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Blessed to Serve

missions — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:52:15 -0400

Sean Young is Director of Missions Operations for WELS. He began working with WELS Missions in 2012. Young writes about the privilege of serving in his position. My name is Sean Young and I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve our church body as the new Director of Missions Operations in the Missions office. My background wasn’t in mission work beyond being the evangelism chair at my local church in Verona, Wisconsin. What I bring to the table is an unwavering willingness to serve the Lord through our church body in any way I can. I do this by utilizing my God given gifts of operational management to assist those missionaries we have in the field both within the United States and those whose calls have taken them around the world. Granted, when I applied for this position I didn’t have anywhere near a full understanding of what it is we did as a synod in the area of mission work. Sure, I knew we put out a DVD entitled Road to Emmaus [1]. I also knew we had someone in Haiti [2] somewhere, but that was the extent of my knowledge of what my church body did. That, coupled with the fact that I had never left the United States before January 2012 should help establish that I am your “average” WELS member sitting in church on any given Sunday morning. Now that I’ve had the opportunity to work with the majority of our missionaries both here in the U.S. and abroad, I have a much better understanding of how we carry out the Great Commission! Imagine my excitement when the Board for World Missions (the governing board for all of our mission work around the globe) asked me to visit one of our mission fields up close and personal by traveling to Cameroon [3], Africa. This is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to learn first-hand of both the blessings and challenges our called workers face while serving in a foreign land. While this won’t be my first venture into a mission field (I have been able to visit our missionaries in Mexico and on the Apache reservation), it will be my first visit overseas. A friend of mine asked me what I was going to do to prepare for the trip, and I didn’t have an answer. Should I start talking to past visitors and missionaries on how they handled their preparations? Find out what kind of shots and visas I’ll need to enter Africa? Look into how I was going to get there? What about food? As you can imagine, my mind was going in a hundred different directions as I started to realize that I would be in Africa soon. Then I just stopped. I stopped and began to pray that the Lord guide and protect me and Pastor Mohlke during our travels. I also asked that He give me the strength to do something that I would have never, ever even contemplated doing less than 12 months ago. Now I am letting the Word do the work, and all of my worries and concerns are melting away. [1] http://www.roadtoemmausmovie.com/emmaus.html [2] http://www.wels.net/missions/haiti [3] http://www.wels.net/missions/cameroon

A Partnership in Thanksgiving

missions — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:20 -0400

Patricia Boettcher is a member of St Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI. Boettcher writes about her congregation's partnership with and support of a Zambian congregation. St. Lucas Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, first came into contact with the Ndola congregation in 1982. We were celebrating our 110th Anniversary that year and it was decided that as our Thank Offering we wanted to build a chapel in Africa. That chapel turned out to be St. John’s. This past October St. Lucas celebrated its 140th Anniversary and it was decided we would do something for St. John’s. Missionary Dan Sargent helped us learn more about the needs of St. John’s. He knew that they were renovating their parsonage for a cost of around $5,000. Our committee and council approved this as our Thank Offering and also added that anything above that amount would be sent to the Lutheran Church of Central Africa. In February the goal of $5,000 was reached and was sent to them through the synod’s missions office. Funds will continue to be collected for the LCCA. A member of our Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society made a large banner which Missionary Sargent presented to St. John’s. Several other ladies have made Bible Bags and Banners for the Bible Institute in Lilongwe and Pill Bags and Sun Hats for the Lutheran Mobile Clinic in Lilongwe. Our school children collected funds for St. John’s Sunday School children as their fall mission project. [flickrslideshow acct_name="welsmissions" id="72157633427546497" width="400" height="400"] View these photos on flickr [1] Missionary Dan Sargent writes: "I was in Ndola on the 21st of April for service at Mt. Sinai and St. John's Kabushi. I was able to present the banner to the members at St. John. The choir sang a number of songs in praise of God for the generous gift the congregation is about to receive. The congregation is working with the LCCA Board of Trustees and the Ndola City Council to follow all the regulations concerning the renovations of the parsonage. According to LCCA policy, the congregation will continue to contribute 20% toward the project. This gift will be accounted for though the LCCA Church Development Fund and embarked for St. John's Kabushi." [1] http://www.flickr.com/photos/welsmissions/sets/72157633427546497/

Adios, amigos: I’m off to speak Biblical Greek for two weeks

missions — Fri, 10 May 2013 02:00:38 -0400

Michael Hartman serves as a missionary in Mexico. Hartman recently attended a workshop whose focus was on improving skills in Biblical Greek. In February 2013, 10 WELS world missionaries met to improve their language skills. During the time spent together, these men didn’t focus on languages spoken in the countries they serve, such as Spanish, Russian, or Chichewa. Rather, they attended a workshop held in Israel, where ancient tongues abound, to learn a new way to teach Greek. Why do missionaries want to improve their Greek skills? The idea goes back hundreds of years. As Martin Luther penned, if a church body does not have the ability to work in the original languages, it will lose the Gospel. Since then, Lutheran churches have focused on enabling leaders to use Greek and Hebrew to remain true to God’s teaching. Today, WELS continues to emphasize original languages. The same focus holds true in world missions. Training leaders to use the Bible’s original languages is a key ingredient for building new church bodies, notes Missionary Michael Hartman. "As Luther's ability to use Greek and Hebrew matured, so did his understanding of Scripture,” Hartman explains. “We have the same goal for leaders in churches around the world where WELS is doing mission work." Here, you’ll see a short recap of what missionaries learned at the Greek workshop and how they are applying it back on their fields.[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlxuBz-xW78[/youtube]

New Pastor Installed in Japan

missions — Wed, 08 May 2013 05:00:55 -0400

Brad Wordell serves as the Coordinator for Asian publications for Multi Language Publications and as a part-time missionary in Japan. Wordell writes about the recent installation of a national pastor. Pastor Daisuke Nakamoto was installed as the new pastor at Aganai (Redemption) Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tokyo, Japan, in April. Nakamoto graduated from the Pastoral Studies Institute in the United States in 2006 and served for two years as a pastor/evangelist at Bloomington, Bloomington, Minn., before returning to Japan with his family. He then served a vicar year in Mito, Japan. The Lutheran Evangelical Christian Church in Japan now has four national pastors serving 380 souls. This is the first time in Aganai’s history that it has a resident Japanese pastor. Until now the congregation has been served by expatriate missionaries, most recently Missionary Brad Wordell. Wordell continues to serve in Japan but will be devoting most of his time to his new position of coordinator of Asian publications for Multi-Language Publications. Pastor Nakamoto, because he is a native speaker of Japanese, is well equipped to do counseling, family ministry, and ministry to children/young people.

Malaria

missions — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:47:14 -0400

Chris Pluger is a volunteer with Lutheran Bible Translators with WELS’ mission in Zambia. He is helping to translate the Bible into the Nsenga language. Chris writes about one of the hazards of mission work in Africa: malaria. I’ve had a bout of malaria for the past few days. I don’t want to over-romanticize it. I wasn’t lying in a feverish haze on a straw mat under a palm tree, slipping in and out of consciousness and hovering near death. I didn’t need to be hospitalized. I didn’t even see a doctor. But I will tell you that malaria sucks. And it’s an odd feeling, knowing you have a disease which, if you allow it to spread unchecked, has a good chance of killing you. For me, the symptoms started with aching muscles. But I had been riding in the truck over bumpy roads for three days, and I figured aching muscles were nothing unusual. I was also extremely cold. But here in Zambia, the rainy season is over, and it’s turning to fall-like weather, and I’ve always gotten cold easily. I figured I had just been hot for so long that a reasonable temperature felt cold. Then the aching got worse, and started to spread to muscles that had nothing to do with riding in the truck. Like the muscles that move my eyeballs. The cold spread, too, so that by the time we got home Sunday night I was shivering. So I pulled on my flannel jammies and dove in bed, even though it was only 7pm. By midnight, the chills had turned to fever. I was stiff and sore all over. I slept fitfully, and at 7am I got up, took some ibuprofen, drank a cup of tea, took a steaming hot bath (the chills were back by then) and climbed back in bed. Meanwhile, Janine gave me a malaria blood test, which was inconclusive. She checked the internet, and the local pharmacy, for the right amount of the right medicine for my symptoms, and made sure I drank plenty of water. After a five hour nap, I got up, drank some more tea, took some more ibuprofen, and sat around painfully, trying not to spoil Sean’s 11th birthday. I watched him assemble his totally awesome LEGO Helm’s Deep set, and then we watched Two Towers. Then I slept for another 12 hours. Tuesday was basically a repeat of Monday – wake up, tea, bath, nap, tea, sleep. That’s one thing about malaria: you just want to sleep all the time. At least the ibuprofen kept the body-ache and the fever-delirium to a minimum. I even managed enough concentration to read a book. Today, Wednesday, is a public holiday in Zambia. So I’ve bought myself one more day to recover. The malaria treatment regimen is three days, so hopefully by tomorrow I’ll be back to my old self. But, lest we forget, we are all infected with a disease which is spreading unchecked through our bodies, and which will eventually end in our death. Short the glorious return of Jesus, the death toll for the human race will ultimately rise to 100%. We can try to make decisions that will help us prolong and improve that life, but the time and manner of our passing are not ours to choose. As Gandalf tells Frodo, “…that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Thanks to all who heard about my illness and prayed for my recovery. It seems those prayers are being answered. Please continue to keep our family and our work in your prayers, until we all reach the finish line. May God’s blessing and mercy be with you all.

Spring at Cruz de Cristo

Beth Zambo — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:37:12 -0400

Kerry Pamperin -Costa Maya Lutheran Newsletter - April With April comes the end of the high season in Mahahual. Many of the expats begin they journeys north for the summer months. The town becomes quiet and business slow. But these are also months with great opportunities for the congregation - getting children involved with various activities at church as the school year winds down, encouraging the parents to come to services along with their kids, reaching out to the hungry and the lonely and the troubled for whom the months ahead seem bleak. For this whole sin-sick, suffering world, there is only one solution. There is only Christ. Our hearts are on these matters as summer approaches. We continue our weekly rhythm of events. As the week begins, we meet for worship. We study God's Word together, sing hymns, and pray. Lately, the children attending outnumber the adults! We have also been honored to have several visitors over the past month. It was a blessing to meet you and worship with you. During the week, the children come back to have Bible class with Pastor Briones. He teaches them a story, and they do projects and learn verses from the Bible. Attendance on average is about 15 children. As the week comes to an end, we continue to offer meals to the community through the soup kitchen. Again, we have noted more children are attending than adults. It is a joyful time of the week, for both those serving and those being served! We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have volunteered their time and talents over the past month. We thank you for watching children during the service, for painting the doors, for typing out the minutes, for serving soup, for cleaning chairs with zeal, for welcoming guests, for giving generously, and so much more. What an immense privilege to be working in the Lord's vineyard beside you.

SoftwareONE Newest Vendor on ShopWELS.net

Martin Spriggs — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:50:43 -0400

[1] Many of you are aware of the synod’s cooperative buying program called ShopWELS. We are constantly trying to find vendors that provide WELS congregations, schools and other related organizations the best value for their budgeted dollars for things like office products, technology, etc. One area that can be particularly challenging is computer software. It seems like every software company sells their product a little bit differently. They call them CALs, seats, packages, bundles, licenses, and on and on. Some require you to purchase more than one, or claim that one license can be installed on some number of computers provided that… You get the idea. It’s CONFUSING. It’s no longer as easy as running down to the local store, pulling a box of the shelf and paying the price listed on the box. Beginning today the ShopWELS welcomes SoftwareONE into the program to hopefully clear up all the confusion. SoftwareONE has weeded through all the confusion that companies like Microsoft and Adobe have created with their miriad licensing models. A simple call or email to them with what your needs are will prompt a response that will give you the appropriate license you need, whether that be a charity license or academic, depending on who you are. They will also provide the lowest possible price on products from Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec, McAfee, Techsmith, VMWare and Citrix. With SoftwareONE's sole focus on software licensing, they can provide the expertise through a consultative, long-term approach to address: • Confusion around multiple software licensing programs• Licensing implications with solutions such as virtualization and cloud• Changes in IT personnel and misplaced information• Frequent changes in software publishers’ programs• Existing infrastructure unable to change along with your company• International currency, multi-language, or taxation To see sample prices on Microsoft and Adobe products, see all the vendors they resell, or to contact SoftwareONE go to http://www.wels.net/shopwels/softwareone [2]. [1] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2013/05/softwareone.png [2] http://www.wels.net/shopwels/softwareone

Resurrection Birth

missions — Fri, 03 May 2013 06:00:20 -0400

Mark Panning serves as a missionary in Malawi, Africa. Panning writes about the Malawian tradition that gave him the privilege of naming a newborn member of his church body. My Easter celebration this year began in a rather unusual way. I received a phone call in the early morning hours from the Dean of Students at the Lutheran Bible Institute. He told me that the wife of one of our LBI students had gone into labor. Someone needed to take her to the hospital. Without wasting time, I drove my truck a few hundred meters to the front door of Mr. and Mrs. Chilembwe’s house. I gathered not only the expecting mother and her husband, but also three other women who wanted to go along and provide support. From the campus of the Lutheran Bible Institute, it is only about a 15 minute drive to the hospital, and then another 15 minutes back to home again. Thirty minutes, total. But after you have done it, your work is just beginning. If you have taken the parents to the hospital, they will ask you to name their baby. Seriously. They will ask you to name their baby. And they mean it. If you tell the parents that you have always liked the name Broomhilda or Jezebel or Godzilla or whatever; that is what the name will be. The parents asked you to give the name, and they will take whatever name you give. It’s a tremendous honor, of course, but also a bit intimidating. On Easter Sunday, Mrs. Chilembwe gave birth to a healthy baby girl. What a great blessing for the family! As Solomon said, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Ps 127:3-5). This particular blessing, however, came at a small price. The timing didn’t seem to be that great. While Mrs. Chilembwe was in labor, she was missing the biggest and most joyful worship service of the year. As she settled into her hospital bed, her friends from the LBI were gathering at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on the other side of town. While the hospital room echoed with the cries of childbirth, shouts of “Alleluia” and “Hosanna” were ringing through St. Peter’s. While the Chilembwes rejoiced that God had given physical life to their baby girl, the worshipers at St. Peter’s rejoiced that God has given all of us the gift of spiritual life through his Son, Jesus Christ. How fitting! That’s what Easter is, isn’t it… a celebration of our birth! When we were dead in trespasses and sins, God made us alive through the death and resurrection of his Son, for “he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1Pe 1:3). So what does a guy like me name a little Malawian girl born to Christian parents on Easter Sunday morning? Her name is Anastasia. In Greek, it means “Resurrection.”

