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“Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil” and “when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away” (Mt 13:5-6; 20-21). *** A while back, Lula and I were on Usedom, a Baltic island off northeastern Germany—part of what was once Pomerania. I … Continue reading The Plow of the Gospel

In last week’s baptismal preparation class, a young Iranian said, “Pastor, I recently watched an exorcism movie. Do demons really exist?” “Actually, they do,” I replied. “In extremely rare cases, they can haunt buildings and even possess people.” The room fell silent. “I’ll tell you what…for next week, please read the Gospel of Mark.” The … Continue reading Do Demons Really Exist?

Last Sunday, “Mohammad” and I were talking about how Riga Luther Academy is looking for men wishing to become pastors. “I *do* want to become a pastor and teach people about Jesus,” he replied. “But I can’t go to seminary…I’m a sinner.” Riga Luther Academy—the online English-language Lutheran seminary where several of LCMS missionary colleagues … Continue reading We Are All Beggars

“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:11-12). Earlier this week, Rev. Dr. Gottfried Martens from Berlin, the pastor of the largest Persian Lutheran congregation in Europe (over 1,400 Iranians and Afghans), … Continue reading Persians On Church Field Trip to Hamburg

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13). *** September has been another busy month. The academic year started at Riga Luther Academy. We are blessed with ten new students—living in Germany, Finland, and Turkey (in addition to our sixteen now second and third-year students). Our new students include … Continue reading Dear Friends,

Lula and I are currently on vacation in the US. In preparation for our outbound flight from Hamburg, we scheduled an appointment for screening. This allowed us to enter the security area through a side entrance, bypassing hundreds of travelers who did not have an appointment. All we had to do was swipe our boarding … Continue reading What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?

Last week Lula and I attended the birthday party of one of our grandsons who turned five. Many parents were there as well. I chit-chatted with one dad about business, and he shared that he is self-employed. I told him that long ago I had been in the business world myself, but that after about … Continue reading My Boss is in Heaven

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Cor 3:6). For us missionaries in Eurasia to spiritually plant and irrigate, we need two things, both of which are guided by the Lord: continued prayer and support from you—our generous friends across the LCMS—but also financial experts who work through myriad budgets, spreadsheets, and … Continue reading They Have Our Backs

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor 6:14). *** I have been meeting with many Iranian parishioners, helping them prepare for their asylum court hearing. Our goal is for them to give a good defense of their Christian faith because, if their request is denied, they might well be deported. After one such … Continue reading Do not be yoked together with unbelievers

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor 3:6). This past month has been extremely busy, as I gave missionary presentations in three different churches across Germany, attended the LCMS Convention in Milwaukee on behalf of the Office of International Mission and Lula and I attended the OIM retreat in Latvia. At the same time, … Continue reading Summer Blessings