The Voice of Zion • 279 N Medina St, Suite 150, Loretto, MN 55357 Volume XLIV Number 11 November 2017

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.”

Psalm 92:1-4

Without the Ministers and Camp Matters: So You’re True Vine, We Can Wives Meet at First Spanish Still Going Do Nothing Hasscib Lake Camp Language Camp to Services?

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Photo: Brita Fredrickson PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 2017 column Our Environment—Everyone’s Responsibility

GOD HAS GIVEN US an amazing gift in creation, and it is our responsi- The purpose of God’s creation in nature is to provide for all of man’s bility to care for and use its resources wisely. From the mountains to the temporal needs. Accordingly, man has a duty to regard creation with plains to the oceans, we stand in awe of its beauty. He has created earth as thankfulness as a blessing and to care for his environment. Although God the habitation of man and to be used and enjoyed, not abused and wasted. has given man dominion, God’s resources should be used carefully and not Earth—Man’s Habitation wasted or abused. As God neared the end of His creation work, He made man in His own Earth—Man’s Responsibility image, gave His blessings, and said, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replen- What, then, should the attitude of a child of God be toward his surroundings? ish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over…every living thing ,QSROLWLFDODQGVFLHQWLÀFFLUFOHVWKHUHLVJUHDWGHEDWHRYHUZKHWKHUPDQ·V that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every DFWLYLWLHVVLJQLÀFDQWO\DIIHFWWKHHQYLURQPHQWWKHQHHGIRUUHJXODWLRQVLQ herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, DQDWWHPSWWRÀQGDQDFFHSWDEOHEDODQFHEHWZHHQXVHRIWKHHQYLURQPHQW in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat” and its preservation. The heart and mind of a child of God is quite simply, (Gen. 1:28–29). Man’s God-given duty to rule over every living thing is for however, to love and honor God, to respect creation, and to love his neighbors, his sustenance, that is, food and shelter. who also must share the same environment. The Apostles’ Creed, First Article, states, “I believe in God the Father  2QDSHUVRQDOOHYHOZHFDQÀQGPDQ\H[DPSOHVRIZDVWHDQGDEXVHLQ Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.” Martin Luther explains the mean- our environment, such as discarded cigarettes, plastic containers, or other ing of this, “I believe…that He daily provides me with food and clothing, items that point to the thoughtlessness of others. We also have heartwarming home and house, family, land, cattle and all that I need for this body and examples of respect and care, such as environmentally friendly farming life; protects me and guards me, and keeps me from all evil. All of which techniques and picnickers who properly disposed of their waste. He does without any merit or worthiness in me, but out of fatherly, divine We can care for our immediate surroundings and leave our space better goodness and mercy. For all which I am in duty bound to thank, praise, than before. A child of God loves his neighbor and views his surroundings serve and obey Him” (Small Catechism). with thankfulness as God’s blessing. We all have a responsibility to carefully Jesus taught His disciples The Lord’s Prayer, which included the peti- use and enjoy our environment, not to abuse or waste it. tion, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt 6:11). Luther explains that Randy Herrala “this petition includes all that belongs to our temporal life,” even “a sound regulation of all domestic and civil or political affairs” (Large Catechism, Fourth Petition).

News & Notes from LLC ASong ANOTHER CALENDAR YEAR is quickly coming to an help support future students. Please contact Adrian HQG:HFDQSDXVHWRUHÁHFWRQWKHJRRGQHVVDQGSURWHF- 3LUQHVVDWWKH//&RIÀFHZLWKLGHDVRUVXJJHVWLRQV of My Heart tion that God has granted this year. November also marks • Matt Keranen is making plans to move his family the end of the church calendar year, and the approach of from Finland to take the position of LLC Publications Advent. November 1, All Saints’ Day, is when we remem- Director when Walt Lampi retires in July 2018. Matt ber those who have gone before us and gained the victory. has worked for many years as a language teacher and Our prayers join with the songwriter, “Help us, Lord, in administrator at Jämsä Opisto. We wish Matt, his wife PSALM 147:7–9 faith to journey on life’s pathway; help me when I leave Liisa, and their family God’s abundant blessings as from here. For through merits of Thy suff’ring I’ll be they prepare to come. dwelling with Thy blessed saints fore’er” (SHZ 140:4). May God give continued blessings to all as you pause with • 7KHÀUVWRILWVNLQG//&7UDQVODWRUV:HELQDUZDVKHOG 7 Sing unto the LORD with friends and family at this special time of year. October 17. Nearly 20 translators from the U.S., Canada, thanksgiving; sing praise As we make plans for the upcoming Advent and and Finland joined the webinar. Future developments in Christmas season, and 2018, may we remember our Heav- this area will continue. upon the harp unto our God: enly Father’s many blessings and the hope of heaven that • The publications survey is over, thanks to all that took 8 Who covereth the heaven with waits at the end of our journey. time to participate. Results from the survey will be Updates on LLC Activities compiled and reported on in the January 2018 Voice clouds, who prepareth rain for of Zion issue along with how they will affect future the earth, who maketh grass • 6WDIIDWWKH//&RIÀFHHQMR\HGWKHYLVLWRQ6HSWHPEHU LLC periodical and book publication plans. 29 with Finnish minister Mauno Peltokorpi and his to grow upon the mountains. wife Marjatta. Mauno served on the SRK speaking • Four new LLC music albums have been produced and tour to LLC congregations in October. are available for download as mp3 or purchased as CDs in the near future. Each of these would make a 9 He giveth to the beast • A similar visit took place on October 18 with Antti wonderful Christmas gift! his food, and to the young and Aino Paananen, Juhani and Leena Liukkonen, and Jorma and Merja Hentilä. Antti and Juhani joined ~ Come All That Labor unto Me, ravens which cry. Dan Wuollet and Randy Herrala in serving as teach- Songs of Work and Rest (CD-47) ers at the October 20-22, SLC Bible camp. We are ~ The Kingdom Ours Remaineth, reminded through these visits how we are seamlessly Martin Luther songs (CD-48) joined in mutual love, and unity of Spirit. ~ God Is My Comfort and My Trust, • Over 150 participants took part in the Bible Camp. Reformation-era songs (CD-49) The theme this year was the Reformation and some of ~ Rejoice This Happy Christmas Morn! WKHVLJQLÀFDQWGRFWULQDOWRSLFVRIWKDWWLPH:HSODQWR Christmas songs (CD-50) make the presentations available on the LLC website DIWHUÀQDOHGLWV • The LLC Board of Directors met October 28 and took several actions, some of which include: • Final budget numbers are being pulled together for SLC renovation which has begun in earnest. An a$SSURYHGVWDIIZDJHDQGEHQHÀWSDFNDJH increase in SLC support area dues will pay for the ~ Approved the 2018 LLC Operating Plan and budget renovation and expansion. Volunteer work crews from northern Minnesota will do much of the work over the • Gordie Kumpula has agreed to organize the clean-up Photo: Brita Fredrickson winter with additional crews planned as the expansion phase of recently purchased land at Silver Springs. of bunkhouses and sauna building are scheduled to 7KH ÀUVW FOHDQXS GD\ ZDV 2FWREHU  3ODQV DUH begin in the spring. being made to use the property for the 2019 Summer parking and tent-camping will be available at Willis Services, hosted by Rockford. Tucker Park, walking distance from the school. Addi- • During the 2017 LLC Update Tour, many have com- • The Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, Wash. tional information will be published on the LLC web- mented on the importance of the LLC Opisto Scholar- site as it becomes available. ship Program. It has served God’s kingdom well, as has been chosen as the site for the July 5–8, 2018 over 500 North American students have attended an Summer Services. It is a modern school so we will EHQHÀW IURP FXUUHQW WHFKQRORJ\ LQ SURMHFWLRQ DQG We ask for your continued prayers, and may God continue opisto since the program began in the early 1980s. to guide and bless His work. With recent funding cuts in Finland, a suggestion has broadcasting. Some overnight RV parking will be been made to establish an Opisto Alumni program to allowed at the school, and additional overnight RV Eric Jurmu NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 3

The Sabbath Word 1 A text for the 1st Sunday of the Month The Foundation of Faith The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from These two matters: the kingdom of heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And God and repentance, become inseparable in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the RQH IURP WKH RWKHU 2QH PXVW ÀUVW ÀQG face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a God’s kingdom, as Jesus teaches, and there one can hear the words of absolution as if sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. from God himself. When a person hears —Matthew 16:1–4 and believes the gospel proclaimed from God’s kingdom, he no longer will need to The People Wanted a Sign One Greater than Jonah The Salvation Message look for a sign, as the Pharisees did. he Pharisees and Sadducees had So, what does Jesus mean when the only This message of salvation continues to be ,QVWHDG KH FDQ UHMRLFH RYHU ÀQGLQJ WKH come to tempt Jesus. They asked sign given will be the sign of the prophet proclaimed through the mouths of God’s treasure of living faith, the Lord Jesus Jesus for a sign from heaven to Jonah? In another portion, Jesus describes children today. This is still the same invita- Christ, who said: “I support His teachings that He is this sign: “For as Jonas was three days and WLRQWKDW-HVXVRIIHUHG´7KHWLPHLVIXOÀOOHG am Alpha and Omega, Tthe Son of God. True faith includes being three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent the beginning and the able to believe even when there is no visi- the Son of man be three days and three ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). ending” (Rev. 1:8). ble sign. For example, Noah believed God nights in the heart of the earth. The men of From God’s kingdom on earth, through the and built an ark, without visibly seeing Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this Holy Spirit’s power, is proclaimed the for- anything that would indicate an upcoming generation, and shall condemn it: because giveness of all sins in Jesus’ name and ÁRRGLQJRIWKHHDUWK +HE  they repented at the preaching of Jonas; blood. True repentance can only be found Howard Parks In Jesus’ response to the Pharisees and and behold, a greater than Jonas is here” there where God’s kingdom is. Sadducees, he said, “When it is evening, ye (Matt. 12:40,41). say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is This “greater than Jonah” is the Lord of red. And in the morning, it will be foul life himself, who would have to suffer and weather today: for the sky is red and lower- die for the sins of the world and rise again ing.” Jesus’ tempters could tell what the on the third day. In this way, He was able to coming day’s weather would be by observ- conquer sin, death, and hell on behalf of ing the evening and morning sun, but they sin-fallen people. “For God so loved the weren’t sure who Jesus was by observing world, that he gave his only begotten Son, and listening to Him. Therefore, they that whosoever believeth in him should not wanted a sign. perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Jesus concluded His speech to the The Pharisees and Sadducees would not Pharisees and Sadducees saying that the accept that this man before them could be only sign given would be the sign of the the Son of God. Their eyes were blinded in prophet Jonah. Jonah was the Old Testa- their unbelief. To their generation, it hap- ment prophet who was sent to proclaim pened as Jesus proclaimed: “Verily I say judgment to the people of Nineveh because unto you, There shall no sign be given unto of their ungodly ways. this generation” (Mark 8:12).

Photo: Brita Fredrickson The Sabbath Word 3 A text for the 3rd Sunday of the Month Watch! Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, (1 Thess. 5:6). To guard against this, Paul who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to further writes of the spiritual armor that watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the we have—the breastplate of faith and love, FRFNFURZLQJRULQWKHPRUQLQJ/HVWFRPLQJVXGGHQO\KHÀQG\RXVOHHSLQJ$QGZKDW,VD\XQWR\RX,VD\XQWRDOO and the helmet of salvation (1 Thess. 5:8). Watch. —Mark 13:33–37 A similar picture is given in Ephesians 6, which speaks of taking on the full armor of God. The sword of the Spirit is depicted t the beginning of Mark 13, one of aback. How could this be? Some of this did messages to take to those inside, or to as God’s Word. Neglect of these gifts is the disciples had been observing come to pass in their time, or shortly after, allow one to enter or not. It was an impor- VSLULWXDO VOHHSLQHVV :H PXVW EH ÀUPO\ how impressive the stones and during the days of the early Church. And tant duty. And it is a responsibility that the grounded in the Word of God. The Bible building were at the temple in this great engineering marvel of ancient servants of the Word have, to bring the tells us that the rock of our salvation is the AJerusalem. Reconstruction under Herod times, the temple of Herod, was completely message of the gospel, both comfort and Lord, our fortress and our deliverer (Ps. 18:2). had been underway for forty-six years destroyed by the Romans around 70 AD. teaching, to the residents of God’s king- In these last times, God speaks through His (John 2:20), and history tells us that it was An Unshakeable Foundation dom, and to open its door (Christ) to those Son (Heb. 1:2), who is the Word, full of indeed an impressive structure. The retain- on the outside (John 10). Jesus here speaks of the end times, being grace and truth (John 1:1–14). ing walls themselves, of which only a portion watchful in faith, and the tearing down of Watch in Faith Today we see some of these very remains, the Western Wall, were 16 feet men’s strongholds. If ever there was an Jesus says this applies to all of us: “And things happening that Jesus warned about. thick and made up of enormous stones, example of something that was unshake- what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” We see natural disasters occurring in our most weighing between two and 100 tons. able in human terms, it would have been world. We experience uncertainty and tribu- One stone is about 400 tons! lation in our temporal and spiritual lives. The that temple. Luther explained that God We could each ask ourselves: Jesus Warns of Tribulation allowed it to be destroyed in order to show Master of the house will return, we know not Jesus’ response to that disciple’s observa- that God’s kingdom is spiritual, otherwise What is my foundation or when, and we must be found watching and tion was astounding: “There shall not be Jerusalem would have been assumed as the stronghold? What is the only waiting. Pray for grace and truth, be left one stone upon another, that shall not RQO\SODFHWRÀQG*RGDQGZRUVKLS+LP thing that can stand in the grounded in God’s be thrown down” (Mark 13:2). Naturally, We could each ask ourselves: What is my face of adversity? How can I Word, and continue to believe sins forgiven in the disciples wondered, “When will this foundation or stronghold? What is the only be ready when the Son of Man happen?” Jesus then warned of times of thing that can stand in the face of adver- Jesus’ name and blood! tribulation, wars, earthquakes, famines, sity? How can I be ready when the Son of comes for the second time? and desolation. He said that a brother will Man comes for the second time? betray his brother to death. Children will The porter in our text is a gatekeeper This duty cannot happen when we are rise up against their parents, and “ye shall who had been given a duty while the mas- sleeping. We are instructed to be sober and Craig Kumpula be hated of all men for my name’s sake.” ter was away. One type of gatekeeper in watchful in numerous places in Scripture. Scriptures do not tell us what their ancient times had the responsibility to For example: “Therefore let us not sleep, as response was, but surely they were taken stand at the door of the temple, receiving do others; but let us watch and be sober” PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 2017 Ilman tosi viinipuuta emme saa Without the True Vine, We Can aikaan mitään Do Nothing Minä olen viinipuu, te olette oksat. Se, joka pysyy minussa ja jossa minä I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, pysyn, tuottaa paljon hedelmää. Ilman minua te ette saa aikaan the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. mitään.—Joh. 15:5 —John 15:5

