Baptized! On Christmas?

In Hong Kong, people like to be baptized on Christmas.

At first it seems a little strange. Isn’t Christmas all about Jesus’ birth? But think about it. God’s Son becomes a living, breathing person so that people dead in sin might become children of God! Getting baptized on this day marks the birth of the Savior and the new birth of that Christian.

This Christmas, there were more than 60 new births in our Hong Kong churches. Each is a unique story. For me, two are especially touching.

A year ago our church lost a young mother after a courageous battle with leukemia. Her husband continued to bring his children to church. His mother, Mrs. Li, accompanied them sometimes, mainly to care for her granddaughters. His father wanted nothing to do with God or the church. Despite the difficulties, his mother kept coming and got involved with a ladies Bible class. God’s Word is powerful.

This is what her son wrote about his mother this Christmas Day:

My mother is a strong-willed, super woman who never paid attention to God. For her to put herself aside, admit her own shortcomings, and even confess she is sinful and in need of redemption—humanly speaking, this was simply an impossible task.

However, my family and I believe God has great power. We prayed every day for my mom to believe in God. The God who hears prayer allowed a miracle to happen again today. My mother “believes and is baptized.”

I talked with Mrs. Li after worship. She told me with a glowing smile that it was all God’s doing. The faith and hope her daughter-in-law had showed in the face of death was a powerful testimony to God’s love. Praise God for his amazing grace.

Later that same Christmas, another Chinese lady, Mandy, was baptized. Her story is unique because God used a banana peel to lead her to Christ! She got to know us through Carmen, a WELS member who teaches English in Hong Kong. One afternoon, Carmen was walking near her apartment and didn’t see a rotting banana peel on the sidewalk. Down she went!

The awkward fall injured her knee. She needed to find a physical therapist, and God led her to Mandy. Carmen gradually shared her life and faith with her. Mandy had a grandma who was a Christian, but Mandy was never too interested in spiritual things. She’s a triathlete who competes in Iron Man competitions—running, swimming, and biking long distances all in one day.

Mandy occasionally visited our English-speaking church, especially when there were activities. After many invitations, Mandy started studying the Bible with Dr. Steve Witte, president of Asia Lutheran Seminary. She studied off and on. Sometimes she got busy with competitions; other times she lost focus. A number of professors and wives reached out to her. We kept praying.

Then God used a terrorist attack in France to get her attention. Carmen and Mandy were talking about this attack and the fear it can produce. Carmen said she wasn’t worried because she knew where she was going after death. That deeply struck Mandy and she asked herself, Why am I waiting? God has prepared a place for me through Jesus. Get baptized!

Confessing her sin and declaring her faith in Jesus as her Savior, Mandy was baptized on Christmas!

Angels rejoiced at Christ’s birth! Angels rejoiced this Christmas as these two sisters were baptized. Angels are rejoicing around the world as the news of Christ’s birth results in the new birth of people from every tribe and nation!

A blessed Christmas indeed!

Rob Siirila

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Author: Rob Siirila
Volume 103, Number 04
Issue: April 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
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Pro-life ministry opportunities in Bulgaria

Doing mission work in a country where one church—the Orthodox Church in Bulgaria—is considered part of the national culture produces challenges to outreach efforts. The Bulgarian Lutheran Church, our sister church in Bulgaria, is forced to look for unusual opportunities to share the gospel. One congregation in Sofia, for example, tries to reach out to retired military officers through Bible classes and movie nights held in the Retired Officers Club.

Another way the Bulgarian Lutheran Church shares the gospel is through the work of Deaconess Lyudmila Popova in the public schools. Below she shares more about her pro-life ministry in Bulgaria:

Bulgaria is facing a difficult post-communist period. The 45 years of communism and atheism are reflected in all spheres of life, including shattered hearts, families, economy, and especially moral values. Young people become sexually active and look toward the option of abortion already at the age of 13. To them, abortion is a type of birth control rather than destruction of a human life. In Bulgaria it is not possible to find any information on topics such as abortion and post-abortion syndrome. The average rate of abortion is three or more in a lifetime.

Because of all the above, I was called by the Bulgarian Lutheran Church in 2001 to serve as deaconess and start a pro-life ministry. I do seminars and presentations in schools and summer youth camps. The goal is to reach the young people to educate them, to protect their health, to save the life of the unborn babies, and to share the gospel when it is possible. Presentations include two short films: The Living Proof about embryo development and The Silent Scream about abortion. My talks include discussions on how and when life starts, what abortion is and how the baby reacts during an abortion, the consequences of abortion, and that sex is not a game.

The young people are impressed. Most had never considered that the tiny thing in the womb is a real, living human being. Sometimes students approach me after a presentation and tell me that they will never allow an abortion in their lives.

 

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One in Christ –UPDATE–

The 2015 synod convention launched the “One in Christ” debt elimination offering through June 2016 to eliminate the remaining $4.7 million synod debt. If successful by God’s gracious blessing, the “One in Christ” campaign will put our synod in a better financial pos-ition to continue the ministry of training workers and establishing missions at home and abroad.

Congregations are stepping up to this opportunity. “When One in Christ was presented to the members of St. Paul in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, several members provided a matching gift to encourage others to bring offerings of at least $20,000,” says Gerry Heckmann, member at St. Paul and WELS Christian giving counselor. “By the Holy Spirit, that goal will be accomplished through commitments fulfilled by June 30.”

Kurt Lueneburg, director of the Ministry of Christian Giving, says, “We praise Jesus for all the congregations and individuals who have already honored the Lord with an offering to ‘One in Christ!’ ”

Learn more about how you can help at wels.net/oneinchrist.

 

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Congregation Mission Offerings update

Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) for calendar year 2015 ended the year 1.1 percent higher than 2014 gifts and 2.9 percent higher than subscriptions. Total CMO for the year was $21.5 million, an increase of $234,000 over the previous year. This is the highest CMO total in the synod’s history and the fourth consecutive year that congregations have exceeded their subscriptions. “We praise Jesus for providing such generous offerings through his people’s congregations!” says Kurt Lueneburg, director of the Ministry of Christian Giving.

Recently, 95 percent of WELS congregations reported their plans for 2016 CMO. While CMO subscriptions for 2016 show a decrease of 1.8 percent from 2015 actual receipts, no reductions in ministry are necessary because of the higher than anticipated offerings in 2015.

“We thank God for the high percent-age of congregations that reported subscriptions for CMO for 2016,” says Lueneburg. “We are confident that Jesus will enable our churches to exceed their subscriptions for the fifth consecutive year.”

Lueneburg says that a stable—not declining—CMO makes it possible to maintain the present level of ministry as long as there are also many substantial special gifts from churches and individuals. While CMO has increased about 1 percent annually over the last ten years, that increase provides only one-third of the 3 percent annual increase in gifts needed for maintaining WELS’ present level of worldwide gospel outreach for Jesus. “We ask our heavenly Father to help us keep growing in the grace of giving for our local and global ministries,” he says. “This is an opportunity for each of us to dedicate to the Lord an increased level of financial support through our congregations and special gifts. To that end, God help us.”

 

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Men’s ministry on the move

Russ Wagner and Dave Bunnow are part of a long-time morning Bible study group at Bethany, Appleton, Wis. Once, after attending a nondenominational men’s con-ference, they came away thinking, We could really use something like this. “After a little research, we realized that there was no WELS ministry we could find that was focused specifically on men, so we decided to give it a shot,” says Wagner.

They, along with fellow members of their small group, started Men of His Word with the vision to gather Christian men together around God’s Word to consider the blessings, challenges, and opportunities in their lives and to empower and equip them to carry out their God-given mission in their homes, churches, communities, and the world. The seventh annual conference, “Stand Firm,” was held this past February in Oshkosh, Wis. The eight-hour day includes opening and closing devotions around a key-note address and breakout sessions on 20 different topics.

“It has been our experience that bringing men together to study and discuss their issues in the light of God’s Word has a tremendous impact on their faith life,” says Wagner. “We try to offer a wide variety of topics to reach men at all stages of life. We are willing to address head-on thorny issues such as pornography; addiction; depression; forgiveness; loss; homosexuality; post-traumatic stress disorder; and men’s roles in family, church, and society.”

