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Lutherans

ENGAGE the WORLD


November December 2015, Vol. 4, Issue 2

Lutherans

ENGAGE the WORLD


November December 2015 vol. 4, no. 2

inspire

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7 
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Ultrasound Curriculums Popularity Grows

Clean Wells Provide Water for


Life-Giving Baptisms

Walking Together in the Wake of Disaster


Extending Christs Mercy to Refugees

Sincere Care & Small Catechism


Bolster Hispanic Outreach

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Engaging the Church in the work of witness and mercy across the globe in our life together.
LUTHERANS ENGAGE THE WORLD is published bi-monthly by The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod.
2015 The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. Reproduction for parish use does not require permission. Such reproductions,
however, should credit LUTHERANS ENGAGE THE WORLD as a source. Print editions are sent to LCMS donors, rostered workers and
missionaries. An online version is available (lcms.org/lutheransengage). To receive the print edition, we invite you to make a financial
gift for LCMS global witness and mercy work. Unless otherwise noted, all photos are property of the LCMS.
888-THE LCMS (843-5267)
lcms.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright
2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

engage
MERCY FOREVER
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

16
inform
2
3 
16 

Do Not Grow Weary

10 Questions

Seven Sisters

involve
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21 

Three Years of LCMS Grants


Building Partnerships: Survey Mailing
Generates an Overwhelming Response

S TA F F
David L. Strand
Pamela J. Nielsen
Erica Schwan
Megan K. Mertz
Erik M. Lunsford
Lisa Moeller
Annie Monette
Chrissy A. Thomas

executive director, communications


executive editor
manager, design services
managing editor/staff writer
manager, photojournalism
designer
designer
designer

EDITORIAL OFFICE
314-996-1215
1333 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
lutheransengage@lcms.org
lcms.org/lutheransengage

MERCIFUL. These words of our Lord Jesus were at the


heart of His preaching to the multitude, in the same
sermon as the Beatitudes and the instruction to love
ones enemies and do unto others as wed have them do
unto us. Mercy is the common thread that runs through
His sermon. It flows from our heavenly Father who
sent His only Son to suffer and die for sinners through
us redeemed sinners to our neighbor in need.
MERCY-FULL also is the best way to describe this
issue of Lutherans Engage the World! Within these pages,
youll learn the story depicted on the cover of
the water of mercy flowing from wells in Africa. Youll
meet a veteran Mercy Medical Team member and read
about the trailblazing church planting and ministry in
Brownsville, Texas. Youll also meet the LCMS seven
sisters deaconesses serving as missionaries in Latin
America. In addition, youll find a piece on our efforts
to care for persecuted Christians and a story about how
we are reaching new audiences by teaching the value of
life through an innovative curriculum for middle- and
high-school students.
Mercy comes in many forms: in clean, running
water; in the one-on-one care for someone broken by sin
and suffering physically because of its consequences;
as a group of volunteers visit households around their
congregation to inquire about what is needed in the
community; when teams travel to the remotest corners
of the world to treat people who suffer in body because
they have no access to regular medical care.
It is a fact that the LCMS is known worldwide for our
focus on mercy. Its who we are the people of God
bearing witness to Christ and carrying His mercy to the
world. I thank God for you, dear saint. By your prayers,
financial support and active service in the Kingdom,
you are part of this merciful life together that we share.
Thanks be to God for all of it!
In Christ,
Pamela J. Nielsen
Associate Executive Director,
LCMS Communications

Cover image: A child drinks from


a new well in Embangweni, Malawi,
that was funded by a grant from
the LCMS.
PHOTO: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD

DO NOT GROW WEARY

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we
will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of
the household of faith. (Gal. 6:910)

nform

ooking around at our contemporary culture,


it is disturbingly easy for us Christians to
become weary. We suffer the exasperation of an unending

Therefore, as we are presented with the opportunity (Gal. 6:10)


kairos in the original Greek, meaning the right moment or
apt season the Spirits descriptive prescription is this: By
faith, lets get to it. Perceive the kairos; dont be distracted
stream of bad news; increasing hostility toward the
by the chaos. Surely you will see the harvest, for it
Church; and perplexing, blatant rejections of Gods
is eternal life. Therefore, having this ministry
magnificent goodness. Sometimes it seems as
by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart
though He has forgotten, or simply doesnt
(2 Cor. 4:1). Let us consider how to stir
care, to intervene. Our good works the
up one another to love and good works,
splendid fruit of the saving faith given
encouraging one another, and all
and nurtured in Word and Sacrament
the more as you see the Day drawing
often appear to come to naught. Does
near (Heb. 10:24, 25b).
such discouragement sound familiar?
In recent months, Ive had the
We think, What little difference can
great
privilege of making a leap into
it make that I love and care for my
a
new
calling, from blessed labor as a
neighbor, when I am swamped in a
parish pastor to service for the church
worldly tsunami of sewage? Everything
at-large as LCMS Chief Mission Officer.
is headed for ruin!
In this transition, Ive been repeatedly
In such moments of angst, we are like
awe-struck at examples too numerous to
little toddlers who have an ever-watchful
count of fellow saints in every corner of
parent one who gently prods us to venture
the globe who are doing good to everyone.
forth, no matter how tentative our steps. The
(2 Cor. 4:1)
Turn the following pages, and youll get just
Spirit of life has set us free from sin and death
a
glimpse
of what happens when Lutherans Engage the
(Rom. 8:2); thus, we walk by faith, not by sight.
World in kairos and do not grow weary of doing grace-filled
So, if we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit
works of mercy for their neighbor. For these opportunities,
(Gal. 5:25). We desperately and continually need His work Jesus
to God alone be the glory!
Christ crucified for our sins and raised for our justification
preached into our ears and hearts. By grace alone, not by our weary
In Christ,
works, we stand righteous before God. Such a precise, powerful
Rev. Kevin D. Robson
Word of encouragement fortifies us against the enemy.
Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod

Therefore, having this


ministry by the mercy of God,

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PHOTO: ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

we do not lose heart.