Uskolliset pysyvät Jumalan pojassa The Faithful Abide in God’s Son petuslapset ovat kuunnelleet Mestarinsa jäähyväisiä, lähtevät yläsalista ja he disciples have been listening to their Master’s farewell, then leave the Upper seuraavat Häntä pimeään yöhön (Joh. 14:31). He kävelevät Jerusalemin katuja, Room and follow Him into the dark night (John 14:31). They walk down the kaupungin portin läpi Kidronin laaksoon ja Getsemanea kohti. Vaikka heidän streets of Jerusalem, through the city gate, into the Kidron Valley, and toward iltansa ystävänsä seurassa on ollut niin ihana, he ovat huolissaan (Joh. 16:6). Gethsemane. Despite such a wonderful night in the company of their Friend, they OMitä heidän Herrallensa tulee tapahtumaan? Monet muut olivat loukkaantuneet häneen Tare worried (John 16:6). What is going to happen to their Lord? Many others had become ja lähteneet, mutta uskolliset ovat pysyneet hänessä. Pietari oli kysynyt, “Herra, kenen luo offended in Him and left, but the faithful have abided in Him. Peter had asked, “Lord, to me menisimme? Sinulla on ikuisen elämän sanat” (Joh. 6:68). Jos Jeesus nyt jättää heidät whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). If Jesus now leaves kuten Hän oli aterialla kertonut, mitä he voisivat tehdä? them as He spoke at the meal, what would they do? Mihin meillä on houkutus tarrautua? What Are We Tempted to Cling to? Juudaksen houkutus oli palvella mammonaa. Hän jätti Jeesuksen mennäkseen Saddukeusten Judas’ temptation was to serve mammon. He left Jesus for the Sadducees and the Phari- ja Fariseusten luo, jotka vihasivat Jeesusta niin paljon että halusivat hänet tapettavan. sees, who hated Jesus so much that they wanted Him killed. Was Judas disappointed that Oliko Juudas pettynyt siihen, että Jeesuksen seuraaminen ei ollut tehnyt hänestä rikasta, following Jesus had not made him rich, famous, and powerful? Did he fall into thinking kuuluisaa ja vaikutusvaltaista? Lankesiko hän ajattelemaan kuten Saddukeukset, että ei ole as the Sadducees did, that this life is all you get? Can we also cling to the temporal so olemassa muuta elämää kuin tämä? Voimmeko me myös takertua ajalliseen niin paljon, much that we forget that God has created us for eternity? että unohdamme, että Jumala on luonut meidät ikuisuutta varten? We may be tempted to distance ourselves from Jesus and put our trust in our own Saatamme myös etääntyä Jeesuksesta ja laittaa luottamuksemme omiin ponnistuk- effort, which is what the Pharisees did. Focusing their attention closely on human tradition, siimme, kuten Fariseukset tekivät. Keskittämällä huomionsa tarkasti ihmisten perinteisiin they strayed from God’s Word. The Pharisees’ complicated set of rules led them to “strain he eksyivät Jumalan sanasta. Fariseusten monimutkainen säännöstö sai heidät at a gnat and swallow a camel” (Matt. 23:23,24), thereby omitting the most important siivilöimään hyttysen vaikka he samalla nielivät kamelin, laiminlyöden tärkeimmät: matters of: justice, mercy, and faith. oikeudenmukaisuuden, laupeuden ja uskon (Matt. 23:23, 24). As Jesus and the disciples continue their late walk, they pass by pilgrims scattered Kun Jeesus ja opetuslapset jatkavat myöhäistä taivaltaan, he kulkevat pyhiinvaeltajien here and there around the packed city, camping with their families. Just like the disciples, ohi, jotka pitävät leirejään perheissään siellä täällä täyden kaupungin ympärillä. Kuten they have come to the Holy City to celebrate the annual feast of Passover and recall how opetuslapsetkin, he ovat tulleet pyhään kaupunkiin juhlimaan vuotuista Pääsiäisjuhlaa, God freed their nation from the slavery of Egypt. During the celebration they eat bitter jolloin he muistelevat kuinka Jumala vapautti heidän kansansa Egyptin orjuudesta. Juhlan herbs, roasted lamb, and unleavened bread. They drink from the ceremonial cups of the aikana he syövät katkeria yrttejä, paistettua lammasta ja happamatonta leipää. He juovat vine’s fruit, the symbol of God’s blessing. The Passover observers of Jesus’ time know seremonialliset maljat viiniköynnöksen hedelmää, Jumalan siunauksen vertauskuvaa. that according to the prophets, the vine itself is God’s chosen nation, Israel. The vine is Jeesuksen ajan Pääsiäisen viettäjät tietävät että profeettojen mukaan itse viiniköynnös on pictured in the Passover story (Ps. 80:8,9). Particularly on this night the Israelites’ love for Jumalan valittu kansa Israel. Viiniköynnös on kuvattuna Pääsiäistarinsassa (Ps. 80:8, 9). that vine burns hot. Erityisesti tänä yönä Israelilaisten rakkaus tuota viiniköynnöstä kohtaan hohtaa kuumana. Perhaps the biggest temptation for the disciples that night was to become afraid and Ehkä suurin kiusaus opetuslapsille tuona yönä oli pelätä, luopua Jeesus Nasaretilaisesta, GHQ\-HVXVRI1D]DUHWKDVWKHLUSHUVRQDO6DYLRUDQGEHVDWLVÀHGWRDELGHLQWKHQDWLRQ kieltää hänet heidän henkilökohtaisena vapahtajanaan ja tyytyä pysymään Israelin viiniköyn- vine of Israel, just like everyone else. They could safely fade into the crowd. Peter came nöksessä aivan kuten kaikki muutkin. He voisivat turvallisesti häipyä kansanjoukon sekaan. to know the power of that temptation before the cock crowed. Pietari tuli tuntemaan tuon kiusauksen voiman ennen kuin Abide in the True Vine kukko lauloi. We hear Jesus’ loving encouragement: Israel may be a vine, Pysykää tosi viinipuussa but He is the true, true vine! Without Him, we can do nothing. Kuulemme Jeesuksen rakastavan kehoituksen: Israel voi olla Even though He went to His Father, we can still abide in Him viinipuu, mutta Hän on tosi, oikea viinipuu! Ilman Häntä through faith, the living connection. When we live in Him, emme saa aikaan mitään. Vaikka Hän meni isänsä luo, He lives in us. If someone does not cling to Him, he or she voimme silti pysyä Hänessä elävän yhteyden, uskon kautta. withers, dies and will be gathered and burned. When the Kun elämme Hänessä, Hän elää meissä. Jos joku ei tarraudu )DWKHU ÀQGV D EUDQFK WKDW GRHV QRW FDUU\ DQ\ IUXLW +H Häneen, hän kuivuu ja kerätään tulta varten. Kun Isä näkee removes it. oksan joka ei kanna yhtään hedelmää, Hän ottaa sen pois. To the living branches, God’s children, Jesus promises: “He Eläville oksille, Jumalan lapsille Jeesus lupaa: “Se, joka that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth pysyy minussa ja jossa minä pysyn,tuottaa paljon hedelmää.” much fruit.” The Father trims each fruit-bearing branch so Isä karsii jokaisen hedelmää tuottavan oksan niin että ravinto that the nutrients will go to the fruit instead of for branch voi mennä hedelmiin eikä oksan kasvuun. Sallimalla koettel- growth. By allowing trials in our lives, He prunes from us emuksia elämässämme Hän karsii meistä sellaista mikä ei WKDWZKLFKLVQRWEHQHÀFLDOWRWKHJUDSHSURGXFWLRQ7RUHPDLQ auta rypäletuotantoa. Pysyäkseen terveenä oksa tarvitsee healthy, the branch also needs washing. myös pesua. The disciples had just witnessed their Master’s example to Opetuslapset olivat juuri nähneet heidän Mestarinsa humbly kneel as a servant and wash another’s feet from the esimerkin polvistua nöyränä kuten palvelija ja pestä toinen journey’s dust. Peter and others heard that unless they allow toisensa matkan pölystä. Pietari ja muut kuulivat että jos he Jesus to wash them, they cannot have a part with Him. Soon eivät anna Jeesusksen pestä heitä, heillä ei ole osallisuutta DIWHUWKHLUIDLWKZDVHQFRXUDJHGDWWKHÀUVWFRPPXQLRQ Hänen kanssaan. Pian sen jälkeen heidän uskoaan vahvistettiin Then, on the way to Gethsemane, Jesus abruptly pauses His ensimmäisellä ehtoollisella. Sitten, matkalla Getsemaneen, vine metaphor to emphasize the reason for why the disciples Jeesus äkillisesti keskeyttää viinipuu- metaforansa korostaak- can be clean. It is neither the washing of feet, which is an seen syytä sille miksi opetuslapset voivat olla puhtaita. Syy Photo: Dan Wuollet excellent picture and an example of how we disciples ought to tähän ei ole jalkojen pesu, mikä on erinomainen kuva ja humble ourselves as a servant to wash each other (John 13:15). esimerkki siitä kuinka meidän opetuslasten tulee nöyrtyä niinkuin palvelija pesemään Nor is it the receiving of His body and the blood in the communion, which certainly toinen toistamme (Joh. 13:15). Eikä se ole Hänen ruumiiinsa ja verensä vastaanottaminen strengthens our love for Him and other believers, helps us feel the unity of the Spirit, and ehtoollisessa, mikä kylläkin vahvistaa rakkauttamme Häneen ja toisiin uskovaisiin, auttaa gives strength and increases hope on the journey. Rather, in our Savior’s own words: “Ye meitä tuntemaan Hengen yhteyttä sekä antaa voimaa ja lisää toivoa matkalla. Sen sijaan, are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3). Vapahtajamme omien sanojen mukaan ”Te olette jo puhtaat, sillä se sana, jonka olen teille For some three years, Jesus’ words of eternal life had kept His disciples from going puhunut, on puhdistanut teidät” (John 15:3). DQ\ZKHUHHOVHIURP+LVSUHVHQFH-XGDVÀQDOO\ZHQWDZD\DQGQHYHUUHWXUQHG3HWHUDOVR Noin kolmen vuoden ajan Jeesuksen iankaikkisen elämän sanat olivat pitäneet Hänen left, but received the grace to come back from unbelief. Three days later, Jesus sent His opetuslapsensa menemästä minnekään muualle Hänen yhteydestään. Lopulta Juudas lähti own to preach the word of eternal life, His Word, that can wash either the whole body or eikä koskaan palannut. Pietarikin lähti mutta sai armon palata epäuskosta takainsin. feet only (John 20:23; John 13:12). Kolme päivää myöhemmin Jeesus lähetti omansa saarnaamaan iankaikkisen elämän My brother and sister, connected to the true vine Jesus Christ, sanaa, Hänen sanaansa, joka voi pestä joko koko ruumiin tai vain jalat vielä tänäänkin you as a living branch receive the Gardener’s pruning and washing, (John 20:23; John 13:12). bearing fruits of faith to the Father’s glory (John 15:8). Veljeni ja sisareni, kiinnittyneenä Jeesukseen Kristukseen, tosi viinipuuhun, saat osaksesi Puutarhurin karsimista ja pesua. Kannat uskon hedelmää Isän kunniaksi (Joh. 15:8). Markus Lohi Markus Lohi NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 5 Along Life’s Way When Adversity Is a Blessing THE MASTER POTTER SHAPES US by the adversities of life to be marred but Christmas, birthdays, and the start of school usually brought a new shirt or pants. needy vessels. Given the perspective of time I am now able to count adversity as a Otherwise we got hand-me-downs from other families in the neighborhood. Once, I blessing. We grew up in a disadvantaged and somewhat dysfunctional home. I dis- got a nylon winter coat with a ski patrol insignia sewn on the sleeve, of which I was WLQFWO\UHPHPEHUWKHÀUVWWLPH,WDVWHGSHDQXWEXWWHU,KDGQHYHUKHDUGRILWDQGLW very proud! The insignia made me feel important. It wasn’t until years later when, tasted, oh, so good! I thought my cousin’s family must be very wealthy to afford it. then President Johnson, declared a national war on poverty that I realized we were a For a time, our family would make trips to town to pick up our government com- poor family. Until that time, we seemed the same as other families in our neighborhood, modities of powdered milk, a block of cheese, and two large containers—one of pork but they were poor too. DQGWKHRWKHURISHDQXWEXWWHU7KHSRUNZDVKHDYLO\VDOWHGDQGGLIÀFXOWWRHDW7KH My wife and I have often questioned what it might have been like if we had come peanut butter was so dry it caused the bread to tear. No matter how much powder we from ideal families of origin. We’ve also wondered, “Would either of us be in faith mixed with the water it still did not taste like real milk. Fortunately, my step father today?” That which God allows is often not reasonable to human thought. Perhaps ZKRZDVDGLVDEOHGPLQHUZDVDVNLOOHGVWUHDPÀVKHUPDQ God prepared us for the time of heresy when we were and we often had brook trout to supplement our food. faced with the decision, “He that loveth father or mother Yet, I don’t remember anyone complaining, as we always more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37). For had something to eat. many of our friends, maintaining family relationships We were a composite family made up of the remnants was more important than obeying God’s Word and of four different families due to the death of three spouses. remaining in His kingdom. Altogether there were nine of us children. Family dynam- Adversity can foster bitterness too. Fortunately, LFVZHUHGLIÀFXOWDVLWLVFKDOOHQJLQJWRDFFHSWWKHRII- we can see that God meant it for good, and there is much spring of another as your own, and money was always to be thankful for. Neither of us feel we deserved better tight. Amazingly, my wife also came from a composite or that someone is to blame for life’s hardships. Rather family. Hers was three families joined together as the we feel, “Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the result of the death of two spouses. Altogether there were swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, sixteen of them. The dynamics of her family were even even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my PRUHGLIÀFXOWWKDQPLQH8QGHUG\VIXQFWLRQDOUHODWLRQ- God” (Ps. 84:3). ships some do not feel loved nor a place of belonging. As Walt Lampi a result, they suffer from insecurity and fear and to some degree, carry it all of their lives. Yet, for each of us, it was the home and family we knew.

