The Voice of Zion • 279 N Medina St, Suite 150, Loretto, MN 55357 Volume XLV Number 10 October 2018

Give us strength, dear Lord, to obey Thy Word. Make our small home congregation be a joy and consolation. Nothing need we fear when within Thy care.

Bless and shield us all, each and ev’ry home. Grant us escorts in Thy kingdom. Lord, we ask for guiding wisdom; may we always be in Thy unity.

SHZ 431:3–4

The Home Zion Mission Work In Childlessness A Visit in the Field Notes and in Parenthood, Barley Field Trust in God’s Will Editorial, Page 2 Page 4 Home & Family, Pages 6–7 Page 10

PHOTO: BRITA FREDRICKSON ~ Home – a miniature congregation ~ PAGE 2 OCTOBER 2018 editorial The Home Zion

BOTH “HOME” AND “ZION” are familiar and comforting words to believers. This can’t live differently than what the congregation teaches. When Christ is with His has always been evident in God’s kingdom. Millennia ago Joshua said of his home congregation, the congregation endeavors in one faith, one doctrine and one hope. and family, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). In this Christ is the way and the truth and the life. The congregation of God holds fast to way Joshua made the same connection to home and Zion as God’s children do today. God’s Word and Christ’s gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Initially, the Holy Spirit kindles faith in an individual through the living gospel. Jesus Thus we see the role of our home and mutual congregations in Christianity. Accord- says, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my ing to God’s Word these matters never alter nor pass away with changing times: name, he shall teach you all things” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit guides life in the “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). Christian home, where the gospel of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood In a spiritual sense we see God’s intentions for all believers. Jesus expressed it very blesses and carries faulty yet pardoned sinners in mutual grace, love and truth. simply, “Follow me” (e.g. Matt. 16:24, Mark 8:34). He also says, “It is your Father’s The Holy Spirit calls, gathers and enlightens in the name of our Lord and Savior good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Jesus Christ (cf. Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of the Creed). This is a Just as we share roles and responsibilities in our own homes, so God also function of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers in our homes and local congrega- arranges for the orderly functioning of His congregation. “And he gave some, tions. The Holy Spirit also works in this way in the mutual congregation, which apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teach- includes all believers everywhere and crosses all human boundaries, imagined or ers” (Eph. 4:11). In our local congregations and mutual Zion, in obedience of faith actual. God’s love—the love of Christ—joins believers together in one faith, one we are able to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It helps us on our journey to hope, one God (Eph. 4) and in one love. Jesus says, “For by this shall men know that personally hear and believe the good tidings of the gospel of the forgiveness of ye are my disciples in that ye have love one for another” (John 13:35). sins. We are also supported through gifts God bestows on those who serve the The congregation has the God-given congregation, upbuild His kingdom, GXW\WRWDNHFDUHRIWKHRIÀFHRIWKH offer salvation to undying souls by keys here on earth. Believers use God’s preaching the gospel and call those Word, communion, prayer and mutual without living faith to repentance. fellowship to remain in and become Through the guidance of the Holy strengthened in faith. We support and Spirit, local congregations and our encourage one another, advise one mutual Zion appoint servants to help in another and rebuke one another with lov- the work of God’s kingdom quite the ing instruction (2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:14). same way Jesus appointed disciples. It is Faith matters are cared for in the fel- so good and so important that services lowship of the congregation. If one are arranged and that we have opportuni- member suffers, all the other members ties to hear God’s Word and enjoy fellow- suffer too. In the same way, one’s joy is ship and activities with other believers shared joy (1 Cor. 12:26). The mind of “so much the more, as ye see the day Christ and atmosphere of peace are approaching” (Heb. 10:25). We are brought about by the love of God. blessed with this in our own homes, in Advice given in love is not meant to our home congregations and in unity demand, but rather to help the child of with our mutual Zion. “How good and God in his or her battle against the how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in power of sin. unity!” (Ps. 133:1). Christ and the congregation are insepa- rable. Therefore, a congregation member Tomm Stewart

News & Notes from LLC A AS SUMMER FADESLQWRIDOOZHFDQUHÁHFWRQWKHPDQ\ meeting was held earlier than typical this year due to Song blessings God has given His children. God blessed our the amount of planning needed in using the Silver Summer Services and meetings. At the LLC Annual Meet- 6SULQJVSURSHUW\LQ0RQWLFHOORIRUWKHÀUVWWLPH7KLV of My Heart ing, congregation delegates offered support and gave clear gives planning committee members from both the GLUHFWLRQWRRXUZRUNKHUHDWWKHRIÀFH$QRWKHUVHDVRQRI hosting area congregations and the LLC opportunity camps has passed and we pray that God will give increase to support each other in the work. PSALM 107:31–32 to the seed that has been sown. Congregations are experi- • 2019 Summer Services update encing growth and God is blessing them with needed facili- ties. With the added growth and needs of our youth, camp ~ Final layout for the service grounds has been centers are being expanded and renovated. Prairie Shores completed. 31. Oh that men would praise HQMR\HGLWVÀUVWIXOO\HDURIDFWLYLWLHV:HDUHZRUNLQJFORVHU ~ Trees have been thinned and shaded campsites are the LORD for his goodness, than ever before with our sister organizations. God has being established. cared for the matters of His kingdom so well, and we pray and for his wonderful works for His blessings as we continue planning for 2019. ~'LUWZRUNKDVVWDUWHGWREXLOGÀHOGURDGVDQGOHYHO the areas planned for the service tents. to the children of men! Updates on LLC Activities ~ Plans are in place to bring permanent underground • 2YHU IRUW\ FRXSOHV KDYH VLJQHG XS WR DWWHQG WKH ÀUVW power to the site for utilities and RV camping. 32. Let them exalt him also LLC Ministers and Wives camp to be held at the Prairie ~:DWHUOLQHVDUHEHLQJEXULHGWRVSHFLÀHGORFDWLRQV in the congregation of the Shores Camp in Saskatchewan, October 12–14. ~ RV dump stations are being built utilizing the exist- people, and praise him in • Between 400–500 young believers attended Peace ing well and septic systems. Garden Youth Days. With thankful hearts, we con- the assembly of the elders. tinue to see God’s blessings on our young. May He ~ A local farmer will seed this fall to allow time for continue to give His increase. ample ground cover. • SRK minister Eero Nuolioja and his wife Hillevi • At SLC, new patios and sidewalks have been com- arrived October 1 for a month-long mission tour on pleted around the main lodge. Work on the new bath- • The annual ministers teleconference, originating from the SRK-LLC speaker exchange. We wish them God’s house and bunkhouse continue with exterior siding WKH//&RIÀFHZLOOEHKHOG1RYHPEHU7KLVJLYHV blessing for their trip. and painting being completed. At the same time, opportunity for ministers to gather around matters installation of sheet rock and painting is progressing • Fourteen scholarship recipients for the 2019–20 opisto central to the work and serves as a tool to maintain on the interior of the buildings. year will be chosen in October. It has been an impor- unity and love of the Spirit, which is so important in tant work form in God’s kingdom, as over 500 North • This year there is a change in the long-standing Pub- these times. American students have attended an opisto since the lications Week, which was earlier planned for October program began in the early 1980s. 22–28. Rather than designate a week-long event, pub- We ask for your prayers that God would continue to lications updates will be communicated on a regular guide and bless His work. • The 2019 LLC Summer Services kickoff planning basis to LLC congregations throughout the year. Eric Jurmu meeting was held in Rockford on September 19. The OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 3

The Sabbath Word 1 A text for the 1st Sunday of the Month Jesus Offers Living Water to All have wanted to drink of the water of life Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is but those who have, such as the Samaritan the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the woman at the well of Sychar, have found seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people Christ, the Savior of the world. EHFDXVHRIKLP$QGVRPHRIWKHPZRXOGKDYHWDNHQKLPEXWQRPDQODLGKDQGVRQKLP7KHQFDPHWKHRIÀFHUV The Pharisees were not given to under- stand who Jesus was. They questioned the WRWKHFKLHISULHVWVDQG3KDULVHHVDQGWKH\VDLGXQWRWKHP:K\KDYH\HQRWEURXJKWKLP"7KHRIÀFHUVDQVZHUHG RIÀFHUV ´:K\ GLG \RX QRW WDNH KROG RI Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers Him and bring Him to us?” They asked or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. Nicodemus saith unto whether they had also been deceived, as if them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and Jesus were not telling the truth about who know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Gali- He was. “Look at us,” they would say, lee ariseth no prophet. And every man went unto his own house.—John 7:40–53 “have we or the other rulers believed Him?” They placed their wisdom and n our text, the Jewish people were They did not know that it required faith to attached. Jesus spoke of the gift of the Holy understanding of the law and scriptures observing the Feast of Tabernacles know Jesus. As the Feast of Tabernacles Spirit that would be given to those who before faith. When Nicodemus asked if (also called Feast of Booths). This came to a close, Jesus stood and cried, believed in Him. they were even following their own laws, they accused him derisively of being from annual feast was a joyous celebration saying, “If any man thirst, let him come All Who Hear Do Not Believe recallingI the wilderness journey and the unto me, and drink. He that believeth on Galilee, as Jesus was. It becomes apparent Paul writes, “How shall they believe in him works of God that brought them through me, as the scripture hath said, out of his WKDW WKH ODZ LV GLIÀFXOW WR OLYH XQGHU DQG of whom they have not heard?” (Rom. 10:14). the wilderness to the promised land. God EHOO\ VKDOO ÁRZ ULYHUV RI OLYLQJ ZDWHUµ follow, even as the teachers of the law of First, God’s Word must be heard preached explained to Moses how the feast was to be (John 7:38,39). that time found. After the discussion “every from His kingdom, and then it must be kept (Lev. 23:33–43). The Israelite people Isaiah writes, “Ho, every one that thirst- man went unto his own house.” believed. Only after that is the gift of the were to build small booths or tabernacles eth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath Holy Spirit given to the believing one. Paul An Important Question Yet Today to live in during the seven feast days. This no money; come ye, buy, and eat” (55:1). continues, “But they have not all obeyed Which house do we belong to, the house was a reminder that they had lived in small Jesus also called those who thirst to come the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who of God or some other house? It is an dwellings along the wilderness journey. drink the water to which no price tag is hath believed our report?” (10:16). Not all important question for all people. God’s “Now about the midst of the feast Jesus house is a place where we live with the went up into the temple, and taught” family of God, together with God’s Son, (John 7:14). Listeners marveled at the -HVXV7KHUHWKHZDWHURIOLIHÁRZV2WKHU knowledge of the unschooled carpenter’s houses lack the Savior of the world, and son. As He taught they realized that Jesus without a Savior there is no hope of eter- was the one that the rulers sought to kill. nal life. Search for the house of God. The Water Is Free and Abundant -HVXV VD\V ´6HHN DQG \H VKDOO ÀQG 2IÀFHUV ZHUH VHQW WR FDSWXUH -HVXV EXW knock, and it shall be they didn’t, because as the text relates opened unto you” they also wondered at Jesus’ speech, say- (Matt. 7:7). ing, “Never man spake like this man.” The Pharisees were also confused as to what Jesus meant when He said, “Ye shall VHHNPHDQGVKDOOQRWÀQGPHDQGZKHUH I am, thither ye cannot come” (John 7:34). Lauri Nevala

