WITNESSWITNESST h e � u t h e r a nT h e � u t h e r a n

TheBible and the

End Timeswww.lcms.org/witness

january 2004 VOL. 123 NO. 1

Also:At Work

with Youth TodayWelcoming the Blind

TheBible and the

End Times

FeaturesFeatures

3 LifelineRuth Irene Garrett

4 Letters

14 National News

19 Searching ScriptureJames Lamb

23 In My OpinionDennis Di Mauro

24 Notices

26 Family Counselor

27 Q&A/Shedding Some Light

28 From the PresidentGerald B.Kieschnick

WITNESST h e � u t h e r a n

A Magazine for the laypeople of the lutheran church — missouri synod

january 2004

Official periodical of The Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod through the Board for CommunicationServices, Dr. Martin G. Schramm, chairman; Rev. J.Thomas Lapacka, executive director.

Staff: Rev. David L. Mahsman, executive editor; Don Folkemer,managing editor; Joe Isenhower Jr., news editor; Paula SchlueterRoss, contributing editor; John Krus, senior designer; CorinneLatimer, marketing manager; Pam Burgdorf, coordinator;Marcy Hanewinkel, advertising sales; Carla Dubbelde, editori-al manager, district editions; Karen Higgins, editorial assistant;editorial office: 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122-7295;(314) 965-9917, Ext. 1228.

© 2004 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Reproductionof a single article or column for parish use only does not requirepermission of THE LUTHERAN WITNESS. Such reproductions,however, should credit THE LUTHERAN WITNESS as thesource. Cover images and “Shedding Some Light” cartoons arenot reproducible without permission. Also, photos credited tosources outside the LCMS are not to be copied.

Published 11 times per year by Concordia Publishing House,3558 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118-3968. Individual sub-scription $18.48 per year. Organized congregation subscriptionsand district editions offered at reduced rate if submitted throughlocal churches. Standard A postage paid at St. Louis, MO.

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January 2004 (ISSN: 0024-757X) Vol.123, No1

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To subscribe, renew or to give a gift subscription,call Concordia Publishing House at: 800-325-3381

DepartmentsDepartments

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6 SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEWby Jon D.Vieker

How does one decide which hymnsshould be in our new hymnal?

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AT WORK WITH YOUTH TODAYby Robin R.Mueller

As youth attitudes change from one generation to the next, so does youth ministry.

THE BIBLE AND THE END TIMESby Paul L.Maier

Jonathan Weber may be a fictional character,but when it comes to what the Bible teachesabout the end times,he gives us the facts.

16WELCOMING THOSE WHO AREBLINDby Paula Schlueter Ross

More than 95 percent of the 10 millionblind and visually impaired people inthis country have no church home.

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Now I Know ChristPage 3

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Handling prosperity

Never before have I experienced sucha convicting, challenging and, at thesame time, inspiring commentary onstewardship as that of Art Simon’s “The Peril of Prosperity.”

Rev. Joel Christiansen

Webster Groves, Mo.

MY THANKS TO REV. ARTHUR SIMON.His clear and well-cited presenta-tion of financial stewardship wasabsolutely wonderful.

J. Ward Pallotta

Fairview Park, Ohio

Hope in Africa

THANK YOU FOR THE FOCUS ON “STAND

with Africa” (Nov. ’03). It was espe-cially meaningful for us—we are afather and son team—because wehave visited Kenya and have beenguests in the home of BishopWalter Obare of the EvangelicalLutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK).

In Kenya, we saw children withdistended stomachs from starva-tion. We saw elderly men andwomen languishing from neglectbecause there were no familymembers left to care for them. We saw death all around us fromHIV/AIDS.

In the midst of this suffering, wevisited many Lutheran churches.One, Kondegwa Lutheran Church,had so many children at worshipthat there was no place for them tosit (the adults took up all the pews).So the kids came and sat in thechancel and center aisle during thesermon, but even so they could notall get in and were hanging in thewindows so they could take part.Worship was vibrant and strong,and the people were gatheredaround Word and Sacrament.

We saw hope. Through projectslike “Stand for Africa,” people arereceiving food, health care andeducation. ELCK congregations

“THE PERIL OF PROSPERITY” (NOV. ’03)was a real blessing to me. It not onlygave me much to learn, but it alsogave me a great deal of motivation togive to the poor. The article wasfilled with Jesus quotes and Gospel.The topic itself was given an honest,fresh and powerful approach to allwho feel “snookered” by the cultureof consumerism. It was great to befreed from that feeling.

While it presented the radicalnature of Jesus’ life and teaching, thearticle brought dignity and purpose tothe high calling of Jesus: “Love oneanother as I have loved you.”

David Schlie

Fort Wayne, Ind.

WE KNOW A LOT OF WEALTHY CHRISTIANS

(though we are not among them).They are some of the most generouspersons I know. These are peoplewho own businesses and offeremployment so that many peoplecan support their families. I resentthe implication that all wealth andbeing wealthy are sinful.

I was raised in a family wherethere was not much extra. A coupleof family members worshippedmoney much more—because wedidn’t have it—than any of ourfriends who do have it. The root ofall evil is not money but the love ofit. My family members loved money;they always wanted it.

I am thankful for the wealth ofour nation. It has given my family anincome, a place to live and, yes, theability to share it with others.

Bev Kerns

Littleton, Colo.

can begin to turn the tide againstthe HIV/AIDS epidemic that is soravaging the African people—butonly with your help. Please sup-port these efforts. So little for uscan go so very far in Africa.

Jim and Sean McCoy

West Palm Beach, Fla.

THE NUMBERS ARE STAGGERING:Millions have HIV/AIDS, and 42million are at risk. If you do nothave hope, you cannot cope.

When Rev. Paul Bupe, a pastorfrom Zambia, came to my class atAllen University and related howhe had ministered to hundreds ofparishioners at burials, my stu-dents were numbed into silence.The story is heartbreaking, butthis pastor brings home the pleasof those who are suffering inAfrica, and they might be addedto the AIDS deaths and patientsright here in South Carolina.

We cannot be overwhelmed;we must organize and do whatwe can. Your excellent articlecompels us to hope in Christ inorder to cope. God’s Word mustbe part of the African stance.

Dr. Albert E. Jabs

Columbia, S.C.

