September/October 2018 Thy Kingdom Faith Fellowship Come Vol. 85, No. 5

CLB Biennial Convention 2018 Revisited www.CLBA.org/BC18 CLB www.CLBA.org CLB

Kingdom Secrets 4 Ed Nugent FF Dramatic Farming: The Weedy Truth FAITH & FELLOWSHIP 6 Michael Heuer Volume 85 - Number 5

A Treasure New and Old Former CLB President Bob Overgaard. Editor In Chief/ Paul Larson Graphic Designer: Troy Tysdal 8 [email protected] Editor: Brent Juliot CLB [email protected]

Copy Editor: Aaron Juliot [email protected] F cusROY HEGGLAND Cover Photo: Game of Chess/xijian/iStock Japanese Ministries: My First Week as a BC18 Attendees enjoying the CLB Jubilee. A Model For Outreach Missionary in Chad All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise 11 Sue Olson 16 Kay A. indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL In Appreciation Can You Build a VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 12 of Dr. Boe 18 School For Us? 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used Joel Egge Nathanael S. by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com Introducing the CLB News New Dean of LBS The “NIV” and “New International 13 Eugene Boe 18 Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Should We Pray For or re:Think The Fancy and the Functional performing during Against Our Enemies? Brent Juliot the CLB Jubilee. Office by Biblica, Inc.™ 14 Brad Pribbenow 20

Quiet Moments Email prayer requests to: [email protected]

Idle Gifts H.E. WISLØFF tashka2000/iStock

All God’s children have received a gift of grace. Not all He knows that if he can succeed in getting one gift out of use, he has have received the same gift. It is necessary therefore to made a servant of God useless. Misused or unused gifts of God are ascertain which gift God has given you. The purpose of lost opportunities for God. You have been given a gift—use it for these gifts is the same for all—we are to serve God with the honor of God. them. Thus every Christian is a servant of God. Would that we all were happy, blessed and willing servants. Hans Edvard Wisløff (1902—1969) was a Norwegian theologian and writer. Do not neglect the gift that has been given to you. Serve He was also the Bishop of the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland from 1959 until his death in 1969. the Lord with it and do not let it lie idle. It is not by accident that God gave it to you. No one will escape the temptation Wisløff, H.E., Quiet Moments on the Way Home. Fergus Falls, MN: Faith & to neglect the gift they have received. Some are tempted to Fellowship Press, 1993. boast about it, glory in it; others to neglect it. All are sinful. The devil does his utmost to make these thoughts succeed.

2 Faith & Fellowship Glimpse

The Die is Cast

TROY TYSDAL

There are moments in history that shape the future. Some of these moments are obvious, like the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President Kennedy, or the terrorist attack on 9/11. If you lived through one of those moments, you understood that something had changed—from that moment on the world was going to be different. I want to take you back to another moment that changed the world. It took place at a small river in northern Italy in the year 49 BC. The name of the river is the Rubicon. North of the Rubicon was Julius Caesar, the most powerful general in the Roman Republic. He had been Grafissimo/iStock stationed in Gaul, where his popularity Julius Caesar crossing the river Rubicon/1880 Woodcarving. was increasing—and so was the size of is able with ten thousand men to oppose There are moments that change the his army. South of the Rubicon a few the one coming against him with twenty world, and then there are moments that hundred miles was the city of Rome. thousand? If he is not able, he will send change eternity. The Bible tells us that In Rome, Pompey and the Senate were a delegation while the other is still a long our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was growing fearful of Caesar’s increasing way off and will ask for terms of peace. also betrayed by a friend—by a kiss. power. So they sent him a message, In the same way, those of you who do not He was crucified, dead, and buried. But “Disband your army and go home.” give up everything you have cannot be unlike Julius Caesar—who would stay Instead, Julius Caesar marched his army my disciples.” dead—Jesus Christ rose again, and his south, right to the edge of the Rubicon. resurrection set in motion a kingdom so You see, there was an ancient Roman Our Lord Jesus Christ took on flesh and powerful that the gates of hell cannot law that forbade any general from crossing entered into enemy territory. He did not stand against it. the Rubicon with a standing army... to do have to do that. He is all powerful. He is Sometimes in this fallen world it looks so was treason. When Caesar and the 13th one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. like Satan is winning, but there are cracks Legion reached the Rubicon, he turned to He could have destroyed his enemy— in the gates of hell. God is using his them and said, “We can still go home, Satan—with a single word. Instead Church to peel back the fingers of Satan but once we cross this river there is no he came to earth, lived out the gospel, and to set the lost free. turning back. There will be nothing left and then placed that gospel in fragile People of faith, there is no turning back. to do but to see this through.” The legion jars of clay—weak, broken, seemingly We have crossed the Rubicon, and the reacted with a roar, and Caesar cried out, insignificant people like you and me—to only thing left to do is to see this through. “The die is cast.” He rallied his men, and win back souls firmly held in the grip of The die is cast, the road uncertain, but together they crossed the Rubicon. Satan. We are the hands and feet of Jesus God knows the outcome—he knows “The die is cast.” If you have ever here on earth—equipped only with the how the die will land. The victory is played dice, you have a picture of what gospel and the gift of faith, but that is guaranteed. that phrase means. It is the moment when enough. It is the power of God. the dice are in the air. There is no stopping In 49 BC Julius Caesar was named Rev. Troy Tysdal is Director of them, and only God knows how they will dictator of the Roman Republic, and in Communications and Prayer for the land. 48 BC he defeated Pompey to end the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and civil war he started when he crossed serves as editor in chief of Faith & LUKE 14:31-33 the Rubicon. But Caesar’s reign would Fellowship magazine. Jesus said, “Suppose a king is about to be short. On March 15, 44 BC, he was go to war against another king. Won’t he murdered by a close friend and a group of first sit down and consider whether he assassins.