ower’s Ba e S sk h e T t A Bridge between Two Languages God Gives a Tool

A Translator’s View ¡BUENOS DÍAS, PAZ DE DIOS! The familiar greeting jolts me from my slumber. It’s 6:30 a.m. The voice continues in Spanish, “The ministers woke up and are trying to talk to me. Help me understand what they’re saying.” I hear the trill of the gas truck KRQNLQJDVLWGULYHVE\WKHKXPRIWKHEXV\WUDIÀFDQGWKHPHORG\RISHRSOHDQGGRJV outside. The city is making music. It’s my last day in Quito, Ecuador, and the woman speaking is a dear friend in faith. I rise quickly and jump into my workday. I’m here on my sixth mission trip working as a translator, and seventh trip alto- gether. As a translator, my main desire is to serve God. The ministers are called to speak God’s Word. I hope, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to accurately convert the preached Word into the listeners’ mother tongue so they can understand. When I’m not translating sermons, I remain busy translating a variety of conversations—small talk, ordering food, conversations about life, and questions about faith. Sometimes each minister simultaneously gets involved in a separate conversation and I alterna- tively try to translate each one. I accompany them on soul care and medical visits, communicate the daily plan, and serve as a tour guide when we need to get from one place to the next. I’m a bridge between the English-speaking ministers and the Photo: Randy Herrala Spanish-speaking people. During the mission trips, a variety of conversation topics come up and need to be translated. Here, Jessica Nikula translates Marianela Mite as she relates of a family member’s health struggle. As humans, we like to understand what is going on around us. We feel good in RXUFRPIRUW]RQHDQGZKHQDQHQWLUHO\QHZVLWXDWLRQSUHVHQWVLWVHOIZHÀQGRXUVHOYHV under some degree of stress. Frustration may come when we can’t communicate. On these trips, I try to minimize the looks of distress on the faces of the Americans and (FXDGRUHDQVZKHQWKH\ÀQGWKHPVHOYHVLQWKHVHVLWXDWLRQV,VKDUHWKHPRPHQWVWKDW those that understand the language around them are naturally a part of. Sometimes I help them understand cultural differences. I try to include them in the everyday life around us. The bonds formed between the Ecuadoreans and North Americans are special. Throughout the trip, we often visit of faith and life in the car or bus, as we walk through a city, or when we eat. We also enjoy light-hearted moments of laughter. Occasionally, my travel companions are quiet or resting and I visit personally with the Ecuadoreans. I recall earlier on this trip when a believer asked me about life as a believing teen in the U.S. He shared his worries of raising teenaged daughters. We openly discussed the concerns of our time and the safety of God’s kingdom. The gospel was freely preached. When we head to the airport to begin the journey home, I’m physically and mentally exhausted. The days are long—often beginning at 6:30 or 7:00 in the morning and not ÀQLVKLQJXQWLODIWHUPLGQLJKW³DQGP\EUDLQLVFRQWLQXRXVO\DOHUW+RZHYHU,OHDYH Ecuador reenergized in my own faith. Through the sermons and conversations, God cared for me. He called me here not only to serve, rather to help me make it to heaven. Photo: Randy Herrala Jessica Nikula translates as minister Joe Lehtola serves in Riobamba. Jessica Nikula PAGE 6 NOVEMBER 2017 Luther, the Musician

AS A THEOLOGIAN, MUSICIAN, and educator, Martin hymns. Many believe that Luther wrote down the melody Luther taught of matters close to the heart of God’s people. as was sung by a traveling artisan. This hymn speaks of He studied the prophets and realized that music compli- -HVXV·VDFULÀFHDQGZRUN,WLVDK\PQRIWKDQNVIRU*RG·V mented their service to God. He saw in the psalms and work through Christ. The hymn is usually sung during the canticles (hymns or chants), the desire to praise God and WLPHRI/HQWDQG(DVWHUDVLWWHOOVWKHVWRU\RIWKHFUXFLÀ[- thank Him for His protection. ion. It ends with the message of our heavenly goal: “Take Luther’s Life Depicted in Lyrics heed lest men with base alloy the heav’nly treasure should destroy; this counsel I bequeath thee.” Although his songs depict the struggles and victories of all From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee (SHZ 276) believers, Luther’s own life provided background for songs appeared in 1524 in the Achtliederbuch hymnal. The hymn that teach of repentance and confession. Luther wrote in is based on Psalm 130 and is often considered Luther’s WKHÀUVWRIKLVWKHVHV´$VRXU/RUG-HVXVVD\V5HSHQW+H EHVWK\PQ,WZDVXVHGLQPDQ\VLJQLÀFDQWHYHQWVVXFKDV means that the entire life of a Christian should be one of the funeral of Frederick the Wise, and was sung during the repentance.” Even in the matter of music he referred to the Diet of Augsburg by Luther and his aides. In the early songs of his unbelieving youth, and how the melodies years, the song was sung at almost every worship service, would haunt him. He lamented that error would be set to before the mutual confession. It is a hymn of penitence. such captivating tunes. Photo: Paul T. McCain. The melody comes from J. Walther’s Choir book of 1524. Musical Instruments of Luther’s Time One of only very few early printings of Luther’s hymn: Walther also helped write verses two and three of the hymn. The musician Luther lived at a time when musical instru- “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” God Made the Ten Commandments Known (SHZ 180) ments were simple. Although there were smaller organs, ZDVÀUVWLQWURGXFHGLQ//&·VK\PQDO7KHÀUVWYHUVH the large pipe organs we know today were not yet found in with his family knowing that God could be worshipped tells the story of how we received the commandments. In Germany. Common bowed string instruments, such as the while enjoying the melodies. YHUVHV²WKHÀUVWOLQHLQFOXGHVWKHFRPPDQGPHQWDQG violin, were just being developed. Luther taught himself to Teaching Through Songs the following lines include the explanation. The last two play the lute and accompanied himself and others in At a young age Luther already studied music and continued verses explain why God gave the commandments and homes and congregational singing. He enjoyed singing these studies while serving as an Augustinian monk. The reminds us that we cannot earn salvation through our own skills he developed were then used to teach the German doing, “Help us, Lord Jesus Christ, for we a Mediator have people of the basic tenets of faith. Luther wanted to base in Thee; our works cannot salvation gain; they merit us but some songs on the small catechism. He wrote one each for endless pain.” This hymn is a Latin sequence hymn, some- the Lord’s Prayer (SHZ 168), the Creed (SHZ 209), and the times referred to as a Kyrie hymn. Kyrie Eleison translates Ten Commandments (SHZ 180). These songs were written to “O Lord, have mercy.” We see that at the end of each for the common man to learn the catechism and to help verse, this line is included. Before the time of the Reforma- understand the meaning. tion, one of the few parts the congregation was involved in In the different areas of his life Luther found music to was to utter the words “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison.” be an important tool for battling against the enemy. He Jenica Nevala thought it was important to use music in a good way, to teach and comfort those who found themselves burdened Source: This Is Luther, Ewald M. Plass, Concordia with the trials of life. Publishing House Luther’s Well Known Songs A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (SHZ 181) is Martin Luther’s most well-known song, not only in our hymnal but around the world. It is based on Psalm 46 and is many Discussion Points: times referred to as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” Luther speaks of God’s power and authority. He paints a 1. Which song or hymn of Zion is your strong picture of the Victor striking down the forces of favorite? Share reasons why. hell, and of the Word standing strong over darkness, “We 2. Can you relate to any of Luther’s songs that tremble not; we fear no ill, they cannot overpower us.” This hymn was used by many composers, such as Bach are found in our hymnal? In what way? and Mendelssohn in cantatas, symphonies, and organ cho- 3. Have you experienced that Christian music rales. The melody itself is beautifully written. It begins is an important weapon for battling against with three bold trumpeting notes (the highest part of the the enemy? Why is it so? melody), representing the hammers on the doors of the Castle Church. Dear Christians, One and All Rejoice (SHZ 272), ZULWWHQLQZDVWKHÀUVWRI/XWKHU·VFRQJUHJDWLRQDO Illustration: Liisa Koski

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Photo: Lynnea Moll NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 7 Camp Matters Ministers and Wives Meet at Hasscib Lake Camp Unity and Freedom Prevailed We Believe as Luther Did AS WE BOARDED the airplane PREVIOUSLY, MY WIFE ELINA together with the Anderson’s, David and I had never traveled so far to get and Joleen, for the long journey to to a camp as we did when going from HLC, it was our prayer that God Arizona to Hasscib Lake. It was worth would bless this camp. He certainly it! God richly blessed our weekend in did, even though we took our worries 0LFKLJDQDWRXUÀUVW0LQLVWHUVDQG and doubts with us. They soon van- Wives Camp here in the United States. ished when we partook of and wit- During the weekend we learned nessed free and open discussions. more about the life and teaching of We felt the unity of Spirit in the Reformer Martin Luther. It was a bond of peace. Christian love bound good and constructive way to cele- us together. Only by the effectual brate the 500th anniversary of the working of God’s Spirit can we Reformation. The presentations about believe in the exact same way as Luther dealt with his view of marriage others who live so far away. and family life, sacraments, and the The drive through Michigan’s importance of music. Through the Upper Peninsula was beautiful, but discussions, it became clear that an even better sight was pulling into Photo: Janelle Muhonen Luther lived in a different time and Photo: Kaisla Vähäjylkkä camp and seeing many dear friends, Eric and Katrina Mattila, with daughter Ember, culture. Nevertheless, we have the ;OPZ^HZ[OLÄYZ[[PTLMVY/HYYPHUK,SPUH WKHSUHFLRXVÁRFNRIEHOLHYHUV-LP were able to take part in the LLC Ministers and same understanding about matters of Vähäjylkkä to attend such a camp in this country. Frantti gave LLC greetings. He also Wives Camp, September 15–17, at Hasscib faith as he did. We learned that music Harri is now serving Arizona’s Phoenix and gave a summary of the discussions Lake. Eric serves as servant of the Word in the was an important part of his life. He Prescott congregations as full-time pastor. The Alaska congregation. Vähajylkkäs moved with their family from that took place between the Zion of himself played the lute, and his family Finland, in mid-June. America, Finland, and Sweden sang together in their home. He wrote about the concerns of our time. The feelings of thankfulness, peace, and joy were the lyrics for many songs. Luther has overwhelming when we could hear that, “there is not even a wrinkle of difference stated that “music is the troubled person’s best refreshment. With its help, one can in understanding on these matters.” Truly God guides His kingdom. drive away much temptation and many evil thoughts.” Through the speeches of young and old, both ministers and wives witnessed the In addition, the weekend included open discussion about matters of faith. We prophesy of Joel 2:28,29 that the Spirit of God had been poured out onto His ser- found many similarities to Luther and his time. We rejoice for the gift of faith and like vants and people. When we gather in prayer as humble children, the Good Shepherd KLPIDFHGLIÀFXOWVSLULWXDOWLPHVDQGWULDOVWRR ZLOO QRW IRUVDNH +LV ÁRFN (DFK RQH RI XV QHHG WR FDUH IRU RXU RZQFRQVFLHQFH The role of a minister’s wife was discussed. In the work of God’s kingdom, min- before we can help others. isters need a lot of support, prayers, and the power of the gospel. Before my turn to We also learned about the joys and trials, the family life and love of music of serve I feel good if my spouse puts her hand in my hand, or says: “I remember you.” our brother in faith Martin Luther. God certainly gave him many spiritual gifts from Luther also experienced that his wife was a valuable gift from God, both as an escort which we can still learn today. Despite this we say as Luther himself acknowledged, and an adviser in spiritual matters. that he must not be elevated above God’s Word. He was also a man prone to errors At the end of the camp, one brother asked me: “Did you feel the same spirit and as we are. unity of faith here as in Finland?” “Yes,” I answered, “completely the same spirit.” It was heartwarming to hear the discussions on the Holy Sacraments being Later I noticed that I was not even thinking about it because it was so easy to be at the taught the same way as when I was a youth. We understand they are not a place of camp and share the same living faith, understanding, and mutual love given by the rebirth, nor were they meant to forgive sins, as many of those that have fallen into Holy Spirit. heresies have believed. We still strive to hold them dear and holy, as given by God to Harri Vähäjylkkä His children to encourage and strengthen our faith. Most importantly, as many times as we needed, we could put sins and doubts away in the name and blood of Jesus. Eric Mattila

