www.lcms.org/witness

November 2005 VOL. 124 NO. 10

TEACH YOUR CHILDRENTO BE THANKFUL

Also:A Touch of Mercy

Ablaze! Around the World

164FeaturesFeatures

2 Letters

9 Lifelineby Ruanne Kuhlmann

13 Searching Scripture

14 National News

23 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

november 2005

Official periodical of The Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod through the Board for CommunicationServices, Ernest E. Garbe, chairman; Rev. J. ThomasLapacka, executive director.

Staff: David L. Strand, interim executive editor; Don Folkemer,managing editor; Joe Isenhower Jr., news editor; Paula SchlueterRoss, contributing editor; John Krus, senior designer; CorinneLatimer, marketing manager and advertising sales; PamBurgdorf, coordinator; Carla Dubbelde, editorial manager, districteditions; Karen Higgins, editorial assistant; editorial office: 1333S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122-7295; (314) 965-9917,Ext. 1228.

© 2005 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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Member: Associated Church PressEvangelical Press Association

November 2005 (ISSN: 0024-757X) Vol.124, No 10

Cover Illustration: “The Lord’s Blessing” by Kathy Lawrence

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

DepartmentsDepartments

4 THE FORMULA OF CONCORDby Andrew Pfeiffer

Written in 1577 to settle disputes, thisinterpretation of the Augsburg Confess-ion shows us how to do theology today.

10

REACHING OUT WITH CHAINSAWS —AND A TOUCH OF MERCYby Kim Krull

In difficult times and in difficult places, the bodyand soul ministry of LCMS World Relief and HumanCare can look very unlike the ministries we areaccustomed to.But it is deeply rooted in whatChrist asks of His followers.

16

20 A NEW MANby Edward Balfour

An invitation to speak at a Jewishsynagogue provides a pastor withan exciting opportunity to shareour hope in Christ.

20

4

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO BE THANKFUL

by Carol Albrecht

As you prepare for this busy holidayseason,use the opportunity to con-tinue nurturing thankfulness in yourchildren, from babies to teens.

10

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1818 TAKING ABLAZE! AROUND THE WORLDby Charles Manske

“Point of Truth”—an LCMS televisionprogram—will broadcast the Ablaze!effort to five continents.

About the Cover: “The Lord’sBlessing” © Kathy Lawrence.

This artwork is from the Visions of Faith Collection by art print

publisher Mill Pond Press, Inc.,Venice, FL 34285. To order

16“x 12“ (framed or unframed)prints, call 800-535-0331.

To view additional inspirationalimages, visit www.visionsoffaith.net

or www.millpond.com.

Letters

is to diminish her value in God’ssight. I am obligated to walk the dogand pay my bills, but to love a childis not an obligation but rather a giftfrom the Lord—regardless of howthe relationship begins or develops.Stepchildren need love almost morethan the biological children in afamily because their original familyunits have been broken.

Liz Riedemann

St. Peters, Mo.

Anguish on campusWHAT A BLESSING IT WOULD BE IF EVERY

parent and student could read KimKrull’s article, “Anguish and As-surance on Campus” (August ’05).

The pressures young adultsendure, whether entering college ornot, are tremendous. Depressionand stress can cause physicalchanges that often lead to poorchoices or rash decisions.

I was particularly encouraged bythe concern of LCMS campus min-istries to help students come to-gether with Christ as their commonbond and strength in overcomingthe obstacles that seem overwhelm-ing at times. It is crucial that youth-oriented church groups help steerour youth in the right direction sothey are better prepared to dealwith this ever-changing world.

Sharon Dykes

Ward, Ark.

Carry on, faithful womenTHANKS TO PAULA SCHLUETER ROSS

and kudos to the members of theLutheran Women’s MissionaryLeague (“In League with the Lord,”

DR. CAROL JABS WROTE A SENSITIVE AND

helpful article on blended families(Sept. ’05). Much, much more couldand should be said.

Mine is a blended family, and ablessed one. Together we havelearned lessons of communication,caring, and cooperating that none ofus had understood or practiced inour previous family experiences. Wehave learned how to live respectfuland disciplined lives without threatsand punishments. We talk and listento each other with our hearts as wellas our heads.

All of what we have learned flowsfrom a belief that the Word madeflesh wants us to use our words witheach other to tell the truth in love, tolove and accept each other’s thoughtsand feelings without conditions, toforgive others from our hearts, andto live to serve our neighbors. This ishow we live out our faith in Jesus.

I wish that all families could expe-rience what we have experienced inour blended family. I pray that wemay experience it ever more richlyin our own.

Rev. James Metcalf

Jenison/Allendale, Mich.

THE ARTICLE ON BLENDED FAMILIES WAS

outstanding and insightful. However,I do not agree with the point thatstepparents and stepchildren, whenfinding it difficult to love one anoth-er, have only an “obligation” torespect one another.

Just as God blessed us with twowonderful biological children, Healso has blessed me with a wonder-ful stepdaughter. To view my rela-tionship with her as an “obligation”

Blended families

I wish that all familiescould experience what wehave experienced in ourblended and blessed family.

Rev. James Metcalf

Jenison/Allendale, Mich.

Sept. ’05). I can’t say enough good things

about the LWML. Their single-mindeddevotion to the work of Christ is aninspiration and example for us all. Ihave been in congregations where the(male) administration was so boggeddown in controversy and trivialitythat, but for the LWML contingent onhand, little would have been accom-plished for Christ.

Let me remind the women of theLWML not to worry about being char-acterized as “little old ladies.” St. Paulteaches that there is no difference—young or old, male or female, slave orfree—we are all one in Christ. Socarry on boldly!

Leon O. Billig

Burnet, Texas

A word from Mormon country

LET ME COMMEND THE AUTHOR WHO

answered the “Q&A” question, “AreMormons Saved?” (June/July ’05). I greatly appreciated his tenderresponse to a very difficult question.As a veteran pastor who has minis-tered in Utah for more than 12 years, I would like to make a few observa-tions concerning the answer given.

I have been brought to my kneeson more than one occasion uponseeing the Holy Spirit work His amaz-ing faith in the hearts of people whohave come out of the Mormon reli-gion and become Christians. In Mayalone, I was privileged to baptize fiveadults and two children who wereformer members in the Latter DaySaints (LDS) church. We have anamazing God who does marvelousworks.

No person who attends ward meet-ings, which are far from worship serv-ices, on Sundays will hear the true,unadulterated Word of God. Theauthor of the article is correct whenhe says the King James Version of theBible is used and believed “insofar asit is interpreted correctly.” Pleaseknow that the Bible is highly polluted

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

in the LDS church, not only with theBook of Mormon but also with the twoother LDS scriptures, Doctrine and

Covenant and Pearl of Great Price. Itsimply is not possible to know the trueJesus from within the walls of wardhouses, stake houses, or any othermeeting place of the LDS church.

Mormons believe they have a livingprophet/seer who has complete controlover both doctrine and practice in theLDS church. It is not possible to knowthe true God when teachings changewhen it pleases mankind.