www.ffmagazine.org 3 Kingdom Secrets

ED NUGENT

ohn the Baptist’s disciples asked have to do with people’s hopes and dreams a wonderful insight regarding Jesus’ of Jesus, “Are you the one who for what the future could look like. The answer. He writes that Jesus was simply is to come, or should we expect crowds had expectations of victory and a describing what happens when different Jsomeone else?” (Matthew 11:3) The return to greatness. They hoped for Israel people hear the parables. Think of the prophet John, the one man who should 2.0, with no Romans and no Samaritans. Parable of the Sower, with the different have known beyond any shadow of They hoped for strength and prosperity. soils. One hears and believes, another a doubt that Jesus was the Messiah, In short, they hoped for glory. Their hears and believes for a time, while wonders if he’s been wrong all along. expectations would reach a crescendo on another hears and couldn’t care less. It’s one thing for the Pharisees and other Palm Sunday as they praised Jesus with Capon writes: religious leaders to doubt and even reject shouts of Hosanna (which means save Jesus, but John the Baptist? Didn’t he see us), treating him like a triumphant king. “The descriptive interpretation is the the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus like a But it only took five days for those shouts one borne out by the Gospel history: dove when he baptized him? And didn’t of praise to turn to shrieks of rage as they those who had a grip, by faith, that the he hear a voice from heaven declare, shouted, “Crucify him!” mystery was ultimately Jesus himself “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am Expectations can be dangerous, when were able to find the Crucifixion/ well pleased”? How could he doubt? you fail to live up to them. Resurrection the source of ever greater What hope was there for anyone if even Jesus knew that he would not live up to understanding; those who didn’t, on John had doubts about Jesus? them. He would win by losing. He knew the other hand, found it nothing but a In the Gospel of Matthew, John’s that the kingdom they desired was not the colossal unintelligibility.”1 question is a turning point. It is the kingdom he would deliver. His kingdom first expression of doubt, the initial was not of this world. He knew that, So in response to the growing hint at trouble. It would not be the last. when he was “lifted up,” it would be in misunderstanding of his message and Matthew 11 and 12 reveal a growing humiliation, in defeat, in death. No glory, what he had come to do, Jesus presents misunderstanding of and opposition to at least not yet. For now just a cross. a series of rapid-fire parables about the Jesus. Up to this point, Jesus has been So Jesus answers his disciples’ question kingdom of heaven. Each one anticipating teaching and healing openly, seemingly about speaking to the people in parables and answering misunderstandings about without any major troubles. But as his with an equally mysterious answer. His the kingdom: reputation grows, more and more people response is found in Matthew 13:11-13. begin to take notice. The Pharisees begin “Jesus, why do some believe and some to oppose and plot, while the common “Because the knowledge of the secrets not?” “Because all soil isn’t the same.” people flock to Jesus with great hopes of the kingdom of heaven has been and expectations for what Messiah would given to you, but not to them. Whoever “Jesus, why can’t we separate the good be and do. has will be given more, and they will from the bad?” “Because the wheat In response, Jesus changes tactics. He have an abundance. Whoever does not and the weeds are growing together, begins to teach in a new way. A way that have, even what they have will be taken and you’d do a lousy job of telling the is designed to conceal and reveal at the from them. This is why I speak to them difference.” same time. He now teaches the crowds in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do almost exclusively through parables. The not see; though hearing, they do not “Jesus, why does your kingdom look disciples had not yet heard Jesus teach hear or understand.’” small and insignificant?” “Because in this way so they ask him, “Why do that’s how it starts. The kingdom of you speak to the people in parables?” What? Isn’t clarity the whole point heaven is like a mustard seed; it will (Matthew 13:10). of teaching? Does Jesus really mean to grow to become great. It’s like yeast, Expectations can be dangerous. Maybe imply that he’s hiding the truth rather invisible, and yet in time it will work its never more dangerous than when they than revealing it? Robert Capon has way throughout the dough.”

4 Faith & Fellowship Are we all that different from the first people who heard these parables? Have our expectations of glory set us up for spiritual disappointment? What if the Christian life in this world looks more like Good Friday than it does Easter Sunday? What if that’s the way it’s supposed to be? I love the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. It gives me hope. But my life has much more in common with Good Friday than it does with Easter Sunday. Jesus has had his resurrection, but you and I are still waiting for ours. So we are called daily to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. These parables are meant for us. They call us to repentance and faith. They expose our expectations of glory, call us out from building our own kingdoms, and invite us to believe that Jesus is building his kingdom in and through us. For now it is a kingdom of faith, for who hopes for what he already has? But the King is coming, and his kingdom is coming with him in all of its fullness and glory. You who have ears, hear.

Rev. Ed Nugent is the Preaching and Teaching Pastor at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church in Minot, North Dakota. Sources 1. Robert Ferrar Capon, (2002) Kingdom, Grace, Judgment—Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication in the Parables of Jesus (p.58)

Watch the video: www.clba.org/bc18-sermons Rev. Ed Nugent speaking on June 9, 2018 at the Biennial Convention. Rev.

www.ffmagazine.org 5 Chaplain, Colonel Michael H. Heuer, USAF (Retired) speaking on June 11, 2018 at the Biennial Convention.

Dramatic Farming: The Weedy Truth

MICHAEL HEUER

atthew 13 contains more of or rule has two aspects: a present spiritual the goats from the sheep and the tares Jesus’ parables than any other aspect in which God rules over those who from the wheat, separating those who are chapter in the New Testament. become subjects of the kingdom in this not subjects of the King from those who MThe Greek word for “parable” is age, and a future aspect in which God’s belong to God’s kingdom. parabole, from two smaller words: the people enter the visible eternal kingdom In the Parable of the Sower all the seed preposition para, meaning “alongside,” on the Last Day at the end of this age. was good seed, while the kinds of soil and bole, which is related to the verb The first farmer parable in Matthew 13, differed. But the Parable of the Wheat and ballo, meaning “to throw or cast.” So The Parable of the Sower (13:3-8, 18-23), Tares describes different kinds of seed, a parable is a story Jesus told using the deals with the present spiritual aspect of some good (the wheat seed) and some common things of his day which he God’s kingdom in which God’s Word harmful (the tares). The tares described “threw alongside” a spiritual truth to creates saving faith in the hearts of some here were most likely a kind of darnel illustrate that truth for those who would of those who hear the Word. The second weed, whose scientific name is Lolium understand. farmer parable in Matthew 13, the Parable temulentum. Until these respective plants All eight parables in Matthew 13 are of the Wheat and Tares (13:24-30, 36-43), mature and the ears of the plants become kingdom parables, teaching about the mainly focuses on the future—the visible visible, they look so similar that some nature of God’s kingdom, which means Last Day aspect of the kingdom. It points have referred to the darnel weed as “false his ruling over his people. This kingdom specifically to the judgment, purging out wheat.”

