TEXAS MESSENGER - The Texas District of the Lutheran Church ...

From
the president
Texas Messenger
Texas missions
(Part 2)
World innovations and Texas mission
by the Rev. Ken Hennings, LCMS Texas District President
When our forefathers came to Texas from
Europe, travel in Texas was by horse or
buggy and there were very few good roads
or bridges. This could have discouraged church expansion,
but it didn’t. Even though travel was challenging,
the Lutheran Church in Texas expanded.
AT THAT TIME, a person would have to get to
Galveston and then take a boat up the Mississippi
river to St. Louis. Pastor Killian made that trip to visit
with C.F.W. Walther and to have St. Paul Lutheran
Church of Serbin received as the first congregation
from Texas to join The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod (the Synod had a different name at that time).
IN 1884, when our forefathers landed in Galveston,
Texas had less than 35 miles of railroads. By 1885, the
railroad miles increased to 6,325. The population in
Texas also increased from 212,592 in 1850 to 2,235,527
in 1890. Lutherans in Texas did not miss the opportunity
that the railroad presented to expand their mission
effort. The railroad caused new towns to spring
up wherever the tracks were laid, and it launched the
movement of people to the unsettled plains. Along
with that movement of people was the movement to
proclaim the Gospel into those new communities.
Even though some pastors thought that the railroad
was evil, more saw this travel mode as a mission tool.
(Note: The railroad became the main means for pastors
and lay people to attend the Southern District
conventions which were held in New Orleans.)
THE REV. J.J. TRINKLEIN was one of the missionaries
who used whatever means of travel available
to reach people with the Gospel. He used the railroads
but also traveled long distances by horseback.
He started more than 10 congregations in central and
west Texas traveling as far away as Abilene. His
passion encouraged the Southern District to send
more missionaries to work in Texas with its rapidly
expanding population.
THE DEVELOPMENT and use of the automobile
followed the railroad, and even though dirt roads
created their own challenges with changing weather
and poor tires, the mission
board of the district
made use of this invention
to plant and support new
Hennings
congregations. Through
the farsightedness of the
mission board, the Texas District became one of the
first districts to intentionally use the automobile in
planting a new mission by purchasing a car for the
use of a mission planter. There is evidence, however,
that the mission board did not overuse this new invention.
One time, the mission board advised the missionary
to use the train and a bus instead of a car for
his visits to the new starts he was serving.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS have been
astounding since the time of the railroad and automobile.
All along the way, the Texas District made use of
the new innovations in mission expansion that would
assist the church in its mission. The telephone, airplane,
radio, television, video, computer and Internet
are just a few examples of the technologies used in
mission expansion. Many of these are used by your
congregation to assist you in mission and ministry.
TODAY, many pastors, congregations and church
members are using today’s innovations to share the
Gospel with people in their communities, areas of
the country and even around the world. Men and
women engage the world, using the Internet
and every electronic device to share their faith in
Jesus just as the early Lutherans in Texas used the
means at their disposal to reach people in Texas. The
common thread is people committed to sharing Jesus
wherever and however they could. Let us encourage
one another in our witness to the world about the
only Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
(Information for this article came from Pause to
Ponder by Robert Koenig.)
APRIL 2012 A

Shepherds
of the flock
WEST SINTON—On Jan. 22,
the Rev. James Autry, special
ministry pastor (SMP), was
ordained and installed as
pastor of Trinity Lutheran
Church, West Sinton. Participants
in the ceremony were,
from left, (front row) retired
Chaplain Ben Hansen, the
Rev. Dr. Richard Nuffer, the
Rev. James Autry, LCMS Texas
District President Rev. Ken
Hennings, the Rev. Vince Parks
and the Rev. Dustin Beck;
(middle row) the Rev. Allan
Eckert, the Rev. Tom Wagstaff,
the Rev. Jim Sturgis, the Rev. Dr. Wallace Becker, the Rev. Al Kirk and the Rev. Gilbert Franke; (back row) the Rev.
Matthew Ulmer, the Rev. Kevin Jennings, the Rev. Jeff Doria, the Rev. Odis Doyal, the Rev. Dale Brynestad and the
Rev. Bruce Drees.
LA GRANGE—On Jan. 22, the Rev. William A.
Qualman was installed as pastor of Mount Calvary
Lutheran Church, La Grange. Brothers who participated
in this joyous service were, from left, (front row)
Mission and Ministry Facilitator Area C Rev. Michael
Newman, the Rev. Dr. La Verne Fitch, Qualman and the
Rev. Donald Little; (back row) the Revs. Robert Tiner,
Dale Bohm, John Schmidt and the Rev. Dr. Dennis
Tegtmeier. Participants not pictured were the Rev.
James Herzog and Deacon Martin Herzog.
FORNEY— On Sunday, Feb. 12, DELTO graduate
the Rev. James Jarrett (center, front) was ordained
and installed at Water of Life Lutheran Church,
Forney. Participants were, from left, (front row) the
Rev. Scott Herbert, Jarrett and the Rev. Dr. Robert
Preece; (back row) the Revs. Melvin Symmank,
Richard Mayerhoff, the Rev. Dr. Norbert Mueller
and the Rev. Luke Madsen.
SAN ANGELO—On Jan. 8, Doug
Osgood (left), DCE intern at Trinity
Lutheran Church, San Angelo,
was welcomed by the Rev. Robert
Budewig at Osgood’s Consecration
service.
B TEXAS district

Missions
in Texas
Texas Messenger
Texas District
Mission News
by the Paul Krentz
Mission and Ministry Facilitator, Area B
The ‘ so thats’ make all the difference
What are your personal “so thats” as you live your
life as a disciple of Jesus What are your congregation’s
“so thats” as it carries out its many activities
each day, each week, each month Why does “so
that” matter My friend, Dr. Will Sohns, The Grove,
taught me about this at a recent Texas District staff
retreat.
In the New Testament, the phrase “so that” or “in
order that” or just plain “that” appears 570 times.
Each time it occurs, it is called a ἵνα (English transliteration
is a hína), a subordinating conjunction,
which means “for the purpose that” or “in order that”
looking to the aim (intended result) of the verbal idea
which was being expressed. How does that play out
in the mission of God as it is expressed in the New
Testament Just looking at a few of these verses tells
us quite a bit about God’s mission.
“He came as a witness to testify concerning that
light, so that through him all men might believe. He
himself was not the light; he came only as a witness
to the light” (John 1:7-8 NIV).
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said
Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God
might be displayed in his life … Jesus said, “For judgment
I have come into this world, so that the blind
will see and those who see will become blind” (John
9:3, 39).
“Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated
everything from the beginning, it seemed good also
to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent
Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty
of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4).
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things
while I am still in the world, so that they may have
the full measure of my joy within them” (John
17:13).
“… but now revealed and made known through
the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal
God, so that all nations might believe and obey
him” (Rom. 16:26). “I will rescue you from your own
people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to
Krentz
them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness
to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so
that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place
among those who are sanctified by faith in me”
(Acts 26:17-18).
Each time a “so that” appears in the life and words
of Jesus, it tells us that every action and word He
spoke was purposeful and intentional. Everything was
tied to God’s ultimate rescue mission for humankind,
a rescue from sin, death and the devil. The “so thats”
most often link to the mission of Jesus, His disciples
and His church.
Through the mere passing of time, many believers
and churches start programs, activities and groups.
Many serve the mission of Jesus well. Some may not.
If we put a “so that” after each program, activity or
meeting that takes place in your congregation, what
would it tell us I will be bold here. If the “so that”
can clearly be linked to the mission of Jesus in the
world, it’s probably a good one to continue. But if we
find ourselves scratching our head and wondering
what the real “so that” is, perhaps it’s time to discontinue
the program, event, activity, meeting or group.
The time is short and the mission to share Jesus’
love with a dying world is urgent and important. We
don’t have time to carry out programs for which a
strong missional “so that” can’t be found. For me,
this means taking a close look at how I spend my
time, energy and resources. I need to make sure my
“so thats” are clearly connected to the Great Commission.
In areas where that is not true, I am asking
God to continuously be about transforming me. What
about your church Have you looked at your “so
thats” lately
APRIL 2012 C