The Sabbath Word 3 A text for the 3rd Sunday of the Month Light of Faith Beckons Those Who Seek Peace pray that the grace gospel of God’s king- Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good dom always remains precious in our lives. for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set May we remain as little children, believing on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it simply and confessing our faith. Peter giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, reminds us to always have an answer for and glorify your Father which is in heaven.—Matthew 5:13–16 those who ask about the hope that is in our hearts (1 Pet. 3:15). “For God, who commanded the light to God Always Blesses His Children been several million. Prophet Zephaniah the desire to be obedient to God’s Word. shine out of darkness, hath shared in our esus spoke these words in His Sermon reminds us, “I will also leave in the midst In this way, seeking ones can see the hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of on the Mount. He began that sermon RI WKHH DQ DIÁLFWHG DQG SRRU SHRSOH DQG light of Christ that dwells in our hearts. the glory of God in the face of Jesus by reminding listeners of the blessings they shall trust in the name of the Lord. Paul exhorts: “Let your speech be always Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). Jesus told His follow- they receive as God’s children and as The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye ers to watch and wait in faith. This is membersJ of God’s kingdom here on earth. nor speak lies, neither shall a deceitful may know how ye ought to answer every important instruction to each of us, dear Luther wrote in his Large Catechism, “I tongue be found in their mouth, for they man” (Col. 4:6). sister and brother. When we watch and wait believe that there is upon earth a small holy shall feed and lie down, and none shall If we allow permissiveness of sin and in faith, we are given strength each day for ÁRFNDKRO\DVVHPEO\RISXUHVDLQWVXQGHU make them afraid” (Zeph. 3:12,13). worldly lifestyles to creep into our lives, our journey to heaven. God gives us one head, Christ. They are called together We also recall how God blessed Abra- WKHVDOWORVHVLWVÁDYRUDQGRXUOLJKWGLPV strength to come boldy unto the throne of by the Holy Spirit in one faith, one mind ham. God called him and instructed him If God’s children begin to stray away from grace, where we obtain mercy and grace to and one understanding.” to go “to a land that I will show thee.” the sound doctrine of God’s Word, how can help us in time of need (Heb. 4:16). God’s children share a very important Abraham believed God when He told DVHHNLQJRQHÀQGVDOYDWLRQ"6DOWZLWKQR The words of an elder speaker-brother goal in life: we hope to make it to heaven him, “And I will bless them that bless ÁDYRU LV QRW SDODWDEOH WR DQ\RQH 7KLV comfort us preciously: “Let us not be one day. God kindles this desire in our thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and reminds us to ask how our own matters are. ashamed of the gospel. By its power the hearts when He gives the grace gift of in thee shall all families of the earth be Would we want to allow sin to build up so ÁDPHRIIDLWKEXUQVWKHFDQGOHLVLQWKHFDQ- faith, in which we can believe our sins for- blessed” (Gen. 12:3). much that nothing bothers us anymore? Or dlestick and gives light” (Olavi Voittonen, given through the merit of God’s Son, our May Our Lives Be a Confession of Faith do we instead wish to keep faith and a According to These Words II, pg. 151). May Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As beggars good conscience, as God’s Word preciously God let our candle of faith continue to burn Our text reminds us that we would not instructs? May the voice of the Holy Spirit of grace, we children of God endeavor on want to blend in with the world around us. and shine brightly to our journey to heaven. continue to teach us and give us the will to those who may still be By endeavoring to be obedient to God and keep our conscience tender. There has always been God’s children on His Word, we confess our faith to the dark seeking the peace of earth. Sometimes there is a smaller num- world around us. Jesus teaches that His fol- Let Your Light Shine before Men conscience that we as ber, and at other times there is a larger lowers are the salt of the earth, the light of Paul writes to the Romans, “For I am not God’s children own. QXPEHU :KHQ *RG GHVWUR\HG WKH ÀUVW the world and a city upon a mountain. ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is world during the time of Noah, only eight Believers’ faith and life remind those the power of God unto salvation to every believers were saved. At the time the wil- without living faith of their sin. We show one that believeth” (1:16). We hope and Terry Ruonavaara derness journey began, there may have PAGE 4 OCTOBER 2018 Mission Work Field Notes Hän paransi, että What is like to serve in the work of Christianity in Africa? Togolese builder and speaker- brother Nicolas Deh tells about smoothing rough edges in African Christianity’s work me uskoisimme ÀHOGVDQGKRZWKHZRUNRI*RG·V.LQJGRPKDVEHFRPHHVWDEOLVKHGLQZHVWHUQ$IULFD Adapted from Siionin Lähetyslehti, September 2018. Ja Jesus kävi kaikkia kaupungeita ja kyliä ympäri, ja opetti heidän synagogissansa, ja saarnasi valtakunnan evankeliumia, ja paransi kaikkinaisia tauteja ja kaikkea sairautta kansassa.—Matt. 9:35

eesus oli lahja. Jumala antoi Hänet tähän maailmaan tuomaan evankeliumin hyvän sanoman. Hän lähetti Jeesuksen opettamaan ja saarnaamaan evankeliumia niille, jotka olivat halukkaita kuuntelemaan ja vastaanottamaan Hänet. Jeesus tuli maailmaan myös parantamaan sairaita. Jo profeetat puhuivat tästä JHänen parannustyöstään. ”Että täytettäisiin, mitä sanottu oli Jesaias prophetan kautta, joka sanoo: hän on ottanut meidän heikkoutemme, ja hän kantoi meidän tautimme” (Matt. 8:17). Jeesus ottaa meidän heikkoutemme Matteuksen evankeliumin luvussa 9 on useita esimerkkejä siitä, kuinka Jeesus paransi sairaita. Raamattu kertoo alkaen luvun jakeesta 27 esimerkiksi kahdesta sokeasta miehestä, jotka tulivat Jeesuksen luo. He pyysivät Häneltä armoa. Jeesus kysyi heiltä, ”uskotteko minun sen voivan teille tehdä?” He halusivat uskoa ja vastasivat, ”Herra, me uskomme.” Monet kuulivat Jeesuksen tekemistä ihmeistä ja sitten halusivat kuulla Jeesusta itsekin. Sairaiden parantaminen osoitti ihmisille Jumalan voiman ja rakkauden. Jeesus sanoi, ”ei terve tarvitse parantajaa, vaan sairaat... en minä tullut vanhurskaita kutsumaan, vaan syntisiä parannukseen” (Matt. 9:12,13). Jotkut, jotka todistivat ihmeiden tapahtumista, halusivat panna pois syntisairautensa. He tekivät parannuksen ja uskovat. Jumalan lapsilla on voima saarnata Ennen Jeesuksen kuolemaa, Hän antoi Pyhän Hengen opetuslapsilleen ja valtuutti PHOTO: MIKKO JUVONEN heidät saarnaamaan evankeliumia. ”Mutta menkäät paremmin kadotettuin lammasten At Sunday School in Mbour, Senegal, Nicolas tells students how Jesus has redeemed all of our sins. tykö Israelin huoneesta. Niin menkäät ja saarnatkaat, sanoen: taivaan valtakunta on lähestynyt. Sairaita parantakaat, spitalisia puhdistakaat, kuolleita herättäkäät, perkeleitä NICOLAS DEH FROM TOGO has served as a minister for many years. They have nine ajakaat ulos. Lahjaksi te saitte, niin myös lahjaksi antakaat” (Matt. 10:6–8). local ministers, and this year they plan to call four more to serve. “In Togo the domestic Me muistamme, kuinka Jeesus antoi opetuslapsilleen lähetyskäskyn: ”Menkäät siis mission work is such that three weekends a month we ministers keep services in different ja opettakaat kaikkea kansaa, ja kastakaat heitä nimeen Isän ja Pojan ja Pyhän Hen- parts of Togo,” Deh explains. gen, Ja opettakaat heitä pitämään kaikki, mitä minä olen teille käskenyt. Ja katso, In his daily job Nicolas Deh works in the building trade. He has a team that builds minä olen teidän kanssanne joka päivä, maailman loppuun asti” (Matt. 28:19,20). houses from the foundation up. Customers typically buy the supplies and then Deh orga- Jumala antaa lapsilleen Pyhän Hengen voiman saarnata tätä evankeliumia kaikille, nizes laborers and supervises the building process. jotka etsivät rauhaa iloa ja rakkautta Hänen valtakunnastaan. Kiitämme Jumalaa  ,QWKHHDUO\VDPLGVWXQUHVWLQKLVKRPHFRXQWU\1LFRODV'HKÁHGWR6ZHGHQ,Q suurimmasta lahjastamme, Herrasta Jeesuksesta, ja siitä uskosta, jolla omistamme Sweden he attended many different churches before he met Conservative Laestadians. Vapahtajamme lunastustyöhön. After he received the grace of repentance, he returned to Togo to tell about his discovery. Clayton Ylioja Meanwhile he stayed in touch with Swedish believers. When the work of Christianity became established in Togo, the local believers established the Laestadian Lutheran Church, which in French is the Eglise Luthérienne Laestadienne du Togo. Deh is the chairman of the church. He Healed That We Often on Speaking Trips, Sometimes at Home Too In addition to serving in the activities of the local congregation, Nicolas Deh participates twice a year in week-long mission trips as a guide and interpreter. He has also gone on a Might Believe IHZWHQGD\PLVVLRQWULSVWRRWKHU$IULFDQFRXQWULHV´$WÀUVWP\ZLIHIHOWWKLVZRUNORDG And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their was heavy, but now when the children are older, things are easier on the home front.” Nicolas says that he has learned to value time spent at home, and he tries to be at home synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing during the workweek as well as on one weekend a month. His wife is Cecile Deh, and every sickness and every disease among the people.—Matthew 9:35 WKH\KDYHVL[FKLOGUHQWKH\RXQJHVWRIZKRPLVÀYH\HDUVROG Nicolas Deh hopes that those in positions of responsibility would be remembered in esus was a gift. God gave Him into this world to bring the message of glad tid- prayer and that others would have a merciful attitude toward them. He encourages others ings. He sent Jesus to teach and preach the gospel to people who were willing to to discuss matters openly and to express their viewpoints. “Sometimes it happens that at hear Him and accept Him. a meeting someone refrains from expressing their opinions and then later complains how Jesus also came to earth to heal the sick. This healing work was mentioned JDOUHDG\E\WKHSURSKHWV´7KDWLWPLJKWEHIXOÀOOHGZKLFKZDVVSRNHQE\(VDLDVWKH poorly things are handled.” Deh ponders the way he handles his own duties and how he has developed in those SURSKHWVD\LQJ+LPVHOIWRRNRXULQÀUPLWLHVDQGEDUHRXUVLFNQHVVHVµ 0DWW  duties. He welcomes constructive criticism. “How else could I have noticed what I’m 1LZ\Z;HRLZ6\Y0UÄYTP[PLZ doing in a harmful way? When someone gives me feedback, it’s possible to try to do In Matthew 9, there are several examples of Jesus healing the sick. Beginning in verse things better,” he says. “Previously I might have reacted very strongly if I thought some- 27, for instance, the Scripture writer tells of two blind men who came to see Jesus. one or something was hurting God’s kingdom.” They cried to Him for mercy. Jesus asked them, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” I See Where God Has Done His Work They wanted to believe and answered, “Yea, Lord.” The young, growing home Zion in western Africa has experienced growing pains. “In Many heard of the miracles that Jesus did and then wanted to hear Jesus themselves. these African countries I have felt that discussions can get quite harsh sometimes. We The work of healing sickness showed people the power and love of God. Jesus said, QHHGPXFKIRUJLYHQHVV,WKLQNWKDWWKHGLIÀFXOWLHVZH·YHH[SHULHQFHGLQRXUKRPH=LRQ “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick…I am not come to help us in our dialog with congregations in other countries.” call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matt. 9:12,13). Some who witnessed Deh says there has been an improvement in these matters. “It seems that in Gambia miracles wanted to put away their sin-sickness. They repented and believed. God has done His work and mutual understanding has grown. The atmosphere of forgive- God’s Children Have the Power to Preach ness and grace has borne fruit.” Before Jesus died, He bestowed the Holy Spirit on His disciples and empowered them Deh has noticed a need to learn the basics of faith. “When mission workers are western- to preach the gospel. “But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye ers, locals might get the idea that if they join our group, they’ll get some monetary assis- go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, tance. We just have to gently guide them to understand that God’s kingdom is not food or raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:6–8). GULQNEXWWKDWIDLWKFRPHVÀUVWDQGSHRSOHDUHFDOOHGLQWRWKHIHOORZVKLSRIIDLWKµ We recall when Jesus gave His disciples the Mission Command: “Go ye therefore, His August mission trip through the countries of Senegal, Gambia and Guinea made and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of Deh think about what he knows how to do and what he is able to do. “Now afterwards I the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever realize how God has prepared hearts and opened His Word. Even though I’m happy that I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto God has been able to use me in His work, I must say that the most important thing is that the end of the world” (Matt. 28:19,20). my own name is in the Book of Life.” God gives His children the power of the Holy Spirit to preach Mikko Juvonen the gospel to all that are seeking peace, joy and love in His king- Juhani Ojalehto dom. We thank God for our greatest gift, Lord Jesus, and for the faith we own through the redemption work of our Savior. Clayton Ylioja OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 5

ower’s Ba e S sk h e T t A Five-Year Search

I FIRST MET A LAESTADIAN believer when I was study- that if one hears and believes the words of the gospel, he or she can be saved. One ing at the University of Minnesota in 1992. At the university church had told me to pray to God to be saved, which I had done. Another church was I was inspired by a self-proclaimed campus preacher to go to telling me to believe this simple phrase, the gospel message, to be saved. I asked buy a Bible. I asked my new Laestadian friend Carol to go Carol if I could do both to cover my bases. She replied that it doesn’t work that way. with me to observe this preacher the next day. She didn’t want to go, eluding that she ,SUD\HGWR*RGDQGDVNHG+LPZKLFKZD\ZDVFRUUHFW2QHGD\,ÀJXUHG,FRXOG wouldn’t typically go to see preachers who don’t share her faith. This exchange give this Laestadian message a try. Since I was skeptical of the salvation by prayer sparked curiosity about her church. approach, why wouldn’t I try this? A Time of Searching in Many Churches Now One of God’s Own! I remember searching extensively between then and 1994, when I moved to Portland, I had been in Minnesota about six weeks when I asked what those words were that Oregon. I visited several different churches on Sunday mornings. At one church, a one needs to believe to be saved. Carol preached the gospel. I wanted to believe these man jokingly suggested that another person spike the Jello at an upcoming church words and believe my sins forgiven. Now I would probably want to go to a Laestadian event. I was looking for a church that abstained from alcohol, or at least one that church, Carol said. I had been wanting to go to the Minneapolis church ever since I didn’t make a joke of it. I knew that the Bible teaches against drunkenness. moved back, but I didn’t want to do the wrong thing. Would I somehow be disquali- When I moved, I told Carol that I wanted to keep in touch. I had made many nice ÀHGE\VKRZLQJXSWRRVRRQ"7KHHQHP\RIVRXOVSUHDFKHGKLVVHUPRQ friends in the Minneapolis area, but she was abstaining from alcohol like I was too. In the initial weeks and months I almost always wanted to go to services. There By her words and actions, I knew she liked her church very much. Others from time were times of great joy when the gospel was preached. I learned small portions of to time shared negative comments about their churches, or else they didn’t have a God’s Word. I remember hearing words from Scripture from ministers about what the church. She didn’t say anything negative about hers. end of the world will be like. “It will be a day like any other, there will be two work- In Portland, I found a job and also started going to a certain church. I went regularly ing or grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” “Jesus will come for a few months. Then I stopped going on Sunday mornings. I remember one person again to gather His own.” VKDNLQJWKHLUÀQJHUDWPHVD\LQJ´