Adding Sheep into the Flock

missions — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:10:17 -0400

Phil Huebner serves as pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church [1] in Palm Coast, Florida. Huebner tells how one woman's family became church members through the work of their preschool. Jessica was a parent of one our preschool students last school year. She really enjoyed the loving, caring environment of our school. But Jessica did not know a lot about church. She grew up never going to church much. As she grew more comfortable with our school though, she and her husband decided to try out our church. They liked it and came back regularly. God was really working through all of this! After some time I invited Jessica and Sean to come to Bible Information Class to learn about our church. At the same time, we had found out that Jessica was a preschool teacher herself at a different school in town. We had an opening and were interested in hiring her, but wanted her to take the class first. Jessica and Sean finished the BIC classes and by that time were regulars at church and growing by leaps and bounds in their faith. We also hired Jessica as an assistant in our preschool. A very special moment I will always remember in my ministry was when I baptized both of their children, Ella and Noah, and also Jessica. They were so excited about it! Her husband made a very special video of that moment. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgTaNP9ujnY&feature=youtu.be[/youtube] Now Noah and Ella are both enrolled at our school, Jessica is a lead teacher in our preschool, and their whole family is very active in our church. What amazing grace of God that he would work through the power of his Word and Sacraments with this family in such a way! That's not even the end of the story yet! Now Jessica is about to enroll online at Martin Luther College [2] so she can get her synod certification. God has taken this "prospect" parent all the way into his fold and to soon becoming my colleague in ministry! God is so good! [1] http://www.ctkpalmcoast.com/ [2] http://www.mlc-wels.edu/

WELS.net en Espanol

missions — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:00:06 -0400

A key feature of the new Spanish Web site is the emphasis on audio-visual content. The site offers the Road to Emmaus film in three segments, audio devotions, and blogs about Hispanic outreach. Sylvia Falcon, the digital publications coordinator for MLP, will manage the site. With guidance from Steve Zambo of Salty Earth Pictures, a recording studio is being outfitted at the MLP office. The studio will facilitate the recording of blogs by Spanish publications coordinator Gonzalo Delgadillo and others. MLP hopes to collaborate with our sister church in Mexico to create a branch studio in that country in order to increase the amount of audio-visual content on the new Web site. Where is the new site? Go to www.wels.net [1] and then click on “EN ESPAÑOL” at the bottom of the page. Or go to: www.elmensajeroluterano.com [2] [1] http://www.wels.net [2] http://www.elmensajeroluterano.com/

Nigeria Teaching Trip – Week 3

missions — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:00:30 -0400

John Vogt traveled to Nigeria this winter to teach at WELS’ sister seminary. Read more about Vogt’s initial impressions of life in Nigeria and student life at the seminary there. Week 1 [1] & Week 2 [2] are also available. This was, without a doubt, the most rugged and physically uncomfortable place I have ever taught. But the students were enthusiastic and tried hard. It will live on in my memory as an unforgettable experience. Saturday We had another visit by the Nigerian S.W.A.T. team -- eight men this time, in black uniforms with helmets, bullet-proof vests, and automatic weapons at the ready. The leader walked up to our house and asked: “Is everything calm?” When I replied “Yes,” they got back into their truck and drove off. Sunday Traveled to Manta for service today. A smaller group (ca. 45), but its three drummers and a cassinet-player helped keep things loud and enthusiastic like the previous two congregations had been. There were lots of what Professor Cherney called “7-11 songs” – seven words repeated eleven times. The big event of the day was the consecration of the congregation’s new borehole (i.e. well). Money from WELS had financed an 1800 meter well to supply water free of charge to the people of the village. The well is on the church grounds, so all can see that this is a gift to the community from the Lutheran Church. Professor Cherney was asked to speak the words of consecration. He did an admirable job, especially since this honor was sprung on him without notice. He and then I were given the first two drinks. A side-benefit is that a pipe will be run to the parsonage, so the pastor and his family of seven kids will have running water for the first time. Monday Class and the afternoon “stump the professor” hour went well. Students are nearing completion of their revised Apostles’ Creed. Tuesday After classes today we were invited to the village chief’s house for dinner. The chief is a member of our congregation. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the U.S. Menu was coconut rice spiked with plenty of pepper, chicken, coleslaw, and beer. The chief’s wife scooped the food on our plate in a quantity about double what I would have chosen to eat. To be polite we ate the whole thing. A couple hours of visiting with the chief and his wife followed the meal. Their home was roomy, but not fancy. In fact the floors were unpainted cement, and several panes of glass were missing from the windows. Outside was a memorial for the chief’s father who had been chief before. Thursday It’s Mohammad’s birthday – a national holiday. We held classes anyway. It was my last teaching class – tomorrow is the final exam. Perhaps the best class I’ve had. Lots of lively, to-the-point discussion. I came with 15 minutes of completing the materials for the course and will do that first tomorrow before handing out the exam. Friday Last Day. Nigeria Electric decided to grace our day with electricity, the first time since we’ve been here that we had power for any length of time. But everything crashed again in two hours. I gave the final exam. All the students passed. All have satisfactorily completed the course work except that I had given the assignment that each student say Luther’s Explanation to the Second Article. They could say it in their own dialect, but I will turn my report over to the seminary director, saying that all have incomplete until that final task of reciting it in English is done. The afternoon was given over to a farewell party. The festivities began with the students slaughtering three handsome, plumb chickens. The banquet consisted of chicken, a pastry of crust with a hard-boiled egg inside, and beer. Afterwards came a speech, a prayer, and some pictures. The whole event lasted about an hour. Saturday Off to the airport at 11:00 to begin the trip home. We leave with the feeling that it was a memorable and worthwhile experience, but that three weeks is a long enough stay. [1] http://blogs.wels.net/missions/2013/04/18/nigeria-teaching-trip-week-1/ [2] http://blogs.wels.net/missions/2013/04/23/nigeria-teaching-trip-%E2%80%93-week-2/

Nigeria Teaching Trip – Week 2

missions — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:40:12 -0400

John Vogt traveled to Nigeria this winter to teach at WELS’ sister seminary. Read more about Vogt’s initial impressions of life in Nigeria and student life at the seminary there. The week in brief – no electricity, no rain, no cooling, but also no mosquitoes, no flies, and no health problems. Praise the Lord! Saturday We stopped at the Christ the King congregation in Abak. It was also a nice building which held about 150 people. The pastor said that it was full each Sunday. We met the pastor and his family. One thing you notice is the great number of small churches, many of them just in people’s home. We counted 26 along the 5 mile road from the seminary to Abak. The day ended with a social call from the chief. He came in and visited for about 20 minutes. He said he was extremely happy that the church continues to do well, not losing any pastors or congregations. I gave him one of my clinging crosses. Sunday We were taken to the congregation in Uyo, the state capital. Because of some detours we arrived 30 minutes late at 10:30, which turned out okay since there still were two hours of service left. On the way we passed several burned out cars and trucks. We were told they are the remains of the political violence during the recent election. This congregation also had a nice building. There were about 55 in the service. Many things were the same as last week – loud, enthusiastic music; line dances (five times) up to the offering box with the music and drummer getting louder and faster as the procession continued. Some things were pleasantly different. There was a confession of sins, the Apostles Creed, three Scripture readings (from the KJV) and a 20-minute sermon. This week nearly everything was done in English. The sermon had the theme “Time for Change” and clearly pointed out ways that each of us can change to be more God-pleasing. On the ride back we learned that Christ the King church has 52 congregations, but only 12 pastors. So most congregations are served by an elder. Monday In the afternoon came the first open meeting with those students who were interested to discuss anything they wanted to talk about. I had the first one. Six students came, and we had a pleasant 75 minute conversation. Tuesday I was awakened twice during the night by load chewing or scraping sounds which seemed as if they were in my bedroom. We concluded that it was probably rats in the attic over my bed. “They won’t hurt you” were the caretaker’s reassuring words. I can’t complain, however, especially after I stopped by the students’ bedroom. Eleven students sleep in a small room which is wall to wall beds. In fact, there are only ten beds, so one student sleeps on the floor. I didn’t ask if the same guy always got the floor or if they pass the honor around. The students’ toilet facility is an outhouse which they share with the 150 or so children in the primary school. I gave the mid-term test today. All the students did okay and passed. The Nigerian seminary regards 50% or above as passing, but all but one student would have passed even under the stricter U.S. system. Wednesday No rat activity to disturb this night’s sleep. We woke to a thick haze over the landscape. It developed from there into the hottest day so far. The thermometer we have said it was 90 inside the house. Outside the sun was beating down from a cloudless sky. The students and guards also commented on how hot it was. Classes are livening up now that we have moved on to studying the life history of Jesus. I covered only half of what was blocked out for today. We’re being fed plenty although there’s not a lot of variety. For breakfast it’s oatmeal or French toast or crepes or a plate with eggs, baked beans and slices of a fried fruit which is something like banana. For the main, noon meal it’s chicken and noodles, or chicken and rice, or a ground meal pie, or fish and yams. There’s usually chopped cabbage for lunch and fresh fruit, either sliced pineapple or an orange. The evening meal is light – either a buttery spaghetti or popcorn. Thursday The days are becoming routine. Lots of dialogue with students has resulted in my being a day behind the plan I’d blocked out. Six of the students also came in for the hour and a quarter of open discussion in the afternoon. It’s another hot day. I’ve now gone to two showers a day and stay under the cool water a much longer time. I have a new theory on the loud chewing sounds which awoke me a couple nights ago. Termites. I found a fresh pile of sawdust by the bookcase near my bed. Friday There are virtually no cars in this village or area. The car we are driven in has been rented by the seminary for our stay. The pastors, students and nearly everyone else get around on motorcycles. It’s not uncommon to see three or even four people maneuvering around the potholes on the dirt road in front of the seminary. Even the taxis in the state capital are three-wheeled scooters with a seat for two or three people behind the driver. There was no government electricity all week. The seminary caretaker turns on the generator about 7:00 P.M. and leaves it on until a few minutes after 10:00. Professor Ken Cherney, the other teaching professor on this trip, usually heads to bed about 9:45 in hopes of falling asleep under the ceiling fan before it is shut down. I stay up to read by a battery-powered light until 10:30. The problem is that, since it’s the only light in the house, the gnats swarm to me and the light. That would make a good sermon illustration of Jesus as the only light for the world.

Nigeria Teaching Trip – Week 1

missions — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:51:37 -0400

John Vogt traveled to Nigeria this winter to teach at WELS' sister seminary. Read more about Vogt's initial impressions of life in Nigeria and student life at the seminary there. Things have gone well on my Nigerian adventure so far. This has been the most rugged and remote place I have ever taught. Although this is not a safe country, we feel safe. Two police officers with machine guns sit outside our classroom and house all day long. They accompany us wherever we go on those rare occasions when we are allowed to leave the school grounds. They even come to church with us. We arrived at the seminary and found it about like my stereotyped expectation. It’s up a series of dusty dirt roads with huge speed-bumps. It’s hot – in the 90s with little shade. The buildings sit in an open area with an orange dirt yard. Ken and I have a house to ourselves, each with his own bedroom and mosquito net over the bed. There’s no electricity except for three hours of generator power in the evening and no hot water ever. An iron fence secures our porch and front door. We are assured that all is safe because two police officers will guard us by day. “Don’t be alarmed if you hear gunshots during the night,” we’re told; “that’s your guards warning would-be intruders to stay away.” Ken and I walked down the road 3 or 4 blocks to the small village, but were told later that’s a no-no and don’t do it again. We weren’t even allowed to walk the 100 yards to church. The two police men in full uniform even rode with us in a car to church and sat guard outside during the nearly three-hour service. The service was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. The pastor said it started already at 6:00 A.M. although we didn’t come until about 9:45. We arrived for the last 15 minutes of the prayer hour. Each of the approximately 150 people were standing and saying their personal prayers out loud, creating a loud chaotic noise. The service followed with about 90 minutes dedicated to taking the offering. About a dozen chances were given for the people to dance up to the front accompanied by loud music of keyboard and drums and place money in the bowl. Most of the remaining time was spent in singing by groups and soloists and announcements by various members – with lots of handclapping, “Praise the Lord’s” and “Amens.” During the day the students returned, and we met them one by one as they arrived. Also the seminary’s board of directors held a meeting and called us in to be welcomed. Dinner was chicken, yams and papaya. Supper was a bowl of popcorn. Monday The first day of classes went well. My challenge is to understand the African English. Twelve students and instructor are crammed into a small room with no lights or air circulation. It’s warm, but students were attentive and involved. In the afternoon Ken and I walked around the compound 20 times while the two security guards sat under the shade tree and counted our laps. 20 laps take about an hour. My goal is to add a lap a day. By the end of the walk we’re sweating profusely. My first stop on return to the house is to wash out the sweaty shirt in the bathtub. Today’s walk was different – it rained. They say this is the first time in months and likely to be the last time we will see rain. Evening was special. The government electricity came on the first time. I’m told that it’s a true blessing from God if the electricity stays on all night, so we can run the ceiling fans over our beds. No luck; we were plunged into darkness at 8:30. Tuesday Falling comfortably into the routine. There are no mosquitoes so far, I wear long pants and sleep with pajamas to expose as little skin as possible since avoiding bites by malaria-carrying mosquitoes seems to be worth the discomfort. The lizard in my bedroom and mice in other rooms leave us alone. So far the only thing I’ve been asked for is an NIV Bible – by one of the students and one of the guards. I regret I didn’t bring some along from the ready supply of free Bibles in the U.S. Wednesday It cooled off to a pleasant 80’s or so last evening. For the first time I pulled a sheet over me during the night. The students closed the classroom windows and wore jackets or sweaters. They complained about how uncomfortably cold it was. By noon it was above 90 again. Wednesday is the weekly seminary service when a student delivers a sermon. It was a pleasant service about 45 minutes long. I’m not sure where they find the melodies to the very familiar English hymns they sang, but they certainly didn’t lack volume or enthusiasm. Thursday Good day of classes. Chicken pie with a cross on the crust for lunch. We asked to go into the market since this was market-day. Interesting stop – four rows of about 20 stalls each with lots of dried fish, large yams, periwinkles and colorful fabrics. I was told the palm oil soap was great for the skin, but didn’t buy any. People were friendly, smiley, and didn’t object to getting their picture taken. I bought a dozen bananas for 30 cents. They were small but very sweet. The evening ended with the usual cold-water shower, which feels pretty good after a day of sweating. Friday Students asked if I would please give them some sort of written study guides. Preparing such guides will give me something to fill all the free time Ken and I have each day. After our walk we sat under the fig tree and shared one of the giant figs with the two guards and a student. We learned that, as far as those men are concerned, Nigeria is already two countries – a harsh Muslim country in the north and a Christian country in the south. They think the country is just waiting for someone to figure out how to complete the division. They also told tales of violence against Christians in the north and even the assassination of its Christian governor. If I understood correctly, the Christians were told to pack up and move out and that most of them wisely did. We also learned that most of the students live 14 or 15 hours from the seminary. Saturday No classes. We took a morning walk (26 laps) on a cool (upper 70s) and breezy day. This is winter in Nigeria – which really means that it’s the dry season. The temperatures don’t vary much throughout the year. One of the students commented on how cold it is today. We saw a man ride by wearing a winter coat like you’d see in Michigan this time of year.