6 Faith & Fellowship imelenchon/iStock Left to Right: Wheat and Darnel.

The landowner’s servants in the parable people of the evil one, and the enemy primary purpose of the ‘good seeds’ in might have expected a few weeds to grow who sows them is the devil. The harvest the world is to make converts of ‘tares,’ among the wheat, but they were alarmed is the end of the age, and the harvesters that they might also become sons of the at the huge quantity of weeds that are angels” (Matthew 13:37-39). kingdom” (Commentary on Matthew). appeared to be growing among the wheat (13:27). The more experienced landowner No religious entities—neither the As God makes our hearts spiritually recognized this phenomenon as no agents of the medieval Church’s alive through the good news of Jesus’ accident but as deliberate agricultural Crusades or Inquisition, nor the followers redeeming love, we can share the gospel, and economic sabotage by an enemy of the so-called Islamic State—have the through which the Spirit of God creates (13:28). In fact, this kind of sabotage was right to determine who deserves to live saving faith in the hearts of those who prevalent enough in the ancient world that or die based on belief or lifestyle. God’s listen, converting them from tares to the Roman Empire actually considered it own messengers, his angels, will be the wheat. Nowhere do we see this more a crime and specifically prohibited the actors at the Final Judgment: They will clearly than in the Explanation to the practice in Roman Law. gather “everything that causes sin,” that Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed, in While most of Jesus’ parables have causes people to stumble. They will also which Martin Luther writes, “I believe a single main point and are often gather those who do harm, “all who do that I cannot by my own reason or strength “overinterpreted” by some teachers who evil” (13:40-42). The angels will cast believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come try to find a specific meaning for every all of these into “the blazing furnace,” to him, but the Holy Spirit has called me detail, there are a few parables in which the equivalent of the “lake of fire” in through the gospel, enlightened me with Jesus himself provides the meaning for Revelation 19:20, 20:10, and 21:8. This his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me most of the details, and this is one of those will result in “weeping” (suggesting in the true faith…” (Small Catechism, parables. In 13:36-43, our Lord interprets grief and loss) and “gnashing of teeth” 1529). and applies the Parable of the Wheat and (suggesting physical pain) for the lost. Tares. The landowner’s servants in the In stark contrast, “the righteous will Chaplain, Colonel Michael H. Heuer, USAF (Retired), M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D., is the Director of parable were eager to tear out the weeds shine like the sun in the kingdom of Ministry to the Armed Forces for the Church of immediately (13:28b), just as Jesus’ own their Father” (13:43). “Righteous” must the Lutheran Brethren. disciples elsewhere wanted immediate refer to those who are righteous by faith, judgment upon those who opposed them trusting in God’s anointed Messiah Jesus, Watch the video: and their Rabbi (Luke 9:54). But the since in ourselves no one is righteous www.clba.org/bc18-sermons wise and patient landowner wanted his (Psalm 14:1-3, 53:1; Romans 3:10). Paul servants to leave the weeds alone and let emphasizes that righteousness before them grow alongside the wheat until the God is the righteousness of faith, not from final harvest. Believers and non-believers human good deeds. “For we maintain that may look similar, and according to Jesus’ a person is justified by faith apart from interpretation, God and the angels are the works of the law” (Romans 3:28). the ones who can tell the difference. The None of us by nature is the good seed! angels will weed out the tares on the Day Pastor and author John McArthur writes: of Judgment. “All good seeds were once tares; all “The one who sowed the good seed is the sons of the kingdom were once sons the Son of Man. The field is the world, of the evil one. To go beyond the scope and the good seed stands for the people of this parable, while still using some of the kingdom. The weeds are the of its figures, it could be said that the

www.ffmagazine.org 7 President Paul Larson speaking on June 12, 2018 at the Biennial Convention.

A Treasure New and Old: When a Scribe Becomes a Disciple in the Kingdom of God

PAUL LARSON

hrough a glorious string teacher of the law who has become a These teachers were the scribes (Greek, of kingdom parables and disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like grammateus) who knew the Word of explanations, CLB Biennial the owner of a house who brings out of God, at least the Old Testament promise. TConvention 2018 attendees found life his storeroom new treasures as well as They were keepers of the words, of the and were reminded of our place in the old.” grammar. Sure, there was some spiritual kingdom of God. The last parable in this Everyone who has ears to hear, eyes deadness in these highly regarded experts. string is found in Matthew 13:51-52. to see, hearts to perceive these parables Some were lifeless rule-keepers, proud in of the kingdom… everyone who sees their knowledge, arrogant in their word- “‘Have you understood all these things?’ and receives the unveiled mystery of the keeping. They were spiritual grammar Jesus asked. ‘Yes,’ they replied. He said gospel, of Jesus’ coming kingdom… we fanatics. to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the are changed! But some of them kept this Word. law who has become a disciple in the Friends, this is an incredible description They knew it pointed to One coming, to kingdom of heaven is like the owner of of transition! It’s the “right-hand turn” something living. When the mysteries a house who brings out of his storeroom of identity, function, and mission. Jesus’ of these parables were unlocked, they new treasures as well as old.’” statement at the end of this glorious revealed Jesus, the gospel, and his treasure-house of kingdom parables kingdom. It had this transformative effect What does Jesus, in conclusion, want in Matthew 13 can, should, and does on the scribe! his disciples to understand? He says describe us! “…every scribe who becomes a something very interesting: “…every “…every teacher of the law…” disciple in the kingdom of heaven…”

8 Faith & Fellowship “‘Have you understood all these things?’ They said to him, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’” Matthew 13:51-52

It’s a passive verb form of the noun the eastbound and westbound lanes. It’s kingdom, these mysteries of Jesus, for disciple. Not the one who achieves completely inaccessible by car or on it’s as if we become “parables of the discipleship, but the one who is made foot. I’ve driven by this property many kingdom” ourselves. In us and through a disciple. This is the “kingdoming” times, viewing it with the eyes of a nature us, the treasure of Jesus—his gospel, his explosive potential—when a scribe lover, adventurer, agriculturist, and kingdom—is unlocked and unveiled to be becomes a disciple, a student, a follower, hunter. I’d look over and ponder, “What’s brought out and shared with others! a practicing apprentice of Jesus in the over there? What kind of trees make up We become living parables, kingdom kingdom of heaven. the woods? What wildlife and winged translators! In terms of the parables Jesus says something awesome happens creatures dwell in there? Are there water of Matthew 13, we are the fruit of the when the scribe becomes the disciple. ponds or springs? Are there hills? Maybe scattered seed, we are the chosen kernels This new disciple becomes a repository wild berries?” of wheat among the weeds, the keeper of treasure—to be shared with others! It’s just intriguing to me: on the one of fish in a net drawn up from humanity Church of the Lutheran Brethren: May hand it’s pristine, reserved, untapped on the Last Day! We are the treasure, the I say, “We were born for this!” land. There’s a beauty in that! And on the pearl pointing to its seeker/sacrificer/ We are scribes become disciples in other hand—for all the possible nature- owner, the birds who nest and rest in the the kingdom of heaven! We must never lover enjoyment, food-producing, bird- shade of this great gospel tree! be less than that. We must never be mere watching, camping, hiking, exploring Oh, CLB, we are a missionary people! followers who are not founded on the possibilities—it’s a mysterious avoidance We have this precious gift to share. We Word, that is, mere activists or obedient of potential! must not “hole up” in safe isolation. Let moralists. And we must never be like On one particular day—it was my us make entrance ramps for people to those scribes who were content to be birthday, September 30, 2014—driving come find what we have, and exit ramps correct and arrogant, while silent and west toward Fergus Falls to began my to take what we have to others! uncompassionate in mission and witness. first term as CLB President, I looked We are confessional and missionary over at that pristine, reserved, untapped Rev. Paul Larson is President of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. people. Our Confession of Faith must be 80 acres of land, and thought, “It reminds confessed, both to my neighbor near and me of… us (the CLB)!” And now, on an ocean away! We are people wholly every trip past this beautiful plot of earth restful in grace, and wholly restless in that lacks entrance and exit ramps, I think mission! of us. Watch the video: Church of the Lutheran Brethren: This wonderful gift of God’s creation, www.clba.org/bc18-lifting-our-eyes We were born for this. Scribes become who knows what is on it? It’s like Tom disciples in the kingdom of heaven. A Sawyer’s island, Cortez’ City of Gold, the people under the Word! A missionary Fountain of Youth! Who knows! But we people! don’t know, and won’t know, because it is In this Biennial Convention, our eyes the “Rampless Median.” And it reminds were opened to a vision for mission me of us… that is ours together: Lutheran Brethren “…every scribe who has become a Seminary? North American Mission? disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like Lutheran Brethren International Mission? the owner of a house who brings out of Through this symbiotic union of mission his storeroom new treasures as well as together we do one thing: we make old.” Scribes who become disciples have disciples. come into possession of a treasure, and it At a fork in the Interstate 94 freeway is not our treasure to hoard. just west of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, In effect, when we truly hear, see, there’s a curious stretch of land between and believe these parables of the