God Doesn’t Give Everyone Babies What Can I Learn from My Situation? IT WAS MOTHER’S DAY AGAIN, a day to remember with joy the blessings of a believing WHY HASN’T GOD BLESSED US with children? Why are some families mother! It was also, as we refer to it, our day of grief. At church that Mother’s Day, we sat in given many and we aren’t given any? Why are so many children in this our familiar back pew. All the males in the congregation stood up and sang a Mother’s Day world aborted or abused and unwanted? Why are my prayers not answered? song to the mothers—every male except Ari. He knew that it would be hard for me, so he Why does my heart want children so badly if it’s not meant to be? stayed with me in the bench. Growing up, I loved to play house and take care of babies. I babysat often The men’s voices rang out in joyous song, and my grief burst through in silent tears streaming for many families and loved spending time with my nieces and nephews. I down my face. Why must my grief come on a day when we are so thankful for our mothers? looked forward to having my own children someday to take care of and love. When we left from the service, a dear friend sent me a message: “I noticed your tears during When that hasn’t yet happened after many years of marriage, I try to the Mother’s Day song and even though I don’t comprehend your trial, I care. We remember understand why and have many questions that can’t easily be answered. I you in prayer.” Moments later, another friend sent a message, “We remember you in love ZDQWWRÀQGVRPHVHQVHLQLWEXWWKHVH¶ZK\·TXHVWLRQVRQO\VHHPWRFDXVH today.” These are simple words, yet they are such an encouragement to our life of faith. sadness, anger and frustration. Someone knows and understands that childlessness is a trial for us. The years pass by quickly but not always easily. Sometimes it’s hard not to When we were married 15 years ago we expected, as many believers do, that we would have feel alone in a culture of big families. It can be hard to relate to friends that a large family. God has had other plans for us, plans which we sometimes do not understand or are mothers and hard to sit at the coffee table when conversations revolve comprehend. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the around kids. At times, it’s hard to hear pregnancy announcements or go to Lord” (Isa. 55:8). baby showers and Mother’s Day celebrations.  2XUOLYHVDUHÀOOHGZLWKPDQ\EOHVVLQJV³WKHJLIWRIIDLWKDEHOLHYLQJVSRXVHPDQ\WHPSRUDO In our marriage, my husband and I struggle to understand each other and blessings, family and friends. However, it has not been God’s will for us to have children. We KRZWKLVWULDODIIHFWVERWKRIXVVRGLIIHUHQWO\:HVWUXJJOHWRÀQGWKHZRUGV often wonder why? We love kids! We love to be with kids! IRULWDQGÀQGRWKHUVWKDWXQGHUVWDQG:H·YHVWUXJJOHGWRÀQGSXUSRVHDQG We often think of childlessness as a hidden trial. I suppose people notice it, but it feels like it is FRQWHQWPHQWLQOLIH,W·VGLIÀFXOWWROHWJRRIGUHDPVRIKDYLQJDIDPLO\HYHQ not very easy to talk about when there are large families all around us. Some people might think though we know that there is nothing more we can do to make those dreams RXUOLIHLVHDVLHUZLWKRXWFKLOGUHQ&KLOGOHVVQHVVLVDWULDOLQRXUOLYHVWKDWDWWLPHVDFKHVÀHUFHO\ come true. It’s hard to accept that we may never get to experience the God has given precious escorts on our journey of faith with whom we have been able to share blessing of children in our home. this trial. He has also given them hearts to care about us and to share their children with us. We Year after year we have many prayers: prayers that God would give us enjoy our nieces, nephews and friends’ children very much. Often the young children like to children, prayers that we could adopt, if that’s what is meant (which, too, is in come and sit with us at church and want us to play with them when we visit their homes. As the God’s hands and is rarely easy); prayers that God would send escorts, prayers FKLOGUHQJURZXSZHKDYHKHOSHGWKHPVKRSIRUVFKRROFORWKHVRUWKHLUÀUVWFDUV7HHQDJHUV for contentment and prayers that are often just quiet tears late at night. stop by with their friends to visit or invite us to join them in their outdoor activities. As some of I often think about an instructive sermon I heard years ago. The minister these kids have married and started families, they have come to stay with us in our home. It spoke about how the foolishness of God is way above the wisdom of man. brings us great joy to have these kids in our lives. “Susu, why don’t you and Ari have any babies?” our six-year-old niece asked from the backseat of the car as we left from a summer evening at the lake. I responded, “Because God Discussion Points: hasn’t given us any.” And she replied, “Oh!” Her eight-year-old sister next to her added, “God doesn’t give everyone babies.” 1. In what ways has your life gone differently than you planned?  7KLVFRQYHUVDWLRQLVQRWWKHÀUVWWLPHWKDWRXU\RXQJQLHFHVDQGQHSKHZVDVNDERXWXVQRWKDYLQJ children. My heart rejoices each time these young ones so simply accept that God has not given us 2. What kind of process has it been to accept that God’s plans have children. They give us adults strength to simply accept God’s will in our lives. The children in our been different than your plans? What obstacles do you have to lives and their parents are precious escorts traveling with us on our journey to heaven. overcome to gain acceptance and contentment? Suzanne and Ari Pitkanen OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 7

amp Matters Camp Perspectives C from Prairie Shores New Camp Is a Dream Come True PRAIRIE SHORES CAMP in Saskatchewan, Canada, began operations this year to the joy of North American believers, especially those living close to it. For many, it is a dream come true. Camp preparation, planning and scheduling is now much easier for those in the LLC congrega- tions in Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as for those in Williston, North Dakota. Attendance at the four youth camps in August from all of these congregations plus a few visiting youth from Minnesota demonstrates wide support and excitement for Prairie Shores. Altogether over 250 children attended the four camps. Camps in Saskatchewan are not a new experience. For many years activities were held at a different local facility. What is new, however, is a sense of ownership and convenience of usage. Youth Camp 2–3 director, Karin Simonson, says that owning a camp is special and exciting. With ownership comes the responsibility to keep it clean and in good condition. Simonson points out the convenience of setting up ahead of time for lessons. She mentions the practical EHQHÀWVRIQRZEHLQJDEOHWRIUHHO\VFKHGXOHFDPSDFWLYLWLHVDQGHYHQDGGDGGLWLRQDOFDPSVDV the need arises. There is no longer need to work around other groups competing for prime scheduling slots. Several women taking a food service turn say they are happy coming to a kitchen that is clean and ready for use. Equipment and utensils no longer need to be hauled back and forth. This year’s youth camp staff witnessed the enthusiasm and freedom of the young campers. The theme for the camp was respect. The campers offered insight on how a believer can have and show respect for God’s Word, other people and nature. In unison, camp participants answered, “Yes!” when their directors asked, “Did you enjoy the camp?” Camp Supports Home Teaching Each camp had several counselors, some of whom had their own children at camp. Some had taken time off work to serve. One grandparent serving in the kitchen said, “It’s awesome to have a camp close by where the children can be reinforced in the teaching that has started in the home.” Trent Simonson served as counselor at Youth Camp 4. “It certainly was neat to be at camp,” 7UHQWVD\V7KHIDLWKRIWKH\RXQJZDVGHÀQLWHO\HYLGHQWLQWKHLUZRUGVDQGDFWLRQV$VDSDUHQW I really appreciate the help that the youth camps give in trying to raise our children in faith. Serving as a counselor helped to strengthen my faith also. Having our own camp has made this season’s camps extra special.” Curtis Simonson, Youth Camp 4 director, says, “It’s exciting to see the growth in God’s kingdom in our area where we needed to explore the option of owning our own camp. God has blessed us with many children and now with Prairie Shores Camp. It will be nice to be able to schedule as many camps as are needed. As a parent, one can get nostalgic for the way camps used to be and the old location, but I’m thankful that our children can now go to a facility that we can call our own. They can make new memories here for years to come. There should be PHOTO: BRITA FREDRICKSON no shortage of camps to attend in the future. I pray that God will give willing hands and hearts to serve at future camps.” Walt Lampi

I can still picture the minister reaching one hand way above the other to illustrate the vast difference. There are many intelligent people in this ZRUOGDQGLW·VLPSUHVVLYHKRZPXFKPDQKDVEHHQDEOHWRÀJXUHRXWDQG understand. But only God can see all and know all. He knows what has been and what will be. The greatest of man’s wisdom is still foolishness in comparison to God’s knowledge. It was a good reminder that God knows so much better than I do. Who am I to try to tell Him how I think my life should go? Even if I don’t understand everything, I can trust that He will take care of me and that He knows exactly what is best for me.  ,RQFHUHDGVRPHZKHUHWKDWLQVWHDGRIDVNLQJ¶ZK\·TXHVWLRQVLWFDQ EHPRUHKHOSIXOWRDVN¶ZKDW·:KDWFDQ,OHDUQIURPP\VLWXDWLRQ":KDW blessings do I have? What is most important in my life? This helps me shift my thoughts from what I don’t have to focus instead on the many blessings that I do have. I’m thankful for my supportive, believing spouse. I’m thankful for my huge, loving family and great friends— including those who are mothers! I’m thankful I can get to know and spend time with many precious nieces and nephews, godchildren and all PHOTO: WALT LAMPI the other children in my life. I’m thankful that my husband and I are Youth Camp 3, at Prairie Shores Camp. Youth Camp 2 was even bigger! DEOHWRWUDYHOWRPDQ\DPD]LQJSODFHVKDYHIXOÀOOLQJMREVDQGKREELHV and enjoy countless other blessings. Over time it gets easier to accept and contentment comes. I look back at my life and see how God guides me and brings me exactly where I need to be. He gives me more than I’ve ever needed and answers prayers that I didn’t know I have. Most importantly, He forgives my sins and yet keeps me in His kingdom. Even though I don’t know why I haven’t been given something I’ve prayed for over and over, I can’t help but realize that an equally unanswerable question is, “Why am I so blessed?” Annette Johnson

3. Have you felt alone in your trials? Where have you found help

in times of struggle and trial? PHOTO: AVIS LAMPI PHOTO: WALT LAMPI Trent Simonson (counselor), Walt Lampi (teacher/minister) Karin Simonson (right) and Michelle 4. In what unexpected ways has God blessed you? and Curtis Simonson (director) all served at Ylioja were director and assistant Saskatchewan youth camps this summer. This building, director at Youth Camp 2–3. 6RPHGHDOZLWKDEXV\KRXVHKROGÀOOHGZLWKOLWWOHRQHVRWKHUV Hitchcock’s hideout, is a short walk from the new Prairie deal with an empty, quiet house. How can we support one another Shores property. in life situations that are not the same as ours? PAGE 8 OCTOBER 2018

PROVERBS 6:20–21: Keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: My Believing Home, My Haven

OUR BELIEVING HOMES play an important part in our lives and also in the lives of our youth. At home our close ones can offer security and love, forgiveness and hope. There, happy times can be shared with our families, and we can support and carry each RWKHULQWLPHVRIVRUURZDQGGLIÀFXOW\DVZHOO,QWKLV\RXWKSDJHVSUHDG\RXQJEHOLHYHUV in the Outlook, Saskatchewan congregation share their experiences on this important topic. Leah Simonson, Outlook congregation’s area publications director, helped to coordinate the writings and photos.

