May 2013 - The Texas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

From
the president
Texas Messenger
Our certainty
by Rev. Ken Hennings, LCMS Texas District president
With so many dark things happening around
us, and with the moral direction of our own
country heading away from our Christian
values, many might experience doubts about the faith
and values we hold. At times we may even read the
Bible and wonder whether we are only reading an
ancient text that has little connection to what we experience
in our world today.
Similar questions must have been asked by the very
early church. A number of people had taken it upon
themselves to write or share something about Jesus.
Were all these accounts true Did Jesus actually do
the things some people were saying He did Who do
we believe and how do these
writings affect my faith and
certainty in Jesus
I have to admit that when
I read one of the Gospels
that includes the account of
Jesus’ birth, I usually rush
right to the events. But slowing
my readings of the Gospels
has given me joy and
certainty. A case in point is
the beginning of the Gospel
of Luke.
After reviewing all the
available material, Luke
writes a detailed account of the life of Jesus. Yes,
it was to help Theophilus, but I seldom applied the
opening verses of the Gospel of Luke to myself.
Luke 1:4 states, “that you may have certainty concerning
the things you have been taught.” No matter
whom you think Theophilus was, I think the name
refers to all Christians because Theophilus means
“friend of God” — Luke is saying to him that he can
have an absolute certainty about Jesus being the Savior
of the world. Luke will reveal in the Gospel the
true things about Jesus. Theophilus can be certain
that everything recorded in this Gospel is true and
took place. There were many things floating around in
Luke’s day about who Jesus
was and what He did.
Who had the truth Luke
writes to give an orderly
account about Jesus and
his writing has stood the
test of time.
Hennings
Throughout the history
of the Christian church, people and groups have
raised questions about Jesus. It is no different today,
but Luke’s testimony is something we can hang our
hats and our lives on. We confess that God moved
men by the Holy Spirit to write the books found in
the Bible. When there were
so many people saying different
things about Jesus,
God moved in Luke to write
down the truth about Jesus.
You and I know with
certainty that Jesus is our
Savior and Lord. You and I
can know with certainty that
Jesus’ death and resurrection
is the only sacrifice that
forgives sins completely and
ushers in eternal life. You
and I know with certainty
that Jesus is the Son of God,
and because we have this certainty we listen to Him
through His Word and share this certainty with others.
Hope your reading of the Gospels is uplifting and
encouraging to you!
MAY 2013 A

Staying
connected
Willingness to lose
by Rev. Dr. John Hirsch
director of Congregational and Worker Care
Most, if not all, of us hate losing, either individually
or as a team. This article is being
written in the midst of “March Madness,” the
time of year college basketball enthusiasts live for,
especially if their team is in the NCAA tournament.
As I have watched some of the games, after the game
ends, there is always one team celebrating and leaping
around while another sits despondent and forlorn
on the bench. The latter team lost and they did not
like it. They came to win, regardless of being the favorite
or not. They came to win and they failed.
When it comes to our religion and faith, we also
want to believe that we will ultimately be on the winning
side. We hope that when judgment day comes,
the Lord will stand there and say, “come into my
kingdom, good and faithful servant.” We want to be
found righteous and that our name is in the book of
life. That is just one “game” we do not want to lose
as it has eternal consequences. God does not want
us to lose either, so he reveals the process of salvation.
Paul writes in his letter to churches in Rome, “if
you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and
believe in your heart that God raised him from the
dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9).
Jesus summarized this confessing and believing in
these words, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and
whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt.
10:39). We are back to the matter of winning and losing
and Jesus is saying that to really win, we have to
lose all the stuff to which we normally cling, like:
n “I’m really a good person.”
n “I try to keep the commandments.”
n “I know I should commit all of my life to God,
but doesn’t God take care of those who take
care of themselves.”
We just don’t like losing, but Jesus said we must
lose our lives on his behalf in order to live lives of
total love.
When looking at research that sheds light on this
dilemma, the evidence is disheartening.
Most recently, it was found in five
experiments that people who were Hirsch
treated generously were not more likely
to be generous to others, while people who were
victims of others’ greed were more likely to be greedy
toward others. Greed begets greed, but generosity
does not beget generosity. Another major line of research
repeatedly shows that we give far more weight
to negative experiences than we do to positive ones.
It takes many positive experiences to overcome one
negative experience; hence the difficulty in putting
into practice the words of Jesus, “Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,” (Matt. 5:44).
Is our problem that we envy what others have,
which are temporary and fleeting (cars, houses,
money, exotic vacations, etc.), while not seeking that
which brings true life, joy and peace Do we not lament
with the psalmist, “For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For
they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat
and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they
are not stricken like the rest of mankind. Therefore
pride is their necklace” (Ps. 73:3-6a). Have we not
created a god of our making to be the god of our life
instead of letting the God of creation, redemption and
sanctification govern our lives As much as we say we
are Christian and a follower of Christ, do we still hope
we can do something to merit God’s grace
If so, go back and see what transformed the life
of the psalmist who wrote the previous lament. He
wrote, “But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into
the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end”
(Ps. 73:16-17). He lost it all when he walked into the
presence of the living God. That which was important
before was important no more. The idols of the manmade
world crumbled. In losing, he gained.
We too gain by losing. Walk daily in the presence of
God through prayer, worship, meditating on the Word,
receiving the Lord’s Supper and modeling those who
live the Christian life. Losing is living.
B TEXAS district

