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The
Lutheran
Women's Missionary League MISSOURI DISTRICT LWML WEBSITE: http://www.missourilwml.org/ St. Paul’s
Esther Society – LWML Calling all ladies who can sew or are creative!! We are repairing some of our church banners and hope to add a few new ones. Information will be coming as to dates to meet and work on these. If you can help with this, please contact Pat Brauner at 642-3535 or Kathy Litten 642-7889. We will not be having a regular meeting in July & August. Our meetings will resume in September, on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. See you then!! Lutherans for Life Greetings in the Name of Jesus,
the Lover of all
Life! "Maybe yours is fault free, but my driveway has plenty of fault lines running here and there. Normally complacent and willing to mar the landscape just by their crooked presence, this time of year they up the ugly ante and produce weeds. So stubborn and hard to pull, this unsightly evil may very well be rooted in Hell itself! So I turn for help to green's worst nightmare—Roundup®. But my vengeance was stayed by, of all things, Petunias! "Those are Petunias," my dear wife said as she looked at the emerging leaves. Sure enough! The lethal spray was withheld, and we now have a crooked row of purple Petunias proudly defying the faulted landscape. RoxAnne and I are not sure exactly how this happened. (Our dog Wall-e, as always, admits to nothing.) One or two seeds washed from an "up stream" planter might be understandable, but an entire row? Nevertheless, we enjoy this mysterious beauty. Plus, it's like a pastor's sermon illustration warehouse, and I'm sure many treasures could be pulled from it. Here's what crossed my mind. Our world and our lives are not supposed to contain "cracks." But they do. In Romans 8, Paul speaks of how both creation and we creatures "groan" because we know things are not the way God intended. Sin upheaves things, breaks things, and distorts that which was once good. One distortion Satan loves to whisper in our ears: "This 'crack' in your life can produce only bad things." That makes sense. What else could it possibly produce? So we listen. Our adversary turned advisor offers to help. "Death! Yes, death is your friend. Death will solve this problem." The "crack" of a teen pregnancy offers a real example. It's a true crack, a bad situation brought on by a sinful choice. Using society—and sadly sometimes the Church—Satan delivers his message that nothing good can come from this, that it will ruin lives and upset plans and dreams. "Weeds, only weeds. You can make it go away. No one will know. I met someone recently who saw "Petunias" grow from such a crack. We'll call him Frank. Frank's father, whom we'll call Ralph, was adopted. After Ralph's adoptive parents had both died, he decided to search for his biological mother. He found her. She was eighty years old. Pregnant as a teen, she went away to have her baby. She never married. Now she has a family, "Petunias" growing from a crack because she chose not to turn to death. And, as Frank continued the story, it's not just one or two. She has a whole row—grandchildren and great grandchildren. There is a physician and a dentist. But more important than degrees, she has a Christian family. In fact, two great-grandchildren are studying to be Lutheran educators. I don't know the mystery behind the Petunias growing in our driveway, but the mystery of why good things can come from "cracks" in our lives has been revealed.