Staying
connected
Eighty million
by the Rev. Dr. John Hirsch
Director of Congregational and Worker Care
Eighty million is a big number, but it is the
number of dollars Concordia Plan Services
(CPS) estimates it pays annually to health care
providers to cover costs for medical treatment that
could be reduced or eliminated if those in the plan
would live healthier lifestyles. In other words, people
covered in the plan would start practicing healthier
living behavior, e.g., eliminating some fats from
diets, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising
more, getting more sleep, etc., the cost to the plans
would go down significantly. Consequently, the premiums
they charge their clients (LCMS churches and
schools) also could be reduced.
To help reduce their costs, but primarily to help
LCMS workers and their families live healthier lives,
CPS introduced a program last year called BeWell
Rewards in which workers could earn up to $250 for
practicing healthier living habits and recording them
on the website established for this purpose. As the
worker benefited financially from healthier living, so
did the employer. The total amount of money given to
all employees in a given ministry also was sent to the
employer. It was a win-win-win situation. The employee
became healthier, he or she received a financial
benefit and so did his or her ministry employer.
The program has been extended into 2012. There
are now more options for recording healthier living
activities and the financial benefit has been raised to
$300, again with matching monies going to the ministry
employer.
Last month I encouraged congregations to consider
forming Worker Support Teams based on Dr. Bruce
Hartung’s Holding Up the Prophet’s Hand (CPH) as a
way to support those called to serve in our churches
and schools. If you are a layperson reading this article,
I encourage you to bring this benefit to the attention
of the called workers in your congregation or
school.
If you are a called worker or spouse of a called
worker, consider this option for healthier living while
also receiving a financial benefit. You can access this
program by going to bewellservewell.com. Go to
the Quick Link on the left and register. My own
experience would suggest that you
first click on the “How to Use this
Hirsch
Website” and read through all the
menu options. Be sure to have your
volume turned up. The program—at least for some of
us—is not exactly intuitive and this site explains how
to navigate through it. Also, if you take the Life Style
Inventory, which gets you $50, you will need to create
a separate “ID” and password than the one created for
the BeWell Rewards site.
In the Texas District office, all employer-received
money goes to Texas Partners in Mission (TPIM),
which means 100 percent goes to mission planting in
Texas. To support this ministry, the district staff
created for itself the challenge of raising $3,000 this
year through the BeWell Rewards program. This
calls for our being attentive to preventative health
measures, like regular visits to our dentist for teeth
cleaning; an annual physical; heart, colon, breast, etc.,
screening as prescribed by a physician; regular
exercise; being observant of food intake; etc. It also
calls for recording it on the BeWell Rewards recording
site. This can be the laborious part as some do not
like being that attached to a computer. But, for us—as
it can be for you if you also take on a team challenge
for a given ministry—it can be seen as another way
to support God’s kingdom work of being sent into
the world to bring the Good News of salvation to all
people. The added benefit is that while we are providing
dollars for the prime ministry of the district, we
also are being good stewards of the body God gave us
to serve Him daily.
We all live busy and hectic lives. This computer
with which I am typing this article has helped create
that reality. However, it also can be a great servant
for God. With the later thought in mind, consider the
Be Well, Serve Well emphasis of CPS as a resource
to serve you and the ministry of God through our
Church. Paul reflected this thinking by encouraging
the young Timothy to take care of himself and live a
healthy lifestyle so that he could continue in God’s
ministry (1 Tim. 5:23).
Be well! Serve well!
D TEXAS district

Happenings
in Texas
Texas Messenger
SAN ANGELO—On Dec. 11, 2011, the members of
Trinity, San Angelo, welcomed these people into
their church family. They are, from left, (front row)
Luann Jacobitz, Laura Tello and son Michael, Lori
and Fred Handley, Karen and Bill Pfl uger and
Cody Zuniga; (back row) Trinity’s Pastor Robert
Budwig and Pastor Randall Wehmeyer.
KINGSBURY—Pictured above are the newest members
of Evangelists’ Lutheran Church, Kingsbury. Shown with
Pastor Duane Bamsch are, from left, Mike and Catherine
Wilson and Craig, Katherine, Emily and Grace Gabriel.
NEW BRAUNFELS—On Feb. 12, Cross Lutheran Church,
New Braunfels, received members by baptism, adult
confirmation, transfer and profession of faith. Shown
with Pastor Don Fraker are, from left, (front row)
Jo Ann Lemmon, Crystal and Christopher Gillard and
daughters Samantha and Allie; Karl Mittwede, Edie
Arnold and Avis Mittwede; (back row) James Bounds,
Dara Bounds, daughter; and Virginia Bounds. Received
also, but not pictured, were Kay Cee Bounds and
Jonathan Reich.
BOWIE—On Dec. 6, 2011, St. Peter Lutheran
Church held a groundbreaking service to
begin construction on its new sanctuary. St.
Peter has been part of the Bowie community
since 1894. The previous sanct uary was built
in 1919 outside of town and was moved into
Bowie in 1949. It underwent several cosmetic
changes until it was demolished in November
2011 to make way for new construction. The new
building will include a sanctuary, church office,
pastor’s office and classrooms. Pastor of St.
Peter is the Rev. Larry Knobloch. Construction
committee members include Chairman Mike
Jones, Arn Anderson, Terry Henry, Kurt Roberts
and Brian Roth.
APRIL 2012 E