Where Two or Three Are Gathered Songs Are Prayers THE BELIEVING HOME is called a home congregation because it is MUSIC IS A BLESSING in where seeds of faith are planted and nurtured. God guides believing my home. We often hear parents to teach and raise up their children with God’s Word. My songs of Zion played on the (T`@SPVQH»ZMHTPS`]PZP[ZHYV\UK[OLIVUÄYL home congregation is a very small one as it’s only me and my mom piano with many voices and dad; I’m an only child. “For where two or three are gathered singing along. One of my together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). favorite things is when I sit This verse is true for home congregations because even at home we down at the piano to play know that God is with us as we go about our daily work. and my family gathers We can be left with many happy memories from a believing home. around to sing. These include going to church on Sundays, visiting with other believ- It strengthens our faith ers, freely discussing matters of faith as a family and attending fun and draws us closer together church activities like the Sunday school picnic. These activities play as a family. Songs are like an important part in a young believer’s life, as it’s important to be prayers to our Heavenly brought to the hearing of God’s Word and visit with other believers. Father, and when we are It’s also important for believing youth to feel comfortable talking with troubled we can gather and their parents about faith and discussing matters that can help settle sing. We can sing when questions or soothe heavy consciences. we’re happy too! When life Special things that my family does when we’re all home is listen to gets busy, it’s easy to forget online services from other congregations or from Summer and Winter what is most important in Services. We sing along to the songs and it feels like we’re having our our lives, but songs can help own little services in our small home congregation. We freely discuss us remember. It’s special to matters of faith. At Christmastime, we read the Christmas gospel. pause and sing. PHOTO: LEAH SIMONSON Samantha Simonson Madeline Simonson When Madeline Simonson plays the piano, her siblings often gather around to sing.

Hobbies Draw Us Together DOING THINGS TOGETHER as a family helps strengthen family bonds. Family hobbies are a way to do meaningful things, have fun together and make great memories. Family hobbies I enjoy are playing games, skiing, swim- ming, boating and family camp- ing trips. Camping together is especially heartwarming. Sing-

PHOTO: TWILA SIMONSON PHOTO: DIANA WARWARUK LQJ DURXQG WKH FDPSÀUH LV VSH- Samantha Simonson and her parents, Twila and Henry, make Andrew Warwaruk and his siblings like to skate and play hockey together. cial and comforting. These hob- up their small, precious home congregation. bies draw us together and away from temptations. It’s essential to stay close to family and to keep faith the most important matter in life. Believing family members can be our best escorts in faith. They provide guidance through times of trial. My family brings me joy and happiness. Sheyann Warwaruk

PHOTO: TWILA SIMONSON PHOTO: DIANA WARWARUK PHOTO: SHEYANN WARWARUK Samantha and her dad Henry do farm work together. Here, they Andrew Warwaruk Sheyann Warwaruk and his cousin Justin, at their take a break from tagging and vaccinating calves. grandpa Larry Warwaruk’s funeral. Just two weeks later, Justin also passed away. OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 9

Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

Life as a Single Believer~ God Hears My Prayers I DEBATED WHETHER OR NOT to go to hockey that evening. I wasn’t feeling very motivated to go, but it was nearby so I went. There were only a few of us there. We played for a bit before calling it quits for the night. It was a short game. Walking out of the warming house, my cousin and I made our way to our cars and chatted about hockey. In the course of conversation, we found our- selves visiting about a friend of ours who had given up faith. He was in a sad and heavy place. After he left faith, he seemed to be just a shell of the person we knew. We recalled how he had been such a dear, PHOTO: ALANNA YLIOJA PHOTO: LORI YLIOJA happy friend before, and we felt great sorrow over The Ylioja’s have a special Christmas Day meal with grandma Dorothy Simonson (on left). what had happened in his life. When thinking about him and other friends who’d also given up faith, we talked how it seemed quickly noticeable that the light of faith had gone out from them. I felt relieved and thankful to be a believer. My cousin said it would be the anniversary of her father’s death that coming Friday. As we talked it seemed to me that she had been given strength and acceptance for a trial that I couldn’t fully understand, but which I knew had been extremely GLIÀFXOW+HUIDWKHUUHDFKHGWKHHQGRIKLVOLIHDVD believer and died with such an expression of peace, my cousin said, that it was almost as though he was already in heaven. In heaven, there are no more trials. We spoke about other trials and about our fears, worries and hopes. My cousin was expecting another child. Although it was a wonderful bless- ing, she worried if it might be tough at times as

PHOTO: LEAH SIMONSON PHOTO: ALANNA YLIOJA well, with her current situation being what it was. I Believers gather at Eldon and Laura Pirness’s home to sing in memory of Laura’s father, Amy Ylioja and her brother Jeffrey. felt I could understand how she might feel. “God who had passed away. Madeline is playing the piano at this occasion, too. knows what we’re going through. He knows what we need,” we agreed. Staring into the cold night, the thought arose that I might never get married. There are many blessings to being single, but at that moment I was sad. If that is God’s will, then Using Our Time Wisely We Like to Be Together that is that. God’s will and ways are above mine. AS WE GROW OLDER, we get more freedom. Along I AM BLESSED with 11 siblings and loving parents, Almost at the same time my cousin and I asked with freedom comes responsibility for the consequences of so at home there are always others to visit with. Our one another for forgiveness. our actions. Who do our actions affect? Oftentimes we family is close. My siblings and I have many things God sent us to one another that evening to help ourselves aren’t the only ones affected by the choices we in common, so it’s a huge part of my home life to each other take another step on the way to heaven. make. When we choose from available activities, we must visit with them. The best visits are spontaneous; for We were blessed to be mutually strengthened. My ask ourselves whether the choices we make will affect our example when many of us are home and relaxing in IDLWKRIWHQIHHOVOLNHDVPDOOÁLFNHULQJFDQGOH0\ faith life positively or negatively. It is good to make deci- WKHOLYLQJURRPZHYLVLWZLWKRQHDQRWKHUDQGÀQG friend said that if we were to die that night, it would sions that support us on our way to heaven. out how the others are doing. be okay. Although truthfully, I didn’t feel so sure In my life there are many choices I can make that are Mealtimes, especially on the weekends, are times about that, I think I understood what she meant. EHQHÀFLDOWRPH)HOORZVKLSZLWKEHOLHYLQJEURWKHUVDQG that the family is together and visits. We visit as we Our goal of getting to heaven, even straight to sisters is an important part of a believer’s life. So going to prepare meals. Special holidays like Christmas and heaven, was so clear. Heaven is such a beautiful des- events where I’m surrounded by believers is healthy. But Easter are celebrated with family, which leads to many tination. We were able to believe simply. My spirit having people around me all the time doesn’t leave me conversations. Communication in a family is very felt light. The other stuff in our lives didn’t seem so much time for myself. I also need time alone. Being on the important because everyone is different, even close VLJQLÀFDQWDQGLPSRUWDQWLQFRPSDULVRQ go constantly doesn’t leave enough time to rest and resolve family members. Visiting helps us to know what the Faith for that evening was just for that evening. personal issues that can arise. other one is thinking and what they want or need. With each new day I must continue to pray for I’ve learned that I need to balance the amount of time Poor communication can lead to disagreements, strength and for the desire to put sin away. I trust I’m out and about with time for myself and my family. anger and family members drifting apart, which is that God will help me. When worry comes, it’s Having a curfew may feel restrictive and harsh, but our not right or good. As always when troubles arise, the good to be reminded that He knows me better than parents might decide to put a curfew in place so we’re not gospel can be preached and communication can be I know myself, as a minister once spoke. He loves out all night. When I’m out too late, it prevents me from restored again. It’s very important to have these vis- me and hears my prayers. He is my Father. getting needed rest and it also keeps my parents awake its, because family is important in our lives. Believ- Writer’s Name Withheld with worry. If I stay out past my curfew, I make sure I text ing parents and siblings are close escorts on the way them and let them know where I am and what I’m doing. to heaven and help us in our temporal life as well. As young adults, we want to respect our parents and com- My family is precious to me, and visiting is glue that municate with them openly. helps hold us together. Singles—We Need Your Input! Andrew Warwaruk Amy Ylioja ;OL33*W\ISPJH[PVUZZ[HɈPZZVSPJP[PUNPKLHZMVY[OLTLZ^OPJO will be used for future writings in the Voice of Zion feature, “Life as a Single Believer.” A believer who is single experiences his or her own joys and sorrows and perspectives on life that, if shared, can uplift others. Please consider sharing your ideas for such themes. And, if you are interested to help write for this feature, let us know that as well!

Email suggested themes and ideas to Lori Loukusa: [email protected]. PAGE 10 OCTOBER 2018

In loving memory of The Beatrice Pauline (Kauppila) Lahti A Visit in the KALEIDOSCOPEof Life Born June 23, 1934, in Calumet, Michigan Called to eternal rest on August 29, 2018, in Brainerd, Minnesota Barley Field

Remembered with love and longing by: Spouse Donald Children: Timothy (Jill); Peter (Rebecca); Patricia (Brian) Hillstrom; Matthew (Kirsten) Grandchildren and great-grandchildren Relatives and friends, brothers and sisters in faith

Preceded in death by parents Richard and Hulda Kauppila; son Bruce Lahti; infant sister Joyce Kauppila; twin sister Elaine Haataja; grandson Lucas Hillstrom; great-grandchildren Zoe Lahti, Bridget Sorvala and Trevor Sorvala.

O Lord, Thy Spirit’s light impart; cleanse Thou and purify my heart, and in Thy truth, Lord, fortify; with grace, oh, crown me, beautify (SHZ 399:1).

Many thanks to all who visited, sent texts, emails, Facebook messages or relayed your love and concern through our children. Our loved one’s funeral was held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Brainerd Laestadian Lutheran Church, in Brainerd, Minnesota.

In loving memory of Esther Viola (Jarvie) Waaraniemi Born June 22, 1921, in Esko, Minnesota Called to eternal rest on May 8, 2018, in Menahga, Minnesota

Remembered with love and longing by: Kathy; Duane and Carol; Neil and Ruth; Jean and Kermit ,QWKLVZULWLQJWKHDXWKRUUHÁHFWVRQDVSHFLDOFKLOGKRRGPHPRU\RIKLVEHOLHYLQJ Paul and Diane; Mark and Kathy; Ray and Leanda father. Melvin Pirness, a husband, a father and a servant of the Word was called to Keith and Kathy; Ann; Dan and Marjo-Riitta; Ruth heaven’s home in January 1990, at age 55. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews “THE CROPS ALWAYS LOOK BETTER in the evening,” my father says. Other relatives and friends, and a host of brothers and  :HZDONWKHHGJHRIWKHEDUOH\ÀHOGLQWKHORQJVXPPHUHYHQLQJ%HKLQGHDFKKLOO sisters in faith it gets progressively cooler, until the day’s heat is only a memory renewed by the uncomfortable warmth of sunburned ears and back, remnants of a day in the sun. Preceded in death by husband John Waaraniemi;  ´:DWFKWKRVHELUGVÁ\LQJDERYHXVHDWLQJWKHEXJVULJKWRXWRIWKHDLUµGDGVD\V parents Emil and Hannah Jarvie; son and daughter- The distant lightning is sporadically visible as the light fades further. “The barometer in-law John and Joan Waaraniemi; sisters Ida Leppa, is falling when they do that. Maybe the storm is moving faster than it looks. Perhaps Maymie Dixon and Helen Sunnarborg and their we had better turn around.” husbands; brothers Leonard, George, Edwin, Arnold and Paul and their wives. My father’s wisdom is now only a memory as I try to piece together my child- Passing before her were also some nieces and nephews and other relatives. hood memories. I remember the security of this summer evening walk when all there was to look forward to was an immediately refreshing thunderstorm and the Crown our faith’s endeavor with beauty of Your grace, prospect of a nice cool morning to sleep in late. I had all but forgotten what it was till clothed in light forever, we see you face to face— like to get up for school. a joy no language measures, a fountain brimming o’er, “I feel pretty good today,” dad says, breaking the spell of beautiful summer nature DQHQGOHVVÁRZRIWUHDVXUHVDQRFHDQZLWKRXWVKRUH 6+=  happening around us. “Hopefully it continues to get better.” Oh my! What if dad’s health improves, I imagine, trying to ignore the cane he heavily Our beloved Esther’s funeral was conducted on May 14 at the Laestadian relied on. It is something to remember to ask Heavenly Father for again today. The Lutheran Church of Menahga with the committal service the following excitement of such a prospect was overwhelming every time he started to feel better. day at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, in Crystal, Minn. We thank all who “I’m sure it’s much easier to enjoy nature on this beautiful summer evening without have helped and remembered Esther and her loved ones during her waning so much pain,” I offer, trying to come up with the most grownup thing to say, honored years, recent hospitalizations, period of hospice care and during our time that he is letting me in on the often-closed subject of his health trials. RISDUWLQJ:HKHUIDPLO\DUHÀOOHGZLWKJUDWLWXGHIRU*RG·VJLIWRIKDYLQJ “Yes,” he says, sounding somewhat alarmed at my suggestion and perhaps sheepish dear Esther in our lives for many precious decades. that we are talking about his illness. I never know what to say to dad to keep him talking, I think, sorry that our conversation is turning awkward. “I’m sorry that I’m often so impatient with you,” dad says, after a few steps of silent walking. He may as well have just said, “Your comment made me pause to consider that you know more about my health and are worried about my future more than I realize.” • new arrivals • Relieved that I hadn’t stopped the conversation, I blurt out, “I don’t think that you are that impatient, given the pain you always have. I just wish I was more obedient so Born to I don’t upset you so much.” It was a moment of honest father-son love. Not wanting our walk to end, but yet feeling the weight of my own sin, I ask, “Can Mikael & Cherie Janhunen you forgive me, dad?” Stopping right where we are, he puts his hand on my shoulder Lethbridge, AB and preaches to me, “You can believe all your sins and disobediences forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. It’s nice that you want to be obedient, can you also bless me?” A boy! PHOTO: JANEL SIMONSON Lee Oliver I preach the same gospel to my father as we stand there, not wanting to break the ENGAGEMENT ultimate in peaceful moments. “We can even enjoy nature more when our sins are May 25, 2018 forgiven,” dad offers with a teary-eyed smile. I smile back, feeling that my father really understands me. How lucky I feel to have him so close. 9 • 3 • 2018 The walk is coming to a close. I remind myself again that I need to remember to Born to pray for dad’s health when I say my bedtime prayers, not knowing that heavenly angels have already read the prayer from my heart and brought it before Heavenly Andrew & Jacqueline Raisanen Helmiina Pirness Saskatoon, Canada Father in a golden vessel. Brainerd, MN  ´7KDWVWRUPVXUHLVFRPLQJLQIDVWµ,VD\IHHOLQJWKHÀUVWLF\EUHH]HKLWXVDVZH A boy! & pass through the gate into the yard, “Good thing we turned around when we did!” McKinley Andrew “Yes, it will sure be a good night for sleeping now,” dad offers as we exchange Jaakko Rimpioja knowing smiles. Refreshing breezes and a clean conscience are the best recipe for August 23, 2018 Ylivieska, Finland good summer sleep. Allen Pirness OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 11 The Kingdom of God Is at Hand