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Questions

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WITH MERCY MEDICAL TEAM LEADER

SHARON THOMAS

When Sharon Thomas goes on vacation, she travels to places


that other people usually avoid, like rural Madagascar or earthquakedamaged Haiti. Since 2008, the nurse from Belvidere, Ill., has served
on 13 LCMS Mercy Medical Teams (MMT) and led 11 of those to
provide medical care to underserved people around the globe. In
August, Thomas led a team to Uganda, where they treated more than
2,300 patients in just one week.

by Megan K. Mertz

1.

Whats it like to serve on a team?


Its a very humbling experience. The
first time, you think you are going to do
something to help someone. When you get
there, you find that youre being served.
Its eye-opening to see that many
people learn to adapt without the everyday
luxuries that we seem to not be able to get
by without. The nice thing about Mercy
Medical Teams is you get immersed with the
people in the country you are serving.

2.

Whats most challenging about


the experience?
When you know you are encountering
someone with a disease or a situation
that could be easily treated in the United
States, but you dont have access to the
care that person needs. We have to learn
to accept our limitations.

3.

Most rewarding?
Whats encouraging, even just in
the years Ive been doing it, is to see the
improvements in health care. We started
going to areas that never had medical care
at all, and now to see clinics available in the
countries offering free care for some things is
very encouraging. The world is changing for
people in [developing] countries.

PHOTO: SHARON THOMAS

4.

What types of conditions do you tend


to see?
No matter where were at, we always see
parasitic illnesses with diarrhea and nasty
wound infections. Also, we see a lot of
ringworm and fungal infections. Some of
the common things I see in Africa have to

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do with hearing loss. Thats from very, very


dry ear canals and impacted earwax.
We also see a lot of cataract disease from
living out in the sun.

5.

Is there a Bible verse that


encourages you?
Is. 40:31: But they who wait for the Lord
shall renew their strength; they shall mount
up with wings like eagles; they shall run
and not be weary; they shall walk and not
faint. When I was 35, I was in an accident
and broke my back. The specialist said my
future was basically to sit on the couch
and eat bonbons. Because I was in horrific
pain for several years, I really believed that
was my future. But I just decided one day
that God didnt let me live through this to sit
on the couch and do nothing. So, I started
a rehab program and had a specialized
back surgery that turned my life around.

6.

What does being team leader involve?


The team leader takes a group of total
strangers and brings them together through
a common goal. I get to know the team,
their strengths and weaknesses, so I dont
place them in a situation thats way out of
their comfort zone. I make sure they are
taking care of themselves.

7.

What skills are needed on an MMT?


The biggest thing is a volunteer spirit.
If you have that, I can use you in some
capacity. We have automated blood
pressure cuffs, so I can teach anybody to
use that. We hire local physicians and
nurses to round out our team.

8.

Who benefits the most?


I definitely think the volunteers benefit
immensely. On the trip to Uganda, we had
a couple of young children who needed
emergency surgery. They didnt have numbers
or papers to be seen, but I went out and
walked through the crowds that were waiting.
God directed me to find these children in dire
need. One had a strangulated hernia that
could have led to a perforation and death.
We were able to get him surgery the next
morning. I think of those little lives that we
were able to save so they can have a future.
They wont remember us at all although
their parents hopefully will but I will
remember them.

9.

Are there opportunities for evangelism?


There are. I have many times been
with patients that I couldnt do anything for
but pray with. We let people know that the
Lutheran church cares about them and that
their local pastors are there to work with
them even after were gone.

10.

What would you say to someone


thinking about joining a team?
Step out in faith. I know people who have
been hesitant. But once theyve done it,
they couldnt wait to do it again.

Megan K. Mertz is managing editor of


Lutherans Engage the World and a staff
writer for LCMS Communications.
Learn more: lcms.org/mercyteams

NovemberDecember 2015

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Ultrasound Curriculums Popularity

Grows
by Roger Drinnon

PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD, GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

LCMS Life Ministrys free ultrasound curriculum, titled What is This? Looking at
Life in the Womb, is being sought after not only within the LCMS but also among
non-LCMS faith communities across the country. The curriculum is unique in that it
brings ultrasound technology into middle- and high-school classrooms to highlight
the sanctity of human life.

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Interest in the curriculum comes as no


surprise. In the last year, Americans have
seen the now-viral Center for Medical
Progress undercover videos, which
graphically show Planned Parenthoods
horrific organ-harvesting practices and
its commoditization of organs and tissues
taken from aborted babies.
So far, [the curriculum] is being
used within the LCMS, the [Wisconsin
Evangelical Lutheran Synod], the Catholic
and Methodist communities, by homeschool families and in at least one public
school, said Tracy Quaethem, project
coordinator for LCMS Life Ministry, which
is part of the Synods Office of National
Mission (ONM). The curriculum shows
middle- and high-school students in
classrooms, youth groups and confirmation
classes that even at the smallest stage,
human life is created by God and must be
protected and defended.
She said as of Sept. 24, 700 copies of the
curriculum were sent to requesters, and
requests continue to roll in each day.

Origins of the Curriculum


Quaethem served as interim director for
the ministry after Dr. Maggie Karner,
former director of LCMS Life and
Health Ministries, was diagnosed with
brain cancer in April 2014. Stephanie
Neugebauer succeeded Karner as the new
director Sept. 21.
While working as an ultrasonographer
for ThriVe St. Louis, a local pregnancyresource center, it was Neugebauer who
originally approached the LCMS with
the idea for the curriculum about two
years ago.
The idea for the ultrasound curriculum
came to me while a student at the seminary.
I was asked to write an appeal to action for
fellow leaders in the ministry, and I chose
the topic of the unborn and abortion,