‘Abstract’ facts

IT IS ONLY AN ILLUSION THAT NON-Christians have a better and richerlife than Christians (“How Long?,”Nov. ’03). Here are a few facts:

• In 1993, families that attend-ed church each week averaged$37,021 in annual income. Theunchurched averaged $24,361. So much for the wealth myth.

• The article suggested thatnon-Christians are healthy. Not so.Men born out of wedlock live anaverage of about 50 years; menlegitimately born and who don’tsmoke and have good Christianhabits live about 80 years.

My main source of data is theStatistical Abstract of the

Letters

FotosearchTHE LUTHERAN WITNESS

United States, published by the U.S.Department of Commerce. TheAbstract is in the reference section ofthe library and my closet.

Anthony Rust

Brownstown, Ind.

Admonished

“SEXUAL TEMPTATION” (OCT. ’03) STATES,“When Christ meets the woman caughtin adultery, He does not admonish herbut her accusers.” While I agree thatHe did not admonish her before theaccusers, He certainly did so when Hesaid, “Go now and leave your life ofsin” (John 8:11). There is a differencebetween condemning and admonish-ing.

Ronald Migliore

D'Iberville, Miss.

A witness tool

TO THOSE WHO WERE SO CONCERNED

about the October cover portrayingtwo homosexuals getting “married,”yes, it is an offensive photo (“Letters,”Nov. ’03). All sin is offensive. However,what a witness tool this picture canbe. When adults see it on our coffeetables, we have the opportunity toshare God’s truth with a world ofChristians and non-Christians whobelieve that the lifestyle is acceptable.When our children see the photo, wehave a wonderful opportunity toinstruct them in God’s Word andstrengthen them in their beliefs tostand firm in a world and educationalsystem that is teaching them other-wise. Believe me, your children haveseen this before (or soon will), and itis already imprinted on their minds.

Gary and Jean Peters

Frankenmuth, Mich.

We welcome letters that com-

ment on articles in The Lutheran

Witness. Letters may be edited for

length and clarity. Send letters

to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran

Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road,

St. Louis, MO 63122-7295; or

send them via e-mail to

Lutheran.Witness@LCMS.org.

JANUARY 2004

Illustration by Arthur Kirchhoff

In the 1970s, Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earthpopularized a view of Biblical prophecy about the end times

known generally as “millennialism.” Popular fascination

with this take on the end times continues yet today, fueled in

large part by the “Left Behind” series of bestselling novels by

Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.

One might be led to think that the views espoused by these

books reflect what most Christians believe about the end

times. In fact, the vast majority of Christians do not hold to

the theology upon which the “Left Behind” books are based.

Now comes Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of ancient history

and Missouri Synod Lutheran, with a new novel of his

own that addresses some of the same end-times issues. In

Chapter 1 of More Than a Skeleton, Maier’s hero, Jonathan

Weber, is interviewed about the prophecy mania. Because

the “interview” provides a handy summary of the issues,

we offer here an adaptation and abridgement of that first

chapter. — Ed.

It was May Day in Massachusetts—though hardly a distresscall, Jonathan Weber mused, in one of his less successfulattempts at humor. He was piloting a blue BMW Z4 con-

vertible through balmy air along the Charles River, the carbeing the one big luxury he had allowed himself since hisbook, Jesus of Nazareth, became an international bestseller.But should a man holding the distinguished Reginald R. DillonProfessorship of Near Eastern Studies at Harvard University besporting about in a transportation toy that better suited a pam-pered college undergrad?, his Lutheran conscience inquired.

Crossing the Charles River en route to his office, he careful-ly maneuvered through the trademark traffic radiating out ofHarvard Square. His “Beamer” was doubly safe, he knew, bothbecause of its superb German engineering as well as his own

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

by Paul L. Maier

THE BIBLEAND THE

ENDTIMES

meticulous care while driving. At Mt. AuburnStreet, for example, he gave no thought to outrun-ning the light that had just flashed yellow, butbraked defensively to a stop. And that may havebeen his undoing.

Brakes shrieked and a shattering crash frombehind hurled Jon into his cream leather seat.Fortunately, he was not injured. The same couldnot be said of his Z4.

Storming out of his car, Jon saw a lanky, red-faced lad climbing out of the gray PT Cruiser thathad assaulted him. A woeful look of anguishtwisted the young man’s features—and, ofcourse, his grille. Before any confrontation, Jonwalked to the rear of the Cruiser to record itslicense number. It was then that he noticed a

large white sticker with red lettering on the back endof the car just above its plastic bumper:

WARNINGIN CASE OF RAPTURE,

THIS CAR WILL BE LEFT DRIVERLESS!

“So,” Jon snapped at the driver, “apparently your caris driverless! Have you just been raptured? And if so,what in blazes are you doing back here on earth?”

“I’m … awfully sorry about this,” the youth drawled.“I was looking over at the river—it’s such a beautifulday—and I just … couldn’t stop in time.”

After exchanging the usual insurance information,Jon tried a few pleasantries to calm the shaken fellow,

obviously a university undergrad. “That bumper stickerof yours,” he said. “Do you really believe that bit aboutbeing raptured out of your driver’s seat?”

“I sure do!” The lad brightened, adding, “I’ve read allthe books in the “Left Behind” series, and I think that …”

“But they’re fiction!”“Yes, but they’re based on fact … on what Christians

believe will happen during these end times.”“Not this Christian!” Jon objected. “Here’s my card.

Why not come to my office sometime and let’s talk aboutit?”

“Love to,” he replied, finally managing a sheepishsmile. “Again, I’m … awfully, awfully sorry about this!”

By the time he reached his office, not far fromHarvard’s immortal Yard, Jon was angry—less about hiswounded BMW and more about how end-times maniahad beset the minds even of university undergrads—orat least one poor driver among them. He was scheduledto have an interview with a journalist from Newsweek

magazine later that morning, during which he had everyintention of being cool, dispassionate and tolerant. Nowhe wondered if he could actually manage that.

At exactly 10:30 a.m., there was a knock on his officedoor. There stood the tall, distinguished figure ofKenneth L. Woodward, Newsweek’s veteran religioneditor, who had come to Cambridge to interview Jon fora cover story on the end-times mania sweeping thenation. The two were well acquainted from previousinterviews.

“You know the drill, Jon,” said Woodward, whileopening his attaché case, pulling out a tape recorder,and placing it on a small table between their chairs. “I’lllet you see my copy before we publish. We hardly everdo that, but I make special exceptions in the case ofpersnickety professors!”