Spirit. We believe our sins are forgiven Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And through the merits of Jesus Christ. VD\LQJ7KHWLPHLVIXOÀOOHGDQGWKHNLQJGRPRI*RGLVDWKDQGUHSHQW\HDQGEHOLHYHWKHJRVSHO³0DUN Repentance and believing the gospel are nevertheless God’s work from beginning to end. They are a gift from God. God’s Word he time had come for Jesus to sermon was empowered by the Holy Spirit. was not ashamed of the gospel, nor should reminds us not to harden our hearts when begin His public ministry in His He spoke of remission of sins to all who we be. God strengthens us in faith and pro- we hear His voice. Luther tells us that the home country of Galilee. He had came to listen. He told listeners that the tects us. WLPH RI YLVLWDWLRQ LV OLNH D ÁHHWLQJ UDLQ- storm that passes by and returns no more. been baptized by John the Baptist kingdom of God was in their midst. Those Seek the Lord While He May Be Found Tin the Jordan River. who repented and believed the gospel were When the time of visitation is past, it is too Jesus’ sermon in Galilee spoke of the king- Before John was born, the angel of the baptized and saved. They turned away from late to repent. No one should put off repent- dom of God, repentance and believing the Lord appeared to Zacharias and told him their evil ways and bore fruits of faith. John ing from unbelief when the kingdom of not to be afraid, his prayer has been heard was a faithful servant. JRVSHO+HVDLG´6HHN\HÀUVWWKHNLQJGRP God draws near! of God and his righteousness.” Jesus taught and his wife Elizabeth will bear him a son. Not all listeners believed John’s message. that there is one sheepfold and one shep- Thy Kingdom Come His name will be John, and Zacharias will Some were offended and did not repent, herd. The highest priority in a person’s life On behalf of those who yet live in dark- have great joy and gladness. Many will such as the Sadducees and Pharisees. The ness, we pray as in the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy rejoice at his birth and he will be great in Holy Spirit reproves the unbelieving world VKRXOGEHWRÀQG*RG·VNLQJGRPEHFDXVH that is where the Lord Jesus lives with His kingdom come.” We pray the kingdom WKHVLJKWRIWKH/RUG+HZLOOEHÀOOHGZLWK for its sin and unbelief. King Herod lived in own. The Bible reminds us to seek the would come unto them and they would the Holy Spirit and he will turn many of unbelief. He had married his brother Phil- Lord while He may be found. Before Jesus heed the voice crying in the wilderness, the the children of Israel to the Lord their God. lip’s wife and was living in adultery. King ascended to heaven, He gave His disciples message of redemption and grace, before Even the prophet Isaiah had written hun- Herod was angry when John rebuked him and followers a duty to preach repentance it’s too late. dreds of years ago that his voice would be for these sins. For this reason, John was and remission of sins here on this earth crying in the wilderness. He would prepare imprisoned and later put to death. (Luke 24:47). the way for the Lord Jesus. But now he was God’s Word reminds us that when we Luther writes that repentance consists of in prison. Why did this happen to John? own the name of a child of God, the unbe- two parts. First, the sinner should feel peni- lieving world may hate us. Apostle Peter The Voice Crying in the Wilderness tent and sorrowful over his or her sin. Sec- reminds us that if any one suffers as a John the Baptist performed his God-given ondly, he or she must believe the gospel Christian, let him be not ashamed, but let duties. He preached repentance to the unbe- message that sins are forgiven, which chil- him rather glorify God. John the Baptist Tom Huhta lieving world in the Judean wilderness. His dren of God preach through the Holy

Along Life’s Way Our Final Hours

WE LOST OUR DAD, my husband, a year and a half ago. Six years before that, he Many family members went to the hospital to see Dad. Many more waited at home. had a stroke which impaired his vision and short-term memory. His memory improved Nobody could sleep. Some could not come to him, but they were with him by phone. over time, and his mind and long-term memory were sharp. He enjoyed visits with :LWKKHOSKHKHDUGDQGXQGHUVWRRGDQGVSRNHEULHÁ\WRHDFKRQH7KH\VKDUHGZRUGV family and friends. of love and longing, comfort and forgiveness. One afternoon, Dad felt an unusual pain that gradually increased. Stoically, as My daughter and I arrived at the hospital after 4:00 a.m. “Is he still alive?” we won- always, he brushed it aside and did not mention it to anyone. He continued his day as dered. “Oh, yes,” we were assured by another daughter who met us at the entrance. We usual and even took a short walk out in the yard. By evening he was ill. Pain medica- walked quickly to the dimly lit emergency room. I hurried to his bedside and spoke tion did nothing. “I can’t sleep like this,” he admitted after lying in bed for a few WKHÀUVWWKRXJKWWKDWÀOOHGP\KHDUW´2K'DGWRQLJKW\RXFDQJRWR\RXUKHDYHQO\ minutes. I called our son to come and take him to the hospital. When I told him I KRPHµ,SXWP\DUPVDURXQGKLP7HDUVÁRZHG:HVKDUHGWKHEOHVVLQJDOOVLQVDUH would stay home this time, he said, “I think you better come.” forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. In barely audible words, Dad yet spoke his thoughts While slowly easing into his jacket, then looking past us, he announced in distress, “I and feelings. I assured him that he could believe, and he responded, “Yes.” I told him don’t think I’ll last through this night!” I was startled. He needs something for pain, I we would meet again in heaven. thought. On the way to town, our son asked him, “How are you feeling now?” “Terrible,” When the last child arrived at 6:00 a.m. and spoke to him, Dad found strength to he replied in a subdued voice. say his last words, “I love you.” In his last hours, his children understood that he still In Emergency and in pain, he again said, “I’m not going to make it through this loved them. night.” We were dismayed, yet the words failed to register. We had weathered many In Emergency, all was quiet. We stayed near Dad and talked in low tones. It was crises of health before. We tried to help him get comfortable. Nothing worked. When cool in the room. Dad had good covers, but he was restless. The will to live was still the doctor came I stood beside Dad and held his hands as he lay down, yet again. The there. I sat down at his bedside and held his hand. I put my other hand on his head and doctor began examining Dad’s abdo- quietly told him, “You need to rest men. A moment later, I watched in now. It’s been a long night. Just go to anguish as he went unconscious. sleep.” He heard me and, in his usual 6RRQKHZDVUHFHLYLQJDUWLÀFLDOYHQ- way, began taking deeper breaths. tilation. After 10 minutes, he Soon he was asleep. Less than an resumed breathing on his own. He hour later he left us, peacefully, to his regained consciousness, but he was eternal rest. We shed tears. disoriented and we strained to hear Words from song of Zion 591 come his brief words. The pain was gone, to mind. Despite his last hours of but he was very ill. pain and distress, God gave our Dad He was airlifted by helicopter to a strength for death’s endurance when large city hospital. Some of our he realized that his life was ending. children met him there in Emer- His hope was always that he could gency. He was still disoriented, but die in his sleep. The peace of God he recognized them. The tests blessed his dying day. revealed a serious emergency and 2YHUZKHOPLQJWKDQNIXOQHVVÀOOHG surgery was not an option. It would my heart when I realized that God not have been an option even if we had heard our silent prayers. For a had known of the problem before. few hours we were reunited with Dad listened and understood what Dad. It was a gift from God, beyond the doctors told him. They were human understanding. May we sorry. Nothing could be done. He remember to thank God and trust in would be kept comfortable. His mercy! He takes care of us and It was now nearly 3:00 a.m. we can feel secure. “Where’s Mom?” Dad asked. I was Joyce Simonson at home, exhausted from the events of the day. My phone rang. “He Dick Simonson was laid to rest in keeps asking for you, Mom.” Yes, I PHOTO: DEAN SIMONSON wanted to go. The setting sun’s rays touched Dick Simonson’s grave on the evening of his funeral. April 2017, at the age of 84. PAGE 12 OCTOBER 2018 “Let Brotherly Love Continue” Randy Herrala Recalls Summer Preaching Tour in Finland “LET BROTHERLY LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby VSRNHDERXWZKDWKDSSHQVLQ\HDUVUHFDOOLQJP\ÀUVWYLVLWWR)LQODQGLQWKHRQO\ some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:1,2). other time I had been to Finland in the summertime. Then I was a young father coming with  0\ODVWWXUQWRVHUYHGXULQJRXUÀYHZHHNVXPPHUWULSWR)LQODQGZDVDSSURDFKLQJ my wife and two children; now I came as a retired grandfather with many grandchildren! and these words of Scripture came to mind. I thought of all the brothers and sisters in Summer services had changed with size, technology, camper trailers and pizza, but there faith with whom my wife Noella and I had visited. Sometimes it was a quick greeting in was still riisipuuro (rice porridge) being served and the same Word of God being preached! passing. Sometimes we dined together at services or visited in homes. Sometimes we trav- 7KLVWULSZDVWKHWKDQQLYHUVDU\RIP\ÀUVWWULSWR)LQODQG eled together and lodged in their home or summer cottage. Other times they were with us My wife Noella worked in a believing home when she lived in Finland 45 years ago. We DWWKHODUJHVHUYLFHVWRVHHWKDWRXUQHHGVZHUHPHW:KHWKHUZHPHWIRUWKHÀUVWWLPHRU visited this now elderly couple and some family members, sharing memories of those times saw each other again after many years, we experienced the joy of meeting, the bond of and what life has brought in the ensuing years. I also met cousins whom I had not known living faith and the unity of the Holy Spirit. We received a vivid reminder about the love before, opening the door to a new relationship of believing family in Finland! of God’s children and how quickly new believing friends had become angels in our lives, A Special Song of Zion ones that God sent to bring His good message to comfort us, care for us and preach the One of many special visits occurred during our visit in Taina and Ari-Pekka Palola’s home gospel of forgiveness to us in Jesus’ name and precious blood. in Merijärvi when Ari-Pekka (employed by SRK in publications and history research) told Special Services and Events me the story of my grandfather’s song, “Daughter of Zion, Sing with Joy” (SHZ 566, SL 251), Although the duration of the trip seemed long, the time was full. We attended SRK’s Summer which is an old, familiar song. When the current Songs and Hymns of Zion was published, Services in Äänekoski and each of the summer services hosted by the opistos—Reisjärvi, the songwriter was unknown and word credits say “Finland.” Ari-Pekka explained that in Jämsä and Ranua. Coming from North America, the number of services guests was amazing the work for the new Finnish songbook, more research into certain song origins took place. to us—84,000 at Summer Services and approximately 15,000, 18,000 and 20,000 at each of Now the updated mobile version of our English hymnal and the Finnish songbook credit the opisto services respectively. The detailed planning and organization behind each event the words of this song to my grandfather, Otto Herrala. Ari-Pekka explained that some LPSUHVVHGXV)RUPHDVDPLQLVWHULWLVGLIÀFXOWWRGHVFULEHWKHH[SHULHQFHRIVHUYLQJDWVXFK years ago, an elderly speaker-brother from Oulainen, Hannu Hintsala, contacted him. The large gatherings. Hintsalas had found this handwritten song with Otto Herrala’s signature and date in their In the days between the large services, services were arranged in congregations—RYs, family papers. Otto Herrala had given this writing to Matti Hintsala, the father of Hannu homes, summer cottages, outside in yards, by the seaside and even on a scenic hilltop. We Hintsala, when visiting Finland in 1938. Matti Hintsala died in 1940 during the Winter visited in 14 congregations in addition to the large service events. We were able to experi- War. Hannu Hintsala knew of SRK’s song research and passed this information on to Ari- ence an amazingly warm and sunny Finland summer and saw how Finnish people enjoy Pekka. I had not known the origin of this song, credited to my grandfather. The song will summertime and long hours of daylight. now have extra meaning to me! We also attended other events, including the SRK publications release, the Summer “Let brotherly love continue.” We are thankful for our brothers and sisters in faith and Services opening ceremony reception, speakers and elders meeting, the SRK annual meet- the love shown to us during this trip to Finland. We travel together in one kingdom of God ing and board meeting, meetings of the Jämsä and Ranua opisto boards of directors and a and pray that the special love among God’s children will never end! YLVLWDWWKH65.RIÀFH,QDVSHHFKDWWKHOXQFKHRQDWWKHRSHQLQJRI6XPPHU6HUYLFHV, Randy Herrala