Texas Partners
in Mission
Pastor Seeger’s love for deaf youth
The Rev. Mark Seeger, pastor at Jesus Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Austin,
has a love for youth. Since Pastor Seeger began his ministry in 1991 at Jesus
Lutheran Church for the Deaf, approximately
2,000 youth have “heard” the saving message
of Jesus Christ through his magnetic smile
and his hands using sign language. The youth
come from throughout Texas for their education
at the Texas School for the Deaf, which is
across the street from Jesus Lutheran Church.
The youth pictured not only are graduating
seniors, but they are also returning home as
missionaries for Christ because of a new
training program initiated by Pastor Seeger.
If you would like to schedule a presentation
at your church on his ministry, contact Pastor
Seeger at 512-442-1715 or send him an email
at jesusdeaf@aol.com.
SIGNING—
Jesus Christ
Seeger
Praise God for this man of God!
Deaf students with the Rev. Mark
Seeger.
Praising God
Development Advisory Council
A host of great people have accepted the role of serving on the Development Advisory Council for Texas
Partners in Mission. This group met in regional meetings in 2011 during November and December. Its main
role is to provide advice and encouragement to the director of development.
Area A: The Rev. Robert and Eloise Kuhlmann, Amarillo; Ray and Beth Lauterbach, Canyon; the Rev. Steve
and Lynn Misch, Borger; the Rev. Dale Snyder, Witchita Falls. Area B: The Rev. Karim Baidaoui, Dallas; the
Rev. Oscar Benavides, Carrollton; Burnie and Joan Burzlaff, North Richland Hills; Jack and Dorores Goll,
North Richland Hills; Frank Gollhofer, Dallas; the Rev. Eloy and Sophia Gonzalez, Irving; Charles and Enid
Havis, Fort Worth; Charlotte Hughes, Lantana; the Rev. Tom and Cheryl Konz, Stephenville; Ed and Eveyln
Krause, Weatherford; Dr. Cora Martin, Denton; Erik and Rhonda Muegge, Keller; Joyce Niebes, Dallas; Dr. Ed
Trapp, Dallas; the Rev. Walter Waiser, Hurst; Gene and Katherine Bode, Waco; Bernice Casper, Waco; Glenn
and Janet Hurta, Waco; Vince and Suzanne Neuhaus, Waco; the Rev. Stephen Rynearson, Hewitt. Area C: Paul
and Carol Biesemeier, Austin; Steve and Sandy Block, Austin; the Rev. Bruce and Betty Drees, Burnett; Oscar
and Loretta Dube, McDade; Bob and Marlys Erickson, Georgetown; Pam and Mark Herber, Pflugerville; Paul
and Becky Krentz, Georgetown; Dr. Keith and Margie Loomans, Austin; Dr. Edna and David Rehbein, Round
Rock; Edna Ritter, Austin; Cal and Dorothy Spencer, Georgetown; Dr. James and Carole Stevenson, Austin;
Ray Don and Diane Tilley, Austin; Chris Bannwolf, San Antonio; Judith Jones, San Antonio; Ron and Glenda
Lammert, Helotes; the Rev. Gary and Peggy Martin, Del Rio; the Rev. Mike and Cynthia Newman, San Antonio;
Dr. William and Susan Sliva, Kerrville; the Rev. Allan and Caroline Eckert, Kingsville; James and Ruth
Knupke, Corpus Christi; Rodney and Dorothea Eckert, Harlingen; the Rev. James and Jeanne Kretzmann,
Raymondville; Joe and Bonny Winston, Mission. Area D: The Rev. Don and Audrey Black, Houston; the
Rev. Jon and Rachel Braunersreuther, Tomball; the Rev. Mark Junkans, Houston; Wes and Puddin Krueger,
Houston; Sylvia and Nelson Schmidt, Houston; Louis and Pat Biar, Nederland; the Rev. Ray and Martha Van
Buskirk, Baytown; Vernon and Marlyss Young, Dayton; Dr. James and Meg Rogers, College Station; David and
Glorianne Schwausch, Brenham; Dick and Audrey Hansen, Huntsville; Gene and Helen Harman, Katy; Donna
Hicks, Lake Jackson; John and Trisha Meiller, Lake Jackson.
Many thanks to God for these fine people!
F TEXAS district

Praise
the Lord
Texas Messenger
DALLAS—Pastor Byron Williams Sr. and the family
of St. Paul, Dallas, celebrated God’s hand moving in
a mighty way on Sunday, Jan. 22, as the members of
St. Paul were blessed to welcome these 21 young
people to its church family through the waters of Holy
Baptism. Pastor Williams commented that adding to
the Kingdom is the mandate at St. Paul, Dallas. Jesus
reminds us, “Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt.
18:19-20). Those baptized are, from left, (front row) Eric
Williams, Javardis Avila, Jamariona Avila, Emonceiona
Gooden, Jamonce Gooden, Demond Gooden, Pharell
Lonzo, Javarie Avilia, Philip Gooden, Philrin’e Lonzo, and Ebony Linzy; and (middle row) Reganisha Avila, Erica
Segue, Kiren Smith, Jayvon Smith, Christopher Cooper, Khalil Ridgley, K’iara Ridgley, Crystal Smith, Ja’Kira Smith,
and Brittany Gibbs. From left, (back row) are Pastor Byron Williams, the Rev. Quentin Poulson, elder Bobby Nevels,
Deaconess Lucille Collins and elders Paul Jones and Robert White.
SERBIN—The second grade class of St.
Paul Lutheran School, Serbin witnessed
the baptism of one of their classmates,
Cross Mayer, (center front), during a
chapel service Feb. 1.
FAMILY BAPTISM—
Christmas Eve is exciting in
itself with the whole world
remembering the night
Christ was born more than
2,000 years ago. Top it off
with a family’s baptism
at Joy, Houston, and the
reason He came becomes
very personal, for the act of
baptism washes our souls
and infuses us with Christ’s promise of everlasting life.
So, on Dec. 24, 2011, members of the Carnes family
met at the baptismal font to be baptized together. The
experience could not be matched. In the top picture,
Pastor John Raddatz baptized Abriel (far left) and her
sister, Addison (at baptismal font). Their sister, Abella
(far right, back row), is waiting her turn to be baptized.
Their sponsors are shown with them in the background.
In the inset picture, dad Robert Carnes is shown
getting baptized by Pastor John. Wife and mother
Jessica Carnes is in the background. The family will
never forget that Christmas Eve, when along with
celebrating Christ’s birth, they also were baptized in His
name. May God continue to guide and protect them in
their Christian lives.
LAMESA—On Sept.
18, 2011, Lylah
Kizzar was baptized
at Grace, Lamesa.
Shown with Pastor
Alan Korinek are
parents Patrick and
Jessica Kizzar and
their other children
Timothy and Lily
Ann who were also
baptized by Pastor
Korinek when they were babies. May God bless Lylah as
she grows as a child of God.
DUMAS—On Jan. 22
at St. John, Dumas,
Pastor Don Poole
baptized Eden Jolee
Majerus. Shown with
Eden are, from left,
grandmother Lori
Henning, mother
Ashley Henning-
Majerus and father
Steve Majerus.
APRIL 2012 G

