Latest NewsRegister Now for the Int'l LLL Convention in Saskatoon
 Join Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) for the 94th International Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL), July 26-28 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The convention promises to be a great time of worship, fellowship, spiritual enrichment and much more under the theme, "Sonrise to Sunset" (Psalm 113:3): "From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised."
In addition to inspirational messages from Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Rev. Gregory Seltz that will excite you and encourage you in your faith, the convention will feature several other guests and events that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat:
• a "Taste of Saskatoon" luncheon featuring internationally-known speaker Elaine Bickel sharing real-life stories to inspire and bring laughter to the event;
• a Friday luncheon sponsored by LHM's International Ministries that spotlights the Indian Dancing Troupe used by LHM—India in its ministry;
• a Family Night Multicultural Event including a variety of food stations, cultural dancers and a blend of bluegrass, country and Gospel music by the Willie Sons;
• a "mini-ROC" on Saturday featuring breakout sessions that cover a variety of outreach topics to reach today's culture and train attendees to be mission-minded witnesses for Jesus Christ;
• special receptions for attendees to meet Rev. Seltz and to recognize the "Changing of the Guard" from current Int'l LLL President Mick Onnen to the new chairman of the board;
• and entertainment at the Saturday night banquet from Saskatchewan native Rory Allen, a world-class entertainer who has gained international renown for his tribute to Elvis.
Saskatoon is also a great place to plan a vacation before or after the convention. In addition to having more hours of sunshine annually than any other major Canadian city, Saskatchewan's largest city provides many convenient amenities in an inviting natural setting. Enjoy the unique retail destinations of the trendy Broadway shopping district, dine on delicious authentic local cuisine in one of many fine restaurants, play a round of golf on one of the several award-winning courses, admire one of the country's top collections of contemporary and historical art at the Mendel Art Gallery or explore 6,000 years of First Nations' culture celebrated on sacred ground at Wanuskewin Heritage Park—it's all waiting for you in Saskatoon! For more information about the city, visit www.tourismsaskatoon.com.
Individuals signing up for the convention before May 15 will receive a discounted registration fee of $95. Registration after May 15 will be $125. A Saturday-only registration is available for $25 and includes the "mini-ROC" activities of the morning's "Ready...Sent...Go" presentation and the afternoon's breakout sessions, as well as lunch and admittance to the LHM Celebration Service. To register for the convention, or to find additional details about the convention, visit www.lhm.org/convention.
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New 'Men's NetWork' Bible Study Explores Humans' Eternal Future
 Presenter Mike Newman takes on the ultimate human reality—death—in an upcoming video Bible study from the Men's NetWork.
Death...Then What? tackles four hard-hitting topics:
• Facing the Great Unknown. Humans have attempted all kinds of things to try to deal with the uncertainties they associate with death. The apostle Paul's message to the Christians at Rome assures us that eternal life with God is a certainty for those who believe.
• Which Way Are You Heading? God tells us through John the evangelist what happens to our souls when our bodies die. Faith makes the difference in where they end up.
• Will We Ever Meet Again? Our loved ones will die, too. Paul tells the Christians in Thessalonica that believers have the hope of celebrating a joyous reunion in heaven.
• Our Eternal Future. In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul offers glimpses of everlasting life and the "resurrection body" each of us will receive for an eternity together with God.
Rev. Mike Newman has worked as a pastor, teacher and speaker; currently he is serving as a mission and ministry facilitator with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Texas District. Newman is also the author of several books, including What Happens When You Die.
Want to know more? Visit www.lhmmen.com.
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Arabic-language Radio Programs Change an Iraqi Listener's Life
Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon, known locally as Middle East Lutheran Ministry (MELM), broadcasts Gospel programming to much of the Arabic-speaking world.
"God works in many ways to reveal himself to people," says ministry center director Fadi Khairallah. "MELM is happy that God is using our radio program to work in hearts of the listeners and make them disciples."
With stories like Mona's, it's no wonder MELM is as happy as Fadi says. Mona wrote recently to MELM, "I thank God, Who opened the door for me to get to know you and your wonderful programs through the radio!"