It would be good for The Lutheran

Witness to do stories on Rev. MatthewNelson, missionary-at-large in southernUtah, and Susan Robert, a director ofChristian outreach intern and formermember of the LDS church. Under theguidance of the Holy Spirit, these twofaithful workers are doing amazingministry in Mormon country.

Rev. Gary G. Trickey

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Ogden, Utah

An open thank-you AS WE PREPARE TO LEAVE FORT WAYNE,Ind., headed home to Tennessee for our delayed vicarage, we cannot leavewithout saying thank you—thank youto the entire Synod.

Through the publication of this note,we hope to reach as many of you aspossible who have made donations oftime, talent, and treasures to ConcordiaTheological Seminary, Fort Wayne. God has provided for us these lastthree years through folks like you. Thefood and clothing co-ops were lifelines.We were constantly amazed and over-whelmed by the generosity of fellowMissouri Synod Lutherans from all overthe United States.

God’s blessings to each of you asyou continue to find ways to assistthose men and women whom God has called into His ministry.

Floyd and Sherrill Smithey

Concordia Theological Seminary

Fort Wayne, Ind

NOVEMBER 2005

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS Top photo courtesy LCMS World Relief/Human Care.Bottom photo courtesy of Trinity Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge

by Kim Krull

D ays after Hurricane Katrinadevastated the Gulf Coastwith one of the deadliest,

most costly storms in U.S. history,Rev. Matthew Harrison trudgedthrough the muck and mud in bat-tered Louisiana and Mississippi.

The executive director of LCMSWorld Relief and Human Carearrived bearing chainsaws, toolsfew would link with ministry—unless, of course, you have justsurvived a Category 4 storm andyour home and neighborhood arelittered with fallen trees.

“This is what we as Lutherans arecalled to do: care for others, bodyand soul,” Harrison said. “And intimes of disaster, when people arehurting and suffering, it is especiallycritical for us to reach out to physi-cal needs with the love of Christ. Wecannot sit passively.”

During a year marked by twounprecedented natural disasters,“passive” hardly describes theunprecedented, hands-on responseby the Synod’s official arm of mercy,an alliance of disaster relief, self-help, and human care ministries.

In January, following the horrificearthquake and tsunami in SouthAsia, Harrison traveled to Sri Lankato offer support to local Lutheranleaders, begin needs assessmentsand, with partner organizations,launch relief efforts that will continue for years to come.

“Our tsunami-affected partnerchurches are very small,” Harrisonsaid. “They have great challengesand needs, but we’re makingprogress.”

More recently this summer, heand LCMS World Relief/HumanCare’s Rev. Carlos Hernandez, direc-

tor of Districts and Congregations,surveyed eerily similar devastationin the battered southern UnitedStates. Again, the ministry joined

REACHING OUTWITH CHAINSAWS–

REACHING OUTWITH CHAINSAWS–

AND ATOUCHOF MERCY

AND ATOUCHOF MERCY

IInn ddiiffffiiccuulltt ttiimmeess aanndd iinn ddiiffffiiccuulltt ppllaacceess,, tthhee bbooddyy aanndd ssoouull mmiinniissttrryy ooff LLCCMMSS

WWoorrlldd RReelliieeff aanndd HHuummaann CCaarree ccaann llooookk vveerryy uunnlliikkee tthhee mmiinniissttrriieess wwee aarree

aaccccuussttoommeedd ttoo.. BBuutt iitt iiss ddeeeeppllyy rrooootteedd iinn wwhhaatt CChhrriisstt aasskkss ooff HHiiss ffoolllloowweerrss..

Chain saws became an important part of theoutreach of Trinity Lutheran Church in BatonRouge, La., after the hurricane.

Rev. Carlos Hernandez, director of Districts and Congregations with LCMS World Relief and Human Care,surveys the physical and personal damage that Hurricane Katrina has left behind along the Gulf Coast.

IInn ddiiffffiiccuulltt ttiimmeess aanndd iinn ddiiffffiiccuulltt ppllaacceess,, tthhee bbooddyy aanndd ssoouull mmiinniissttrryy ooff LLCCMMSS

WWoorrlldd RReelliieeff aanndd HHuummaann CCaarree ccaann llooookk vveerryy uunnlliikkee tthhee mmiinniissttrriieess wwee aarree

aaccccuussttoommeedd ttoo.. BBuutt iitt iiss ddeeeeppllyy rrooootteedd iinn wwhhaatt CChhrriisstt aasskkss ooff HHiiss ffoolllloowweerrss..

LCMS partners in massive cleanupand recovery efforts that are onlyjust beginning.

The dramatic needs generated bythose two catastrophes intensifyHarrison’s passion for this ministry’sdeep theological roots as well as therelatively new challenge to buildwhat he calls “a long-overdue, urgent-ly needed LCMS national capacity torespond to disasters, both domesti-cally and internationally.”

“When the LCMS works withother Lutherans and Christians, weare most effective when we bringcapacity,” Harrison said.

As a young pastor fresh out ofseminary, Harrison says he believedthe church had two primary roles:preaching the Word and administer-ing the Sacraments. Serving in theparish opened his eyes to thechurch’s corporate life of mercy.

While at Zion Lutheran Church inFort Wayne, Ind., Harrison says thatan inner-city congregation and a liquorstore stood as the sole survivors in atroubled neighborhood of dilapidat-ed buildings, crime, and poverty.

“As a church, we knew that we notonly had the opportunity but theresponsibility to act corporately andreach out to the people of our com-

munity as a good neighbor,” saidHarrison, who helped lead a success-ful neighborhood revitalization effort.“Today, it’s astounding to see what hasbeen accomplished.” (To learn moreabout the church’s role in housing,request a free copy of “Theologicaland Personal Reflections onConfessional Lutheran Involvementin Neighborhood Renewal,” writtenby Harrison. Call LCMS World Relief/Human Care at 1-800-248-1930, Ext.1380.)

The foundation for the church toreach out with a touch of mercy “is

as old as the church itself,” Harrisonsaid.

“St. Paul spent over a decadeconsumed by the need to get relief tothe suffering in Jerusalem,” he said.“Word and Sacrament ministry iscentral to the church being thechurch, but we see from the NewTestament, from Luther, and fromour Lutheran fathers that the churchalso has a corporate life of mercy.”

To promote a clearer understand-ing of the church as a mercy place,LCMS World Relief/Human Carepublishes a booklet series of theolog-

ical insights. One “must-read,” Harrison says, isMartin Luther’s treatise on“The Blessed Sacrament ofthe Holy and True Body ofChrist and the Brother-hoods” of 1519. (For a freecopy that includes a prefaceby Harrison, call LCMSWorld Relief/Human Care atthe number listed above andrequest “Fight, Work, Pray!”)

Fast-forwarding from1519 to 2005, Rev. KurtisSchultz, president of theSynod’s Southern District,cites those aforementionedchainsaws as one modern-day example of the churchreaching out to people inneed.

NOVEMBER 2005Top photo by John TempleBottom photo by Scott Benjamin

Rev. Matthew Harrison receives a crucifix from a Sri Lankan fisherman. The crucifixhad been in his house when his entire village was devastated by the tsunami lastDecember. Harrison was in Sri Lanka to help coordinate relief efforts and concernfor those in need.