Missions
in Texas
Texas Messenger
Texas District
Mission News
by Rev. Jon Braunersreuther
Mission and Ministry facilitator, Area D
Real love
Braunersreuther
The popular author Jonathan Franzen believes
that the world of what he calls “techno-consumerism”
is troubled by real love and has no
choice but to cause distress for love in return.
Franzen notes that techno-consumerism would
have us believe that if we really love someone, we will
buy things (the “commodification” of love, he says).
Who of us has not seen the television commercials
depicting cars as Christmas presents (complete with
a big red bow on top) or implying that if you really
love your intended, nothing but a lavish wedding and
a large diamond, far beyond affordability, will do.
Then Franzen goes on to say, “A related phenomenon
is the transformation, courtesy of Facebook, of
the verb ‘to like’ from a state of mind to an action that
you perform with your computer mouse, from a feeling
to an assertion of consumer choice. And liking, in
general, is commercial culture’s substitute for
loving …
“But if you consider this in human terms, and you
imagine a person defined by a desperation to be liked,
what do you see You see a person without integrity,
without a center. In more pathological cases, you see
a narcissist — a person who can’t tolerate the tarnishing
of his or her self-image that not being liked represents,
and who therefore either withdraws from human
contact or goes to extreme, integrity-sacrificing
lengths to be likeable” (Author Jonathan Franzen,
commencement speech at Kenyon College, as quoted
in The Week magazine, July 15, 2011).
It is unclear to me, from my brief research on the
internet, whether Jonathan Franzen is a Christian or
not. But as Christians, we can certainly identify with
his words. Who of us has not been aghast at — and
perhaps even stung by — the superficiality of love in
our culture
It makes the Gospel that much sweeter, does it not
“In this is love, not that you loved God but that he
loved you and sent his son, a sacrifice (or ‘expiation’)
for (or ‘concerning’) your sins” (1 John 4:10,
personal translation from original Greek). The word
“sacrifice” (“expiation”) indicates that the guilt of our
sins was placed on Jesus as He died for our sins. That
is real love! Jesus himself said that no one can show
greater love than to die for his friends.
He died to redeem us from the tyranny of stuff and
the tyranny of self that Franzen spoke about. In Him,
our lives — our very selves — have real meaning. He
does not love us because of what we do or don’t have,
because of how likable we are or aren’t. He loves us
without condition, simply because we’re His. He died
to make that so!
There are 8 million people in Area D of the Texas
District (Houston metro area and surrounding counties),
the area I am called to serve. Three out of four
people in Area D, by best estimates, do not have a
saving relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and
Savior. One out of five may be in a worship service
of any kind during a typical week. The fullness of life
and the hope of eternal life elude those outside of the
grace of God in Jesus Christ. They have no idea of the
sweetness of the love of God that is theirs in Christ
Jesus. And they will not, unless we tell them.
Real love is ours — and is ours to share.
MAY 2013 C

Caring
and sharing
MIDLAND —Grace Lutheran Church, Midland, Team Lord’s Lambs
went to Peru Feb. 16-23 to conduct vacation Bible school (VBS)
for the children of Peru. Pictured above are the leaders along with
some of the VBS students and helpers. Each VBS had between 40
and 60 students in attendance. Pictured at right, the team members
were, from left, Lauren Schwalbach, Margie Norton, Hannah Eaton,
Carol Massie and Emily Griffith.
ATHENS — St. John
Lutheran Church,
Athens, quilters shown
here have caring hands
as they completed 20
quilts for Lutheran World
Relief. These quilters
worked from October
to March. The quilts
were packed and taken
to Dallas to be sent to
people who need the
warmth and comfort
that a quilt gives.
BAGS A-PLENTY — Stella Etherington, left, secretary at JOY Lutheran
Church, Houston, and Betty Street stand outside The Purple Ribbon Resale
Shop. The proceeds from this shop benefit Betty’s Haven, an abused
women’s shelter that Street runs in Channelview. In the picture, Etherington
gives Street 60 bags that she cut and sewed together from donated
fabric and filled with toiletry items brought to JOY from caring people.
Inside each bag are toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, lotions, soap,
shampoos and conditioners — the kinds of items women leave behind in
their hurry to escape life-threatening situations. Each woman who arrives
at the shelter now receives a bag as a welcome gift. Etherington is
still collecting items to make more bags. In 2012, 200 women made their
way to Betty’s Haven, many times with their children. Please pray that all
women who are fleeing the dangerous nature of abuse will find safety at
the shelter and the chance to begin their lives anew.
D TEXAS district

This
and that
Texas Messenger
Salem Lutheran School, Tomball,
began the school year with
one-to-one laptop project
Music marathon
On Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, the music ministry of
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, held a 12-hour
“Music Marathon” to raise money for Lutheran Social
Services of the South’s (LSS) Nelson Children’s
Ministries. From 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., performers and
audiences rotated in and out, performing and hearing
a variety of music from vocalists, pianists, organists,
guitarists and even a steel drummer.
A highlight for many of the children and adults was
an 1875 pump organ demonstrated by a neighborhood
musician and played by many of the keyboardists.
Lord of Life’s elders had issued a challenge matching
grant of $1,000, but more than $1,600 was collected
during the fundraiser. More than $2,600 was sent to
LSS as they prepare to build a new facility for abused
children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Pat Montalbo, a participant in the church’s music
ministry, coordinated the music marathon with Benjamin
Kolodziej, organist and director of worship.
Steve
McEwin, SLS
director of
technology, is
pictured with
students in
technology
class.
Salem Lutheran School (SLS), Tomball, a National
Blue Ribbon School, began its school year with a
record enrollment of 470 students in kindergarten
through eighth grade and 175 children in its early
childhood program. New this year was a one-to-one
laptop project. More than 200 students in fifth through
eighth grades received MacBook Air laptops to use
in class and for homework. Students in kindergarten
through fourth grade use MacBook laptops, iPads and
iPods in special technology classes as well as during
their regular classroom instruction time.
“The goal is the integration of 21st century skills
for today’s learner” said Steve McEwin, SLS director
of technology. “The students are able to use the
latest technology to carry out research and to create
multimedia projects.” Social studies teacher Dave
Boldt is teaching a geography class that is completely
online this year. “I am looking forward to the students
being excited about using their MacBook Airs for
this class,” Boldt said. “They no longer need to carry
textbooks back and forth. The Internet allows them to
access multimedia knowledge in a way that will truly
enhance their learning experience.”
“The laptops make school more interesting,” seventh-grade
student Breanna Lauder said. “We are able
to be more organized.”
Dr. Mary Beth Gaertner, director of Educational
Ministries and National Distinguished Principal of the
Year, attributes SLS’s enrollment record to its mission
to educate tomorrow’s leaders. “We are truly achieving
our mission,” she said. “We are empowering a
generation of leaders. God brings us kids with huge
potential and we are able to help them achieve their
academic and leadership goals.”
MAY 2013 E