"Designing a
curriculum to look
at one of Gods most
wonderful creations,
human beings,
was a privilege, an
intellectual endeavor
and spiritually
inspiring."
Dr. Kathleen Kremer

said Neugebauer, who holds a Master of


Arts degree in Practical Theology from
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. I decided to
take my assignment seriously, and quickly
realized this was an actual need for our
church body. I contacted [ONM Executive
Director] Rev. Bart Day, who in turn put
me in touch with Maggie Karner, and the
idea quickly became a reality. In less than
two years, we were able to produce this
ultrasound education curriculum.
Dr. Kathleen Kremer, an assistant
professor at Concordia University
Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., and the Rev.
Jonathan Clausing, currently an LCMS
missionary to Eastern Africa, were
instrumental in developing the curriculum.
For me, science and actually all of
learning is discovering Gods creation.
Designing a curriculum to look at one of
Gods most wonderful creations, human
beings, was a privilege, an intellectual
endeavor and spiritually inspiring, Kremer
said. Importance was also placed on
making this curriculum relevant for the
21st-century learner by utilizing the skill of
argumentation making a claim and then
providing the reasoning to either accept or
refute that claim using supporting evidence.
This evidence is supplied by the six
modules as students explore and discover
the intricacies of human life, understand
its value and [are made to] be in awe of our
Creator God.
Those who assist expecting mothers
in pregnancy-resource centers have long
known that once a mother sees the image
of her baby during an ultrasound, she is
far less likely to choose abortion for that
baby, Clausing said. The curriculum
allows middle- and high-school students
to have a similar visual experience and to
think carefully about what they are seeing,
so they will know and be able to articulate
intelligently and confidently that each life in
the womb is indeed a human life.

A
student cradles a fetal model during a Lutherans For Life presentation at Trinity Lutheran School in Bloomington, Ill.

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12
weeks

T
he Rev. Dr. James Lamb, retiring executive director of Lutherans For Life, holds a fetal model as he leads an Owens Mission presentation at Trinity
Lutheran School in Bloomington, Ill.

Additional Resources
Every LCMS school that orders the
curriculum also will be eligible for a
Lutherans For Life (LFL) presentation
featuring a set of fetal models that show
life-size unborn babies at four gestational
ages: 12 weeks, 20 weeks, 26 weeks and
30 weeks. Schools may keep the models,
which are provided by LFL through its
Owens Mission project and a grant from
LCMS Life Ministry. As a tangible visual
representation, the fetal models help

students understand the value of each life


from the moment of conception.
[Congregations can] work with our
teams and chapters to get these materials
into every Lutheran school in the U.S., in
order to raise awareness and help students
and teachers to be Gospel-motivated
voices for life, said Lori Trinche, mission
and ministry coordinator with LFL.
Quaethem said due to the immense
popularity of the curriculum, LCMS Life

Ministry plans to develop another module


for use in elementary classrooms.
Roger Drinnon is manager of Editorial Services
for LCMS Communications.
Learn more:

L CMS Life Ministry: lcms.org/life

A
 rticle on Dr. Maggie Karner:
blogs.lcms.org/2015/maggie-karner-dies

A
 rticle on Stephanie Neugebauer: blogs.lcms.
org/2015/neugebauer-to-succeed-karner

P
 hoto gallery: lcms.org/photo/trinity-owensmission

About the Curriculum


The What is This? Looking at Life in the
Womb curriculum includes six modules:
What Does Human Development Say?
What Does the Ultrasound Say?
What Does Scientific Reasoning Say?
What Does History Say?
What Does the Word of God Say?
What Do You Say?

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NovemberDecember 2015

It also includes an eight-and-a-halfminute video of actual ultrasounds of


an unborn child videotaped on location
at ThriVe St. Louis. Viewers learn about
prenatal development from the first
trimester (seeing the heartbeat and
movements of the arms and legs), to the
second trimester (seeing facial features,
eyes opening and closing), to the third

trimester (seeing individual toes


and fingers).
In the video, Stephanie Neugebauer says
she wishes everyone knew how powerful
a tool ultrasound technology is: It can truly
change lives. It can transform hearts. It can
change minds. It can save babies.
To order the free curriculum, email
tracy.quaethem@lcms.org.
lcms.org/givenow/globalmission

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Clean Wells Provide Water


for Life-Giving Baptisms
PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD

by Erik M. Lunsford

The CLCM is greatly honored to have the LCMS hand in Malawi


[that] above all emphasizes the love, encouragement and
advice in the ministry of the Gospel. This is a blessing to us.
REV. DAVIS WOWA, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFESSIONAL LUTHERAN CHURCHMALAWI SYNOD

long a dusty, hot African desert trail


marked with flimsy wood-plank bridges
The CLCM was formed in 2007
in rural Chingale, Malawi, a man
and rocky roads where travel is hindered by
and currently has 11 established
carries a small bowl of water from a
goats and playing children. The second well
congregations and six exploratory places
new borehole well up to the nearby Lutheran
is located near a parish in Embangweni, a
in neighboring Mozambique, Tanzania
parish. The church isnt far perhaps 50
town in the northern part of the country
and Zambia. Although it is not yet an LCMS
meters away. He is careful not to spill it
nestled in a forested area of gnarled trees.
partner church, the Malawi church is
among the scattered fields of planted cotton.
Both wells are built near a Lutheran
founded on the Word of God and adheres to
The Rev. Davis Wowa, executive chairman church and are available to the greater
the Lutheran Confessions and the Book of
of the Confessional Lutheran Church
community. Before construction, residents
Concord. Its pastors are trained with LCMS
Malawi Synod (CLCM), leads
educational materials in a seminary of the
Sunday worship in the packed
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The
Chingale Wisiki parish of
church faces several
The Rev. Shauen
Trump greets a
about 400 souls. Under his
challenges, including
woman during
vestments, he wears a bright
the need for theological
fellowship.
white suit with a purple
education one of the
shirt and a matching white
mission priorities of
clerical collar.
the LCMS.
The aisle in the
In 201314, the
church has long since
LCMS funded two
vanished, as crowds
church building
recline on the floor.
projects with the
One of five fellow
Malawi Synod and two
pastors in the synod,
projects to distribute
the Rev. Stanford Soko,
maize to starving
holds the bowl of water
church and community
for Wowa, who speaks
members. Wowa said
authoritatively and
almost 1,200 people
baptizes 32 children
in seven parishes
Parishioners fill the church before worship.
and young adults.
benefited from the
The water came from a
food distribution. He
nearby well funded by a recent
also was thankful for
grant from the LCMS.
the growing friendship
A child is baptized with water from one
of the new wells.
Following the service, Wowa introduces
between the two
the Rev. Shauen Trump, LCMS area director
drank from
church bodies.
for Eastern and Southern Africa. Trump
open streams and
The CLCM is greatly
remarks on the baptismal well water and
unreliable water sources infected with
honored to have the LCMS hand in Malawi
gives thanks for the congregations
water-borne diseases.
[that] above all emphasizes the love,
hospitality. His address is met with
Known as the warm heart of Africa, the
encouragement and advice in the ministry
cheerful applause.
small country of Malawi is home to three
of the Gospel. This is a blessing to us, he said.
The well in Chingale is one of two newly
tribes: the Lomwe, Tumbuka and Chewa.
Donor accountability also is important,
built wells, which were made possible
The country has highland regions with a
according to Wowa. In all four big projects
by LCMS grants totaling approximately
temperate equatorial climate. Monkeys can
done with funds from the LCMS to the
$24,000. This village in southern Malawi sits
be seen crossing the road or trying to snatch
parishes designated, we have never received
in the valley of a highland mountain pass,
breakfast from a hotel caf.
any complaints or question about the