Jon chuckled and said, “Just be sure you translate mycomments into English, Ken!”

“Always difficult in your case!”“I’m sure!—But, once again, why me? How do you

think I can help your story?”Woodward cleared his throat and began, “Well, you

can guess where we’re going with our end-times feature,and I’m sure you know the stats: many millions of copiessold in the ‘Left Behind’ series, and end-times fanaticismabounds. Now, what we want from you, Jon, is a critiqueof the whole end-times thinking—fact and fiction.”

“Okay, I’ll have at it, but you may have to tone downwhat I say. You know I have an overactive tongue in anoveropinionated mouth.”

“Worry not; we’ll run your comments by our lawyers.”Jon proceeded to summarize the claims of the

prophecy enthusiasts as fairly as he could. At the start oftheir end-times scenario, so they taught, true believers

JANUARY 2004

Jonathan Weber may be a fictionalcharacter, but when it comes

to what the Bible teaches about the end times, he gives us the facts.

Jonathan Weber may be a fictionalcharacter, but when it comes

to what the Bible teaches about the end times, he gives us the facts.

would be physically taken up toheaven in a “rapture” that wouldleave their non-Christian relativesand friends behind for a secondchance at genuine faith. A seven-year period of tribulation wouldfollow, during which terrible thingswould afflict the new believers andunbelievers alike, manyof them caused by anAntichrist figure at thesummit of a one-worldgovernment with a singlecurrency, who would lordit over subjects brandedwith “the mark.” Next, afinal, horrendous battleat Armageddon wouldfollow, and only thenwould Jesus return in Hissecond coming, bringingon the millennium—a1,000-year period of Hisreign—ending with thefinal judgment. Thewhole scenario wouldalso be peopled withmysterious witnesses,beasts, demons and apoc-alyptic figures mentionedin such Biblical books asEzekiel, Daniel andRevelation.

“Christians agree onthe second coming itself,”Jon continued, “but theydisagree on the rest ofthese claims. They’rereally based on overliter-al interpretations ofwhat’s clearly symbolic material inthe Bible. Much of that material isalso mistranslated, misunderstoodor misapplied by projection from thefirst century into the 21st. Just asecond, Ken … see if this helps.”

Jon walked back to his desk,pulled out a large plastic card fromthe center drawer, and handed it toWoodward. “You really can’t keepthe prophecy views straight withouta scorecard.”

“The version on top—what’scalled ‘dispensational premillennial-

ism,’ ” Jon continued, “is the currentrage, with most of the prophecyspecialists teaching that chain ofevents. Those farther down, in myestimation, can get more and moreBiblical until we come to ‘amillenni-alism’—non-millennialism. This isthe traditional view of the church

ever since its founding: the beliefthat ‘the 1,000 years’ is merely sym-bolic for the Christian era. But takeit literally? Why? A thousand yearsis just a drop in the bucket againstthe background of eternity!”

“Can you attach numbers tothose views, Jon?” Woodward won-dered. “How many Christiansbelieve which scenario?”

Jon thought for a moment, thenshook his head and said, “I can’t giveyou exact figures, but the greatmajority of Christians across the

world believe in the pure, unclut-tered version at the bottom: amillen-nialism.”

“Really?” Woodward’s face regis-tered surprise.

“Roman Catholicism will have nopart of millennialism, and that’s abillion Christians for openers, half of

Christendom. Nor willEastern Orthodoxy, anoth-er 350 million. Nor willLutherans. Nor willEpiscopalians or Reformedor Presbyterians. Nor will…”

“Okay, point taken. HasChristianity always hadthese alternative viewsabout the end times?”

“Oh, anything but!Rapture theology is only arecent novelty when itcomes to church history. Alittle Scottish girl namedMargaret MacDonaldclaimed a revelation in1830, and a traveling evan-gelist named J. N. Darbytook it as his own andmarketed it successfully tothe 19th-century Americanchurch—to our detrimentever since, in my opinion.An American preacher,Cyrus Scofield, edited aBible that amplifiedDarby’s views, and millionsof Evangelicals use it now.I guess they figure thechurch has had it all wrong

during its first 18 centuries!”Then a grin crossed Woodward’s

face as he asked, “What about thatsouthern evangelist with the bigfollowing, Dr. Mel Merton? Youhaven’t mentioned him.”

“Melvin Morris Merton!” Jongroaned. “He’s the one who calledme the Antichrist several years agoin Jerusalem!”

“In Merton’s latest book, heclaims that you deny the secondcoming of Christ.”

“No, just Merton’s timetable for

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

A. DISPENSATIONALPREMILLENNIALISM

MILLENNIAL VIEWS

B. HISTORICPREMILLENNIALISM

C. POSTMILLENNIALISM

D. AMILLENNIALISM

Church Age — 1000 years

Church Age

Church Age 1000 yrs

1000 yrs

1000 yrs

Resurrection ofthe Unjust /“WhiteThrone Judgment”

Universal Resurrection/Rapture”/

Universal Judgment”

New Heavens

and

NewEarth

New Heavens

and

NewEarth

New Heavens

and

NewEarth

New Heavens

and

NewEarth

Satan’s “Little Season”

Universal Resurrection/Rapture”/

Universal Judgment”

Satan’s “Little Season”

Satan’s “Little Season”

Second Advent

Second Advent

Second Advent

Church Age

Resurrection ofthe Unjust /“WhiteThrone Judgment”

Satan’s “Little Season”

“Sheep/Goats

Judgment”

Resurrectionof the Just/“Rapture”

Resurrectionof the Just

Secret Returnof Christ

Armageddon

7 yearTribulation

Visible Returnof Christ

JANUARY 2004

same. That’s a standard responsefrom the prophecy crowd wheneveryou question their scenarios. Most ofthem begin with the dire thingsJesus predicted on the Mount ofOlives while overlooking Jerusalemand claim they will soon take place,probably in our generation. Wrong!They already took place when theRomans conquered Jerusalem. ‘Thisgeneration will not pass away untilall these things are accomplished,’said Jesus around A.D. 33. Jerusalemwas indeed destroyed 37 years laterin the year 70. Perfect fulfillment!But the prophecy pack transfersmost of this from the first to the 21stcentury!”

“All right,” Woodward probed, “if the bad things Jesus prophesiedtook place when Jerusalem wasdestroyed, what about the goodthings He predicted for believers—eternal salvation and heaven?”

