Faith Fellowship Church of the Lutheran Brethren • May/June 2015 • Vol. 82, No. 3

Opposition The Light Shines in the Darkness

www.ffmagazine.org In This Issue

At the Intersection of 4 Via Dolorosa and Wall Street Randall E. Davey FF Faith and Family FAITH & FELLOWSHIP 6 Doug Lindgren Volume 82 - Number 3

artJazz/iStock/Thinkstock” Captured by Bandits Juline R. Kilen Director of Communications/ 8 Publisher/Graphic Designer: Troy Tysdal CLB [email protected]

Editor: Brent Juliot [email protected] F cusROY HEGGLAND Cover Photo: 2015 Women’s Event Scanrail/iStock/Thinkstock” Saturday, July 11 – Minot, ND 11 abadonian/iStock/Thinkstock” All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY Opposition to Blessed are BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL God’s Mission the Hungry VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 12 Joy Mathiesen 18 Dan Venberg 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used Promises Fulfilled CLB News by permission of Zondervan. All rights 14 Bob Heggestad 19 reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International LB Homes: 100 Years... re:Think Version” are trademarks registered in 16 and Counting! 20 Brent Juliot the Patent and Trademark John Zwiers IngramPublishing/ModelReleased/Thinkstock” Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Quiet Moments

Take God seriously! He hates sin with a perfect hatred. We who sin cannot escape The Wrath of God God’s wrath. H.E. WISLØFF What shall we do? Only one thing–flee­ to Jesus. He is our God’s Word speaks often about his wrath. We, however, substitute. God’s wrath smote him. He seldom speak of it. But the wrath of God is a reality and died for us. And the one who in faith flees shall be revealed in all its terror on the “day of wrath.” Rigmor Dahl Delphin/Oslo Museum to him will be saved from wrath. God’s wrath indicates his terrible and holy wrath against sin. He must judge sin regardless of who the sinner is. God’s Hans Edvard Wisløff (1902—1969) was a Norwegian theologian and writer. wrath will smite all ungodliness and unrighteousness of He was also the Bishop of the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland from 1959 until his death in 1969. men. Ungodliness signifies that a person does not reckon seriously with God and therefore makes him a nonentity. The CLB Prayer Team is on call to pray for requests from our family of churches. We know his will which is revealed in the law. But the E-mail: [email protected] ungodly do not heed God, and will not do what he requires. The ungodly do not fear God.

2 Faith & Fellowship Glimpse

Fight the Good Fight TROY TYSDAL

In 1975 a struggling young screenwriter named bought a ticket to a theater in Los Angeles. That evening the theater was broadcasting a boxing match between the Bayonne Brawler, Chuck Wepner, and The Greatest, . To coin an overused, and often abused, sports analogy… It was David vs. Goliath. Muhammad Ali was the World Heavyweight Champion with a record of 45 wins and 2 losses. Chuck Wepner was Geribody/iStock/Thinkstock” a big tough guy, but many questioned his easy. The Apostle Paul called Satan the that the fight was won, but Ali would right to be in the ring with Muhammad god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). The not listen. He wanted to destroy Wepner! Ali. His record was 30 wins, 9 losses, and world clings to ideals, hopes and goals With nineteen seconds left in the match 2 draws. He basically lost one in every that are contrary to those of Christ. And Ali caught Chuck with a big right hand four fights he fought. Publicly Wepner if we live out our faith we quickly find that ended the fight! was confident, but behind the scenes he ourselves at odds with this world and on a This might seem like a strange was apprehensive. He just wanted to put collision course with the god of this age. illustration for our battle against Satan, on a good show, to prove he belonged in Satan would have us internalize our faith, sin, and death, but I think it works. the ring with The Greatest, Muhammad shrink back, and remain silent, but we are You see, we are not called to win the Ali. called to endure, to overcome, to keep fight, or even to finish the fight. Jesus In the early rounds Wepner went on the moving forward, to fight the good fight of won the fight at the cross! We are simply attack while Ali rested against the ropes, faith no matter what the cost. called to fight the good fight, to keep verbally taunting him and occasionally We are not asked to defeat the giant, and moving forward until our final breath. landing a big jab. With each shot, that’s a good thing, because the giants we When Sylvester Stallone went home he Wepner would stagger back, regain his face in this life don’t always stay down. was inspired to rewrite Chuck Wepner’s composure, and start moving forward As Muhammad Ali lay flat on his back, story and he created the character of again. In the seventh round Ali ramped Chuck Wepner turned to his corner and Balboa. If you remember the up his assault and cut Chuck over the left said to his manager, “Get the car, we’re movie, Rocky is standing when the final eye. But Chuck kept coming, pursuing going to the bank.” His manager replied, bell rings. the Champ around the ring. “You’d better turn around! He’s getting As Stallone rewrote Chuck Wepner’s In the ninth round, the unthinkable up, and he looks mad!” story, so Jesus Christ will rewrite yours. happened. Muhammad Ali threw a jab, Over the next five rounds, Ali unleashed Fight the good fight of faith, keep Wepner stepped under it and connected a physical assault on Wepner as brutal as moving forward, and you will receive a with a big right hand below Ali’s heart. any beating he had ever given out. Ali crown that will last forever, in a kingdom The giant, Muhammad Ali, staggered had been embarrassed and he wanted that will have no end! back and fell flat. to punish Chuck. He started throwing punches from every angle, but Wepner Rev. Troy Tysdal is Director of Communications and Prayer for the Church of the Lutheran JOHN 15:18-19 would not go down. He cut Chuck over Brethren and serves as publisher of Faith & Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep the right eye, but Wepner kept coming! Fellowship magazine. in mind that it hated me first. If you He broke his nose, but Wepner kept belonged to the world, it would love you moving forward, fighting the good fight! as its own. As it is, you do not belong to At the end of the 14th round the crowd FF the world, but I have chosen you out of stood and gave Wepner a standing the world.” ovation. Visit Faith & Fellowship online at: www.faithandfellowship.org Entering the 15th and final round, Ali Being a Christian in this world is not was told by his manager to stay back,

www.ffmagazine.org 3 TaraBird/iStock/Thinkstock” At the Intersection of Via Dolorosa and Wall Street