The first Men of His Word conference had 220 participants. This year 550 men attended. Most are from across Wisconsin, while some are from as far away as Arizona.

Derek Campbell took a group connected with a Bible study for dads that he leads at St. John, Wauwatosa, Wis. “There are so many different takes by so many different men on ways to live a God-pleasing life as a Christian father,” he says. “I come back with this whole refreshed approach to my time in God’s Word and things I can do for the dad’s group and board of outreach. These guys have such strong conviction of faith that it’s just invigorating.”

Mark Groth of Loving Shepherd, Milwaukee, Wis., says, “You’re not alone. You’re in this together. You’re here to support each other. God wants us to support each other. That’s why I go. It really rejuvenates you.”

Another group of six came from Christ, Pewaukee, Wis. Tom Engelbrecht, pastor of assimilation, attended for the first time. He said, “Probably the biggest blessing was just seeing so many men gathered in one place to grow in their faith. That’s not something you see every day. That alone was very encouraging.”

The conference itself is just the start. “Keeping the momentum going after the conference has always been a concern,” says Wagner. For this reason, the conference planners record sessions and post them to their website with study guides. They also encourage attendees to remain in the Word personally and to start or join local Bible studies (one of the topics for the breakout sessions is how to start a Bible study group). Men have done this locally as well as regionally by working with Men of His Word to organize additional men’s conferences in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. “Over the last year we have had at least three more locations with men interested in developing men’s ministry events,” says Wagner.

Through the sharing of the gospel and the working of the Holy Spirit, God is blessing these efforts. This year’s Men of His Word conference was another success. “On the car ride back, everyone is like, ‘What did you see? What did you cover and learn about?’” says Campbell. “It’s just awesome. It’s so much fun.”

Adam Goede

Learn more about Men of His Word at www.menofhisword.org.

 

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Author: Adam Goede
Volume 103, Number 04
Issue: April 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
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The Spirit is working hard

Only three years ago, Peace, Aiken, S.C., was just an idea in the minds of the members of the South Atlantic District Mission Board. As Jonathan Bourman, pastor at Peace, likes to say, “The Spirit’s been working hard since then, carving out his church in Aiken.”

Bourman, his wife Melanie, and their young daughter, Elliana, arrived in Aiken in December 2013. The congregation held its official launch service in December 2014. Since his arrival and the congregation’s launch, Bourman says, “There’s been a lot of preaching, a lot of teaching, and lots of down home evangelizing. Before our eyes, we watched Peace grow from a church of just eight members to a church of 50. As a pastor, it’s been a joy to get front row seats to the Spirit’s work in all of it.”

Peace’s vision is to use its grace- and Christ-filled doctrines to establish itself as the premiere destination for gospel proclamation in the greater Aiken area.

“We have a mission burning at Peace to reach greater Aiken with the real peace that Jesus Christ gives us in his gospel,” says Bourman. “In the heart of the Bible Belt, we have a unique opportunity to be the only thriving confessional Lutheran church within 40 miles.”

On the Sunday that Peace held its opening service, one woman noted, “Peace is a movement.” Bourman says that feeling is still with the congregation. In fact, a new member recently commented, “I am excited to see Peace be a reformation in this city.”

Bourman believes that people are coming to Peace “for our doctrine, for our sacraments, and for the living teaching of the true Word of God.” Visitors and members come from many demographic and denominational backgrounds. A well-respected local CEO, who had never previously found a church home, began studying God’s Word with Bourman. As he was teaching her about Holy Communion, her eyes filled with tears as she said, “I never knew. I never knew. Thank you for starting Peace.”

The congregation currently rents office and worship space, but as Peace moves forward with its message and its movement, it hopes to soon find a permanent church home in downtown Aiken.

Bourman notes, “We want to be central, and we want to be magnetic. That’s what the gospel is to us, and we want to embody that for our city and our region in our ministry center.”

No matter where Peace is worshiping, though, the message will be the same. “Peace is all about the gospel,” says Bourman. “We talk about it all the time. We cling to it like barnacles to a tossing ship. It’s why we named our church ‘Peace.’ And wonderfully and mercifully, the people who are becoming a part of us are all people who love the gospel and want to hear it so badly from their pastor and their fellow members.”

 

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Preparing students for the public ministry

The mission of Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS), Saginaw, Mich., is to prepare high school students for the public ministry of the gospel. Currently 58 of its graduates are attending Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., and studying to be called workers. Here you can meet two 2015 graduates, Brittany Boyd and Anne Russell, who share some of their thoughts on MLS, MLC, and the goal of serving as WELS teachers.


 

BRITTANY BOYD

Home congregation: Christ, Oakley, Mich.

On why she attended MLS: “It looked like a place where I could be part of this amazing family. Every time I visited MLS, I fell more in love with the campus and teachers.”

On how MLS prepared her for MLC: “The Bible courses at MLS fully prepared me for my Bible classes here at MLC. Throughout my sport team experience at MLS, I learned teamwork and how to set a goal and accomplish it. Throughout my theater and music experience, I learned how to be myself and see the world from someone else’s point of view. From all my classes, I learned good examples of teaching for myself in the future.”

On becoming a teacher: “I have known since third grade that I wanted to be a teacher. All of the teachers at MLS were great examples of called workers, and I strive to be like them one day. After my junior year, I had the privilege to travel to Colombia, South America, through Project Titus. There is when I fell in love with Spanish and the Latin American culture. That is when I knew I wanted to major in Spanish at MLC.”

Advice for students considering attending MLS: “Do it! MLS is such a great place to grow up at. You learn so many life lessons. You will make so many friends and memories. Get ready to be part of a family!”


 

ANNE RUSSELL

Home congregation: Emanuel First, Lansing, Mich.

On why she attended MLS: “My decision to go to MLS came very late in my grade school years. I think my biggest influence to go was that I had a lot of friends who would be attending, and I was drawn to the family atmosphere.”

On her decision to attend MLC: “I have always wanted to be a teacher, but I struggled for a long time with the idea of attending MLC. I think what finally gave me the push I needed was a Project Titus trip to St. Marcus, Milwaukee, Wis., to help out in their urban summer school. After that small taste I was hooked on urban education and knew that MLC would be my best option for one day, God willing, entering into an urban ministry field.”

On what she appreciates most about MLS: “One of the biggest blessings is the family atmosphere. Among students and faculty you can always find someone to mentor you and who is there to help. I have memories and friends from MLS that I know I will never lose.

“I would like to thank everyone at MLS for all that they did and continue to do to support me and prepare me for my future ministry, and I would like to encourage any students there now not to shut down the idea of MLC. I almost did, and now I consider it one of my greatest blessings.”

Learn more about Michigan Lutheran Seminary at www.mlsem.org.

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Issue: April 2016

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A timeless message for a new generation

“So often we look at life through the lens of the world—striving to get ahead, to carve out a piece of the pie for ourselves,” says Tim Lehman, president and CEO of Time of Grace Ministry, “but we often fall short or just feel overwhelmed. Your Time of Grace wants to bring people a completely different perspective than that worldview, a perspective that comes directly from God’s Word and is firmly rooted in God’s grace and the freedom it brings to our lives.”

Your Time of Grace is a new ministry that offers daily video devotions from WELS pastors. The two- to three-minute videos are released on Facebook and YouTube Monday through Friday. Lehman says that the vision for Your Time of Grace is that by sharing the good news of Jesus, an online community of believers is formed that can receive encouragement from the video content as well as from the other Christians who are using these platforms to strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

As Lehman notes, “The hope is to share the timeless message of Jesus in a way that connects with the people and culture of today.”

Your Time of Grace complements the television, print, and online offerings of Time of Grace. It also targets a younger audience, which consumes information primarily on smartphones and tablets.

Your Time of Grace’s devotions, which launched in January, are hosted by a group of WELS pastors that includes Ben Blumer, Jon Enter, Mike Novotny, Jared Oldenburg, and Dave Scharf.