Photo courtesy of Harri Vähäjylkkä Many of the ministers and wives traveled by bus from Southern Minnesota, perhaps already the start of camp for that group! PAGE 8 NOVEMBER 2017

PROVERB 18:24: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. I Longed for In a New Environment: What’s Different, Believing Friends the Same, and What Matters? WHEN MY PARENTS DECIDED to move back to Finland after many years of living in IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT, one’s attention is drawn to both what is different from home and to things Canada, I was apprehensive but excited to go that are the same. North American students at Ranua Opisto have experienced when comparing different a place where there are many believers. I had spent my childhood in a province where the VHWWLQJVWKDWLWLVYHU\YDOXDEOHWRUHÁHFWPRUHGHHSO\RQZKLFKPDWWHUVDUHUHDOO\LPSRUWDQWLQOLIH(DFK only believers were my immediate family and student chose one topic on which they wanted to write. Tuuli Hintsala, the school’s Communications a handful of other close individuals. teacher, gathered the material for this Youth Page spread. Growing up, I always longed to have believing friends near to share experiences with. At school, I managed to befriend people who respected my beliefs; however, I still My Friend, My Escort craved friendships based on faith. Despite their knowledge of the lifestyle of believers, LEAVING HOME TO TRAVEL or live in a new country may JHWWRNQRZDORWRIVWXGHQWVDWWKHRSLVWR,ÀQGFRPIRUWLQ my best friends occasionally asked me to take seem very challenging. However, with the help of family and knowing there will always be someone to go to in time of need. part in activities such as going to the movies, friends, it is possible. I learned the importance of turning to my With my opisto friends I am able to discuss faith, along with attending school dances, and listening to HVFRUWVZKHQ,IHOWOLNHWKLQJVZHUHWRRGLIÀFXOWIRUPHWRGHDO many other topics. They help me to stay positive and try my best. worldly music. As a direct result of this, I with alone. Patience was something I needed to be reminded of We are often reminded in services and morning devotions learned how to refuse to take part in activities often. Eventually, with lots of planning, problem solving, and of the importance of being escorts. One morning, a teacher that would harm my conscience. I believe that support, my trip to Ranua Opisto was possible. related a beautiful story that revealed the importance of being God put me in that environment to strengthen My hometown, Menahga, is a small town in Minnesota, our brother’s keeper. We were reminded to take notice of those my resolve to remain in faith, and I see that as also known as “Up North.” This past summer our haps group around us and invite people with us if they seem lonely. Even a blessing. got together on many occasions. Most evenings we were able to just a small gesture can mean so much to someone. I am now at Ranua Opisto, and so far, it gather, and even sometimes during the day. However, there Having the opportunity to attend the opisto has been such could not be more different than my life in occasionally was a small group of closer friends that I would an eye-opening experience for me. I am able to attend many Canada regarding the types of friends that I get together with. These were the moments we could really classes, learn a new language, and experience many new things. have. There has been virtually no pressure to open up and say whatever was on our minds. We would leave The best part is that I am able to do all this while being in con- do things that I am uncomfortable with, and feeling light-hearted and happy that we had someone to share stant company of believers. Even though I struggle with the for that I am thankful. It is comforting to be our thoughts with. language differences, I am trying my best to get to know others. around people who bring out the best in me It is important to have people to turn to with doubts or I look forward to being able to get to know everyone better and and who encourage me to do the right thing as TXHVWLRQV ZKLFK LV ZK\ , ÀQG VXFK D EOHVVLQJ LQ EHLQJ VXU- sharing this experience with these wonderful people. a believer, instead of pushing me to do the rounded by many believing youth. Even though I still have to Julia Hillukka opposite. I know that my new friends will be in my life for a long time, because the foundation of these friendships is faith. Elsa Tauriainen

“Growing up in an area where there weren’t believing youth, I’ve always longed for believing friends to share experiences with,” Elsa Tauriainen (left) says. In June, she moved from Vancouver, B.C., in Canada, to Ranua, Finland. Here, she’s spending an evening moment with dorm mates Linnea Nissinen and Marketta Joentakanen at the opisto. Photo: Julia Hillukka

Photo: Samuli Saraste Not as Different as I Thought North American students Julia Hillukka (right), Adeline Bekkala (in front), and Dustin Kallinen (behind), and English teacher Dan Waaraniemi attended the celebration with hundreds of MANY TIMES WHEN I GO to a new place I’ll notice that after a little while I get younger and older opisto friends. annoyed at people because of little things, like where they leave their stuff or how they wash their dishes. Usually these situations are easy to get over by just thinking that it really doesn’t matter how a thing is done if the alternative way works. How- ever, twice in my life I’ve had to adjust in a major way. Once was on a two-month trip to the U.S., and the other is at the opisto. While traveling around the United States while visiting my father’s siblings and in many different congregations, I observed the different ways people live. I made a mental list of things that were different than what I was used to. For example, wearing shorts to church or going for a jog at 9:00 p.m. were not okay there. This was a shock because I lived in a relatively small place and could have always gone outside alone no matter what time of the day it was, and in Finland the fashion of youth is somewhat different to the U.S. When I concentrated on all these little things, I continuously felt more and more out of place. Usually it’s hard for me to admit that my parents’ advice is good, but this time it really was. They advised me to concentrate on the main point—for example at church, listening to the sermon—and to try to adjust as best I could, but not to worry about making mistakes. Not many will bother getting offended by tourists. This thinking has helped me to quickly adjust to the opisto. It took me only a IHZZHHNVWRÀQGZKDWZDVWKHQRUPWKHUHDQGDOWKRXJKWKHUHVWLOODUHDIHZVPDOO Photo: Samuli Saraste mix-ups, it is going to be a good year. In the end, we are all similar in what we In a new strange country, North American students feel that music speaks especially to them. want, and we all believe in the same way. At the Ranua Opisto’s 30th anniversary, they enjoyed the cantata performance by previous Elaine Byman opisto students. NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 9 Precious Jewels, His Loved and His Own IT’S THE FIRST WEEK AT OPISTO, and we are gathered for food and fellowship in an outdoor hut. 7KHUH·VDÀUHDQG,URDVWDPDNNDUD VDXVDJH ,WLVSHDFHIXO7KHQRQHRIWKHJLUOVZLWK'RZQV\QGURPH begins to sing. It’s hard to understand and especially so for me. What she’s singing kind of resembles a tune. She’s not going to be the next song leader, but she truly sings from the heart. After a few lines, someone deciphers the number, calls it out, and the rest of us join in.  $V,UHÁHFWRQWKRVHÀUVWGD\V,UHDOL]HWKDWKHUHDWWKHRSLVWR,KDYHEHHQDEOHWRWDNHLQWKHEHDXW\RI *RG·VFUHDWLRQZLWKZRQGHU,W·VDPD]LQJWRWKLQNWKDW+HKDVFUHDWHGHYHU\WKLQJDQGHYHU\RQH,QWKHVHÀUVW weeks I have met so many people that it makes my head spin. However, each and every one of these people are an example of the crown jewel of God’s creation. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness: and let them have dominion over…all the earth” (Gen. 1:26). In this way, we understand that God has made all people, and that He’s made them as only He knows best. Being blessed to grow up with two special-needs siblings, one with Down syndrome, and the other with a rare chromosome disorder, this belief has been deeply rooted in me ever since I was a child. Seeing my siblings, and knowing that God does not make mistakes, I quickly realized that they were exactly how God wanted them to be. And for that matter, so am I, and so are you. I try to accept each person as he or she has been created, including that lonely, timid person at haps, or the quirky person at church. I try to accept them because there is nothing that distinguishes them from my special needs siblings, or from me. We’re all equal in God’s eyes. It wouldn’t be fair to treat my siblings differently because they are not the same as everyone else. Of course, it’s not as easy as it sounds. It can be hard when you’re with your friends to approach some- one who’s alone. It can be even harder to stop those snap judgments of others from coming to mind. It is a Photo: Adeline Bekkala matter that we have to put continuous effort into, but it can be very rewarding. Some of my closest friends Dustin Kallinen, of Big Lake, Minn., admires the Down-girl Heli Kaarlejärvi’s have come from just such circumstances. ability to sing and play the songs of Zion from her heart.  ,QWKHVHÀUVWZHHNV,·YHKDGDXQLTXHH[SHULHQFHLQWKDW,DPOLNHVRPHRQHZLWKVSHFLDOQHHGV,GRQ·W speak Finnish. I am often confused, and I can’t communicate effectively. This has brought this matter to the forefront. It has made me genuinely grateful for those people that care and befriend me always. It has made me more determined to meet new people and to pray for the ones that I can’t reach. It has made me more “The Lives of Believing Youth determined to remember that all of God’s children are precious jewels for His crown.

Especially Touched Me” Love always bears all things and has no hate or envy. TUULI HINTSALA IS A COMMUNICATION TEACHER It suffers with the weak, its voice is meek and friendly. DW5DQXD2SLVWR/DVWVXPPHUVKHWUDYHOHGIRUWKHÀUVWWLPHWR It does not look for faults, it wants to end distress. the United States and spent one month in Minnesota. /RYHDOZD\VZDQWVWRVHUYHDQGKDVQRVHOÀVKQHVV—SHZ 417:2 “I thought a lot about the believing youth while there,” Dustin Kallinen Hintsala said. “They live in the middle of an entertainment world, but they spend their free time without alcohol, movies, or worldly music. They meet other believers, go camping, and go to services. It is enough to make their lives happy and Music, a Language Everyone Understands worth living. It is the same in Finland, but for some reason while being in a foreign culture, it especially touched me.” THERE IS ONE LANGUAGE that everyone She further elaborated, “However, I also realized how can understand, that doesn’t need to be inter- much young people need support to preserve their faith. In preted. It is the beautiful language of music. addition to services, haps and camps, it is important to speak We can do many things with music: express our personally to a young person and ask how he or she feels. IHHOLQJVÀQGLQVSLUDWLRQUHOD[DQGFRQQHFWZLWK Young people surely talk about faith with each other, but it is other believers. also very important that adults talk to them about these mat- Music has always had a special place in my ters. I warmly remember the mothers and fathers I met there. heart, even since I was a moody little girl who They have lots of work, but I hope they also have enough love tried refusing to join in singing with my mom, and strength to take care of their children’s lives of faith.” but couldn’t resist adding my voice to the mel-  +LQWVDODUHÁHFWHGWKDWWKHPRVWZRQGHUIXOLQVLJKWRQKHU RG\,VWLOOÀQGLWDVWUXJJOHVRPHWLPHVWRMXVW journey was simply in relation to faith. Even today and in all listen and enjoy music without singing along. kinds of environments it is possible to keep faith and a good I am currently an American student at conscience, if it remains the most important thing in life. Ranua Opisto. One of the reasons I wanted to “For me, too, it was touching to be at services listening to come to the opisto, and what I love about it, is God’s Word and meeting believers. And it was eye-opening to the music. It is a part of daily life here. Occa- see from what kind of environment young Americans come to sionally a day starts early in the morning with an opisto,” she concluded. music playing over the loudspeaker. Morning Elsa Tauriainen devotions always include a song or two. During the day, there is always some cheerful humming in the halls between classes, or someone is playing the piano. In the evening, there is usually singing in the auditorium or commons area, and even outside before everyone heads to bed. Although there is so much beautiful music that we can enjoy, the world has a lot of music that can be dangerous to a believer. It is easy to get used to hearing such music in shopping Photo: Julia Hillukka malls, amusement parks, and on the radio. The Adeline Bekkala, from Cokato, Minn., enjoyed playing the organ opisto has been a refuge for me, when I don’t at the Paavola State Church while visiting her opisto friend hear any of that kind of music here. On the off- Elaine Byman (left) in Paavola. Likewise, Dustin Kallinen weekends, when we go back into the “real enjoyed singing and playing. world,” and hear worldly music again, it can be tempting. It makes me very thankful for the music we enjoy in God’s kingdom. Here we mostly sing in Finnish, but sometimes there has been a little bit of English too. Recently Ranua Opisto celebrated its 30-year anniversary, and during the celebration ceremony previous opisto students performed a cantata. Although the songs were in Finnish, the expression of the choir was done well and the music spoke to my heart. The music of God’s children in all languages speaks of reassurance, of the spiritual “coming summer,” and is a lovely way to thank God for our blessings. Even though I am halfway across the world, away from home and in a strange country, I feel God’s comfort and assurance through the gift of music. If I could sing with thousand voices, if I could speak with thousand tongues! then, while my heart in Photo: Linnea Nissinen Him rejoices, I would proclaim in grateful songs to all, wherever I may be, what things the Lord has done Elaine Byman (left) spent two months in the U.S. with her American father, for me! (SHZ 335:1). Finnish mother, and her siblings. Here she is sharing experiences with her opisto teacher Tuuli Hintsala, who visited the U.S. last summer. Adeline Bekkala PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 2017