RANDALL E. DAVEY

t was warm without being too warm Woodstock aura as up to 500 protesters runaway teens and gawkers. I was in lower Manhattan on Columbus made Zuccotti their home. A few numbered among the latter. Unshaven Day, 2011. I was in the city for a two- musicians—who odiferously appeared since the Friday prior, I stood on the Iday meeting at 7 Hanover Street, not far to be protesting soap—strummed guitars sidewalk, separated from the majority from Wall Street’s bronze Charging Bull and whispered lyrics as though they were by a temporary barrier erected by the and Zuccotti Park. The DoubleTree hotel, alone in an unfurnished apartment. Others police, whose presence was formidable. my temporary quarters, was an easy walk stood in groups, while some walked My wrinkled jeans, untucked shirt and just to the east. Zuccotti Park was ground the perimeter of the park, intermittently Nikes must have made me appear to zero for Occupy Wall Street, the genesis shouting to passersby. The stench of those congregating in the park as “one of of which was a proposal launched by two marijuana was ever present and street them.” Canadians on a nondescript website. In artists entertained with acrobatics. In time, I decided to go among them their judgment, the best place to protest They were a motley crew, these and I talked to several. When asked social and economic inequality was New protesters—chanting “We are the 99%!” what he was protesting, one chap said, York’s financial district and the rest, as and bearing placards blasting corporate “McDonald’s, man—they don’t use real they say, is history. greed and privilege. Some were clearly meat in their patties.” Another said he’d It was a big deal, really, and the park professional activists, others unemployed arrived just that morning from Boston, a consisting of one small block took on a locals, with a healthy mix of homeless, serial activist of sorts. A few to whom I

4 Faith & Fellowship “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27

spoke seemed too stoned to know where bread and wine at the table of the Lord. I of them.” Most days, I’m mindful of Wall they were, let alone what the protest was was no stranger here and Michael Hayes’ Street. Come Sunday, I’m reminded of all about. In the center of the impromptu hands were clean when he passed the Golgotha. community, an urban church set up a bread. I suspect I looked like one of them, Without fail, Pastor Overland concludes soup kitchen. the faithful who assemble there from the service with a benediction, followed On the north end of the park, I heard week to week. by the doxology. He calls us to live out shouting but couldn’t make out what Back in on Tuesday our faith graciously as we have received was being said. As I drew closer, I saw a morning, I walked from the DoubleTree grace, mercifully, as we have received middle-aged African-American woman, to 7 Hanover, but this time I was wearing mercy, lovingly, as we have received speaking one sentence at a time with business attire. My hair, what there is of love. And yes, from time to time, he evangelical fervor and conviction. “Stop it, was combed. I wore the predictable reminds us of the least of these, the poor Wall Street’s crimes against humanity,” dark suit, white shirt, red and blue striped among us, and the less fortunate. she said and then stopped. On cue, the tie and wingtip shoes. I carried a leather The pastor rightly confronts those who group who formed a circle around her did attaché case cupped in my left hand hear with a reality such as one will never an about face, cupped their mouths and because that’s what folk in the financial see on Keeping Up with the Kardashians. shouted to those in their hearing, “Stop district carry. Believers live daily at the intersection of Wall Street’s crimes against humanity.” Though many of the activists were Golgotha and Wall Street where two very Back they turned for their next sentence still sleeping on the ground, some were different worlds collide. until her message filtered through the milling around by 7:00 a.m. and a few Wall Street’s best aren’t generally camp. were already marching the perimeter known for humility or being mindful Odd as they were, this group smacked with protest signs in hand. I felt a touch of the least of these. Rather, stories of community, seemed united in cause, of guilt as I walked past them, knowing are myriad of corporate titans taking and shared what they had with virtual I had infiltrated their camp the night incredible bonuses, even when their strangers. As I passed by the soup line, before. Today, they and I would know company’s performance is substandard. a bearded man with filthy hands tore that I surely wasn’t one of them. I was on Whether I’m with my family at Maple off a piece of Challah and handed it to “the other side.” Park or wandering the streets of New me. With raised eyebrows and a look in Interestingly, my Zuccotti experience York City, whether I’m wearing a suit and my direction, a young woman extended is fixed in my mind similarly to 9/11. tie or wrinkled jeans and untucked shirt, her hands, offering me a small bottle of Admittedly, Zuccotti wasn’t as tragic I pray for the grace to look like one of water. as the destruction of the World Trade Jesus’ own, with a bit of Jerusalem dust For a moment, I felt like I was in a time Towers. At least not in the same way. But on my wingtip shoes. warp. 1960s. Hippies. Communes. But it it did and continues to highlight for me a In Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, was now, and I was shoulder to shoulder daily conflict as I live in two worlds. he prays that Christ’s followers would with societal misfits. And unknowingly, At my Seattle office, I still wear white “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy they extended bread and drink to me, shirts, a suit and tie. It’s a competitive of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I a representative of the very financial business offering financial services. come and see you or only hear about you institutions with which they had issue, Battling between providing that which in my absence, I will know that you stand and with cause. is suitable for a client versus that which firm in the one Spirit, striving together as The Sunday prior to this trip, I sat in potentially enriches me more is the daily one for the faith of the gospel” (1:27). By a pew with my wife, Bonnie, at Maple ethical dilemma faced by every financial grace, may it be so with us. Park Lutheran Brethren Church. Pastor advisor, and one to which the Maddoffs Dave Overland faithfully expounded the of the world fall prey. Randall E. Davey is a member of Maple Park Scriptures, calling us to live graced lives From the moment I awaken till I pillow Church in Lynnwood, WA. in the world, mindful of the least of these. my head at night, I have to live and breathe Visit Maple Park Church online: On that Sunday, I was clean shaven, wore the world of regulations, compliance, www.mapleparkchurch.com a suit and tie and my shirt was pressed. I and the SEC. I have to be mindful of sang hymns, confessed the faith, prayed the S&P, the market, interest rates, and prayers, heard the sermon, and received opportunities. I dress and talk like “one

www.ffmagazine.org 5 Faith and Family

DOUG LINDGREN

akajhoe/iStock/Thinkstock”