Sharing
the love of Jesus
A call to Kenya
by Terry Simms, Joy Lutheran Church, Houston
It is so hard to believe I was embarking on my third
Safari with God to Kenya! I was so excited and so full
of anticipation in what God had in store during this
journey. After a brief stay in Nairobi, our team of eight
loaded up and headed to Jogoo across the Rift Valley.
Jogoo is not a very large place, but more than 1,200
souls visited the eye clinic and many received the gift
of sight with reading glasses and distance glasses. We
were even able to offer cataract surgery to those who
needed it. God is so good!
The eye clinic, although very important to help
people have better vision, is only a tool to the central
purpose of any mission. The primary focus is the
Great Commission. Usually, in clinic, I have worked
pulling lenses and putting glasses together. It is a
place of comfort where I know what I am doing. I
have always looked at the people who work in
“Second Touch” as being so Scripturally knowledgeable
and having great ability to share this knowledge.
In other words, not me!
“Second Touch” is the
station where all clients
are sent after they have
experienced evangelism.
It is a one-on-one meeting,
through a translator when
we endeavor to find out
what eye problems exist in
Prayer time
order to ascertain which
station the client goes to
next. But, the most important part of this one-on-one
time is to ascertain a person’s relationship with Jesus.
Remember, we are dealing with people who call themselves
Christians, Muslims and others who may never
have heard of Jesus. That is why I had always felt so
inadequate to serve at this station.
Imagine my surprise when I ended up in “Second
Touch.” God knew the need, God opened the door to
me and I walked through. I was reminded through the
Holy Spirit that, in my weakness is His strength; that,
as in the past, He would equip me for His work without
my leaning on my own understanding. I could go
on and on with the help Jesus was sending to me. Let
me just say He gave me His peace and comfort, and
oh, so much joy! I now know why God had me going
back to Kenya. It was for an ‘Ah-ha!’ moment such as
this. Yes, we did have people come to know the Lord
Jesus as their Savior.
A call to special girls
Four years ago, a widow named Sue from Cross
Lutheran Church in New Braunfels wanted to do
something to help the girls at New Life Treatment
Center, Canyon Lake, which is run by Lutheran Social
Services. This Christian organization is dedicated to
helping girls who are abused, abandoned and neglected
who are between 11 to 18 years old. Sue had little
money but she had a talent for hand-sewing. So, she
offered to make a Christmas stocking for every girl at
the New Life, including the embroidery of their name
on the stocking.
The offer was
accepted. With
that, she went to
work buying leftover
Christmas
stockings at after-
Christmas sales
and talked to the
local embroidery shop about stitching the names. The
stockings were marked down 70 percent, so it was
well within her budget. The people at the embroidery
shop promised a good price for embroidering the
names on the stockings. Sue then reported back to
the director of Christian education at Cross about her
progress on the stockings. This is when reality hit.
Instead of the 20 girls Sue had planned stockings for,
there were 60 girls who lived in the center. This put
Sue into a tailspin as she realized she needed help—
and fast. Sue made a promise and, to her, that was
sacred. She prayed for God’s guidance.
Sue had her answer. She contacted her friends from
Cross Church and friends from all over the United
States and asked for their help. Through all their
help and selfless effort, she was finally able to get the
stockings done. What struck her also was that a
majority of the time, these girls came to the shelter
with just the clothes on their backs. So, these
Christmas stockings may be the first things they have
had that were truly their own. To have something
with their names spelled correctly on it would mean
so much to these girls. It would show them that they
were loved enough that someone would make a
stocking just for them. She hoped that through this
gift, the girls would see the love of Jesus Christ.
The girls were happily surprised and thrilled with
their stockings! They loved that they had their names
on the stockings and that their names were correctly
spelled. That really mattered so much to them.
H TEXAS district

youth
happenings
Texas Messenger
OUTSTANDING—
Concordia
University Texas
senior behavioral
science and preseminary
student,
Mark Harris, was
honored Feb. 9 at
the Philanthropy
Day luncheon by
the Austin Chapter
of the Association of Fundraising
Professionals for his commitment to
service in the Austin area and beyond.
As the Service Learning program
student leader, Mark inspires students
to engage and spend volunteer time
with elderly residents at the Summit
Assisted Living Center in northwest
Austin as well as build ramps for
wheelchair-bound people and raise
money for fresh-water wells in Africa.
Mark is a member of Memorial, Katy.
FUN EXPERIENCE—The
kindergarten students at Faith
Lutheran School, Plano, believe
that learning can be fun,
especially on the 100th day of
school. Students dressed up
as if they were 100 years old,
sported “100” glasses, threaded
loop cereal onto necklaces
into groups of 10 to count to
100, gave 100 hugs throughout
the school, and brought in 100
pieces each of a snack item,
such as chocolate chips, animal
crackers, marshmallows
and other treats to combine
together for a special 100th day of school snack. The children were very
creative in crafting their “100 years old” costumes and had fun learning
and sharing in a variety of ways throughout the day! The children also
each brought to class 100 of various kinds of items, including popcorn
kernels, beads, cotton balls and more, and talked about the difference
in the size, shape and weight of each different bag of 100 things. The
children are, from left, (front row) Noah Goldie and Nathan Mahrt; (back
row) Audrey Barry, Elizabeth Koch, Elizabeth Crawford, Hannah Preus
and Emma Erb.
NEDERLAND—Moosefeather Falls Camp
was the site of the Holy Cross, Nederland,
vacation Bible school. Each child chose his
cabin for the week with choices including
woodworking, cooking, music, science and
sewing. The Owl Cabin was for fourth and
fi fth graders interested in sewing. Projects
included a pillowcase, pillow and an apron.
The children shown here are wearing the
aprons they made at camp. The theme for
the Owl Cabin was “God gives a hoot about
you!”
LEARNING—
The students
at Mount
Calvary
Lutheran
Preschool, La
Grange, learn
a different
Bible story
each week,
sing songs
and participate
in
activities to
emphasize
the Bible story they are learning about. The students of
Stephanie Kates and Becky Weikel are shown as they reenacted
the Bible story of the four friends carrying the
paralyzed man to see Jesus. They learned about trust
and helping friends.
CONGRATULATIONS—The members of Trinity, West
Sinton, are very proud of these youth of Trinity. At the
San Patricio/Aransas Pass County Food Show, Jan. 28,
Brandt Adams (left) won Sweepstakes for his maple
cake with maple cream cheese frosting topped with
bacon and and Greta Kieschnick (right) won First Premium
for her buttermilk pound cake. Way to go!
APRIL 2012 I