“What We Teach About Jesus’ Love Is True!”

Beth Zambo — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:19:01 -0400

Listviyanskie Schachti By Pastor Luke Wolfgramm (Our missionary to Russia) Listviyanskie Schachti, also known as “Listviyanka”, is a small mining village about 45 minutes south of Iskitim. In the 1950’s the village reached its peak, and a two-story school was built in 1958. About 10 years ago the mine closed, and the town subsequently has been in decline. Our Iskitim deaconesses have made monthly trips to the village school in Listviyanka for over 10 years. They arrive at the end of the school day to teach a Sunday school lesson, and any student who desires to stay is welcome. Usually about 60-70 students stay for the lesson. The deaconesses divide the children into two groups, younger and older. They teach a Bible story and do a craft with the children. The children actively participate in the lesson and enjoy doing the crafts. Listviyanka is a poor village, and it lacks wholesome activities for the children outside of school. But the Bible lesson and craft are much more than just a pleasant distraction from the daily routine. Hearing about a Savior who loves them is especially meaningful to children in a rough neighborhood. Learning about eternal joy in the mansions of heaven provides hope when all around looks bleak. Seeing the love and concern of the deaconesses and mission reinforces that what we teach about Jesus’ love is true! Outreach to the children of Listviyanka is possible due to humanitarian aid funds. Over the years our mission has provided school uniforms for children who need them, used computers, equipment for gym class, desks and chairs, bulletin boards, repaired their copy machine, and more. The school recognizes that our mission fulfills some of their physical needs. The school also realizes that children who know about Jesus’ love and show love to others in thankfulness to their Savior are a positive influence on the student body. For these reasons, the school welcomes our church body into its midst. We hope to continue serving the students of Listviyanka as long as the door is open. Right now manpower in Russia is short, but God-willing in a year we will have two national pastors ready to serve the church. At that time, the mission may be able to expand work in Listviyanka to work with the parents as well. The groundwork laid by humanitarian aid funds and the years of positive Bible study by the village’s children will undoubtedly provide a natural bridge to ministering to the families of Listviyanka. Thank God that the children know and love their Savior! May God grant us the means and opportunity to work with their families in the near future!

My Own Culture

missions — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:02:22 -0400

Alexandra Janosek grew up as the daughter of a missionary in Africa. Alex writes about the difficult situation of being a third culture kid trying to fit in among different peer groups. Read more about Alex Janosek’s experiences as a child of a missionary at her blog [1]. For 17 years I blithely thought of myself as an American. My parents told me I was American. My friends said I had an American accent. One of my birth certificates proved it. It made sense. I wasn't European, Asian, Mauritian, Australian, or African like my school mates. I wasn't Malawian like almost everyone around me. I had to be American like my parents. Of my parents’ culture I knew little growing up - only what my parents told me or my own experiences visiting the US one summer every three years. My impressions were of a land with neat rows of plastic-sided houses each with its own post box. I saw a country of fast food, smooth highways, fertile fields of wheat and corn, tree-filled city parks, shopping malls, and skyscrapers. It was a land filled with relatives and Americans just like me. Then I moved to the US for University. From my first days in the dorm it was obvious I was not American. Peers asked, “Where are you from?” I couldn’t answer ‘Des Moines’ or ‘the Quad Cities’ like others. And no one knew where Malawi was. Most were ignorant of anything outside of their world and I was equally ignorant of their world. I couldn’t find common ground with them and our conversations stayed distressingly superficial. I was so depressed. These were Americans – I should fit in! If I wasn’t American, I concluded I had to be Malawian. But when I returned to Malawi, I stood out as only a blond azungu in Africa can. I didn’t belong in a Malawian village anymore than a small, Iowan town. I didn’t seem to fit in either culture. What was I? Where was my home? At a conference, I discovered I was a Third Culture Kid. There were other people like me! I shared characteristics with these people, even though they might be military brats or diplomat kids rather than missionary kids. We travel. In fact, we don’t stay long in one place. We integrate parts of all our “homes” into our lives. Yet no place really feels like home. We tend to cope with situations rather than adjust ourselves – we can always move on if we can’t cope. I had more in common with these global nomads than with a fellow US citizen or a Malawian. Finally! I knew what I was. It helped me relate better with others, even if it takes just as much work. Now I expect that each person I meet is from a different culture than me and every place I live is ‘foreign.’ Just as well I love to explore foreign parts and learn of cultures other than my own! As to finding a home…I guess I just have to wait for heaven. [1] http://alexacrossthemiles.blogspot.com/p/third-culture-kid.html

Reflecting on Blessings in Japan

missions — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:00:41 -0400

Brad Wordell serves as a missionary in Japan and as the Coordinator for Asian publications for Multi Language Publications. Wordell and his wife, Andrea, live in Tokyo. What did Jesus’ disciples do the Monday after Easter? I do not know if they went fishing or not, but undoubtedly they thought about the amazing events that they witnessed and heard about the previous day. This year the day after Easter, my wife Andrea and I enjoyed a picnic lunch at a nearby park. We looked at the cherry blossoms and talked about the events of the previous weekend. We counted all the blessings. [flickrslideshow acct_name="welsmissions" id="72157633217618489" width="400" height="400"] View photos on flickr [1] We had a good turnout for our Good Friday worship, our English Easter worship on Saturday night, and our Japanese Easter worship on Sunday morning. There were beautiful flowers on the altar and beautiful music from our choir and bell choir. Members singing Easter alleluias; first-time visitors singing along. Praise the Lord for the adult baptism (Mr. Fujita) on Easter morning. We had fellowship meals in connection with both Easter services. There were visitors from the Tohoku area—two people we met through earthquake/tsunami relief activities. After our Easter worship on Sunday, our members hosted a children’s Easter event. It was attended by 23 children. On Sunday evening our new pastor, Pastor Nakamoto, and his family moved into the new parsonage that the church is renting for them. The Risen and Ascended Savior continues to provide pastors for His flock! The members of Aganai Lutheran Church worked together like a family to make this weekend happen. They serve with love for the Savior who died for them and was raised again. It is indeed a privilege to be living and serving among them! [1] http://www.flickr.com/photos/welsmissions/sets/72157633217618489/

Making It Count

missions — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:19:30 -0400

Kevin Boushek serves as a pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in La Porte, Indiana. Boushek writes about the opportunity for outreach and excitement generated by a community Easter egg hunt that was recently held. As a pastor in his first year, I can tell you that preparing for Holy Week takes time. You feel like you need to make it count. You know the blessings that will come from Easter. You look forward to meeting the people of your community and sharing the gospel with them. You pray for the Spirit’s blessing on your work; you want to make it count. The Reach Team of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, La Porte, Indiana wanted to make it count and we saw incredible blessings from the hand of God. Beautiful Savior’s Reach Team (a team of our members focused on outreach and evangelism) took charge of an Easter Egg Hunt outreach project this year. We have to give a shout out to other congregations that shared their resources with us. Having those resources helped our members to put together the Easter Egg Hunt. Our Reach Team built awesome sandwich board signs, found free advertising in our community, stuffed eggs and provided refreshments; everyone contributed and we had a truly amazing day. Though the weather was a little chilly, there was no rain or snow, but only sunshine. 62 children scoured the grounds around our facility to find the eggs filled with candy, stamps, stickers, and erasers. 50 of those children were from outside our church family. We gave each child a plastic bag with our church information on it and included our printed Easter invites. Our bags went home with the children who placed their treasures inside. Four children also found a “gold” coin and were able to claim a special prize. There were smiles and cheers from all around our building. While Beautiful Savior wanted to provide this for the community as a way to meet our neighbors and open up our grounds, we also want to use it to continue to reach people with the gospel. From the registration cards we discovered ten families without church homes who were interested in more information from Beautiful Savior. On the day of the event, before we let the children loose to find the eggs, we had everyone in our sanctuary and I was able to present the Holy Week account using “Resurrection Eggs.” These are a set of plastic eggs that each held a figurine that provided me with an opportunity to talk about Jesus and his experience from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Anthony came to Beautiful Savior that day. Anthony asked if our event was open to the community. He also asked if I was the pastor. Anthony had never been much of a “God” person, but things in his life lately caused him to pause and consider. I visited Anthony the next week and was able to spend an hour at his house, let him share his questions about God, while I also shared the amazing message that Jesus took our sins to the cross and then rose to life to assure us of a new life. While it may be a long road to transition to seeing Anthony at our worship services, I know I will have more opportunities to speak to him. I pray, and I ask for your prayers, that God would continue to open the door with Anthony and his family, and continue to bless the gospel work that Beautiful Savior is able to do in La Porte.

Going Out With Courage

missions — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 02:00:47 -0400

Becky Foxen and her husband, Missionary Ben Foxen, serve in Russia. Becky writes about her faith and confidence God's plan for her life and ministry. Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrod, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - J. Aaron McDermid This simple prayer set to music has been my mental background music during kitchen chores lately. My husband, Missionary Ben Foxen, and I sang the prayer in the MLC [1] College Choir for the Call Service over six years ago. On Call day our hands shook with anticipation and our hearts threatened to skip a beat facing a future life and calling soon to be revealed. At that time, this prayer brought the words for which our anxious hearts searched straight to the throne of the Almighty. It fit so snug around my heart at that time. And the song revisits me now. Even though I know the “specifics” of my husband's call, I know where we will continue to live, I know the daily schedule; there are ventures of which we cannot see the ending. We can’t see down the road to know the outcome of the dwindling, pastor-less, yet all-important congregation in Tomsk, four hours north. Without a church in a 2nd region of Russia, our church cannot legally exist. We take exciting steps forward in new outreach opportunities. It looks like we will have a small number of WELS English teachers working in Russia to make contacts and invite people to study with our pastors. Will God see fit to bless these efforts? We have visitors in our congregations and Bible classes. Will they come back to hear more? With a newly rented location for outreach in Novosibirsk will we finally see the visitors we have been praying for in that location? Will our church members stand firm during the storms of life? Will we hold hands and work together to serve our Lord? These difficult, untrod paths can suddenly become intimidating and drive us to our knees in prayer. Faith is what we ask for. We also ask for courage especially for Ben and Luke who shepherd the people, striving to do the right thing even when it is the hard thing. It becomes less difficult to trod on when that scarred, pierced-for-me hand is the one reaching out and pointing the way into the unknown. That very hand gives gentle pressure on the back as we turn through the pages of Scripture, reminding us that He is always near. His love reinforces our beings, preventing a fearful, faithless collapse. No matter what lies ahead, God’s will will be done and the lost will be reached and He will brilliantly turn the evil efforts of the devil for the good of his children. We trod on with confidence of this. We have His Word. [1] http://www.mlc-wels.edu/

From Faithful Muslim to Lutheran Pastor

missions — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 02:00:20 -0400

Missionary John Holtz serves in Malawi, Africa. Holtz tells the story of Wisick Jeffrey - a former Muslim, now a Lutheran pastor in the Lutheran Church of Central Africa - Malawi Synod. “I was a faithful Muslim, learning to read the Koran, memorizing verses…” Meet Rev. Wisick Jeffrey, a 34 year old pastor in the Lutheran Church of Central Africa – Malawi Synod. The words that begin this article are his. He grew up Muslim He knows the chants at the mosque and can recite the call for prayers. His mother, at 57 years old, is still a practicing Muslim. Wisick’s wife, Cathreen, used to be Muslim as well. It gets even more interesting. Wisick is Yao. Yao is the name of his tribe as well as his language. In the Yao tribe it is customary for the husband to live at his wife’s home village. Wisick and his family live with his in-laws at this time; this happens to be smack dab in the middle of a Muslim family and community.[flickrslideshow acct_name="welsmissions" id="72157633112475990" width="400" height="400"] View photos on flickr [1] Though Wisick and his wife Cathreen didn’t see a flashing light from heaven nor hear the voice of the Lord Jesus as Saul did on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), their conversions are just as remarkable! As all conversions, theirs, too, was the sole doing of God. When Wisick was steeped in Islam, God used a pastor of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa to witness to him and encourage him with Scripture. In 1992 when Wisick was 13 years old, he was baptized and confirmed. Wisick thanks God for the presence and persistence of late Rev. Nthambo in his life. He influenced Wisick, not only to attend the Lutheran Church - but also to study to be a pastor! With eyes of faith opened to see the cross as well as the empty tomb of His Lord, Wisick has a heart full of joy and appreciation for the sweet gospel message! This is a man who truly knows that he was lost and is found, was blind but now sees! Try to put yourself in Wisick’s sandals when he first came to know Jesus and read his words that follow: “Now I know that God loves me! He enabled me to become His child! He takes care of me in every step I walk on this earth. He is preparing a place for me in heaven. This makes me happy!” Wisick will be the first to tell you that happiness is not about how much money one has in his pocket or what kind of house one lives in or what job a person has landed; true happiness is knowing what Wisick knows about God. Though Wisick is at peace with God, many of his own family members are still in desperate spiritual need. Wisick knows that the Lord has placed him in the very spot that He wants him to be! A place to be salt of the earth and light of the world! (Matt. 5:13, 14). Talk about a mission field right at his door! There is another mission field across the border of Malawi in Mozambique. It’s such a ripe field that the Board for Missions of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa has called Wisick to be a missionary to do Cross Border Outreach Ministry in Mozambique's Niassa Province. He enthusiastically accepted the call. In addition to Wisick’s ministry in Mozambique, he is also busy as one of the five qualified men participating in the GRATSI (Greater Africa Theological Studies Institute) program as well as an active participant in the Professional Development courses. Both of which require study and homework outside the classroom. [1] http://www.flickr.com/photos/welsmissions/sets/72157633112475990/