y grandmother was passionate life’s great passions—boxing. Seeking wreckage that surrounded me I gave my about her faith. She loved God exercise and an opportunity to stay fit, I life to Christ. I was sure that in doing so and what he had done for her went to the gym. There I met an Irishman I would go insane like my grandmother Mthrough Jesus Christ. But she could also named Louis Walker. Louis was a fighter had years earlier. My father’s warnings be a very stern woman. Her piety led her who offered to train me for a tournament ran through my mind as I prayed to be to a strict obedience to the Word of God. in Minneapolis later that year. I was a reborn. I waited for something drastic to When my father would skip church or cut natural. I was as tough as nails and didn’t happen. I waited, and I waited, expecting out on Sunday afternoons to play baseball know the word “quit.” I fought my way at any moment to lose my mind, but that with his friends, my grandmother would right into the finals where I squared off didn’t happen. Instead, in God’s silence, I pursue him relentlessly and threaten to against Wesley Robertson. The fight was came to faith. In God’s silence I was sure put a paddle to him for his disregard of evenly matched, but in the end Wesley that he existed and that my salvation was the Sabbath. had my number. Anyway, my father was firmly held in the hands of my Lord and My father was a stubborn man and very proud! Savior Jesus Christ. athletic, both traits I would inherit from Shortly after the fight, I turned eighteen After the war I found myself back in him. He did not share my grandmother’s and joined the U.S. Navy. WWII was the ring. I was training with Louis again faith. He did not forbid it for me, but still raging and my country needed me. and we were traveling the Midwest. I was he always warned me that too much Within months of enlisting I found headlining top amateur cards and Louis Christianity was a bad thing. When myself serving as a gunner on a torpedo was convinced I had the stuff to go pro. my grandmother ended up in a mental plane. Believe it or not, my plane would My father felt otherwise. He thought the hospital, my father labeled Christianity be shot down three times during the war. life of a boxer was no life for a young as the cause. One of the landings was so horrific I married man, so he encouraged me to In 1943 I stumbled into one of my was convinced I was going to die. In the accept a position with a local company as

6 Faith & Fellowship akajhoe/iStock/Thinkstock”

a traveling salesman. That summer I left that was never our style. I told him straight prepared to see things die. For some of my boxing career behind with a record of out what I intended to do. He did not us it will be relationships, or financial 32 wins and 5 losses, and I went on the move, or even acknowledge that he had security, for others it might be putting road selling mattresses. heard me. It was as if I was dead to him. It our very lives on the line. Whatever the As I traveled my thoughts kept going was terrifying, and the conversation that cost might be—whatever the death—the back to the war. I would picture myself followed would be our last. From that day reward is everlasting life in the presence in the wreck I’d experienced and I forward my father would not speak to me. of God, and we can trust that it will be would wonder how I survived at all. The I would visit my mother and he would act worth it! prayers I had prayed that day would run as if I was not there. Years later we would through my mind. How I had begged lose him to a heart attack. Rev. Doug Lindgren is a Lutheran pastor. He was God to deliver me. How I had given I certainly have regrets in my life. I ordained in 1957 and served congregations in Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, and my life to Christ! After three years of have not always handled things perfectly. Wisconsin. He resides in Fergus Falls, MN. selling mattresses, I knew what I needed There are things I would do differently. to do. With the support of my loving But I have no regret for answering wife, Shirley, I enrolled in Augustana Christ’s call into the ministry. I know that College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota he lives and that I will see him one day. with the intent of entering seminary after Jesus called me to make disciples, to fish completing my degree. for people and I devoted my life to that I will never forget the day I told my cause. father of my intent. He was sitting in his But I also understand that there is a favorite chair as I came into the room. I price to be paid. When Jesus asks us to decided there would be no small talk, as follow him, it means that we must be

www.ffmagazine.org 7 CharlesTaylor/iStock/Thinkstock” Captured by Bandits

Excerpted by Brent Juliot: JULINE R. KILEN

n the afternoon of December of four months, Hannah Broen Hoff, body. Many dead were seen along the 26, 1922 I attended the were awakened by the sound of gunshots streets. I was taken into several places Christmas program rendered during the night of December 27. By but stayed in each place only while they Oby the students of the boys’ school. I then, thousands of bandits were inside the looted. had a strange feeling of uneasiness and city. As the Hoffs and Mrs. Kilen climbed “I was kept in this house in the suburb could not remain until the close of the a ladder to escape over the back wall of one day and one night together with a program. I returned to the house with one their compound, shots were fired at them. number of other captives. These were tied of my teachers for a season of prayer.” So Hoff was hit several times, his wife once. together with ropes… With the exception wrote widowed missionary Juline Kilen, The bandits were looking for hostages of two nights, not a blanket or comforter describing the eve of her 23-day ordeal to hold for ransom, and had decided to was offered me during the time I was in as a captive of bandits in China. Mrs. take the young Mrs. Hoff. But Mrs. Kilen captivity. Kilen was unaware at the time that the intervened—asking to be taken in her “A horse was provided for me and we bandits had already infiltrated the walled place—in order that Hannah might attend started travelling in a northerly direction. city of Tsaoyang and some were sitting to her husband’s mortal wounds. Men came from every direction and as strangers in the audience with her “I was then taken away and I did not joined us until the band appeared to have that day. They had bribed children and see them again, nor did I see any other grown to 15 or 20 thousand, including beggars to smuggle their weapons and foreigner until January 17… About 4:30 the captives… The following cities lay ammunition into the city. a.m. I was taken down the main street. in the path of this roving horde: Ku chi, Missionary Bernard Hoff and his wife Bullets were whizzing by my head and Yangtsai, Pao an, Kiah-sien, Lushan

8 Faith & Fellowship church body called the Church of the the newly formed denomination that China Lutheran Brethren? China be the foreign mission field of A large “Welcome” sign greeted It was quickly and unanimously the Church of the Lutheran Brethren delegates and visitors as they agreed that such a step would be in and that it undertake mission work to assembled in the basement of a church harmony with the Word of God and the the country as soon as possible. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Thursday, majority of the delegates agreed that the The Church of the Lutheran Brethren December 13, 1900. The primary timing was right for such an action. faithfully continued its mission to topic of this conference was a vital On Tuesday, December 18 a decision China until the communist takeover issue for those in attendance: should of major significance was made. The in 1949 closed the country’s door to the congregations present organize a Milwaukee meeting recommended to international mission.