Happenings
in Texas
FREDERICKSBURG — In appreciation
of the winter Texans who worship
during the cold months with
the members of Resurrection, Fredericksburg,
a chili cookoff is held
each year. Chili cookoff participants
are shown with the winners who
receive a “golden spoon.” The 2013
winner is the Rev. Willis McCall (far
left) and the 2012 winner is Delphine
Morrison (front row center).
Everyone enjoys their fellowship
with the winter Texans.
UHLAND — On Oct. 26, 2012, the consecration
of David L. Goeke (center front)
as licensed deacon of St. John Lutheran
Church, Uhland, took place. Participants
are, from left, (front row) the Rev. Paul
Goeke, Timothy Goeke, Deacon David
Goeke, the Rev. Aaron Goeke and the
Rev. Ray Martens. Back row, Weldon Mersiovsky,
the Rev. Steve Fick, LCMS Texas
District Mission and Ministry Facilitator,
Area C, the Rev. Mike Newman, the Rev.
Roger Hotopp and the Rev. Mel Newman.
UHLAND — On Feb. 24, these new
members were received into the
church family of St. John, Uhland.
They are (pictured with Deacon David
Goeke), from left, Aviana Burkepile
Becky Burkepile, Mike Burkepile, Karen
Ramero, Goeke, Rocky Ramero and Tim
Holt.
F TEXAS district

More
happenings in Texas
Texas Messenger
ORANGE — On Nov. 6, 2012,
the Rev. Thomas Haas completed
his studies and two
years of vicarage at Grace,
Orange, in the Specific Ministry
Pastor (SMP) program at
Concordia Theological Seminary
(CTS), Fort Wayne, Ind.
Pictured are, front row, from
left, Dr. Lawence Rast Jr. CTS
president, the Rev. Thurman
Frey, Haas and the Rev. Wayne
Graumann, chairman, CTS
board of regents. Middle row,
the Revs. Jeffrey Mueller,
Joseph Atwater and Daniel
Ramthun. Back row, the Rev.
Dr. Paul Grime, dean of the
chapel; the Rev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher II, dean of pastoral education; and the Rev. Bill Johnson, director of
distance learning. Haas is part of the first class of SMP students at CTS. The SMP program is a distance
education program designed to meet the need to train pastors in context for ministry and mission opportunities
in the church.
Joy Lutheran Church, Houston
HOUSTON — On Dec. 23, 2012, at JOY Lutheran Church,
Houston, Grayson Paige Etherington was made a child of
God in her Baptism. Shown are from left, Tanya Dikeman,
Jamie Etherington (holding daughter Grayson), Darren
Etherington (father), Ryan Potter and Joy’s pastor, the Rev.
John Raddatz, who baptized Grayson.
HOUSTON — On Dec. 30, 2012, Christian
Avery Craig was held by his father,
Alex as the Rev. John Raddatz baptized
him at JOY Lutheran Church, Houston.
Christian’s mother, Jo Dee Craig, looked
on as their child was made a child of God
through Baptism.
MAY 2013 G

Texas Partners
in Mission
Providing direct support to Texas Partners in Mission
Twenty-two LCMS Texas District congregations provided more than $36,000 in support
for mission outreach through direct gifts to Texas Partners in Mission in 2012. Praise God
for these faithful partners! Not pictured is St. Paul, Thorndale.
Word of Life, Schertz Lord of Life, Plano St. Paul, Kingsville Divine Savior, Devine
Lamb of God,
Flower Mound
Beautiful Savior, Austin St. Paul, George West Our Savior, Abilene
Christ Our Savior,
Lago Vista
Our Redeemer, Irving St. Paul, Bishop Cristo El Salvador,
Del Rio
Bethany, Austin Holy Cross, Warda Hosanna, Kerrville Hope, Austin
Zion, Abilene Faith, Huntsville Mount Olive, San Antonio St. John, Lariat Redeemer, Cisco
Church Extension Fund’s 125 percent match continues
The LCMS Texas District’s Church Extension Fund is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. During
this anniversary year, their 100PLUS1 matching program becomes “125PLUS1.” When a donor makes a gift of
$1,000 or more to Texas Partners in Mission, and the donor makes a new investment in the Church Extension
Fund of $5,000 or more, CEF will match the gift by 125 percent and give the donor a 1 percent bonus on the
interest rate of a fixed-rate investment. What a blessing and win-win for missions and God’s people in Texas.
To make a special gift of any size, send checks to Texas Partners in Mission, LCMS Texas District, 7900 East
Highway 290, Austin, TX 78724 or call 800-951-3478. If you would like to participate in the special 125PLUS1
program, call the CEF office at 888-951-1233. You can also reach Michael Fuchs at 817-368-4438 or
michaelfuchs@txdistlcms.org.
H TEXAS district