Semana Santa

Beth Zambo — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 10:37:10 -0400

Cruz De Cristo Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the pinnacle of the tourist season in Mahahual. Crowds of people come to the beach to party, not giving much importance to the events of that first Holy Week so long ago. Our congregation at Cruz de Cristo commemorates this climax of Jesus' public ministry pondering the events of Palm Sunday through Good Friday, and then the joy of Easter Sunday. Here is a summary of the various events and worship services held throughout the week. We began with our Sunday service on Palm Sunday. The adults and children had made hundreds of crosses out of palm branches during the prior week. We had a nice group of fifteen, including children, who went to the boardwalk and helped us hand out the palm crosses and invitations to our upcoming Easter service. With all those willing hands, the work went quickly. On Maundy Thursday, we showed the movie, ¨The Road to Emmaus¨, at the taxi syndicate. About fifteen were in attendance for the film. Our congregation then gathered for a special Good Friday service to mourn and yet celebrate Jesus' death. We covered the cross in black with a small crown of thorns. For many in Mexico, that is where the story of Jesus ends, in the tomb. Pastor Briones urged everyone to remember what Jesus accomplished on the cross, but to not forget that Sunday is coming! So Sunday morning dawned and we held our Easter service to celebrate Christ's triumph. As Pastor Briones shared in his sermon, we can be still, for Christ lives. Sin has been atoned for, death has been destroyed, and the devil has been crushed. One of the special moments during the service was the children singing a few verses of Jesus Christ is Risen Today (in Spanish). They had been practicing diligently for the last few weeks, and it was a delight to hear their voices praising God. After the service, we gathered together to eat a meal of cochinita (shredded pork in a special sauce) and cupcakes for dessert. Thank you to all of our dedicated church family, for the countless hours you give so willingly. Thank you to all those who encourage us, who support us, who pray for us. We know that our work in the Lord is not in vain. He is risen! Kerry Briones

Easter in India

missions — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:00:06 -0400

Preparation for celebrating the Lord’s resurrection begins during Holy Week. Christians buy new, brightly-colored clothing, if they can afford to. They also prepare special food for Easter Sunday dinner. On the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday they go to the graveyard where their relatives are buried, and they put a fresh coat of whitewash and brightly colored flowers on the stone grave markers. The believers meet at the church early on Easter morning while it is still dark. They walk from the church to the graveyard carrying candles and calling out loudly, “Christ has risen! Hallelujah!” They also stop at various street corners in the village and sing Easter hymns. They arrive at the graveyard while it is still dark, and the pastor gives the people time to visit the graves of their loved ones before conducting the graveyard worship service. The church members then place more flowers and lighted candles on the graves of their loved ones. The service then begins as the sun is coming up, and it includes hymns, Scripture lessons, prayers, and an Easter message. The church members then return to their homes. The festival service takes place later in the morning, and all the church members return to the church. Sometimes a larger PA system is rented for this service so that the message and the music can reach far into the village around them. Lots of special music is sung, especially by the children. After the worship service special snacks are served. During the eating of the refreshments, the children recite for the adults the Easter Bible passages they have memorized. The believers also return to the church in the evening for another two hours. A platform is set up outside, and an Easter drama is presented. The drama presents the story of the resurrection, including many Easter hymns. Extra chairs are rented and set up, as this drama attracts lots of non-Christian visitors from the community. The presentation of the Resurrection Drama varies from congregation to congregation. In some churches the children present it, in some the adult members, and in some a “professional” drama group is asked to put it on for the congregation. Everyone returns home tired and happy after praising the resurrected Lord on this very special day!

Anauka! Anaukadi!

missions — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:00:26 -0400

Lisa Sargent serves with her husband, Missionary Dan Sargent, in Zambia, Africa. Lisa writes about their family's Easter celebration in their guest country. “He is risen, He is risen indeed.” I remember hearing these comforting and joyous words in a taped service we were listening to one Easter in our home in Chipata, Zambia. For many years we would worship via the WELS taped services in our home as most of the churches in the Eastern province preached in the local language of Chinyanja. As I did not know the language well enough to get the full meaning of a sermon we would often use these English taped services to hear God’s Word and receive our spiritual nourishment. But whether these words are spoken in English or Nyanja, the message is still the same. Our precious Lord, who so willingly went to the cross to bear the full pain and suffering of our sins, conquered death and now, is risen. Risen indeed![flickrslideshow acct_name="welsmissions" id="72157633097858914" width="400" height="400"] View photos on flickr [1] That same message is shared throughout our churches here in Zambia. Often during the weekend of Holy Week many congregations will gather together for a “camp meeting” where they will sing songs of praise, using only their voices and simple musical instruments such as homemade drums and shakers made of seeds and seed pods. The camp meetings often consist of choir competitions, skits revolving around the Passion story and Bible quizzes. These activities often begin on Saturday and carry on throughout the night. By morning many of the choir members are quite hoarse from all the singing. But no one seems to mind, as they have been singing songs of praise sharing the wonderful message of Jesus’ resurrection. Those who attend the celebration will often bring food to share like maize, cabbage, tomatoes, beans and meats such as chickens and goats. The women will prepare their traditional meal of nshima (stiff maize porridge) with side dishes of meat and vegetables over open fires. Then everyone will gather together for the church service where they will hear the pastor proclaim “Anauka!” He is risen! And the congregation responds “Anaukadi!” He is risen indeed! When the service is finished, everyone gathers together to enjoy the meal the women had prepared earlier. A foretaste of the heavenly meal we will share with our risen Lord one day. Last year was the first time in 24 years that I was actually in the United States for an Easter service. My mother had passed away a few weeks before Easter and my family and I were there to attend her funeral. As we listened to the pastor’s sermon on that Easter Sunday, these great words of comfort came to me once again, He is risen, He is risen indeed! I knew my mother was at home in heaven, enjoying that glorious resurrection. I also, with all my brothers and sisters in Christ, both here in Zambia and around the world look forward to that joyous day when we too will sit at our risen Savior’s feet [1] http://www.flickr.com/photos/welsmissions/sets/72157633097858914/

Easter in Malawi – Same, Yet Different

missions — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:05:50 -0400

Lisa Martin and her husband, Missionary Peter Martin, serve in Malawi, Africa. Lisa writes about the similarities and differences between celebrating Easter in the U.S. and Malawi. Easter in Malawi. Easter in America. Amazingly, it is the same message, the same praise, the same sinful and forgiven people participating, no matter where we are. The message of “He has risen, he has risen indeed!” can also sound like “Wabuka ncobeni!” or “Adzuka nditu!” The praise from an English-speaking choir may include, “Jesus Christ is Risen Today”; others proclaim “Lero Kristu Adauka.” Some choirs may sing from a balcony, hidden from view; others may dance up to the front and praise God with uplifted arms. And it is also true that some of the sinful, forgiven people may live in large, beautiful, wooden-framed homes with central heat and air; others live in mud-brick homes which are only a few feet away from other mud-brick homes. Same, yet different. So how different is Easter in Malawi? I talked with Pastor Chinyanga at our church, Crown of Life in Lilongwe, Malawi. He and his wife help us understand how different, or maybe how much the same, Easter is in Malawi. On Easter morning he and his family rise to attend the traditional Malawian Easter service. The four nearby churches in Lilongwe all gather together at one church. Sometimes there can be as many as 400 people at one of these services. All the ladies of the Lutheran Women’s group (LUWO) will dress in their uniform of white and purple. A special cloth will be put on the altar with a picture of an open grave. Songs will be sung by choirs from all of the churches. These choirs could be made up of the youth or of the LUWO ladies. Many, many songs will be sung. If the congregation likes the song, they will clap. Many of the songs are “about the resurrection, our hope of eternal life after this life.” Communion is given to all confirmed LCCA (Lutheran Church of Central Africa) members. While communion is given, the different choirs sing other songs. The sermon is given in Chichewa, the language of Lilongwe. Usually, the service will last for four hours. Afterwards, a meal is provided with the pastors eating inside of the parsonage. Others eat their nsima and relish while resting in shaded areas outside the church. This year the joint service will be held in “Area 18” at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Pastor Msowoya is the resident pastor. Maybe this is different than how you will celebrate Easter. Maybe some of it is the same. What is beautiful about God’s family of believers is that no matter where we are, the message and the response of the believers is still the same. Mrs. Chinyanga sums it up by saying, “Easter means my Savior has risen and that assures me of my resurrection after death!”

Orphanage Update

missions — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 22:10:34 -0400

An update on the work of WELS in orphanages in India. The physical and spiritual needs of 300 children are met in 10 orphanages. This spring will be a busy time for us and those caring for children in our homes. We are planning on opening a new home in June and seminary student, K. Jayaraju, and his wife will attend the caregiver’s workshop for the first time. Attendance at our workshops gives the student/pastor an opportunity to meet the other caregivers and to receive valuable advice from caregivers who are experienced in caring for children. K. Jayaraju is a second year seminary student. He comes from the same congregation four other seminary students and pastors have come. We are looking forward to working with him. We recently received new toys that had been collected stateside for the children and brought to India in the suitcases of visitors. The toys you sent are completely new to children who otherwise create games with sticks, old tires, and stones. All of the children in every home, no matter their age, enjoyed trying out the new toys. They were a truly special treat. The boys were particularly fond of the cars and trucks and the girls gravitated to the dolls. The girls like dolls with long hair no matter the color of the hair.[flickrslideshow acct_name="welsmissions" id="72157633074929904" width="400" height="400"] View slideshow photos on flickr [1] India is trying to come to grips with the rapidly escalating cost of goods. We are also trying to manage the rising cost of food stuffs in particular. We have been required by the government to purchase commercial gas connections for each of the homes. Because of this new ruling, the cost of cooking gas has risen from $6.35 to $17 or more per cylinder. In order to deal with this sudden rise in cost, we have removed the cost of gas from the expenses to be paid from the home subsidy. Now this amount will be given as an extra amount as is the rent. We have also increased the monthly subsidy by 100 rupees or $17.00. On a brighter note, the weakness of the rupee has helped mitigate the rising costs since we receive more rupees for each dollar that we bring to India. The boy we hoped to send to the pre-seminary this year has been forced by an uncle to seek employment. His uncle plans to arrange a marriage for the boy’s sister and needs money for the marriage expenses. In lieu of this, the boy has been shifted from intermediate schooling (grades 11 and 12) to training as an electrician. We have been most successful when we enroll our children in nursing and other medical fields. A number of our girls are now working in hospitals and clinics. We also have a boy working as a medical technologist in a government hospital near the home where he lived. [1] http://www.flickr.com/photos/welsmissions/sets/72157633074929904/

Beth Zambo — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:02:26 -0400

Commissioning of Megan Behl as Nurse in Charge of the Lutheran Mobile Clinic Central Africa Medical Mission - Malawi Africa March 10, 2013 Megan Behl was commissioned as CAMM’s next Nurse in Charge for the Lutheran Mobile Clinic at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ixonia, WI. Pastor Kenneth Ewerdt (St. Paul’s, Ixonia) presided as minister for the commissioning and Pastor Herbert Prahl (St. Mark’s, Eau Claire) delivered the sermon. Pastor Prahl’s sermon was based on Megan’s Confirmation verse of Ephesians 2:8-10. Megan is the daughter of Dan and Chris Behl. She attended grade school at St. John’s Lutheran School in Watertown and high school at Lakeside Lutheran. After graduation from Lakeside in 2006, she attended UW-Eau Claire and graduated December 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She began her career as a nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and worked for about two years in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. She has also served and volunteered for WELS and other organizational programs in North Carolina, New Orleans, Ghana, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. Megan recently participated in WELS Mission Abroad Program in Malawi as an intern and was able to observe different medical facilities including those associated with CAMM. Megan will be leaving for Lilongwe April 9th and join our current Nurse in Charge Kari Belter and Clinic Administrator Maria Reese. Cards and letters of encouragement may be sent to: Lutheran Mobile Clinic PO Box 30339 Lilongwe 3 Malawi Africa