Blumer says that his goal “is to share the message of Jesus in a way that is understandable and engaging. As I do that, I hope to use words and examples that relate to people of all different backgrounds and familiarity with the Bible. I hope that they can take something from the devotion that will be a blessing for their day.”

Lehman encourages those who are looking for daily encouragement from God’s Word to start their day with Your Time of Grace. He adds, “This is also a great tool for people to use to share Christ with their friends who might be too nervous to walk into a church. Sharing the videos with friends like this will give them the opportunity to hear that God’s promise of grace is for them as well. It is a tool designed to meet people where they are in life.”

To subscribe to Your Time of Grace, visit YourTimeofGrace.com or facebook.com/YourTimeofGrace.

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Volume 103, Number 03
Issue: March 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Let your light shine

In the spirit of Matthew 5:16, we’re sharing examples of people who live their faith.

More than 175 people participated in Faith in Action Day at Trinity, Crete, Ill., on Oct. 17. Many more were involved through donations of food, clothing, and money.

Lori Lorig, who helps coordinate Trinity’s Member Ministry program, explains that Trinity began hosting an annual Faith in Action Day in 2010 to give members an opportunity to respond to what Jesus has done for them and to experience the joy of serving together. Lorig says, “Faith in Action Day is a day on which we respond to God’s love and mercy by a concerted effort to serve others in the church, school, community, and world.”

As the program has developed, Trinity has joined forces with families from Zion, a fellow WELS congregation, and Illinois Lutheran Schools, both in Crete. The response has been overwhelming and makes a real impact on those they serve.

For example, Illinois Lutheran High School students organized a community-wide food drive for the local food pantry. This year more than 4,000 items were collected, plus 1,000 pounds of pasta were donated by a local warehouse. The food pantry’s shelves were bare when the students arrived but overflowing once the students stocked the shelves with the donations.

Some other projects included collecting and organizing items to help local shelters, collecting and packing items for college students and military personnel, delivering thank-you platters to local first responders, painting cow-shaped banks for a world mission project (see below), and participating in an Adopt-a-Highway cleanup project.

Lorig says that the church looks for ways to help and serve those in need, because meeting people’s physical needs often provides opportunities to share Jesus with them. In keeping with that thought, the theme for this year’s event was “Do everything in love.”

On the Sunday following its Faith in Action Day, Trinity celebrates Ministry Appreciation Day. This gives the congregation an opportunity to cele- brate everyone who gives of their time and talents throughout the year, including called workers who are celebrating milestone anniversary years.

“Many individuals have been blessed through these efforts,” reports Lorig, “and whenever someone asks why we do this, the answer is always because of what Jesus has done for us. It truly is remarkable to see what God can accomplish through his people in a very short amount of time. To God be the glory!”

 

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Volume 103, Number 03
Issue: March 2016

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Q&A about helping develop new campus ministry work in Africa

In 2014, Wisconsin Luther Chapel, the campus ministry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, started a new group called Cross Culture to “take Christ’s light to campuses around the world.” This group began working with the Lutheran Church of Central Africa–Zambia (LCCA) to help develop a campus ministry at the University of Zambia in Lusaka (UNZA). Over the past few years, different student groups from Cross Culture traveled to Lusaka to meet with and encourage UNZA students. UW–Madison seniors Phil Anderson, a member at Zion, South Milwaukee, Wis., and Maria Gruetzmacher, a member at Salem, Stillwater, Minn., went to Africa in January 2015. Here they share more about their experience:

Q: Why are you involved in Cross Culture?

Anderson: Since I have been able to enjoy a wonderful time at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, I want to help fellow college students around the world experience that same joy with their own respective campus ministries.

Q: Why did you decide to travel to Africa?

Gruetzmacher: Each correspondence we had with the Zambians made me more and more excited about traveling to their homeland to see the Holy Spirit’s work firsthand. Through these conversations, we could also see that encouragement from fellow believers would be extremely beneficial in the work of the Zambian campus ministry. I wanted to personally meet and encourage them to see that they have been given the gifts and opportunity to create something that will impact people eternally.

Anderson: I went to Zambia to help fellow sisters and brothers in Christ my age develop their faith and spiritual gifts.

Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?

Gruetzmacher: My favorite part of the trip was seeing the Holy Spirit work in everyone’s hearts. Throughout the three day leadership workshop we led, the students’ eyes were opened to their unique God-given abilities. They then realized all that they could do utilizing the unique talents of each group member. Listening to the group brainstorm ideas for the campus ministry and collaborating with their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ made my heart so happy.

The evening we arrived, Pastor Kangongo [LCCA pastor who helps with UNZA campus ministry] was so excited! He kept smiling the biggest grin I have ever seen while clasping his hands together and giggling. One of my favorite things he said was, “You are standing here before me all because of the amazing power of Jesus’ holy blood.” That moment made me realize that no matter one’s walk of life, we are all children of God and will be together for eternity, praising our Creator and Savior.

Anderson: My favorite part of the trip was the final day we got to spend with the students facilitating a Bible study. Though we were in a dark corner room on the campus while it was raining heavily outside, we were able to join in fellowship with these wonderful fellow students. We were able to laugh with them and find spiritual truths as we walked through the Bible with them. It was amazing to experience this kind of fellowship with people I would never have met without this opportunity through Cross Culture.

Q: What did you learn on the trip about yourself?

Gruetzmacher: I learned that I crave encouraging fellow believers in their walk with Christ. While I may not have a wealth of Bible knowledge, the Lord has blessed me with the ability to encourage and support others. As I pray with them and grow with them, my heart fills with joy and gratitude for all that God has done for me and them. It motivates me to continue letting my light shine!

Q: What does it mean to you to be involved in helping a world mission field?

Gruetzmacher: This has been an invaluable experience in which I have gained countless skills that I am excited to contribute to my future home congregation. Through working with Zambia, I have realized that the Lord truly will send me wherever he needs me to further his ministry most. I just need to trust him.

Anderson: Being involved in this mission field has opened my eyes to a large world filled with many souls, yearning for God’s forgiveness. I was able to experience firsthand what it is like to step outside of your country and experience other parts of the world and see God’s creation. I truly feel blessed that I could be a part of God’s plan for the spreading of his Word.

 

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Author:
Volume 103, Number 03
Issue: March 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

One in Christ update

The 2015 synod convention launched the “One in Christ” debt elimination offering through June 2016 to eliminate the remaining $4.7 million synod debt. If successful by God’s gracious blessing, the “One in Christ” campaign will put our synod in a better financial position to continue the ministry of training workers and establishing missions at home and abroad.

Orville Taecker was a delegate at the 2013 synod convention that voted to implement the One in Christ offering. He has generously and with love for Christ and for his synod made an offering to help retire the debt and hopes to make a second one. “To me it’s a no brainer to get rid of that debt,” says Taecker, an 85-year-old member at Bethlehem, Watertown, S.D. “What we are called to do by the Bible is to teach all nations. How can we do that when we have a debt hanging over our heads?”

Kurt Lueneburg, director of the Ministry of Christian Giving, says, “We praise Jesus for all the congregations and individuals who, like Orville, have already honored the Lord with an offering to ‘One in Christ!’ ”

Learn more about how you can help at wels.net/oneinchrist.

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Author:
Volume 103, Number 03
Issue: March 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

New weekly devotions produced for teens

New in 2016, the WELS Commission on Youth and Family is introducing “Transformed: Devotions connecting teens to Christ,” a weekly devotion tailored specifically for the Christian teenager.

“We recognize a need to address devotions and topics pertinent to the lives of teens. They face unique challenges and we want to try to bring God’s transforming Word to them,” says Nathan Bourman, a member of the committee producing the devotions. “We recognize the challenges and changes in their lives and want to connect them to the one thing that never changes.”

Each Sunday, a new devotion is published at wels.net/transformed. Or they can be delivered via e-mail by subscribing at wels.net/subscribe.

Bourman says, “These devotions could be used simply to share and pass on to the teens and youth leaders for their own personal devotions. That’s really the intended purpose. But beyond that simple purpose, they could also be used in group settings and perhaps even could be a starting point for a Bible study.”