The prophet points ahead to the results of the work of Christ. He dealt personally and finally with the cause for the "cracks" as He bore the full weight of sin's punishment on the forsakenness of the cross. Baptized into His death and resurrection, His Spirit unites us with Him. Even in the midst of the "groans" and the "cracks," therefore, we live in Him assured, "that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). This promise of future glory is the reason we can also trust Christ's promises for the present and why "Petunias" can come from the "cracks." "And we know that for those
who love God all things work together for good, for those "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."(Romans 8:37) Frank's story could be told by many. You help make such stories possible because through Lutherans For Life you help connect the message of Him who causes the dry land to blossom with people dealing with the "cracks" in their lives. Thank you!" Dr. James Lamb, SPONSOR LETTER, July, 2008. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE "PRO-LIFE"
AUGUST 5TH! EVERY VOTE IS ESSENTIAL IN
THIS CULTURAL BATTLE OF LIFE AND DEATH. Sylvia Glenn Feel free to call me (573-592-7866) for information or concerns about life issues. For those who have had an abortion, there is a word of hope! "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). For confidential post-abortion referral, counsel, and reconciliation call WORD of HOPE, toll-free 888-217-8679, or visit www.word-of-hope.org. Calvary Lutheran
High School The 2007-08 school year has ended, but we at Calvary are already looking to the beginning of the 2008-09 school year. God has truly blessed Calvary. All four grades will be offered when the doors open in August, and the first graduation will take place in June 2009. Along with growth, come financial challenges. In an effort to address these financial challenges, the Board of Directors has put in place two new and exciting programs. ANGELS OF LOVE – Your participation in the Angels of Love program will financially assist Calvary Lutheran High School families who have a proven need. The amount of financial assistance needed has increased, along with our student body. Currently, Calvary’s financial assistance is funded from the proceeds of the annual golf outing, which raises approximately $20,000. The current projected financial assistance needed for the 2008-09 school year is nearing $80,000. The Angels of Love program was developed to raise funds to supplement the golf outing. Your participation in the Angels of Love program will provide a student with tuition assistance for one day, one week, one quarter, one semester, or one year. Please search your heart and help a family who desires a Christ-centered education for their child(ren). CLUB 300 – Everyone affiliated with a start-up Lutheran high school knows that the third, fourth, and fifth years are the most difficult when it comes to meeting the operational budget. Classes and faculty must increase even though there are smaller numbers in the upper grades. This produces a need for financial assistance to meet the school’s operational budget. The goal of Club 300 is to network with 300 partners, 100 in each of three levels, who will pledge a monthly amount to this ministry, which is dedicated to building Christian leaders and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After prayerful consideration, the monthly amount is determined by the donor. Calvary’s operational budget can be met if 300 partners are willing to step forward. Please prayerfully consider one or both of these programs. Your support will have a powerful impact on young adults by partnering with us in mission and ministry. Brochures are available that more fully explain these programs. Brochures are also available online at www.calvarylhs.org.Calvary News Mission Moments... Even at the Farmer's Market I live in a quant community with a train station and a town square. Anything I could possibly want is there, which is why I walk to the coffee shop or the local Farmer’s Market every morning. Each time I go to the market, the same woman cashes me out. She has a warm smile and makes chitchat before helping the next customer. I went to the market on Friday morning when it wasn’t very busy. I was glad to see that this woman was working. We each said hi and smiled, familiar with one another. Since no one was behind me in line, I decided that it was the perfect time to introduce myself. It just seemed odd that we had seen each other so many times but didn’t know each other’s name. "By the way, I'm Sarah," I said, with my hand extended. She gave me a warm and enthusiastic smile, shook my hand and told me that her daughter's name is Sarah. Her name is Mary. Since it was a beautiful fall day, we talked about how wonderful the crisp air is and how we are excited that the St. Louis humidity has relented. She said that she has regained her energy finally. She continued on to tell me that she had been undergoing chemo treatments this summer and how it had zapped her of all of her energy. But now, with this cool front coming in, she felt like a new person! Mary seemed welcoming to open conversation. So I asked her what kind of cancer she had been struggling with. She said that she has had breast cancer but they believe that they have removed it all. "What a blessing!" I said. "Wow… You are such a joyful person. I would have never guessed that you had been struggling with cancer. Where have you found your stability?" To my delight, she