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funds since they see the materials bought


according to the amount requested from
[the] LCMS [Office of International Mission].
We thank God that the four projects have met
peoples expectations.
During a recent trip to Malawi, which
included five days of traversing hundreds
of miles of rough terrain, Trump traveled
with the leadership of the CLCM and fellow
LCMS missionary Shara Cunningham. They
visited the completed borehole and building
projects around the country. Trump also
conversed with parishioners, sat in worship
services and discussed the challenges of a
growing church.
Wells, famine-relief food, construction
projects. These only really and by really
I mean eternally matter when they are
connected to the Word of God, to Gospel
proclamation and to the church, Trump
said. Bread feeds the body for a day, but
combine that bread with the Word of God
in Holy Communion, and it feeds the soul
forever. Water revives the body for a few
hours, but combine that water with the Word
of God, and one of Gods precious creations is
reborn from death into eternal life.
According to Trump, projects between
the two church bodies have helped
strengthen confessional Lutheranism in
the entire region.
Confessional Lutheran churches in
Africa, Trump said, are assaulted through
Islam, the prosperity gospel, wrath-based
African traditional religions and con men

claiming to be spiritual leaders. Standing with


our fellow Lutheran brothers and sisters in
Africa through church construction projects
gives their congregations and leaders instant
credibility they are no briefcase church
headed by a scam artist but are well-educated
and dedicated servants of the Lord, backed
by His worldwide Church.
Compassionate community-benefiting
projects like wells or food distribution draw
the attention of a community and identify
the Lutheran church as a place where
there are Christians who love all people,
Trump continued. Through communitybased and community-benefiting projects,
the confessional Lutheran church gains a
platform and a voice in the community
a voice through which the Gospel can be
proclaimed to the glory of God.

Erik M. Lunsford is manager of Photojournalism


for LCMS Communications.
Learn more:

Mission work in Africa: lcms.org/africa


Photo gallery: lcms.org/photo/malawi-wells

A CLCM pastor pumps water from one of the new wells.

The well in Chingale is one of two


newly built wells, which were made
possible by LCMS grants totaling
approximately $24,000.

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THREE YEARS OF
LCMS GRANTS
Thanks to the many donations received each year, The Lutheran ChurchMissouri
Synod is able to provide millions of dollars in grants to support domestic and international work. Development grants are awarded for new initiatives or for ongoing
work that will build the capacity of the LCMS and its partners, while disaster grants
are made in response to a natural or man-made disaster. On this page, youll find
information about just a few of the many grants given during the last three years.

Thanks be to God for making all this possible through you!

NATIONAL GRANTS
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
D I SAST ER

DEVELOP MEN T

345 GRANTS

D OM E S T IC
TO TA L

$9,069,321

$9,069, 32 1

DECATUR, GA

2012-2013

$ 2 ,738, 84 8

2013 -2014

$ 4 , 380,735

2014- 2015

$ 1 ,9 49,73 8

$15,600
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
For a program to teach entrepreneurship and
life skills to young people in the Atlanta area.

PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD, PEACE LUTHERAN


CHURCH, ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK, HOPE FAMILY COUNSELING CENTER

$3,275
MOBILE, AL

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL


For Christ-centered health and wellness programming for
children at Trinity Lutheran School and families in the community.

$3,113,186
NORTHEAST

10

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

SUPERSTORM SANDY RECOVERY


To meet immediate and long-term needs following Superstorm
Sandy in October 2012, as well as funding for a new outreach
center in Far Rockaway, N.Y.

NovemberDecember 2015

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nvolve

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS
ALLO CATION OF FUNDS
D I SAST ER

DEVELOP MEN T

302 GRANTS

I NTE R NATIONA L
TO TA L

$6,451,566

$6,45 1 ,5 66

KENYA

2012-2013

$ 990,7 1 6

2013 -2014

2014 -2015

$ 2 ,760, 582

$ 2 ,70 0,2 6 8

$531,947
CHRISTS CARE FOR CHILDREN: KENYA
For children in boarding school facilities in Kenya. The facilities provide
education, lodging and meals, medical care and spiritual care for
children who otherwise might not be able to finish elementary school.
In coordination with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya.

$97,473
ST. PETERSBURG,
RUSSIA

HOPE FAMILY COUNSELING CENTER IN RUSSIA


For Lutheran pro-life counseling, job-skills training and Gospel outreach
programs in St. Petersburg, Russia. In coordination with the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia.

$528,400
PHILIPPINES

TYPHOON HAIYAN RECOVERY IN THE PHILIPPINES


To meet immediate and long-term needs, including spiritual care and
rebuilding homes and livelihoods, following the November 2013 typhoon.
In coordination with the Lutheran Church in the Philippines.

YOU C AN HEL P !