Our
awesome youth
Texas Messenger
Outdoor education for students in
third and fourth grade at Faith, Plano
On Nov. 2, 2012, Collin County Adventure Camp in Anna was the site for outdoor education for students
from Faith, Plano. The day’s educational adventure began with the rock-climbing wall. Under the watchful
supervision of camp personnel, students tried scaling the heights and rappelling down again, according to
Faith Lutheran School teacher Cheryl Wildauer of Allen. This was followed by some team-building games that
required strategy and dexterity.
After lunch, students hiked to an area sectioned off into four stations where they met historical characters
— a cowboy, a pioneer, an Indian and a soldier. Students not only heard narratives from each of these characters,
but were guided through hands-on experiences such as making butter and archery.
“At the conclusion of the day, students appeared unanimous that this was indeed time well spent in the great
outdoors” added Wildauer.
Grand Champion winner
FREDERICKS-
BURG — On
Saturday, Feb. 16,
Amy Heimann of
Fredericksburg
competed at the
San Antonio Livestock
Exposition
in the Individual
Food Challenge.
She advanced to
the final round
and won Grand
Champion, recieving
a scholarship
from the Stock
Show. Heimann is a member of Resurrection,
Fredericksburg.
BOWIE — Making their confirmation of faith on Feb. 3
were nine youth of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Bowie.
Pictured with the Rev. Larry Knobloch are, from left,
(front row) Alecia Wilson, Amanda Wilson and Shelby
Horton; (middle row) Maddie Kurz, Hattie Hammer,
Lauren Gill and Marli Moeller; (back row) Deagan
Kurz, Knobloch and Mary Atkinson.
MAY 2013 I

Ties
that bind
These Lutheran
friends of yours
recently celebrated
or will celebrate wedding
anniveraries of 50 years
or more. All are members
of LCMS Texas District
congregations.
❤❤
St. Paul, Serbin:
Gladys and Charles Arldt,
57 years, Jan 1. Monroe
and Verna Becker, 59
years, Jan 3. Ted and
Adele Schulze, 61 years,
Jan. 12. Walter and Laverne
Gersch, 57 years,
April 15.
❤❤
Trinity, San Angelo:
Melvin and Betty
Eckerman, 68 years, Feb.
3. Roger and Sally
Howell Sr., 50 years, Feb.
23.
❤❤
St. Paul, The Grove:
Aubrey and Dorothy
Richter, 62 years, March
3.
❤❤
St. Paul, Waco: Doyle
and Dorthy White, 51
years, May 19.
❤❤
Beautiful Savior,
Houston: Joe and Doris
Nagy, 66 years, May 25.
❤❤
67 YEARS — Ray and
Magdaline Schiller will
celebrate 67 years of
marriage June 9. Their
church home is
Redeemer, Austin.
55 YEARS — Weldon and
Norma Hand will be married
55 years May 10.
They are members of St.
Paul, Waco.
50 YEARS — Jimmy
and Delores Gonzales
celebrated 50 years of
marriage Dec. 23, 2012.
They are members of
Christ Redeemer, La-
Porte.
58 YEARS — Luther
and Aleta Bakenhus
celebrated 58 years
of marriage Nov. 6. On
Christmas Eve Luther
surprised Arleta with
a wedding renewal
ceremony in front of
their Beautiful Savior,
Houston, congregation
members and her entire
family.
60 YEARS — Gerry
and Nancy Kern were
blessed with 60 years of
marriage March 1. They
are members of
Bethany, Austin.
50 YEARS — Frank and
Judy Arldt will celebrate
50 years of marriage
May 18. They are
members of Redeemer,
Austin.
50 YEARS — Glenn and
Kathryn Wehring were
blessed with 50 years of
marriage Dec. 22, 2012.
They are members of
Grace, Brenham, where
they were married.
J TEXAS district

More ties
that bind
Texas Messenger
51 YEARS — James and
Carolyn Hart celebrated
51 years of marriage
Dec. 25, 2012. They are
members of Water of
Life, Forney.
50 YEARS — Bob and
Darlene Cates were
blessed with 50 years of
marriage Jan. 11. Their
church home is Water of
Life, Forney.
50 YEARS — Emory and
Suzanne Smith were
blessed with 50 years of
marriage Aug. 6, 2012.
They are members of
Water of Life, Forney.
Send your news
Send photos, stories and newsletters
for The Lutheran Witness to
Texas Messenger, LCMS Texas District,
7900 E. Highway 290, Austin, TX 78724-2499
Email address: texmess@txdistlcms.org
Please be sure all photos sent electronically are in color and 300 dpi
(high resolution) JPEG files.
Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, where The Texas Messenger is printed,
requires two months lead time for each issue.
Send your news to us well in advance, if possible.
MAY 2013 K

School
ministry
Celebrating God’s creation through the classroom
by Dr. Bill Hinz, director of School Ministry
On Friday, March 8, Redeemer
Lutheran School, Austin, acknowledged
the 40-plus years of
devotion and service by its first
principal, Norm Stuemke, and
his wife, Dor, during a ceremony
dedicating the new Outdoor Science
and Nature Classroom in
their honor.
Norm also was the first teacher
of Redeemer Lutheran School.
His single room classroom contained
students from first through
sixth grade. Dor joined him soon
afterward as a first grade teacher,
and together they helped Redeemer
Lutheran School grow
and blossom. Their contributions
have continued into retirement. They also take pride
in outdoor education, and together with Dr. Joe Frost,
an expert in child development and play from the
University of Texas, they helped Redeemer Lutheran
School become a front-runner in the study of children’s
play.
The Rainbow Room and Nature Gardens are used
as a teaching center
for Concordia
University Texas,
the National Wildlife
Federation, the
Hinz
National Junior
Master Gardener program and the
University of Texas. In addition to
the classroom teaching, more than
20 scouts have achieved Eagle
Scout ranking through nature garden
projects.
Redeemer’s environmental education
program is financially selfsupporting
and has received more
than 17 recognitions, including
grants and awards, since the first
garden began in 2002.
“Cuttings” plants propagated by students are donated
to begin other school gardens. Proceeds from
sales have been used to help Nature Conservancy’s
Rainforest Habitat “Adopt An Acre” program, the
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico, Concordia’s
Friesenhahn Cave research and Nature Gardens
maintenance.
GARDENS — Third-grade students Mallory Green
and Thomas Prause prepare to water the gardens.
Upcoming event
Mark your calendars for the 2013 Summer Administrators’ Conference being held July 22-24 at
Concordia University Texas, Austin. Keynote speakers will include Steve Dinger, Head of School, Bakersfield
Christian School; Dr. Don Christian, Dean of Business College, Concordia University Texas, Austin,
and Chris Hahn, Headmaster, Prince of Peace Christian School, Carrollton.
L TEXAS district