www.ffmagazine.org 9 CLB F cus www.CLBA.org

2018 Biennial Convention ROY HEGGLAND

$584,099 % $2,825,000 Received through 8/25/18 21 2018-19 Contribution Goal

The CLB Fiscal Year Ends April 30, 2019

he theme of the 2018 Church of the Lutheran Brethren Biennial Convention was “King me.” TI remember when I learned to play checkers. What a relief it was to get a stone (piece) to the other side of the board and yell, “King me!” As a result, the stone operated very differently from all of the other “common” stones. The other stones could only move in one direction, and even then, their moves were restricted. The “kinged” stone on the other hand, could move in any direction without restriction. With this freedom of movement, the kinged stone could make a big difference in the game. Voyagerix/iStock It was playing in a different realm than be the hands and feet of Jesus, as Christ is have not heard? And how can they hear the other stones. made real to those stones still playing the without someone preaching to them? And When the kingdom of God comes to us game, we enter into the biggest and best how can anyone preach unless they are through his Son Jesus, we are in a sense dream of all—that souls of incomparable sent?” (Romans 10:14-15a). “Kinged.” No longer do we move in one worth are “Kinged” by the King. “And God is able to make all grace direction trying to avoid destruction, As a Church, we have been asked by our abound to you, so that having all hoping we make it to the other side to King to allow him to transform our dreams sufficiency in all things at all times, you be “Kinged.” No longer are we living in for this life so that we can participate in may abound in every good work” (2 the frantic belief that the unidirectional that larger dream of “making disciples Corinthians 9:8, ESV). game we have been playing is all that of all nations….” What a privilege to be there is, so we need to make the most of part of that mission! What a joy to know Roy Heggland is Associate for Biblical it for ourselves. Now we know that life that our Father is rejoicing over each lost Stewardship for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. is much more than a game. Now we are soul that is “Kinged”—receiving a crown citizens of a different realm where life of eternal life! is not measured in years. We are free to Some of us can go and preach and teach measure life in terms of eternity. the message of the King. All of us can Since our time on earth is short, and give our gifts to send and support those our mission here as his children is so who are willing and able to go. All of us important, we can afford to let go of can pray that God would open doors and those dreams we had for our earthly hearts to the gospel. lives, knowing that their fulfillment in “How, then, can they call on the one eternity will be much greater. In fact, as they have not believed in? And how can we engage in the mission of the Church to they believe in the one of whom they

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Japanese Ministries: A Model For Outreach SUE OLSON

rom this article I hope you take Japanese Christians’ testimonies, sing away these two things. First: songs, play games and of course there’s Learn how God is using Japanese more FOOD! It’s all about giving them FMinistries in Seattle, so that you can every opportunity to meet their needs, support it in prayer and offerings. meet Christians, hear the Word and have Second: Recognize the opportunities all a very good time doing it. around you in your daily life where God This is where the hour glass narrows. wants to use you to increase his kingdom Out of the larger number, maybe ten with your God-given personality, skills to fifteen people start to show interest and experiences. in coming to church and to our home Think of an hour-glass shape. That’s a regularly for Bible Studies. Almost every good picture of how Japanese Ministries year several accept Jesus. Then they are works. The wide open top of the hour discipled, and finally introduced to a glass is where we look for the needs of the church in Japan. This is where the hour larger group of Japanese people around glass widens out again as they return to us, and how we can meet that need. Japan now as believers—who otherwise It might be for English conversation, might never have heard the gospel—to cooking classes, parenting classes, food influence their world for Christ. and fun activities that help them to So, has your mind wandered a bit acclimate to life in Seattle, etc. toward who might already be in your We take advantage of opportunities everyday circle of influence? Or, maybe to be welcomed onto the local college how you might have to step out of your campus where we can invite the entire circle a bit and into someone else’s? Stop Japanese student group, an average of and look around you. Put your phone in about fifty students yearly. We network your pocket or purse and engage with with other groups and churches in the the person standing next to you. One of city who are also reaching out to the the Japanese students told me that this is Japanese community, relying heavily on what they like about America: people talk our faithful team of volunteers, most of to them, and ask how they are, and seem whom are from Rock of Ages LBC. We to really mean it! That’s so contrary to hold large events every other Thursday what they experience in Japan. Will you for students, as well as Tuesdays for the be one of those people? It could change a women and children. There, we always life for eternity. take the opportunity to invite them to Sunday morning worship in Japanese at Sue Olson is a member of Rock of Ages Lutheran church, and to bilingual Bible Studies Brethren Church in Seattle, Washington. and BBQ’s at our home. A student-hosted Questions? Email: [email protected] Saturday evening event called “JxJ” Send Support: www.therocklbc.org (Japanese for Jesus) is where they hear