“All of them, including the rapture,are part of the general resurrectionof the dead at the end of time whenJesus returns. The church has alwayshad it right in the Creed: ‘I believe inthe resurrection of the body and thelife everlasting. Amen.’ There it is—pure, sublime and simple. No addi-tional clutter necessary.”

“What about Merton’s predictionthat the rapture will take place onNew Year’s Day three years fromnow, and that Jesus will returnexactly seven years after that?”

“Not worthy of comment. Theyhad false prophets in Biblical times,and we have false prophets today.Remember, it was Jesus who said,‘Of that day and of that hour no oneknows: not the Son—not moderndoomsday prophets—but theFather.’”

“One of those phrases I don’trecall from the Gospels,” saidWoodward, with a wink. “So, would‘false prophet’ be a good label forMerton?”

“Of course! But if you quote me,better make that my opinion, not my ‘statement of fact.’ Otherwise

Merton may sue my pants off.” “Worry not. As I said, we’ll run it

by our lawyers. Well, Jon, I certainlyhave enough material here. Any finalthoughts?”

“Just this: ordinarily, I’m verytolerant of differing Biblical interpre-tations among genuine scholars, butnot in the case of a pseudo-prophetlike Merton. His kind hurt Christianityin several ways. First, people get sohung up on apocalyptic predictionsthat they panic and prepare for ‘theend’ when there is no end. Rememberthe lunacy that took place about the‘great Y2K menace,’ advising every-one to store up survival supplies?”

“Which played into the generaldoomsday outlook,” Woodwardcommented, while scribbling on hisnote pad. “Other reasons?”

“Secondly, what happens whenprophecy believers see such‘prophecies’ fail? Some becomedisillusioned and abandon their faithentirely, all for the wrong reasons.Thirdly, the heart of Christianity—the Gospel of Jesus Christ—getsdisplaced in favor of amateurishforecasting of the future. And final-ly, most of these wrong-headedprophecies are insults to intelli-gence. What thinking person canbelieve in a god who gleefullywatches airliners crash because hehas raptured Christian pilots out oftheir cockpits? Or credit a scenarioin which Russia attacks Israel, yetits bombs explode harmlessly? Orbelieve that the United Nationsheadquarters will be transferredfrom New York City to Babylon, thearchaeological ruin in Iraq? Or findmillions destroyed by demonic …”

“All right, all right!” Woodwardheld up his hands. “Remember, I didn’t write thatstuff. … !”

“Sorry, Ken! I gotcarried away,” Jonchuckled. “OK, I’llstop preaching to thechoir!”

Woodward smiled,

put down his notepad, and said,“Well, I think that’s a wrap, Jon.”

“Good.—Oh, by the way, thistime you don’t have to send me acopy first.”

“Thanks for that note of confi-dence! And for the interview, ofcourse.”

Three weeks later, the Newsweek

story appeared. “NEAR THE END?”was featured in bold lettering acrossthe top of the magazine’s cover, withartistic reproductions of beasts, mon-sters, the Antichrist, exploding volca-noes, falling stars, assorted demons,and the faithful in tribulation.Woodward had done a masterful jobin writing up the story, Jon thought,citing authorities both for andagainst the current prophecy claims.

Over the next days, phone calls,voice-mails, e-mails, faxes and let-ters streamed into Jon’s office, nine-to-one in favor of his critique. But afew discordant notes appeared.

Several weeks later, a squat,swarthy individual with an augment-ed waistline appeared at Jon’s officedoor. With a forced smile, he askedif he was addressing Dr. Jonathan P.Weber.

“I’m Weber,” Jon replied.The man plopped two documents

into his hand and said, “You havejust been served with this summonsfrom the First Judicial Departmentof the State of New York, as well asthe attending complaint. Good day,Sir!” The process server quicklyturned about and left.

Jon opened the documents:Melvin Morris Merton was suing himand Newsweek for libel, slander anddefamation of character in theamount of $38 million!

Dr. Paul L. Maier is fourth vicepresident of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is a professor of ancient history at WesternMichigan University, Kalamazoo.

by Robin R. Mueller

Jacob Youmans, direc-tor of Christian edu-cation at St. Paul’s

Lutheran Church, Orange,Calif., describes this gener-ation of youth as “over-committed and over-con-nected.” He says they livein a blur.

“They’re over-commit-ted in school, sports, music andhomework. They’re connected tothe good, bad and ugly on theInternet. Cell phones and comput-ers hook them up 24/7.”

Youmans finds that “kids long forsignificant relationships. Of course,we hope their most significant rela-tionship will be with Jesus Christ.They’re bombarded with negativemessages. At least 50 percent comefrom divorced families. If you cancreate a place where youth feel safeand loved, they’ll come.”

On Sunday nights, youth meetfor a Bible study, which leads intotheir contemporary worship serv-ice called “The Rock.” OnWednesday nights, the junior-highCrossfire group and the senior-highOrganized Chaos group enjoy fel-lowship and fun activities like lasertag and arcade outings.

Youth also face schedule over-load and family pressures in theheartland, says Leon Jameson,director of Christian education atImmanuel Lutheran Church, St.Charles, Mo. In a church surpassing4,000 members, Jameson is buildingjunior and senior high programs

around “fellowship, ministry, serv-ice, evangelism and celebration[worship],” he says. “The big pictureis to help our youth see Christ in allthings and to see Him in their livesas they travel their journey of faith.”

Many junior-high schoolers “gaina wonderful foun-dation of faith” inImmanuel’s ele-mentary school,he says. Theyenjoy a junior-highprogram called“breakfast clubs”on Saturday morn-ings in varioushomes, making breakfast for eachother, studying the Bible and playinggames. “It’s a great way to build trustand community and to encourageparents to take part,” Jamesonexplains.

“I’m involved in teachingConfirmation, and I want to relateto them and help them graspBiblical truths. By eighth grade,many students are able to thinkmore abstractly and begin to have aclearer understanding of grace. Insenior high, we concentrate on

Bible studies that help them live outtheir faith.”

Senior-high youth meet on alter-nate Sunday nights for “Overtime,”(inspired by Eccl. 3:1–8), whichcombines fellowship, Bible study,worship and service. “Guys and

Girls” meets on alternate Thursdaynights for an intensive two-hourBible study.