CAN-DO Missions
Concordia — Texas
Texas Messenger
I’m writing this article
in the London airport as
we return from our first
Ghana, West Africa mission
trip. Getting to Ghana
was quite adventurous.
Two of our team members,
Katie Muecke and
Susan Gastler, had to have
their passports expedited.
Even though they paid
extra fees, the company
didn’t provide quick delivery
as promised. Knowing
that we still had to obtain
visas in order to get into
the country, we tried
tracking Muecke’s passport
and finally got some action. So we paid the extra
fees again and expedited her visa application.
Gastler lives in Maryland, about 30 miles from the
Ghana embassy in Washington D.C. Even though she
lives so close and hoped to personally deliver her visa
application, that wasn’t an option. So she paid the extra
fees to expedite her visa using a delivery service.
The day she completed the application, Satan kept
trying to discourage her. The address from the letter
of invitation was difficult to read, the printer didn’t
work, she went to the wrong place to ship it, the
money order store wouldn’t take a debit card and the
overnight delivery didn’t arrive until three days later.
The week before the trip we had no visas from the
eight applications we sent in. Six of the visas came
three days before departure. We received word that
Muecke’s visa would arrive the day before we left and
praise God it did.
Gastler’s visa seemed nowhere to be found, and
after two years of no significant snowfall, the day before
we left brought snow that closed school (where
Desperate measures
by Pat Fick, CAN-DO director
GHANA — Mission team members are, from left
(front row) Allison Beck, Emilie Finke and Katie
Muecke; (middle row) Amanda Bounds, Rebecca
King, Shelby Perkins and Susan Gastler. Pat Fick is
in center back row.
her visa was delivered)
and the Ghana embassy
was closed for Ghana Independence
Day. It wasn’t
looking good. However,
Gastler’s personal morning
devotion the day
before we left was from
Luke 1:37, “For nothing
will be impossible with
God,” and God woke
me up in the middle of
the night with the same
message, “Nothing is too
difficult for me. Everything
is possible for he
who believes!” After an
intense day of trying to
track down her visa, she was able to pick it up from
the shipping company one hour before they closed.
Whew!
It took some desperate measures to get this trip on
the road. It kind of reminds me that Jesus took desperate
measures to save us, His enemies — temptation
in the wilderness, agony in the garden, scourging,
mocking, a rigged trial and finally a cruel death on the
cross. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but
that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation
for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Maybe we should
take desperate measures to share His love with the
world!
By the way, before we even got to start our project
in Ghana, we missed a connecting flight in London, arrived
a day late and then lost the transmission in our
rental van. Life is exciting when you are serving our
awesome Savior! God was with us through it all and
was glorified!
Let’s take desperate measures to share the
love of Jesus with the world!
Donations for CAN-DO Missions are always welcome!
Make checks payable to Concordia University, with “CAN-DO Missions” in the memo line.
Send to: CAN-DO Missions
11400 Concordia University Drive, Austin, TX 78726
or call 512-313-4332 to donate via credit card.
Donations may also be made through the website: can-do.concordia.edu
MAY 2013 M

Lutheran Outdoors
Ministry of Texas (LOMT)
Did I miss it
by Keith Lund, LOMT executive director
“Did I miss it” was the shout coming down the hall
of the retreat center at Camp Lone Star during a recent
family reunion. I had asked the 10-year-old guest
to help me with the Sunday morning devotion I was
scheduled to lead with the family. He and his parents
had overslept and he was worried he had missed it.
I was particularly moved by his worry because
when I had asked him to help with the devotion,
his response was, “Devotion, what’s that” And that
opened the door for me to share what a devotion
is and the Gospel message of how God our Father
loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son
to live, die for our sins and rise again. I also shared
that through faith in Him we can live forever. He was
more than eager to help me share that message with
his whole family through an object lesson, Scripture,
litany, prayers and a song. He proved to be an excellent
helper.
Camp Lone Star staff takes advantage of the relationships
built with retreat guests, event participants,
directed event campers and visitors as we serve congregations
and churches, families, youth groups, quilt
guilds, business meetings, workshops and even MS
Bike-a-thon riders. Each group offers a new opportunity
to share the story of the Good News of Jesus
Christ. That is especially true through our summer
program where the counselors witness one-on-one
with campers through the intentional Christian community
of the camp setting.
This family reunion group was visiting Camp Lone
Star for the first time. Though they arrived with “local
motel” expectations, they left renewed in their faith
and having heard the Gospel message.
Camp Lone Star:
2016 Camp Lone Star Road
La Grange, TX 78945
Email: lonestar@lomt.com
Phone: 800-362-2078
To Contact Lutheran
Outdoors Ministry of Texas:
P.O. Box 457
La Grange, TX 78945
Email: lomt@lomt.com
Phone: 979-968-1657
Don’t let your family miss spending
time at camp!
In addition to a variety of summer camp sessions
for youth ages 5-18, Camp Lone Star also has three
Family Camp offerings this summer — one is during
the Fourth of July holiday.
Family Camp includes a balance of activities
scheduled with other family campers and time setaside
for just your family.
Campfires, s’mores, canoeing and
hikes can be a part of your family’s
summer memories for years
to come. Housing varies with just
one family per room or cabin. Bedding
is provided for all of our family
campers.
Camp dates are June 14-16, June 28-30 and July
3-5.
And my 10-year-old assistant He found the LOMT
Summer Family Camp brochure and was working
hard on mom and dad to return to camp as a family
this summer to learn and grow more.
Upcoming events
June 9-Aug. 9 — Summer camp sessions
Space is still available in summer sessions.
(Space for girls in Discovery is sold out;
Week 8 has limited availability.) Full session
descriptions, availability, cost information and
registration forms are available online.
July 28—Annual barbecue
Visit www.LOMT.com for directed
event updates, for more information or
to register for an event. We can also help
you or your organization with retreats,
conferences or planning meetings.
N TEXAS district