Maggie Karner, left, director of LCMS Life Ministries, talks with young Russian womenabout a life ministries/human care project in Russia where abortions are rampant. LifeMinistries is a program of World Relief and Human Care.

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS Photo by Hans Springer

“The Gospel message can sound hollow to peoplewhose physical needs are so enormous that they cannothear what the church is saying over the growls of theirstomachs or the cries of their pain,” said the president ofa district that includes Louisiana and Mississippi, areaswhere Hurricane Katrina impacted 60 LCMS congrega-tions, including nine that were completely destroyed.

As many as one million people in that area remainhomeless today. “LCMS World Relief has been a greatpartner in our recovery efforts,” Schultz said. The min-istry, he added, has “absolutely raised awareness of how

the church must touch people in concrete ways thatenable us to share what we believe.”

But while the tsunami and hurricanes dominatedheadlines, Harrison stresses that LCMS World Relief/Human Care means much more than disaster response.

Helping African partners fight HIV/AIDS and hungerin Africa, for example, remains a major focus.

In Madagascar, the ministry provides seminars andresources to help local Lutheran leaders combat theAIDS crisis theologically and pastorally. In war-tornSudan, human-care projects produce building materialsfor homes, schools, and worship facilities and help farm-ers acquire land, seeds, and tools.

In Kenya, an especially popular LCMS World Relief/Human Care program provides cows—and sometimescamels—to pastors and church workers as a means tohelp support their families and sustain their ministries.

WHY LCMS WORLD RELIEF/HUMAN CARE NEEDS YOU! An overwhelming outpouring of generosity has generated,

at press time, a record $10 million in hurricane reliefthrough LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

That follows the previous record of $5.6 million con-tributed to the ministry this year for tsunami relief.

“This phenomenal support is a tremendous blessing forwhich we sincerely thank our many faithful donors,” saidRev. Matthew Harrison, executive director, LCMS World Reliefand Human Care. “You have enabled us to reachout with a scale of relief that is unprecedented.”

But along with tremendous blessings, those“disaster dollars” also bring challenges.

“Big disasters like the tsunami and, morerecently, the hurricanes tend to pull funding awayfrom projects established to meet current andongoing needs,” Harrison said.

Compounding this funding “tilt,” he said, is thefact that none of the unrestricted (i.e., undesignat-ed) funding the Synod receives is budgeted forLCMS World Relief. “We depend 100 percent onour donors,” Harrison said. “That we get no finan-cial support from the Synod surprises many fel-low LCMS members who assume that at leastsome portion of the money they drop in theircongregation’s Sunday-morning collection plate orgive to their district office goes to this ministry.”

To support the many ongoing programs ofLCMS World Relief/Human Care, including thoseaccomplishments highlighted in the accompanying story,Harrison asks donors to consider these suggestions: • Encourage your congregation to include LCMS World

Relief/Human Care in its annual budget.

• When you contribute to LCMS World Relief/Human Care,consider making an unrestricted gift that can be used“where needed most.”

• Recognize the difference between LCMS World Relief/Human Care and Lutheran World Relief (LWR). Manypeople confuse the two ministries. LWR is a pan-Lutheranorganization headquartered in Baltimore, Md. LCMSWorld Relief/Human Care, based in St. Louis, Mo., is theSynod’s official mercy ministry.

“LCMS World Relief/Human Care gratefully and humblyreceives your gifts, whether they are designated for a disas-ter response, a particular program, or where needed most,”Harrison said. “Please know that it’s you who enables ourministry to reach out with a touch of mercy.”

To learn more about the work of LCMS World Relief/Human Care and giving opportunities, call (800) 248-1930,Ext. 1380, or visit http://worldrelief.lcms.org.

— K.P.K.(Continued on Page 8)

Carol Broemmer, manager of LCMS World Relief and Human CareHealth Ministries, gives toothbrushes and toothpaste to childrenat an orphanage in Kenya, Africa, earlier this year.

“This simple cow-project hasturned around that church (LCMSpartner church, the EvangelicalLutheran Church in Kenya),” saidRev. Bernhard Seter, a NorthDakota pastor and member of theBoard for Human Care Ministries.

Seter saw the impact of “Cowsfor Kenya” when he was in thatcountry on fact-finding mission tripsboth before and after the program’slaunch. “This is a church that feltbeaten down, but now its leadersare excited and lifted up in theirvision,” Seter said. “We’ve giventhem capacity, and it’s exciting!”

A sampling of other accomplish-ments this year by LCMS WorldRelief/Human Care includes provid-ing:• A record $2.8 million in grants

for international mission projectsto LCMS World Mission.

• $1.25 million to Lutheran WorldRelief, Baltimore, Md.

• Hundreds of thousands of dollarsin domestic grants to Lutheransocial-ministry organizations andcongregations for mercy out-reach.

• One-quarter million dollars topromote the service of women asdeaconesses.

• Supportive services for 450LCMS chaplains in hospitals,nursing homes, prisons, andother non-church settings.

• Resources and support for parishnurses who serve their congrega-tions and communities as healtheducators and spiritualcaregivers.

• The Synod’s pro-life workthrough LCMS Life Ministries,which is making great strides inthe United States and leadingpioneering outreach in Russia.

• The National Lutheran HousingSupport Corporation, a nonprofit,charitable resource that is open-ing doors to previously unavail-able grants and technical assis-tance for congregations involvedin community revitalization.

Looking ahead, Harrison saysLCMS World Relief/Human Carewill continue to focus on strength-ening LCMS partner churchesaround the world and, closer tohome, supporting LCMS districtsand congregations, pastors and peo-ple, so that they, in turn, are betterequipped to reach out to theirbroader communities.

The ministry also tends to thevast majority of “cooperation inexternals,” human-care efforts pri-marily with the EvangelicalLutheran Church in America(ELCA). LCMS World Relief/HumanCare provides support to LutheranServices in America, LutheranImmigration and Refugee Services,Lutheran Disaster Response, andLutheran World Relief, Baltimore.“In these efforts, we do our verybest to model confessionallyLutheran integrity while workingwith churches not in fellowshipwith the LCMS,” Harrison said.

But challenges exist, he added,stemming from the ELCA and therecent controversy involving sexual-

ity. “Those issues do no make ourcooperative work any easier,” hesaid. “But these agencies work veryhard to respect LCMS theologicaland ethical convictions. Throughthese long-standing relationships,the LCMS does in fact cooperatevery broadly with other Christians.LWR, for example, does tremendouswork in relief and developmentinternationally.”

LCMS World Relief/Human Carealso will continue to partner withministries that share its commit-ment to care for the needy whileproclaiming the Gospel. OrphanGrain Train, the Lutheran Laymen’sLeague, and the Lutheran Women’sMissionary League are only a fewrecent recipients of matchinggrants.

The ministry also expects towork with an even broader range oforganizations as it leads the chal-lenge to develop a national LCMSdisaster strategy.

“Our church has tremendousskills and resources, plus a mar-velous volunteer spirit,” Harrisonsaid. “We must better prepare our-selves to work together as efficient-ly and effectively as possible thenext time disaster strikes.”