“Girls are more expressive andvocal about their faith,” explainsJameson. “My wife leads the girls,while I help the guys discuss whatsociety presses on them versushow they should live as godlyyoung men.”

This month, Immanuel will launchits own youth-driven praise and cele-bration service called Powerhouse.About 45 youth took part in planning

Top photo courtesy of Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo.Bottom photo courtesy Anna Bremer

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

As youth attitudeschange from one generation to the

next, so doesyouth ministry.

AT WORK WITHYOUTH TODAY

“Youth group has shown me how to relate myfaith to everyday occurrences. It’s definitelyinfluenced my decisions about how to choosefriends and interact, how to balance all thepressures and distractions in my life and keepme close to God. It will influence my decisionsin college and in the way I raise my kids.”

Anna Bremer, 16Immanuel, Valparaiso, Ind.

AT WORK WITHYOUTH TODAY

The youth group from Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo., pose after white-waterrafting in Montana. They were en route to Camp Lutherhaven in Idaho where they workedwith physically challenged children.

it. “We gave them a vision and then let them loose,” saysJameson. “After Confirmation, many kids drop out and welose them. We pray that our ministries help keep themintegrated and give them a purpose.”

At smaller churchesThat’s also the goal at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural

Hoffman, Ill. (population 500). “I think the basic needs ofteenagers are the same—they need to be included, feelwelcomed at their church and stay active,” says KathieKnuf, Trinity’s 10-year volunteer youth leader.

Life-long resident Knuf says Hoffman hasn’t changedmuch, although proliferating meth labs bring new dangers.“We continue to be a close-knit, Christian community,” shesays. “The youth attend our parochial grade school. Mostcome from solid families, who all know each other. Ourcongregation is very caring and supportive of them.”

The 25 youth sit together during Sunday worship andtake Communion together “to make their presence felt.”At nearby Carlyle High School, they are known as the“Hoffman kids.”

They serve Trinity as readers, perform the openingskit for vacation Bible school and decorate the church atChristmas. At the Men’s Club annual mission dinner, theyouth serve dinner.

“The older people really see them as young servantsand appreciate them,” says Knuf. “We have no budget foryouth ministry; we’re entirely self-supporting. But olderpeople say to me, ‘If any kid needs help to attend theYouth Gathering, you call me.’ ”

“National Youth Gatherings are great for our kids,”says Knuf. “They enjoy connecting with thousands ofother young Christians who are living out their faith, too.”

Though Peace Lutheran Church of Decatur, Ga., hasjust 100 worshippers, “the shadow we cast is humongous,”

says Rev. Victor Belton. Peace’s youth ministry and itsliturgical dance ministry appear on local TV. That “makespeople think we’re a big mega-church,” Belton laughs.

This African-American congregation is known for“our open, accepting and non-judgmental attitude. But,doctrinally, we are very conservative and make noapologies for that,” adds Belton.

“This is a difficult time for youth. What the Bible andchurch say and what they see on the Internet, on TV andeven in their parents’ lives are conflicting choices. Weencourage them to live God’s way and we set strong,clear expectations. We make a point of knowing andcaring about each one of them.”

Audrey Johnson leads Peace’s adult Youth MinistryTeam. She researches and creates the most challengingBible studies she can for Peace’s dozen core youth andvisitors. “We want our youth to enter into a deeper lifewith Christ and learn how to apply Biblical teaching totheir lives,” she says.

Last year, Peace’s youth studied “Voices and Choices,”contrasting current media and music against Biblicalprinciples. This year, they are learning a dozen“Spiritual Disciplines” and keeping prayer journals.

“We help draw them into a personal relationship withthe Lord,” says Johnson.

A place to call homeSome churches, like Immanuel Lutheran Church,

Valparaiso, Ind., enjoy the bonus of dedicated youthcenters. Immanuel’s Youth Room includes an operatingkitchen, multi-media area with big-screen TV, stereo, sixcouches and foosball, ping-pong and pool tables. A wallexhibits poster-size photographs of past and presentyouth, enjoying fellowship, servant events or youth gath-erings.

“A lot here connects the kids to people who havegone before them,” explains Chris Prahlow, Immanuel’syouth director. “It gives the younger kids something tolook forward to and, for graduates, it’s like cominghome.” Immanuel’s youth stay connected to formermembers at universities by sending them “exam carepackages” of letters, prayers and gifts.

“We talk about the challenges of living as Christianyoung men and women. We want our youth to be lightswhere there is darkness,” says Prahlow. Junior high

JANUARY 2004Top photo courtesy Dan SpeckhardBottom photo courtesy of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, Ind.

“I think youth ministry is setting in stone themorals and values I’ll need as I get older. Evenwhen we play games, we incorporate some-thing about God and the Bible into what wedo.”

Dan Speckhard, 14Immanuel, Valparaiso, Ind.

Youth group members at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Valparaiso,Ind., enjoy regular fellowship. But they are serious about helpingone another face the challenges of being Christian in today’s society.

Bible studies concentrate on the internal, growing rela-tionships and exploring identity issues. Senior highyouth studies stress the external, expressing faith anddiscovering spiritual gifts and life callings.

The Fire Escape Coffee House in Chanute, Kan.,welcomes youth of all denominations and hostsChristian singers and bands on its large and smallstages. What began as a small gathering place grew intoa large volunteer-run establishment in a former furni-ture store downtown. Youth from St. Peter LutheranChurch in Humboldt, Kan., and Zion Lutheran Church inChanute say they enjoy the Christian fellowship.

Mercy and serviceAll these youth ministries feature service as a key

component. St. Paul’s, Orange, Calif., groups do mainte-nance work, lead vacation Bible school, and have can-vassed low-income neighborhoods at Messiah LutheranChurch in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. At the White MountainApache Indian Reservation in Arizona, they combinedcommunity service and cultural education.

Last summer, the youth group from Immanuel, St.Charles, Mo., went to Camp Lutherhaven in Idaho. “Iwas thrilled to see how the high-school kids totallyfocused on a group of mentally and physicallychallenged children from Couer d’Alene,” recountsJameson. “One girl with extreme cerebral palsy neededa strong, caring guy who would carry her in his arms todifferent events. Joel Haak never left her side, evenwhile the other kids played in the lake. He tried to talk

to her and make her smile. It was really beautiful!” The youth at Peace, Decatur, Ga., volunteer at the

Atlanta Food Bank and make holiday gift baskets forthe homeless. At Immanuel, Valparaiso, Ind., the youthserve in community events like a cancer relay walk andpainting a local clinic. They have even reached aroundthe world, sponsoring a child in Indonesia.