Lutheran
Social Services
Texas Messenger
The measure of a year: What LSS accomplished in 2012
by Dr. Kurt Senske, chief executive officer, Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc.
This past year, as with every year of the last 13 decades, LSS served the most
vulnerable members of society. Of those we served, 96 percent are low income or
impoverished. Through providing innovative, quality Christian care and adapting to
the needs of our clients, we strive to strengthen lives, families and communities.
Every year, to help convey the scope of our services and who they touch, we
compile a list of what our agency has achieved. The numbers tell quite a story!
What they don’t tell is the sheer volume of hard work and loyal support of our volunteers,
donors and a statewide staff of more than 800 individuals who make all of
it possible.
Thank you for your support and prayers which enabled us to serve more than
25,000 individuals in just one year. Your continued support will allow us to serve
an even greater number in 2013. Following is our 2012 list of accomplishments. We
are grateful that we have been given the opportunity to serve so many in need.
Senske
2012 at a glance
Children’s Services:
• 1,913 children were provided foster care in 15 communities across Texas — Amarillo, Austin, Conroe/The
Woodlands, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Laredo, Lubbock, McAllen, Mesquite, Robstown,
San Antonio, Tyler and Victoria.
• 445 formerly abused children, ages 11-17, were served at two residential treatment centers, Krause
Children’s Center, Katy, and New Life Children’s Center, Canyon Lake.
• 557 child refugees were served at Bokenkamp Emergency Shelter, Corpus Christi.
• 228 child refugees were provided transitional foster care in El Paso.
• 107 Texas children were adopted through the LSS domestic adoption program.
• 69 children from countries such as China, Korea, Ethiopia, Colombia, India, Russia, Uganda, Ukraine, the
Philippines, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Taiwan were adopted through the LSS international adoption
program in partnership with other international adoption agencies.
• 4,545 volunteers served at New Life, Krause, Bokenkamp and fundraising events.
• 40 New Orleans foster youth were served by BeREAL, a mentoring program for teens “aging out” of the
Louisiana foster care system. Staff members made 1,412 visits with youth, and mentors and volunteers
logged 586 hours serving youth.
• 1,084 students were served at Trinity Charter Schools during the 2011-2012 school year.
Senior Services:
• 989 older adults are residents of LSS senior living options, ranging from independent living to skilled
nursing and memory care, in Houston, Brenham, Victoria, Round Rock and Lubbock.
Services for Families in Crisis:
• 10,294 individuals were provided emergency assistance with rent, utilities, prescriptions and other basic
needs at Neighborhood House in Lubbock. More than 127,000 pounds of food and hygiene products were
distributed.
• 1,668 individual patients were served during 8,121 visits through Health For Friends Clinic in Lubbock.
LSS Disaster Response:
• About 150 families were given emergency disaster assistance in Texas and Louisiana (wildfires, floods,
tornadoes, hurricanes).
• Gave funding for rebuilding/unmet needs to more than 30 families in Bastrop and Spicewood.
• Aided more than 300 farm families suffering drought/wildfires through Haylift to Texas.
• Helped repair/rebuild more than 60 homes in Bastrop.
• Coordinated about 1,900 volunteers for nearly 53,000 volunteer hours.
• Total clients served were 540 families and 1,458 individuals.
MAY 2013 O