“We have such a fantastic treas-ure in the beautiful LutheranConfession of the faith, with itsclear message to reach out in mercyand compassion to those in need, inthe name of Christ and His Gospel,”Harrison continued.

“It’s a privilege to see so manywonderful acts of mercy that takeplace every day in the church,” hesaid. “We face challenges, to besure, but the rewards are so muchgreater!”

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

Kim Krull is a freelancewriter and a member of St. Paul’s LutheranChurch in Des Peres, Mo.

Photo courtesy of World Relief and Human Care

(Continued from Page 6)

Rev. Matthew Harrison, executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, talks to pastors of the Evangelical LutheranChurch of Kenya who were recipients of cows in the “Cows for Kenya” project.

by Ruanne Kuhlmann

Although I’m from Houston,Texas, my childhood church experience was completely

rural. Every Sunday my family droveto the country for church. It was theway my mother stayed connected toher roots, and it gave us kids time tospend time on my grandparents’farm.

Nothing prepared me for the chal-lenges of a freshman on a majoruniversity campus. I entered theUniversity of Texas in Austin well-grounded in my faith. But, within avery short time, I dealt with lifestylesof roommates and dorm friends thatwere very different from anything Ihad known. I stared incredulously at a Jewish classmate when sheplanned to go home for the Jewishcelebration of the High Holy Daysand Chanukah when we left forChristmas vacation. And when mynew Catholic acquaintances ques-tioned my beliefs as a Lutheran, I didn’t know how to answer theirinterpretation of Scripture.

At my country church, my pastorhad some advice. He gave me theaddress of the Lutheran studentcenter and said, “Check it out. I thinkyou’ll enjoy it, and it will be a goodplace to meet friends.” He gave me a flyer with information about afreshman welcome activity.

I went mostly out of curiosity andloneliness. Everyone was friendlyand inviting. It felt good.

I went to church on that firstSunday out of habit. Maybe I wouldhave lost interest, but the pastor andstudents were intent on making me

part of their fellowship. There wasno doubt it was important to themthat I continue to participate. Theymade sure I was included in gamesand other activities throughout theweeks.

I found myself at the student cen-ter more and more often. In the pas-tor I had a sounding board for myquestions and help in dealing with

dormitory life. In the older students I had mentors who helped methrough the challenges of being on my own for the first time. Thecampus ministry gave me a campusfamily. It was the time of the greatestspiritual growth in my life. I hadcome to college with good headknowledge of Jesus. I learned toknow Jesus with my heart throughcampus ministry.

Through the experience of campusministry, I learned what true Christianfellowship is. It was a hands-on train-ing ground for congregational lifeafter college. Because the congrega-tion’s members were nearly all stu-dents, we took on the roles normallyheld by adults—officers, elders, ush-ers, Bible study leaders, budget-keep-ers. We had congregational meetingsand learned how to disagree withoutbeing disagreeable. I experienced the

challenge of balancing school respon-sibilities with church-related activi-ties. More important, I learned how to live my “churchexperience” in and with school. Ilearned the concept of worship withmy whole life, not just on Sundaymornings. I made friends who are stillpart of my life because we share thesame values and the same Jesus.

Today, I am still part of the missionfield. I say “still” because I believe thecollege campus is one of the mostimportant mission fields our churchhas. At this time, God is bringingmany different cultures and ethnicgroups to our colleges and universi-ties. God is blessing the church withthe chance, through campus min-istry, not only to present Jesus asrelevant to our own young people,but also to bring the Good News toJerusalem, Samaria, and the ends ofthe earth ... right in our own backyards.

Lifeline

Ruanne Kuhlmann is executive assistant atLutheran Inter-City NetworkCoalition, Houston, Texas.

NOVEMBER 2005

Campus ministry gave me a campusfamily. It was the time of the greatest

spiritual growth in my life.

CHRIST ON CAMPUSThis college freshman accepted her pastor’s advice. It made all the difference in her life.

Thankful

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

TEACH YOUR CHILDRENTO BE

As you prepare for this busy holiday season, use the opportunity to continuenurturing thankfulness in your children, from babies to teens.

Masterfile

NOVEMBER 2005

by Carol Albrecht

Six-year-old Emma opened thecar door in front of a housefestooned with multicolored

balloons. She stepped carefullyfrom the car, juggling a boxwrapped in silver paper toppedwith a sparkly green bow. “Don’tforget to say thank you,” Momcalled as Emma skipped up thewalk.

“I won’t,” Emma shouted back.When Mom returned after the

party, she smiled as Emma slid intothe front seat. “Did you rememberto say thank you?”

Emma put her hand to hermouth. “Oh ... I guess I forgot.”

Parents sometimes wonder ifchildren ever get the message thatsaying thank you is important. Whydo they seem to forget every time?And why do they need to beprompted so often?

The problem arises just becausekids are kids. They have a lot tolearn, and it’s difficult for them toremember all the information flood-ing their developing brains. Besidesthat, children are born self-centeredlittle beings. Until the age of 7 or 8,“Me” is the most important personin their life.

Does that mean parents shouldshrug their shoulders and wait afew years before teaching childrenthankfulness? Not at all! In fact,we’re teaching our children atti-tudes—good and bad—long beforethey’re able to independently applythat knowledge. Thankfulness isone of those attitudes.

That brings us to the next point.Thankfulness is really more caught

than taught. We’re teaching thank-fulness every time we admire a roseor the beauty of a sunset. We teachthankfulness when we give anappreciative smile to a salesperson,when we thank a neighbor, or whenwe let our children know we’re gladthey’re part of our family.

Thankfulness is a twin sister topraise. Any time we praise God inword or song, we’re teaching thank-fulness. Praise is also part of athankful life, whether it’s praise fora job well done, a pat on the head,or appreciation for someone’s spe-cial talent.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactlyhow children “catch” thankfulness,but there are guidelines.

First of all, it’s important forparents to say “thank you” oftenand to teach their children to do thesame. “Thank you” should beamong the first words a childlearns. Children need frequent

prompting in the early years,although eventually they’ll remem-ber on their own. (Teenagers, how-ever, may need reminding fromtime to time.)

Secondly, we need to live thank-

fully and appreciate even smallblessings and little pleasures.Sometimes children are actuallybetter at this than we are. Have youever watched a small boy playing ina rocky area? It isn’t long until hispockets are filled with pebbles thatcaught his eye and became captivat-ing “treasures.” A parent whoshares his delight reinforces for himthat God makes all things well anddeserves our thanks and praise—even for those now-special rocks.

Thirdly, we need to keep a lid on

grumbling and complaining.Children listen, and children learn.We can’t say we’re thankful andthen spend our time griping aboutall the things that are wrong in ourlife and world. Children noticewhen our words don’t match ourattitudes. Guess which one they’llremember and emulate?

And, of course, we want toremember not to take God’s bless-ings for granted. We need to resistthe temptation to spoil our childrenor grandchildren. Overdosing on“things” doesn’t make childrengrateful—it makes them greedyand selfish. Children who have lessoften are more thankful becausethey’ve learned to appreciate what’sbeen given to them.