Gifted for youth ministry“Our youth have so many abilities; we don’t give them

the credit they deserve,” says Jameson. “They want toexpress their faith, but they don’t know how. They justneed focus, and then we need to get out of the way.”

Knuf adds, “I’m very enthusiastic about youth min-istry! The Lord has given me the gift of energy, and Imust do this!” She hopes to intensify her group’s evan-gelistic outreach.

“The best way to reach kids is to love them uncondi-tionally,” Youmans believes. “I simply recruit youthvolunteers who love kids. I don’t want them focusing onprograms; I want them focusing on people.

“When you think about it, youth ministry has alwaysbeen counter-culture. Mass gatherings, servant eventsand contemporary worship were all pioneered by youthministry. That’s a great history. Youth have always giventhe church new things!”

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

“If you take youth ministry seriously, it canbring you closer to God and help you in yourwalk of faith. I’ve decided to be a Lutheranteacher.”

Lindsey Knolhoff, 18Trinity, Hoffman, Ill.

The “Name Wall” in the youth room at Immanuel,Valparaiso, holdsmore than 600 signatures of youth,alumni and visitors.A “Logo Wall” dis-plays painted logosfrom youth gather-ings, sports teams,sponsoring organiza-tions. They helpconnect the currentyouth with thosewho have moved on in their lives.

Whitney Chapman (left), and Heidi Flandemeyer fromImmanuel, St. Charles, Mo., play and work with one of thespecial-needs children they met last summer at CampLutherhaven near Coeur d'Alene Lake, Idaho.

Top left photo courtesy of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, Ind.Bottom left photo courtesy of Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo.

Right photo courtesy Lindsey Knolhoff

Push ‘reset’“In youth ministry, you need to push the reset button

every five years,” says Rev. Terry Dittmer, director,LCMS District and Congregational Services—YouthMinistry. “We Baby Boomers [born 1946–1960] will fightto the death for our drums and guitars. But today’s

Millennials [born 1985–present] enjoy the ‘old-fashioned’ stuff of organ music, the liturgy and Christianart in stained glass, banners and statuary. In a changingworld, today’s kids find security in consistent quality,order and beauty. That’s very good news for churchesthat emphasize those traditions.

“Today’s youth also are extremely conservative, veryreceptive to pro-life messages and law-and-order think-ing. They are much more like their grandparents.”

Mark Blanke, associate professor and director of theDCE program at Concordia University, Seward, Neb.,agrees. “The Baby Boomers were touchy-feely. Ministrywas directed at them. So they became perpetrators ofchurch shopping and ‘What’s in it for me?’ thinking.

“The Baby Busters and Generation Xers [1961–1985]tended to react against their parents by withdrawing andbecoming somewhat directionless. But this generationdoesn’t expect the church to give to them; they want togive to their church. They don’t want to be handheld;they want to be released to do significant things. It’s

natural that the explosion of servant events … hasgrown to become a major piece of youth ministry.”

Blanke says successful youth-ministry programs have1) continuity of purpose, which may take up to fiveyears to develop; 2) strong relationships—with adultsequipping, not controlling, youth; and 3) active involve-

ment. He encouragescongregations tofilter plans throughthis question: “Howdoes this activitybuild their relation-ship with God, fellowman or church?”

Dr. John Oberdeck, assistant director for the LayMinistry program at Concordia University, Mequon,Wis., says servant events “are positive because theyreinforce community. It’s important that adults serve

with them, so youth don’t assume that servant eventsare something you grow out of.”

Programs offered to congregations by organizationslike the LCMS Teens Encounter Christ (TEC “Weekends”)and LCMS-based Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ(OAFC) also grow community, says Oberdeck. In its 33-year history, “OAFC has helped thousands of youth

to express their faith and learn how toshare a very strong Christian witness.”

Youth are undergoing “tremendoussocial, cognitive, moral and faith develop-ment. What could be more comfortingduring all that change than the Gospel?”Oberdeck asks. “The message of thechurch is ‘God loves you for who youare.’ You don’t need the right kind ofgrades and clothing and parents. Inchurch, you can just chill.”

Top photo courtesy Michael BiczoBottom photo courtesy of Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo.

Robin Mueller is afreelance writer fromHouse Springs, Mo.

T his generation doesn’t expect the church to give to them;they want to give to their church.They don’t want to be

handheld; they want to be released to do significant things.

JANUARY 2004

“Just today a kid in my class asked me if I was aChristian. When I said, ‘yes,’ he said, ‘I can tell.’That’s great! I love talking to anybody andeverybody about my faith—youth ministrymade me comfortable in doing that.”

Michael Biczo, 19St. Paul’s, Orange, Calif.

A solid youth ministry helps young Christians “see Christ in all things and seeHim in their lives” as they mature, says Leon Jameson. Above are some of themembers of the youth group he works with at Immanuel, St. Charles, Mo.

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS Photo by Joe Isenhower Jr.

NATIONAL News

To further streamlineits administrative struc-ture—matching staffneeds to a new strategicplan—LCMS WorldMission eliminated adozen area-director posi-tions Nov. 30 and isreplacing them with“regional directors” for

to press.“I have no doubt that

[they] will continue todistinguish themselvesin service to the church,”said Rev. David Birner,associate executivedirector with the inter-national mission teamfor LCMS World Mission.

review of cooperativepastoral working arrange-ments between the twochurch bodies; and

• the ELCA’s theologi-cal and confessionalrationale for its full-com-munion relationshipswith three Reformed

church bodies, TheEpiscopal Church and theMoravian Church.

“The conversation wascharacterized by frankdiscussion of the doctrinalissues that divide the twochurch bodies as well asthe recognition that areas

of consensus existbetween them,” said ajoint statement releasedafter the meeting.“Participants describedthe meeting as an honest,forthright and helpfuldiscussion of the positionsof the church bodies.”

LCMS, ELCA reps renew formal doctrinal discussionsRepresentatives of the

Missouri Synod and theEvangelical LutheranChurch in America(ELCA) met Nov. 11 fortheir first formal theologi-cal talks since bothchurch bodies electednew leaders in 2001.