and Juchow, besides countless small, The very next day they encountered to their work. Three adult missionaries defenseless villages… A very severe a large force of soldiers. “After this and at least four of the children died in battle took place at Juchow on January battle where thousands had been killed, China. Many experienced severe sickness 10. During this battle I was lying in a including Lao Yang ren himself, great and various injuries. little ditch with the bullets singing on confusion seized the ranks… We From the very beginning of the work, their way all around me. journeyed all night and the next day Juline’s husband, Reinholt Kilen, worked “During the two days and one night about noon I was again taken out to be toward self-support for the Chinese after the second battle was fought, every executed. They finally decided it would Church, “because first we want them to village and house on our way was burned. be safer if they could report to the understand this work is for their own It appeared as though the bandits were soldiers that I was no longer with them. good and as Christians they must be getting frantic. A large body of men was When the bandit was about to fulfill his taught and helped to give, and give with assigned for this task and did nothing order, I asked permission to dismount joy and thanksgiving. Secondly, the day but set fires. People were shot down by from my horse and kneel in prayer. After will come when the Chinese Christian the hundreds. The cursing, crying and a moment’s hesitation his gun sank to Church will more or less be left without weeping; and the burning and crashing the ground after which he said, ‘I cannot our help and support. Then they will of the buildings—was it a resemblance of kill you. You are too good and honest.’ need to have the faith and courage to hell? Seeing he really meant this, I got off my carry on the work begun by the mother “One night while lying under a table, horse, sat down and talked to the two Church and missionaries.” Kilen, who shivering with the cold, Psalm 91:4 men about sin and the love of Christ. The died of malaria in 1913, was quite right. became a living reality. I prayed to message seemed to touch their hearts and Eventually, 1948, the CLB missionaries God to keep me warm and within a few tears trickled down their cheeks and they were forced to leave China for good. moments I was conscious of his presence said, ‘Ah, this is a hard life.’” Nearly 50 years after the CLB Chinese and a warmth surging through my body. After this time, Mrs. Kilen was mission work ended, four men returned Soon I was fast asleep. threatened again with execution, even by to the region for a visit. Americans Joel “As time went on the soldiers seemed burning. “However the threat to burn me Nordtvedt, Joel Christenson, Jim Werdal, to be closing in on us. The bandits was not fulfilled. When I had reached the and Taiwanese Pastor Hsu were blessed became more nervous and desperate and limit of my endurance and could continue to discover that the indigenous Church there was a mad chase up and down the no longer, God intervened and that very had not only survived, but had increased mountains. At times people would fall off night men arrived…to negotiate for my approximately 70 times! their horses or those who were walking release.” would be pushed down and trampled to After the tragic events of December Juline R. Kilen served as a missionary in China death. 1923 and January 1924, missionary M.J. for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren from 1902 until 1940. “[The bandits] were becoming more Werdal wrote: “Our faith has been tested. confused and uneasy and they seemed With the great task before us and the to think that I was the cause of all their depletion of our foreign staff by the tragic trouble. Because of a foreign captive in experiences of these last months, we feel LBIM their ranks, the soldiers naturally would that we can accomplish very little with so Visit International Mission at: www.LBIM.org have to attack them.” The bandits’ leader, few workers. But we must continue by [All quotations are taken from the book Forty Lao Yang ren, gave orders to have Mrs. the grace and help of God.” And they did. Years in China by Juline R. Kilen (Broderbaandet Kilen executed. Seven officers were The CLB mission to China was difficult Publishing Co., the forerunner of Faith & assigned the task. They took her outside work from the beginning in 1902. In Fellowship Press).] the village. Hundreds stood watching. the first 20 years, about 500 Chinese Mrs. Kilen asked to write a letter to her people came to faith in Christ and were daughter. After a moment’s hesitation and baptized. The next 20 years saw 500 without explanation, they all returned to more. On numerous occasions the CLB the village, promising to shoot her if the missionaries were forced to evacuate due soldiers threatened them again. to civil unrest, but each time they returned

www.ffmagazine.org 9 F CLB cus Opposition From Within

ROY HEGGLAND

he Church faces opposition. It is natural for us to focus our attention on outside forces Taligned against the Church. For example, Christians experience opposition from human authorities, from their own families, and from death. But there is also another source of opposition. The story of the rich young ruler exposes the opposition we all experience on a daily basis: opposition from within. Perhaps this man was sincerely questioning Jesus about how he could inherit eternal life. But more likely he was seeking affirmation from Jesus, in front of the crowds, that he was doing all of the right things. So when Jesus told him to keep the Commandments, “The young man said to him, ‘All these I have kept. What do I still lack?’ Jesus said to Andrejs Pidjass/iStock/Thinkstock” him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell everything that gave him identity, worth, ourselves. We are by nature opposed what you possess and give to the poor, comfort and respect. How did that even to the calling of Jesus to give up our and you will have treasure in heaven; and make sense? There would be nothing left independence and our sense of worth come, follow me.’ When the young man to count on, nothing to rely upon, nothing based upon possessions or status. heard this he went away sorrowful, for he to bring him peace and satisfaction. Or so May we not be like the rich young ruler had great possessions” (Matthew 19:20- he thought. who “went away sorrowful, for he had 22, ESV). You might never have identified great possessions,” but live in the truth The teaching of the rabbis of that day yourself with the rich young ruler. But that all things were created by him and was that one should refrain from extreme perhaps we are all much more similar to for him, and that only Jesus is “able to do generosity. They taught that people the rich young ruler than we would like to far more abundantly than all that we ask should never give away more than 20% think. Jesus is probably not calling many or think” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV). of their property nor more than 20% of us to sell everything we have and give of their income. Property ownership it all to the poor. But he is calling us to Roy Heggland serves the CLB as Associate for conveyed status upon the owner and surrender anything that we rely upon, Biblical Stewardship. was not something to give away. or find peace and satisfaction in asa Understandably, the rich young ruler substitute for him. And that is where we was shocked at Jesus’ instruction that he find ourselves opposing Jesus’ call to us. should give away everything he had to Like the wisdom espoused by the the poor. By following Jesus’ command, rabbis of two thousand years ago, our the young ruler would have forfeited society instructs us that we are what we his very standing in the community. do, success is measured in dollar signs Jesus was commanding him to give up and we can only really depend upon

ONLINE: BY MAIL (U.S.): BY MAIL (CANADA): Support the CLB: www.clba.org/giving P.O. Box 655 P.O. Box 739 Fergus Falls, MN 56538 Birch Hills, SK S0J 0G0 Women’s Ministries Church of the Lutheran Brethren