www.ffmagazine.org 11 LBS In Appreciation of Dr. Boe JOEL EGGE he distinguished Dean of the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Dr. Eugene Boe, has a new title. TIt is Research Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology. LBS President David Veum announced that Dr. Boe will continue teaching classes, lecturing at the invitation of congregations, and, hopefully, begin publishing material he has developed over his 35 years at LBS. Speaking on behalf of the Church, we are thankful that Dr. Boe sees the seminary faculty as servants of the Church. As the Apostle Paul stated his call, “…what we Dr. Eugene Boe preparing for a lecture. preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ conferences on themes suggested by local Few of us realize the vision, energy, and as Lord, and ourselves as your servants planning committees. He is enthusiastic endurance these types of changes require. for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). about theological forums but equally so Fourth, I need to mention the new Eugene embodies this calling in contrast to participate in Bible studies. Seminary classroom and office facility. to the many who view a seminary as an His love for and valuing of the variety Dr. Boe—envisioning and working independent theological academy. In of people in Christ’s body motivates him with President David Veum, the other words—and this is very important to lead future Ministers of the Gospel to Hillcrest Academy administration, and to congregations and clergy—Dr. Boe be shaped by the Lord and his Word as CLB executives, recommended the sees himself as a churchman, a Minister they live openly with “their” people. He construction of the new building to the of the Gospel, called to a teaching is known for saying, “We get to do this!” CLB Council of Directors in March of responsibility. As a servant of the Body I know Eugene “Gene” Boe would 2014. It passed without a negative vote! of Christ, he maintains close contact with emphasize the leadership roles President The congregations and ministries of congregational life. Veum and the seminary family played in the CLB are appreciative of Dr. Boe’s Guided by his conviction that the the following achievements, but all these willingness to listen and learn from Scriptures are inspired by God, Dr. Boe occurred during Gene’s service. concerned, sometimes critical, comments. has anchored his pastoral students in Dr. Boe assumed more management He is a student of the Church and church God’s Word. For example, he not only responsibilities when he transitioned life. I need not tell you that he loves taught the doctrinal positions of the from Academic Dean to Dean of the reading. He loves God’s Word. He allows Church, but also the Scriptural basis for Seminary. This allowed the President to the Holy Spirit to use both suffering and her doctrine. He insisted his students base give priority to congregational relations, Scripture in shaping his theology. their theology on sound exegesis of the engagement of student candidates, and Many may be surprised that Dr. Boe Bible. In his instruction of apologetics, denominational responsibilities. was in management training for a major defending the Christian faith, Dr. Boe Second, the Seminary earned full company when the Lord called him required his students to connect with academic accreditation during Boe’s to prepare for the Christian ministry. and share Christ’s message with non- tenure. This recognition of the Seminary’s In looking at his leadership as the believers. Thus, students learned to quality and effectiveness makes it much Dean of the Seminary, one can see articulate God’s Word accurately with easier for graduates to pursue advanced how the Lord integrated his corporate co-learners in class, and conversationally degrees and apply for financial assistance. experience, educational achievements, with non-believers in coffee shops. Dr. Boe led the Seminary through in- congregational ministry, engagement Professor Boe loves the academic depth curriculum reviews. Courses were with colleagues and students, enjoyment world, but he sees himself, and his re-aligned to prepare biblically-shaped of people, and family encouragement in seminary colleagues, as people of the servants of the Lord. Further, classes giving the Church a gifted Dean for these congregation. Therefore, he responds were placed online, allowing students twenty years. to the Church’s calls for research and to complete seminary programs without Thanks be to God! theological essays on issues facing the moving to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. This larger Church while also accepting was another significant achievement Rev. Joel Egge served as president of the Church invitations to teach and preach at area and a ministry to the extended Church. of the Lutheran Brethren from 2000 to 2014.

12 Faith & Fellowship Lutheran Brethren Seminary www.LBS.edu

Introducing the New Dean EUGENE BOE uly 1, 2018 marks the beginning of Dr. Brad Pribbenow’s appointment to serve as the Dean of Lutheran JBrethren Seminary. He was appointed to this position by the Board of LBS at their April 2018 meeting. Just what does a Seminary Dean do? The LBS Mission Statement for this position states: “The Dean serves the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, its mission, purpose, and objectives by ensuring the academic, biblical, and theological integrity of the LBS program and by ensuring that the institutional objectives Dr. Brad Pribbenow serving as Dean of Lutheran Brethren Seminary. are accomplished in each of its programs has familiarity with the Church, enabling approaches its ministry in dependence on of study.” him to serve as a bridge between the the Triune God who speaks truth through Dr. Pribbenow comes to this position Seminary and the Church. He has served his inspired Scriptures. with an educational background both as Worship Arts Director (Bethesda It is a blessing to have Professor academically (Bachelor of Music Lutheran Brethren Church, Eau Claire, Pribbenow on our faculty and to have Education) and professionally. He is no WI), Associate Pastor of Worship and worked together administratively this stranger to the world of students, having Outreach (Bethel Lutheran, Fergus Falls, past year as he served as Associate Dean. served on the InterVarsity Campus Staff MN), and currently part-time Minister God has equipped him with the qualities for five years. He has been on the LBS of Music (Bethel Lutheran, Battle Lake and skills to serve as Dean, for which faculty since 2011 (in 2018 granted a Campus). He has presented numerous we are grateful. He is passionate that our continuing call), teaching courses in seminars throughout the Church on Seminary be faithful to Holy Scripture Old Testament and Worship, and serving worship and on the Psalms. in preparing our students to go forth as Associate Dean in 2017-2018. He As the Dean he provides dynamic, well-equipped into all the world with the completed the Ph.D. in Biblical Studies strategic leadership for the development message of the saving gospel of Jesus with an emphasis in Old Testament at and implementation of academic Christ. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. His programs and student support services. He Dr. Pribbenow will continue to serve Ph.D. dissertation is now published in facilitates an environment where faculty as a teaching member of the faculty, revised form as Prayerbook of Christ: are supported, mentored, encouraged and teaching courses in the Old Testament Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christological developed in their calling as teachers and Worship. Brad is married to Melissa Interpretation of the Psalms (Fortress and in their working together as a team and they have four children Emily, Elias, Press, August 31, 2018). During his in fulfilling the mission of the Seminary. Elliot, and Elise. We pray for God’s doctoral studies he also served as a In a time of advancing technology, blessing on him as he serves as Dean and teaching assistant. theological education faces the challenge Professor at Lutheran Brethren Seminary. As a graduate of LBS (M.Div., 2008) of remaining faithful to its mission. and a member of the faculty, he has Dr. Pribbenow is committed to lead Dr. Eugene Boe, Ph.D. serves Lutheran Brethren familiarity with the Seminary, its heritage, LBS to be faithful as a seminary called Seminary as Research Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology. He served as dean from its mission, and way of operating—all of by the Church of the Lutheran Brethren 1998-2018. which are important for the calling of to serve the Church and world by living Dean. Dr. Pribbenow understands and in and preparing others to live in the