Ties
that bind
These Lutheran
friends of yours
recently celebrated
or will celebrate wedding
anniversaries of 50 years
or more. All are members
of LCMS Texas District
congregations.
❤❤
Gethsemane,
Houston: Bill and Marcia
Reed, 60 years, April 6.
❤❤
St. Mark, Houston:
Tom and Nancy Graham,
58 years, Jan. 4.
❤❤
Trinity, San Angelo:
Herbert and Delda
Wanier, 66 years, Jan.
6. Eugene and Lessie
Spieker, 52 years, Jan. 10.
Royal and Virginia Hart,
56 years, Jan. 20. Roy and
Carolyn Vick, 51 years,
Jan. 22.
❤❤
St. Paul, Serbin:
Elmo and Adele Schulze,
60 years, Jan. 12. Monroe
and Verna Becker, 58
years, Jan. 3. Charles and
Gladys Arldt, 56 years,
Jan. 1.
❤❤
Zion, Pasadena:
Alfred and Ivalee Landgraf,
62 years, March 5.
❤❤
60 YEARS—The Rev.
(emeritus) Eldor and Maria
Mickan will celebrate their
60th wedding anniversary
April 16. They are members
of Genesis Lutheran
Church, Buchanan Dam.
THEIR 50TH—John and
Carol Gilg were blessed
with 50 years of marriage
Dec. 16, 2011. They are
members of Mount
Calvary, San Antonio.
Special birthdays
107 YEARS—Celebrating her
107th birthday on Jan. 18,
Cornelia Schulz was honored
with a reception for her 107th
birthday by the members of
her church family at Trinity, San
Angelo, following worship on
Jan. 15.
CELEBRATING 95—On Jan. 22,
a wham bang of a party was
thrown for Margaret Runge
on the very day she turned 95!
The entire congregation at JOY,
Houston, sang happy birthday
to her when the worship
service ended. Pastor John
Raddatz presented her with a
huge birthday card signed with
personal well wishes from just
about everyone who was there.
A light luncheon and a huge
birthday cake were then served
in her honor.
100 YEARS YOUNG—Lena
Weidemann, long-time faithful member
of Grace, Brownwood, celebrated
her 100th birthday on Jan. 28. She
enjoyed spending the day with many
of her friends from the congregation
and the community. Lena is a lively
and positive person who is always
willing to share her faith.
J TEXAS district

More ties
that bind
Texas Messenger
SPECIAL DAYS—On Feb. 12,
Trinity, Tyler, marked its fi rst
milestone ministry event to
celebrate marriage. A total
of 25 couples have been
married 50 or more years,
with one couple to celebrate
their 70th year of marriage this year. Four more couples from Trinity’s satellite campus at Hawkins/Holly
Lake Ranch, brings the total number to 29! Shown are, from left, (row one) Jack and Betty Netterville, John and
Dolly Carpenter; (row two) Gordon and Donna Petersen, Ed and Connie Graham, Della Brown, Karl and Shirley
Boecklen, Bill and Barbara Benson, Dr. Charlie and Mary McCarthy; (row three) Pastor Art Hill, Mary Popelar, Glenn
and Doris Morby, Howard Brown, Sam and Joyce Fechenbach, Bob and Marge Wiersig, Tom and Lorine Perkins;
(row four) Gene Popelar, Anneliese Burns, Curt and Shirley Lindsey, Joan Wageman, Irene Traver, Jo Ann King; (row
fi ve) Pastor Mark Dahn, Willis Burns, Lyle McDermed, the Rev. Harold Wageman, Gary Traver, and Larry King.
SPECIAL BIRTHDAYS—Historic Redeemer, Lubbock,
now has four members who are 90 years of age and
older or will be 90 years of age this year. Jessie Birdsell
celebrated her 90th birthday at Redeemer on Jan. 22.
Shown are, from left, Clara Elliott, who will be 90 years
in June; Jessie Birdsell; Pauline Schoppa, who is 91
years; and Shirley Neunaber, who will be 90 years of age
in December. All glory to God!
WELCOME—Alive In Christ, Big Spring, recently
accepted four new people into membership. Shown
here are, from left, Scot Herrin, James Gilbert, the Rev.
Carroll Kohl (officiant) and Amy and John Overton. This
group makes the second instruction class for Alive In
Christ since its charter three years ago.
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,
demands two months lead time for each issue. Send your news to us well in advance, if possible.
APRIL 2012 K

School
ministry
Lutheran educators ministering to families
by Dr. Bill Hinz, Director of School Ministry
During the 2012 Early Childhood Conference more
than 850 participants gathered together to learn more
about ministering to families. This year’s conference
theme was “Holding Hands, Touching Hearts”
which was hosted Jan. 26-28 by the LCMS Texas
District and the Texas District Early Childhood Council
at the Omni Hotel in Houston.
The early childhood educators had many learning
opportunities. This year’s keynote speaker was Ron
L. Deal, author, speaker, therapist, remarriage and
blended family expert and author/coauthor of The
Smart Stepfamily, The Smart Stepmom, The Smart
Stepdad and The Remarriage Checkup.
The opening speaker for the pre-conference sectional
was led by Deanna Pearl, M.Ed., who currently
is a national educational presenter/speaker. Pearl is
a former teacher (special education and mainstream),
who previously served as direct care staff member at a
children’s home and as an elementary school principal.
HONORED—
Kelly Brymer
(center)
chosen as
Early Childhood
Educator
of the Year
is shown with
LCMS Texas
District School
Ministry
Administrative
Asistant Lee
Gaines, (left)
and LCMS
Texas District
Director of
School Ministry Dr. Bill Hinz (right).
In addition to these speakers, there also were a
variety of sectionals available.
Each year as part of the conference program, we
have the opportunity to recognize individuals for their
outstanding service to children and their families. On
Jan. 28, Concordia University Texas Director of Non-
Traditional Teacher Certification Dr. Gert Keiper
presented the plaque for the 2011 Early Childhood
Educator of the Year to Kelly Brymer, St. Paul
Lutheran Church and School, Thorndale.
The finalists for the Early Childhood Educator
of the Year included Glenda Mouton, Gloria Dei,
Houston, and Kathy Lippe, Crown of Life, San
Antonio. Congratulations to these educators and a
special thank you to all of our early childhood educators
for their service to the Lord in helping shape the
lives of children as they share the love and forgiveness
of Jesus with children and their families.
As with all our educators, no matter what grade
level they teach, we embrace and live out this year’s
conference to “Love each other deeply. When God’s
people are in need, be ready to help them.” May God
be with each of us as we share His love and forgiveness
with children of all ages.
Pictured with
Dr. Bill Hinz and
Kelly Brymer
(to his left) are
Early Childhood
Educator
finalists Glenda
Mouton (left)
and Kathy Lippe
(right).
SHARING— Early
Childhood Educator of
the Year Kelly Brymer,
addressed conference
attendees.
Mark your calendars
Mark your calendars for Jan. 10-13, 2013, and
make note of the special date for the 2013 Early
Childhood Conference to be held at the Embassy
Suites in San Marcos. We invite you to join us as
we are “Seeking Jesus in the Jungle.”
L TEXAS district