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2015 LCMS

SUPPORT THE SYNOD'S WORK AT HOME AND


ABROAD BY VISITING LCMS.ORG/GIVENOW.
NovemberDecember 2015

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11

WALKING TOGETHER

in the Wake of Disaster


by Megan K. Mertz

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nspire

omes suddenly ravaged, people injured, possessions destroyed


t hose who have experienced a disaster often call the
situation surreal. Yet, thats also when many victims realize
help is available.
The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod comes alongside
them during these times of tragedy to provide Gospel-centered
care for both body and soul. In fact, the word Synod means
walking together in Greek, and nowhere is this more evident
than in the wake of a disaster.
LCMS districts and individual members
in coordination with the Synods Disaster
Response ministry bring the love and
mercy of Christ to those who are hurting.
But unlike organizations that come and go,
the LCMS walks with them for the long haul.

PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD

In South Dakota

lcms.org/givenow/globalmission

The Rev. C. Brian Bucklew, pastor of a


dual parish in rural South Dakota, was on
vacation with his family on May 10 when he
got a call that turned his life upside down.
A tornado hit Delmont. The church and
parsonage are gone, said one of his trustees
from Zion Lutheran Church, Delmont, S.D.
During the next hours and days,
Bucklew waited anxiously for updates
about his congregation and its members.
He learned that 13 Sunday school children
had been in the church basement making
Mothers Day cards when the EF2 tornado
hit. They escaped unharmed and even
helped free a member from the rubble of
her collapsed home across the street. The
homes of five Zion families were severely
damaged, and his own home in Zions
parsonage was destroyed.
But Gods providence and protection is
amazing, he said, because no one was killed.
Bucklew arrived in Delmont two days
later, and he said he and his wife can still
vividly recall the haunting crunching
of broken glass under their feet as they
surveyed the damage. The roof of his

100-plus-year-old church building was


gone, and the sanctuary was filled with
toppled bricks and other debris.
But even in the midst of great
devastation, Bucklew says he also found
great comfort.
Even before Bucklew was able to
return to Delmont, the Rev. Ross Johnson,
director of LCMS Disaster Response,
had arrived on the scene to assess the
situation and pray with devastated
residents. The Rev. Scott Spiehs, LCMS
South Dakota District disaster-response
coordinator, and District President Rev.
Scott Sailer also came alongside Bucklew
to pray with him, encourage him and
give practical advice about starting the
recovery process.
The Synod and Pastor Spiehs helped us
walk that first week, helped us think about
a temporary rebuilding, Bucklew recalled.
LCMS Disaster Response and the
district set up a fund for donations for
Zion. Even so, Bucklew was inundated
with work teams, donations, cards and
other items from people all over the
country. Even months later, he said he
was still getting calls every day.
Its great to be reminded that you are
part of the whole Body of Christ, he said.
Were not alone in this at all.
Until the church is rebuilt, Zion
members have been attending Sunday
morning services at Bucklews second


The Rev. C. Brian Bucklew, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, prays with Lori Bueber in Delmont, S.D.,
following a May 10 tornado that swept through the area.

NovemberDecember 2015

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

13

parish, Emmaus Lutheran Church in Tripp,


S.D., just 13 miles away.
Like any congregation, we had our
fights over stuff that was really not that
important sometimes even over that
building, Bucklew said. But in that first
week, I saw a beautiful unity in the Body
of Christ in all those parishioners. They
worked so hard and with so much unity
to get hymnals out, Bibles out . It was
encouraging to remember that it wasnt
the building that kept us together. As
beautiful and wonderful a gift as that was,
it was Christ, and Hes going to keep us
together with His Word and Sacrament.
Although Bucklew expects rebuilding
to take at least another year, recovery
was well underway by September.
New concrete had been poured in the
parsonage, and Zion members were
reviewing plans for a new church building.
Bucklew was even able to re-establish a
presence in the community by setting up
a temporary office in a customized trailer
provided by LCMS Disaster Response.
Ive had some people [in Delmont] tell
me that theyve been meaning to come
back to church, Bucklew said, to which
we say, Were not going anywhere. Wed
love to see you.

In Illinois
Although Stephen Born has never lived
through a natural disaster, he has become
something of an expert on responding to

them. In the last two years, the Springfield,


Ill., resident has helped with recovery
following four tornadoes and a flood.
Born, who has a degree in mortuary
science and is a certified grief counselor,
volunteers as regional disaster-response
coordinator for the LCMS Central Illinois
District (CID). In this capacity, he trains
and helps lead more than 400 LCMS
members who are part of the districts
Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT), a
program of LCMS Disaster Response that
equips individuals around the country to
provide Christian care in times of disaster.
You can be too young [to join LERT],
but you can never be too old, Born said.
LERT members serve in many different
ways following a disaster. In addition
to cleaning up debris, they serve food
to volunteers and residents, work at the
registration desk and man the first-aid
station. LERT members also provide a
listening ear to distraught residents a
simple, yet important service that Born has
discovered is needed in all disasters.
Sometimes they want to talk, but
most of the time they just want you to be
there, he said. They just want to feel
like theyre not alone.
In the CID, disaster response is very
much a team effort. Born coordinates
with the district and LCMS Disaster
Response to determine what is needed
for support and recovery in the aftermath
of each disaster.

They guide us and lead us so were more


efficient, he said. We could not do what we
do without their support.
Less than three months after the districts
first 28 LERT members were trained in 2013,
the CID sent the team to Washington, Ill., to
respond in the aftermath of a Nov. 17 tornado.
I drove to Washington as the regional
coordinator, but when I arrived I immediately
became a grief counselor, Born said. I went
to the shelter, and over 300 people were there.
They had nothing. They were barefoot. Some
still had glass in their feet. I was pulled in all
different directions. All I did for hours was
talk with families.
The team continued to return to the town
every Saturday for eight months.
This past August, Born saw some of the
fruit of that long-term work in Washington.
During a LERT training event that took place
on the two-year anniversary of the tornado, a
woman from the town came up to him.
I just want to let you know the reason I
joined [LERT], she said to Born. You guys
had a huge impact on my family and in my
community. I saw this LERT training, so I
joined Our Savior [Lutheran Church]. Now I
want to be a part of that.

Learn more:
LCMS Disaster Response: lcms.org/disaster
P
 hoto galleries: lcms.org/photo/zionsouth-dakota-tornado and lcms.org/photo/
midwest-tornadoes-2013

Its great to be reminded


that you are part of the
whole Body of Christ.