The devotions for teenagers join an offering of devotions developed to meet WELS members needs already available on WELS’ website. The most popular, WELS Daily Devotion reaches tens of thousands of people every day via e-mail, Facebook, and the WELS App. Women’s devotions, weekly devotions for military service people, and weekly devotions for early childhood educators also are available at wels.net/devotions.

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Author:
Volume 103, Number 03
Issue: March 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Update on partnerships in East Africa

In recent years WELS has developed contacts with Christians in South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. WELS leaders took trips to these areas in the fall of 2015 and report here on their meetings with these Christians.

E. Allen Sorum, director of the Pastoral Studies Institute at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, visited Gambella, Ethiopia, from Aug. 28–Sept. 3, with Peter Bur, a South Sudanese refugee who emigrated to the United States and graduated from the seminary’s Pastoral Studies Institute in May 2015. Bur was assigned to be the coordinator of South Sudanese ministry for WELS. He is coordinating the pastoral training of South Sudanese leaders in North America and also in refugee camps in Africa.

As Sorum notes, “The first thing that Peter and I noticed when we arrived in Gambella was that it had grown exponentially in the year that had passed since our last visit. Gambella went from a city of 50,000 to a refugee community of 600,000 or 700,000. It continues to grow.

“After the essential special church services and choir numbers to celebrate the gracious God who brought USA guests to Gambella, we immediately got to the task of teaching Peter’s translation of a simplified Luther’s Small Catechism. The quality of the production and the exciting artwork made this little book a treasure. With special thanks to God, we commend the hard work of the Multi-Language Publications team who made this piece happen almost overnight. There is absolutely no way to correctly (over)state the contribution that this booklet and Peter’s explanation of it made to South Sudanese spirituality in austere refugee camps in at least three countries.

“Every day throughout the day, Peter taught the catechism to his brothers. . . . Teaching the catechism was a tremendous step forward in terms of what these men know, believe, and teach. The information they received was new. The long hours were no burden for them. They devoured this instruction.

“After Peter taught the entire catechism, we handed out the 80 copies of the catechism that we had lugged around East Africa. It was like we were distributing bundles of fresh food and laundry. The men were absolutely delighted with these ministry tools.

“Peter discussed at length with these men the requirements of getting organized and making connections with WELS and the Lutheran Church of Central Africa. They also discussed vision and various aspects of a strategic plan for South Sudanese Nuer in view of the potential for a viable peace in South Sudan. These men long to go home and to re-build their country and their church body. Peter and I encouraged them in their longing and in their journey. It is an inexpressible privilege to know men as courageous and resilient as these are. Their love and appreciation for their guests from North America know no bounds.”

From Sept. 4–10, Sorum and Bur spent time in Nairobi, Kenya, with South Sudanese men who live in a refugee camp in Kakuma, Kenya.

Sorum writes: “Once again, Peter and the South Sudanese adhered to an extremely aggressive schedule in order to get through the entire catechism along with the components on using law and gospel and Bible-storying to present the truths of the catechism. Again, Peter and I stressed the importance of thinking through a ministry that featured all of the blessings of the gospel in Word and sacrament. God bless this ministry to the refugees in Kakuma.”

Also in September, Ken Cherney, a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and a member of the WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations, visited Bishoftu, Ethiopia, to meet with Rev. Dr. Kebede Getachew Yigezu. Kebede started a confessional Lutheran church in Ethiopia as well as Maor Theological College.

In 2013, Kebede contacted WELS to discuss fellowship possibilities. Sorum visited Kebede in 2014 to learn more about the Lutheran Church of Ethiopia. Cherney’s visit in 2015 coincided with the first graduating class of Maor Theological College receiving their diplomas, and Cherney participated in the graduation ceremony.

Cherney notes: “We were received very warmly by our hosts and spent a lot of time getting to know Dr. Kebede and his family. They speak in glowing terms of Allen Sorum’s visit and all their experiences so far with WELS. Dr. Kebede is an aggressive promoter of confessional Lutheranism.”

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Volume 103, Number 02
Issue: February 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Oklahoma mission sharing God’s grace

In a growing community where about half the residents claim no religious affiliation, a new mission is working to share a message of God’s undeserved love.

Grace, Norman, Okla., started as a daughter congregation of Holy Cross, Oklahoma City, a congregation about 20 minutes away. After several years of Holy Cross’ pastor conducting worship and Bible classes in the area, the Board for Home Missions funded a full-time pastor in the fall of 2013 so Grace could expand its ministry.

Norman is unique in Oklahoma in that it has been growing by two to three percent each year for the past decade. A university town, Norman also is home to many University of Oklahoma graduates, who return to start their own businesses. And even though it technically is part of the Bible Belt, it is largely unchurched. “And we’re not talking about whether they go to church or not,” says John Vieths, pastor at Grace. “Less than 50 percent would say they were any religion of any sort.”

Yet the congregation is working to make inroads into this community with the Word. When Vieths arrived in August 2014, he and the congregation concentrated on door-to-door canvassing in the newer neighborhoods on the northeast side. “Even the atheists at the door are usually pretty friendly and will engage in conversation,” says Vieths. The congregation received a Home Missions’ special project grant in 2015 to start a New Movers program in which members mail a “Welcome to the area” package to new residents that includes information about the congregation.

They also found a new full-time location for the congregation’s ministry in a visible strip mall on a busy street in Norman.

Besides targeting new residents, the congregation is trying to fill a need in the community. Christian Eisenbeis, a pastor who had been working part time at Grace since 2012, discovered that Norman didn’t offer many programs for parents of autistic children. In 2014, he and his wife started a support group called The Thorn Bush. While providing love and emotional support to families in Norman, The Thorn Bush also is a connector to the church and God’s love. “Ninety percent of families with children with autism are unchurched,” says Vieths. “They don’t feel welcomed at worship . . . and find themselves out on an island spiritually.” Vieths says about six people attend the semi-monthly support group; most have worshiped at Grace as well. To further serve Thorn Bush families and others in the community, Grace has started monthly Worship at the Cross services, simplified worship put together by Jesus Cares Ministries.

Planning for the future, Grace is considering other outreach opportunities, including sponsoring a community book drive or diaper drive to help low-income families, expanding the campus ministry program, and potentially partnering with WELS Christian Aid and Relief to help after disasters strike (storm and tornado damage is common in this part of Oklahoma).

With all these plans and about 25 in attendance each week, “it’s a fairly small labor pool,” says Vieths. But “the members of the congregation are dedicated to spreading the gospel in Norman.” The 40-member congregation celebrated its first adult baptism in September 2014 and confirmed three adults in February 2015. And with 250 names on Grace’s prospect list, there are many more opportunities to share God’s saving message.

“By God’s grace we pray that Grace Lutheran will become a thriving and independent congregation in the years to come,” says Vieths.

Learn more about The Thorn Bush in “Moments with Missionaries,” a video series that shares stories about WELS mission fields. Find the video at wels.net/missions.

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Author:
Volume 103, Number 02
Issue: February 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Asian church bodies encouraged at regional conference

Leaders from WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) missions as well as from national church bodies from Japan to Indonesia gathered in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 28–30, 2015, for the first Asia-Oceania regional conference of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC). These participants were able to learn from each other and grow in the fellowship they share in Jesus Christ. Representatives from the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Australia, Kingdom Workers and WELS Multi-Language Publications also were able to attend.

The overall teaching focus of the conference centered on the sacrament of Baptism, with essays written and delivered by Pastor Takeshi Nidaira of the Lutheran Evangelical Christian Church of Japan and by a pastor from Gereja Lutheran Indonesia.

Of vital importance to all participants was the opportunity for fellowship with their brothers and sisters in the faith. Many of the leaders were from small church bodies and new mission fields where there is little, if any, contact with fellow believers. Many also live in areas of the world in which Christianity is almost non-existent or even illegal. They were able to talk and share with one another, for the first time, their joys and struggles as they carry out the work the Lord has given to them.

On the final day of the conference, Seoul Lutheran Church, the conference host, provided a tour of various historical sites around the city.