Randy Herrala serves with God’s Word at SRK’s On this trip, Randy Herrala learned that suviseurat (Summer Services) in Aänekoski, this Finnish song was written by his Finland. Matti Kontkanen translates. grandfather, Otto Herrala.

PHOTO: ANGIE HÄNNINEN Visiting in homes is a special part of the mission tours. Randy and Noella Herrala (right) and Jari and Johanna Aitto-oja enjoy coffee and dessert at Angie and Jouni Hänninen’s home in Tikkakoski.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RANDY HERRALA PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY HERRALA Randy and Noella Herrala (right) visit with Pekka and Salli Kinnunen during a break at Reisjärvi Guests at a hilltop service at Mäntyvaara laavu, a viewpoint overlooking the Kemi River Opisto services. and Rovaniemi. BIBLE TRIVIA A Bible Trivia Quiz—Choose the best answer. 1. “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a _____, and attend to 4. “As _____ are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the know understanding.” youth. Happy is the man that hath his _____ full of them.” a. mother b. father c. neighbor d. friend a. arrows, quiver b. loaves, basket c. bricks, walls d. swords, arms 2. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your _____ to wrath.” 5. “______are the crown of old men; and the _____ of a. wife b. neighbors c. children d. friends children are their fathers. 3. “And ye shall teach your children, speaking of them when _____.” a. Golden jewels, pride b. Children’s children, glory a. thou takest them to harvest. b. thou prayest with them at eventide. c. Bounteous blessings, sounds d. Precious gifts, songs c. thou sittest in thine house. d. thou buildest thine dwelling. Answers? on page 14. OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 13 Welcome to Menahga Send us your REMEMBER All Saints Day Services! favorite songs Service Men and Women in Prayer and with Mail Service personnel, or their families may submit the names and addresses of The Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga extends a welcome to our and hymns! active duty members of the armed services to appear in this space. All Saint’s Day Services to be held October 26–28, 2018. The motto for these services is “Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who Consider a gift subscription to the Voice of Zion or recorded sermons for your Have you written a poem or song, loved one who is in the service. are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). The guest ministers will be Brian or do you have a favorite song Johnson, of Elk River, Minn., and Dean Simonson, of Dunblane, Sask. or hymn that’s currently not in Note: Mail to all service personnel uses regular U.S. postage rates. our hymnal? Friday, Oct. 26 7:00 p.m. Service Charles Aho LCPL Huhta, Blake We are collecting material for MWCS-18 MACG-18 1st Maw PO Box 91367 Saturday, Oct. 27 3:30 p.m. Service possible future publication in Unit 37181 Yuma, AZ 85369-1367 Supper a hymnal supplement, and FPO, AP 96373 218-539-9941 we need your input! Forstie, Ryan D & Sarah PFC Johnson, Matt 6:00 p.m. Program: LLCM’s Ten-Year Anniversary 2270 Simmons St Unit C MWSS 172 1st MAW (dedication, May 2008) Send your Dupont, WA 98327 Unit 37206 FPO-AP 96603 Sunday, Oct. 28 10:00 a.m. Communion service  ࠮WVLTZ Mark & Angela Hoikka  ࠮TLSVKPLZ PSC 41 Box 2692 Loren and Ashley Krey Lunch APO, AE 09464-0027 14349 Desert Point Drive  ࠮[YHUZSH[PVUZ United States El Paso, TX 79928  ࠮MH]VYP[LUV[`L[[YHUZSH[LK [email protected] Finnish songs and hymns [email protected] Stan & Briana Laulainen 248-247-8124 8608 Unit A Onyx to [email protected]. Dr SW Lakewood, WA 98498 Welcome to Colorado Youth Days! Briana c: 763-291-1229 October 19–21, 2018 Stan c: 907-315-2238 Colorado Youth Days (ages 18+) will be held at YMCA of the Rockies, 2515 Tunnel Rd, Estes Park, CO 80511. Cost is $120.00/person. Did You Know… Upcoming LLC Please sign up in advance with Leanna Fredrickson Mission Trips (970-319-3268 or [email protected]). …that our beloved The following mission trips Space is limited—pay to reserve your spot! Voice of Zion turns will be occurring in October 45 in January? and November. We wish God’s blessings to these brothers on their mission trips. Voice of Zion and Päivämies Christmas Greetings! Share your memories Would you like to include your personal Christmas greeting in the December issue of the Voice of Zion and/or with us! ECUADOR Päivämies? Submit your greeting on the LLC website. Go to www.llchurch.org and complete the “LLC Christmas October 19–28 Greetings” form, which is under the “Donate” tab. Greetings may be submitted for $5.00 each for Voice of Zion Email lloukusa@ and Päivämies, or $10.00 for both. The deadline for submitting greetings is Oct. 26, 2018. llchurch.org. Contact Lori Loukusa ([email protected]) with any questions. Congregation contacts will also collect Christmas greetings, as has been done.