Dr. Brad Pribbenow’sReligion • Biblical Studies book, PRIBBENOW “This is an excellent, scholarly inquiry into Bonhoeffer’s Christ-centered interpretation embraces the mission of the Seminary. He gospel of Jesus Christ and his call to of the Hebrew Psalms, which illuminates well the theological and spiritual resources that fed his courageous resistance to Nazism. Especially helpful is the way it locates Bonhoeffer against the wider background of Christian treatment of the psalms over the Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christological Prayerbook centuriesof as well as the crisis he facedChrist in his own lifetime, and the questions, which still is Interpretation of the Psalms face us today in the relations of Christianity and Judaism.” —KEITH CLEMENTS

“The figure of Dietrich Bonhoeffer has received much scholarly attention over recent embraces without reservation the Church participate in his mission of grace to years, ranging from his intellectual contributions to Protestant theology to his sacrificial resistance against Hitler. Less, however, has been done on Bonhoeffer’s biblical exege- sis, and much less on his place in the history of biblical interpretation. Dr. Pribbenow available at: PRAYERBOOK OF admirably helps to fill this gap.Prayerbook of Christ offers us a view of Bonhoeffer as a theologian thoroughly conversant with the assumptions and methods of modern exege- sis, yet as one who cares deeply about the Christian use of the Scriptures. By attending to Bonhoeffer’s personal context and development against the backdrop of the wider of the Lutheran Brethren’s Statement of bless all nations. The Seminary prepares history of interpretation, Pribbenow reveals Bonhoeffer’s own unique solution to the PRAYERBOOK hermeneutical challenges of reading and praying the Psalter. As such, Bonhoeffer gives us a viable approach to the Psalms today—not merely as a record of ancient religious piety or as a collection of devotional material, but as the very prayerbook of Christ.” —ERIK H. HERRMANN, Concordia Seminary OF CHRIST Prayerbook of Christ explores the unique contribution of early twentieth-century Ger- Faith and its implications for the teaching people to enter the diverse cultural man pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer to the interpretation of the Psalms— an approach built upon an understanding of the Psalms’ relationship to prayer and to Jesus Christ the Crucified One. Bonhoeffer interpreted the Psalms through the lens of Jesus Christ who prayed the Psalms in his incarnation. Therefore, as the church CHRIST of today prays the Psalms, they are praying the very words which Jesus prayed. The Psalms are not only the prayerbook of the church, more fundamentally, they are the of the Seminary. He understands the contexts of the world through particular prayerbook of Jesus Christ. In Prayerbook of Christ, Pribbenow investigates the development, coherence, and sig- nificance of Bonhoeffer’s Christological interpretation of the Psalms, tracing it from its formation at Berlin University, into its years of development at the Confessing Church Preacher’s Seminary in Finkenwalde, and through the months of imprisonment at the hands of the Third Reich.

BRAD A. PRIBBENOW is professor of Old Testament and dean at Lutheran Brethren various disciplines and how they integrate ministries as Christ’s servants shaped Seminary.

LEXINGTON BOOKS/FORTRESS ACADEMIC 800-462-6420 BRAD PRIBBENOW www.rowman.com Cover image: BArch, Bild 183-1990-0518-028 / in the overall curriculum. by his words and wounds, speaking his Bernd Settnik / CC-BY-SA 3.0 www.barnesandnoble.com As an ordained pastor in the CLB he gospel in word and deed. The Seminary

www.ffmagazine.org 13 Dr. Brad Pribbenow presenting on Psalms of Vengeance at the 2018 Biennial Convention.

Should We Pray For or Against Our Enemies? MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE’S PSALMS OF VENGEANCE

BRAD PRIBBENOW

he book of Psalms is filled with so psalms.” They are psalms that had every cause to aim this psalm’s many memorable and meaningful incorporate a curse (imprecation) against imprecations at Hitler and his agents psalms: “As the deer pants for an enemy. They appear at frequent points of oppression, he instead opened up a Tstreams of water…” (Psalm 42:1); “The throughout the Psalter (e.g., 5-7, 28, 54- different interpretation—one that allows Lord is my shepherd…” (Psalm 23:1), 56, 104, 129, 140, etc.). While they may us to embrace the message of the psalm just to cite a couple. These are the psalms help us acknowledge the presence of evil, as it finds its ultimate meaning not in which have endeared this book to so they also trouble us because of the nature our own experience but in the atoning many throughout the millennia. of their requests. Upon reading them, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. And then, there are those other psalms; biblically-astute person naturally retorts, Bonhoeffer chose to preach on Psalm the ones we don’t quite know what to do “I thought we were supposed to pray for 58. After reading the text, he asks,” Is this with: “How blessed is the one who seizes our enemies, not curse them” (Matthew terrible psalm of vengeance really our your infants and dashes them against the 5:43-48)! prayer? Are we even permitted to pray rocks” (Psalm 137:9); “If only you, God, In 1937, Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a this way?” His immediate answer to this would slay the wicked!” (Psalm 139:19). German Lutheran pastor who was question is “no,” but not for the reason What do we do with these psalms? Do we caught in the fray of increasing Nazi we might think. He says, “No, we cannot skip over them? Hide them away out of oppression—delivered a sermon on one pray this psalm. But not because we are embarrassment? Or just ignore them? of these psalms to his seminary students too good … but because we are too sinful These troubling psalms are called in Finkenwalde, Germany. Even though ourselves, too evil! Only those who are “psalms of vengeance” or “imprecatory it might be argued that Bonhoeffer themselves completely without guilt can