Lutheran Mobile Clinic – Malawi February 2013

Beth Zambo — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:12:29 -0400

[caption id="attachment_1155" align="alignright" width="300" caption=" "][/caption] Greetings! Hope you are all doing well! I just returned from a short holiday with family and friends at South Luangwa National Park. We had a great time seeing so many animals in their natural habitat. Since there are no fences the animals sometimes wander into the surrounding areas. We got the pleasure of seeing two hippos walking right next to our cottage in the late evening (we were watching from inside the cottage so we were perfectly safe). Our hosts told us that the hippos come through their property most evenings. It was quite the treat to see them up so close! We have been enjoying the rainy season (although we always pray for the rains to hold off until we’ve returned from Suzi on Wednesdays!). The landscape is lush and green. The maize has gotten very tall. Malawians plant pumpkins throughout the maize fields and they are nearly ready to harvest. We also have some sweet corn in our garden that we’re looking forward to eating soon. It has been a busy month here. We saw more than 5,000 patients. As usual there were many patients with Malaria. The government facilities were struggling terribly because very few medications were available to them. We learned that much of the medication that was being given to patients was being purchased by the hospitals’ doctors with their own money. Some medications have been donated and the situation is somewhat better. They are still short of supplies including food for their nutrition programs. The Nathenje Health Center which is near our Mwalaulomwe clinic has been referring orphans and malnourished children to us rather than the other way around. Normally we refer severely malnourished children to them but now we need to take these individuals to the nutrition program at the District Health Center in Lilongwe. Most Nationals tell me that this is always a difficult time of year in Malawi. It is known as “hungry season” because the maize is growing in the fields rather than being available to make flour. The civil servants throughout Malawi went on strike this month and that included hospital workers. The strike lasted only a couple of days and the government has agreed to increase the workers’ pay. People are struggling to make ends meet with the continuing devaluation of their currency and the continuously rising prices. The prices of regular household goods, housing and fuel are all going up. We were unable to make it to Suzi once this month because of bad roads. We were able to take an alternate route to get there on some days but were unable to get through even on the alternate route that day because the bridge was covered in water from recent flooding to the area. The road we’ve been using for years to get to Suzi and Thunga has gradually become worse and now even the better parts of that road have become quite bad when it rains. Some of our staff has said that we’ve had more rain this year than in years past so that’s also contributing to the trouble getting to clinic. We interviewed several candidates for our vacant Clinical Officer position. We are hoping to have someone hired in March. It’s been a bit frustrating using all temporary C.O.’s over the last couple of months but we do want to make sure that we are hiring the right person for the position. In addition to my family and friends visiting this month we had Megan and Mandy (from the Mission Abroad Program) staying with us. It’s been fun getting to know them and showing them what we do here. Both are nurses and our staff enjoyed explaining their work and having Megan and Mandy spend time with them at each nursing station. They also got to experience some of the local health centers, pharmacies where we buy medications, the district health office, etc. and other “behind the scenes” things we do to run the clinic. We’ve appreciated their open mindedness and willingness to help out wherever needed. Megan has returned to the U.S. but we look forward to seeing her again in April when she starts her position as Sister-in-Charge at Lutheran Mobile Clinic. Mandy will be with us until early March and then will return to her work as an Emergency Room nurse in the U.S. We still are not able to get water from our borehole at Thunga. We are having an assessment done and will see if some repairs need to be made. By this time in the rainy season we should be able to pump water even though we don’t get any in the dry season. Hopefully we will have better news from Thunga next month. God’s blessings to you all, Kari

Social Networks and The Church (Twitter)

Martin Spriggs — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:13:41 -0500

[1] This is the fourth post in a series of articles on Social Networks and their usefulness in the church. I've spent a couple posts just on Facebook, not it's Twitters turn. The two are very different, even though both can be considered "social networks" in their own right. Twitter is less about building relationships and more about building audiences. That may sound bad at face value, but the church that can leverage that effectively has a powerful communications tool. Recently an ebook was published entitled "The Reason YOUR CHURCH Must Twitter," and on the cover of that book [2] is the tagline "Making Your Ministry Contagious." An interesting way to think of ministry and its relationship to social networks, but I believe valid. The point of ministry is not to cloister the saints and the message of Jesus Christ, but to "infect" as many as possible -- the Great Commission. It is a going out process. It is a constant proclamation, a telling, if you will, of the love and grace of God. Interestingly Twitter's tagline is "What are you doing?" Perhaps Twitter in the hands of the church would vary that moniker to "What is Jesus doing?" Both for us and for you.So how can a church use Twitter? Here are a few ideas: Set up multiple Twitter accounts to reach different segments of the church and ask that people in those groups "follow" that Twitter account. Create one related to spiritual topics and broadcast short follow ups on sermon concepts, Bible class questions, short devotional thoughts or Bible verses. There are tools to automate some of the content that can be "pushed" to Twitter, especially if your church regularly posts sermons or devotions on the website. A potentially powerful side benefit of this is that followers of that Twitter account can "retweet" or share that with their followers, thus "spreading the word" in a very seamless way. An organization that does this well is Time Of Grace (@ToGministry [3]). They have a "GraceMoment" that is a quick thought or Bible verse that people can both enjoy and share. On a recent episode of the WELSTech Podcast, we interviewed [4] their Creative Marketing Manager, Katy Klinnert-Ellison, about their use of Social Networks. She shared that social networks play an important role in their organization, both in staying connected with their followers, but also building relationships. Create a Twitter account for general announcements for the church/school to share schedule changes, weather-related news, special guests, event reminders, etc. There have been several creative uses of Twitter by churches to highlight a particular season of the church year…specifically Christmas and Easter. I've seen Twitter accounts set up that tweet Jesus' words during Holy Week which try to simulate the actual time of day and sequence of events. The words from the cross are particularly powerful. I've seen the same done for Christmas with thoughts from Mary, or the shepherds or magi. Tweeting through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, or a series of Proverbs would also lend itself well to 140 character sound bites. Of course, there are many more ideas out there, but the key is to be consistent, have a plan and then promote what you are doing. Building an audience and then "going dark" with few tweets will kill the effort put in. Make sure people are aware of this new communication channel via emails, newsletter, bulletin, announcements, brochures, business cards and the like. Then set a time frame to evaluate how things are going. Don't attempt to try anything less than a year. That gives you all seasons of the church year and chance for the word to spread. If your church has used Twitter and has insights to share, please comment below. We are all trying to figure out how these social networks can be used by the church and their ministry endeavors. [1] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2013/03/twitter.png [2] http://www.twitterforchurches.com/ [3] https://twitter.com/ToGministry [4] http://welstech.wels.net/2013/01/15/271-pinterest-finally/

Connect Getting Better

Martin Spriggs — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 12:43:13 -0500

[1] Connect is the official WELS Intranet web site. An intranet is an “internal” web site set up to serve a specific audience, as opposed to an internet site which is more “public.” The audience for Connect, which can be found at http://connect.wels.net [2], is synod employees, WELS called workers (pastors, teachers, and staff ministers) as well as church leaders/workers like presidents, councilmen, Sunday school teachers, choir directors and financial secretaries. Connect’s purpose is to house all synod owned or generated content, promote the sharing of materials across the synod, and along with the Together newsletter, keep interested parties up to date on synod work. It is also the place synod boards and committees come to share reports, work on projects and provide resources for their respective audiences. Last month the Connect home page was totally redesigned to provide not only a fresh look, but make information easier to find. There is a synod announcements section, important synod documents and quick links to the most often used functions on the web site like entering annual statistics, updating your congregations Mission Offering subscription, and viewing call reports. Much of the content on Connect does not require a login to access – Bible studies, reports, and other resources from Areas of Ministry to name a few. There are some functions and content that do require a login however. Over the years there has been some confusion over who should have a Connect login. By default each congregation and school has a unique login. Only the pastor or principal has the authority to change that organization’s password and should guard it’s use. Individuals who are called workers or church leaders may also request a login at http://connect.wels.net/signup [3]. It is at the discretion of the Connect administrator to determine who is ultimately eligible for an account. With an account there are a few privileges you will enjoy. One is the ability to contribute content. Very soon the Lutheran Schools office will be launching a new resource site for teachers that will include many different kinds of content including Administrative and Classroom resources like sample policies, lesson plans, etc. It is their goal to have teachers from across the synod both use the resources, but also add their own or collaborate with others to create new ones. Watch the Connect home page and the Together newsletter for updates on that project. Other ministries will be considering similar plans. Once logged in you also have access to an electronic yearbook of sorts. Just go to the Search Center link at the top to search for any called worker, church or school. The synod is refreshed a once a year similar to the paper yearbook you are familiar with published by NPH. If you would like to learn a little more about how Connect works there is a complete help section on the site. There is much more coming to Connect included improvements to usability, more content and the ability to update your own information. If you have suggestions don’t hesitate to let us know as we continue to make Connect an even better resource. [1] http://connect.wels.net [2] http://connect.wels.net [3] http://connect.wels.net/signup

Gathering Valuable Information

Beth Zambo — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:21:00 -0500

January has been a month of meetings, assessments and investigation. First, Pastor Briones traveled to Puebla for a workshop and pastoral meetings. The workshop focused on hymnal evaluation and included the Mexican pastors, missionaries, and professors and seminary students from Mequon, Wisconsin. Such gatherings are edifying and encouraging, especially for those pastors who are many, many kilometers away from other congregations. Later in the month, Howard and Rachel Schroeder came to Mahahual. They coordinate volunteer projects in Mexico through WELS Kingdom Workers. Along with them came Jason Paltzer, whose background and experience is in public health. He came to do a medical assessment of the community. His goal was to see how we can offer medical services in Mahahual that will be of a benefit to the community and to assist Cruz de Cristo with outreach. We interviewed the mayor, other community leaders, the doctor at the local clinic, the elementary school director, local families, and the pastor and congregation. We gathered information about nutrition, water supply, local illnesses, prenatal care, and problems related to drug and alcohol abuse. We felt positive about the results - the community provided valuable information and we got to know more people. Stay tuned for updates in the upcoming months! We thank God for the opportunity to serve in this corner of His kingdom, and we thank the many volunteers who have come and are coming in the next few months! Please keep us in your prayers.

Violent Storm Rips Roof from Home

Beth Zambo — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:41:34 -0500

By Linda Liesener We are at the start of the rainy season here in Zambia. As usual, the first rains can sometimes be heavy and quite violent. We got the message from Mrs. Mayase Banda (our new nurse) on the 5th of December that a violent storm cane through and ripped her roof off the house. Fortunately this happened at noon when she was home for lunch and she was not hurt and able to get some of here things out of the house during the heavy rain storm. Unfortunately many of her things were wet and dirty form the rain after the roof was blown off. I rushed there the next day and helped with the clean up. We then arranged for safe storage for her things and for her to be on leave for a week while we fixed her house. The new roof and painting was done and she is now back at work and in a safe repaired house. Special thanks to WELS Christian Aid and Relief for their gift to repair the roof.

Social Networks and The Church (Facebook Part Two)

Martin Spriggs — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:19:07 -0500

This is the third post in a series of articles on Social Networks and how they can, and perhaps can't, be used in the church. When I say church I mean the corporate church (i.e. the organization of believers). In my last article I talked about a few key considerations when thinking about using Facebook within the church. Today's post continues that discussion by dealing with concerns about "virtual church" and how to take the virtual relationship to an even better place. So how did the church survive before Facebook? Clearly the church doesn't "need" Facebook or any other social network. It simply needs the Word and Sacrament. Right? Well sure. Nobody can debate that. But is that it? In the context of this discussion, the church could also be defined as a "social network?" The Oxford Dictionary defines a social network as "a network of social interactions and personal relationships." That sounds like what any church leadership team would like to see in their church -- people interacting with each other socially and developing personal relationships. In churches where this is the case, you find descriptors like a "friendly" church or a "caring" church. When people interact with each other, God's Word has an opportunity to build a caring spiritual relationship. Clearly one of the churches goals. Then how does Facebook help that? Yes you can create online socialization. Facebook is actually pretty good at that. But to leave it in the digital space without some analog goal isn't all that helpful. You can share Christian love, teach, encourage, comfort and support each other online, but to play that out in person is Acts 2 kind of stuff. "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." Acts 2:44-47 The challenge of course is how to take online community to the face-to-face. Here are a few suggestions: Connect digital posts to physical places. As you try to determine what content to post on Facebook think of content that has it's root or fulfillment in a physical gathering. For instance, post a question or insight based on a good discussion that happened in the previous week's Sunday morning Bible study class. Assign a person on the social network team to attend the class and cull appropriate material to be used during the week. Allow organic growth. It will be important to promote and encourage people to create relationships on their own. Allowing members to post freely, comment, and form their own affinity groups will provide opportunity for deeper relationships around topics, projects and events. The temptation many churches have is to limit member participation and make their Facebook presence not much more than their web site which is fairly one dimensional. A more open environment, of course, requires over site, but the benefits are numerous including the chance that these online groups flourish and continue "on the ground" at church. Intentionally create activities that start on Facebook and end in person. Promotion is critical to the success of any church-sponsored event. You certainly want to promote the event on your Facebook page, but creating online activity before the event will allow members to get excited about it and spread the word to their other Facebook friends. If it's "movie night" create some intriguing questions. If it's a presentation on Internet Safety, solicit questions/answers on related topics. If it's an upcoming Voter's Meeting or Open Forum, ask all members to submit questions that board members can address or feed topics that can be discussed ahead of time. The whole point is to get your Facebook folks "invested" in the event. Facebook has a lot to offer to increase the social networked quotient of your church. It does take work and thoughtfulness. But it is where a lot of your members already are. Why should the church exclude itself from this portion of its members lives? They want to engage with their church. That is why they are members.