A Book Review: Toivo’s War Jim Jurmu Daniel Jurmu TOIVO’S WAR IS A BOOK that was written by our grandfather (pappa), Ken Hill. We think it is a good book and recommend that all kids and GHANA AND TOGO adults read it. It is a reminder to be thankful for what God provides us. September 26–October 8 We shouldn’t have to worry about the little things in life. In the book, Toivo was reminded many times that faith is most important. The book began with Toivo as a young boy walking to school one day. $5XVVLDQÀJKWHUSODQHWULHGWRVKRRWKLPDQGKLVIULHQGV$OWKRXJKQR one was hurt, Toivo wondered why the plane had tried to shoot him. 0DQ\SHRSOHZHUHVHQWWRÀJKWIRU)LQODQGLQFOXGLQJ7RLYR·VIDWKHU Toivo helped too, by unloading wood and aiding bombing victims. Toivo was troubled by war. He wondered why people had to kill other people, especially when his three friends died in a movie theater bomb- ing. This incident in the story spoke to us because Toivo was saved by Walt Lampi, Juhani Liukkonen, the reminder of his mother. He had wanted to go to the theater, but his LLC SRK mother lovingly told him that a theater is not a helpful place for a believer. When Toivo had doubts and questions he could always look to November 29–December 10 his believing mother and sister for comfort. For a while in Finland it seemed the war was over. War was still raging, however, in England, Russia and parts of Europe. Finland was dragged back into the war. PHOTO: EDEN HILL To protect Toivo and his sister Anna, their mother accepted an offer Olivia and Aubrey Hill, with their grandpa Ken Hill, who wrote from families who would host Finnish children in safer countries. The Toivo’s War. plan was for Toivo to go to Denmark and Anna to Sweden while mother stayed home. For almost two years, Toivo lived with a wealthy couple in a large house. He received new clothes and shoes and help in school while learning the new language. But Toivo missed his believing family. No amount of wealth and safety could keep Toivo Rod Nikula, Ari Mikkola, from longing for home. This part of the story also stood out to us. It LLC SRK would be hard to live without a believing mother or father in a differ- ent country, especially for young children like Toivo and Anna.  7RLYR ZDV KDSS\ WR ÀQDOO\ JR KRPH $OWKRXJK LQ 'HQPDUN OLIH KENYA seemed easier, in Finland he had his believing mother and sister. At September 26–October 8 home Toivo could go to services and freely receive the gospel. By reading this story, we were reminded that by being a believer and trusting in God, we will be given strength to withstand and defeat spiritual and earthly battles. Aubrey and Olivia Hill This soft cover, 48-page book, is available in most LLC congrega- PHOTO: OLIVIA HILL tion bookstores. It can also be ordered online (www.llchurch.org), Ken Hill reads Toivo’s War to his grandchildren, a story he wrote about RUGLUHFWIURPWKH//&RIÀFH  IRU WD[  a believing friend’s wartime experiences as a child in Finland. The book was illustrated by Shanna Pirness. Jouko Haapsaari, Kalevi Niemikorpi, LLC SRK PAGE 14 OCTOBER 2018 • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • Motorhome for Rent CANADA Laestadian Lutheran Church of Flagstaff 2017 Jayco Greyhawk, 31 FS, sleeps 10, ALBERTA Meeting place: Sturgeon Cromer Elementary School $1,500/wk and .15 a mile Lethbridge Laestadian Lutheran Church :PS]LY:HKKSL9VHK-SHNZ[HɈ(A ࠮SSJÅHNZ[HɈVYN Memorial Day wknd–Labor Day wknd (7-day min) Chairman: Todd Ylioja 403-380-3369 :\UKH`ZJOVVS !HT࠮:\UKH`ZLY]PJL!HT For visiting minister and communion service details, see online calendar. Text or call: Todd Anderson (612-267-1338) Secretary: Hannu Janhunen 403-327-7795 Sept–May *OHPYTHUJLSS!࠮:LJYL[HY`JLSS!  Sunday school ...... 11:00 am Sunday service ...... 12:00 pm 1st Sunday communion Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church 3rd Sunday evening service ...... 7:00 pm 5YK:[࠮*H]L*YLLR(A  Song services 1st Friday of the month 7HZ[VY!/HYYP=HOHQ`SRRH ࠮WSSJO\YJOVYN Bible class Friday ...... 7:30 pm *OHPYTHU!   ࠮:LJYL[HY`!  June–Aug SERVICE SCHEDULE Sunday service ...... 11:00 am Sunday school: (Sept–May) ...... 9:15 am 3rd Sunday evening service ...... 7:00 pm Sunday service...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm (1st Sunday Communion, no evening service) ONTARIO Wednesday: Bible study...... 7:00 pm Books, Just for you, my friend, and me 1st Wednesday: Song services ...... 7:00 pm & Child of the Valley Toronto Laestadian Sunday service summer schedule ...... 10:00 am Lutheran Congregation 5579 Hwy 27, Cookstown, ON Laestadian Lutheran Church of Prescott Valley Prices: $10.00 USA each Mailing address: PO Box 1035 4V\U[HPU=PL^࠮76)V_࠮7YLZJV[[=HSSL`(A  $13.50 CAN each Cookstown, ON, Canada L0L 1L0 Sunday school: Sept–May ...... 9:15 am Sunday school (Labour Day–Mother’s Day) ...... 12:00 pm Sunday service (Communion–1st Sunday)...... 10:30 am Available from Sunday service (Labour Day–end of June) ...... 1:00 pm Wednesday–Bible class (except July) ...... 7:00 pm Amazon.com Sunday service (July–Labour Day) ...... 6:00 pm Church: 928-775-5030 and Amazon.ca or Communion service 1st Sunday of month *OHPYTHU!  ࠮:LJYL[HY`!   Day Circle, Children’s Bible class, and song services— [email protected] Friday (Labour Day–Mother’s Day) ...... 7:00 pm COLORADO *OHPYTHU! ࠮:LJYL[HY`!   Church: 705-458-9568 (during services) Laestadian Lutheran Church of the SASKATCHEWAN Roaring Fork Valley   5Z[:[࠮76)V_ ࠮:PS[*6  Rooms for Rent Dunblane Laestadian Lutheran Church *OHPYTHU!  ࠮^^^SSJYM]VYN Rooms available for rent in shared house in )V_࠮4HJYVYPL:2 Sunday school (Sept–May)...... 9:15 am Waite Park, Minn. 11 min. drive to St. Cloud State Univ. Canada S0L 2E0 Sunday services (1st Sunday Communion) ...... 10:30 am 2nd & 4th Sunday evening services ...... 6:30 pm <[PSP[PLZPUJS\KLKVɈZ[YLL[WHYRPUNUVWL[Z Phone & fax: 306-243-4837 Chairman: 306-243-4407 Wednesday: Bible class, Youth Bible class, Day Circle, Secretary: 306-243-4836 Home and Family, or song services ...... 7:00 pm Contact Colin Huhta (218-639-0849) Sunday school ...... 9:45 am (Sept–May) FLORIDA Sunday services ...... 11:00 am 7:00 pm (1st Sunday) Laestadian Lutheran Church of Florida Communion service 1st Sunday (ɉSPH[LK33**VUNYLNH[PVU Bible class ...... 7:30 pm (2nd, 3rd & 4th Friday) Song services ...... 7:30 pm (1st Friday) Contact: Secretary – Russell Roiko 612-723-1422 or Youth Bible class.....7:00 pm (4th Sunday alt w/Outlook) Treasurer – Vesa Paukkeri 954-294-6567 No Bible class or song services June, July, and Aug. SERVICE SCHEDULE (ENGLISH & FINNISH) Apr–Nov Dec–Mar Outlook Laestadian Lutheran Church At homes– Sunday–4:00 pm Contact above St. Andrews Lutheran Church 400 McKenzie St N 928 South E St, Lake Worth Outlook, SK Canada S0L 2N0 Phone: 306-867-8950 ILLINOIS Chairman: 306-867-7530 (cell) Secretary: 306-867-9632 Laestadian Lutheran Church of Illinois ZLJYL[HY`633*'NTHPSJVT www.outlookllchurch.org *OHPYTHU! ࠮:LJYL[HY`!  Sept–May June–Aug Sunday school ...... 10:00 am Sunday services...... 10:00 am Welcome to our services! Sunday services ..... 10:45 am Sunday school (Sept–May) – 9:45 am Communion service 1st Sunday of month Sunday service – (June–Aug) – 10:00 am Bible class last Sunday of month (Sept–May) – 11:00 am Communion 1st Sunday MICHIGAN Sunday evening service (1st & 3rd Sunday) – 7:00 pm Bible class (Friday) – 7:30 pm 290 Fairground, Song services (1st Friday) – 7:30 pm Plymouth, MI 48170 Youth Bible class (4th Sunday, alt w/Dunblane) – 7:00 pm 734-451-0500 www.dllchurch.org No Bible class or song services June, July, and Aug. *OHPYTHU!1LɈ2\TW\SH   ࠮QR\TW\SH'JVTJHZ[UL[ Saskatoon Laestadian :LJYL[HY`!7H\S/\O[H ࠮WH\S^O\O[H'NTHPSJVT Answers to Bible Trivia Quiz on page 12 LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday services 11:00 am (Communion on 1st Sunday) *OHPYTHU!࠮ZHZRH[VVUSSJVYN SEPT–MAY: Sunday school 9:45 am 1. (b) father. (Prov. 4:1). Sunday school (Sept–Apr) ...... 12:30 pm Bible class 7:00 pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday 2. (c) children. (Eph. 6:4). Sunday service (Communion 1st Sunday) (Sept–Jun) ...... 1:30 pm Song services 7:00 pm on 1st Wednesday Sunday service (July/Aug) ...... 6:00 pm alternating with Bible class. 3. (c) thou sittest in thine house. (Deut. 11:19). Bible class / Song services – Friday (Sept–Apr) ...... 7:00 pm Youth Bible class 7:00 pm on 3rd Wednesday Day Circle 10:30 am on 1st Saturday 4. (a) arrows, quiver. (Ps. 127:4,5). UNITED STATES Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church 5. (b) Children’s children, glory. (Prov. 17:6) ALASKA >HZOPUN[VU:[࠮0ZOWLTPUN40  ࠮    Alaska Laestadian Lutheran Church Sunday: Sept–May Sunday: June–Aug ,:\L3U>HZPSSH(2 ࠮*OHPYTHU!   Sunday school ...... 9:45 am Worship service ...... 11:00 am Worship service ....11:00 am 7:00 pm Labor Day to Memorial Day Memorial Day to Labor Day 6:30 pm Sunday school ...... 10:00 am Sunday service ...... 11:00 am ...... 6:00 pm *VTT\UPVUZLY]PJL¶-PYZ[:\UKH`࠮5VL]LUPUNZLY]PJL¶3HZ[:\UKH` Bible class Wednesday ...... 7:30 pm ...... 7:30 pm WEDNESDAY: Sept–Apr Bible class ...... 7:00 pm Song services 1st Wednesday ...... 7:30 pm ...... 7:30 pm Song service or discussion – First Wednesday ARIZONA Laestadian Lutheran Church of Glendale Pelkie Laestadian Lutheran Congregation SERVICE SCHEDULE Wednesday Bible class ...... 7:00 pm *O\YJOHKKYLZZ! 7LSRPL9K7LSRPL40  ࠮  Sunday school ...... 9:00 am Mailing address: 22399 Broemer Rd, Chassel, MI 49916 Sunday service...... 10:00 am Chairman: Albert Hongisto 906-482-0878 Secretary: Roy Pikkarainen 906-482-2166 :\UKH`ZLY]PJLL_JLW[[OLÄYZ[:\UKH`VM[OLTVU[O ...... 4:00 pm Pastor: James Frantti 906-483-0712 We are currently meeting at Desert Sage Elementary School, 4035 W Alameda Rd, Glendale, Arizona 85310. Please check the Sunday school (Sept–May)...... 9:45 am website for any location changes. Sundays: Worship service ...... 11:00 am 1st Sunday: Communion service ...... 11:00 am >LIZP[L!O[[W!^^^SSJVMNSLUKHSLVYN࠮,THPS!PUMV'SSJVMNSLUKHSLVYN 2nd Wednesday: Bible study ...... 6:30 pm *OHPYTHU! ࠮:LJYL[HY`!   OCTOBER 2018 PAGE 15 • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • SERVICE SCHEDULES • MINNESOTA Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church *O\YJOHKKYLZZ!0IHYYH(]L5,)\ɈHSV45 ;OPZOHWW`SHTI^PSSÄUKP[»Z^H` Brainerd Laestadian Church phone: 763-497-8211 Lutheran Church Sunday morning services...... 10:30 am into your church bookstore soon! Communion services on 1st Sunday ...... 10:30 am & Manor Sunday school (Sept–May)...... 9:15 am Later this fall it will be joined 1501 S 8th St, Brainerd, MN 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Sunday evening services with a 218-829-5745 Finnish sermon on the 1st Sunday ...... 6:30 pm by another picture book *OHPYTHU!   ࠮:LJYL[HY`!     4th Sunday youth discussion ...... 6:30 pm Welcome to our services! Bible class on Wednesdays (except 1st Wednesday) ...... 7:00 pm that also features lambs. June–Aug Sept–May Song services on 1st Wednesday*...... 7:00 pm Sunday school ...... 10:00 am *Home services in Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr Sunday worship ...... 11:00 am . . . 11:00 am 7HZ[VY!1V\RV/HHWZHHYP࠮   ࠮QOHHWZHHYP'YSSJO\YJOVYN 1st Sunday of the month–Communion service Chairman: Jeremy Glynn 763-439-0413 Wednesday Bible class or services (alternating weekly) .....7:00 pm :LJYL[HY`!1LɈ/HUZVU  Watch Last Wednesday song services ...... 7:00 pm MONTANA for them! Cokato Laestadian Flathead Valley Laestadian Lutheran Church Lutheran Church Meeting Place: East Side Grange - 27 Creston Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901 *OHPYTHUJLSS! ࠮:LJYL[HY`JLSS!  16144–20th St SW, Cokato, MN 55321 320-286-2413 Sunday service ...... 11:00 am Sunday school (Sept–May) ...... 10:00 am Sunday school (during school year) ...... 9:15 am 3rd Sunday evening service ...... 6:00 pm 1st Sunday: Communion service ...... 10:30 am 1st Wednesday Song services ...... 7:00 pm 2nd Sunday: Services...... 10:30 am 2nd & 4th Wednesday Bible Class ...... 7:00 pm Discussion...... 7:00 pm 3rd Friday Home Services ...... 7:00 pm 3rd & 4th Sundays: Services ...... 10:30 am Services ...... 7:00 pm 1st weekend of the month (Aug–May) includes a visiting minister with 1st Wednesday: Song services ...... 7:00 pm services on Saturday at 7:00 pm, and communion service on Sunday. 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesday: Bible class ...... 7:00 pm *OHPYTHU!J ࠮:LJYL[HY`!J NORTH DAKOTA Laestadian Lutheran Church of Elk River Laestadian Lutheran Church of Williston Editor: Matthew Keranen, [email protected] 4LL[PUNWSHJL!AHOS*VTT\UP[`*LU[LYYK:[YLL[^LZ[LUKVMAHOS5+  Assistant Editor: Lori Loukusa, [email protected] 8595 201st Ave NW, Nowthen, MN 55330 *OHPYTHUJLSS!   ࠮:LJYL[HY`JLSS!   Layout: Annette Johnson, [email protected] Mailing Address: 551 Marcia Dr, Big Lake, MN 55309 AREA PUBLICATIONS DIRECTORS Chairman: Adrian Pirness 763-360-0820 Sunday school (Sept–May): 9:45 am Wendy Agbowada, Rockford, MN ...... [email protected] Secretary: Becky Randall 763-274-1454 Services: 11:00 am (Live internet service) Visiting Minister & Communion service: 1st Sunday of every month Heidi Aho, East Coast ...... [email protected] Welcome to our services! Jolene Anderson, Alaska ...... [email protected] Deanna Byman, Longview, WA ...... [email protected] Sunday school (Sept–May) ...... 9:15 am WASHINGTON Vanessa Byman, Williston, ND ...... [email protected] Sunday morning service ...... 10:30 am Peggy Glynn, Menahga, MN ...... [email protected] Sunday evening service ...... 6:30 pm* Longview Laestadian Lutheran Congregation Christina Jacobson, Ishpeming, MI ...... [email protected] Wednesday activity...... 7:00 pm** 76)V_ ࠮3VUN]PL^>(  ࠮ 2LPSHO1VOUZVU-SHNZ[Hќ(A ...... [email protected] *No evening service on the 5th Sunday; Keith Kariniemi, Cokato, MN ...... [email protected] School Year **The 1st Wednesday of the month is either Bridget Karvonen, North Sound, WA [email protected] Sunday school ...... 9:15 am home services or song services. June Karvonen, Minneapolis, MN ...... [email protected] 1st Sunday: Communion service...... 10:30 am & 1:30 pm Andrea Lahti, Roaring Fork Valley, CO ...... [email protected] Youth discussion ...... 6:00 pm Brooke Loukusa, Seattle, WA ...... [email protected] 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays: Services ...... 10:30 am & 6:00 pm Laestadian Lutheran Church Eija Mikkola, Toronto, ON ...... [email protected] 5th Sunday: Services ...... 6:00 pm Kendra Parks, Saskatoon, SK ...... [email protected] of Menahga Wednesday: Bible Class...... 7:00 pm 25 Juniper Ave NW, Menahga, MN 56464 Russ Roiko, Florida ...... [email protected] Summer Martha Rousu, Phoenix, AZ ...... [email protected]  ࠮^^^SSJTLUHONHVYN 1st Sunday: Communion service...... 10:30 am & 1:30 pm *OHPYTHU!   ࠮7HZ[VY!  Tiina Savolainen, Lethbridge, AB ...... [email protected] Youth discussion ...... 7:00 pm Lynn Siljander, Detroit, MI ...... [email protected] Sunday school (Sept–May)...... 9:45 am 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays: Services ...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm Karin Simonson, Dunblane, SK ...... [email protected] Sunday services (Sept–May) ...... 11:00 am 5th Sunday: Services ...... 7:00 pm Kolet Simonson, Spokane, WA ...... [email protected] Sunday Service (June-Aug) ...... 10:00 am Wednesday: Services ...... 7:00 pm Leah Simonson, Outlook, SK [email protected] Communion services 1st Sunday/month (Sept–May) ....11:00 am & 6:00 pm Website: llc-longview.org (Sunday 10:30 am service webcast) Rachael Smith, Glendale, AZ ...... [email protected] Communion services 1st Sunday/month (June-Aug).....10:00 am & 6:00 pm Wednesday Bible class, song services, or home services.... 7:00 pm SUBSCRIPTION RATES Voice of Zion & Christmas in Zion: Laestadian Lutheran Church North America Print Edition, $51/year Minneapolis Laestadian of the North Sound International Print Edition, $76/year Lutheran Church Service Location: Highland Elementary Shepherd’s Voice: North America Print Edition, $29/year 13030–47th Ave No, Plymouth, MN 55442 3220 113th Ave NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 International Print Edition, $48/year