In the same vein, we shouldteach children to focus on theblessings they have, not on whatthey don’t have. Our sinful humannature often wants what it doesn’thave. God, with His perfect insight,gave us two commandments oncoveting.

Here are some practical ways toinstill thankfulness in children.

1.Pray before and after meals.This is a simple but important

way to reinforce an attitude ofthankfulness for the food we eat.I’m reminded of a time early inour marriage, when my husbandand I went out to eat with friendsand their 18-month-old child. Assoon as the toddler was in therestaurant high chair, he bangeda spoon on the tray, shouting,“Pray, pray, pray!” He knewthat food always followed prayer,a first step in learning that prayershows an appreciation to Godfor His daily blessings.

2. Family devotions in them-selves give praise to God. By

focusing some of them on thesubject of thankfulness, we helpour children develop an attitudeof thanks. (The “Searching

Scripture” Bible study that fol-

T hankfulness is a twin sister to praise.Any time we praise God in word orsong, we’re teaching thankfulness.

DigitalStockTHE LUTHERAN WITNESS

lows this article can be a family devotion looking at

why we should openly and frequently express

thanks to God, not just on Thanksgiving. —Ed.)

3. Bedtime prayers build strong habits and memoriesfor you and your children to say thank you for the

blessings of the day and focus your children on theirloving heavenly Father as they fall asleep.

4. Children also need to be taught that gifts andkind acts deserve to be recognized. Seeing you

write thank-you notes is a beginning of thatprocess. When a child is quite small, allow her toenclose a picture with your note as a way of sayingthank you. As your children grow older, get them inthe habit of writing thank-you notes to those whoremember them. Guide them in buying their ownnote cards and pens to make the task more pleas-ant and personal for them.

5. Volunteer with your older children to help at afood pantry or a homeless shelter. Serving the less

fortunate is a memorable way toteach children thankfulness fortheir blessings.

6. Put a large, empty sheet ofpaper on the wall or refrigera-

tor. Have family members addwords or pictures throughoutthe week of things for whichthey’re thankful. Use the pageduring devotions or prayer timeat the end of the week.

7. Create a “Thanksgiving spot”—a small table, abox, or shelf. Let family members add pictures

and objects that show things for which they’rethankful. Set a time to gather routinely and sharethoughts on what’s been collected.

8. Write a thankfulness poem as a family, or acronymthe word thanks, writing one thing you’re thankful

for with each letter.

9. Play the Alphabet Game, stating something you’rethankful for that begins with “A.” Family mem-

bers take turns repeating the list and adding anitem with the next letter until there are 26items on the list. (This is a good travelgame, too.)

10. Together withyour children, do

something for a neigh-bor or a shut-in. Bakecookies, rake a lawn, or just take time to visitwith someone whomight be lonely.

There is no magic formula to make our childrenthankful. Thankfulness flows from a grateful heart andis a lifelong process. By staying in the Word ourselvesand involving our children in it, we will help them togrow in appreciation for all God has given us. Thepsalms are filled with praise, and thankfulness is a keyattitude in the New Testament.

Thankfulness doesn’t happen overnight, but Godhas given us parents the days of childhood to modeland teach what He so loves—an attitude of gratitude.

Carol Albrecht is amember of CentennialLutheran Church,Superior, Neb.

Bedtime prayers build strong habits and memories for you

and your children.

NOVEMBER 2005

Our annual food-ladentables and family gather-ings on Thanksgiving Day

serve to remind us of the graciouscare of our Lord.

Giving thanks to God, however,should be a daily way of life, notjust a yearly festival. And thankingGod involves more than a prayerbefore eating. It involves actionsas well as words.

Before we can properly showgratitude to God, we need to real-ize the reasons why we givethanks. After you read Eph. 2:4–5,explain our main reason for livingthankful lives.______________________________

______________________________

______________________________

Now, make a list of the otherprimary gifts of God for which youare also thankful. Obviously, thereisn’t enough room below, even forthe gifts you consider most impor-tant.______________________________

______________________________

______________________________

Even with such great blessings,thankfulness doesn’t come natu-rally to our sinful natures.According to the following pas-sages, what enables us to livethankful lives?

2 Cor. 1:21–22 ____________________________________________

______________________________

1 John 4:13 ______________________________________________

______________________________

What does this special gift ofGod enable us to do according toGal. 5:16?______________________________

______________________________

SearchingSCRIPTURE

Because the Spirithelps us, what “thanks-living” results do we seein our lives? Read verse22 of Galatians 5. _____________________

_____________________

Now read Col. 3:15.This verse emphasizesthat the peace given bythe Holy Spirit leads usto thankfulness. Whatother aspects of “thanks-living” are mentioned inverses 16 and 17? _____________________

_____________________

When things aregoing well, it’s easier toexpress an attitude of thanks-liv-ing. Why might we find this moredifficult to do according to theapostle Paul’s counsel in 1 Thess.5:16–22? ______________________________

______________________________

What is Paul’s advice in Phil.4:4–9 to help us through timeswhen thanks-living isn’t easy? ______________________________

______________________________

According to this Biblicalinstruction, what benefit do wederive from an attitude of thankful-ness, no matter what the circum-stances? ______________________________

______________________________

As children of God, we want toshow praise to Him for His greatlove and His gift of salvation. Butthere’s another reason we expressour gratitude with our lives. Howdoes Paul explain his thanks-livingin 1 Cor. 10:32–11:1? ______________________________

______________________________

Carol Albrecht is amember of CentennialLutheran Church,Superior, Neb.

HAPPY THANKS-LIVINGby Carol Albrecht

What advice does Peter give usin 1 Peter 2:12? ______________________________

______________________________

From these two passages andfrom 1 Thess. 4:11–12, explain whywe want to continually have anattitude of gratitude? ______________________________

______________________________

For us as Christians, Thanks-giving isn’t just a holiday thatcomes once a year. Rather, thanks-living is our daily walk with God,made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That sanctifiedwalk causes us not only to praiseGod, but to live lives that leadothers to our Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ.

Photo by Judy Scattergood

by Andrew Pfeiffer

T he last of the Lutheran Confessions, the “Formulaof Concord,” has a focus different from the otherdocuments in the Book of Concord. Its primary

concern is not with Roman Catholic or Reformed theolo-gy but with Lutherans confessing together.

The genius of the “Formula of Concord” is that itshows us 21st-century Lutherans how to do theologytoday. First, it teaches us to define the issue. Then itseeks clarity by looking at Scripture, the earlychurch, and the confessional writings. On that basis,it makes a clear confession, declaring: “We believe,teach, and confess, ...” “We reject and condemn. ...”

This latter characteristic of the formula sometimesmakes us uneasy. We aren’t too sure about rejectingand condemning, even when we’re talking abouttheological positions and not people. It doesn’t soundloving. We aren’t comfortable drawing boundaries.

However, the formula does not draw boundaries tostifle the Gospel. It draws boundaries to safeguard theGospel so that people with troubled consciences willcontinue to hear its comfort and be warned of the errorsthat will push them back under the Law. A genuinely pas-toral document, the formula has the Gospel at its heart.