Social Networks and The Church (Facebook Part One)

Martin Spriggs — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:13:22 -0500

This is the second post in a series of articles on Social Networks and how they can, and perhaps can't, be used in the church. When I say church I mean the corporate church (i.e. the organization of believers). In my last article I talked about the purpose of the church and how social networks in general can meet a need in most circumstances as long as they are aligned with the church's objectives. Now we are going to get a little more specific and start with perhaps the most popular social network that has ever been -- Facebook. Late in 2012 Facebook claimed over 1 billion active users with over half of them regularly interacting with the network via mobile devices. That last bit of info will be discussed in more detail in later articles of this series. It has significance. With that many users it is pretty safe to assume that many of your church's members, if not a majority, use Facebook. Why? That's an important question to answer as it will in some ways determine how the church might use Facebook for ministry. A very good place to find the answer is a short book by Jesse Rice called "The Church of Facebook [1]." Sallie Draper, my WELSTech Podcast partner, and I interviewed Jesse last year to talk about the book we had been reviewing on the show and asked him "why Facebook?" You can listen to that episode [2] to find out what his answer was. The brief answer is people desire to connect with other people. God created us as social beings that need interaction with other people on a regular and meaningful basis. Facebook provides faciliities to do that. Yes, it does also provide avenues for the humanist in all of us to "blow our own horns", but at it's core Facebook makes connections. Connections are also an objective of the church. To connect believer to believer in a meaningful way that God can use to provide encouragement, inspiration, education and correction through the Word. Some would say the church wouldn't be a church without these believer to believer connections. So in this regard Facebook acts as an "amplifier" for these connections. It can create connections where they don't exist and it can enhance connections that have already been made. With busy schedules and increasing distances between church members, a virtual tool like Facebook can help people stay connected with each other and their church during the week. That will not happen by itself however. The church, or to be more specific, it's Facebook administrator(s) needs to intentionalize things to achieve this objective. Here are three things they can do to increase the chances for member to member connections via the church's Facebook efforts: Go on a Facebook member drive. Facebook will not be a very effective ministry tool if you don't have your Facebook using members "liking" your page. This can be done through email, bulletin announcements, after service announcements, etc. Along with that the message of why they should like your page should be very clear. This is what they are going to get out of it. More on that in a future post. Post to your Facebook page every day. There is plenty of content the church can repurpose or create to fill 7 slots a week. Key sermon or bible class points, pictures, prayer requests, announcements, events, etc. A tool that can assist in keeping content flowing into your account is RSS Graffiti [3]. This will allow you to automatically push any RSS content either from your own site (blogs, sermons, etc.) or from any other RSS enabled content like WELS Daily Devotions or Bible Readings. Create opportunities for members to interact with each other through posts that promote feedback, discussion type questions or even Facebook hosted Bible studies. Other options are to encourage members to submit their own "ask the pastor" questions, photos, or thoughts on a daily Bible reading. These are just a few options to get people talking with each other and perhaps enchance the brief encounters made on Sunday morning, or find new friends which wouldn't have normally been possible. In my next article I'll focus more on how to further enable these virtual relationships and perhaps move them to face-to-face opportunities for fellowship, spritual growth, and support. [1] http://(null) [2] http://welstech.wels.net/2011/11/09/209-the-church-of-facebook/ [3] http://www.rssgraffiti.com/

WELS Mobile Relaunched

Martin Spriggs — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 18:30:05 -0500

[1] Today we are excited to announce the relaunch of the WELS Mobile application, formerly called WELS Online. WELS Mobile brings together much of the written, audio and video content available on the synod’s website WELS.net and reformats it to be usable on mobile phones, tablets and other devices. Two new features include the ability to search for WELS and ELS churches along with driving directions, and now you can share content via your favorite social networks like Facebook and Twitter. To learn even more you can visit http://www.wels.net/mobile [2]. This newest version recognizes the growing trend in mobile applications to provide a version that performs just like a device specific app like you’d find in the iTunes or Google Play stores, but in a browser. By simply opening up the browser on your device and visiting m.wels.net [3] (“m” stands for “mobile”) you will load WELS Mobile which will look and behave almost exactly like the stand alone apps you install. This [4] approach has its benefits, namely up-to-the-minute updates, more flexible navigation, and a consistent experience across device operating systems and screen sizes. So the app via the device mobile browser should look and behave exactly the same on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Windows Phones and tablets, Kindle Fires, and Nooks. This keeps our development costs down and gets you new features and content sooner. As some still prefer installable mobile apps, two versions have been created (iOS and Android). For the most part they will behave the same as the web application. Just search for “WELS Mobile” in either the iTunes or Google Play stores. Here is a complete rundown of the content available in the app: Today's Devotions [5](audio, text): A short devotion delivered each weekday based on a part of God's Word to inspire, encourage and inform Through the Bible in 3 Years [6] (audio, text): A Bible reading divided into smaller sections across a 3 year schedule WELSTech Podcast [7] (audio, video, show notes): A weekly show featuring tech news, tips and conversation related to ministry WELS Radio [8] (audio): Five channels of music from WELS musicians including Seasonal, Contemporary, Instrumental, Traditional, and Children. Military Devotions [9] (audio): Weekly devotions developed specifically for our servicemen and women Q & A [10] (text): A popular feature of WELS.net that takes faith-related questions and provides answers based on Scripture [11] WELS Connection [12] and other short videos (video): The monthly news show highlighting work being done in the WELS and by WELS members Together Newsletter [13] (text): The bi-monthly information newsletter of the WELS WELS Call Report [14] (text): The bi-monthly reporting of pastor, teacher and staff minister calls received, accepted and returned. Forward In Christ Articles [15] (text): Articles from previous issues of the official WELS magazine featuring devotional and education topics. WELS Blogs [16] (text): Various authors from around WELS write about topics including missions, technology, aid & relief, as well as one for Spanish speakers. So what’s next? Well, that depends on you. Please let us know what’s missing and what enhancements you’d like to see. The app can only get better if you use it and then share your feedback with us. Feel free to comment on this blog post or contact me directly. One thing we do have in mind is to provide both a What About Jesus version as a companion product to the popular WhatAboutJesus.com website, as well as one to accompany our soon to be launched Spanish website. You can view a brief demo of the app on YouTube [17]. [1] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2012/12/iphonewelsmobile.png [2] http://www.wels.net/mobile [3] http://m.wels.net [4] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2012/12/Screenshot_20121127144521.png [5] http://www.wels.net/spiritual-help/daily-devotion [6] http://www.wels.net/spiritual-help/through-my-bible [7] http://welstech.wels.net/ [8] http://www.wels.net/streams/radio [9] http://www.wels.net/streams/podcasts/series/military-devotions [10] http://www.wels.net/what-we-believe/questions-answers [11] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2012/12/Screenshot_201212161621461.png [12] http://www.wels.net/news-events/wels-connection [13] http://www.wels.net/news-events/together [14] http://www.wels.net/about-wels/synod-reports/call-report-archive [15] http://www.wels.net/news-events/forward-in-christ [16] http://www.wels.net/get-involved/blogs [17] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4AhDVdHiE4

Social Networks and The Church (Intro)

Martin Spriggs — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:41:18 -0500

[1] One of the most frequent questions I get is “should our church have a Facebook page?” Clearly the question could and probably should be expanded. “Should our church use social networks?” One of the biggest drivers of internet adoption and use by all ages, genders and races is its social nature. The web has gotten a lot more friendly lately…or at least a lot more social. The question used to be “should my church have a website?” I don’t get that one anymore thank goodness. However that question was easier to answer. Yes. Period. Yesterday. Asking if your church should have a website is akin to asking if your church needs a church sign on the front lawn. The answer to the social network question isn’t as straightforward. That is why I’m going to take the next few weeks…or maybe months… to try and tackle this one. So where to start? How about with the ministry of your church? Why does it exist? What is its purpose, goals, objectives? If you can’t answer that then forget the social network question altogether. I would imagine however that most churches at least have a pretty good idea of what they should be up to. Common answers in no particular order would be outreach with the gospel, mutual encouragement, support of those in need, fellowship, bible study, worship, administration of sacraments (Lord’s Supper and Baptism), service projects and so on. So the real question is could any of those purposes/objectives be met by the use of social networks? That answer is easier. Yes. Now the hard part. Which ones and how? Both which social network and which objective. My approach to this series will be to examine the major social networks with an eye toward their ultimate usefulness for specific ministry purposes AND some great resources for how to implement them. We’ll look at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+ and a few others you may not have even considered a social network or heard of. To get us started I’d like to point you to a couple of excellent resources that I’ll be highlighting in more detail in future posts specifically about Facebook: Facebook for Churches ebook [2] (An excellent basic resource including examples of churches putting Facebook to good use.) WELSTech Episode – All About Facebook [3] (A podcast that deals with Technology and Ministry topics focuses a show on Facebook and interviews Josh Renner who has found a good niche for Facebook usage to spread the Gospel). [1] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2012/12/iStock_000016096732XSmall_jpg.jpg [2] http://churchjuice.com/media/files/pdf/Facebook_Best_Practices_2012.pdf [3] http://welstech.wels.net/2012/10/16/258-all-about-facebook/

Using Your Thanksgiving Tech

Martin Spriggs — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 10:01:34 -0500

Is "tech" a part of your Thanksgiving? I've heard many say quite the opposite. Thanksgiving should be a time where we turn OFF our devices and tune IN to the friends and family around us. There is much wisdom in that approach as whatever we do we need to be 100% engaged with who God brings into our lives at the time. Technology can hinder that to be sure. But that isn't what I'm writing about. I don't argue the point. What I would suggest however is that technology can have a place in your thanksgiving thinking. There are many with whom you will not be able to spend time this holiday. There are also probably many that you know that don't feel they have reasons to be thankful...or don't realize that what they have is a gift from the Lord. How do you share or model your thankfulness to them? Tech. Here are a few suggestions. If you use Facebook... Share a prayer of thanksgiving with your Facebook friends. Create a list of the top ten things you are thankful for this year, and to whom you owe that thanks. Write on somebody else's wall a brief message of thanks for something they have done for you, or how their friendship has been a blessing to you in some way. Post a picture of your family get together with a word of thanks to God for this wonderful blessing. If you use Pinterest... Pin images of things you are thankful for...or create a "board" called "Thanksgiving" and place items there for which you can give thanks. Repin images that reinforce the source of your Thanksgiving. There are many examples of these types of images. See the recent Forward In Christ article about Josh Renner and the images he shares via his Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/helovedusfirst [1] If you text or Tweet... A few words of thanks that highlight Christ's work for us with a link to appropriate passages on Bible Gateway [2] can brighten someones day and also witness who is at the center of your life. A text or direct message to a friend that simply expresses your thanks to God for your friendship. Text or tweet a link to an online devotion [3] from WELS.net. These are just a few small examples of how the tech that God has placed in your hands can make an eternal difference for those who don't know or appreciate the source of all blessings. May God grant you a blessed and fruitful Thanksgiving both online and off. [1] http://www.facebook.com/helovedusfirst [2] http://www.biblegateway.com [3] http://www.wels.net/spiritual-help/daily-devotion

Let Your Light Shine

Beth Zambo — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:21:45 -0400

“Let Your Light Shine” - By Jennifer Wolfgramm It was the last Thursday in November 2011, and the long Siberian winter had begun. The phone rang, and the woman asked for Pastor Luke (Missionary Wolfgramm, my husband). Since he was away in Tomsk, she spoke with me: “I work with a young widow named Masha. She works very hard at our institute, and she tutors long hours on the side to support her three children and herself. A couple months ago she became sick and was unable to work. She has just been released from the hospital, but she has used up her savings. Her rent is due at the end of the month, and she cannot pay it. Our colleagues at work have helped as much as we can, but it isn’t enough. Can you please help her?” Over the years the American missionaries in Russia have struggled to handle these kinds of requests. Obviously we want to help needy individuals. But is the person who comes for help truly needy or simply vocal? If the missionary helps one person, ten more will come along and show why they are more deserving of help. (And they might be right!)In the past feelings have been hurt and the true, spiritual work of the church has suffered. Perhaps the “rich American” is the least qualified person to decide whom to help and in what way. Acts 6:1-7 tells how the early Christian church chose seven men “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” to distribute material help so that the apostles could focus on spiritual work. This is exactly what we are doing in Russia. Our mission is tremendously blessed to have Deaconess Marina as our humanitarian aid manager. Marina is trained in psychology and social work. She is a kind, caring, discerning woman. She can distinguish “needy” from “greedy”. She has also taken Bible Institute classes part-time for four years in order to better share the Gospel with those who come to her for help. The project “Let Your Light Shine” is a blessing for the Russian church as a whole and for the WELS missionaries in particular. Through this project the church is able to help needy individuals in an organized, appropriate manner as well as share God’s Word with them. “Let Your Light Shine” also allows the American missionaries to focus their attention on spiritual matters without abandoning those who need physical help as well. Per my request, Masha came to church on Sunday. After church Luke listened to her story and asked her to speak with Deaconess Marina about her physical needs. Luke shared with her what the Bible says about our spiritual needs. “The doctors say you shouldn’t be working seven days a week, that the stress and demands of working every day are taking their toll on your health. Maybe this is God’s way of giving you a day to learn more about Him! Wouldn’t you like to learn more about God’s Son who saved you from your spiritual needs and gives you rest for your soul?” Then Masha spoke with Deaconess Marina for a long time. Although we couldn’t help Masha with all her requests, we did give her warm winter clothing and groceries for her family. Masha also had some troubles with various legal documents, and Marina was able to help her sort through some of those problems. Masha said, “The Lutheran church was the first place to listen to me and help me. Everyone else just said ‘No!’ and turned me away.” “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Masha is praising our Father in heaven! She now recognizes her spiritual needs. She also sees the love and concern of our church. Now Masha is taking adult instruction classes and growing in her faith. May God continue to bless Masha with her physical and spiritual needs. God grant that others like Masha would see our light shining and learn to praise our Father in heaven!

