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LHF publishes 500th book

Every month, in some part of the world, two or three Lutheran books are printed by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. This summer, LHF released its 500th publication: the Latvian edition of Eyes, Ears and All My Senses, a catechism workbook for teenagers.

 “The book is used already by our Sunday school teachers in parishes, and pastors will use it in their confirmation classes,” said Juris Ulgis, LHF’s project coordinator for Latvia. “[Books like this] help parents raise their kids as Christians.”

Eyes, Ears and All My Senses was first published in English by Concordia Publishing House in 2000. 

“The idea is to introduce different activities that would help teenagers learn the basics of Christianity not in ‘dry lectures,’ but in an exciting and active environment,” explained Ulgis.  “Our Latvian churches still need literature which deals with Christian education among our children, and this book will be very helpful in fulfilling this important task.”

Latvia was one of the first countries where LHF began its work 17 years ago. At that time, Christianity in the former Soviet Union was beginning to revive after years of repression by the atheist Communist government.

Today, thanks in part to the Lutheran books LHF has distributed, there are over 300 Latvian congregations in three Lutheran church bodies.

“It is fitting that this LHF milestone was reached with a book for the Latvian people,” remarked Rev. James Fandrey, LHF executive director. “When LHF first began its work there so many years ago, we of course had no idea how powerfully the Holy Spirit would work in Latvia. It’s been a blessing to be a part of that exciting growth.”

“There are no other organizations in Latvia which do the kind of work LHF does, meaning the translating, publishing and distribution of Lutheran literature among parishioners and public Christian bookstores,” said Ulgis, shown at right with several LHF publications. “We are the only source from which people can learn about a Lutheran worldview.”

"No oNE else in Latvia does LHF's work"

by Juris Ulgis
Coordinator of LHF projects - Latvia

When it comes to producing Lutheran literature in the languages of the people, there is no other organization in Latvia that does this kind of work.  I see the importance of LHF's work in several areas:

1. Educational, especially among Lutherans. We are the only source from which people can learn about a "Lutheran worldview."

2. Missionary.  We distribute our books and "Good News" journal in public, Christian bookstores. In this way, many people who belong to different confessions are able to find out who "those Lutherans" are.

3. Catechetical.  Our books are used in catechetical instruction very much and are very popular.

4. Academic.  At Luther Academy (which prepares pastors for service in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Latvia), many students still do not know English or German. Due to LHF's work, they are able to read good doctrinal and theological books.

5. Child and youth education.  LHF publishes books which help parents raise their kids as Christians.

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