On the Sunday following the conference, Seoul Lutheran Church, a mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, held a service celebrating its tenth anniversary. This congregation, served by Pastor Young Ha Kim, has worked closely with many WELS area Lutheran high schools to bring Korean students to the United States for their high school education. This unofficial partnership has provided countless blessings to the congregation. The students have been able to not only receive a solid education but one that is grounded in the Christian faith. The high schools and their other students have also benefited from learning about Korean culture from these young Lutherans.

These few days of learning and celebration ended much too soon for many of the participants. All expressed a desire for this regional conference to be held on a regular basis.

Pastor Paul Fries
ELS communication director

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Author: Rev. Paul Fries
Volume 103, Number 02
Issue: February 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Meet the editorial board: Seifert

Ever ask yourself, “Who are these people who write for Forward in Christ?” Through this series you can find out.

When it comes to writing his devotions, FIC’s newest contributing editor, Joel Seifert, just wants to get out of the way.

“I want to make sure I study a section of God’s Word and see what wonderful things there are for us to think about and to find comfort in, and then I want to see how I can best get out of the way and let the Word that brought all the comfort and strength to me do the same for someone else,” he says.

Growing up in a called worker’s family—his dad is the district president of the Michigan District and his mom is a Lutheran elementary school teacher—Seifert decided early on to become a pastor. He says that he was bolstered in that decision after his first year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, when he emergency taught for a year at Arizona Lutheran Academy in Phoenix. “I received a wider view of the world and came into contact with more people than I ever had before who didn’t grow up with the gospel and who didn’t grow up knowing what God says or what he’s done,” says Seifert. “Seeing that need and seeing their reaction to hearing the gospel was a big encouragement.”

After his graduation in 2005, Seifert served for five years at Calvary, Thiensville, Wis., a large congregation near the seminary. In 2010, he took a call to Shining Mountains, a congregation of 110 people in Bozeman, Mont.

The contrast between the two ministries was noticeable. “But that was part of the reason to go out there,” says Seifert. “Here’s a little group of Christians who don’t have the big infrastructure or all the material blessings, but they have the same Word and the same love for it. . . . Sometimes you miss the wealth of resources and the large number of people and the huge ministry team, and sometimes it just makes your cherish all the more sitting around a table with three or four people to plan ministry and then coming together with the congregation to talk about how we can proclaim God’s Word and help take God’s kingdom forward.”

The congregation is growing. Currently meeting in a school cafeteria, the congregation is in the midst of a building project and prays it will be in its new building by the spring of 2016.

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Author:
Volume 103, Number 02
Issue: February 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Conference opportunities

Three conferences this summer will allow WELS members the chance to grow in their faith, to be encouraged in their Christian lives, and to learn more about the work we do together as a synod.


 

Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society national convention
June 23–26 at Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, Illinois

Under the theme “Christ Alone, Our Cornerstone,” the 53rd annual convention of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) will include motivational presentations by both home and world missionaries, hailing from places such as Hong Kong, South Asia, Russia, Antigua, Utah, and Wisconsin. Attendees can also participate in a Bible study that encourages us to put Jesus first.

“Attendees of an LWMS convention experience firsthand the influence we all have on the Great Commission with our prayers for, encouragement of, education about, and financial support of all types of WELS mission endeavors. Unique to this convention is the extent to which we connect around one focus-mission opportunity,” says Karen Fischer, LWMS president. “Among my personal favorite convention moments is the unscripted singing of the doxology following the giving and receiving of the mission offerings collected throughout the year. It’s a great moment of warmth, fellowship and joy—and explains why Kleenex are always in the registration bag!”

Go to www.lwms.org to register.


 

WELS International Youth Rally
June 28–July 1 at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

As the largest gathering of WELS teens, the WELS International Youth Rally offers attendees an opportunity to grow in their faith, to meet fellow WELS teens from around the country, and to worship their Savior. Under the theme “Our God Reigns!” the 2016 rally features workshops on relationships, bullying, making the Bible practical, and battling pornography. There will also be daily worship opportunities, youth leader presentations, and optional excursions.

More than 1,600 teens attended the 2014 youth rally in Tennessee. Rally planners hope to hit 2,000 for the rally this summer.

Registration booklets have been mailed to youth leaders. Pre-registration begins March 1. Go to wels.net/events to download the registration booklet.


 

Women’s Ministry Conference
July 21–23 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin

This triennial Women’s Ministry Conference will focus on mentoring—how a Christian woman can share her faith and life with others. “There is a growing hostility toward Christianity, toward biblical values, toward biblical womanhood,” says Dawn Schulz, member of the planning committee and conference presenter. “The intention of this conference is to help women see how valuable they are and to encourage them as they point to Jesus Christ in the Scriptures in the way that they live their lives and how they go about showing other women how to do the same thing.”

Schulz says the conference will be practical, “taking God’s Word and applying it to where women are today—in the home, in their congregational involvement, and in the work world.” Workshops, networking opportunities, sharing of mentoring experiences, and brainstorming sessions will be included.

Opening worship and a presentation on the universal priesthood by Richard Gurgel, a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, will kick off the conference. All—both men and women—are invited to attend.

Go to wels.net/wmconference to register. Gift certificates are available.

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Author:
Volume 103, Number 02
Issue: February 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Let your light shine: Computers for Christ

Ann M. Ponath

When Carl Kloehn started working with computers twenty-five years ago, he never dreamed it would lead to a mission opportunity, but, in 2004, when he retired from his work in electrical and electronics maintenance at a large Menasha, Wisconsin, printing company that is exactly where the Lord led him.

Known as “Computer Carl,” Kloehn receives used computers from friends and acquaintances who are upgrading. He cleans and evaluates them and reinstalls an operating system and drivers. He runs the computers for a few hours to ensure their dependability . Then the computers are donated.

To find new homes for these rebuilt computers, “word of mouth is the driving force,” says Kloehn. Nearby Riverview Lutheran School and Fox Valley Lutheran High School have been the recipients of his work. “Teachers in Nebraska know me and asked for help when the need arose. A pastor filling a temporary vacancy in Kentucky informed me that the church office needed a computer.” One of Kloehn’s biggest projects came from a unique connection between Fox Valley Lutheran High School (FVL) and East Fork Lutheran School, Arizona.

In February, 2015, Kloehn and his wife, Jere, were vacationing in Arizona. Baby blankets and quilts from St. Matthew Lutheran Church, the Kloehns’ home congregation, to East Fork Lutheran School were packed for the trip. In addition, Matt Schlawin, FVL technology director, asked Kloehn to prepare and transport some FVL computers to East Fork. A few months later, Schlawin contacted Kloehn again. FVL had an entire computer lab—forty two computers—that were set for replacement. “The thought of them going into electronics recycle was too much!” says Kloehn. He checked with East Fork principal Darrell Doberpuhl, but East Fork had enough computers. Doberpuhl suggested talking to Principal Benjamin Pagel of Peridot-Our Savior Lutheran School. “To my surprise, he informed me that he could use twenty-five.” Kloehn not only refurbished the computers, but hand-delivered them to Peridot last fall.

Principal Pagel is enthusiastic about the generous gift. “We needed to get the students more computer-ready for high school, and in talks with many parents, it was evident that we were not doing enough. The cost and lack of good internet were handicapping us. Now, with a large hurdle gone, we have already been making plans to give our students more computer education. The students were thrilled. They use the computers every morning and were very happy to get the chance to see Carl and his wife in person to tell them ‘Thank You.’”

“Being a young 72 year old, “ Kloehn says, “I would like to find more needs around the country and attempt to fill them. The other thing that would be nice would be to be made aware of schools that are upgrading their computers and getting the old ones to donate where they are needed.”

Kloehn continues, “Throughout my life I have been the kind of person that did not like seeing anything discarded that someone else could use. Repurposing the computers and finding a home for them has been quite satisfying for me. The fact that in this situation it serves our Lord is a big plus. When I observe how appreciative the recipients are it is a heartwarming feeling.”

If you or your organization has a donation of five or more matching computers or a need for a refurbished computer, contact Carl Kloehn at [email protected].

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Author: Ann M. Ponath
Volume 103, Number 01
Issue: January 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

New Director for WELS CEF

New executive director for WELS CEF

Scott Page has been named president and executive director of WELS Church Extension Fund (CEF). Page joined CEF a year and a half ago to assist temporarily with policy and procedure writing. He then took a full-time position in loan servicing and in October 2015 was named president and executive director.