Midwife Training in Pakistan

Beth Zambo — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:57:54 -0400

WELS Christian Aid and Relief, through its World Missions humanitarian aid grant program, is helping Missionaries and national churches in our fellowship bridge the Gospel with funding for programs such as this Midwife Training Course in Pakistan. These courses are held periodically and are helping to lower the mortality rates in childbirth among the Pakistani people. A note of appreciation and thanks comes from a doctor who presented and taught at the midwifery training course. “I feel greatly honored to present you the 6th Midwifery training course. This course was started from July 1st till 31st August 2012. In this course the total numbers of students was 21. All of these students come from different villages. This time all the students were provided with rickshaw and van transportation. This is sad to learn that many girls who have passed their 10th grade also belong to very poor families and they have no other choice but to work with their mothers cleaning in their neighbor’s homes and some as cook’s in middle class people’s homes. One girl’s father and mother died and the neighbors were giving her food and clothes. These unfortunate girls took this golden opportunity to get midwifery training done as not only to support themselves and their families but to also provide them with self-confidence and self-respect. They are all thankful to the WELS for supporting this project. Two of the student’s got jobs in our hospital and the orphan girl has gone back and is taking care of many unfortunate mothers in her village and has started working for her living too. The girls working in our hospital are very happy that they are out from their houses and now are working in a Christian hospital. During their stay in this hospital they have the access to learn about Christian faith. In our society most of the girls have been kept confined in their houses most of the time, they only go out with their parents to the market and shopping areas. In many parts of the country you can watch on Pakistani television that only the men have been seen in the public places. Sometimes, I also feel very uncomfortable while I also visit these places with my wife where I don't see other women. These girls are now out in the world to flourish them selves in a better way. The arrangement of traveling for every student was made possible. Refreshment and food was served daily. All students were poor and needy. They were happy for getting Midwifery training freely as well as all the refreshment and traveling. They all are very much thankful for the WELS Christian Aid and Relief grant which provided them the opportunity to get this course done. “ If you would like to help support our humanitarian aid projects around the world, please go to www.wels.net/relief where you can do an online donation or make out a check to “Christian Aid and Relief Humanitarian Aid Fund” and send it to: WELS Christian Aid and Relief 2929 N. Mayfair Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53222

One Little Word…Or Picture

Martin Spriggs — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:25:26 -0400

[1]In the ageless and beautiful hymn “A Mighty Fortress” the phrase “one little word can fell him” is particularly powerful. That phrase came to mind as Sallie Draper and I were talking with Josh Renner on our WELSTech [2] podcast about his Facebook [3] page “He Loved Us First.” In our chat with Josh, whose story was shared in a recent Forward In Christ article [4], we were amazed at the popularity of the site – over 89,000 likes – and even more amazed at the simplicity of the message and its effect. God is blessing his work. Very simply, Josh posts a Christian image with a small amount of text that is suggestive of God’s work for us as a reminder of his graciousness. He indeed “loved us first.” He posts an image a day that, connected with the word, has the power to “fell Satan” in the life of that Facebook user. Praise God for the power of his word. To think that a small image, a quiet word, a gentle encouragement has the power to crush Satan and free the sinner. That’s big! So the natural question for you, if you use Facebook, is does your online life afford you opportunities to “fell him?” I know mine does. I have Facebook friends who don’t know their savior. Who struggle with life…and death. Who don’t know that the love of God even exists. My prayer is that God can use my activity there to his glory and to share his grace. As you login next time, say a prayer, ask for guidance, and then through words and images and your very example witness to the power and love of God through Jesus Christ. What opportunities we have to share the comfort that comes from our Mighty Fortress! And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us. The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him. (A Mighty Fortress, vs. 3) [1] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2012/10/229808_396026113803483_677883004_n.jpg [2] http://welstech.wels.net [3] http://blogs.wels.net/technologywww.facebook.com/helovedusfirst [4] http://www.wels.net/news-events/forward-in-christ/october-2012/confessions-faith

We Cherish the Blessings! – Kari Belter (LMC Nurse in Charge)

Beth Zambo — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:19:05 -0400

How wonderful to have two working ambulances, a medical staff that works well together and a roof without leaks! These are some of the blessings we cherish as the Lutheran Mobile Clinic in Malawi, Africa. Every day we give thanks for the two ambulances that our staff use to get to and from the villages where clinics are held. We no longer stress about not having a vehicle when one needs repair. As a mobile clinic, we depend on these vehicles. We also depend on the staff to care for the people. We have a group of nurses that work very well together and enjoy their work. Grace Chaweza, our head nurse and LCCA member, is in her second year of college obtaining her degree in Health Management. She steps in and helps at clinic whenever she is on break from school. Grace is a recipient of the Althea Sauer Scholarship fund and a faithful servant with her time and talents. A simple blessing was the repair of the roof at our residence. We are always grateful for rain in Malawi. It is vital to the people and their crops. This past year, however, the rain found its way into our living space. Lots of it. It is quite a surprise to see water – when you don’t expect it. However, the problem was located and has been fixed. We are also thankful the cost was covered by insurance. Until recently, the Lutheran Mobile Clinic experienced severe shortages in medications, fuel, and nutritional supplements. Most of these items, although expensive, are now becoming readily available. This is very important as we prepare for the upcoming malaria and respiratory/pneumonia season. Keeping an ample supply of medications and fuel continue to be our biggest challenges. Funds from Christian Aid and Relief and generous donors to CAMM assure our patients of the Lutheran Mobile Clinic that medications will be on hand and they will not be turned away. We are grateful for all the blessings given to CAMM, specifically the Lutheran Mobile Clinic. Thank you for your prayers and support. Kari Belter (LMC Nurse in Charge)

The Morning After

Martin Spriggs — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 07:46:54 -0400

[1]Where were you on 9/11? That is a familiar question today as our country remembers the terrible events of 11 years ago. It’s akin to questions like “where were you when Kennedy was shot?” or “do you remember when man first set foot on the moon?” I was working in my office on the 18th floor in downtown Chicago that day. I can remember the uncertainty and then the fear that the Sears Tower, which was only 3 blocks away, might be another target. I can remember deciding we should close the office both for safety reasons and also there wasn’t a person there who could concentrate on any task. I could remember the eerie feeling driving home not seeing a single plane in the air, which was normally crowded with traffic flying in and out of Chicago’s two busy airports. I’ll never forget. Perhaps a question that we haven’t thought of as much on this 9/11 is do you remember the morning after? As you woke up on the morning after what seemed to be an endless day, what were you thinking about? How did you feel? Did you want to go to work, or just coil up in a ball and stay in bed? Were you glued to the television to learn of more details or what the president might say next? If you were like me you had lots of questions and no answers. You were scared, but not sure of what. You were thankful for life, but saddened that there were those who cared so little about it, and even sadder for those children who woke up without a mom or dad they had the day before. The morning after… not as memorable perhaps, but important to remember. As I think back to the day after Good Friday, I wonder what that morning after was like…for Peter, for the other disciples, for Mary? Fear? Sadness? Confusion? All of the above? A life, a cause, that had so much promise was now over. No more Jesus. They saw him die. It was very public. It was no secret. He was alive and then he was dead! Now the survivors were left by themselves…to wonder. As the disciples gathered behind locked doors they must have been trying to decide what’s next, if they were there at all. Perhaps some decided to coil up and stay in bed that morning. After all, what hope was there? All things that mattered seemed to come to a crashing halt – much like a New Yorker might have felt about their normal bustling schedule. What’s the use. It doesn’t matter. Things were different the morning after. Never to be the same. Jesus’ followers must have been choking on the dust and debris from a collapsed ministry, or a crucifixion that lasted about as long as it took for two towers to come down. Fast forward three days to Easter however. Or better yet, the morning after Easter. What must that have been like? For Peter, for the disciples, for Mary? Wow. A very different morning. The rubble of mere days earlier was now resurrected. What looked hopeless, causing fear, uncertainty, sadness, now was replaced by inexpressible joy. It was such a 180 that Thomas couldn’t (or wouldn’t) even believe it till he saw for himself. That was a morning after that those people remembered the rest of their lives. Now another question. What will the morning after be like the day AFTER you die? The Bible makes this kind of simple. Only two answers are possible. Answer one: Like the day after Easter for the disciples…only a 1,000 times better. Answer two: Like the day after Good Friday (or 9/11)…only a 1,000 times worse. It’s the difference between heaven and hell, right? What a gracious God we have, who decided we were his and he wanted “answer one” for us. His son had to die to make it happen, so that is what he did. He put his son to death. So every “morning after” we have can be one of inexpressible joy as we think back to THE morning of Easter. We simply can’t coil up in our beds. We have salvation. We have an eternal future of joy with Christ. Let me ask one last question. What will the morning be like the day AFTER your brother, your uncle, your neighbor, your friend dies? Heaven or hell? If it is the later, you have a story to tell…the story of salvation. Morning afters can be so sad. But there is one morning after that doesn’t have to be. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 50 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. [1] http://blogs.wels.net/technology/files/2012/09/300px-National_Park_Service_9-11_Statue_of_Liberty_and_WTC_fire2.jpg

Central African Medical Mission News – Fall 2012

Beth Zambo — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:24:02 -0400

Maria Reese was commissioned as Clinic Administrator on July 15th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing, Minnesota. We are so very blessed to have Maria join the field in Malawi. She has served the Lord as a teacher at Fox Valley Lutheran High School (Appleton, WI), St David’s School (Santiago, Dominican Republic), and Dr. Martin Luther Grundschule (Zwickau, Germany) and St. John’s Lutheran School (Newark, Delaware). While we are hopeful Maria can begin work in Sept, prayers are needed. Prior CAMM staff was granted an allowance to work at LMC while their work permit paperwork was being processed; the Malawi Immigration now requires the paperwork to be completed before entering the country. No expected timeframe has been issued so prayers for a speedy processing are requested. During the past two years we have informed you of the extremely high costs for medications and the fuel shortages in Malawi. In April, President Bingu wa Mutharika died of a heart attack. Joyce Banda was sworn in as President. “The message she sends is that principled leadership for the benefit of the people is the right thing to do. She cares about the people, while a lot of African leaders are more caring about themselves” says Jeanine E. Jackson (US ambassador to Malawi). International donors are once again evaluating their assistance to Malawi and supporting her reforms. “She’s very genuine and truly committed,” said Daniel Yohannes, chief executive of a US foreign aid agency. “I didn’t expect these changes to happen within 90 days of taking office.” Many challenges lie ahead but fuel and medicine are now available. Banda’s economic plans hurt the average Malawian right now as prices have again soared, but there is a revival of hope that things are going to get better for their families. The Washington Post 7-29-12 page A12 Article by Sudarsan Raghavan of Blantyre Malawi (Check out the full page article in The Washington Post or request a copy from your CAMM contact woman.) Please pray for the leaders of the Malawi and Zambia governments ..and for the LCCA to flourish by using CAMM’s clinics as tools for gospel outreach. Linda Liesener (CAMM committee chairwoman)

Central African Medical Mission – Melissa Schuetze

Beth Zambo — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:14:33 -0400

Hello from Malawi Africa. The dry and cool month of July lived up to its name of being a typically slow month for the clinic. Don’t worry, we still had plenty of work to keep us busy, but instead of having 300 patients in our sick line, the numbers decreased to about 150 patients each day. I’m thankful there were no measles outbreaks like in July of 2010, and no riots in the city of Lilongwe like in July of 2011. The fuel shortages that kept us worrying for over a year have seemed to dissipate. It’s also a month of transition for Lutheran Mobile Clinic. I am wrapping up my work and prepare to leave Malawi in a few weeks. Kari Belter, the current Clinic Administrator, will shift into the Nurse in Charge role. We are patiently waiting for the Malawi Immigration to issue Maria Reese a Temporary Employment Permit so she can begin as Clinic Administrator. Naturally, this is a time to reflect on the past few years of life in Malawi with Lutheran Mobile Clinic. I feel privileged to have witnessed some of the experiences here. I will never forget when a mother brought her premature infant to clinic and the pastor was able to baptize the child before we took them to the hospital. I will never forget the teenage boy diagnosed with diabetes and abandoned by his family. That young boy joined in to sing the hymn that morning at clinic. I will not forget the struggles and joys I shared together with my fellow Malawian nurses. I will not forget the sound of the church choir on a Sunday morning. Yes it has been a privilege. It was very fitting today as I joined in with two Kingdom Workers volunteers as they were playing with a group of children. They were teaching the children some new songs and we ended with one of my favorites, which you also might have learned in Sunday school: “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” I wanted to end with a sincere thank you to all who support this mission. My experiences and work here would not have been possible without the support from the ladies groups, churches and schools in the USA and Canada. Together in Christ, Melissa Schuetze (Nurse-in-Charge; Lutheran Mobile Clinic)

With Thanks for all your Prayers and Support!

Beth Zambo — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:48:52 -0400

Dear Friends in Christ, In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul says that God is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (3:20). For the past nine months, we have used relief funds to send volunteers to the city of Kesennuma in the Tohoku region of Japan. Those volunteers have come with much enthusiasm, with various gifts, and with a love for their Savior. Though the adult volunteers have numbered only eight, they have included people of US, Korean, and Japanese background. And the LORD has worked powerfully through them, accomplishing more than we imagined. The clearest evidence of that was Mr. Takahashi's baptism last week. Mr. Takahashi came to our relief center at the beginning of the year. He talked to our volunteers. He studied English and the Bible. He attended worship through the internet. A couple weeks ago, he (and another one of our contacts from Kesennuma) joined our LECC at its annual Summer Bible Camp--a weekend of study, worship, and fellowship. Last week, the LORD gave Mr. Takahashi all the grace and blessings of Holy Baptism: "Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe, as the words and promises of God declare" (Luther's Small Catechism). We rejoice with the angels in heaven. Because Kesennuma is about 5 hours north of our northern LECC congregations, the volunteers have had to work "on their own" much of the time, with only occasional visits from LECC members. It has been amazing to see the hand of the LORD at work. He seemed to bring the right volunteers to Kesennuma, in the right order and at just the right time. The LORD of the Church provides. He sees to the needs of His people. Those volunteers were able to help and to encourage, to let their light shine before many, and to share the hope that we have in Christ. The volunteers were gifts from the LORD. At the same time, this opportunity to serve in Japan was a gift from the LORD to the volunteers. The LORD is good. Even though there will be no more "foreign volunteers" coming to Japan to work at our relief center in Kesennuma for the rest of this calendar year, the pastors and members of the LECC will continue to travel there to share God's Word and to encourage. Telephone and internet contact will continue. The next trip is scheduled for the third week of September. We trust that the LORD of the Church will continue to work powerfully through His people, with eternal results. All praise and glory be to Him! With thanks for all your prayers and support, In our Risen Savior, Brad Wordell (on behalf of the LECC)

Beth Zambo — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 15:31:39 -0400

By Chieko Hedin - Kesennuma, Japan July 24, 2012 Greetings to all, My name is Chieko Hedin and I am the latest of the WELS American volunteers in Kesennuma, Japan. Before moving to America I lived the first 24 years of my life in Japan. I now live in Carl Junction, Missouri with my husband Larry. We have 2 grown children and 2 grand children. We are ELS members at Faith Lutheran church in Carthage, MO. I felt the Lord was calling me to volunteer in Japan because first of all I met the requirements Christian Aid and Relief was looking for in possible volunteers and secondly, because I still have family in Japan and my heart went out to those affected by this tragedy. Thirdly, because we just went through a horrible tornado in nearby Joplin, MO and we saw so many volunteers come to help us that I said; “now it is my turn to help somewhere else.” I look forward to every opportunity the Lord provides for me to serve and I ask for your prayers and encouragement as I reach out to the people of Kesennuma.