“We sat down andtalked about the hardquestions that divide us,” said Dr. Samuel H.Nafzger, executive director of the LCMSCommission on Theologyand Church Relations.

Meeting in Baltimore,six representatives fromeach body focused on:

• a 2001 LCMS conven-tion resolution initiating a

four world areas.Posts eliminated were

six full-time and three part-time area directors, plusthree vacant positions.

The area directors wereamong those being consid-ered for the four regional-director positions as thisLutheran Witness went

Missions cuts director posts from 12 to four

Participants in the Nov. 14–15 “Igniting Congregations”event in Omaha vote for a project to be funded by a$50,000 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The project they selected calls for similar regional events.

move [the church] for-ward as a dynamic churchbody that will reach manypeople for Christ.”

Participants identifiedfactors influencing wor-ship attendance, includingprayer, worship leader-

ship, outreach, a sense ofcommunity, service timesand styles, spiritual growth,and networking with grow-ing churches.

“I do not think thatgrowth comes from a spe-cific action or program, but

There is no single formula for increasingworship attendance in Missouri Synod congregations, but lots of approaches to share.

That is one way to sumup the Nov. 14–15 “OneMission Ablaze: IgnitingCongregations” event Nov.14–15 at King of KingsLutheran Church, Omaha,Neb. The event gatheredrepresentatives of 23LCMS congregationsamong those reporting thehighest gains in averageworship attendance from1997 to 2001.

“Whatever is workingfor you, I pray that yourexperience will encourageand energize other congre-gations,” said LCMSPresident GeraldKieschnick, who called foreight such events “to

rather from an attitude ofthe leader and the people,”said Rev. Paul Hoyer, pas-tor of Holy Cross LutheranChurch, Lake Mary, Fla.

“I have never conduct-ed my ministry in terms ofcounting heads at worshipservices,” said Rev. StevenBriel, pastor of St. John’sLutheran Church, MapleGrove, Minn., “but solelyin terms of preaching theGospel of our Lord’s for-giveness and salvation asfaithfully and clearly aspossible and properlyadministering His holySacraments.”

The Omaha partici-pants adopted a projectthat calls for similarevents on a regional basis,to be funded with a$50,000 grant fromThrivent Financial forLutherans.

Third ‘Igniting’ event looks at worship attendance

JANUARY 2004

NATIONAL News

how much to forward tothe Synod. The newpolicy is needed “so thatthe Synod may accom-plish its objectives infunding adequately high-er education and mis-sions,” says a resolutionthe Board adopted.

Contributions fromcongregations to thedistricts have increased140 percent over the last30 years, but the amountforwarded by the dis-tricts to the nationalbudget has increased byonly 1 percent, accord-ing to the Board.

“As a result, whentaking the 30 years infla-tion rate into considera-tion, the amount of con-gregationalcontributions that thedistricts have forwardedon to the Synod hasresulted in a shortfall ofnearly $57 million [annu-ally],” the Board says.

Two days afterPresident George W. Bushsigned into law the partial-birth abortion ban Nov. 5,a White House officialaddressed those gatheringfor the 21st annual nation-al Lutherans For Life(LFL) convention, Nov.7–9 in Omaha, Neb.

Tim Goeglein, deputydirector of the WhiteHouse Office of PublicLiaison and a MissouriSynod Lutheran, quotedBush as saying partial-birth abortion is an“abhorrent procedure thataffronts basic humandignity” and that “nolawyer’s brief can make itseem otherwise.”

Passed by both housesof Congress, the bill

At its Nov. 19–22 meet-ing in Miami, Fla., theLCMS Board of Directorsadopted in principle apolicy meant to increasethe amount of contribu-tions forwarded to theSynod’s national budgetby its 35 districts.

The Board plans to askthe Synod convention inJuly to endorse the policy,which would set anamount or percentage ofcontributions to districtsthat would go to theSynod.

Currently, districtsreceive funds from con-gregations and decide

imposing the bandefines partial-birthabortion as delivery of apre-born baby “for thepurpose of performingan overt act that theperson knows will killthe partially deliveredliving fetus.”

LFL issued a Nov. 5news release saying thatit “joins the vast majori-ty of Americans inapplauding the passageand signing of the ban.”

For more informationabout LFL, contactLutherans For Life, 1220 South G Ave.,Nevada, IA 50201-2774;(888) 364-5433; info@

lutheransforlife.org. Or,see the Web site www.

lutheransforlife.org.

LFL meets as Bush signspartial-birth abortion ban

Merle Freitag, presi-dent of the LutheranChurch Extension Fund,urged participants at the 2003 LCEF FallLeadership Conference inMiami, Fla., to get behindthe “one mission, onemessage, one people”vision laid out by SynodPresident GeraldKieschnick.

“Let us proceed tomake that vision our reali-ty through our actions,”

gations have been aslow as 5.125 percent.

• Loan approvals in2003 continued at arecord rate.

In his address to theconference, Kieschnickdrew an analogy fromthe spark it takes tostart a wildfire to theimportance of missionoutreach.

“Well,” he said, “I amhere to tell you that thespark has been ignitedand we are ready for awildfire of the Gospel toconsume the lost anddying souls of our land.I can see it happeningacross our church in somany ways and so manyplaces.”

For more news...For more news—

and more timely news —visit http://reporter.

lcms.org on the Web.That’s the Web site forReporter, the officialnewspaper of TheLutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Freitag said in his “LCEFState of the Mission”address Nov. 22.

“Building the Church... One Mission, OneMessage, One People”was the theme of theNov. 21–23 conference.A variety of groups—theSynod’s Board ofDirectors, Council ofPresidents, district busi-ness managers and oth-ers—held meetings inMiami, too, before the

conference began. LCEF describes itself as

a “ministry-through invest-ment organization thatoffers [LCMS] membersthe opportunity to investtheir money, earn interest,and help build churchesand schools at the sametime.”

Freitag brought partici-pants up to date on LCEF.He reported the following:

•Total assets continueto grow, standing at $1.359billion as of June 30, com-pared with $78 millionwhen LCEF began 25years ago.

• The loan portfoliogrew to just over $1 bil-lion.

• Loan rates to congre-

LCEF president: Get behind Kieschnick’s ‘one’ vision

Board’s proposal increasesdistrict funding for Synod

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS Rembrandt Harmenszoon van RijnRijksmuseum, Amsterdam

by James Lamb

What do you do whenthings just aren’t goingthe way you planned?