2015 Women’s Event

SATURDAY, JULY 11 — MINOT, ND

everal years ago, the city of Minot, North Dakota suffered a disastrous flood that decimated Smuch of the city, affecting many from Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church. This summer, July 10-12, 2015, the CLB Western Region Biennial Convention will be held at this church! We will join them Saturday, July 11 for the Women’s Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (WMCLB) Annual Women’s Event. Our theme celebrates God: our Strength, our Song, and our Salvation. You are invited to kick off your Midwest Minot Adventure with a fellowship time at Our Redeemer’s as the Regional event begins Friday evening. If you spend the entire weekend through Sunday morning, you’ll hear speakers Scott Skones, Troy Tysdal, President Paul Larson and more. National Women’s Event 2015 Experience the Hearty Heartland, and heart and calls you? Let’s talk about it However, many women are never able hear how God is at work in women and together, as women who have heard the to experience this National/International men of the Western Region! call and answered, others who aren’t sure, Event. So in 2011 we joined the Eastern Our Women’s Ministries Event will and some who may be resisting.” (Sue is Region Convention at Tuscarora Inn, begin with registration Saturday at 11:00 WMCLB Pacific Region North President, . We joined the Pacific a.m., a noon luncheon, followed by an from Rock of Ages Japanese Ministries, Region North at Warm Beach Bible invigorating afternoon together. Worship Seattle, Washington.) Camp, Washington in 2013. This year, will be led by Suzanne Bowman, • Connections for Women—Kim 2015, we join the Western Region in Jamestown, North Dakota. There will be Goodman: How can the use of technology Minot, North Dakota. We anticipate a choice of workshops and an evening help in ministry to women? Here’s your further friendships formed, dynamic rally. tutorial on Facebook, Instagram, and testimonies, ideas shared, camaraderie Three “Snapshot Speakers” will be more, to connect the women of your enjoyed, plus support for one another in interspersed through the Event. Each will church and to reach out to others. (Kim is our Regions. emphasize God working in one of the WMCLB Information Coordinator, from This year, we invite you to come to the theme aspects: Peace LBC, Olympia, Washington.) Heartland of the USA! Already, women • Strength—God at work through crisis • Ideas and Trends in Ministry to from Canada, the Central and Pacific • Song—God ministering through music Women—Team members from several Regions are planning to come—by car, • Salvation—Mandy Bronson’s story Regions: A Round Table discussion by train, or by air—“Why Not Minot?!” Saturday workshops will be integrated sharing ideas and practical help for into the Region’s workshop schedule women in small and large churches. For registration materials check with your from 3:00-5:00, including: church or go to: www.wmclb.com • Women on a Mission—Sue Olson: “We WMCLB Annual Events often occur in know God’s mission heart. But what do Fergus Falls, Minnesota in conjunction you do when he lays this burden on your with the CLB Biennial Convention.

www.ffmagazine.org 11 il67/iStock/Thinkstock”

Opposition to God’s Mission

JOY MATHIESEN

om, Dad, come quick. Joel’s just a coincidence or a sign of spiritual God is on a mission to redeem the been hit by a car!” We rushed opposition? Earlier that week my world and we, the Church, are privileged down the street and found five- husband and Kazuko had removed a to be a part of his mission. God promises Myear-old Joel standing by his bike unhurt, Shinto godshelf from the home of a new to do the work, promises to be with us, with a policeman by his side. Streets in believer who was preparing for baptism. promises his Holy Spirit, promises that the Japan are rather narrow and accidents are They destroyed and buried the godshelf. Church will be victorious over our sinful frequent so we were very thankful to God Missionaries in Japan are aware that this nature, the world and Satan. He calls us for Joel’s protection. can often bring opposition from the evil to be in this with him. So how come it Our co-worker, Kazuko, was with us one. Peter wrote, “Be self-controlled doesn’t always look like God’s gospel is that day and came with us to see Joel. and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls victorious? And how does it work in my She was noticeably shaken. Earlier that around like a roaring lion looking for life? In yours? Why does it seem so many morning, she had told us that during someone to devour” (1 Peter 3:8). This times that we are not overcoming? What her devotions she had been reminded incident was another reminder of Satan’s or who is working against us? The Bible to pray for the Mathiesen family, and determination to do anything he can to makes it clear that Satan opposes God’s especially for Joel. Was this accident destroy those whom God loves. coming into our world and redeeming

12 Faith & Fellowship “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

us. But even knowing this, we don’t she had died anyway. Now that her niece countries, but are we aware of how much always live in the reality of the spiritual was gone, it seemed as if the reality of this Satan is working to bring discontent, opposition that is working in our lives. family member in the afterlife reminded disharmony, or sin into our own lives? Or Christians comprise less than 1% Mrs. S. of her Japanese responsibility into our churches? of Japan’s population. What kind of of caring for the deceased according to As we celebrate the gospel of Jesus opposition is faced by those who want to all the required Buddhist customs. The Christ being shared both in churches believe? Who or what is opposing them? powerful belief of ancestor worship now and also with family and friends outside Becoming a Christian in Japan is often overshadowed God’s earlier work in her of the Church, let us be aware of the seen as deserting one’s family or culture family. I experienced strong spiritual constant opposition that we face here and especially one’s religion. It’s hard to oppression myself while visiting with in North America as well. May we be know how to overcome that opposition her in her home that day, so I could only strong in the love and compassion of even when we know that God will be the imagine how religion, customs, family Jesus through the Holy Spirit who lives victor. and ultimately the evil one were able to in us. Even though Satan is determined For example, our church had helped pull her back into her religious belief to do anything he can to destroy God’s Mrs. S.’s daughter-in-law and young system. work and the Church, God’s mission is grandson get out of a cult. We spent Mrs. S. continued coming to our home to rescue this fallen world. Being aware weeks working with her daughter-in-law and often heard God’s Word. While we of the “roaring lion” among us, let us and she came to believe in Jesus. This know that God’s Word is greater than remember to actively depend on Jesus experience influenced my friend, Mrs. anything that evil can do, we also realize for his wisdom, discernment and leading, S., as well. She saw with her own eyes that there is always opposition to the knowing and believing that he alone can how God rescued her daughter-in-law gospel. Jesus makes it clear as he explains keep us and bring others into his family. and grandson from this cultic influence. the Parable of the Sower: “The farmer We can take heart in knowing that God Mrs. S. saw the change in her daughter- sows the word. Some people are like seed is greater and has promised that he will in-law, saw the freedom this young lady along the path, where the word is sown. ultimately overcome. was now experiencing, and felt that her As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and “I have told you these things so that in son’s family had been rescued from ruin takes away the word that was sown in me you may have peace. In this world through God’s power. She gave God and them. Others, like the seed sown on rocky you will have trouble. But take heart! I the church all the credit for this amazing places, hear the word and at once receive have overcome the world” (John 16:33). miracle in their family. it with joy. But since they have no root, But I also remember well when her they last only a short time. When trouble Joy Mathiesen served with her husband, Dr. openness to God began to fade. I was or persecution comes because of the word Gaylan Mathiesen, from 1985-1996 with Lutheran Brethren International Mission in visiting with her right after they had gone they quickly fall away” (Mark 4:14-17). Japan. She attends Stavanger Lutheran Church through all the funeral ceremonies for Satan uses anything and everything in Fergus Falls, MN. her young niece. Mrs. S. had asked the to oppose the gospel in people’s lives. church to pray for her niece’s healing, but We hear stories about this from other