Mona is a native of Iraq; after earning a degree in civil engineering, she was unable to find a job in her field. She did receive a job offer, however.
"—to teach religion at a school!" Mona says. She had grown up in a Christian family, but she confesses she did not know much about the Christian faith. So how could she possibly help her students learn about it? Still, she accepted the offer. "I needed to make a living!" she says.
"By coincidence (I think it was God's doing), I heard your radio program," Mona explains in her letter. "You were my hope—what I needed to help me grow in faith and to equip me to teach these students I'm responsible for.
"Truly your program has helped me a lot, and I don't skip any of your program series," Mona continues. "May the Lord keep you, protect you and give you all you need to keep these radio programs on—because you have opened the door for many to know the path of salvation and life through Jesus Christ, our Savior."
Mona says that MELM's broadcasts have awakened in her the faith she never knew: "They are as bread to my soul," she confides. MELM has also provided her with Bible Correspondence Courses and a booklet titled The Word of God is the Word of Life; and the ministry center's staff has promised to answer any questions she has about her faith.
There has rarely been a more opportune time to reach souls throughout the Arabic-speaking world with Gospel radio programming. Mona's story confirms it; we hope to be able to tell many more stories like hers.
To learn more about Lutheran Hour Ministries—Lebanon (MELM), visit www.lhmint.org. |
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New 'Project Connect' Booklet Offers Insights for Courage in the Face of Cancer
 "Is God really in control of my cancer?"
It's a question that Christian after Christian asks once the disease has been diagnosed. And it's the first question author Karen Tripp tackles in Lutheran Hour Ministries' Project Connect booklet, Cancer: Courage through Christ.
"The answer is a resounding YES!" Tripp concludes; "cancer doesn't affect God's control of your life." When God promises to "work all things for the good of those who love Him," she says, He doesn't mean just some things.
"God will use your exhaustion, nausea, pain, regret, loneliness, fear and even an initial misdiagnosis for good. God is completely in charge."
Throughout this new booklet, Tripp provides inspiration and comfort from God's Word and from real-life stories of people who have been through the disease themselves. "God knows what you're going through, and He understands your pain. Seek Him in His Word," she advises.
As with Lutheran Hour Ministries' array of Project Connect booklets, Cancer: Courage through Christ is an invaluable resource—for the cancer sufferer, the cancer survivor, the caregiver who ministers to a friend or loved one, or the family struggling with the disease's impact.
Special Offer: Start Your 'Project Connect' Ministry for Less
With many powerful titles like Cancer: Courage through Christ, Project Connect can help add depth to your congregation's caring ministries. Right now a special offer from LHM makes it possible to get your booklet ministry up and running for just $180; with this modest investment, you can get a Project Connect Starter Kit:
• a rotating display stand that holds 230 booklets
• a supply of 230 booklets—ten copies each of 23 Project Connect titles, including our most recent booklets
• the quarterly Project Connect newsletter, along with great customer service from knowledgeable LHM staff members.
This offer— 10 percent below LHM's already-low price for this package—runs through May 30, 2012. Call 1-800-876-9880 to take advantage of this opportunity for enhanced ministry to your members, visitors and community.
To learn more about Project Connect, visit www.lhm.org/projectconnect.
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'JCPlayZone' Honoring Top-notch Teachers
Teachers, pastors, principals, administrators and friends are all encouraged to nominate educators who are using LHM's JCPlayZone web site in their classroom to be considered as "Teacher of the Month." Winners will be chosen monthly by a panel of JCPlayZone staff members and will be recognized on the JCPlayZone website.
This award is really a double-duty recognition too; the students of the winning teacher automatically become the "Class of the Month." Being featured as the "Class of the Month" on the site isn't the only acknowledgment that winning teachers will receive. JCPlayZone will present a customized show-and-tell keepsake the recipient can exhibit in a classroom or display in a school hall. And, of course, kids end up being winners too! The chosen teacher's class will receive a gift to share that will remind his or her students how much JCPlayZone digs kids!