responded: "Prayer, screaming out loud in my barn and… prayer." I smiled and said, "That is awesome. God is so good. I will be praying for you too!" She said with a smile: "You are young to know so much about that already." I opened up with her as well and told her that I struggled with depression really bad in college… "But it was amazing how the Holy Spirit transformed me and brought me joy when it had seemed before that I had nothing to be joyful about. It is amazing to me to see how God can fully transform you." "You are right!" she said. "I couldn’t do it without God… He gives us so peace and joy and we don’t deserve it." I spent a few more minutes talking with Mary. She told me more about herself: She was once married to a Jewish man and part of the Jewish religion. And, now, she belongs to the local Catholic church. She joked and said: "My confirmation name was Mary as well. So now, I am Mary Mary!" She had a big grin on her face. I laughed with her. I truly sensed that, even with all that she has been through and is going through, Mary has the awareness that God has been with her always and is with her now. I will remember the information that Mary told me about herself so that I can build on our previous conversation and develop a friendship. I can’t wait to see her tomorrow and talk about God’s goodness even more and His presence in our lives. I will also keep her in my prayers as she continues to visit doctors and waits to hear how successful her cancer removal has been. Meaningful Conversation Starters The key to any meaningful conversation is listening. This statement seems cliché’; however, I am not talking about hearing, but rather listening to what clues a person gives you about him or herself – whether intentional or unintentional – during everyday chitchat. Religion, philosophy or spirituality plays a major role in each person’s worldview, whether they have experienced Christ, Christianity, or another religion or say to have no religious beliefs at all. Where a person stands on the topic of religion seems to – when you are listening – elevate to the surface in everyday conversation. And, when it does, you have an opportunity. You can either be prepared – with the Word and by being obedient to the Spirit’s calling – or you can choose to ignore the moment presented, tossing it aside and attributing it to mundane chitchat. For example, when I was speaking with Mary, the woman from my local Farmer’s Market, I recognized the importance of talking about God’s goodness through her illness at that time. However, I made a mental note of the other information she provided me about herself only briefly in passing. Even though the conversation was no more than three or four minutes in length, I learned about the significant chapters of Mary’s life by listening: She recently struggled with cancer; She prayed through her illness; She has a daughter named Sarah; She was once part of the Jewish religion; She is divorced; She belongs to the Catholic Church; She knows that God is with her. This is a lot of personal information that she entrusted to me. Next time I see her, I will have plenty of information to – gently and respectfully – start a conversation about in order to further develop this friendship. When you remember the information people provide you that are very close to their heart, they recognize that you care about them. This is a great opportunity. I may just start out by asking Mary how old her daughter, Sarah, is. I imagine that, since she proudly told me her name in the first place, she will proudly tell me her age, where she lives, what she does, if she’s married, if Mary has grandchildren, etcetera. Do you see how simple everyday chitchat – about the fall weather, in my case – can turn into meaningful conversations if you are willing and if you listen? (There are tips below to further encourage you in having a demeanor that attracts everyday conversation.) Forming relationships and building this trust overtime, fosters approachability and respect. What better place to have a Gospel-sharing conversation with someone? Do not underestimate the power of having meaningful answers to general questions as well. When someone asks you a question, use your answer as an opportunity to talk about God working in your life. Do not provide yes or no answers. If someone asks what you are up to this weekend, personalize your answer. If you have a church event or regular Sunday worship, take the opportunity to incorporate this into your answer. This just may spur a series of other questions leading up to the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Meaningful conversations are only a step away. Willingness, listening and genuine concern for others will assist you in engaging meaningful everyday conversations. Thought of the Day Am I Hitting My Head Against a Wall? Witnessing to a Family Member Have you tried witnessing to a family member? How was your experience? If it was like past experiences of mine, you've walked away - numerous times - with a feeling much like that of hitting your head against a wall. Why do I keep trying? You've probably tried kindness, persuasion, guilt, naivety, the appearance of apathy and so on. I have gone to one family member, in particular, with the same intention - to get him to go to church with me - using numerous tactics and strategies, most of which left me spitting teeth. Yet, the burden of his salvation continued to spur me on, no matter how painful. Have you been there? I imagine that, if you have a heart for