Were not alone


in this at all.

Rev. C. Brian Bucklew

14

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

NovemberDecember 2015

lcms.org/givenow/globalmission

MERCY MOMENT

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Extending Christs
Mercy to Refugees
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

by Roger Drinnon

After consultation with SELK


leaders and LCMS missionary
staff in Europe, the Synod has
established a restricted-use
fund for donations for those
compelled to help with LCMS
mercy ministry and humancare efforts exclusively
pertaining to the global
refugee crisis.

The Rev. Hugo Gevers prays for Eizadi Shahriyar


during a Farsi and German Baptismal Rite, held
July 27, 2014, at St. Trinitatisgemeinde (Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church) in Leipzig, Germany.
Shahriyar continues to be an active member of
the congregation. (ST. TRINITATISGEMEINDE)

lcms.org/givenow/globalmission

ngoing violence in the Middle


East has led to a mass exodus
of refugees an estimated 4
million people have been forced to leave
their homes in Syria alone. Others have
fled Iran, Afghanistan and other Middle
Eastern countries due to persecution by
militant groups like the Islamic State.

Opportunities in Germany
Hundreds of thousands of refugees are
streaming into Europe, and many of these
asylum-seekers are looking for sanctuary
in Germany.
The Selbstndige EvangelischLutherische Kirche (SELK), the Synods
partner church in Germany, has been caring
for refugees for some time now, and one of its
congregations recently garnered international
media attention for its ministry of mercy and
spiritual care through the Gospel.
We have about 860 members; more
than 600 of them are former Muslims who
have become Christians during the last [few]
years, said the Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens,
pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in
Berlin-Steglitz. About 100 more people from
Iran and Afghanistan are in the process of
preparation in order to receive Holy Baptism
during the next couple of months.
Martens said as the ministry grows,
it also brings some logistical challenges,
especially in providing for the physical
needs of the refugees.
We have to provide food and everything
which is needed for living for asylum-seekers
whose asylum process has not started yet and
for those who live here in our church hall, so
that they cannot be deported, he said.

Support from the U.S.


In response to the global refugee crisis, the
LCMS embarked on a mercy and humancare effort, which was announced Sept. 20.
The need is real. The opportunity is
evident. The Lords mandate is clear, Be
merciful, even as your Father is merciful
(Luke 6:36), said LCMS President Rev. Dr.
Matthew C. Harrison. The Gospel empowers
us: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your
sake became poor, so that you by his poverty
might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9).
After consultation with the SELK and
LCMS missionary staff in Europe, the Synod
established a restricted-use fund to receive
donations from those who are compelled by
the situation to offer financial help and who
want assurance that their donations will
be used exclusively for this kind of LCMS
mercy ministry and human-care effort.
Given the magnitude and implications of
these world events, we see this as a long-term
body-and-soul ministry opportunity, said
the Rev. John Fale, executive director of
the LCMS Office of International Mission.
Our Lords mercy is blind mercy, loving
our neighbor as we serve Christians and
non-Christians with the Gospel and merciful
acts of love. We want to extend Christs mercy
and reach out with the comfort of the Gospel
to all who are in need by enabling our SELK
and other partners as best we can.
Learn more:

R
 ead about the SELKs ministry to
Muslims: blogs.lcms.org/2014/formermuslims-baptized
Make a gift: lcms.org/givenow/ccpd

NovemberDecember 2015

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

15

Seven
Sisters

nform

by Adriane Heins

Deaconess Rachel Powell walks with children in a Palm Sunday


service in Palmar Arriba, Dominican Republic.

People know the name the Seven Sisters. That little


phrase often refers to the chalk cliffs in Ireland or the cluster of
stars called the Pleiades. But in Latin America, seven women have
found that they are sisters in Christ, bound together by a common
confession of faith in Jesus and humble service to those around them.
This time, its not because of a geographic location or the ordering
of the stars. Its because all seven are deaconesses.

the while themselves, like Mary, steadfastly


fixing their eyes on Jesus.
Deaconesses are, he believes, integral
in the work of mercy, bringing others to
Jesus whether its people with disabilities,
the elderly, sick, children. They care and
show compassion, just as our Lord does
throughout the Gospels.
Its why there are seven serving as
missionaries in this region alone.

Hear and Respond

A Historic Shift

God instituted the pastoral office to


feed and sustain the Church, explains
Deaconess Rosie Adle, an online instructor
for the distance deaconess program at
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort
Wayne, Ind. As Christ is loving us and
forgiving us through the pastors tending to
the Word and Sacraments, we, His Bride,
are fueled for a purpose. The deaconess is
trained to understand this in a special way.
It means that each of these deaconesses
(from the Greek word for servant),
many of whom received graduate-level
theological training from that seminary,
is equipped to hear and respond to the
needs of her neighbors in the congregation
16

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

and in the community, Adle explains.


She is also prepared to encourage all of
the baptized to care for others from the
fullness of Gods grace.
That ability makes deaconesses
instrumental on the mission field, where a
desire to hear the Gospel often goes handin-hand with caring for a physical need.
Just as Mary brought Jesus into the
world caring for Him, nurturing Him, loving
Him, so also Mary stood at the foot of the
cross, looking to Him as her Savior and
trusting in Him, says the Rev. Ted Krey,
regional director for LCMS mission work
in Latin America. So deaconesses today
nurture, care and bring others to Jesus, all

NovemberDecember 2015

Their service in Latin America, and


specifically to those in need of Christs care,
comes at a fitting time.
Today, another historic shift is
occurring. Christianity is shifting away from
the Global North (primarily Europe and
North America) to the Global South (Africa,
Asia and Latin America), notes LCMS
President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison.
So, who are they? And what work is the
Lord causing them to do at this unique
time and place?
Caitlin Worden lives in Lima, Peru, and
directs Castillo Fuerte (A Mighty Fortress
Mercy House), where underprivileged
children learn about Jesus. Cherie Auger,
lcms.org/givenow/globalmission

p
Deaconesses Christel Neuendorf (left) and Rachel Powell

PHOTOS: DANIEL FICKENSCHER

(right) talk with a girl during a monthly Sunday school-type


event for kids with disabilities in Licey, Dominican Republic.