amp Matters First Spanish Language Camp C Held at Kamp Kipa! FOUR TIMES I HAVE BEEN A TRANSLATOR on mission trips to Ecuador. Each time I traveled with North American ministers. During those trips, I became interested in visiting the U.S. I’m part of a Spanish translators’ group in Finland. Our group members were LQYLWHGWRDWWHQGWKHÀUVW6SDQLVK/DQJXDJH&DPSDW.DPS.LSDLQ Arizona, in September. I was able to go, and the camp further inspired me to make it a ten-day trip. One of the reasons I came is Photo: Aino Vuonokari that I miss fellowship with believers from different continents. In the Ken Wuollet served camp participants with God’s Word. Maria Wuollet translated the devotions into Spanish. future, I probably won’t have the possibility to travel as much, so it was very nice to be able to come. A Weekend of Spanish Immersion )LULÄ[ZVM[OL*HTW Language camps give a great opportunity to meet people who are interested in the same BELIEVERS OF VARIOUS AGES from the U.S., and one from Finland, assembled things. I very much appreciate the possibility to meet people who don’t necessarily share the DW.DPS.LSD6HSWHPEHU²IRUWKHÀUVW//&6SDQLVK/DQJXDJH&DPS$UULYLQJ same situations in life, but who do share the same faith and interests. Often discussion about camp participants were greeted with an enchilada meal on Friday evening. Director translating different terms or idioms leads to discussion about basics of faith as well. Adam Wuollet welcomed everyone. It was mentioned during the camp that there are many ways to serve in God’s kingdom, Camp began with a history of living faith in Ecuador. Maria Wuollet recalled an and different skills are needed. Hopefully more people were inspired to study Spanish and early encounter with Finnish believers and the subsequent marriage of her brother to maybe someday they will also be willing to participate in Spanish translation work. an American believer. She shared the story of her conversion to living faith when she  0DULD:XROOHWWUDQVODWHGWKHFDPSGHYRWLRQVIRUXV)RUPHLWZDVYHU\EHQHÀFLDO was 14 years old and how her life in Ecuador changed. to listen to a native speaker’s translation. The vocabulary used in sermons is different  7KHUHPDLQGHURIWKHZHHNHQGZDVÀOOHGZLWKDEDODQFHRI6SDQLVKODQJXDJHOHVVRQV IURPWKDWRIHYHU\GD\OLIH6RPHWLPHVLW·VGLIÀFXOWWRNQRZZKHWKHUDZRUGRUWHUPLV SUDFWLFDOWLSVDQGWUDQVODWHGGHYRWLRQV'XULQJEUHDNRXWVHVVLRQVVRPHRIWKHÁXHQW usable. It is especially so when the language is not your mother tongue and you don’t Spanish speakers practiced translating written material. Especially popular was the know the cultural context. I think that listening to the translated devotions also helped practical application of the language through biblical story charades and group speaking WKRVHZKRKDGRQO\VWXGLHG6SDQLVKDOLWWOHWRÀQGWKDWWKHUHDUHPDQ\FRQQHFWLRQV opportunities. Fellowship and singing in Spanish occurred during free time. The song between the English and Spanish languages. Cristo Me Ama (Jesus Loves Me) was mastered by the end of camp. It was also nice to meet, face to face, those people with whom I might work together All activities were Spanish-themed. Camp guests ate freshly baked churros. Some on some translation project in the future. played the popular Latin American sport fútbol (soccer). Others experienced an Ecua- Weekend Highlights dorean carnival, a popular festival based on a fusion of indigenous traditions and Western I was delighted to see the eagerness of camp participants as they studied Spanish. I also culture. A few took a turn at trying to break a piñata from which everyone could taste really enjoyed the conversations with people who have traveled to Ecuador. Before the camp, Latin American candy. I had met only one of the participants, Jessica Nikula, and that was only one week prior.  2QWKHÀQDOHYHQLQJWDEOHVZHUHVHWDQGSDUWLFLSDQWVZHUHVHUYHGDWUDGLWLRQDO However, we were able to share similar memories, experiences, reasons of joy, questions, Ecuadorean meal of arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) with llapingachos (potato patties even doubts, but above all we marveled at God’s plans and work. It’s something that we ZLWKFKHHVH DQGDFRPSOHPHQWRIÁDQIRUGHVVHUW are not able to understand. Overall, participants shared their love of the Spanish language with like-minded It was special that the cooks made Ecuadorean food for the camp. I especially individuals while simultaneously learning and experiencing the language, culture, and appreciate their efforts. hearing the testimony of Spanish-speaking believers. The need for Spanish translators in God’s Zion is well understood, and many expressed thankfulness for the opportunity Aino Vuonokari WRDWWHQGWKH//&·VÀUVW6SDQLVK/DQJXDJH&DPS Tyler Anderson

Photo: Aino Vuonokari Photo: Julie Ojalehto Learning is fun. Hayley Byman, Jordan Byman, and Tiana Jacobson study Bible stories Most of the group gathers for a photo. in Spanish. &DPS5HÀHFWLRQV IT WAS FUN TO SEE EVERYONE get excited about Spanish and using the words they knew and learned. I enjoyed getting to know a variety of people, many ages and from various locations, who share an interest in Spanish with me.—Jessica Nikula (Buffalo, Minn.)

I learned that having courage to begin speaking a new language is the best way to begin. In addition, gathering at a camp to learn a new language gives each of us an opportunity to serve in different ways.—Keith Kesti (Peoria, Ariz.)

7KHFDPSLVEHQHÀFLDOWR*RG·VNLQJGRPLQWUDQVODWLQJZRUNDQGWKHUHE\LQVSUHDGLQJ God’s Word.—Grant Smith (Glendale, Ariz.)

$WWHQGLQJ6SDQLVK/DQJXDJH&DPSZLOOKHOSEHQHÀWPHLQP\MRELQWKDW,FDQFRQQHFW with and better serve others. The camp has encouraged me to visit our dear brothers Photo: Jessica Nikula and sisters in faith in Ecuador.—Haley Byman (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) Adam Wuollet, Aino Vuonokari, and Maria Wuollet revise translated songs. Hopefully, new Spanish songs can be added to the hymnal booklet in the future. Tyler Anderson NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 11 The Net of the Gospel

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when when a dear family member or close one is it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it called, we miss them and need to learn to be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast live without their support and fellowship. WKHPLQWRWKHIXUQDFHRIÀUHWKHUHVKDOOEHZDLOLQJDQGJQDVKLQJRIWHHWK³0DWWKHZ² However, when a heavenly testimony remains of one who passes away in faith, we know it is a great victory for them to The Just and the Unjust answer from the Judge be, “I never knew Wait with Patience and Prayer HQWHU WKH ERVRP RI $EUDKDP DQG ÀQDOO\ esus here relates of matters of the you, depart from me,” or to one who is living In faith, we must patiently wait for His Sec- one day to the glory of heaven eternal. KHDUWWKDWZLOOEHUHYHDOHGRQWKHÀQDO by grace and truth, “Come, ye blessed of ond Coming. Man would want to see Therefore, we need each day to continue to judgment day. The reward for each my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared results of the work now, even to quickly believe, for we own the hope of heaven by person will be according to his or her for you from the foundation of the world” pull the tares from among the wheat, but faith. May we be found in the world, but life—wasJ there a desire to live by faith, or (Matt. 25:34)? Jesus teaches love and patience which is not of the world, on the day that His angels not? Christ will come to judge the “quick Many hear the calling voice of the FRQWUDU\ WR WKH PLQG RI WKH ÁHVK 7KXV come to harvest the grain for heaven. and the dead” at an unpredictable moment. Good Shepherd at some time in life, but with the mind of Christ, Paul said, “I have Thus, once the call sounds there will be no few heed the call. In the example of the ten planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the more time to reconcile matters, but he who lepers, Jesus asked, “Where are the nine?” increase” (1 Cor. 3:6). With patience and believes by faith will have Christ as his (Luke 17:17). Only one had continued in prayer, we say as the psalmist: “Hear me reconciliation victory (2 Cor. 5:19). faith to follow Jesus, giving glory to God. speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not  $VDÀVKHUPDQWKURZVKLVQHWLQWRWKH Jesus said to him, “Arise, go thy way: thy thy face from me…Cause me to hear thy VHDWRFDWFKHYHU\NLQGRIÀVKVR-HVXVSLF- faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:19). lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee tures a net cast into the sea of people. This The Pharisees demanded to know when do I trust: cause me to know the way net has been gathering people from all the kingdom of God should come, thinking wherein I should walk” (Ps. 143:7,8). races and nations since the foundation of that with their eyes they would see a glorious The example of the rich man and Steven Kallinen the world (Rev. 7:9). Those that are caught sight revealing His kingdom. Jesus replied Lazarus reveals how one who was rich in the net are revealed at the time of harvest. that God’s kingdom was already in their with the things of this world ended up with The angels will separate the “wicked from midst, or among them. Similarly, man’s a great gulf between him and the glory of WKHMXVWµDQGWKURZLQWRDIXUQDFHRIÀUH eyes could not see the beauty of the inside heaven where the grace-beggar Lazarus those who “hast a name that thou livest, and of the ark, which only looked like tar and sat, having reached the eternal shore of art dead” (Rev. 3:1). When the net is pulled pitch from the outside. Eyes of faith see the peace and beauty. Do not ignore the calling to shore, everything becomes visible; all the ÀHOGVDOUHDG\ZKLWHZDLWLQJIRUWKHKDUYHVW voice of the Good Shepherd. evil deeds of men are revealed. Every person at the end of this world. Why can we both mourn and rejoice will one day face that moment. Will the when a believer passes away? Especially

So You’re Still Going to Services?

A CERTAIN FRIEND had heard that question. The questioner had himself been a person con- fessing faith. What could be behind such a question? Doesn’t going to services seem important anymore? The desire to go to ser- vices must have been quite small. Had faith of the heart, faith according to God’s Word, become his personal faith? “I want to be a believer, but I believe in my own way.” The spoken word at services vexes one with such a mind. Lack of desire for services isn’t a new matter. Already in the early days of Christianity, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds of neglecting to gather together, “as the manner of some is.” Our time is busy. Busyness exists at work, with our studies, at school, and even at home. Services and other congregation activities also use up their own time. There are good hobbies. It feels like there isn’t enough time for every- thing that we would like to do. Inevitably matters must be prioritized. Do we remember then the importance of hearing God’s Word? What is the most important of all for us? The experience of being part of a commu- nity is a good matter. We know that we aren’t Photo: Katharine Keranen alone. But do we belong to our congregation We aren’t God’s children because we go to services, but rather because we and go to services only because we want to be together in a community with can personally believe our sins forgiven through grace. This is God’s great like-minded individuals? Has it just become a good habit? When I go once a JLIWZKLFKZHFDQ·WPHULWRXUVHOYHV,WVXIÀFHVWKDWZHZDQWWREHOLHYH:HJR week to listen to the sermon, I’m known as a believer. Then has personal faith to services so that we can hear God’s Word, the message of forgiveness, and been forgotten and in its place come habitual Christianity? be given strength to believe. Our home Zion is a fellowship of believers where we are known. Most We continually need strengthening for our faith, travel provisions, for we often we associate the words “home Zion” to the congregation of which we are are in fact only children of the day. During busy times, a lot of provisions are members. It is mostly this way. But for many it is a smaller group of people, consumed. It is the same on the road of faith also. In God’s kingdom, the consisting of travel friends living close to each other—since every locality VHFXUHVWFRPPXQLW\RIDOORQWKLVHDUWKWKHUHDUHVXIÀFLHQWWUDYHOSURYLVLRQV doesn’t have its own congregation. for all. There we have the strong promises of God’s Word. In our home Zion we can experience a secure sense of community. We want to believe in the same way, we are on the same journey, and we have a Kimmo Heikkilä united goal. Translated from Päivämies, no. 37, 2017.