www.ffmagazine.org 13 Promises Fulfilled

BOB HEGGESTAD

Bryan and Jean Webb/Pilgrim LBC

“Through these he has given us his very us are reminded of the promises of God autumn beauty. Bryan has even taken great and precious promises, so that when we see a rainbow! to cross country skiing! He has also through them you may participate in Bryan and Jean spliced four separate begrudgingly become a fan of the divine nature, having escaped the photos to complete their picture of the State football and Cavaliers corruption in the world caused by evil rainbow. They share a love of nature, basketball. desires.” hiking, exploring the wonder of God’s Bryan and Jean have come to love the —2 Peter 1:4 creation, and nature photography. To people, theology, teaching, preaching take and complete such a picture is like and ministries of Pilgrim and of the t was a dark and stormy night. Thick, second nature to them. Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Bryan black clouds slowly pushed to the Bryan and Jean were living in Southern initially visited Pilgrim because of a sign east as the sun began to set and a California, but two years ago Bryan advertising our Saturday night service. Iremarkable double rainbow settled over found himself suddenly transferred to He returned due to the warm welcome eastern Cleveland. Bryan and Jean Webb, Mentor, Ohio. He worked for Avery of the congregation and especially on the members of Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Fasson, a “sticky paper” company which promise of a sand volleyball game. Jean Church, were driving east past the church had moved its chemical research division began to attend as well and soon they along Johnnycake Ridge Road as the from Pasadena to our community in together made proclamation of their faith rainbows appeared. They turned into Ohio. One can only imagine Bryan and as confessing members here at Pilgrim. the church parking lot to take a photo, Jean’s reaction—“From the perfect While Bryan now lives here year round, not soon enough to capture the double climate of Pasadena to a land of ice and Jean is primarily in California caring for rainbow, but in time to photograph the snow?” “Away from their family, church their elderly parents. Both Bryan and remaining rainbow as it perfectly framed and lifetime friends?” Tough? Yes—but Jean have doctorates in chemistry. the church building. What a sight—the they were graciously reminded of God’s Bryan was led to invite other Avery glorious colors of the rainbow! What a promise, “Don’t worry, I will never leave Fasson transfers from Pasadena to join wonder—the faithful promises of God you or forsake you!” him at Pilgrim. Eventually co-worker as heralded by a rainbow! Two rainbow Two years later, Bryan and Jean have Yao Feng Wang and his wife Sue also banners frequently hang in our church intentionally and ambitiously embraced began attending the church. Of great fun sanctuary proclaiming Jesus, God’s the beauty of Northeast Ohio, its rugged for us is that Yao Feng and Sue are from greatest promise, and Jesus, mankind’s terrain, great parks and hiking, Lake Erie Taiwan, where our previous pastor, Mike greatest hope! I believe that almost all of vistas, bird watching, and incredible Kittelson, serves with his wife Delores

14 Faith & Fellowship Bryan and Jean Webb/Pilgrim LBC Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church in Mentor, OH as a missionary to the Hakka. Yao Feng work of the Church. Yao Feng recently amateur photographer. His photography and Sue’s interest in the Kittelsons is so served as moderator of a Taiwanese- is occasionally published in USA Today strong that on a recent trip to Taiwan they American Christian denomination. He is newspapers and on USA Today online. He had planned to visit Victory Lutheran a chemical engineer, Sue is a registered is also one of Bryan’s favorite volleyball Brethren in Hsinchu City to hopefully nurse, and both work as distributors of partners. Julie is gifted in theology and meet Mike and Delores. Victory is a NuSkin products. biblical studies, communications, theatre, large traditional Taiwanese church which At about the same time as Bryan teaching and of course, raising children. graciously hosts the Kittelson’s work. and Jean and Yao Feng and Sue were Joseph and James are smart, energetic Ironically, the Kittelsons were on home becoming active in the church, God was and loved by the church family! We are assignment and actually on their way to working in the heart of a young mother blessed by Julie’s promise to serve as Pilgrim when Yao Feng and Sue were in who had also moved to Mentor from youth director! Taiwan. Pasadena with her husband and young Bryan and Jean, Yao Feng and Sue, and Yao Feng grew up in a Buddhist children. Julie had worked on staff with Jeff and Julie, and Joseph and James are home in Taiwan and was a practicing CRU in various southern California a delight to us here at Pilgrim. They are Buddhist when he met Sue, who was colleges, married Jeff Goodman, and great reminders of the variety of ways in a non-practicing Christian at the time. together they had two boys, Joseph and which God fulfills his promise to build Their parents arranged their marriage, James. They had recently moved to his Church. and they have experienced the dynamic Jeff’s childhood home, Mentor, primarily work and promises of God in their lives because of living costs. Once Joseph and Rev. Bob Heggestad is pastor at Pilgrim as a couple, growing to love each other James were both in school, Julie decided Lutheran Brethren Church in Mentor, OH. and eventually to love Jesus Christ. They to go back to work, but was unable to find Visit Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church online: moved to the United States to attend the work as a part-time teacher as she had www.pilgrim-lutheran-brethren.com University of Southern California. There, hoped. through various encounters with believers Then a surprise opening developed at who invited them to living faith in Jesus Pilgrim to serve as our youth director, Christ, Yao Feng and Sue came to know so Julie came on staff as our youth the peace and promises of God. ministries director just a few months ago. Yao Feng and Sue have a great love We are blessed by this family! Jeff is a for Christ, the study of Scripture and the popular high school teacher and a skilled

www.ffmagazine.org 15 LB Homes is celebrating 100 years of providing physical and spiritual care. LB Homes: 100 Years... and Counting!