Lutheran
Foundation of Texas
2012
in review
by Brian D. Hamilton, LFOT chief financial officer
Hamilton
Building on the “RESULTS” theme of last
month’s article, I thought it appropriate to
share some additional information regarding
the performance of Lutheran Foundation of Texas in
2012. What appears below is an excerpt from our latest
Annual Report; the full version of which can be
found on our website, www.LFOT.org.
“The Foundation was tremendously blessed in 2012
in spite of continuing volatility in the investment markets,
uncertainty in the economy overall, and a stream
of political spectacles sufficient for multiple lifetimes.
The most notable form of blessing was seen in our
assets under management, which grew from $36 million
to $42 million during the year. Put another way,
the Foundation grew in size by more than 16 percent.
That’s a little more than the 2012 return of the S&P
500 Stock Index and significantly more than the U.S.
Gross Domestic Product. Thanks be to God!
“We now manage 431 accounts and throughout
the year received several major gifts to existing accounts.
One newly opened account is among the largest
individual gifts ever received by the Foundation.
While lingering economic uncertainty continues to
take its toll on the growth of our account volume, we
are amazed by the desire and ability of God’s people
to give generously. Many of these gifts were planned
years ago. Through the donors’ faith and God’s bountiful
provision, the Foundation prospered in 2012
beyond anyone’s imagination. Another encouraging
statistic is that voluntary giving to existing trusts and
endowments grew by 28 percent as compared to the
amount received in 2011. We view this as another sign
that economic conditions are beginning to improve.
“The Foundation’s two fixed income investment
funds performed rather well in 2012. Our flagship
Fixed Income Fund returned a robust 6.96 percent on
an after-fee basis, above its benchmark index by 3.07
percent. Our Higher-Yield Fund also generated an impressive
total return of 13 percent.
“Distributions made by the Foundation in 2012 were
$2 million, still short of the record $2.1 million we
distributed in 2010. U.S. fiscal policies that continue
to keep interest rates on fixed income investments at
historic lows have certainly impacted our ability to
distribute to ministries. However, the 2012 growth of
the Foundation’s managed assets should have a counterbalancing
effect. We expect continued growth of
distributions in 2013.”
How can I participate in sharing God’s blessings
through the Foundation
Our recently-upgraded website contains a Resources
tab that explains in simple terms a variety of
planned giving options. One or more of them may be
right for your particular situation. Contact our office
at 800-880-3733 to speak with one of our gift planners
who stand ready to help you with your part in expanding
God’s glorious kingdom.
Thanks
be to God
for his inexpressible gift
(2 Cor. 9:15)!
Brian Hamilton is a Certified Public Accountant and
serves as Chief Financial Officer for Lutheran Foundation
of Texas. LFOT is not licensed by the Texas State
Board of Public Accountancy to practice public accountancy,
nor does it provide legal, tax, or financial advice.
We encourage you to seek the advice of your own legal,
tax or financial professionals in connection with planning
and gifting matters. This communication is not
intended or written to be used to avoid tax-related penalties.
P TEXAS district

Texas Church
Extension Fund
Texas Messenger
Come join the 125th CEF anniversary celebration!
Texas CEF matches gifts 125 percent through 125PLUS1
by Bill Siegrist, director of Marketing and Training, Texas District Church Extension Fund
Since 1888, the Texas Church Extension Fund has been supporting the growth of Lutheran churches and
schools throughout the LCMS Texas District. Texas CEF is celebrating 125 years of ministry. We invite you to
join us in the celebration! During this anniversary year, CEF’s matching of gifts to Texas Partners in Mission
has increased to 125 percent. PLUS, you receive a 1 percent increase on the interest rate of a new fixed rate
investment.
100PLUS1 over the years
• Texas CEF launched 100PLUS1 in 1996.
• The two-fold purpose: Encourage new investments
in Texas CEF. And encourage donations to
Texas Partners in Mission (TPIM).
• Since 1996, more than $1,371,000 has been
matched to TPIM, designated specifically for new mission
planting.
• Since 1996, more than $20,172,000 in new investments
in Texas CEF has been recieved through
100PLUS1.
• In 2013, for the 125th Anniversary observance,
Texas CEF announces a new investment offering for
one year, 125PLUS1.
Join in the 125th Anniversary celebration
through 125PLUS1
Step 1: Open a new fixed rate account with the
Church Extension Fund of $5,000 or more.
Step 2: Make a gift to Texas Partners in Mission of
at least $1,000 or more.
The benefits of Texas CEF 125PLUS1
First, CEF will add 1 percent to the fixed investment
rate of return (1-, 3- and 5-year notes).
Second, CEF will increase (match) your gift to
Texas Partners in Mission by 125 percent.
The gift amount to Texas Partners in Mission must
equal at least 10 percent of the amount of your new
CEF investment.
Join the anniversary celebration
through your partnership in 100PLUS1.
Call the CEF office at 888-951-1233. You
can also contact Michael Fuchs, development
director, Texas Partners in Mission,
at 817-368-4438 or michaelfuchs@
txdistlcms.org.
Remember ... your CEF investments
and gifts to the CEF Capital Fund will
Fuchs
strengthen future Texas Lutheran congregations to
reach the lost, disciple the saved and care for people
— locally and globally.
For more information contact
Texas District Church Extension Fund
Bill Siegrist
7900 E. Highway 290, Austin, TX 78724
888-951-1233 • 512-646-1233
bill@texascef.org • www.texascef.org
Siegrist
MAY 2013 Q