The day we are going separate ways but our missions are the same! God’s Way!

Beth Zambo — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:52:12 -0400

By Chieko Hedin in Tokyo on the morning she is leaving for Kesen Numa - July 23, 2012 [caption id="attachment_1054" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Chieko Hedin and Kate Hieb"][/caption] Great job, Kate! Thank you for your assistance with getting me ready! Also sending a devotion: Here is what she sent me. Calling the Twelve to him, Jesus sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a testimony against them.” They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. Mark 6:7-13 May God be with you, until we meet again! In Christ, Chieko in Tokyo on the morning she is leaving for Kesen Numa

Be strong and take heart…

Beth Zambo — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:41:40 -0400

By Kate Hieb in Kesennuma, Japan July 23, 2012 …all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31: 24 It is amazing to me how God answers prayers. I read the book In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day recently. One point I really took away from the book is that often when we pray, we pray for the things WE think are accomplishable instead praying for the impossible things of which God is capable. Soon after reading this I began thinking of the many things that I thought of as impossible or at least nearly impossible. When the earthquake hit Haiti, everyone was amazed at how many baptisms took place shortly afterwards. Praise God, it was truly amazing but perhaps it gave people the impression that the same sort of thing would happen wherever disaster struck. To my knowledge (please correct me if I am wrong), after the great Tohoku disaster this was not the case in Japan . So I prayed for the seemly nearly impossible, “Lord if it be your will please let someone in Japan be baptized as a result of the work done there.” My five weeks passed and even though I saw no one get baptized, the incredible evidence of seeds planted and faith growing that I witnessed was reassuring….strengthening to my own faith. You see, faith is more than numbers on a page…attendance at a church service. Faith is evident in your life. Whether it was their willingness to study the bible on a Saturday afternoon for TWO HOURS (wow!) or curiosity to ask the hard questions about God,faith, death, and eternal life, I was blessed to see quite a few individuals eager to know their Savior, Jesus. That said a lot to me. What does it say to you? Prayers answered. Yesterday I was blessed to dine with a Japanese pastor, Yoshida Sensei, who has know me for my entire life. We shared some of the most encouraging conversation I could hope to have on my last Sunday in Japan. After catching up on family and small talk, I asked him how his congregation was doing. (He is 68, battling bad health, and still preaches at two different churches on a Sunday over an hour apart driving.) He told me about a few of the members but especially wanted to share a story about one of the members’ husband who recently passed away. He had not been a Christian.The night before he died, he confessed his faith in his Savior. They were going baptize him the next day but he went to be with Jesus in the morning before that could happen. Then here was the best part… Yoshida Sensei says, “but that’s ok because recently one of our members had a baby and this past Sunday, the baby was baptized.” Prayer answered. Reasons to praise God. Day by day our fellow brothers and sisters in Japan are being tested…the mission work is tiring, difficult and the workers are few. Please continue to keep these wonderful people in your prayers. Our God is awesome, capable of the impossible things we think cannot happen. I am confident with Him as the focus and foundation many more great things can happen in the country of Japan.

L’ESPIRIT DE L’ESCALIER…

Beth Zambo — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:27:33 -0400

By Kate Hieb in Kesennuma, Japan - July 14, 2012 …the feeling you get when you leave a conversation and think of all the things you should have said. -the French language This is a two part story. Kind of. (maybe more like a two-story post) I’d like to use the “out of practice” excuse but that would be embarassing. The truth is I was nervous, over cautious and scared. He was staring at me with those deep, caring eyes and I had given him the floor for the question. I just wasn’t expecting that question. What’s your motivation for being here? I did the worst beating around the bush known to man, a huge mistake when conversing with a second language speaker, starting with my childhood connection….love for the country….hurt for the victims of the disaster …. and then I ended by vaguely throwing in wanting to share my hope with the people here. He never asked me what hope I had. It * only takes walking away from a lost conversation like that once to make you realize the importance of God’s Word….always be prepared. *should ———————————————– Weeks later I find myself at the last scheduled bible class I will have an opportunity to lead in Kesennuma. We’ve just begun the new bible comic book, Jesus is the Son of God. The first story: Jesus is Born. The pictures and words are so familiar to me; yet as I look at them again today in the light of what it would be like to see them, hear them for the first time, I am amazed. Faith… what a magnificent gift so often underestimated. By faith, we believe in Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin. The class continues with connections to the prophecies of the Old Testament. We sit and marvel at the plan of God. Then the question comes quietly, with no forewarning… Did Jesus really live? …then follows a bolder excuse, I don’t recall ever being taught about him in our school history courses. In that moment, a prayer to your heavenly Father for the strength and courage….for the words and the wisdom to answer… … a sigh It is in His hands. “Why do you think that is?” I ask. “I don’t know,” she responds. “That’s why I asked.” Schools in America have also come to this point. There can be no talk of religion inside the schools walls for fear that it will offend someone because not everyone believes the same thing. I have to remind myself when I see this happening that the devil is hard at work in the world around us. He will use any doubt, any trial, any avenue to take us further from God and the loving comfort found in His word. Each day you wake up you must remember there is a battle to be fought. Find your strength in God to resist the devil. Jesus did live. He lived a perfect life. Then He died for the sins of the world. The story doesn’t end there. He conquered death. He rose on the third day. He is preparing a place for all believers… A place with no more tears or pain. Eternal life in heaven. He wants that to be the home you look forward to. He wants you to have hope for a life with Him.

The Lord is Mighty to Save!

Beth Zambo — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 14:40:11 -0400

By Pastor Wayne Uhlhornn - Fount of Life Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs, CO June 28, 2012, I’ve seen (attached) a map that that shows the growth of the fire since it started on Saturday. One thing to note is what a bad day Tuesday was. It was the apex of dry, hot, windy, conditions. The afternoon wind gusts from the west that hit 65 mph caused the fire to grow, come down the ridges, and explode and destroy the foothill neighborhoods. It was as sad and scary a thing that I’ve ever watched. Some of you know we’ve been blessed with an awesome view of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range and surrounding foothills from our backyard. Standing there that evening, watching flames descend, was awe-filled and aw-ful. The Incident Commander has said that he’s never seen a fire grow in so many different directions. The national coverage and on-line photos show that, too. It was a bad day. But note the growth of the fire yesterday. Hardly any growth at all. And we’ve begun today with higher dew points, not much wind, and some rain in the forecast. It’s the first non Red Flag Warning Day in several days. The Incident Commander has said yesterday and today will be good days to attack the fire, and improve containment. Right now the fire stands at 18,500 acres and 5% containment. There are 1200 people working the fire, including some of the most experience and qualified fire fighters in the country. Rain was not in the forecast for yesterday but it did. Things were looking bleak on Tuesday, as the fires ranged down the hill, orange smoke filled the air throughout the city, and evacuees suddenly jammed the traffic. But God showed he was in control. And our gracious God heard and answered our prayers. Here’s some more miraculous news. The home that our member family had to evacuate in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood, is reported to be untouched! 300 homes in that neighborhood are reported to be destroyed by the fire. But their block was spared. Thank the Lord and sing his praise! Throughout this whole fire incident, it has been a humbling experience to bow before the Lord, recognize his almighty power, his unsearchable wisdom, and our total reliance on him. When the various officials hold a press conference they don’t always (or ever) acknowledge the Lord, but when they say “we were amazed at what we saw …. We have never seen a fire do the things this one has done …. We are so thankful for mother nature cooperating today …. There has been an overwhelming response to taking care of people’s needs’ …. we know that is our Lord at work. We’ve had some members evacuate their homes and I’m sure Salem Lutheran has had more who live in those evacuated areas. 32,000 in the city have been evacuated. But the Lord is taking care of them all. And I still see smoke in the foothills when I look west. Home and lives are still in danger. Still, I want to thank you for your calls, emails, texts, concern, and most of all, prayers. The Lord has heard and is hearing them. And he is mighty to save. Wayne -- Pastor Wayne Uhlhorn Fount of Life Lutheran Church 6650 Omaha Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80915 www.fountoflife.com

Flooding at Peace – Holiday, Florida

Beth Zambo — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:16:10 -0400

[caption id="attachment_1031" align="aligncenter" width="219" caption="Tornado picture taken by member of Peace Lutheran in Holiday, Florida."][/caption] By Pastor Joel Schwartz - Holiday, Florida - June 28, 2012 Most importantly and thankfully, all our members are safe. There was no "catastrophic" disaster, just lots and lots of water. The weathermen are saying that the rivers have now crested and the waters should be receding now. There have been no further reports of members with flooding. It sounds like the flood waters came within inches of spilling into a number of members homes. I was able to visit all the homes that I know of in the congregation that were damaged by the initial storm. One member lost a section of her roof and her ceilings are ruined, it should be covered by the insurance. Another member had multiple roof leaks and leaks through the foundation of the house that resulted in lots of water damage to flooring, they too are waiting on their insurance company. One member did get water throughout her whole house ruining things like medical records and and all the flooring. Unfortunately she did not have flood insurance. For the most part their spirits are good and they trust that God has a purpose for all of this. Our church is drying out okay and my garage door was replaced yesterday. We will be having a church workday this Saturday to clean up around church and to help remove flooring and do general clean up at homes affected. Ironically, the gospel reading for this Sunday is "Jesus Calms the Storm" and the OT reading is God questioning Job. God teaches us to trust him even when disaster and calamity surround us. He has a purpose in all of this even if we can't see it yet. How fitting! In Him, Pastor Joel Schwartz

WILDFIRES AND FLOODING FORCE EVACUATIONS

Beth Zambo — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 10:58:10 -0400

A massive wildfire is burning in Waldo Canyon just west of Colorado Springs and has forced the evacuation of the Rev. James Seiltz and his family as well as other members at Salem Lutheran Church, located on the city's northwest side. Fire officials say 26,000 people have been evacuated, and more than 1,000 firefighters are battling the blaze that has consumed more than 15,000 acres in the canyon. Seiltz says, "Every day the fire is growing by thousands of acres. The fire is located within 3 miles of Salem church and my home. The air quality is very bad. So we decided to leave our home late last night [June 26], and we are staying in the home of one of our members on the southeast side of Colorado Springs. The biggest threat right now is the burning embers that can be thrown up to one half mile or more. It is not the fire burning on the ground; it is the embers setting the roofs on fire." Communication is difficult in the area, and Seiltz is trying to reach other Salem members who have been evacuated from their homes. "I do not have an exact count, but there appears to be at least 10 to 12 families that have moved to safer areas of the city," he says. "One member was evacuated last Saturday, and there is a very good chance her home is gone. She is in her 80s, and I last spoke to her on Tuesday and she was staying with her son, so I know she is safe. But I'm still waiting to hear from her regarding damage to her home." [caption id="attachment_1011" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The smoke behind the Colorado Springs welcome sign, southbound on I25."][/caption] Another WELS congregation in Colorado Springs, Fount of Life Lutheran Church, is located outside the current danger zone. Rev. Wayne Uhlhorn is contacting members of his church who were forced to evacuate their homes, but as of now there is not an immediate need for relief funds. [caption id="attachment_1012" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="A view from the SalemLutheran Church parsonage on the first day of the wildfires, Saturday, June 23."][/caption] Photos taken by Amanda Seiltz Florida flooding Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Debbie is dumping large amounts of rain on Florida, and the governor has declared a state of emergency due to massive flooding in the region. Rev. Joel Schwartz, pastor at Peace, Holiday, Fla., and his family were forced to evacuate Sunday night as flood waters threatened their home. Several members of the church also are reporting severe damage to their homes from tornadoes that swept through the area. "We are planning a church workday on Saturday and we are going to our members' homes damaged by the storm to help them with the clean-up and to lend a loving hand to those that need it," says Schwartz. "The challenge will be that all of this water is flowing into our rivers, and they are already overflowing. We need to assess the damage and the recovery needed once this event is over." The flooding also caused damage to the carpet and flooring at all nine entrances of the church facility. The garage door on the parsonage was damaged by the constant pounding of waves created from vehicles navigating through the flooded street. Schwartz, who is now back in his home, says, "We are praying for all of the people that have lost their homes and that God would use this for their good. We also feel blessed that the rain stopped. That was an answer to many prayers." WELS Christian Aid and Relief is working with the pastors of these congregations to assess damage to the church facilities as well as their members' homes. Mr. Mark Vance, director of operations, says that some initial relief funding has already been sent to Peace in Florida. He is also planning a trip to Florida next week to further aid the congregation.

Fight the Good Fight

Beth Zambo — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:44:27 -0400

By Kate Hieb in Kesennuma, Japan – June 22, 2012 So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him,”Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink.” Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. Judges 7:5,6 Once as I was preparing a bible history lesson on this story, I read a commentary that made these verses forever stand out to me. The commentary noted that the way the 300 men (the ones God chose for Gideon’s army) lapped the water from their hands showed they were alert… Ready for battle. Isn’t that how a Christian should wake up each day? Ready for battle. Through the eyes of faith, I find the more aware of and alert to the devil’s schemes I am, the easier they are to overcome. Example: Today a weary soul called the center’s cell phone and asked that we stop delivering tracts to her house. (Note: Delivering tracts to houses is legal in Japan.) Anna gave the woman two options: a) throw the tract away upon receiving it, b) tell us your house number and we will stop delivering there. The woman didn’t like either option, refusing to give out any information about her living location. After an exhausting conversation on the phone, Anna apologized. The woman wanted to raise a stink about it. Should this stop us from delivering tracts? Some might have been discouraged. We recognize it as an obstacle Satan put in our path and thought “Silly Satan, you can’t trick us this way.” Every day in Kesennuma the devil is hard at work on the souls of these hopeless people. He is also hard at work trying to distract us from accomplishing the mission of the relief center… …but the LIGHT of the Gospel will shine brighter. We will continue to put on the armor of God and go into battle. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand….In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flames of the evil one. -Ephesians 6: 10-13, 16