CAN-DO Missions
Concordia—Texas
Texas Messenger
Melting marshmallows
by Pat Fick, CAN-DO Director
Searching the pantry, I spied a bag of marshmallows.
“That will be perfect,” I thought to myself.
I don’t have much time, but I want to make a
sweet treat to take to my students
tomorrow in class. You can’t go
wrong with Rice Krispy bars, right
I sprayed the bowl, dumped in the
marshmallows and the margarine,
and popped it into the microwave.
One minute later, I checked on my
fluffy delightfulness to see how
it was doing Needs a little more
time, I guess. One more minute and
I checked again. The margarine had melted but the
marshmallows remained unchanged. Maybe another
30 seconds. (I don’t remember marshmallows taking
this long to melt.) Every time I pulled the bowl out of
the microwave, the marshmallows looked like marshmallows,
not like a sticky gooey white concoction.
Hmm ... this doesn’t appear to be working.
I finally decided that more time in the microwave
was not helping the situation. So, what do you do with
crunchy marshmallows (also known as little white
rocks) You certainly can’t make Rice Krispy treats
out of them. I threw a couple of them to my dogs and
listened as they crunched them between their molars
and swallowed hard. (I know, I know, marshmallows
are not a healthy dog treat, but it was entertaining to
watch them chew a few.)
So what’s the moral of this story Well, it turns out
that the marshmallows were outdated, and old marshmallows
simply don’t melt. They lost their ability to
be transformed into a desirable dessert.
Sometimes our spiritual lives become hardened,
not by the passing of time but by neglecting to seek
Fick
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The
longer you go without praying or attending worship
or singing praises, the less you will feel like doing
these things. If you don’t take time
to serve others regularly, you get out
of the habit. If you neglect meeting
together, you won’t be encouraged
by the Body of Christ. Satan loves
to harden hearts, and we often
don’t even notice he is at work. “Be
self-controlled and alert. Your
enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV).
But Christ gently invites us to COME! Here’s
the good news:
“If anyone is thirsty, let him COME to me and
drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture
has said, streams of living water will flow from
within him” (John 7:37-38 NIV).
“COME, all you who are thirsty, COME to the
waters; and you who have no money, COME,
buy and eat! COME, buy wine and milk without
money and without cost. Why spend money
on what is not bread, and your labor on what
does not satisfy Listen, listen to me, and eat
what is good, and your soul will delight in the
richest of fare. Give ear and COME to me; hear
me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting
covenant with you, my faithful love
promised to David” (Is. 55:1-3 NIV).
Lord, help us to COME!
Keep us close to You
so we can be useful tools in Your kingdom. Amen.
Donations for CAN-DO Ministries 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 also may be made through our website: http://can-do.concordia.edu/
APRIL 2012 M

Lutheran Outdoors
Ministry of Texas
Camp Lone Star offers weekend summer camp sessions
Summer camp weekend sessions at Camp Lone Star provide
youth and families with some exciting options for camping this
summer. For the very young who may be unsure about attending
a full week of camp, the Expedition session is just the thing.
Expedition campers ages 5-8 are in smaller cabin groups than
full-week campers and they get to bed earlier than our Alpha and
Omega campers. The same great camp activities are available.
Whether you come to camp for a quick weekend or plan to stay
for the Endeavor session along with a full week of camp, the
weekend will be a blast. Endeavor is for ages 8-18 and is a quick
version of our Alpha and Omega camps plugged into a Friday-
Sunday schedule. There’s not enough time to do everything at
camp, but you can try.
Mom and Dad, do you want to join the kids at camp Family Camp is
the perfect option for the whole family! The weekend includes a balance of
activities scheduled with other family campers and time set-aside 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 family campers.
Come and be part of the intentional Christian community that is ‘camp’!
Need financial assistance to attend camp Or, can you provide help
It is our desire that no child is deprived the opportunity to participate in
summer camp; however, campership funds are limited. Applications for
camperships are available on the LOMT website. You’ll be asked to briefly
explain the circumstances and reason for applying for campership
assistance and indicate the minimum amount required.
Camperships up to a maximum of $200 are available for resident programs
of five days or more. Camperships up to a maximum of $70 are available for
resident programs of less than five days. Camperships up to a maximum of
$40 are available for weeklong Day Camp programs.
If you’d like to provide financial support for the LOMT campership
program, please visit us online or call the camp. The
need is great.
Weekend sessions
Expedition for ages 5-8:
June 15-17, June 29-July 1,
July 29-31, Aug. 1-3—$198
($188 if paid by May 1).
Endeavor for ages 8-18:
June 15-17, June 29-July 1
—$198 ($188 if paid by
May 1).
Family Camp for all ages:
June 15-17, June 29-July 1
—$178 per adult; $89 per
child (Family maximum
is $534).
Upcoming directed events
May 4-6—Spring Retreat, Fredericksburg RV Park
July 29—Annual worship, barbecue and auction
June-August—Summer camp
Visit www.LOMT.com for summer program and
directed event updates for more information,
or to register for an event.
We can also assist you or your organization with
retreats, conferences or planning meetings.
www.LOMT.com
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: 979-247-4128
N TEXAS district

Lutheran
Foundation of Texas
Texas Messenger
The results
of your gifts
by Larry Ohls, Chief Executive Officer
The final results of the distributions made during
2011 by the Lutheran Foundation of Texas
(LFOT) are complete. As almost everyone is
aware, the United States economy is experiencing
historic low interest rates. This creates a challenging
environment for anyone who relies on a fixed-income
financial instrument for monthly, quarterly or annual
income. The LFOT staff is diligent in managing the
assets that have been entrusted to us. We focus on
maximizing return while simultaneously protecting
the principal of these gifts.
2011 total distributions to individuals and
ministries from the Lutheran Foundation of Texas
Distributed to individuals: $ 487,471
Distributed to ministries and other
agencies: ($917,709 or 82 percent
distributed within Texas) $1,119,178*
Total Distributions: $1,606,649
*The distribution to ministries includes $71,112 for
Texas students attending out-of-Texas Synod schools and
seminaries.
On behalf of all the ministries that have been
blessed by the financial benefits of these gifts, we
want to thank all those dedicated Christians who have
chosen to share the blessings that God has provided.
These selfless acts of stewardship by those individuals
and families that allow ministries to grow and continue
to share God’s love.
If you would like to give to any of the ministries
that partner with the Lutheran Foundation of Texas,
you can do so on-line at www.lfot.org, or by calling
800-880-3733. For more information about starting
an individual or congregational fund to support the
Lord’s work, contact larryo@lfot.org.
CORRECTION —The February article stated that Gene
Schkade went hunting and fishing with Carl Heckmann,
past-president of the Texas District and former executive
director of LFOT. Gene did hunt and fish with a friend
named Carl Heckaman (a businessman in San Angelo),
but not the Carl Heckmann who was district president.
We apologize for the error.
2011 Distributions to Ministries
in the Texas District:
Ohls
1. Texas congregations and schools - (31%) $ 282,561
2. Texas District Board of Mission
Administration - (19%) 176,688
3. Concordia University Texas - (17%) 156,006
4. POBLO - (6%) 58,010
5. Lutheran Social Services of the South - (5%) 48,499
6. Lutheran Foundation of Texas - (5%) 48,182
7. Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas - (4%) 40,553
8. Campus Ministries - (4%) 35,323
9. Texas District Church Extension Fund - (2%) 21,244
10. Bethesda Lutheran Homes, Cypress - (2%) 17,113
11. Texas Wendish Heritage Society - (2%) 14,896
12. Texas Partners in Mission - (