JOHN ZWIERS

utheran Brethren Homes’ ministry of taking on the management of home Esther* was a very lonely lady. She began in 1915, in the town of Sauk care hospice in our community. The had a son who lived a long distance from Centre, Minnesota, with a handful question was raised about our ability to Fergus Falls with his wife and five-year- Lof elderly people in a single residence provide care to those who have differing old daughter. Esther had not been visited called the Serapta Home. Care expanded, views of God and eternity than what we by her son’s family during her stay at over time, to Fergus Falls, Arizona and believe as Christians. My response was Broen Home and had never met her Texas. Today, LB Homes has advanced that who we care for is not determined by granddaughter! Esther enjoyed visiting with the times in creating a spectrum a person’s beliefs or values. We are a faith- with my three children and especially of care including long- and short-stay based, Christ-centered organization, and appreciated attention from my daughter. nursing home, regular and enhanced we base our actions on those standards. Esther had many physical needs that were assisted living, independent apartment That means we would not coerce anyone addressed by staff and also emotional living, home care and end-of-life hospice to believe in or force them to listen to needs that were met by the relationships care in a person’s home. Care is provided our Christian teachings unless that is developed with staff and volunteers who in the Fergus Falls and surrounding what they wish to hear. We arrange for would visit. Esther would stop by my area, with nearly 300 employees serving someone from their own faith to minister office and visit frequently. She became approximately 280 residents and patients. to them while they are in our care if that my friend. Esther had not accepted the In 2011, LB Homes began the process is what they desire. gift of forgiveness God offers in the death

16 Faith & Fellowship Anniversary Service 8:30 a.m. • June 7, 2015 Bethel Lutheran Church • Fergus Falls, MN

and resurrection of his Son Jesus, but she person like this, in need, would also George on the other hand, went to liked talking about God. I had numerous have been culturally justifiable for the the hospital when he was dying and conversations with Esther about what Samaritan. However, he chose to stop asked specifically for Harland to visit. God has done for us and how he wanted and help someone who was culturally George asked Harland to tell him about everyone to accept his forgiveness. different than he was and who he didn’t God and the gift he offers to everyone. Esther would say, “I have been too bad necessarily agree with on religious George received God’s gift of faith and in my life, I don’t deserve forgiveness.” principles. The Samaritan didn’t demand forgiveness. I explained that none of us deserves anything; he just provided for the injured Thankfully, God does not hold us forgiveness, which is why it is a gift and man both physically and financially. The responsible for whether people receive it is offered to everyone. care provided by the Good Samaritan was or reject his gift of faith and forgiveness. George* was another resident—a self- unconditional, with no strings attached. We are asked to love our neighbors, no proclaimed atheist. George and his family Jesus ended this parable by asking who strings attached, and be ready if they told us when he came to our facility that acted as a neighbor. The reply was, “The want to know more. During the first 100 he did not want anyone talking to him one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus years of LB Homes, countless lives have about God or religious things. George was responded, “You go, and do likewise.” been touched by our love and care. We also a lonely man who had his physical LB Homes doesn’t stop with just look forward to the next 100 years and needs attended to by our staff. Our physical care. “But in your hearts honor the opportunities they will bring. chaplain at the time, Harland Helland, Christ the Lord as holy, always being honored George’s request about no “God prepared to make a defense to anyone John Zwiers is the Chief Operating Officer of LB talk.” But over time Harland developed who asks you for a reason for the hope Homes. a strong friendship with George through that is in you; yet do it with gentleness conversations about growing up on a and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Our care is farm and all of the different experiences provided with no strings attached and they had in common. we are prepared for and will provide Visit LB Homes online: The story of the Good Samaritan found opportunity for those who want to hear www.LBHomes.org in Luke 10:25-37 is an example of why the Good News—that Jesus Christ and how we provide physical care. A has himself taken the punishment that *The names in this article have been changed to maintain the privacy of LB Homes residents. Priest, a Levite and a Samaritan came we all deserve through his death and upon a person in need. The Priest and resurrection. Some hear this and respond; the Levite passed the person in need and some do not. did nothing. Their reasons for passing Esther eventually had a stroke and by and doing nothing were culturally could no longer communicate in the last sound decisions, but they left a person days of her life. Whether Esther received lying in the road dying. The Samaritan, the Lord’s gift of faith and forgiveness who stopped and helped, was different only God knows. I am grateful that she in the way he worshipped God and was allowed me to be a friend and that she even considered a person to be avoided gave me the opportunity to share the by good Jewish people. Avoiding a reason for my hope.

www.ffmagazine.org 17 Blessed are the Hungry

DAN VENBERG

he boy sitting next to the sack of grain guards it like a sentinel guarding a treasure. Behind him Tare hastily set up shelters, providing minimal housing for thousands more like him. This is the refugee camp in Chad called Democratie (democracy). He is thin and obviously hungry. The amulets around his neck reveal his fear of the world around him and his trust in magic charms for protection. What brought him to this place? He came from the Central African Republic, where civil unrest and unabated violence has raged for over a year. This boy is a Fulbe nomad. As such, his heritage and identity would be found in his cattle. Perhaps his father was killed, defending their cattle from marauding soldiers. Did the boy flee through the bush with his family, or alone? Where is his family? Where is home? Without cattle A Fulbe nomad who fled the Central African Republic and without land, all seems lost for this Muslim brothers would never do. We physical sense and the spiritual sense. I boy and his fellow displaced refugees. have seen Muslims come in with help, am convinced that much eternal fruit will Yet we hear Jesus say, “Blessed are but they will only help their own family. result from this ministry. Thank you for you who hunger now, for you will be You Christians are coming in and helping your compassion for the people of Chad.” satisfied” (Luke 6:21). Speaking through us—Muslims and strangers, who you did Nathanael Szobody writes, “This gift Isaiah, the Lord says, “Is not this the kind not even know. We have never seen this of wells and grain is a strong statement of fasting I have chosen: …to share your before, and it has deeply impacted us.’” to the refugees and Muslim political food with the hungry and to provide the “The truck driver delivering the grain officials in the region that the Church poor wanderer with shelter…” (Isaiah said, ‘What you are doing is obviously a is devoted to caring for these poorest 58:7). result of a true faith in a true God, and a of the poor who are rejected by the rest The donations of Lutheran Brethren commitment to follow his true way. And of the world. I am eager to see North congregations and individuals have people are noticing.’” American and Chadian churches take become God’s blessing to this boy and “The local political representative of the steps to complete the message through a thousands more. LBIM has facilitated region said, ‘Your mission’s intervention continued personal involvement in these the installation of nine water wells in six here is a powerful testimony. You noticed nascent Fulbe communities—that those different refugee camps, providing clean a need, and in one short month, you who mourn may be comforted, that those and abundant water where there was organized and intervened and helped in among them who hunger and thirst for none. Also, 400 large sacks of grain have a very significant way. It is obvious that God’s righteousness may be filled with been distributed in these communities. your faith enabled this to happen. Look, the love of Jesus.” While not a long term solution, lives have the results are speaking on your behalf.’” been saved. To those who gave and prayed, Dan Venberg serves as Mission Mobilizer and This new ministry has been led by Malloum writes, “Scripture tells us that Recruiter for Lutheran Brethren International Mission. Pastor Malloum Eloi, a Chadian Lutheran those who give a cup of cool water to Brethren missionary, and Nathanael one who is in need will not lose their Szobody, LBIM missionary. reward. This project has resulted in LBIM Pastor Malloum writes: “Three Muslim multiple opportunities for the gospel to men from Democratie approached me go forth. One man told me that through Visit International Mission at: www.LBIM.org at my local market. They said, ‘What this ministry, we are saving those that you are doing for our people, our own are dying. May this be true in both the