14 Faith & Fellowship BC18: KING me Workshop Videos

www.CLBA.org/bc18-workshops pray thus. This psalm of vengeance is the the earth through Jesus. The Psalmist come down upon us. The blood of the prayer of the innocent.” prays here in the same way that we pray, wicked has already flowed. God’s death With this statement, Bonhoeffer begins “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on sentence over the wicked has already to crack open the “hard shell” of this earth as it is in heaven.” been pronounced. God’s righteousness difficult psalm, revealing a way into the The problem for us frail and sinful has been fulfilled. All this happened on core of its meaning. pray-ers, however, is that this prayer the cross of Jesus Christ.” When reading psalms of vengeance, is too easily tainted by our own self- And with this, the psalm’s apparent we must keep in mind the unconditional righteousness. The fact is, evil is not “thirst for blood” has been turned on its covenant (promise) God made with just “out there.” It’s “in here,” too— head, as the sinful ones praying it find Abraham in Genesis 12:3. God said, it’s in me as much as in others. So, as I themselves recipients of God’s mercy in “I will bless those who bless you and attempt to pray this psalm, I find myself Jesus Christ. As Bonhoeffer states, the whoever curses you I will curse; and all in the crosshairs of God’s judgment. This ones who have now become partakers peoples on earth will be blessed through would be the death of me if it weren’t for through faith with the innocence of Jesus you.” The goal of this promise is blessing what we find in the climax of this psalm: Christ, the truly Innocent One, “pray for “all peoples on earth.” We know that “The righteous will be glad when they are along with this psalm, in humble gratitude this blessing delivered to all people is avenged, when they dip their feet in the for the cross of Christ having saved us salvation by grace through faith in Jesus blood of the wicked” (58:10). from wrath, with the ardent petition that Christ, the promised Seed of Eve (Genesis What we have here, argues Bonhoeffer, God bring all our enemies to the cross of 3:15). If anything were to oppose this is a picture of the day when the holy, Christ and grant them mercy, with fierce work of God, then the promised blessing righteous God crushes his enemy. Only, yearning that the day might soon come would be put at risk. Thus, God commits as viewed through Christ on the cross, we when Christ visibly triumphs over all his himself to assuring the outcome of this acknowledge that the One made to be the enemies and establishes his kingdom. promise by attaching this unconditional, enemy of God—the One who, as Luther Thus,” Bonhoeffer concludes, “have we unstoppable commitment of himself to says, became the greatest sinner of all learned to pray this psalm. Amen.” the line of Abraham, and ultimately, to time—is not us (frail, sinful humanity) the sending of his Son, Jesus Christ. but rather Jesus Christ, God’s one and Dr. Brad Pribbenow, Ph.D. serves Lutheran Brethren Seminary as Dean and Professor of Returning to Psalm 58, we read the only Son! Old Testament. troubling requests in verse 6-9 in a new Hallelujah! The ones who were wicked light: have been redeemed and made righteous! To paraphrase the psalm, these righteous Sources Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; ones are those who rejoice as they wash 1. Bonhoeffer, Sermon on Psalm 58, DBWE 14:964. Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! their feet in the blood of the One who was Emphasis added. Let them vanish like water that flows made wicked for them! Or, as the apostle away; when they draw the bow, let their Paul put it, “God made him who knew no arrows fall short. May they be like a sin to become sin for us so that in him we Watch the videos: slug that melts away as it moves along, might become the righteousness of God” www.clba.org/bc18-workshops like a stillborn child that never sees the (2 Corinthians 5:21). sun (Psalm 58:6-9). Bonhoeffer brings his sermon to a focus as he says, “Anyone who shrinks back in Seen in view of Genesis 12:3, we horror from such joy in God’s vengeance now recognize that this is no personal and from the blood of the wicked does vendetta, but instead a prayer to protect not yet understand what happened on the line of the Messiah and, with it, the the cross of Christ. God’s righteous provision for blessing to all peoples of wrath at the wicked has, after all, already

www.ffmagazine.org 15 LBIM

Kay A. serves the Church of the Lutheran Brethren as a missionary in Chad, Africa.

My First Week as a Missionary in Chad KAY A.

“See, I have placed before you an open hands me an embarkation form, but my delay with the baggage inspection official door that no one can shut” (Rev. 3:8). pen is leaking ink, so he sends me to the and a request for bribe money. men’s bathroom where there is a working The porter is vanishing out the door he late night flight into Ndjamena faucet. I hurriedly scrub most of the ink with my luggage, so I grab my passport is surreal. Am I really landing in off, return to fill in the form and take out of the official’s hand and run to find Chad? I cover my hair with the my place in a long line that eventually the porter. No one stops me and I enter Tobligatory scarf to exit the plane, enter brings me to an official seated at a glass- the Chadian night with skirts flying. the bus parked on the tarmac, and sit enclosed desk. At the Land Cruiser in the parking lot, patiently for a period of time, only to I try to act nonchalant, but I am secretly there are joyful hugs from my teammates, drive a matter of yards to exit the bus and relieved when he returns my passport. my luggage is loaded, and Jeremy wheels climb the steps into the airport. After showing my passport again at the the vehicle out into the dark streets. He An official looks at my passport, scans stairs down to the luggage area, I spot a patiently answers my flood of questions my forehead, and squirts an unknown porter with my name on a card. He hurries while expertly avoiding what seems like substance onto my hands. Another official me towards the exit door, where there is a a chaotic tangle of vehicles and people

16 Faith & Fellowship International Mission www.LBIM.org

“See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” Revelation 3:8

running across the street. It is oddly getting acquainted with my bathroom the It is sobering and mind-boggling to comforting to feel the sand on the seat first week here. prepare a “go-bag” in the event of an under my fingers and see the same fur on Jeremy and Sallee help me set up my unforeseen evacuation situation. the dash for heat protection that was there finances and phone service. Later, a Joy of joys, it is possible to take a fairly when I visited before. knock on the door brings the tailor with warm shower later in the day when the The guards at the compound call out new cushions for the wooden chairs and heat of the sun has warmed the water in greetings as they open the gates wide for couch in my apartment. the pipes! us to drive through. My luggage is hefted Late in the day, I call my mom on into the apartment where colorful signs Messenger and we are thrilled to know Day 6 – Saturday from the missionary children decorate we can talk to each other live, when the I try to reconcile my nice clean bed under the entrance. It is very late and after internet is working! We are not so far a mosquito net with the idea that there are some brief instructions from Jeremy and away from one another after all! people around me sleeping on mud floors Sallee, I reluctantly let my teammates go during the rainy season. and gratefully climb into a bed with crisp, Day 3 – Wednesday Just when unpacking and sorting clean sheets. I attempt a shower to wash my hair, but medical supplies is getting way too unheated water in combination with a complicated, there is a knock on the door Day 1 – Monday low-grade fever is too much for me. A and one of the missionary children asks “See, I have taken away your sin, and I decision to wash my hair in the kitchen if I want to put a puzzle together with will put fine garments on you” (Zechariah sink rewards me with a nose-to-nose him in the library. I readily agree, leaving 3:4). meeting with a gecko. Surprised that behind the medical mess on the floor, it doesn’t faze me at all, I switch to the and we go to the library where we sort I woke up early to a rooster crowing, other sink and then find a dustpan to take the edge pieces and talk about what our dogs barking, and a new way to dress in the little guy outside. Maybe I can do this! favorite foods are. long skirts and head scarves. I am frustrated that I do not feel well Later, Carrie stops by my apartment. A gas stove and six matches later, I and miss out on a trip to the market. She briefs me on when and how to use had pancakes on my plate and tea in my I so want to see this country that I live the malaria test kits, and I try to picture teacup that travels with me. A cold shower in! I tried to do more unpacking but my poking my finger for the blood sample. and I head outside to see the missionary temperature went up. children playing in the courtyard. Day 7 – Sunday Fellow missionary Sonja N. takes me Day 4 – Thursday Today, we worshiped together at the on a short walk around the outside of the It feels so right to be here. More unpacking compound. It was a precious time of walls. She introduces me to the woman reminds me of family and friends. There sharing from God’s Word, praying, and pounding grain into flour and selling is grieving for the loss of nearness, along singing together. onions outside the gate. Children and with a deep sense of peace that God has I am so very thankful that God is good adults call her name while we pick our brought me here. How can both realities and gracious and gives me a whole day way through the garbage and avoid the exist together? to rest and worship him. My strength has muddy spots. I am surprised at how quickly it returned and with it the realization that I Back at my apartment, I carefully becomes normal to use a water purifier, am really here in Chad, where God told remove my sandals outside the door and and to sanitize vegetables, fruits and me I would be. Praise the Lord! think about how very rich I am. dishes in bleach. Later, I have lunch with Jeremy and A meal of corn boule with a sauce of Kay A. serves Lutheran Brethren International Mission and the Church of the Lutheran Brethren Sallee S. and their daughters in the office okra and fermented beans at the home of as a missionary in Chad, Africa. compound and get a glimpse of the wide missionaries Nathaniel and Carrie S. goes range of their duties. down well and I begin to feel stronger again. Day 2 – Tuesday Veteran missionaries reassure me that it is Day 5 – Friday not outside the norm to lose my breakfast My fever broke in the night and it seems and spend a large portion of the day so easy to accomplish daily tasks now.