Lutheran
Social Services
An Easter message from Dr. Kurt Senske
LSS Chief Executive Officer
It seems like just a couple months ago that I was writing the 2011 Easter
message for the Texas Messenger on the topic of “new beginnings” so closely associated
with spring renewal and the Easter season. Once again, new beginnings
are abundant at Lutheran Social Services. One such new beginning is the Nelson
Children’s Ministries (NCM) that unites LSS children’s services in the Dallas/Fort
Worth Metroplex. In addition to the 250-plus children we serve in foster care, we
are securing the land on which to build a new children’s residential treatment
center, a program that is much needed as one does not currently exist in this
highly populated area.
This Easter season, we ask for your blessings and prayers for the Nelson
Children’s Ministries and the successful process and completion of this very
important LSS children’s treatment facility.
I wish you all a blessed Easter celebration, surrounded by those you love.
To God be the glory!
Brenham, Blue Bell and Kruse Village
We’re not trying to keep it a secret, but not everyone knows about the
idyllic retirement community LSS operates in Brenham. Kruse Memorial
Lutheran Village is a full-spectrum retirement campus, offering all levels
of care in one beautifully maintained, professionally managed community.
The Kruse Village property is surrounded by a gorgeous landscape,
with cows and wildflowers adding to the serene picture. In addition to
Independent Living in the Village Cottages and Apartments, there are
Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Memory Care units, allowing
residents to age in place.
A full-service rehabilitation facility accommodates anyone who needs
physical, occupational or speech therapy—from joint replacements and
workers compensation injuries to weekend warriors who have simply
overdone it. Think about visiting and taking a tour if you or someone in
your life is ready to simplify and adopt the gracious Kruse Village lifestyle.
Kruse Village, 1700 E. Stone St., Brenham, TX 77833; 979-830-1996.
LCMS WR-HC grant helps our friends in need on the South Plains
LCMS World Relief and Human Care awarded a grant of $4,500 to Health for Friends Clinic in Lubbock for
the Diabetes Education Project, which provides indigent and uninsured men and women the education and
supplies needed to prevent or self-manage diabetes through monitoring, testing and lifestyle changes. Health
for Friends is a nurse-managed clinic that offers free health screening, one-on-one support and health education
to low-income adults at risk for chronic health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and
morbid obesity. Last year alone, 1,606 individual patients were served during 7,280 patient visits.
Health for Friends Clinic and Neighborhood House in Lubbock are two amazing, under-the-radar LSS ministries
for those in financial crisis and/or without access to health care. Neighborhood House delivers food,
prescriptions, utility assistance and other necessities to individuals and households in crisis. Its client population
is made up of single mothers, the elderly and disabled (on fixed incomes at poverty level or below), the
homeless and marginally homeless and persons who are in a temporary financial crisis. In 2011 alone, 13,968
individuals were provided emergency assistance and 62 tons of food and hygiene products were distributed.
P TEXAS district

Texas Church
Extension Fund
Texas Messenger
Rebate checks continue to grow
CEF pays out $372,000 in loan rebates
(Please read the small print. More than 90 congregations received 2011 CEF rebate checks!)
by Bill Siegrist, Director of Development, Texas District Church Extension Fund
Does your congregation have a loan with the Texas District Church Extension Fund More than 130
Texas LCMS congregations have loans with CEF. Congratulations to the 92 congregations who received
a 2011 rebate check!
Talk with your CEF congregation representative and pastor to find out more about the rebate program. If
your church does not qualify, there may be a neighboring LCMS congregation in need of additional supporting
investments.
We love to write rebate checks! We believe your congregation and CEF are involved in a Gospel partnership.
In a good partnership, there should be a win-win situation so that at the end of the day, each are better off as a
result of the relationship.
Abilene, Our Savior
Amarillo, Christ
Amarillo, Prince of Peace
Amarillo, Trinity
Angleton, Good Shepherd
Arlington, Holy Cross
Athens, St. John
Austin, Beautiful Savior
Austin, Hope
Austin, Jesus Deaf
Austin, Our Savior
Austin, Redeemer
Austin, St. Paul
Baytown, Redeemer
Beaumont, St. John
Big Spring, Alive in
Christ
Borger, Good Shepherd
Canton, Holy Cross
Canyon, St. Paul
Cedar Park, Good
Shepherd
Corpus Christi, Lord of
Life
Corpus Christi, Messiah
Corsicana, Faith
Dalhart, Grace
Dallas, Holy Cross
Dallas, Our Redeemer
Dallas, St. Paul
Dallas, Zion
Denton, St. Paul
DeSoto, Cross of Christ
Fairfield, Trinity
Forney, Water of Life
Fredericksburg,
Resurrection
Garland, Concordia
Georgetown, Faith
Georgetown, Zion
Giddings, Immanuel
Killeen, Grace
Granbury, Our Savior
Groves, St. Paul
Gun Barrel City, St. Peter
Haslet, Holy Shepherd
Hewitt, Peace
Houston, Christ
Memorial
Houston, Gethsemane
Houston, Holy Cross
Houston, Joy
Houston, Mount Calvary
Houston, Pilgrim
Houston, St. Matthew
Huntsville, Faith
Jasper, St. Paul
Katy, Memorial
Kerrville, Hosanna
Kingwood, Christ the
King
La Grange, Mount
Calvary
Lake Jackson, St. Mark
Lubbock, Christ
Mansfield, St. John
Midland, Holy Cross
Mount Pleasant, Good
Shepherd
Nacogdoches, Redeemer
New Braunfels, Cross
Odessa, Emmanuel
Orange, Grace
Palestine, Bethlehem
Pasadena, Zion
Rockport, Peace
Rockwall, Our Savior
Round Rock, King of
Kings
San Antonio, Crown of
Life
San Antonio, King of
Kings
San Antonio, Mount Olive
San Antonio, Mount
Calvary
San Antonio, Shepherd
of the Hills
San Antonio, St. Paul
Seguin, Grace
Spring, Resurrection
Stephenville, Faith
Sugar Land, Faith
Sulphur Springs, Our
Savior
Taylor, Trinity
Temple, Immanuel
The Woodlands, Living
Word
Tomball, Salem
Tomball, Zion
Tyler, Trinity
Vernon, Zion
Waco, St. Paul
Warda, Holy Cross
Weatherford, Trinity
Wharton, St. John
For more information,
contact
Texas District Church
Extension Fund
Bill Siegrist
7900 E. Highway 290
Austin TX 78724
888-951-1CEF
888-951-1233
512-646-1233
bill@texascef.org
www.texascef.org
APRIL 2012 Q