Many of us imagine the worst. Soit was for God’s people captive inBabylon. Read the account in Jer.29:1–14.

Just imagineJust imagine how God’s people

felt. Had God abandoned them?How were they to live in a foreignland? Imagine what they weregoing through and then listen asGod speaks about His plan!

Who is receiving Jeremiah’sletter in Jer. 29:1–2?______________________________

______________________________

What was the cause of theirexile according to Jer. 25:7–11?______________________________

______________________________

How did God’s people feel?Read Jer. 30:15.______________________________

______________________________

Who was in control, however,according to Jer. 29:4, 7 and 20?______________________________

Just imagine what they musthave thought when they read whatthey were supposed to do while incaptivity (Jer. 29:4–7), or whenthey read how long they would bestaying in Babylon (Jer. 29:10).What would your first reaction beto such news?______________________________

______________________________

Just imagine what they did for70 years in Babylon. Look again atverses 4–7. How do these relate toRom. 13:1–7 and Matt. 5:13–16?______________________________

______________________________

SearchingSCRIPTURE

Sin and rebellionhave caused us to livein a world that is notwhat God intended.Although not of theworld, we are in theworld. Read Jesus’words to His followersin John 15:19 and17:11.

God uses the gov-erning authoritiestoday according to Hisplan just as He usedBabylon. We are tohonor them. But Godcalls for more than apeaceful co-existencewith the world.Christians are to influence theworld. We are to be “salt” preserv-ing God’s truth that is constantlybeing attacked. We are to be “light,”revealing the truth of salvation inJesus Christ. This can seem as over-whelming as what God’s people inBabylon were supposed to do! Wefind our hope and strength in God’splan.

Listen to God’s planList the promises of God’s plan in

each of the following verses inJeremiah 29:v. 10 _________________________________________________________

v. 11 _________________________________________________________

v. 12 _________________________________________________________

v. 13 _________________________________________________________

v. 14 _________________________________________________________

Now relate these to Eph. 2:11–13and Phil. 3:20–21.

Dr. James I. Lamb is executive director of Lutherans For Life,based in Nevada, Iowa.

Hope in God’s Plan

_______________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

We don’t have to imagine God’splan. He has revealed it! Godbrought us back from our separa-tion through the blood of His Son.He has promised us a gloriousfuture with Him forever. This futureis the hope in which we live in thepresent. It is this hope in which weare able to bring change to the pres-ent. It is this hope in which weendure the present when things arenot going according to plan. “Thereis not a single item of evil in Hisplans for His people. … All is good,all is blessing” (Theodore Laetsch,Bible Commentary: Jeremiah,Concordia Publishing House, 1952).

Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem

(83) FEBRUARY 2003 15

Rev. Random Name ispastor of Holy CrossLutheran Church,Anytown, USA

15 THE LUTHERAN WITNESS (28)

from thePRESIDENT

been challenged with realities oflife in a different culture, from rela-tively minor inconveniences to life-threatening illness and danger.They have faced incredible commu-nication barriers, often living andworking among people whose lan-guages had never before beenreduced to writing. And, especiallyin bygone years, they have spentyears of separation from theiryoung children, who were educatedin boarding schools often hundredsof miles away, staffed by otherloving, caring missionaries whoessentially served as surrogateparents to the children entrusted totheir care.

During the past two years, ontrips to Europe, South America andAsia, I have had the opportunity tovisit LCMS mission fields, which in

numerous places around theworld have developed intonational church bodies withwhom the LCMS is in church-body fellowship. In almostevery case, it all started withthe quiet, committed, selflesswork of LCMS missionaries.

In most of these visits, otherrepresentatives of the Synodand I have been the recipientsof sincere thanks from leaders

of our partner churches. On behalfof the congregations and membersof the Synod, we have receivedtheir gracious expressions of appre-ciation. Actually, to be quite frank, Ihave experienced a certain degreeof uneasiness in so doing, simplybut significantly because it is ourmissionaries who deserve thethanks of these brothers and sistersin Christ around the world.

In order to help that happen, aplan is in process for next sum-mer’s Synod convention delegatesto give special thanks to God forthe faithful service of our mission-

Many of you will recognizethe words above as thetitle of a great mission

hymn. Not many of us have actuallyseen with our own eyes such faraway places as those mentioned inthe hymn. But a few among us havenot only seen, but also have spentsignificant portions of their lives insuch places, many of which arethousands of miles away from fami-ly and friends, home and hearth.

Although they would be the firstto shy away from any attempts topraise them as having done any-thing above and beyond the call ofduty, they are, in my humble butstrong opinion, some of the unsungheroes of the church. I’m talkingabout the faithful, dedicated, self-sacrificing people who bear thedesignation of “missionary.”

For more than a century, thecollective call of congregations ofThe Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod has sent people from ordi-nary backgrounds to many andvaried mission fields. These mis-sionaries have faced non-ordinarycircumstances and have accom-plished extraordinary tasks ofGospel proclamation to many typesand groups of people around theworld.

In many cases, LCMS missionar-ies and their families have experi-enced living conditions quite differ-ent from yours and mine. They have

FROM GREENLAND’S ICYMOUNTAINS ...

aries—past, present and future. I look forward to that opportunitywith great anticipation!

In the meantime, I know you joinme in giving thanks to God for Hisspecial calling in the lives of somevery special people, the missionariesof The Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod. Many have been theologicallytrained at one of our seminaries.Others are professionally trainededucators. Still others serve as layleaders in any of many supportcapacities on the mission field—asbusiness managers, agriculturalmissionaries and in other similarlysignificant roles in support of themission of Christ.

In addition to giving thanks toGod, I respectfully encourage youalso to express your thanks to amissionary. If you don’t know onepersonally, visit www.lcms.org orask your pastor for assistance.

To the missionaries of the past,present and future, on behalf of theentire Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod, I express humble and heartyappreciation for your faithful serv-ice, in the name of the Father, theSon and the Holy Spirit. God’s grace,mercy and peace be with you all!

Jerry Kieschnick

Lives Transformed through Christ,in Time ... for Eternity!John 3:16 –17e-mail: president@lcms.org

Web page: www.lcms.org/president

To the missionaries of thepast, present and future,

on behalf of the entire LutheranChurch—Missouri Synod, Iexpress humble and hearty appreci-ation for your faithful service ....

JANUARY 2004