18 Faith & Fellowship Rev. Sletta Called Home Fellowship with one another Walk The blood

in the light from all sin Purifies us of Jesus Reverend Robert Magnus Sletta, 86, went home to be with his Lord on September 27, 2014, his 62nd wedding anniversary. Born in Chicago, IL, he spent 5 years of his childhood in Norway 1 John 1:7 and then returned to the United States. He graduated high school from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls, MN, then received his MAY/JUNE 2015 Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN. He went to Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Fergus Falls, MN, and was ordained in 1953. He served on the Board of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren Elder Installed and was editor of Faith & Fellowship magazine. He later obtained a Master of Arts in History from California State University. Robert served as a Lutheran Brethren pastor in churches in Wisconsin, Minnesota (2), (2), New York, and California. He also served as Chaplain for the Norwegian Christian Home in Brooklyn, NY and for the Griggstown Volunteer Fire Department. Following his retirement, he served as Interim Pastor for Griggstown Reformed Church and Windsor Chapel.

(L to R) Elder Armin Jahr, Elder Emeritus Richard Ronnevik, Pastor Dale Hexum, Elder Emeritus Tony Rogness, Elder Kurt Frustol, Elder Knut Rev. Lunde Called Home Ronnevik, Pastor Mark Tungseth, and Elder Lowell Quam. Reverend Joel S. Lunde, 88, of Fergus Falls, MN passed away On February 1, 2015 Good Shepherd Lutheran Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls. Brethren Church in Fergus Falls, MN installed Kurt Joel Stanley Lunde was born on December 13, 1926 to Jens and Frustol to its elder board. Elizabeth (Bakken) Lunde in Rochert, MN. He attended a rural school, and graduated from Hillcrest Academy in 1945. Joel continued his education at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating in 1948. He then entered the National Guard for a short time before going Elder Ordained to Seminary, graduating in 1951. Joel married Alice Nordtvedt on June 18, 1954 in Ferndale, Washington. They went to Paris, France, where they studied French before going to Africa as missionaries. Joel was involved in translation work and spent time in the villages with the people. He was also director of the seminary before coming home. Due to illness, they left Africa in 1961. Joel served as Senior Pastor of the 59th Street Church in Brooklyn, NY, until 1963, when he accepted a call to teach at the Lutheran Brethren Seminary, Bible College and Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, retiring in 1995. Throughout the years, Joel served churches (L to R) Elder Steve Olinger, Elder Don Hanson, Clayton Robison, Elder Scott in North Dakota, New Jersey, New York and Minnesota, serving in Robison, Pastor Curtis Atneosen and Pastor Jack Storry. interim pastorates while teaching at the schools. On March 1, 2015 Scott Robison was ordained as Joel had a deep love for people in Africa, for his students, and for an Elder at Cornerstone Community Church in his Savior. He expressed that love in many ways, including his chalk Ferndale, WA. Pastor Bill Helland officiated the drawings in church settings were he drew biblical scenes enhanced by ordination. black light and music.

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.

Direct all correspondence, including submission of articles, to: Faith & Fellowship, P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655; Telephone, (218)736-7357; e-mail, [email protected]; FAX, (218)736-2200.

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

ife can be difficult, and it often is. Some of the stories inside this Faith & Fellowship present real-life trials that some of God’s people have experienced. Reading about them, we cannot help but wrestle with the question:

L For change of address: Faith & Fellowship Box 655 P.O. Falls, MN 56538-0655 Fergus What is the point of suffering? There’s no 400-word answer to that. In fact, no complete answer exists this side of eternity. Job and friends wrestled with it. C. S. Lewis took a stab at it (The Problem of Pain).

Suffering and pain can be physical, mental, emotional. It’s F mysterious. Much of one’s pain is invisible to others, yet it is still very real. As Lewis wrote, “Mental pain is less dramatic

than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard F to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’” From this perspective we understand that every one of us experiences pain, suffering, trials of some sort. Who among us has not experienced personal conflict or rejection or persecution or financial loss or loss of a loved one—and for many of us, within recent months or years? No matter what form it takes, we all dread the inevitable onset of suffering; we avoid it; we deny it. Paradoxically, the Apostle Paul says that he “delights” in it (2 Corinthians 12:10). And James encourages us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials (James 1:2). What do these original followers of Christ understand about pain and suffering that we are missing? For one thing, they grasped the import of Jesus’ words in John 12:23-25. “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very ESTES PARK CENTER JULY 28 truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and YMCA of the Rockies dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces 2515 Tunnel Road AUG 01 many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while Estes Park, CO 80511 anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal 2015 life.” Jesus—the “seed of Abraham”—was speaking specifically of Speakers: Pastor Andrew Foss the cross. Once “planted,” his suffering would produce many Hope Community Church, Nanuet, NY seeds—namely, all of us who believe. Yet Jesus then expands Rev. Ed Nugent this idea to a principle that also applies to us… Can you see it? Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot, ND

Rev. Brent Juliot is editor of Faith & Fellowship magazine, teaches math at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, and serves as pastor at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN. YC15.org

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