www.ffmagazine.org 17 Terach, from our CLB Chadian Church, will be moving his family from Southern Chad to serve as the school’s first director. Can You Build a School For US?

NATHANAEL S.

“ an you build a school for us?” a French religion, because that is what their kids don’t show up for school until “Uh, no.” That’s pretty much how they know from colonialism. All of their mid-December. Never mind that parents that phone conversation went. My religious activity is conducted in Arabic. don’t actually make their kids go to Cfamily and I had left our village for the So, God’s Word in their own language? school if they don’t want to. Never mind rainy season, and the village chief called Never heard of it. And when I tell them a that teachers strike most years for some me to ask me to build a school when I Bible story in their own language, they’re period of time because the government come back. riveted. We’re translating Scripture, isn’t paying their salaries. Never mind all It wasn’t the first time he had asked, we’re building relationships and sharing that; they want a new private school to either. Clearly, he had invited us to settle God’s good news. That’s why I came. No, make the town look good. So no, I’m not in their town hoping that I would develop I’m not building a school. going to build that kind of school. the place for them, help them enter Except that now, a year later, we are It’s a common phenomenon in missions: modernity. starting a school. It’s not the kind of the local people want development and Our calling, however, is to share the school the locals were hoping for. They access to the modern world; missionaries gospel. And I’m quite open about the fact. already have a public school that meets want to teach God’s Word. Those “I’m here to teach you God’s Word in your in thatched-pole classrooms that they priorities coincide in education. We were own language,” I say to anyone who asks. rebuild every year. But they want a big, already starting to teach the neighbor It is a novelty. They think Christianity is beautiful new school. Never mind that kids. They would march off to their

Panicucci Ordained as Elder Fellowship with one another Walk The blood

in the light from all sin Purifies us of Jesus

L to R: Elder Bruce Carlson, Regional Pastor Warren Geraghty, Rev. Michael Natale, 1 John 1:7 Elders Peter Panicucci, Earl Sandin, and Dana Ekelund. On June 3, 2018, Peter Panicucci was ordained as an elder at SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 Faith Chapel Lutheran Brethren Church in Cranston, Rhode Island. Regional Pastor Warren Geraghty led the service.

18 Faith & Fellowship “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8

first-grade class full of optimism at 7:00 good school needs only two things: a a.m. ...and come back an hour later to good teacher and the engagement of the say that the teacher was away traveling. parents.” They weren’t learning all that much this But we also need you. Please keep the way, so I started to teach them. A short school project in front of your prayer lesson in the alphabet, a Bible story, and group, Bible study group, and church. a praise song in their own language. And I realized: this is why we came. Nathanael S. serves with his wife Carrie on behalf of Lutheran Brethren International So we’re starting a school, managed Mission and the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and taught by our Chadian partners as missionaries in Chad, Africa. in ministry, and focused on a holistic education. In addition to the core French curriculum, we will include classes in agriculture, and the “Story of the Prophets”—beginning in Genesis. We will also begin in a thatch classroom, because, as I told the village chief, “A

Faith & Fellowship is the official publication of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, 1020 W. Alcott Ave., P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655, issued six times a year (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December) by Faith and Fellowship Publishing, 1020 W. Alcott Ave., P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655. Phone (218)736-7357. The viewpoints expressed in the articles are those of the authors and may or may not necessarily reflect the official position of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America (CLBA). Periodicals Postage Paid at Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56538. (USPS 184-600) • (ISSN 10741712) SUBSCRIPTIONS: Faith & Fellowship is offered to its readers at no charge. We would encourage your continued support with a donation, and if you would like to be on our mailing list, please contact our office. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please give both old and new addresses and allow four weeks.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Faith & Fellowship, P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56538-0655 FF www.ffmagazine.org 19 by: Brent Juliot

Chains for Christ Periodicals Postage Paid at ther people can be very flippant regarding your struggles. You may be struggling through a long Falls, Minnesota 56538 Fergus illness, disability, loss of job and income, a fractured Ovital relationship… Whatever it is, you feel completely stuck. It doesn’t go away; it doesn’t “get better.” And they say to you, “Well, God is working it all out for your good.” Easy for them to say. The Book of Acts concludes: “For two whole years Paul… proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!” Without hindrance, that is, except that Paul wore chains (the old-fashioned kind), probably never left the house, and was supervised day and night by a Roman soldier.

In the big picture, Paul had been imprisoned for two years For change of address: Faith & Fellowship Box 655 P.O. Falls, MN 56538-0655 Fergus in Caesarea, finally appealed to Caesar, then was transported to Rome where he waited another two years for a life-or-death trial before Nero. He may have worn those chains for well

over four years. How he must have hated them! F Based on at least thirteen Scripture references, the chains were certainly on Paul’s mind a lot. Testifying before King Agrippa, Paul says, “I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except F for these chains.” He wouldn’t wish those chains on anyone! But other passages reveal Paul’s eventual understanding of his chains. In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul calls himself an ambassador in chains for the mystery of the gospel. In Colossians 4:3, almost the same thing—“We… proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” And in Philemon 1:13, “I am in chains for the gospel.” We begin to understand that Paul does not see himself wearing chains of Rome. On at least four occasions he refers to himself instead as the prisoner of Christ. In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul speaks of the tangible benefits of his chains. “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers BC18 and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Was Paul convinced that his hardship was good for him? Perhaps not. But he was convinced that it was for the good of many others, and for the advancement of the good news of Jesus. So Paul says to the Colossian Christians (4:18)—and to us—“Remember my chains.” Biennial Convention Recap CLB Rev. Brent Juliot serves as pastor of Oak Ridge Lutheran Brethren www.CLBA.org/BC18 Church in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

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