As you know, I recently returned from ten days in Nairobi, Kenya, where we held our annual Riga Luther Academy intensive and I co-taught a course (Didactics and Catechesis). While in Africa, I also interviewed some candidates who are applying to our seminary for the upcoming academic year. I am amazed by the way the … Continue reading Dear friends and supporters of our ministry to Germany and across Eurasia!
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). I know a lady here in Germany who, in the past several years, has rejected her faith in Jesus Christ no less than ten times. Not surprisingly, … Continue reading Jesus Carries Us
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” … Continue reading Baptism – A Rite of Initiation?
“…upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed” (taken from Isaiah 53). I am currently in Nairobi, teaching Riga Luther Academy students from Europe and Africa at our summer intensive. I flew here from Hamburg via Amsterdam. On my way here, I had several hours to kill … Continue reading Dramatic Career Changes
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Some Christians are in favor of screens in a church service, while some are not. I do not aim to wade into that discussion here. But this image caught my eye in a recent Persian Lutheran worship service, with praise songs … Continue reading Free Indeed!
I am currently preparing to teach Riga Luther Academy seminarians at our annual in-person summer intensive. These summer courses are normally conducted in Europe, but this year will be held in Nairobi, Kenya. There are two reasons for this location: Some of our seminarians are wrapping up their 4 1/2 years of studies, but have still not … Continue reading Dear Friends and Supporters of our Ministry to Germany and across Eurasia!
Jesus says, “Rejoice with Me, for I have found My sheep that was lost” (Luke 15:6). Last year, a teenage Iranian girl was taking baptismal instruction in our Persian Lutheran church here in Hamburg. At the beginning of our course, I asked her why she wanted to be baptized. Her story surprised me. Some ten … Continue reading A Lost Sheep
Jesus says, “Rejoice with Me, for I have found My sheep that was lost” (Luke 15:6). Last year, a teenage Iranian girl was taking baptismal instruction in our Persian Lutheran church here in Hamburg. At the beginning of our course, I asked her why she wanted to be baptized. Her story surprised me. Some ten … Continue reading I Have Found My Sheep
“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Very early yesterday morning, I was walking to Hamburg’s main station. I had to catch a train to preach and give a missionary presentation in a country church on Ascension Day. As in many cities, Hamburg’s central station is located in … Continue reading Joy Comes with the Morning
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day” (Exodus 20:11). Currently returning to Germany from Klaipeda, Lithuania. The Lutheran Church in Palanga had invited me to teach a seminar on Six-Day Creation. This topic is dear to my heart, … Continue reading For in Six Days the Lord Made Heaven and Earth
The Tiews in Germany 