PAGE 12 NOVEMBER 2017 In loving memory of A Time of Healing Saima Johanna (Karvonen) Ojalehto Born January 21, 1934, in Posio, Finland LLC Veterans Camp, Sept. 22–24 Called to her eternal rest on August 27, 2017, in Snohomish, Washington To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose Remembered with love by: Her husband Karl under the heaven (Eccles. 3:1). Children: Bert (Maya); Irma Thomas; Hans (Susie); Clara Miller; Paula (Scott) Simonson; Mark (Patty); Viola Tolli; Laura (Wayne) Parks; Kerry (Michelle); Debora (Phil) Erickson; Phillip (Nicole); Sara Moser Sisters: Lempi (Tony) Simon; Rauha Hillukka Brother Raimo (Riitta) Karvonen Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and brothers and sisters in faith

Preceded in death by: Children: Norman; Anita Parents Kalle and Selma Karvonen; siblings Mauno (Ellen) Karvonen; Lyyli (Veikko) Niemela; Hilja (Antti) Loukusa; Aaro (Marcella) Karvonen; Sylvi Karvonen Photo: Don Rousu ,KDYHIRXJKWDJRRGÀJKW,KDYHÀQLVKHGP\FRXUVH,KDYHNHSWWKHIDLWK ;OLYVHK[V:[VU`3HRL*HTW^HZSPULK^P[O<:ÅHNZ[VOVUVY[OL]L[LYHUZ^OVOH]LZLY]LK Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, their country, and now were coming to support, help, and share with fellow veterans at LLC the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto Veteran’s Camp, Sept. 22–24 all them also that love His appearing.—2 Tim. 4:7,8 THE ROAD TO STONY LAKE CAMP A heartfelt thank you to all who remembered our family during this time of loss. ZDVOLQHGZLWKÁDJVWRKRQRUWKHYHWHUDQVZKR were attending. One could not help but feel good about coming here, where many fellow veterans, male and female, were coming to support, help, and share with each other. The weekend was a time of fellowship, joy, and peace. Two veterans of the Vietnam War, Bob Haapala (Ishpeming, Mich.) and I (Don Rousu), gave presentations of our experiences with pictures and diagrams in that faraway place so long ago. We spoke of how those Winnipeg Believer Anna Strand were very trying times of fear, anger, despair, the breakdown of kindness, and the lacking of compassion on all sides. Even so, God watched over, kept, and protected His own. Is Called to Heaven’s Home  2QHSUHVHQWDWLRQZDVWLWOHG´0RUDO,QMXU\µ0RUDOLQMXU\LVDGLIÀFXOWFRQGLWLRQWR WUHDW,WJLYHVRQHIHHOLQJVRIJXLOWWKDWFDQDQGGRRFFXULQZDUIDUH2QHGHÀQLWLRQRIWKLV is harm caused by “perpetrating, failing to prevent, witnessing, or learning about actions The Planted Seed Bore Fruit that violate deeply held moral beliefs and expectations.” An example might be the soldiers ANNA STRAND was born on December in King Herod’s army, who were ordered to kill all male children under two years old in 10, 1921, in Hirvaskoski, Finland, near Bethlehem. Then later they would have to live with the memories and guilt of what they Pudasjärvi. She grew up in a believing did to these little children the rest of their lives. home, close to their congregation’s RY in It was heard that some thought, “I only served in the reserves, or served so little time, that village. In visiting, she often recalled that I am not a veteran.” That is not true. You served, and you are a veteran. We want to her home, told of attending home services, be as inclusive as possible, rather than be exclusive to our veterans. and about her uncle Kalle Timonen, who was In the evenings we gathered to speak about the way and the journey of faith. Some a preacher there. (Kalle Timonen traveled in enjoyed taking saunas. Others met and bonded with fellow veterans, as old friendships the U.S. on a mission trip in the 1950s.) were renewed or new friendships were made. Experiences were shared. The gospel was Anna came to Canada as a young per- heard many times during camp, as we are only faulty, sinful travelers here in this life. We son, hoping to emigrate to Michigan, in the talked about our lives as believers in this ever-decaying world and society, where man’s U.S., where she had relatives. That never own wisdom and reasoning is increasing and God and His Word is diminishing. worked out. She found work in Winnipeg, It was a time of healing, bonding, laughter, tears, joy, and peace. God certainly Manitoba, in hospitals and nursing homes. blessed our gathering. Thanks be to God. She especially treasured being able to help We were well fed and cared for by the staff. We look forward to the next Veteran’s care for babies in the hospital nursery. Camp, which will focus on more recent wars and younger veterans. Anna married Ivar Strand, who had come from Norway with his family. Anna and Don Rousu Ivar had no children. Anna told about making trips back to Photo: Maria Ylioja Finland, where she visited her home area Anna always wanted to serve coffee and and was also able to attend suviseurat, the treats to her guests. On this day, Maria and summer services of the believers. Edward Ylioja, of Lucky Lake, Sask., visited. About 20 years ago the believers in the U.S. received knowledge of Anna being in Winnipeg. After that, ministers began stopping regularly to have services in her home. She invited friends to services; some came. God provided escorts for Anna when believers stopped to visit when traveling through Winnipeg, and occasionally certain believers spent longer periods of time there to work or study. Anna’s husband Ivar received the grace of repen- tance shortly before he passed away in June 2003. In visits, Anna expressed a longing for her home area in Finland, but even more importantly for the fellowship and services of God’s children. Ministers and other visitors continued to stop at her home throughout her years of declining health and memory. Phone calls were uplifting and a comfort. Anna passed away on April 24, 2017, at the age of 95 years. Photo: Keith Waaraniemi Veterans partook in the Lord’s Holy Supper at the camp. Photo: Lara Simonson Maria Ylioja Anna Strand receives visitors—Curtis and Lara Simonson’s family, of Bradwell, Sask. NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 13 REMEMBER Upcoming LLC Book Review: The Patrician’s Daughter Service Men and Women in Mission Trips Prayer and with Mail The following mission Service personnel, or their families trips will be occurring in Different Setting, Common Experiences may submit the names and addresses November and December. THE PATRICIAN’S DAUGHTER, written by Kirsti Vilkama, of active duty members of the armed We wish God’s blessings tells the story of a young girl who feels she doesn’t belong, and services to appear in this space. to these brothers on their how she is led to the grace of God’s kingdom. Although set in Consider a gift subscription to the mission trips. Voice of Zion or recorded sermons for biblical times, many events in the story feel relatable, as if your loved one who is in the service. they could be happening to a young believer in the present ECUADOR: day. As the book follows Meredith, the main character, Note: Mail to all service personnel December 8–17 uses regular U.S. postage rates. through her joys and struggles of searching, repentance, and even meeting her future spouse, the reader can follow along Charles Aho MWCS-18 MACG-18 1st Maw and understand, perhaps even identify with these experi- Unit 37181 ences as many of the same that they are going through now. FPO, AP 96373 It is a very comforting story, because it demonstrates that Forstie, Ryan D & Sarah even since biblical times, believers have been going 2270 Simmons St Unit C through many of the same events, but that God always Dupont, WA 98327 guides and cares for His own. Mark & Angela Hoikka PSC 41 Box 2692 There are many sections of the book that speak to me APO, AE 09464-0027 Lauri Nevala Todd Anderson personally, but my favorite moment was when Meredith United States meets Sergio and Claudia’s family. The feeling described [email protected] [email protected] GHANA AND TOGO: in that section, of joy, comfort, and safety, is one that I 248-247-8124 November 29–December 11 have experienced many times at LLC camps, services, PFC Johnson, Matt and in homes all over American Zion and even in Fin- MWSS 172 1st MAW land. It is amazing how no matter where we go, if we Unit 37206 are with another believer, we can feel right at home. FPO-AP 96603 Loren and Ashley Krey This book has many similarly relatable scenes, and I would rec- 14349 Desert Point Drive ommend it to anyone, especially any young believers looking for a El Paso, TX 79928 story that describes their own experiences. Stan & Briana Laulainen 8608 Unit A Onyx Whitney Loukusa Dr SW Lakewood, WA 98498 Briana c: 763-291-1229 Stan c: 907-315-2238 Jim Moll, Esko Sääskilahti, Note: LLC SRK The Patrician’s Daughter (or Patriisin tytär, in Finnish) was originally published by SRK in 1991 and LCPL Curtis Wisuri Unit #6927 by the LLC (then-AALC) in English, in 1995. This hard cover, 121-page book is available in many 2046 Barnett Ave. congregation bookstores, or it can be ordered online (www.llchurch.org). Discounted price–$5.00 Quantico, Virginia 22134 Au Pair Wanted in Kannus, Finland (ILSPL]PUNMHTPS`^P[OÄ]L children, ages 5–12 years, Welcome to Welcome to Colorado Couples Camp! in Kannus, Finland (south of January 26–28, 2018 Oulu), is seeking an English- speaking au pair (18-yrs or older), A Scandinavian Christmas YMCA Estes Park Center, in Estes Park, Colo. beginning April 2018. Driver’s license is necessary. We will pay Please call or text message Dan and Jenny Lahti (970-274-3990) to sign up. Bazaar & Bakery `V\YÅPNO[HUKV[OLYL_WLUZLZ For more information, please Friday, December 1st . . . 4-9pm JVU[HJ[!LPQHYHU[HUPSRR\'ÄTUL[Ä Saturday, December 2nd . . . 9am-1pm 2018 Holy Land Group Tour! Scheduled for early June, 2018* Au Pair Wanted in Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church (WWYV_PTH[LS` KH`ZVU[OLNYV\UKPU[OL/VS`3HUK Ylivieska, Finland th (Total 10-day trip). Group leaders Paul Honkala and John Stewart, 16144 20 Street SW ^P[OHWYVMLZZPVUHSN\PKLOVZ[[OPZVUJLPUHSPML[PTLVWWVY[\UP[` A believing family in Ylivieska, Cokato, MN 55321 (WWYV_PTH[LJVZ[!  ¶ KV\ISLVJJ\WHUJ`HSSPUJS\ZP]L Finland is seeking a nanny for their three children (1, 3, and www.cllchurch.org Contact: Paul ([email protected], 586-612-5578) or MVYÄ]LTVU[OZILNPUUPUN John ([email protected], 425-238-7717) for details. January 2018. Please contact Riitta Huttunen Book soon to secure your spot!,_HJ[KH[LZ;)+ ZVVUYPP[[HO\'Z\VTPÄVYWO Welcome to +358 40 7013967). Minneapolis Thanksgiving Days! Building Hope Inc. Theme: Childlike Faith An independent living opportunity for people with special needs. The book, Peter Nordstrom Thursday, Nov. 23 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Program We will gladly accept any monetary donations to the needs of those we a.k.a. Amerikan Pekka, ZLY]L"HSSKVUH[PVUZHYL[H_KLK\J[PISL is available for purchase on Friday, Nov. 24 7:00 p.m. Welcome: John Lehtola Amazon.com ($15.95+shipping). www.buildinghope.us (612-270-3408) Services: Tomm Stewart, Sam Roiko (\[OVY)LJR`@V\UN Saturday, Nov. 25 7:00 p.m. Youth Presentation: Tomm Stewart Nordstrom’s daughter, thanks those who shared their   *OPSKSPRL-HP[OHZH@V\UN)LSPL]LY Motorhome for Rent memories for this book. Dessert Fundraiser 2017 Jayco Greyhawk, 31 FS, sleeps 10 “It is my hope that the articles he Haps $1,500/wk and .15 a mile wrote and the sermons that are Memorial Day wknd–Labor Day recorded would convey the most Sunday, Nov. 26 10:00 a.m. Communion Service: Tomm Stewart wknd (7-day min) important part of his life—how he believed,” she says. 12:00 noon Lunch Text or call: Todd Anderson (612-267-1338)

