[Content warning] “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). Back in Hamburg, I recently met with an Iranian parishioner who is preparing for her asylum court hearing. Our Iranian congregants—like all asylum seekers in Germany—have to defend their Christian faith before a judge. As always, there is tension in … Continue reading The Shedding of Blood
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters” (Ps 23:2). Lula and I are back in Hamburg after eight weeks of home service during which we were blessed to have 25 appointments in ten different states. I was able to share with many people how the Lord is blessing … Continue reading Dear friends and supporters,
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Back in Hamburg after instructing at Riga Luther Academy’s Summer Intensive in Lutherstadt Wittenberg this past week. At our “youth hostel” (Colleg Wittenberg), we bumped into a group of students from Concordia Ann Arbor, whom one … Continue reading Love and Mercy
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!” (1 Chr 16:34). The Lord is doing amazing things among Iranians in Germany and also back in their homeland. Although Iran is officially 98.5% Muslim and its mullah government is infamous for causing political unrest and wars in the … Continue reading Do You Know a Farsi Speaker?
“For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Week 9 of home service, winding down our travels in the U.S. *** I recently met a young lady who shared a touching story with me. She and … Continue reading For Where You Go…
Lula and I have been on home service since early April. So far, 22 stops in almost a dozen states… Thank you SO much for all the love and support you are extending to us as we get to meet many of you in person. In my missionary presentations across the U.S., I emphasize two … Continue reading Dear Partners in the Gospel
“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” (Mt 25:35). Week 8 of home service. I was recently on my way to LCMS Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa, where I had been scheduled to present. Since there are no hotels or motels within a … Continue reading Finding Wayne and Zola
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little. I will set you over much” (see Mt 25:14-31). Week 6 of home service. Praise God, I have now joined up with Lula again. We are staying near the home of our daughter Carlotta, her husband Jacob, and their new baby, Jane, … Continue reading Workers in the Lord’s Fields
“…Seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear” (Mt 13:13). Week 5 of home service. Stuart, Iowa. Just attended the Iowa West District pastors’ conference. Yesterday late afternoon I was sitting in the hotel parking lot, catching up on emails. It was still sunny, but dark clouds were approaching from the west. … Continue reading A Jewish-Ukrainian Lady in Iowa
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Jn 14:6). Week 4 of home service; currently near Omaha, NE. I spent most of the day in my hotel room, catching up on desk work and preparing for tomorrow’s presentation at Holy Cross in Carlisle, … Continue reading The Door to Heaven
The Tiews in Germany 