Prior to joining CEF, Page worked for JPMorgan Chase in loan servicing quality assurance management as a retail mortgage risk director as well as a host of other credit and loan management positions.

Page says he was drawn to this position because of the purpose behind the work. “You know the purpose; you know the reason why. It’s not just for making money and bringing wealth to shareholders, but to actually see God’s Word spread and for those brick and mortar facilities going up for congregations all across the country and the Caribbean and Canada—to have their worship homes—it’s really fulfilling,” he says.

“The reason WELS CEF exists is to help mission congregations with loans for facilities, land purchases—and to get those congregations off the ground, out of rented space, and into permanent worship facilities—that’s kind of cool work if you ask me,” says Page. “And a lot of times, these are loans that no other financial institution would make

Page, a member of St. Matthew’s, Oconomowoc, Wis., has been married for 35 years and has two adult daughters.

To learn more about WELS CEF, visit wels.net/cef.

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Author:
Volume 103, Number 01
Issue: January 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Meet the editorial staff: Schroer

Meet the editorial staff: Pastor Andrew Schroer

Rachel Hartman

If you ask Pastor Andrew Schroer what he is thankful for, he has a long list. After God’s full and free forgiveness and his family, Schroer notes, “I am thankful for Texas winters, a church family who supports me, Netflix, Uno games, and trips to the park.”

In fact, he recently penned a book on gratitude. Titled “364 Days of Thanksgiving,” the devotional journal, which was released in November 2015, focuses on finding happiness in God’s blessings.

Schroer resides in Edna, Texas, where he serves Redeemer Lutheran Church. He also writes a weekly column for the local newspaper. “It’s a free space to share God’s Word,” he notes.

The column is syndicated, and is published in a number of newspapers in Texas. Schroer’s writing also appears on his blog, 364daysofthanksgiving.com, which he updates twice a week.

Prior to graduating from the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1999, Schroer spent his vicar year serving in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. There he met Clariza, a member of the Lutheran congregation in Monterrey, who became his wife.

After graduating, Schroer was assigned to help with mission efforts in Miami, Fla. He first went to Mexico City for a year with his wife, Clariza, where he served on a mission team and processed the paperwork needed for Clariza to come and live in the United States.

Once in Florida, Schroer participated in outreach work related to what is now Divine Savior. In 2003 he took a call to serve in Edna, Texas, which is located halfway between the cities of Houston and Corpus Christi.

During his time at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Schroer has helped develop a Spanish speaking ministry in the area. Since 2009, the church has held Spanish services on a regular basis.

In addition to his writing and congregational ministry, Schroer helps out with editing and translating work for Multi-Language Publications, which publishes Biblical material in foreign languages. He and Clariza often work together on Spanish-related projects.

While his various roles keep Schroer’s schedule full, he carves out downtime to spend with loved ones. “Free time is for the family,” he explains. He and Clariza have been blessed with two children. Their daughter, age 11, is involved in ballet and piano, and their son, age seven, enjoys the piano and sports.

In the upcoming year, Schroer plans to focus his writing efforts for Forward in Christ on current events. “I want to look at what’s happening in our world today, both in general and especially in entertainment and social media,” he notes. “I want to look at these happenings and explain what the Bible says about them.”

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Author: Rachel Hartman
Volume 103, Number 01
Issue: January 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Extra funding provides opportunities

The Board for Home Missions has granted close to $150,000 since August 2015 to help support special projects in WELS mission churches.

“With our mission congregations diligently working to reduce their subsidy, sometimes it stretches a congregation financially,” says Keith Free, administrator of Home Missions. “When there’s a special gift, it can really lift the spirits of a congregation because they are able to do something extra to enhance their outreach ministry, which they wouldn’t have been able to do without that gift.”

These special project funds, largely supported through gifts from the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS), provide money for various types of projects common to mission congregations including first public worship services, tools for outreach, children’s ministry, and facility or music equipment.

Peace, Aiken, S.C., a mission congregation that held its first worship service in December 2014, received a $3,000 grant to help the 50-member congregation promote the grand opening of its new worship location in downtown Aiken. “Peace’s biggest opportunity and challenge is simply to let our city and community know not only that we exist but also that we have an incredible gospel to share,” says Jonathan Bourman, pastor at Peace. “We are going to use this grant to get out that message as powerfully as we can in our community. In the past, mailers have proven to be an effective way to reach folks.”

Bourman says having those extra dollars really means the world to congregations like his. “They’re investments. They help churches like ours get rooted and established so that we can grow and prosper. Then with God’s help we can become not only a financially independent church, but also one which quickly and powerfully joins the party other established churches get to have when they support churches like ours.”

Good News, Mount Horeb, Wis., asked for help in starting a Morning with Mommies program in fall 2015 to reach out in its community of young families. The program, developed by a pastor’s wife from Knoxville, Tenn., offers themed educational playdates for parents and their children. “It’s a great way for neighborhood families to get to meet us, to get to know some of our families, and to see our facilities,” says Jonathan Bauer, pastor at Good News. He says it also provides him with face-to-face time not only with the kids but also the parents.

While the congregation already had plans to start the program before it received the grant, the extra money helped members buy the materials they needed to start the ministry, freeing up congregation funds for promotion. Most of the 20 people who attend the program are from nonmember families; one family has since attended the church.

Other congregations have used the grants for buying chairs for worship services, providing welcome packets for visitors, and starting up a preschool program.

Special project grants are given throughout the year to requesting congregations, but Home Missions was able to provide even more funding after receiving more than $140,000 in 2015 from LWMS through their fall and spring rallies, their national convention offering, and through the organization’s kids C.A.R.E. program. “Home Missions is blessed with many active partners who help to support the proclamation of the gospel,” says Free. “We say thanks ever so much to LWMS for the generous and continued support of WELS Missions.”

Learn more about WELS Missions at wels.net/missions. Learn more about the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society at www.lwms.org.

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Volume 103, Number 01
Issue: January 2016

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A new mission in the Philippines

A new mission in the Philippines

Pastor Alvien De Guzman was not looking to start a new church. Instead he was looking to be faithful to God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions. When the congregation to which he was called in metro Manila began practicing open communion and allowing women to serve as preachers, he and his family faced a difficult choice. In his words, “It never crossed our mind, not even in our wildest imaginations, that a day would come when we would have to leave this visible fellowship of believers with which we have spent precious years of our earthly lives. But the day did come. With a heavy heart, we made a painful decision: our loyalty to this visible fellowship ends where our loyalty to the Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions begins!”

But what would De Guzman do now that he was without a congregation? Where in the world would he find a church body that holds to the truth of God’s Word? He found his answer on the WELS website. In an email to WELS World Missions, he inquired, “What’s the probability that WELS will consider doing mission work here in the Philippines?” Little did he know that God was going to use him to open the door for WELS to enter a country of 100 million people.

In early 2015, representatives from the WELS Asia-Pacific Rim Administrative Committee conducted a colloquy with De Guzman and determined that he was in doctrinal fellowship with the WELS. It became clear that this man and the nucleus of believers who meet in his home are committed to reaching out into their community of Novaliches (Quezon City), outside of Manila.

Pastor De Guzman requested copies of The Promise and The Road to Emmaus to bring the message of God’s grace in Christ to a largely Catholic population. He began translating these materials in the local language of Tagalog for WELS Multi-Language Publications. He organized a door-to door-canvass, conducted a vacation Bible school, and implemented an evangelism program, Each One, Reach One.

Through the encouragement and (minimal) financial support of WELS, De Guzman is once again proclaiming the truth of the Scriptures in his new church home, Law and Gospel Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Robert Raasch, WELS Asia-Pacific Rim Administrative Committee member

WELS is continuing to support De Guzman and Law and Gospel Evangelical Lutheran Church with monthly contact and some financial aid. De Guzman is continuing his work translating Multi-Language Publications’ materials into Tagalog. He plans to attend Multi-Language Publications’ translating seminar in January, which is taking place in Hong Kong.