Answering disagreementsIn 1537, in his preface to the Smalcald Articles

(The Lutheran Witness, August ’05, “Luther’s ‘LastStatement’”), Martin Luther spoke of his concern thatsome who claimed to be Lutheran had twisted his writ-ings to support their views. He said it didn’t really matterwhile he was alive, because he could teach, preach, andcorrect where necessary. But in a prophetic utterance hesaid, “Imagine what will happen after I am dead.”

The events after Luther’s death are summarized byWilliam Moorhead in his “The Formula of Concord StudyGuide,” which is part of the Lutheran Confessions seriesoffered by Concordia Publishing House (CPH):

“After Luther’s death (1546) and the Smalcald War(1547), the Lutherans in the Holy Roman Empire were in

a precarious position. Without their leader, the pas-tors and churches faced opposition from the outsideand dissension within.

“Although the Lutherans achieved appropriatelegal status in the Holy Roman Empire through theagreement known as the Peace of Augsburg in 1555[they could confess and practice their faith freely],they soon were divided over significant doctrinalissues. It was clear that concord was necessary if theEvangelical church was to survive.”

The two main workers for unity and the chief

Agenuinely pastoral document,the “Formula of Concord”

has the Gospel at its heart.

THE BOOK OF CONCORD:A SOURCE OF HARMONY

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIAThe roots of the Lutheran Church of Australia go back to

1838 with the arrival of immigrants fleeing the Prussian Union.In 1966, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Australia joinedwith the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia toform the Lutheran Church of Australia. The church has morethan 71,000 baptized members in 540 congregations.

Sixth and last in a series to commemorate the 425th anniversary of the Book of Concord. — Ed

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

THE FORMULAOF CONCORD

Written in 1577 to settle disputes, this interpretation of the Augsburg Confessionshows us how to do theology today.

authors of the “Formula of Concord” were JacobAndreae and Martin Chemnitz.

Andreae first wrote Six Christian Sermons in1573 in which he provided analysis of the issuesin controversy. Chemnitz, with the help of others,later reworked Andreae’s writings. This docu-ment was known as the Swabian-Saxon Concord.

Then in 1576, Lutheran theologians, includingAndreae and Chemnitz, met at Torgau, Germany,to further refine the work. A short summary, the“Epitome,” and a comprehensive confession, the“Solid Declaration,” were accepted in 1577 as thecomplete “Formula of Concord.”

Still relevant and aliveWhile its history is interesting, the formula’s

content is more significant. It contains 12 arti-cles, and during this 425th anniversary of theBook of Concord, I encourage you to study thedocument. You can use secondary resourcessuch as Friedmann Hebart’s One in the Gospel

(also published by CPH) or Moorhead’s studyguide. However, it is best to read the formulaitself—especially the Scripture references thatform the foundation for what it teaches.

The formula discusses a wide spectrum oftopics: original sin, free will, justification, goodworks, Law and Gospel, the Third Function ofthe Law, the Lord’s Supper, the Person of Christ,Christ’s descent into hell, ecclesiastical practices,election and foreknowledge, and religious factionsand sects.

Why study the formula? It will help you work with aLutheran approach to mission and conversion (article 2),find the right place for good works in Christian living (arti-cle 4), find comfort in being one of God’s elect (article 11),find comfort in the Gospel (articles 3, 7, 8, and 11), andbase decision-making in liturgical matters on what Godhas commanded and instituted (article 10).

Because early Lutherans had more than their fair shareof disputes, they left us a great confessional legacy. Wehave 12 articles on issues still relevant and alive in ourown churches. We also have a way of proceeding when weface significant conflict:

Dr. Andrew Pfeiffer is PastoralMinistry Program director, directorof the Rural and Urban MissionProgram, and director of FieldEducation at Australian LutheranCollege in North Adelaide, Australia.

Painting of Martin Chemnitz, artist unknown

1. Work out what the problem actually is.

2. Discover from Scripture and the earlychurch what was taught and what wasin error.

3. Reflect again on your current contro-versy.

4. Make your own good confession bothto what is taught and confessed andwhat is rejected for the sake of keepingthe comfort of the Gospel.

NOVEMBER 2005

Because early Lutherans had more than their share of disputes,

they left us a great confessional legacy.

Martin Chemnitz (1522–1586)was a German pastor, a seminaryprofessor, and a strong defender

of the faith. He took part in acentrist movement determined to

bring peace among the GermanLutherans with the publication of

the Formula of Concord.

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

by Charles Manske

“Point of Truth,” The Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod’s half-hour television worship program, is usingeight international Ablaze!-themed episodes to encour-age Christians to share their faith. Each program willfocus on a specific type of opportunity to witness,including to children, the terminally ill, immigrants, andpeople in crisis situations.

In each of these programs, Dr. John Nunes, researchassociate for urban ministries with Wheat RidgeMinistries, will focus onChristians’ call to be awitness for Christ to allpeople.

Ablaze! is a globalLutheran mission move-ment to share the GoodNews of Jesus with 100million unreached oruncommitted people by2017, the 500th anniver-sary of the Reformation.

Running duringNovember and December2005, the programs willinclude personal testi-monies of witnessing andwill feature the choir,musical groups, and bellchoir of ConcordiaUniversity, Irvine, Calif.

In September, “Pointof Truth” began its fifthseason on DirecTV ®.

It airs each Sunday on channel 371, sponsored by theTrinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), with a half-hourworship service featuring LCMS congregations. In thefirst three years, “Point of Truth” was broadcast only inthe United States to a potential audience of 14.5 millionpeople. Then last season, it began reaching out to fivecontinents through six satellites of the Church Channelwith a potential audience more than 150 million. Peoplewho do not receive DirecTV can watch the program onthe Internet at www.thechurchchannel.org during itsSunday broadcast time.

More and moreLCMS congregationsand members aregetting involved withthe Ablaze! move-ment. Peopletouched by the HolySpirit are asked toignite the flame ofevangelism and wit-ness to others as themeans of grace areworking in theirlives.

“Christians needto have the exampleof witnesses whohave brought theGood News of JesusChrist to others,”said Dr. ArdonAlbrecht, the produc-er and director of the

Photo courtesy of author

TAKING

“Point of Truth”—an LCMS television program—will broadcastthe Ablaze! effort to five continents using satellite television.

AROUND THE WORLD

Dr. Ardon Albrecht (left), director and producer of “Point of Truth,”and Dr. John Nunes, featured speaker, prepare for a worship servicetelecast. Eight new programs sponsored by the Synod’s Board ofMissions Services will air this fall with Ablaze! as the theme.

NOVEMBER 2005Photo courtesy of author

Dr. Charles Manske, former president ofConcordia University, Irvine,is the executive producer of Point of Truth TV.

series. “We have filmed these [personal witnessing] stories for the TV series.”

Each of the eight programsbegins with Nunes, who oftenappeared on “Point of Truth” duringits first four seasons, interviewingsomeone who has shared Christ in a specific situation. Rev. GaryRohwer tells of witnessing to aMuslim woman about Jesus beingthe answer to her anxiety andsleeplessness. Another story con-cerns a mother who objects to hav-ing her children being taught howto pray in a Lutheran preschool andlater becomes the Lutheran pre-school director and teaches dozensof other children to pray to Christ.