"We look forward to hearing from you as you tell us about a first-rate teacher who's making a difference in the lives of his or her students," says Suzie Sallee, LHM's Coordinator of Witness Tools. "Teachers are vital to the health of our children and our nation, and this is just one small way we can say thanks for all they do."
Teachers—score big with your students by introducing them to JCPlayZone's many online features! The site contains many interactive games, crafts, recipes, e-cards, coloring pages, animated Bible stories, devotions, crossword puzzles and word searches for kids to have fun with. Visit JCPlayZone.com now!
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Let the Fish Stories Begin!
 Here's an important reminder for anybody who's inclined to wet a fishing line from time to time: the Fourth Annual Men's NetWork North American Fishing Tournament is set to begin on Monday, April 30! Registration is just $10. What's in it for you? Notoriety. Weekly prizes. A shot at the $500 Grand Prize. And this year there's something more—each registrant gets a Men's NetWork fishing lure—a gift from us to you for signing up and fishing!
Register now! Go to www.lhmmen.com now for details.
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Behavior Change is the Focus of LHM - Uganda Youth Workshop
 In early March, LHM—Uganda, known locally as Lutheran Media Ministry, held a peer education skills workshop for secondary students from around Uganda's capital, Kampala. A total of 21 students from Royal College, Kampala Secondary School, and Makerere Secondary School learned to use a Christian perspective in dealing with social dangers such as drug and alcohol abuse, pornography, homosexuality and others. The workshop was presented in partnership with two other organizations, the Straight Talk Foundation and Youth Alive, as part of the Youth 2 Youth program.
Workshop leaders presented a broad view of the realities of social concerns in young people's lives—and encouraged participants to embrace personal change and work as "agents of change" in their own schools. The leaders also helped the students develop skills in effective communication and challenged them to reach out to peers who are struggling with risky behaviors.
Victor Tugumisiriza, a student from Makerere Secondary School, thanked LHM—Uganda for organizing the event. The seminar's content, he said, included life-changing messages that participants would not have heard as part of their schools' curricula. A number of students requested future events like this one.
To find out more about Lutheran Hour Ministries—Uganda and its ministry programs for adults and youth, visit www.lhmint.org.
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What's New on the (Virtual) Campus of 'MISSION U'?
 As LHM's MISSION U witnessing training workshop schedule is rolling toward the completion of the 2011-2012 academic year, don't forget that you can plug into some really powerful presentations and skill-building tips on the MISSION U virtual campus—our online webinar and Web Office services!
• We'll host our next Web Office session on Friday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central Time. Outreach topics will range from obstacles to witnessing... to other generations... to recognizing witnessing opportunities.
• MISSION U's April webinar will feature Dr. Micah Parker, who will lead a lively discussion titled "Be Used by God Despite Life's Circumstances." Join us on Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. Central Time.
• Rev. Gregory Seltz, Speaker of The Lutheran Hour®, will host our May MISSION U webinar! Rev. Seltz will help you learn the joy of being not only culturally sensitive but also culturally inquisitive, as you become that "150%" person—one who has earned the right to share the Good News of Jesus with those from around the world who happen to be around the block. Join Rev. Seltz Saturday, May 12, at 10 a.m. Central Time.
Login and additional details can be found at www.whatsmissionu.com. While you're there, check out MISSION U's archive of great webinar presentations!
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Coming up on The Lutheran HourApr 22
Repentance Refreshment
Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
God calls us to repentance so that we might know the refreshment of His grace and forgiveness. |
Apr 29
Not All Paths
Speaker: Pastor Ken Klaus
Counterfeit dollars are without much value. They are deceptive and disappointing. The same could be said of futile, false faiths. |
May 6
It's Time to Show Whose We Are!
Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
Connected to Jesus, the True Vine, in all seasons of life, we bear fruit that blesses the lives of others. |
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The Lutheran Hour Speaking EngagementsMay 27
Pastor Klaus
Immanuel Lutheran Church
East Dundee, Illinois
150th Anniversary Worship Services |
May 27
Pastor Seltz
Historic First Lutheran Church
Pasadena, California
120th Anniversary Worship Services |
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