficial way possible. Doing some preliminary research on a project to tackle would likely get your group into your community—off church grounds—helping others and impacting the lives of those who may never have witnessed the body of Christ in operation.

Don’t forget that the WORK DAY is a great way to build camaraderie in your group. This event is ideal for taking pictures to post at your church or on your church’s website to increase interest in your men’s group. And, of course, we want you to send them to us, so we can post them in different areas like the WORK DAY Facebook page, our website, and even in the Men’s NetWork e-newsletter.

To get your men’s group on board in this hands-on, ministry effort, go to www.lhm.org/men for all the details. Every guy signed up to participate in the WORK DAY gets a Men’s NetWork cap to wear the day of the event. n

Come, join up with men from around the country this April 25 and put your energy and skills to good use helping others!

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he official date of Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday was Feb. 1, but many congregations from across the United States have shared that they will be celebrating the ministry we do together by observing LHM Sunday on an alternate date. If your congregation hasn’t held an LHM Sunday celebration yet, we’d like to encourage you to do so now! Any time is a great time to celebrate all the great things that God is doing through LHM! Thanks to a $100,000 matching grant provided to LHM this year from a generous donor, gifts given in the U.S. for LHM Sunday are worth twice as much until the amount of the match has been met! As an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, LHM raises its own funds and is not included in the LCMS budget. We rely solely on gifts from faithful and generous supporters like you to be able to reach out effectively in Jesus’ name.

All LCMS congregations should have received a DVD containing an LHM Sunday promotional video and a sermon from Rev. Seltz, as well as other promotional materials, in December. All of these materials are also available online at www.lhm.org/lhmsunday. Congregations planning to hold an LHM Sunday celebration in the coming weeks can also visit this web site to order FREE copies of bulletin inserts and offering envelopes to hand out to their members. Order these materials today! Please allow two weeks for delivery. n

Questions? Call us at 1-800-876-9880 or check out www.lhm.org/lhmsunday.

The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

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‘Utopia’ was their Destination

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Take the

‘cruise of a lifetime’

with LHM

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here’s still room for you! Join Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Rev. Gregory Seltz as Lutheran Hour Ministries hosts a 14-day journey to the “Lands of the Bible,” Sept. 28-Oct. 11 of this year.

This all-inclusive Mediterranean cruise will be a great chance to renew your spirit, further your faith, and increase your Biblical knowledge—and we have a place for you if you act quickly.

“I personally invite you on this incredible adventure with me,” says Rev. Seltz. “It’s a terrific opportunity to see the Bible come alive right before your eyes in the places where the great events of our faith occurred.”

You will have a chance to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and the Apostle Paul as you tour Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, Patmos, Ephesus, Istanbul, and many other locations! Don’t miss your chance to see: • The Upper Room, the traditional site of the Last Supper; • The Mount of Olives, the Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; • The acclaimed cave where Jesus was born and the Nativity Church which has been constructed on the site; • The Shepherds’ Field where the Good News of Christ’s birth was first proclaimed; • The Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus gave His most wellknown sermon; • The Monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse; • The Library of Celsus, originally built in 125 A.D., which once held nearly 12,000 scrolls; • Saint Sophia Church (Hagia Sophia) which for a thousand years was the largest church in the world.

In addition to visiting these historic sites, you will hear insightful lectures and Bible studies led by Rev. Seltz during your days at sea. An opportunity to extend your cruise with an Athens and Corinth pre-tour is also available.

All-inclusive pricing with round-trip airfare from New York starts at $4,398. Departures from dozens of other U.S. locations are available for an additional fee. For more information, including registration details, payment schedules, daily itineraries, and what is included in the all-inclusive pricing, visit www.lhm.org/biblecruise and download the brochure. n

ive years before the Lutheran Saxon immigration made its mark in Midwestern America, about 500 members of the Giessen Emigration Society pioneered their arrival to the same basic area: St. Louis, Mo., and points slightly to the west. That 1934 immigration was organized and led by a Lutheran Pastor named Friedrich Muench and his brother-in-law Paul Follenius. These two founded the society with the goal of creating a German state in America. Their idea was to establish a new “Utopia.”

A book has been written on the subject, coinciding with a Germanmade “Utopia” traveling exhibit that

completes its run in St. Louis on April 19 (http:// mohistory.org/node/9880).

Now an English version two-DVD set produced by German researchers also is available.

This was not the first significant German immigration that chose St. Louis as its destination. A smaller Hessian immigration took place in 1833 but, to date, has not been nearly as well documented.

Individuals interested in Germans immigrating to America may benefit from the book and DVD set. Contact 314-454-3172, or send an e-mail to shop@mohistory.org. n

Seeking Direct Descendants of the LLL’s Founders… if you are one, let us know by contacting the editor at gerald.perschbacher@lhm.org or by mail at LHM, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141. The 1917 founders were: Albert H. Ahlbrand, John W. Boehne, Benjamin Bosse, August G. Brauer, Henry W. Horst, Theodore H. Lamprecht, Robert H. Leonhardt, John A. Leschen, H. August Luedke, Fred C. Pritzlaff, William E. Schlake, and Edmund Seuel. n

LHM SUNDAY it’s not too late to select your date!

The official date of Lutheran Hour Ministries Sunday was Feb. 1, but ANY TIME is a great time for congregations to celebrate all the great things that God is doing through Lutheran Hour Ministries!

We will send FREE bulletin inserts and offering envelopes (shipping included) for your event, but only if you request them at lhm.org/lhmsunday or by calling 1-800-876-9880.

Please order at least two weeks in advance of your event to ensure delivery.

24

The Lutheran Layman March-April 2015

request

FREE

materials today!