Lone Star
District LLL
Lutheran Hour Ministries
launched new radio outreach
in the Middle East
Weekly Arabic program broadcasts into civil turmoil countries
Six months ago, the Lutheran Hour Ministries
(LHM) office in Beirut, Lebanon, began broadcasting
Arabic-language Christian programming
that reaches 10 predominantly Muslim countries—
Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,
Yemen, the Palestinian Territories, northern Sudan
and, of course, Lebanon. LHM—Lebanon, known locally
as Middle East Lutheran Ministries (MELM),
will write and produce one original program that will
air weekly, as well as shorter spots that will air twice
daily to advertise the regular program and offer enrollment
in Bible correspondence courses.
According to Eric Gates, Lutheran Hour Ministries’
area counselor for Africa and the Middle East, this
initiative ties into one of LHM’s strategic imperatives.
“We are working harder than ever to reach ‘unreached
people,’ “ says Gates, “which includes people who
have grown up Muslim in that part of the world. The
recent political developments in the region highlight
how important it is to make the Gospel available to
them right now.”
Reaching the young adults among the unrest
Lutheran Hour Ministries expects its audience to be
composed primarily of university students and young
adults. According to Gates, more than 73 percent of
adults age 18-35 listen regularly to radio programs.
“It used to be that listeners would respond with postcards,”
Gates adds. “But when these ‘digital native’
listeners contact us, they’ll use email, text messaging
or even social media websites. We’re prepared with
resources to help them understand what they hear.”
Fadi Khairallah, director of Lebanon’s ministry
center reports
“It is sad to realize that the situation is slowly deteriorating
into civil war and that violence could spread to
Lebanon especially to North Lebanon near Tripoli as
there is a strong Alawite community among a majority
of Sunnis there. Although the country and Beirut will
be affected, the staff should be safe and fine and work
at the office should continue uninterrupted.”
Middle East Lutheran Ministry staff prepared for the
launch of Arabic-language Gospel programming.
Abdullah’s story
Abdullah, a Jordanian young man, remembers
with bitterness those dark days that he lived before
he knew Jesus Christ. “I was so desperate, bored,
depressed and restless until that time when I heard
about Jesus on a radio program titled, “Hope Amidst
Despair,” broadcast by MELM. I didn’t have the least
desire to listen but luckily something beyond my will
made me stop and listen” he says.
Since then, Abdullah’s life took a whole turn and
his soul desired nothing anymore but to know more
about Jesus who took him from despair to hope, from
restlessness to comfort and from darkness to light.
“Words are not enough to express the change that
took place in my life after listening to your program.
I owe it all to Jesus who died for all of us sinners” he
adds.
Those at MELM ask all our friends and supporters
to pray for those who are trapped in the darkness of
the world to find their way out just as Abdullah did
and to pray for us to continue reaching out for those
in need to hear about Jesus.
R TEXAS district

LWML
Texas District Messenger news
Bamsch
District site offers mites, convention information and more!
by Ann Bamsch, Treasurer, Texas District LWML
One of the greatest joys of my job as the LWML Texas District treasurer is writing the checks
for the mission grants. When the delegates at convention choose them, the amounts sound
overwhelming. But as we put our mites in the offering and say a prayer for them to grow and
multiply to God’s glory, they grow.
At the last convention in Austin, the delegates approved mission grants totaling $185,187.50.
As I write this article early in February, $5,316.80 remains to be paid. I know that with everyone’s
support and prayers, this balance will be paid prior to March 31. You can see what these grants are and
what they are accomplishing by going to the Texas District LWML website, www.lwmltxdist.org. I urge you to
check it out. The ladies who put this together have done a super great job. My hats off to them!
There are so many things that are helpful at this site. It has all the information
about the upcoming convention that will be held in Bryan-College
Station June 28- July 1. During this convention, you will Adorn Yourself
with God’s Word, His Wisdom, our Witness! The goal is for all women
to become bolder and more assured in their role of “being in mission”. In
our daily lives, Lutheran women in mission will adorn themselves for the
purpose of seeking His Word, gaining His Wisdom and living to witness
His Gospel. We also will adorn each day “richly” as forgiven women of the Father. Let us
willingly and joyfully face a world desperately needing to hear the precious words of salvation
through Jesus.
Talking about convention, have you ever gone to a convention It is spiritually uplifting. There will be Bible
study, a worship service, a keynote speaker, break-out sessions, singing, meeting old friends and making new
ones, opportunities to do service projects, electing new officers and, of course, deciding on the next mission
grants. I would urge you to try to attend or, better yet, urge someone who has never gone to go with you. Have
your society choose a different delegate—someone who has never been to a convention. Does your society
help pay the cost of registration and the hotel room You still have time to get registered and get the hotel
room booked.
The website also has information about the 75th Anniversary Endowment Campaign. Have you thought
about making a commitment to the 75th Anniversary endowment campaign The website tells you how you
can do this—it’s easy! At the convention, stop by the booth and find out all about it. Become a lady with a
purple hat! In another district’s newsletter that I read, it talked about going “overboard” with things. This happens
to the most of us in planning for things. What if we went overboard with our donations to our two endowments
We would have more to use for spiritual enrichment, member development and leadership training
opportunities for members of the LWML Texas District and we could give more scholarships to young women
who are pursuing full-time church work.
Another thing you will find on the website is a list of all the officers. If you have any questions, contact one.
We are happy to help you understand LWML. You can also access the district newsletter, Linked by Love. It always
has interesting articles and the latest information about deadlines and forms that need to be completed.
These deadlines and forms are important. That is how the officer gets the needed information in a timely
manner. There is also a link to the national LWML. From that site you can sign up for daily devotions that will
come to your email, or if you need a bible study, there are many to choose from. It reminds us of the noontime
prayer on Mondays and many other things that are of interest.
Today, we know that the mission field is right in our back yard. Let us continue to pray that our mites will
multiply and be used to God’s glory. Maybe, we can go overboard.
“Be Strong and courageous! Don’t tremble or be terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever
you go” (Josh. 1:9 GW).
Send your LWML news to Laura Wilson, editor,
Texas District LWML, 3034 Elm Ave., Groves, TX 77619
districtnews@lwmltxdist.org (Articles are due by the ninth of the month).
Texas
District
LWML
Convention
June 28-July 1
Bryan/
College Station
APRIL 2012 S

LWML District news
Around the district
Women of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Houston, Day Lilies, busy
SHOWER—The ladies of Epiphany Day Lilies hosted
a baby shower for their adopted seminarian and his
family in Fort Wayne, Ind. The gifts were then boxed and
sent to them as a surprise. The shower was for the seminarian’s
fourth child, Olivia, who arrived in January.
SHARING—The group also made 25 Christmas baking
baskets for clients of Cypress Assistance Ministry. These
baskets enabled mothers to bake with their children for
the holiday.
MITES IN ACTION—The final payment to Lutheran Social
Services of the South (LSS) was made for the mission
grant, “Guiding God’s Little Lambs—A Spiritual Care
Program for Abused Children. ”LWML Texas District Vice-
President of Human Care Sara Frank (center), is making
the presentation to LSS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kurt
Senske.
Send mites to
Michele Tate
LWML Texas District
Financial Secretary
P.O. Box 5552, Frisco, TX 75035-0217
2010—12 Goal $328,280
Mites received through January $310,501.26
Amount needed for goal $17,778
Amount sent to national LWML $80,527
T TEXAS district