In this Issue…
1. UPDATE ON TSUNAMI
Through God's amazing grace Lutherans all over the world are making an impact on the relief efforts to the Tsunami victims. Over $75,000 was raised in January!
In South Africa R 12,900 was received in January and R 5,000 in February . We thank all the donors and especially the ELF, Phoenix and Greytown Lutheran congregations for their contributions. “ LHM is fortunate to have ministry centers in India , Sri Lanka and Thailand so that our skilled staff there, which knows the language and culture, can deliver both comfort and assistance of a physical and spiritual nature,” said Rev. Walt Winters, Director of International Ministries.
Where survivors in India asked for God's Word, they received Bibles and LHM's spiritual booklet “Why Do Bad Things Happen?” in the Tamil and English languages. LHM is also providing clothing, hot plates, tea, towels and soap.
In Sri Lanka, the traumatized survivors also receive the booklet “Why Do Bad Things Happen?” in the Tamil and Singhalese languages, as well as blankets, T-Shirts, and shorts for children, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, bottled water, powdered milk, rice, sugar and other staples.
In Thailand, where the Thai government and international aid organisations are already providing enough food, water, and medical supplies, LHM is supplying survivors with mattresses, bedding, mosquito nets, cooking supplies, and “Why Do Bad Things Happen?” in both English and Thai languages.
Currently our efforts are evolving into providing longer-term help to those who need it most. Your prayers and financial support are vital in ensuring we meet the long term needs of survivors, for it is during the long-term that LHM can have the most impact in witnessing Christ's love through counselling, scholarships and volunteer efforts.
LHM anticipates the need for volunteers with construction skills to rebuild homes that have been destroyed by the tsunami. If you are interested in volunteering and can pay your own airfare to one of the affected countries, please contact Christel Scharlach on (011) 791-1661. LHM will contact you to see if you are available at the appropriate time. Volunteers should be aged 25-65, in good health, active members of Lutheran congregations, and be willing to share their faith with Tsunami survivors.
FOR A FREE COPY OF THE BOOKLET “WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN?” please call Marilda Naidoo at (011) 791 1661.
2. MINISTRY AT FERNDALE HIGH
God has arrived at Ferndale High. Ministry outreach to the students has finally become a reality. It all started when one of the parents thought that something needed to be done for the school and asked if LHM-SA if they could get involved with the students.
Things began to happen. For months, there was very little progress made in the school and God was telling us to be patient. One day we were introduced to Oliver Bromley, an ex-Ferndale high school student, who was ministering to students during the break on Fridays. We then met the principal, Mrs. King and she told us “YES”! God ha d opened the doors of the school to us and we are going to teach all four of the Grade 8 classes in 2005.
The next step was to find and train teachers. We met with local congregations and partnered with Scripture Union (SU) to use their Education Department approved “All the Right Moves” course. SU sent Paul Bodnarchuck and he trained the facilitators and presenters in the first week of February.
On February 11 th , we began the ministry program at Ferndale High School . The students enjoy the classes, especially Lucas Baloyi's dramatic rendition of the “Prodigal Son.” Teaching is not possible without having patience with the children and being flexible! Classes were cancelled because of swimming lessons, we ran out of study books and the class schedule is seriously confusing for those over the age of 18.
The team is made up of Dennis and Craig from Liberty Church , Josef from ELF, Paul from SU and Christel and Lucas from Lutheran Hour Ministries. We work well together, helping out with skits and encouraging each other with words and prayer .
It is so great to know that there are principals and schools that realize the need for God in the schools and that there are open doors to schools that provide for ministry opportunities. We have experienced just how much the “learners” also need teaching in spiritual matters – teaching that most don't receive at home any more. What the children learn about today determines who they will become in their future, is critical that their path toward adulthood includes a strong faith in Jesus Christ.
If there is no proper provision for Christian teaching at schools in your area and you would like to make a difference, please contact Christel at (011) 791 1661 for more information.
After negotiations and other preparations the team, Christel Scharlach, Birgit and Josef Henning, arrived on Friday 25 February to present the Engage, Equip, Proclaim (EEP) course at the congregation in Philippi near Cape Town. At two ‘o clock some of the Pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (Cape Church), including Bishop Nils Rohwer, and Pastor Reinstorf of Felsisa , were addressed by Josef Henning on the topic of leadership while Christel Scharlach introduced Lutheran Hour Missions and its work to us as well as what resource material we can get through LHM. They presented each Pastor with a book parcel which included the book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”, by John C. Maxwell.
Twenty five people gathered on Saturday morning to get guidance on how one might live out the Christian faith. Five sessions were presented under the following themes: 1. The modern Church, 2. The modern Christian, 3. Who I am in Christ, 4. God's plan for me, and, 5. My own serving ministry. The course was rounded off on Sunday after the service under the theme: 6. The rest of my life. Each participant received a workbook in which the whole course presented by Pastor Josef Henning was neatly summarized. I'd like to share with you something I underlined in the workbook under the heading “To Love God is to Serve Others”: Submitting and learning to be a servant is the hardest struggle you will encounter, both in your Serving and in your daily faith. Stop telling God how things should be done and report for duty .
I attended a conference presented by “Willow Creek” from the USA some years ago. Many things that I heard once again popped up in the EEP course. However there is one great difference: The EEP course is well grounded in our Church's doctrine of baptism. As a Pastor of the Lutheran Church I felt comfortable with the course and am happy that I “let the team loose” on my congregation. I was also pleased by the fact that here at last is a course presented by Lutherans for Lutherans in the languages of our country; in our case, Afrikaans. What is also gratifying is that it can be presented over a weekend. Members of the congregation together with their Pastor can attend. I believe we have been encouraged to express our Christian faith in practical ways. It is, of course, now up to us to put what we have learned into practice. We need your prayers.
Arthur Becker. (Pastor)
4. R 80,000 LOSS AT LHM-SA
We apologize to our readers for not producing a newsletter in February!
Thieves broke into our office during the night of February 1. This time they entered through the roof, disconnected the alarm system and had the whole night to steal from us.
We were unable to record any radio programmes and Doc Fick lost three years' of weekly programmes.
Many people asked us why God would allow such things to happen to LHM-SA – a ministry – and we don't know. But we have come to see God's wonderful hand in the way in which He helped us through the difficult time. Through His grace and mercy this month has turned out to be one of the most fruitful.
We want to thank all the people who were there for us, who prayed for us, brought flasks with hot water for coffee (yes, even the kettle was stolen!), who repaired the damage and helped us get replacement values for all the equipment for the insurance claim.
5. MINISTRY STATISTICS
Prison Ministry - Inmates received 610 Bibles, Bible Study lessons, booklets or other material this month, apart from the weekly time of ministry.
Radio Ministry – 256 listeners of “Spotlight” and 168 listeners of “Rainbow FM” received LHM booklets. We also prayed with some of the people and call them again to see how they are doing.
Newspaper Outreach – There were 11 requests for the “AIDS” folding booklet offered to readers of the “Daily Sun”.
Web site Ministry – We had five requests for booklets and Bible Study lessons.
BCC Ministry - There are currently 503 students enrolled in the “Real Life” and the “True Life” Bible Correspondence courses.
Thank You to the 14 donors who donated an amount of over R 31,900.00 this month. This is the most that LHM-SA has ever received locally! We truly appreciate all your prayers and support and we would like to invite you to come along with us to Ferndale High School and Johannesburg Correctional Services, or to visit us at the office! Your support of time and resources is truly appreciated.
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