evangelism, you have a family member or a close friend whose salvation drives you to a similar place. As Christians, there is often a family member we care so deeply for that, each time we think of their lack of faith, our heart breaks at the idea of missing them in heaven. And, quite honestly, when the results of your witnessing continue to seem unfruitful, it is easy to grow weary and hopeless. But, don't give up. It's not up to you. For years, I felt guilt about involving my brother with the partiers in college. I had introduced him to a more rebellious lifestyle, but when I left it, he stuck around - for years. I was so relieved to be away from a lifestyle that only brought me into depression. But, as I continued to watch him stick around, in hopelessness, my heart broke more and more every day. Not to mention my conscience couldn't let it go. It hurt me to see him all alone in a cold world, especially since I knew that he didn't have to be. I tried every tactic I could think of - all to no avail (or so I thought. God is planting seeds even when we are oblivious to it). Finally, I sensed that the Lord was telling me. "Stop." Stop?! I asked. How can I stop?! He's in pain and I have the cure!? I felt that God was telling me. "You can trust me with him. I love him. I love him even more than you love him. I made him. I've always known him and I have not forgotten him." I received this indescribable feeling. I needed to let go. I needed to recognize that God's timing is better than my timing. And, His power can permeate any heart. So, what did I do, you ask? I backed off. And, I prayed. I prayed and I prayed. (And, I still pray.) And, what God did was unexpected: He brought someone else into my brother's life that he would connect with, who would be a witness to him. And, now - although it took many years - we can have amazing spiritual conversations, about Christ's presence in our lives. We share what is now important to us both: God. I learned that God's love is even stronger than my love for my brother. His timing is the right timing. And, He is the one in power. He is capable of reaching that which we perceive as unobtainable. God is God and I am not. Please don't give up! God is good all the time! And, prayer is the most powerful and beneficial gift you can give a person. by Sarah Guldalian, Editor Thought of the Day "Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading." - Oswald Chambers A Note from the Editor: God is doing awesome things in the lives of His people! If you have a witnessing story or one of encouragement, please share this with us at equipping@lhm.org. Please contact us if you have a topic idea for an upcoming Equipping Newsletter as well. ==================================================================== Sharing the GospelGod has called every Christian to share
the Gospel: Teach Christ First: We should not get caught up in explaining denominational differences, but should instead focus on the cross of Christ. Tell the Truth with Gentleness and Respect: We cannot argue someone into the Kingdom of God. Be Vulnerable: When we share the Gospel we should share stories about our sinfulness and explain how God has forgiven us. Unbelievers won’t want to listen to the message if we come across as self-righteousness. Know the Unbelievers Worldview: A worldview is a set of assumptions through which people view the world. Unbelievers will disclose their ultimate allegiance (what’s most important to them) because that is what they will talk about frequently. If it’s their family we can speak about God the Father. Breaking the ice: Use non-confrontational questions that allow the unbeliever to tell about themselves without us telling them anything about the Gospel first. For instance we could ask a co-worker, "What do you think or know about Jesus?" Keep the Conversation Going: Our goal is not to win the argument, but instead to keep the lines of communication open with the unbeliever. Listen First: If we listen to somebody first they will listen to us. After listening be sure to ask permission to share the Gospel. Provide Services to those in Need: Helping the unbeliever with their physical needs will open the door to sharing the Gospel. Walk the Walk: How we live our lives will either give us credibility or make us hypocrites in the eyes of unbelievers. Understand Forgiveness: No sin is too big for God to forgive. We should freely forgive those who offend us. Holding grudges creates a foothold and a foothold leads to a stronghold for the Devil. Make Jesus Your Passion: We speak freely about the things we are passionate about. We should speak just as freely about Jesus. Pray: We should pray for discernment and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We should also pray for those we are witnessing to. Do Not Uses Church-ese: We should speak to unbelievers in terms they can understand. Watch out for Smoke Screens: Unbelievers will try to distract us from the central message, Jesus crucified. We should quickly address their question and re-focus on Jesus. Study the Word: We should have passages marked in our Bible in preparation for evangelism opportunities. We can effectively share the Gospel by having unbelievers read scripture to us. For instance Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God." Find out More: Attend a future Equipping to Share Workshop and visit www.lhm.org. May we each share the Gospel as if someone’s life depended on it; because it does. Mitch Hubbard
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