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Author: Robert Raasch
Volume 103, Number 01
Issue: January 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
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Serving encourages studying

Serving encourages studying

Many Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary students take a traditional path—four years of study at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., then directly to Mequon, Wis.

Not all do, however. Last year, almost one-third of the junior class (first-year students) had taken some time out of their studies to serve abroad. This year, a number of incoming students also have a wide-range of service experiences.

Michael Hollmann graduated from Carroll University and spent one year in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. From August 2012 to June 2013, he served in a special disaster relief corps partnered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He was stationed in Vicksburg, Miss., for Hurricane Isaac and New York for Hurricane Sandy; then he worked on a long-term community relations project in New Orleans, La., as part of Hurricane Katrina recovery.

“The soul is eternal; homes and possessions are not,” he said. “Serving disaster survivors moved me to serve people in the most important way: a spiritual, Christ-centered way.”

After serving with AmeriCorps, he spent two years at Martin Luther College to receive his seminary certification.

Samuel Jeske spent two years abroad working and sharing his faith. “It was a tremendous blessing and has shaped and molded me so, so much! My life has forever been changed by God, by seeing his hand at work in the world. His Word truly does not return empty, and I’m so humbled he used me to carry out some of that work,” he says. “God is doing awesome things all over the world, and I’m stoked so many seminarians have experienced that prior to their call!”

James Gieschen holds the record. “How about nine gap years?” he asks. After graduating from Martin Luther College, he served with Kingdom Workers in Southeast Asia. He delivered sermons, organized liturgy, taught Bible information class, and encouraged everyone in the fellowship. He met his wife, who is from Japan, at class at a local university.

“I was blessed to witness the gospel to her,” he says. “She was baptized and now holds the same confidence as a child of God and an heir to eternal life. God be praised!”

While still abroad, Gieschen jumped back into studying Greek and Hebrew, using WLS’ Pastoral Studies Institute’s videos online. “My view of ministry has been affected greatly by this experience, which has convinced me of the importance of a servant’s humble heart, of the great need for called workers, and of the solemn undertaking to which we aspire,” he says.

Paul Wendland, president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, notes, “It is so valuable for a seminary student to have a wide range of experiences because it helps him transfer what is in his head and heart to his feet, his hands, and his mouth. These students make a rich contribution to our campus—and ultimately to our churches.”

Linda Buxa

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Author: Linda Buxa
Volume 103, Number 01
Issue: January 2016

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Congregation’s garden strengthens roots to its community

“Even though Crown of Life has been located in New Orleans East for decades, there was still a disconnect between our congregation and our community,” says Jonathan Kehl, Crown of Life’s pastor since May 2013.

Kehl explains that most of Crown of Life’s members live many miles from the church, so local outreach is difficult.

“Much of this was the aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina,” notes Kehl. “Many of our local members were displaced by the storm and never returned, leaving the church a stranger in our own community.”

With two lots of unused land in the back of its property, the concept of a community garden was proposed. In 2014, Crown Community Garden was launched, with a goal of having 13 raised beds that community members can rent at a low rate for their own use. People can also participate in co-op gardening, helping to care for a large growing plot and some fruit trees.

To jumpstart the development of the garden, WELS Christian Aid and Relief gave a grant to Crown of Life to help the congregation build a large tool shed, hook up to city water in the garden area, and send out invitations to community members inviting them to join the garden.

As Robert Hein, chairman of Christian Aid and Relief, explains, the organization has a twofold mission: “We respond on behalf of WELS members to offer aid and encouragement to people suffering from disasters and extreme medical and financial challenges. But we also partner with World and Home Missions to support humanitarian aid projects that help build bridges to share the gospel. As the missions address community needs, they also open doors to tell people about Jesus.”

In the past, most humanitarian aid projects were carried out in world mission fields. Recently, though, more projects are being conducted in home mission settings, especially in cross-cultural situations such as in New Orleans.

Kehl is excited about the interactions he’s having with community members as they work in the garden together. In the year since Crown Community Garden has started, one couple has joined Crown of Life and one more is currently in Bible information class. The garden allows Crown of Life members to build relationships in a more natural way than cold calling neighborhood residents and inviting them to church.

“Natural conversations arise about struggles and hopes, which present opportunities to share law and gospel and apply it directly to their lives,” says Kehl. “A common question is, ‘Pastor, what do you think about . . . ?’ People who would never have considered walking into a church are excited to be part of something like our garden.”

To learn more about other projects supported by WELS Christian Aid and Relief, visit wels.net/relief.


Christian Aid and Relief supports efforts around the world

The distribution of 441 tons of maize in Malawi was the largest disaster-related food distribution project in the history of WELS Christian Aid and Relief.

In January, Malawi experienced damaging floods that destroyed or damaged the homes of many families who are members of WELS’ sister synod, the Lutheran Church of Central Africa–Malawi (LCCA). Initial relief efforts included providing supplies so these families could construct temporary housing.

The floods also washed away the families’ crops. This has been devastating for the local people, most of whom are subsistence farmers. To help families get through until the next growing season, Christian Aid and Relief worked with LCCA church leaders to distribute maize (the staple food of Malawi) to an estimated four thousand LCCA families in about 20 different areas. National pastors oversaw the distribution and conducted devotions and prayers with the families receiving the donations.

 

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Volume 102, Number 12
Issue: December 2015

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
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Pooling resources

Serving as a congregation president can be a blessing—and a challenge. Whether it’s calling a new pastor or teacher, dealing with financial shortfalls or windfalls, or making long-range plans, there is always work to be done.

“As a church president, sometimes you feel you have the weight of the world on your shoulders,” says Dennis Behnke, congregation president at St. John, Woodville, Wis.

To help lighten the load, Behnke started an informal group of area congregation presidents who meet face to face every other month to talk about common issues congregations and congregation presidents face. Since the group started two years, members have tackled topics such as compensation packages, insurance, the relationship between a congregation president and the pastor, buildings and grounds issues, and how men and women work together in service to the church.

“It’s been fantastic for me getting different slants and ways of looking at a situation,” says Behnke. “When you’re sharing with other people, you realize that you’re not in this alone. We’re a group. The Lord has placed us in this position, and he is going to help us through.”

Besides being a best practices forum, the group also has guest speakers. Most recently Joel Zank, Northern Wisconsin district president, talked to the group about the call process. “It’s really a neat thing to see these men work together, pooling their resources,” says Zank. “Pastors get together and have those brotherly conversations in circuits. It’s pretty nice when the laymen do that too. It’s just good communication between leaders.”

Between 20 to 25 church presidents from various sizes of congregations—some who have served for years and some who just have been elected—are a part of the group. “For a new church president to sit down with the guys who have been doing it for a while and to be able to draw from their experience is just fantastic,” says Behnke.

Behnke encourages other congregation presidents to start groups in their area. “As a congregation, we can only do this much. As a group of different congregations, we can do that much more,” he says. “If we talk to each other, we can take our different strengths and bring them to every congregation.”

Want more tips on starting a group like this? Contact Behnke at [email protected].

 

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Author:
Volume 102, Number 12
Issue: December 2015

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

From pulpit to big screen

Ten years ago when Jeffrey Schallert wrote the sermon that he titled “The Advent Fairy Tale,” he never imagined it would one day be turned into a feature film. Schallert, pastor at St. James, Cambridge/St. John, Fort Atkinson, Wis., was merely writing one of his “storytelling sermons,” popular with members of all ages.

As Schallert notes, “Usually you preach the sermon, say your ‘Amen,’ and get to work on next week’s sermon. But I was rather fond of this one, and so I kept coming back to it again and again.” Over the years, “The Advent Fairy Tale” was shared during a chapel devotion for students at St. Paul, Fort Atkinson; on a local Lutheran radio program; and in bulletin inserts for Schallert’s churches.

A friend of Schallert’s passed the bulletin inserts on to Steven Zambo, president of Salty Earth Pictures and a member of St. John, Newville, Wis. Zambo was captivated by the story, which is a creative parallel to God’s plan of salvation carried out through his Son, Jesus. Zambo went on to write and direct the screenplay based on Schallert’s sermon. Now titled The Return, the film was released for distribution in November.