Lone Star
District LLL
The Rev. Tim Radkey,
Our Savior Lutheran Church, McKinney,
is Lone Star District LLL’s new pastoral advisor
The Rev. Tim Radkey grew up in Carrollton.
His family were members of Holy Cross,
Dallas, and then Prince of Peace, Carrollton,
where his family remain members.
Tim graduated from the University of North
Texas in 1996 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts
and Sciences degree in Organizational Behavioral
Management (he minored in psychology).
In March 1998, Tim married Lea Ann
and in 2004 they were given the joy of their life, Claire
Radkey. He also served in the Army Reserve from
1991 to 1999.
Tim was installed as senior pastor of Our Savior
Lutheran Church, McKinney, on Jan. 6. Tim graduated
from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 2002 and
became the senior pastor of Hope Lutheran Church,
Lubbock. While serving Hope, Tim was humbled to
have published a number of video Bible studies for
the Men’s NetWork with Lutheran Hour Ministries. He
also has some pieces published through Concordia
Publishing House. Radkey has graduated from the
Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) and also did PLI
Governance and Executive Training (PLI GET). Tim
also enjoys his service on the Board of Missions for
the LCMS Texas District and the mission work he continues
to lead in Uganda.
Hope Lutheran Church sponsors a village in Uganda
and has constructed and runs a primary school in Bufuula,
Uganda. Radkey also works with the Lutheran
Church Mission in Uganda (LCMU) and is leading an
effort to begin a Higher Learning Center that will produce
pastors, teachers and nurses. An endowment has
been established for this effort. These graduates also
will be missionaries through their vocation as they return
to their communities.
Radkey enjoys time with his family, reading, leading
men’s retreats and CrossFit. He is a Level 1 certified
trainer for CrossFit and uses this as an opportunity to
reach a rapidly growing subculture with the love of
Jesus.
Radkey says, “Jesus is the Word. The Word is Jesus.
To love Jesus is to love His Word, to be in His Word
and to live out His Word.”
Radkey was the first contributing author of Lutheran
Hour Ministries’ popular Men’s NetWork DVD Bible
Radkey
studies. Following are Pastor Radkey’s description
of two of his Men’s NetWork Bible studies.
He Who Dies with the Most Toys Still
Dies
This Men’s NetWork Bible study aims to help
us better understand the quest we find ourselves
on in this life. Almost all men are on a
journey to find significance, to achieve more,
and to come to terms with their identities.
These pursuits are intermingled. At times they feed
upon each other; at other times they play off of each
other. It is the goal of these five sessions to bring a
Biblical perspective to our pursuits and to submit
them to the new identity that is ours in Christ Jesus.
While this Bible study may make you laugh, it is my
hope it helps each of us seriously contemplate our
path in life and realign our thinking with God’s Word.
The subject of men’s toys (i.e. their possessions,
achievements, home, family, etc.) is something all
men can relate to. In the end, neither our toys nor our
success are wrong to pursue. Rather, it’s a matter of
prioritizing things God’s way. Enjoy the ride; it’s going
to be a great one!
Home Run King
This men’s Bible study aims to weave two passions
into one. The first is a passion for the game of baseball
— America’s time-honored pastime. The second
is a passion for growing into the husband, father and
spiritual leader God has called all men to be. It is our
prayer this Men’s NetWork Bible study will awaken
men to consider their God-given calling as husbands,
as fathers, or, as the case may be, as single men, who
will one day be leading their own families for God.
The purpose of this study is to give you the opportunity
to discuss your various roles with other men,
enjoy some baseball moments, relive your younger
years, and prepare you to rejoice in the forgiveness
and fresh start God gives you in Christ each and every
day. The church and family are in desperate need of
faithful and dedicated men who are willing to step up
to the proverbial plate and grow into the leaders God
has fashioned them to be — even as they serve their
families and promote the work of His kingdom.
R TEXAS district

LWML
Texas District Messenger news
Young women ready to serve
by Trish Kelm, chairman, Committee on Young Women, LWML Texas District
Kelm
The Committee on Young Women
is proud to announce our new LWML
Texas District Young Women Representatives
for 2013-2015:
Colleen Hildebrandt is president of Prince of
Peace LWML at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,
Carrollton. Colleen has been active in LWML since becoming
a Zone Young Women Representative (ZYWR)
for the Dal-North zone in 2008. She loves the missional
focus of LWML and enjoys developing new ways to
get young women involved. After being a teacher for
four years, Colleen now works full-time for Lutheran
Inner-City Network Coalition (LINC) North Texas.
Supporting her in this is her husband, Ryan, along
with their two sons, Miles and Logan.
Abby Faske is a member of Dorcas Circle at
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bishop. Abby has grown
up around the LWML her whole life and is excited to
start living and creating her own LWML memories.
Although she lives far from her home congregation,
Abby tries to remain as involved as she can. This
year she has taken on the endeavor of coordinating
vacation Bible school. She loves working with young
children, which is why she is an elementary school
teacher. She believes that children are the future, just
like young women and teens are the future of the
LWML. She relies and takes comfort in
knowing that God will use her abilities
and talents to bring more women into
this organization. Abby is currently
teaching fourth grade at Creek View
Elementary, College Station.
Our District Young Women Representatives
(DYWRs) will be attending
Hildebrandt
the National LWML convention in
Pittsburgh in June. They will attend
the convention meetings with LWML
Texas District President Lois Teinert
and will spend time getting to know
the other DYWRs in special sessions
designed for them. Colleen and Abby
are excited to experience the Pittsburgh
convention, as this will be a first
Faske
LWML national convention for both of
them. They are looking forward to sharing with zones
and societies after they return.
We would like to thank Whitney Lee and Jennifer
Frosch (DYWRs, 2011-2013) for their faithful service.
Many young women’s lives were touched and encouraged
by their presentations over the last two years.
Mighty mites
PRESENTATION — Debbie Curry, vice president
of Gospel Outreach (right) presented a check for
$1,800 to Helen Mitschke who serves on the Board
of Directors of Refuge of Hope Pregnancy Resource
Center in Corpus Christi. This mission grant will
be used to purchase curriculum and materials to
provide pregnant women in the surrounding rural
areas of Corpus Christi with counseling, care and
the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they
have made the God-pleasing decision to keep and
nurture their babies.
MAY 2013 S

LWML District news
Around the district
FLOWER MOUND — The Lamb of God LWML recently offered a quilt
to the congregation to raise money to purchase batting to fill Lutheran
World Relief quilts. This fundraiser made more than $1,000
and was supported with an additional mission grant from Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans. This will keep a very dedicated group of
women busy making and tying quilts in 2013. The fundraiser quilt
was pieced by Karen Nygaard, appliquéd by Johnnie Wallentine and
long armed quilted by Alma Goss. Pictured is Debbie Reinhard, the
lucky winner of the 90 x 90 donation quilt.
Want to share your society’s news
Send your news to the LWML Texas District
Laura Wilson, editor,
LWML Texas District News
districtnews@lwmltxdist.org
3034 Elm, Groves, TX 77619
Articles are due by the 9th of the month.
2012-14 goal $343,050
Mites received through Feb. 2013 $146,154.01
Amount needed for goal $196,895.99
Amount needed per month $15,145.85
Amount sent to national LWML $35,095.52
Mission Grants
Total $175,000
Paid $63,800
Balance $111,200
Send mites to
Marcia Kubitz
LWML Texas District Financial Secretary
P.O. Box 288, Vernon, TX 76385
T TEXAS district