Wednesday, 23 April 2008
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Catching Up!
Monday, April 7
A gathering of Yesterday’s Youth took place at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. I made a presentation on Outreach/Church Planting from my church perspective. These Yesterday’s Youth are:
- the ones who proclaim/ed the word of redemption and reconciliation to others in word and deed and who enjoy it today.
- today’s church treasure
- today’s church resource
- the coaches of today’s youth
Do Yesterday’s Youth have some advice for today’s youth about:
- worship and Christian ethics…..?
- developing a sense of ownership with regard to the church….?
- faithfulness and loyalty……..?
Are today’s youth ready to:
- attend to the advice of Yesterday’s Youth ….?
- Follow in their footsteps…..?
- continue the ministry in their turn….?
Tuesday, April 8
I went with Bishop April Larson to South West Prairie to give a presentation on the Charismatic Movement at the South Pastors’ Conference. It is to be remembered that the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus is the fastest growing and the 2nd largest Lutheran church in the world. The charismatic movement, the ministry of lay ministers and volunteers, the commitment of each and every individual to witness Jesus Christ to all people, and the wholistic ministry of the church are some of the factors that contribute a lot to the growth of the church. The charismatic movement in the EECMY is handled within a Lutheran context. Often times I underline that the charismatic movement is neither Pentecostal nor Lutheran by its nature, but biblical. The word of God is always new and God use new ways to convey the good news of salvation through all ages.
Wednesday, April 9
I gave a Discipleship presentation to the 7th-9th grade confirmation classes (youth and adults) at English Lutheran church during the evening. In my experience at home, confirmation class is not considered a graduation but rather another chapter in the growth of spiritual life that leads to faith active in ministry, both in the church, and outside of the church. Thus, as a disciple, each and every Christian has a dual responsibility—to follow Him and at the same time to serve Him.
Thursday, April 10
The day was reserved for the women’s group at St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Crosse and I made presentation on Women’s Ministry in the EECMY. We discussed the vision, mission, and goals of the EECMY’s Women’s Ministry.
Saturday, April 12
I went to Our Savor’s Lutheran Church with Dave Bersagel, the pastor of the church. I preached Saturday evening and at the two Sunday morning services.
Sunday, April 13
In between the two Sunday services I made presentation on the EECMY driving force, Wholistic Ministry. In the history of the EECMY, 1970 is a remarkable year because two very important events happened. Wholistic Ministry was adopted as a church motto and the charismatic movement burst into the church in February of the same year. These two ministries are very important vehicles to convey the proclamation of the Good News to all humankind both within the country and outside its borders.
In the afternoon I went to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for a Prayer Workshop which was led by Pastor Mike, the Associate Pastor of the congregation. Believers from neighboring congregations also participated in the event. I was privileged to speak on the power of prayer from my church perspective. I underlined that Prayer is the breathing of our spiritual life as we offer unconditional worship to Jesus Christ. Scripture is the means by which God speaks to us and prayer is the way we speak our innermost thoughts to God. I also noted that EECMY members pray as individuals, as families, and as a Christian community in the church , both for personal needs and for the wellbeing of society at large. After supper we prayed over some individuals for healing.
I would like to extend my thanks to Pastor Jim Arends for preparing a cake for my birthday, which I celebrated for first time in my life.
Monday, April 14
I was at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, West Salem, for a third day and made a presentation on Evangelization & Mission. I was very much delighted to hear that the La Crosse Area Synod is the 2nd fastest growing Lutheran synod in the ELCA. We can learn from one another as we evangelize and reach others with the Good News. It is important to have a mobile pulpit and altar, to reach people where they are.
Tuesday, April 15
I went to Woodland Lutheran church with Lanny Westphal, Assistant to the Bishop, to give a presentation on the Charismatic Movement at the East Pastors’ Conference.
In the evening I attended a Lay Leader Seminar at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Camp Douglas where I made presentation on Evangelization and Mission, using pictures and videos. At the event we once again celebrated my birthday (April 15) with yet another delicious cake—the celebration began at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church!
Wednesday, April 16
At Woodland Lutheran church I made a presentation on Discipleship to the Church Council. After lunch I greeted the confirmation class and introduced myself and also spoke about my church.
A Youth Night gathering took place at Bethany Lutheran Church, New Lisbon, and I made presentation on Youth Ministry in the EECMY. During my presentation I noted that the instructing and inspiring ministry of the youth in the church is a shining model. For more and better achievements the church is working hard on maximizing the ministry of youth in the church’s ministry.
I am very much thankful to the East Pastors’ Conference for organizing such big Youth Night and for offering me such a great opportunity to speak to young people.
Thursday, April 17
At Bethany Lutheran Church, Mauston, I had a chance to lead the Bible Study program.
After lunch I made a presentation on women’s ministry in the EECMY at a women’s gathering at Coon Valley Lutheran Church.
In the evening a meeting regarding sexuality was conducted at Coon Valley Lutheran Church in the presence of Professor David Tiede from Augsburg College. The document was presented for public comment in order to develop it as a church document. Even though everybody has a personal view regarding sexuality, yet as a church there should be a voice that reflects her stand.
Friday, April 18
I went to Westby with Pastor Dennis Hallemeier.
Saturday, April 19
I made a presentation on Wholistic Ministry for the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church council. Wholistic Ministry, serving the whole person, is the motto which the church will continue to serve until the coming of Jesus Christ. I appreciate the Coon Prairie Lutheran Church council their eager desire to hear about the ministry of my church.
Sunday, April 20
I preached at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and between the two services I had a very interesting time with the children and also with the adult forum which was accompanied with different questions and answers.
In the evening I preached at the New Lisbon State Correctional Institution. I would like to extend my thanks to Pastor Mark Teslik, the chaplain, for his cooperation in arranging for me to serve there and for providing me with transportation back to La Crosse—it was such a long distance late at night. I would also like to thank the government officials for their smooth cooperation during my service at this institution.
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