࠮^^^TSSJO\YJOVYN Chairman: Paul Jacobson 425-280-4240 The current issue of the Voice of Zion and Shepherd’s Voice may be NLULYHS'TSSJO\YJOVYN website: llcns.org purchased as a PDF download under eBooks for $5.00/each. To order and renew subscriptions, go to the “Subscriptions” tab on the Welcome to our services! LLC’s online store, www.llchurch.org. Regularly scheduled services are held every Sunday Sunday school (Sept–May) ...... 9:15 am Address Changes: Go to www.llchurch.org. Under Publications tab at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm. Sunday morning service ...... 10:30 am complete “Change of Address” form. Also update your address in your online store account to ensure continued delivery. Note to U.S. Sunday school begins at 9:00 am every Sunday (during school year). Wednesday Bible class (last Wednesday song services) .....7:00 pm residents: Subscriptions are sent bulk mail and are not forwarded. Bible class, song services, or home services are held on Wednesday (school year) Submit change of address information as soon as possible. evenings at 7:00 pm (Sept–May). Services are held June–Aug. 2nd Sunday/month service or discussion ...... 6:00 pm For subscription assistance, contact Kathy Laho at [email protected] All Sunday sermons and special services are webcast live or 763-479-2422. from our website: www.mllchurch.org Seattle Laestadian Ministers serving our congregation: Lutheran Church ADVERTISING RATES John Lehtola, Keith Waaraniemi and Russ Roiko. Regular rate: $4.00/column inch 22420 - 102nd Ave SE (Minimum 15 euro charge for advertising bills sent to Europe) Woodinville, WA 98072 Announcements: Laestadian Lutheran Church www.seallc.org Services–$3.00/column inch Mailing address: PO Box 981, Monroe, WA 98272-4907 Birth, engagement, wedding, & card of thanks–$17.00 of Monticello Death – standard (2 inches/1 column)–$10.00 1860 County Rd 39 NE, Monticello, MN 55362 Sunday school (during school year) ...... 9:15 am larger– add $5.00 each additional inch Chairman: 763-286-3097 1st Sunday: Communion service...... 10:30 am & 1:30 pm Ads must be submitted by the 1st of the month preceding the Secretary: 612-298-5095 2nd Sunday: Services...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm month of publication. www.llcmonticello.org 3rd Sunday: Services ...... 10:30 am 4th Sunday: Services ...... 10:30 am Advertising, Death, and Service announcements: Send email ads Youth discussion ...... 7:00 pm and inquiries to Lori Loukusa at [email protected]. Sunday School (Sept–May) ...... 9:15 am 5th Sunday: Services...... 10:30 am & 7:00 pm Birth, Wedding, and Engagement announcements: Go to Publications Services (1st Sunday Communion) ...... 10:30 am Wednesday: Bible class ...... 7:00 pm tab at www.llchurch.org, and submit form from “Voice of Zion 2nd and 4th Sunday: Services ...... 6:30 pm *O\YJO! ࠮*OHPYTHU!   Announcements.” Contact Annette Johnson at [email protected] Wednesday–Bible Class (except 1st Wednesday) ...... 7:00 pm with inquiries. Song services on 1st Wednesday* ...... 7:00 pm *Home & Family Discussion Evening–Oct, Dec, Feb, and April Laestadian Lutheran Church of Spokane LAESTADIAN LUTHERAN CHURCH (LLC) 279 N Medina St, Suite 150, Loretto, MN 55357 (KKYLZZ!5+HS[VU9K࠮*O\YJO!  Phone: 763-479-2422 • Fax: 763-479-2133 • [email protected] 4HPSPUN!76)V_ +LLY7HYR>( ࠮^^^SSJZWVRHULVYN 6ѝJLOV\YZ! !¶!4¶- Wolf Lake Laestadian Lutheran Church *OHPYTHU!    ࠮:LJYL[HY`!  Chairman: >VSM3HRL45࠮   ࠮^^^^SSSJO\YJOVYN Visit the LLC website at: www.llchurch.org Sunday school (Sept–May): ...... 9:15 am Jim Frantti Site includes: June–Aug Sept–May 1st Sunday: Communion service ...... 10:30 am home: 906-483-0712 Sunday school 9:45 am Service...... 1:00 pm • Live sermons [email protected] Sunday worship 10:00 am 11:00 am 2nd Sunday: Service ...... 10:30 am & 6:30 pm • News and notes Communion 1st Sunday each month 10:00 am 11:00 am 3rd, 4th Sunday: Service ...... 10:30 am Executive Director: • Publications information Friday – Bible class 7:00 pm 1st Wednesday: Song service ...... 7:00 pm Eric Jurmu • Online store Communion 1st Sunday even numbered months all year 6:00 pm 2nd, 4th Wednesday: Bible class ...... 7:00 pm cell: 763-402-3695 • Articles and presentations 2nd Sunday G.P.A. Nursing Home service 2:00 pm [email protected] • Camp activities enrollment PAGE 16 OCTOBER 2018 –DOCTRINE Questions AND L IFEof Our Time Halloween and All Saints’ Day

ALL SAINTS’ DAY falls on November 1 in our church holy day on the preceding evening. Hence the evening concern among believers and in the larger community. calendar. The origins of this holy day go back to the Early before All Hallows’ Day was called All Hallows’ Eve, which Communities and religious groups responded by organiz- Church’s practice of commemorating the death of Christian eventually changed form to Halloween. ing safer ways to observe Halloween. martyrs. By the third century, because the number of mar- It is unfortunate that while the name Halloween has roots In the past many believers participated in Halloween tra- tyrs was so great and the identity of many unknown, it was in the Christian calendar, the Christian element has largely ditions and celebration without giving the origins of the more practical to establish a single day for the commemora- disappeared and the pagan traditions and the commercial holiday much thought. In recent decades, there has been tion of all martyrs. aspects prevailed in the observation of the holiday. discussion in local congregations about the roots of this  $OO6DLQWV·'D\ZDVÀUVWREVHUYHGLQ0D\$IWHU&KULV- Halloween in America holiday and how it is celebrated. tianity spread to the British Isles, the holy day was moved The seeds of our Halloween tradition arrived with Irish Symbols of the Power of Darkness to November 1, apparently to coincide with Samhain, immigrants in the late 1840s. In recent decades Halloween Nowadays Halloween symbols and traditions tend to be which was the Celtic observance of the end of harvest and has become a major holiday and retail event, for which associated with death and evil and the power of darkness. the beginning of the darker half of the year. Celts believed consumers spend billions of dollars. These include blood and gore, ghosts, goblins, witches, that at Samhain the boundary between the worlds of living bats, skeletons and evil spirits and demons. There are no and dead could be more easily crossed. Thus there written records from millennia ago which would were various rituals and practices involving honor- indicate how this imagery relates to pagan celebra- ing or protecting oneself from the dead. Therefore tions of the end of the harvest season. the placement of All Saints’ Day on Samhain was a While most people do not take these images and logical one. associated legends seriously, there are some who In the fourteenth century, the Roman Church dabble in or seriously practice pagan rituals and reli- added another church holiday, All Souls’ Day. It was gion. Neo-pagans acknowledge that Halloween is a observed on November 2. Whereas All Saints’ Day day when they worship their gods and goddesses was set for the commemoration of martyrs, All and practice their rituals. Souls’ Day was for the commemoration of all the These practices are clearly contrary to the teach- departed believers. All Souls’ Day also accommo- ings of God’s Word. They cast Halloween in a dated the Catholic doctrine of purgatory and the darker light, one which has led a number of religious practice of praying for the souls of dead Christians groups—including our church—to re-evaluate their trapped in purgatory. stance on Halloween. Lutherans rejected the doctrine of purgatory because there is no basis for it in Scripture. Follow- How We Believe ing the Reformation, All Souls’ Day was dropped In discussions among believers on this topic, there from the Lutheran calendar and both Christian mar- was agreement about the need for watchfulness in tyrs and other former saints are remembered on All observing Halloween. The darker sides of that day Saints’ Day. along with e.g. the movie industry’s emphasis on blood and gore are disturbing and worrisome. Believ- The Purpose and Message of All Saints’ Day ers wish to heed even the scriptural admonitions to The primary purpose of the church calendar is to avoid the appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). UHPHPEHUWKHOLIHRI-HVXVDQGVLJQLÀFDQWHYHQWVLQ In discussing this topic, the understanding has church history. It began with the observation of Easter emerged that believing homes would not send their and Pentecost and gradually developed to include children out trick-or-treating. When unusual or other events from the life of Jesus and the church. exceptional situations arise, it is hoped that Chris- In some cases, the dates of Christian holy days tian freedom would prevail. Here, too, believers ZHUH À[HG DV D FRXQWHUSRLQW WR SDJDQ KROLGD\V want to be mindful of the dangers of both over- Christmas and All Saints’ Day are two examples of watchfulness and leniency. Above all, it is important this. In doing so, the Church sought to give believers that Christian love not be broken. an alternative holiday, one that would focus on sal- Schools tend to bring Halloween into the curricu- vation history and the message of the gospel rather lum as part of American culture. This may include than pagan worship. observing Halloween in the form of a class party. The message of All Saints’ Day is the message of Believing children participate in school activities victory over death through trust in Christ’s grace when the activities are not contrary to faith and and mercy. The Bible itself gives us a good example keeping a good conscience. Many schools monitor of how we ought to remember the former saints in their Halloween festivities closely out of respect for the letter to the Hebrews. The author lists many for- various religious beliefs in their communities. mer saints, a “cloud of witnesses,” and reminds us of the faith by which they “obtained a good report” What Do We Celebrate? (Heb. 11). This message was obscured under the cult Local believing congregations have over the past of saints that had developed in the medieval church. years arranged activities at church as a wholesome The Reformation again sounded the true message of alternative to Halloween. The desire is to focus All Saints’ Day. attention on the Christian holiday of All Saints’ Day The Augsburg Confession states: “It is also taught rather than on a secular holiday. When the focus is among us that saints should be kept in remembrance on remembering those saints that have gone before, so that our faith may be strengthened when we see Halloween-related concerns dissipate. what grace they received and how they were sus- In a world that is increasingly battered by secu- tained by faith. Moreover, their good works are to be larism, the need for Christian toe-holds increases. an example for us, each of us in his own calling… The Christian calendar provides these toe-holds that However, it cannot be proved from the Scriptures families and individuals can cling to in the face of that we are to invoke saints or seek help from them. secularism’s spread. They offer us opportunities to ¶)RUWKHUHLVRQHPHGLDWRUEHWZHHQ*RGDQGPHQ take time in our daily lives to turn our attention to Christ Jesus’ (1 Tim. 2:5), who is the only saviour, life’s most important matter. the only high priest, advocate, and intercessor before The message of All Saints’ Day in particular is God (Rom. 8:34). He alone has promised to hear our one of comfort and hope. As we struggle against our prayers. Moreover, according to the Scriptures, the own sin-corrupted selves, the knowledge that former highest form of divine service is sincerely to seek saints have achieved their victory assures us that God and call upon this same Jesus Christ in every time of helps us in our trials and tribulations. We are QHHG¶,IDQ\RQHVLQVZHKDYHDQDGYRFDWHZLWKWKH reminded of God’s grace and of the forgiveness of father, Jesus Christ the righteous’ (1 John 2:1)” our sins in Jesus Christ, our Savior. He already con- (Augsburg Confession: Article XXI). Pranks have long been associated with Halloween. They quered sin and death. Even a seemingly playful cel- ebration of dark, evil forces and sin-goblins pales in com- The Connection between All Saints’ Day stem from the traditions of Samhain. The Celts had a rigid social order that ceased to exist during Samhain, the “night parison to Jesus’ glorious promise: one day He will remove and Halloween of the dead” between one year and the next. This allowed the border between the world of the living and the dead and In North America, the holiday of Halloween is the day the powerless peasants to wreak mayhem and mischief give eternal peace and blessed rest to all who believe. before All Saints’ Day, which was previously called All Hal- without consequence on folks of higher status. lows’ Day. Because Christians have traditionally observed In modern times, pranks and mischief have sometimes Adapted from “All Saints’ Day—a Christian Counter- holy days from sundown one day until sundown the follow- turned to outright vandalism and cruelty and caused grave point,” by Jon Bloomquist, previously published in Voice ing day, it became common to begin the observation of a of Zion, October 2004.