1:30 p.m. Presentation: Sam Roiko “We Are the Children of God” (Rom. 8:16,17) House for Sale in AZ! Closing Service *H]L*YLLR/V\ZLMVYZHSLPU¶TVU[OZ^OPSLV^ULYI\PSKPUNHUV[OLY   !WT*VɈLL:\WWLY >PSSOH]LHWWYHPZLKHUK[OLUH KPZJV\U[ILKYVVTIH[OWVVS sauna, solar, 3-car garage, 1 acre + Haps Contact Don Rousu (602-826-8856) PAGE 14 NOVEMBER 2017 • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • CANADA ARIZONA Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Congregation *O\YJOHKKYLZZ! 7LSRPL9K7LSRPL40  ࠮  ALBERTA Laestadian Lutheran Church of Flagstaff 4HPSPUNHKKYLZZ! )YVLTLY9K*OHZZLS40  Lethbridge Laestadian Lutheran Church Meeting place: Sturgeon Cromer Elementary School *OHPYTHU!(SILY[/VUNPZ[V    :PS]LY:HKKSL9VHK-SHNZ[HɈ(A ࠮SSJÅHNZ[HɈVYN :LJYL[HY`!9V`7PRRHYHPULU   *OHPYTHU!;VKK@SPVQH  7HZ[VY!1HTLZ-YHU[[P   :LJYL[HY`!/HUU\1HUO\ULU  :\UKH`ZJOVVS !HT࠮:\UKH`ZLY]PJL!HT For visiting minister and communion service details, see online calendar. Sunday school (Sept–May)...... Sept–May !HT Sundays: Worship service ...... 11:00 am Sunday school ...... 11:00 am *OHPYTHUJLSS!࠮:LJYL[HY`JLSS!  1st Sunday: Communion service ...... 11:00 am Sunday service ...... 12:00 pm ...... 6:30 pm 1st Sunday communion Laestadian Lutheran Church of Glendale UK>LKULZKH`!)PISLZ[\K` 3rd Sunday evening service ...... 7:00 pm Song services 1st Friday of the month SERVICE SCHEDULE ...... 7:00 pm MINNESOTA )PISLJSHZZ-YPKH` ...... 7:30 pm >LKULZKH`)PISLJSHZZ Sunday school ...... 9:00 am June–Aug Sunday service...... 10:00 am Brainerd Laestadian Sunday service ...... 11:00 am :\UKH`ZLY]PJLL_JLW[[OLÄYZ[:\UKH`VM[OLTVU[O ...... !WT 3rd Sunday evening service ...... 7:00 pm Lutheran Church We are currently meeting at Desert Sage Elementary School, & Manor >(SHTLKH9K.SLUKHSL(YPaVUH 7SLHZLJOLJR[OL BRITISH COLUMBIA website for any location changes. : [O:[)YHPULYK45 >LIZP[L!O[[W!^^^SSJVMNSLUKHSLVYN࠮,THPS!PUMV'SSJVMNSLUKHSLVYN     *OHPYTHU!   ࠮:LJYL[HY`!     Vancouver Laestadian Congregation *OHPYTHU! ࠮:LJYL[HY`!   *VU[HJ[!  VY  Welcome to our services! Sunday school ...... 12:00 pm June–Aug Sept–May Sunday services ...... 1:00 pm Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church Sunday school ...... !HT Visiting speaker 1st weekend of each month. 5YK:[࠮*H]L*YLLR(A  Sunday worship ...... 11:00 am . . . 11:00 am 7HZ[VY!/HYYP=pOpQ`SRRp ࠮WSSJO\YJOVYN 1st Sunday of the month–Communion service ONTARIO *OHPYTHU!   ࠮:LJYL[HY`!  >LKULZKH`)PISLJSHZZVYZLY]PJLZHS[LYUH[PUN^LLRS` .....7:00 pm SERVICE SCHEDULE Last Wednesday song services ...... 7:00 pm Sunday school: (Sept–May) ...... 9:15 am Toronto Laestadian Sunday service...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm Lutheran Congregation (1st Sunday Communion, no evening service) Cokato Laestadian 5579 Hwy 27, Cookstown, ON >LKULZKH`!)PISLZ[\K`...... 7:00 pm TORONTO LAESTADIAN 1st Wednesday: Song services ...... 7:00 pm Lutheran Church 4HPSPUNHKKYLZZ!76)V_ LUTHERAN CHURCH Cookstown, ON, Canada L0L 1L0 Sunday service summer schedule ...... 10:00 am ¶[O:[:>*VRH[V45   +H`*PYJSL*OPSKYLU»Z)PISLJSHZZHUKZVUNZLY]PJLZ· Friday (Sept–May) ...... 7:00 pm Laestadian Lutheran Church of Prescott Valley Sunday school (during school year) ...... 9:15 am Sunday school (Sept–May) ...... 12:00 pm 1st Sunday: Communion service ...... 10:30 am Sunday service (Labor Day–Mother’s Day) ...... 1:00 pm 4V\U[HPU=PL^࠮76)V_࠮7YLZJV[[=HSSL`(A  2nd Sunday: Services...... 10:30 am Sunday service (Mother’s Day–Labor Day) ...... 6:00 pm Sunday school: Sept–May ...... 9:15 am Discussion...... 7:00 pm Communion service 1st Sunday of month Sunday service (Communion–1st Sunday)...... 10:30 am YK :\UKH`Z!:LY]PJLZ ...... 10:30 am >LKULZKH`¶)PISLJSHZZL_JLW[1\S` ...... 7:00 pm Services ...... 7:00 pm *OHPYTHU!   ࠮:LJYL[HY`! 1st Wednesday: Song services ...... 7:00 pm *O\YJO!   K\YPUNZLY]PJLZ Church: 928-775-5030 UKYK >LKULZKH`!)PISLJSHZZ ...... 7:00 pm *OHPYTHU!  ࠮:LJYL[HY`!   *OHPYTHU!J ࠮:LJYL[HY`!J SASKATCHEWAN COLORADO Dunblane Laestadian Lutheran Church Laestadian Lutheran Church of Elk River Laestadian Lutheran Church of the 4HPSPUN(KKYLZZ!4HYJPH+Y)PN3HRL45 )V_࠮4HJYVYPL:2 Roaring Fork Valley Chairman: Adrian Pirness 763-360-0820 Canada S0L 2E0   5Z[:[࠮76)V_ ࠮:PS[*6  :LJYL[HY`!)LJR`9HUKHSS 7OVUL MH_!  Welcome to our services! *OHPYTHU! *OHPYTHU!  ࠮^^^SSJYM]VYN :LJYL[HY`!  Sunday school (Sept–May)...... 9:15 am Events Sept – May are held at the Vandenberge Middle School, Sunday services (1st Sunday Communion) ...... 10:30 am  7YVJ[VY(]L,SR9P]LY4PUULZV[H UK :\UKH`L]LUPUNZLY]PJLZ ...... 6:30 pm During the summer, the service schedule changes. Activities Sunday school ...... !HT:LW[¶4H` are held at the school or at area parks. Sunday services ...... 11:00 am >LKULZKH`!)PISLJSHZZ@V\[O)PISLJSHZZ+H`*PYJSL Home and Family, or song services ...... 7:00 pm Sunday school (Sept – May) ...... 9:15 am 7:00 pm (1st Sunday) Sunday morning service ...... 10:30 am Communion service 1st Sunday Sunday evening service ...... 6:30 pm*  )PISLJSHZZ ...... !WTUKYK -YPKH` FLORIDA Wednesday activity...... 7:00 pm** Song services ...... 7:30 pm (1st Friday)  @V\[O)PISLJSHZZ..... !WT:\UKH`HS[^6\[SVVR Laestadian Lutheran Church of Florida *No evening service on the 5th Sunday; **The 1st Wednesday of the month is either home services or song services. 5V)PISLJSHZZVYZVUNZLY]PJLZ1\UL1\S`HUK(\N (ɉSPH[LK33**VUNYLNH[PVU *VU[HJ[!:LJYL[HY`¶9\ZZLSS9VPRVVY ;YLHZ\YLY¶=LZH7H\RRLYP   Laestadian Lutheran Church Outlook Laestadian Lutheran Church SERVICE SCHEDULE (ENGLISH & FINNISH) of Menahga 1\UPWLY(]L5>4LUHONH45 4J2LUaPL:[5 Apr–Nov Dec–Mar ([OVTLZ¶ :\UKH`¶!WT  ࠮^^^SSJTLUHONHVYN Outlook, SK Canada S0L 2N0 *OHPYTHU!   ࠮7HZ[VY!  Phone: 306-867-8950 Contact above St. Andrews Lutheran Church Chairman: 306-867-7530 (cell) 928 South E St, Lake Worth Sunday school (Sept–May)...... !HT Secretary: 306-867-9632 Sunday services (Sept–May) ...... 11:00 am NLULYHS'V\[SVVRSSJO\YJOVYN ILLINOIS Sunday Service (June-Aug) ...... 10:00 am www.outlookllchurch.org Communion services 1st Sunday/month (Sept–May) ....11:00 am & 6:00 pm Laestadian Lutheran Church of Illinois Communion services 1st Sunday/month (June-Aug).....10:00 am & 6:00 pm *OHPYTHU! ࠮:LJYL[HY`!  >LKULZKH`)PISLJSHZZZVUNZLY]PJLZVYOVTLZLY]PJLZ.... 7:00 pm Welcome to our services! Sept–May June–Aug :\UKH`ZJOVVS:LW[¶4H`¶ !HT Sunday school ...... 10:00 am Sunday services...... 10:00 am Sunday service – (June–Aug) – 10:00 am Sunday services .....!HT 4PUULHWVSPZ3HLZ[HKPHU (Sept–May) – 11:00 am Communion service 1st Sunday of month 3\[OLYHU*O\YJO Communion 1st Sunday )PISLJSHZZSHZ[:\UKH`VMTVU[O Sunday evening service (1st & 3rd Sunday) – 7:00 pm ¶[O(]L5V )PISLJSHZZ-YPKH`¶!WT 7S`TV\[O45¶࠮ Song services (1st Friday) – 7:30 pm MICHIGAN NLULYHS'TSSJO\YJOVYN࠮^^^TSSJO\YJOVYN @V\[O)PISLJSHZZ:\UKH`HS[^+\UISHUL¶!WT 290 Fairground, Welcome to our services! 5V)PISLJSHZZVYZVUNZLY]PJLZ1\UL1\S`HUK(\N 7S`TV\[O40   Regularly scheduled services are held every Sunday at 10:30 am www.dllchurch.org and 6:30 pm. The Finnish language with English translation is used Saskatoon Laestadian on the fourth Sunday evening service. LUTHERAN CHURCH *OHPYTHU!1LɈ2\TW\SH   ࠮QR\TW\SH'JVTJHZ[UL[ Sunday school begins at 9:00 am every Sunday (during school year). *OHPYTHU!࠮ZHZRH[VVUSSJVYN :LJYL[HY`!7H\S/\O[H ࠮WH\S^O\O[H'NTHPSJVT )PISLJSHZZZVUNZLY]PJLZVYOVTLZLY]PJLZHYLOLSKVU>LKULZKH` evenings at 7:00 pm (Sept–May). Services are held June–Aug. Sunday school (Sept–Apr) ...... 10:00 am Sunday services 11:00 am (Communion on 1st Sunday) All Sunday sermons and special services are webcast live Sunday service (Communion 1st Sunday) ...... 11:00 am SEPT–MAY: Sunday school !HT from our website: www.mllchurch.org Sunday service (3nd Sunday Sept–Apr) ...... 6:00 pm Bible class 7:00 pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday )PISLJSHZZZVUNZLY]PJLZ¶;\LZKH`:LW[¶(WY ...... 7:30 pm Song services 7:00 pm on 1st Wednesday Ministers serving our congregation: John Lehtola, Keith Waaraniemi, HS[LYUH[PUN^P[O)PISLJSHZZ Russ Roiko, Todd Anderson, and Jeremy Honga. Youth Bible class 7:00 pm on 3rd Wednesday UNITED STATES Day Circle 10:30 am on 1st Saturday Laestadian Lutheran Church of Monticello ALASKA Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church *OHPYTHU!  ࠮:LJYL[HY`!   www.llcmonticello.org >HZOPUN[VU:[࠮0ZOWLTPUN40  ࠮    Alaska Laestadian Lutheran Church Sunday School (Sept–May) ...... 9:15 am Sunday: Sept–May Sunday: June–Aug ,:\L3U>HZPSSH(2 ࠮*OHPYTHU!   Services (1st Sunday Communion) ...... 10:30 am Sunday school ...... !HT >VYZOPWZLY]PJL ...... 11:00 am UKHUK:\UKH`!:LY]PJLZ ...... 6:30 pm Labor Day to Memorial Day Memorial Day to Labor Day Worship service ....11:00 am 7:00 pm ...... 7:00 pm Sunday school ...... 10:00 am >LKULZKH`¶)PISL*SHZZL_JLW[Z[>LKULZKH` 6:30 pm Song services on 1st Wednesday* ...... 7:00 pm Sunday service ...... 11:00 am ...... 6:00 pm *VTT\UPVUZLY]PJL¶-PYZ[:\UKH`࠮5VL]LUPUNZLY]PJL¶3HZ[:\UKH` )PISLJSHZZ>LKULZKH` ...... 7:30 pm ...... 7:30 pm *Home & Family Discussion Evening–Oct, Dec, Feb, and April Song services 1st Wednesday ...... 7:30 pm ...... 7:30 pm WEDNESDAY!:LW[¶(WY)PISLJSHZZ ...... 7:00 pm Events held at Little Mountain Elementary School Song service or discussion – First Wednesday 9350 Fallon Ave, Monticello, MN 55362 NOVEMBER 2017 PAGE 15 • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church WASHINGTON Seattle Laestadian *O\YJOHKKYLZZ!0IHYYH(]L5,)\ɈHSV45 Longview Laestadian Lutheran Congregation Lutheran Church *O\YJOWOVUL!   76)V_ ࠮3VUN]PL^>(  ࠮ UK(]L:, Sunday morning services...... 10:30 am Woodinville, WA 98072 Communion services on 1st Sunday ...... 10:30 am School Year www.seallc.org Sunday school ...... 9:15 am Sunday school (Sept–May)...... 9:15 am 4HPSPUNHKKYLZZ!76)V_ 4VUYVL>(   1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sunday evening services with a 1st Sunday: Communion service...... 10:30 am & 1:30 pm Finnish sermon on the 1st Sunday ...... 6:30 pm Youth discussion ...... 6:00 pm Sunday school (during school year) ...... 9:15 am :\UKH``V\[OKPZJ\ZZPVU ...... 6:30 pm UKYK :\UKH`Z!:LY]PJLZ ...... 10:30 am & 6:00 pm 1st Sunday: Communion service...... 10:30 am & 1:30 pm )PISLJSHZZVU>LKULZKH`ZL_JLW[Z[>LKULZKH` ...... 7:00 pm 5th Sunday: Services ...... 6:00 pm 2nd Sunday: Services...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm Song services on 1st Wednesday*...... 7:00 pm >LKULZKH`!)PISL*SHZZ...... 7:00 pm 3rd Sunday: Services ...... 10:30 am :\UKH`! :LY]PJLZ ...... 10:30 am *Home services in Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr Summer 1st Sunday: Communion service...... 10:30 am & 1:30 pm Youth discussion ...... 7:00 pm 7HZ[VY!1V\RV/HHWZHHYP࠮   ࠮QOHHWZHHYP'YSSJO\YJOVYN Youth discussion ...... 7:00 pm 5th Sunday: Services...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm *OHPYTHU!1LYLT`.S`UU  UKYK :\UKH`Z!:LY]PJLZ ...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm >LKULZKH`!)PISLJSHZZ ...... 7:00 pm :LJYL[HY`!1LɈ/HUZVU  5th Sunday: Services ...... 7:00 pm *O\YJO! ࠮*OHPYTHU!   Wednesday: Services ...... 7:00 pm Wolf Lake Laestadian Lutheran Church Website: llc-longview.org (Sunday 10:30 am service webcast) Laestadian Lutheran Church of Spokane >VSM3HRL45࠮   ࠮^^^^SSSJO\YJOVYN (KKYLZZ!5+HS[VU9K࠮*O\YJO!  4HPSPUN!76)V_ +LLY7HYR>( ࠮^^^SSJZWVRHULVYN June–Aug Sept–May Laestadian Lutheran Church *OHPYTHU!    ࠮:LJYL[HY`!  Sunday school ...... !HT Sunday worship ...... 10:00 am...... 11:00 am of the North Sound Sunday school (Sept–May): ...... 9:15 am 1st Sunday: Communion service ...... 10:30 am Communion 1st Sunday each month...... 10:00 am...... 11:00 am Service Location: Highland Elementary Service...... 1:00 pm -YPKH`¶)PISLJSHZZ ...... 7:00 pm 3220 113th Ave NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 Communion 1st Sunday even numbered months all year ...... 6:00 pm 2nd Sunday: Service ...... 10:30 am & 6:30 pm 2nd Sunday G.P.A. Nursing Home service...... 2:00 pm *OHPYTHU!7H\S1HJVIZVU  YK:\UKH`!:LY]PJL ...... 10:30 am website: llcns.org 1st Wednesday: Song service ...... 7:00 pm ...... 7:00 pm NORTH DAKOTA UK>LKULZKH`!)PISLJSHZZ Sunday school (Sept – May): ...... 9:15 am Laestadian Lutheran Church of Williston Sunday morning service: ...... 10:30 am >LKULZKH`)PISLJSHZZSHZ[>LKULZKH`ZVUNZLY]PJLZ!. . . . . 7:00 pm 4LL[PUNWSHJL!AHOS*VTT\UP[`*LU[LYYK:[YLL[^LZ[LUKVMAHOS5+  (school year) :\UKH`ZJOVVS:LW[¶4H`! !HT 3rd Sunday/month service or discussion: ...... 6:00 pm Editor: Walt Lampi, [email protected] Services: 11:00 am (Live internet service) Assistant Editor: Lori Loukusa, [email protected] Visiting Minister & Communion service: 1st Sunday of every month Layout: Annette Johnson, [email protected] *OHPYTHUJLSS! OVTL!  AREA PUBLICATIONS DIRECTORS :LJYL[HY`JLSS!  Wendy Agbowada, Rockford, MN ...... [email protected] Heidi Aho, East Coast ...... [email protected] Jolene Anderson, Alaska ...... [email protected] Deanna Byman, Longview, WA ...... [email protected] Vanessa Byman, Williston, ND ...... [email protected] • new arrivals • new arrivals • • new arrivals • new arrivals • Peggy Glynn, Menahga, MN ...... [email protected] Christina Jacobson, Ishpeming, MI ...... [email protected] 2LPSHO1VOUZVU-SHNZ[Hќ(A ...... [email protected] Born to Born to Keith Kariniemi, Cokato, MN ...... [email protected] Bridget Karvonen, North Sound, WA [email protected] Aaron & Brooke Loukusa Randy & Katie Hillukka June Karvonen, Minneapolis, MN ...... [email protected] Kalispell, MT Menahga, MN Andrea Lahti, Roaring Fork Valley, CO ...... [email protected] Brooke Loukusa, Seattle, WA ...... [email protected] A boy! A boy! Eija Mikkola, Toronto, ON ...... [email protected] Kendra Parks, Saskatoon, SK ...... [email protected] Wynn Peter Dane Henry Russ Roiko, Florida ...... [email protected] 4HY[OH9V\Z\7OVLUP_(A ...... [email protected] July 14, 2017 August 18, 2017 Tiina Savolainen, Lethbridge, AB ...... [email protected] Lynn Siljander, Detroit, MI ...... [email protected] Karin Simonson, Dunblane, SK ...... [email protected] Born to Born to Born to Born to Kolet Simonson, Spokane, WA ...... [email protected] 9HJOHLS:TP[O.SLUKHSL(A ...... [email protected] Keith & Laura Laho Nick & Amanda Johnson Markus & Sarah Lohi Jeremy & Leah Simonson SUBSCRIPTION RATES Buffalo, MN Phoenix, AZ Big Lake, MN Outlook, SK Voice of Zion & Christmas in Zion: A girl! A girl! A boy! A boy! North America Print Edition, $51/year International Print Edition, $76/year Hattie Anna Emmi Kathryn Aaron Paul Clayton Jeremy Shepherd’s Voice: North America Print Edition, $29/year International Print Edition, $48/year September 13, 2017 September 15, 2017 September 22, 2017 October 10, 2017 The current issue of the Voice of Zion and Shepherd’s Voice may be purchased as a PDF download under eBooks for $5.00/each. To order and renew subscriptions, go to the “Subscriptions” tab on the LLC’s online store, www.llchurch.org. Answers to A WORD IN EDGEWISE Address Changes: Go to www.llchurch.org. Under Publications tab Did You Know… on page 6: complete “Change of Address” form. Also update your address in your online store account to ensure continued delivery. Note to U.S. ...that your dollars can help to provide Christmas  scrip: (noun) residents: Subscriptions are sent bulk mail and are not forwarded. D small bag or wallet (Luke 9:3) Submit change of address information as soon as possible. care packages for our brothers and sisters in faith For subscription assistance, contact Kathy Laho at [email protected] in Ecuador and in West Africa? To help with this,  carbuncle: (noun) or 763-479-2422. go to LLC’s home page (www.llchurch.org). Under F smooth, deep-red gem (Isa. 54:12) ADVERTISING RATES Regular rate: $4.00/column inch the “Donate” tab, click on “Give a Donation.”  gainsay: (verb) (Minimum 15 euro charge for advertising bills sent to Europe) There you can “select a fund” and contribute to E deny, dispute, or contradict (Jude 11) Announcements: :LY]PJLZ¶ JVS\TUPUJO the Humanitarian Aid fund, which supports the  camphire: (noun) )PY[OLUNHNLTLU[^LKKPUN JHYKVM[OHURZ¶  Christmas care packages that are given out each DSODQWZLWKIUDJUDQWZKLWHÁRZHUV +LH[O¶ Z[HUKHYKPUJOLZJVS\TU¶  (Song of Sol. 1:14)  SHYNLY¶HKK LHJOHKKP[PVUHSPUJO year in December. Thank you for your donations! Ads must be submitted by the 1st of the month preceding the Scoring: month of publication. All correct = sage; Advertising, Death, and Service announcements: Send email ads and inquiries to Lori Loukusa at [email protected]. one wrong = promising scholar; Birth, Wedding, and Engagement announcements: Go to Publications tab at www.llchurch.org, and submit form from “Voice 2 wrong = not too shabby; of Zion Announcements.” Contact Annette Johnson at ajohnson@ 3–4 wrong = time for some serious study! llchurch.org with inquiries. LAESTADIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH (LLC) 279 N Medina St, Suite 150, Loretto, MN 55357 Phone: 763-479-2422 • Fax: 763-479-2133 • [email protected] 6ѝJLOV\YZ! !¶!4¶- Chairman: Visit the LLC website at: www.llchurch.org Jim Frantti Site includes: home: 906-483-0712 • Live sermons [email protected] • News and notes Photo: Kalevi Niemikorpi Executive Director: • Publications information Eric Jurmu • Online store cell: 763-402-3695 • Articles and presentations [email protected] • Camp activities enrollment PAGE 16 NOVEMBER 2017 Arvo and Annukka Pyykölä’s North American Mission Trip, June 28–August 1