along with her husband, the Rev. Edward


Auger, guides diaconal formation and
mission efforts in Nicaragua.
The other five reside in the Dominican
Republic. Gail Ludvigson is writing
curriculum for Latin American diaconaltraining programs. Rachel Powell identifies
mercy needs in the community while
teaching and encouraging Dominican
deaconess students.
Christel Neuendorf serves as missionary
care provider for Latin America, overseeing
the mental, physical and spiritual care of the
missionaries in the area. Danelle Putnam
works in the church in Santo Domingo and
also cares for disabled children living in a
group home in Santiago. Kathryn Ziegler
makes diaconal visits and assists with
training Dominican deaconesses for service
in their own church.
Their service is varied and unique to
their God-given gifts and talents.
Yet Auger is quick to note, A deaconess
is not defined by what she does but who
she is. A deaconess is a Christian born in
Baptism, enriched by the Word, fed at the
altar and called to serve using her Godlcms.org/givenow/globalmission

p
Gail Ludvigson is installed as deaconess to the
Dominican Republic.

given talents.
Its a fact the seven women remind each
other of regularly. I know that although
we serve the Lords people in a variety of
capacities and in distinct cultural contexts,
we have been called and equipped by the
same Holy Spirit, Powell says. There is a
sense of support in serving with sisters who
experience similar joys and struggles on the
foreign mission field.

Lets Go to Them
The deaconess does not pick up the slack
of the pastor but of the parish, Adle says.
Through word and deed, she says to all
who are fed, Come on, everyone. We have
so much! Lets notice those who lack, and
lets go to them. We can give food to the
hungry. We can visit the lonely. We can pray
for those who suffer. Lets share Christs
great love with all, as He is ever filling us.
Krey watches the seven deaconesses
in Latin America do just that and on a
routine basis. The deaconesses are quick
to bring [hurting people] to the pastors,
who give them the saving Word of Jesus,
forgive sins, administer the Lords Supper,
he observes. It is essential that we have

+ LCMS deaconesses are women who are


professional church workers, trained to
share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through
a ministry of works of mercy, spiritual care
and teaching the Christian faith.
+ Phoebe, named in Rom. 16:12, was a
helper to Paul and others. She often is
considered the first deaconess.
+ Women can receive undergraduate
deaconess training at Concordia
University Chicago, River Forest, Ill., and
graduate-level training at Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis, and Concordia
Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

these women who work with us in building


churches, establishing mercy houses,
making visits, caring for the lost and also
the household of faith in body and soul.
It doesnt mean their service is easy.
Mission work combined with deaconess
formation has taught Ziegler an
important lesson.
I am just as broken as the people I
serve, she admits. I learned that it is all
talk until you yourself in all humility

NovemberDecember 2015

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

17

Deaconess Cherie Auger talks with deaconess students


before their January 2015 graduation service in
Chinandega, Nicaragua.

t Deaconess Caitlin Worden


spends time with children from
Castillo Fuerte while on a field
trip to the zoo.

p
Deaconess Katie Ziegler in Las Americas/
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

p Deaconess Danelle Putnam works


with moms and children at an Amigos
de Jesus event in Licey/Santiago,
Dominican Republic.

THE DEACONESS MOTTO


What is my want? I want to serve.
Whom do I want to serve?
The Lord in His wretched ones and His poor.
And what is my reward?
I serve neither for reward nor thanks
but out of gratitude and love.
My reward is that I am permitted to serve.
And if I perish in this service?
If I perish, I perish, said Queen Esther.
I would perish for Him who gave Himself for me.
But He will not let me perish.
And if I grow old in this service?
Then shall my heart be renewed as a palm tree.
And the Lord shall satisfy me with grace and mercy.
I go my way in peace
casting all my care upon Him.

must fully lean on the blood of Christ.


But while the location and face of
Christianity may be shifting and changing, the
seven sisters in Christ remain confident, sure in
the promises of their Savior who was Himself
quick to show mercy to His hurting children.
Indeed, the changing face of global
Christianity is not to be feared but to be
embraced in the confident hope that our Lord
will work a blessing from it both for the Church
and the world, as people hear the Gospel of
Jesus, Harrison encourages.
And as He does, seven women will continue
to serve Him and their neighbors in countries
down south, knowing that we all have a mutual
goal, and that it takes many shapes, sizes and
walks of life to continue down that path, Ziegler
says, but it only takes one headship, one Lord
and one Savior of all.
Adriane Heins is managing editor of The Lutheran
Witness and editor of Catechetical Information
for LCMS Communications.
Learn more: lcms.org/latinamerica

18

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

NovemberDecember 2015

lcms.org/givenow/globalmission

WITNESS MOMENT

Sincere Care & Small Catechism


Bolster Hispanic Outreach

nspire

by Roger Drinnon

You gotta go out and knock on doors, says the Rev. Dr. Carlos Hernandez,
whose many responsibilities include leading the Synods Hispanic Ministry and serving as
director of Church and Community Engagement for the LCMS Office of National Mission
(ONM). Door-knocking by those he helped train for outreach has an increasing number
of folks asking, Que creen los Luteranos? or What do Lutherans believe?
have one copy two? OK, three!
One notable effort in Hispanic
Ministry involves the ONMs Mission
Field: USA initiative for church planting,
as the Synod looks to establish a church in
Brownsville, Texas.
This Hispanic church plant will have
one of several domestic Network-Supported
Missionaries (NSMs), Hernandez says.
The goal is to plant a bilingual congregation
in North Brownsville and a campus ministry
at the University of Texas at Brownsville,
while also continuing Spanish services
at historic El Calvario Lutheran Church
in downtown Brownsville, on the U.S.Mexico border.
Hernandez says NSM candidates are
currently being considered in consultation
with the Texas District.
Launching two new ministries out
of El Calvario Lutheran Church will be a
great blessing to the wonderful people
of El Calvario, its neighborhood and the

Learn more: lcms.org/hispanicministry

PHOTOS: ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

Hispanics are ready to become


Lutheran Christians, but we have to be there
for them, he says. Theyre not interested in
what you know until they know you care.
Hernandez says the mission field
appears ripe for the harvest. Many
Hispanics abandoned Catholicism in recent
years for more contemporary churches, yet
now they find themselves longing for the
true Word of God and the Sacraments.
When our trained people knock
on doors we call them residential
interviews asking residents to share
what, in their opinion, are the most critical,
unmet or underserved needs in their
neighborhood, after some time conversing,
they become comfortable. They also
become curious, Hernandez says. When
the Holy Spirit moves them to ask about
what we believe, we pull out a copy of
Luthers Small Catechism and go straight to
Luthers explanation of the Second Article
on redemption. Then, they ask if they can

greater Brownsville community, says the Rev.