“I loved the ‘once upon a time’ aspect to this story,” says Zambo. “The fantasy world is so popular today. It’s an approach of storytelling that crosses ages and cultures. We as Christians can use stories like this to reach people of faith and unbelievers as well.”

It’s the kind of story that Salty Earth Pictures exists to create. The production company focuses on sharing stories that will, as its mission statement explains, “challenge minds, lighten hearts, and strengthen souls.”

Schallert has enjoyed watching the journey his story has taken from pulpit to big screen. He notes, “I hope viewers appreciate anew the poignant beauty of the love of Christ and the power that love has to make us better people.”

To learn more or to purchase The Return, visit saltyearthpictures.org

 

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Volume 102, Number 12
Issue: December 2015

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Special Reformation 500 service being planned

The synod is planning a special service in downtown Milwaukee on Oct. 31, 2017, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation.

“The blessings that we enjoy today—knowing God’s grace and knowing the true God through the Word he has spoken to us in the Scriptures—have come to us as a result of what God did through Martin Luther. For 500 years, the gospel message has been preached and proclaimed to us and through us. Those are blessings that we can’t help but celebrate in a special way,” says Rev. Mark Schroeder, WELS president.

The service will be the culmination of two continuing education opportunities for WELS called workers held at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee on Oct. 30-31—Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary’s annual symposium and the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers’ Conference, which will be inviting WELS educators nationwide to participate. The service, tentatively planned to start at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, will be held downtown in a venue large enough to accommodate the thousands of called workers attending the conferences as well as all WELS members who are able to attend. “Although worship is taking place at the end of these called workers’ conferences, it is intended as a service of thanksgiving and celebration for all WELS members,” says Schroeder.

Choirs from all the WELS high schools will be invited to participate in the service. “With so many of the synod’s called workers present and choirs from all of the synod’s high schools, I can only imagine the closing service on Tuesday afternoon, the exact day of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation,” says Rev. Paul Prange, administrator of the Board for Ministerial Education and part of the service planning committee.

Special gifts will fund the event. According to Prange, the plan is to offer financial help to called workers whose travel costs might exceed their usual fall conference expenses.

WELS districts and conferences also are planning celebratory events in 2017 on the weekends surrounding Reformation day. The WELS website will be updated as information becomes available.

 

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Volume 102, Number 12
Issue: December 2015

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
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Let your light shine: Grace

Mike Graff from Crown of Life, Hubertus, Wis., shares a Christmas story that shows how anyone can share their faith and make a difference—no matter what their age.

For the past few years during Advent, our congregation has partnered with Institutional Ministries to collect personal need items, clothing and Christmas presents for the people they serve.

Around the middle of November 2014, I was approached by one of my favorite “little people” and asked an important question: “Mr. Graff, are we going to have that Christmas tree for the things to help people again.”

I thanked Grace for reminding me and told her that the Christmas tree should be going up soon. Little did I know she had a plan.

Grace’s mom e-mailed me more about Grace’s plan. She wrote:

“At the beginning of November Grace asked me if church was going to have ‘that tree for the things to help other people’ again. I told her we could ask you about it next time we saw you at church.

“A couple days later she asked if I thought our family might want to donate things to put under the tree as well. I told her they probably would love to do that.

“This led to her getting the idea to write a letter to all of her closest friends and relatives explaining Institutional Ministries’ mission and asking them if they would help her collect items to donate. She offered to shop for those who didn’t feel like shopping.

“She sent out her letters and also told anyone who would listen. She collected $240, plus numerous bags of items. As she started receiving calls and letters with donations, she insisted we make a shopping list of items that people would really need. She thought of everything from diapers to deodorant to warm blankets to “Jesus” books (‘so that they can learn about Jesus too,’ she said). She was amazed at how much she collected! She told me, ‘Wow, Mom, my little idea is going to turn into a lot of big smiles!’

“She also decided that she wanted to give something from her personally, so she chose to make fleece knot blankets for babies. At one point, while making the blankets, she was getting frustrated because ‘her fingers weren’t working well,’ so she stopped and said, ‘When I’m frustrated I’m just going to think of the happy face of the mom wrapping her baby in this blanket and the warm baby smiling; then I will have perseverance!’ (Yes, she does know the meaning of that word!). When she was finished with the blankets, she asked if we could put a ribbon around them with a note that said ‘Jesus loves you!’ Of course, I said yes.

“She told me she did this because Jesus tells us to help others, so that’s what she did.”

When given praise for the work she had done, Grace said she didn’t do it for that (meaning the praise). She said she did it because she wanted all of these people to know that Jesus loves them.

Oh yes. I did forget to mention something . . . Grace is six years old.

May our triune God keep the fire in your heart for outreach that Grace has demonstrated this Christmas!

 

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Volume 102, Number 12
Issue: December 2015

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Book Nook: The Mom God Chose : Sarah Habben

The Mom God Chose: Mothering like Mary

Upon reading the first few pages of The Mom God Chose: Mothering Like Mary, I had to wonder what I, a woman who was referred to as being of Advanced Maternal Age throughout her entire first pregnancy, could have in common with Mary. I am a thirty-something with a one-year-old! What could I learn from a teenager living centuries before me in a very different setting and time? Nevertheless, I ventured further into the book and am glad I did.

Author Sarah Habben writes a book that’s part history lesson, part examination of contemporary motherhood, and part devotion for the modern mother.

As we follow the story of Jesus’ conception, birth, life, and ultimate resurrection, the author examines the qualities that Mary possesses as the chosen mother of the Savior. We see that these qualities are not wisdom beyond her years, nor a depth of experience. Rather she has an unwavering faith in God’s promise and Word. Through hardship and trial she remembers that it is her job to raise the son of God, and that Jesus’ purpose is not for her ultimate happiness but to deliver the world from sin.

Through interviews with modern mothers facing a multitude of situations, readers gain knowledge and encouragement. Topics range from how to teach children to pray, how to raise children confident in their faith, and how to deal with technology in your children’s lives.

Each chapter concludes with a number of questions to ponder. And, finally, each chapter is wrapped in prayer.

Habben ultimately shows mothers that, though parenting can be a scary and intimidating task, if we rely less on flawed human understanding and realize God’s ultimate control, we will be able to worry less and mother better—mother like Mary.

Kristen Zimmerman
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

 

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Volume 102, Number 12
Issue: December 2015

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Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us

 

Booknook: 364 Days of Thanksgiving: A Devotional Journal

364 Days of Thanksgiving: A Devotional Journal

Occasionally, I come across a single book to satisfy everyone on my gift list. Pastor Andrew Schroer’s 364 Days of Thanksgiving, A Devotional Journal is such a treasure.

More than a journal, 364 Days of Thanksgiving is a journey from a place of discontent to a life of gratitude and joy. How can a humble journal be so powerful? Pastor Schroer’s writing motivates us to gaze with new eyes at life—the vacant seat at the table, the frightening diagnoses, the empty pockets—and to say “I’m so very blessed.”

Pastor Schroer never once shakes his literary fist shouting, “You must be grateful!” Rather, he nudges us to daily search the storms of life to find and record a single blessing. That’s it—one blessing a day.

By year’s end we can look back at 364 different gifts and be amazed by God’s hand in our lives and overwhelmingly grateful for his blessings. The 365th day is a full day of giving thanks, which we observe on Thanksgiving Day. The goal is to cultivate an eye for hidden blessings, develop the habit of gratefulness, and nurture a heart of joy and generosity.

Pastor Schroer challenges us and all Christians to realize how indescribably rich we are, to be overwhelmingly grateful for that richness, and to reach out to others with the overwhelming generosity of a heart that witnesses the daily blessings of an all-loving God.

I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from the challenge of 364 Days of Thanksgiving, both the book and the action. We all need to hear, “You are loved! You are rich! Be thankful.” The book is a gratitude-inducing reminder that our negatives are God’s positives designed as blessing—that’s a life-changing gift worth sharing.

Christy Bagasao
Las Vegas, Nevada

 

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Author:
Volume 102, Number 11
Issue: November 2015

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us