THIS SUMMER, we made an unforgettable mission trip to North America. It was successful in every way and remains in our minds as a unique and special experience. The North American brothers and sisters took on the task to make sure that everything would go as well as possible. Preparations began six months before the trip, when the tickets were booked and a 33-page travel guide booklet was prepared for us with all the necessary documents and procedures presented in a very clear fashion.  2XUWULSEHJDQE\Á\LQJIURP.RNNROD)LQODQGWR+HOVLQNLDQG from there to Minneapolis via Iceland. It went as planned. In Minne- apolis, we were greeted with “God’s Peace!” by our lodging host who was waiting for us. LLC Summer Services 2XUÀUVWVHUYLFHORFDWLRQZDVWKH//&6XPPHU6HUYLFHVLQ+RZDUG Lake, Minnesota, where we were from June 30 to July 3. The services were exceptional in the sense that they were held at a fairground in two large co-joined tents, where the services guests sat on chairs. We noted that everyone was delighted with this arrangement. There were twenty of us in the speakers’ group picture and probably over thirty people in the Finnish guests’ group picture. There were many children and youth at services. We saw with our Photos courtesy of Arvo and Annukka Pyykölä own eyes how they enjoyed listening to the services while being out- A happy stop for the Pyykölä’s was a visit to the International Peace Garden on the U.S.-Canadian border. side at the same time, meeting friends and acquaintances. The service WHQWVZHUHDOZD\VÀOOHGZLWKOLVWHQHUV7KHIRRGVHUYLFHDQGPDLQWHQDQFHIXQFWLRQHGYHU\ God’s Love, Unity well. The sun shone the entire time. Three sermons were scheduled for me, as well as 2XUWULSFRQWLQXHG-XO\ZKHQZHÁHZWR6HDWWOHIRUVHUYLFHVDQGWKHQRQWR:DVLOOD participation in meetings and serving the Lord’s Holy Communion. These occasions will Alaska. There while seeing a large group of children sitting in the pews, listening care- remain in my memory. fully to the sermon, a prayer came to my mind that the Heavenly Father would protect On July 4, Cokato brothers asked if we would be interested in going with them on a them from all evil and from the attacks of the enemy of the soul. We experienced the love short motorcycle ride to Lake Minnetonka. It was Independence Day, and our destination of the believers during our entire trip and spiritual unity in the congregations. The babble ZDVDQRXWGRRUHYHQWZLWKÁDJVÁ\LQJDQGRWKHUDFWLYLWLHV0DQ\WKDQNVWRWKRVHRQWKH RIMR\IXOGLVFXVVLRQDQGODXJKWHUÀOOHGWKHSODFHVZKHUHVHUYLFHVZHUHKHOG,WLVLQIDFW Siltala farm and to those couples on the motorcycle ride. It was a special event. LQÀQLWHO\LPSRUWDQWWKDWZHSUHVHUYHORYHDPRQJXVIRULWLVWKURXJKWKLVWKDWZHDUH known as God’s children.  :HÁHZIURP:DVLOODWR/HWKEULGJHRQ-XO\IURPWKHUHWR6DVNDWRRQDQGWKHQRQ WR2XWORRNDQGÀQDOO\EDFNWR:LOOLVWRQ1RUWK'DNRWD6HUYLFHVZHUHDUUDQJHGWKHUHDV well as in Rolla, Wolf Lake, Menahga, Brainerd, Elk River, Rockford, and Gillette. We DOVRYLVLWHGWKH//&RIÀFH)LQDOO\ZHWUDYHOHGWR6LOW&RORUDGRZKLFKZDVWKHÀQDO service event of our trip. The Cokato Summer Services and the unity of believers remain in our memory. Also, a new experience for us was how many traveled such long distances to services. We made many new friends, and we hope that they will come to Finland where we can reminisce about our trip. We enjoyed the many excursions and attractions on our trip. America is especially beautiful and contains many natural wonders. There were seven local believers at the Rolla services. We were given a heartfelt welcome and understood that services were an especially important event to them and it is worthwhile to continue arranging them. Thankful Hearts Our trip home began on July 31. We are thankful to the Heavenly Father and to all of you for this trip. We experienced the spiritual unity of God’s children and were ourselves strengthened in living faith. Greetings of God’s Peace, Arvo and Annukka Pyykölä

SRK mission speaker Arvo Pyykölä and his wife Annukka (center) visited the Rolla, No. Dak., congregation, where Arvo served. Bonnie Bercier (behind Annukka), with some of her family, make up the small group of God’s children in that area. Risto and Susan Kiviahde (standing on left) also attended.

Coffee time is fellowship time, a special part of the service event. Guests at services in Williston, No. Dak., with Pyykölä’s, are (L-R): Mavis Simonson, Caroline Mattila, Doris Lustig, Phil Mattila, and Stan Wuollet.