Michael Newman, a mission and ministry
facilitator for the Texas District. Were praying
that through our partnership with the LCMS
in Brownsville, many people will receive
Christs love, come to know Jesus as their
Savior and be activated in mission for Him.
Brownsville will be a pilot project for
Mission Field: USA. It is an excellent location,
as it is like a modern-day Ephesus, a port
city that is a gateway into Mexico and Latin
America, says the Rev. Steve Schave, the
ONMs director of both Church Planting and
Urban & Inner-City Mission.
There are great human-care needs
to serve the poor, campus ministry with a
primarily Hispanic student body, and it is a
burgeoning area on the Mexican border with
growing medical and technology industries
there, Schave says. By the grace of God, we
will be sending a domestic missionary to plant
a new church, start a campus ministry and to
use mercy houses on campus for human care.
This will be a place where people can bring
mission teams to come and serve, and [we]
pray for support of this initiative in a new era
of LCMS missions.

19

WALK THE TALK!


MARCH FOR LIFE WITH THE LCMS

March for Life


Jan. 22, 2016 Washington, D.C.

Walk for Life West Coast


Jan. 23, 2016 San Francisco

A Divine Service will be held Jan. 22 at Immanuel Lutheran Church,


1801 Russell Road, Alexandria, Va., at 9 a.m. Participants will then
ride the Metro to the Washington, D.C., march.

Gather around the white-and-purple LCMS Life Ministry banner at Civic


Center Plaza beginning at 11 a.m. After the rally concludes at 1:30 p.m.,
attendees will walk the route together to Justin Herman Plaza.

Email tracy.quaethem@lcms.org for more information.

COMING SOON!

YOUR
FIRST
SOURCE

for LCMS insight


and perspective
Our new LCMS Leader Blog is now online
and is the place to get the inside track on
happenings in our Synod straight from
your national and international leaders.

lcms.org/leaderblog
20

lcms.org/LUTHERANSengage

NovemberDecember 2015

Considering home
schooling? Want to
know why, what &
how to do it?
For parents and
teachers, no greater
task awaits than to
give children sound
Christian teaching
for this life and the
life to come.
Look for this new
Lutheran homeschool resource on
Amazon.com.

lcms.org/givenow/globalmission

STEWARD'S CORNER
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

Survey Mailing Generates an

nvolve

Overwhelming Response
by Mark Hofman

Pardon the quality of this photo, but I wanted you to see it. I took it
on the spur of the moment using my mobile phone, and it inspired
me to write this article.
Late this summer, we mailed a survey
to individuals and families all over the
country, asking for help in getting to
know them better. It was a fairly simple
survey that had just three questions and a
request to confirm the information we have
regarding names, mailing addresses, phone
numbers, preferred email addresses and
congregational membership.
Perhaps you received one. Perhaps
youve filled out and returned similar
surveys. Have you, like me, ever wondered
if anything is really done with those?
In the photo, you see Brianne Gerzevske,
Jill Eggemeyer and Leah Sieveking, three
wonderful young ladies from LCMS Mission
Advancement who came to me with the idea
for this project. They are going through every

survey that was returned to us, examining


each one and determining what actions
should be taken.
Some friends asked for prayers. Some
reported address or phone number changes.
Some told us a person had passed away.
A few expressed specific frustrations that
we must work to resolve. Some said, Keep
doing what you are doing! Surprisingly,
some envelopes even included an offering
for the work of the LCMS.
Every survey was a gift to us a gift of very
important information about the person or
couple who returned it. That information will
be appropriately incorporated into our records
so we know how to better care for each friend.
When thats done, the surveys will be securely
shredded into tiny pieces and recycled.

Do you see the envelopes in the middle


of the various stacks of surveys? Some had
first-class stamps affixed to them. We take
those to our local U.S. post office, which
will issue a credit for postage to us since the
envelopes mailed out were pre-paid. Each of
those envelopes represents a $0.49 gift to
our Synod, and those envelopes add up!
The photo shows one days worth of
surveys. We estimate we have four to six
weeks worth of these to go through. Building
partnerships and building friendships
is so vitally important to our team because
Mission Advancement is not about getting
money. It is very much about working
with and alongside Gods stewards all over
the United States. If you took the time to
complete and return the survey, thank you. I
pray this little report to you, as Gods steward,
has helped you see how the LCMS also tries
to be a steward of His many blessings.
Mark Hofman, CFRE, MBA, is the executive
director of LCMS Mission Advancement.

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
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Burlington, WI
Permit No. 12

This magazine was developed


for you, as one who has supported the
Witness, Mercy, Life Together work of the LCMS
with your time and/or financial gifts. Whether
your efforts and gifts were for disaster relief,
a specific ministry or an individual missionary,
you are a vital part of the Synods work around
the world. The stories found in these pages are
about how YOU are making a difference and
changing lives with the Gospel and Christs
mercy. Lutherans Engage the World is our effort
to keep you informed about the difference you
are making in the world and to say THANK YOU
for all you do.

THE WORK HASN'T CHANGED


Mercy is at the heart of everything we do.

on the mission field


in caring for refugees

when disaster strikes

when we plant
churches

in our schools

upholding life
on college campuses

as we revitalize
churches

in urban centers and


rural settings

in caring for church workers

with the
armed forces

as we worship

in our witness and outreach

with our young people

in Hospitals and Residential Facilities


Witness Always. MERCY FOREVER. Life Together.

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