Rev. Nathan Loesch, a Lutheranchaplain who ministered to dozensof dying soldiers in Viet Nam,teaches how we, as saved people ofGod, can face pain and death.

The story of how violentdeath on a high-school cam-pus brought many peopleface to face with their ownmortality is told in a witnessby an American Indian pas-tor, Rev. Richard Latterner.

These inspiring stories are presented to motivateChristians to becomeinvolved in the Ablaze! move-ment. Viewers are asked toshare their own personalwitnessing experiences onthe “Point of Truth” Web site:www.pointoftruth.com.

Time and talentsAlbrecht, who served as a

missionary in Taiwan and theRepublic of China, brings awonderful background to thiswork. He produced programs inAsia for Lutheran Hour Ministries,its award-winning TV series “This Is the Life,” and many of its specialprograms including “The Little TrollPrince,” “Three Days,” and “TimeTravel Through the Bible.” His

extensive series, “Yeshua” wasfilmed in Israel with Dr. OswaldHoffmann as the narrator.

As executive producer and host,I believe the “Point of Truth” serieswould not be possible withoutAlbrecht and his production talents.

Point of Truth TV began inSouthern California where volun-teers, principally from the LutheranWomen’s Missionary League in theSan Fernando Valley, still answerthe mail, record contributions, andsend out premiums. The host con-gregation for filming and adminis-tration is Pilgrim Lutheran Churchin Santa Monica, Calif. Althoughfilming and editing of the series isdone by professionals in theHollywood film industry, nearly allother work is done by volunteerswho believe in Jesus Christ and Hisministry.

As Point of Truth TV reaches outto the world with the free gift ofsalvation that Jesus Christ provides,the Holy Spirit reaches into thehearts and lives of those who havenot received these gifts of God.

To order videotapes or DVDs of “Point of Truth” programs, write to:Point of Truth TV, P. O. Box 71,Canoga Park, CA 91305.

Is your congregation interested

in appearing on “Point of Truth”?Send an e-mail to Dr. Ardon Albrechtat a-albrecht@sbcglobal.net, or callhim (805) 750-9677.

“Point of Truth” broadcast times:

On satellite TV on The Church Channel(channel 371) every Sunday at:

Pacific—12:00 p.m.Rocky Mountain—1:00 p.m. Central—2:00 p.m.Eastern—3:00 p.m.

“Point of Truth” can also be seen onsatellite TV carrying TBN program-ming and on the Internet atwww.thechurchchannel.org during its regular broadcast time.

You can access “Point of Truth” onTuesdays and Wednesdays atwww.faithstreams.com.

The concert choirfrom ConcordiaUniversity, Irvine,with Dr. MichaelBush conducting,add their voices to“Point of Truth”worship services.

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS Illustration by John Dyess

by Edward J. Balfour

I was startled when a friend,Gary Berenson, asked me toaddress a gathering of members

of his synagogue in Portland, Maine.He is an orthodox Jew and, as sur-prising at it may seem, the husbandof one of my parishioners.

“You grew up in New Orleans asan orthodox Jew”, he explained.“You’ve seen prejudice from both

sides—black and white, Jewish andChristian. Why not come and tell us‘everything we always wanted toknow about Christians but wereafraid to ask’”?

I immediately accepted withoutconsidering the ramifications.

Then, a few days before myappearance, Gary, who, though not arabbi, serves as the lay leader of EtzChaim (The Tree of Life) Synagogue,phoned to warn me: “As a friend, I

must tell you, there are some peoplewho do not want you to come. Theywant your visit canceled. I still wantyou to come ... but I thought that youshould know.”

My emotions ran high. I recalledthe last time I visited a synagogue. It was during my vicarage assign-ment at St. John’s Lutheran Churchin Sayville on Long Island, N.Y. Iwalked into the orthodox synagoguearound the corner to invite the rab-

ANEWMANAn invitation to speak at a Jewishsynagogue provides a pastor withan exciting opportunity to share

our hope in Christ.

ANEWMAN

NOVEMBER 2005

bis to visit with our evangelism class and explain howJews viewed Christians who try to evangelize to them.

When I entered the rabbi’s study, an older, scholarlylooking rabbi sat studying the Talmud at a side table. Ayounger rabbi sat behind a desk. I introduced myself asthe younger rabbi came forward to meet me. I told himwho I was. I wished him “Shalom.”

“I do not like you,” the older rabbi said to me withoutany other greeting. “In fact, I hate you. I hate apostateJews.”

In Paul’s shoesI told this story as I began my presentation at Etz

Chaim, then added, “If you hate me, too, I would under-stand. If I sat where you are, I would hate me.”

As I stood on the bimah, the platform in the middle ofthe synagogue, I recalled my bar mitzvah. I looked up atthe balcony, and it seemed I could see my mother and mygrandmother. That day, they were so proud of my educat-ed Jewishness. On my bar mitzvah, I began my address,“Today, in the eyes of God, I am a man.”

On this occasion, I began by saying, “No matter whatanyone tells you, Jews and Christians do not worship the

same God. We believe that Jesus is the Christ—theMessiah. As a Jew, your Jewishness is determined bytradition and culture. ... You—all Jews—do not believethat Jesus is the Messiah.”

Uh-oh. ... What did I just say? I was dressed as a Christian pastor, and I felt my collar

choking me, making me uncomfortable, as it should.One man, perhaps feeling my anxiety and realizing

that I had no choice but say what I had said, shoutedjokingly, “Don’t worry, we won’t stone you.”

“Thank you,” I replied. “Until you brought it up, I hadnever even considered it.”

Right then, I realized that I was preaching like Paul.

Earning respectFifteen years earlier, the rabbis in Sayville grew to like

me, respect me. They came to St. John’s for the last ses-sion of my class. The younger rabbi, who knew theChristian Scriptures better than some Christians, asked:“How do you interpret your Scripture that states, ‘Theonly way to the Father is through the Son?’ Do youbelieve that all Jews are going to hell?”

One of our elders, wanting to show his love for Jews,quickly replied: “I know what the Scriptures say, but itcan’t possibly mean this. I have some good Jewishfriends, and I know that they’re not going to hell.”

The rabbi’s face turned crimson. He pointed his fingerat the elder. “Why don’t you people believe in your ownBible? Devout Christians we respect. We don’t believethat we’re going to hell, but it’s alright if you do.”

As I told this story at Etz Chaim, heads nodded inagreement.

Is dead, dead?A man in his 40s approached me wearing a yarmulke

(skull cap). “What are you doing here?” he asked. I had wondered the same thing. “You believe that a man is saved by his works,” I

answered, “by his ability to keep the Commandments.Christians do not. We believe that we are saved by God’sgrace, [through] the faith that God has gifted to us. Webelieve that no man is good, that all are born sinful. Theonly salvation lies in the fact that Jesus died for our sins.”

I told the congregation about my Uncle Irving’s death,and how I went to the only two rabbis in town, and theyfailed to quell the doubts of a very religious 15-year-oldJewish boy. Both of them gave me the same answer whenI asked about the fate of my beloved uncle:

“Dead is dead. There is no firm hope for an afterlife.”“There is for devout Christians,” I explained now to

the members of Etz Chaim. “I couldn’t get up in themorning if I didn’t believe that.”

Several elderly members nodded their agreement. A

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

couple whose 12-year-old-daughterhad died of cystic fibrosis were intears.

“I have a concept of life afterdeath,” said a young man whoappeared well educated in Judaismby his other comments during mypresentation. “If the rabbis hadgiven you a different answer, doyou think you would stillhave become aChristian?” he asked.“I mean, you knowthat all rabbis havevery differingopinions onverses of theBible. There isno set conceptfor Jews of lifeafter death.”

“No,” Ianswered. “I tried toresist Jesus. I wasdrawn to the sanctuary ofchurch, not to the doctrine. Infact, I tried not to hear or mentionthe name of Jesus. I went to churchfor three years before I was bap-tized.

“My Baptism was witnessed by 25curious Jews,” I continued. “Theywanted to see if I would go throughwith it.

“After my Baptism, my goodfriend Kenny Pailet said, ‘What haveyou done? You know, you’re still aJew ... but now you’re going to hell.’

“My reaction to Kenny’s questionwas: ‘I didn’t do anything. It wasGod who did it. I am a new man inChrist.’

“Kenny said, ‘The only thing youare is crazy. Maybe God will makean allowance for that.’”

When God calls“In the time since the Holy Spirit

converted me,” I told my Jewishaudience, “I have been a practicingChristian. But I never thought Iwould be a pastor in The Lutheran

Church—Missouri Synod. Whenpeople ask me when I decided tobecome a pastor, I tell them I nevermade that decision anymore than I did to become a Christian. Godchooses. God calls. And sometimes,when we listen, we hear Him.”

Seeing Christ in youThe rest of the time at Etz Chaim,

I was peppered with questionsregarding Martin Luther. “Of allChristian denominations, how couldyou choose to be a Lutheran? Don’tyou know what Luther said aboutthe Jews?”

I didn’t avoid these hard ques-tions. I spoke openly about Luther’sfrustration with “God’s chosen peo-ple,” while making no excuses forhis often offensive rhetoric.

I received a warm reception fromthe congregation. I was told that Iwould be invited again. There was a reception that followed. I tried to speak with all ofthe attendees, but Imissed quite a few.I spent most of mytime with the cou-ple whose young

daughter had died. I tried to witnessthat hope that I have learned tosurvive on—the hope of resurrec-tion. They took my card. They saidthey would call. I pray they will.

I sometimes get frustrated withthe Missouri Synod’s effort at evan-gelism to the Jews. Good intentions

often miss what’s actually needed.Jews do not believe in con-

version. The only way towitness to a Jew is by

having him or hersee Christ in you.

The Holy Spiritmust then con-vince that personand change hisheart and mindso that, like me,

he will be saved in spite of himself. I ask that you pray

for me, that I might be a better witness to my

Jewish friends and family, that through me, more might seeand believe in Him.

“On the Sabbath, they (Paul and his companions)entered the synagogue and satdown.After the reading of theLaw and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word tothem, saying,‘Brothers if youhave a message of encourage-ment for the people, pleasespeak.’” Acts 13:14a–15

Rev. Edward J. Balfour, born an OrthodoxJew, was converted by the power of theHoly Spirit and baptized into the Christianfaith at the age of 20. He is the pastor ofRedeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church,Port Elizabeth, Maine, and serves on theLCMS Board of Directors.

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

from the PRESIDENT

Derek Roberts was among some 20 studentsfrom our seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind., whodrove to Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane

Katrina. They delivered relief supplies and spent aweek helping victims start to clean up the mess.

Derek told Reporter, our Synod’s newspaper, that“heads of households asked us to hold hands withthem and their family and to pray with them at the endof the day’s work. In Jesus’ name, they offered theirheartfelt thanks to God with tears for the work wewere able to help them with.”

It’s clear that those who were helped by our stu-dents knew what motivated them to give ofthemselves as they did. They were responding to thegrace of God in Christ Jesus. They had given a wit-ness, in word and in deed, to the love of Christ.

In early September when I visited areas struck byKatrina, when I talk to people who have given time andmoney to help the victims of Katrina and HurricaneRita, when I meet with church leaders involved in therecovery efforts, this same Christianwitness is evident. And I am remindedof our mission statement: “In gratefulresponse to God’s grace and empow-ered by the Holy Spirit through Wordand Sacraments, the mission of TheLutheran Church—Missouri Synod isvigorously to make known the love ofChrist by word and deed within ourchurches, communities, and the world.”

Giving that cup (or bottle) of coldwater, providing a chain saw, shovelingmuck left behind by receding floodwaters—as we do all those things forfellow human beings who are hurtingand in need, we have an opportunity tosay that it is Christ’s love that compelsus to serve as we do (2 Cor. 5:14). Howcan we help but speak of “what wehave seen and heard” (Acts 4:20),namely, the love and compassion thatour Savior Jesus Christ has shown forus?

Just as our human-care efforts havetheir emphasis on deeds, the Ablaze!

movement adopted by our Synod and by our partner and sister churchesaround the world emphasize the “byword” aspect of our mission. Ablaze! isabout reaching people—unreached oruncommitted people—with theGospel, with the One Message that

Jesus Christ aloneis the Savior ofthe world.

Pastor DavidDavis of St. LukeLutheran Church,Haslett, Mich.,captures theessence ofAblaze! in anarticle he wrotefor the MichiganDistrict’s publication, Michigan In Touch. He writes, inpart:

“Quit waiting. Quit running to the mailbox to see ifthe Ablaze! program has arrived. It does not exist. ...

“Ablaze! is not a new synodical program. There isnot a set pattern for you to follow. Ablaze! is an ‘initia-

tive.’ It is an idea.“And the idea is this: Let us see what would happen

if members of our churches and part-ner churches around the world com-mitted intentionally to share theGospel with 100,000,000 peoplebetween now and the 500th anniver-sary of the posting of the 95 Theses,which will be celebrated in 2017.

“Ablaze! is more of a friendly chal-lenge than anything else. Let us chal-lenge one another to determine togive a clear, personal presentation ofthe Gospel to those who do not knowJesus, offering them an opportunity torespond. Let’s keep count. Let’s putourselves in a position to see the won-derful working of the Holy Spiritthrough the power of the Gospel inthe lives of 100,000,000 people.”

Come to think of it, what betterexample of showing care for otherscan there be than sharing the Gospelwith those who do not know our LordJesus Christ? May He bless your wit-ness as you seek to make known Hislove by word and deed!

Jerry Kieschnick

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

Web page: www.lcms.org/president

BY WORD AND DEED

Photo credit: Larry Wright

David McMinn, a second-yearstudent at Concordia TheologicalSeminary, Fort Wayne, works toremove water-soaked drywall ina Slidell, La., home. He wasamong students from both LCMSseminaries who traveled to theGulf Coast to help victims ofHurricane Katrina.

NOVEMBER 2005