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MISSIO Advocates serve as direct links between congregations and LHF. They keep their churches informed about LHF activities and encourage them to become more involved in supporting missions and, more specifically, the work of LHF. To learn more about being an Advocate, click here.
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By Rev. Robert Rahn
Founder, The Lutheran Heritage Foundation
December 2009 - There are a host of things that are reasons for disappointment and dissatisfaction in the direction the church and country have recently taken. I prefer not to dwell on those things.
Instead, it’s the season to give thanks – and a good time to thank you for your loyal service and commitment to the LHF global mission.
Recently, my wife and I took a bus trip to see the Christmas shows in Branson, Mo. During that time, discussion was taking place about what ornaments would be used on our national Christmas tree in Washington. In other corners, merchants were discussing whether they should avoid the term “Christmas” in the interest of “tolerance.”
But in Branson, we were given a new sense of appreciation and confidence that there are many who have a good grasp of the season, and in every show there was a pause to recognize veterans and our troops serving overseas. What was even more encouraging was that in every show, an emphasis was clearly given that we should not lose the real meaning of Christmas.
Here is a clear reason to give thanks!
At the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, we receive plenty of evidence almost on a daily basis that the Word works. I’ll just mention Finland as an example.
Rather than summarize the work going on there, you can link to a 10th anniversary report given by Rev. Juhanna Pohjola, head of LHF Finland (pictured at left with his wife).
When Juhanna finished advanced studies at Concordia Seminary-Fort Wayne and went back to Finland, he was declared unfit to be ordained because he refused to accept women’s ordination.
At that time, my advice to him was to start an LHF unit and produce confessional literature. Then, look around to see if he could start a congregation faithful to the Lutheran confession.
Rev. Pohjola’s report tells the story of 20 congregations since organized!
Recently LHF provided hymnbooks, Bibles and Sunday school materials for an English-speaking congregation to form in Helsinki. Ever since the first service on Aug. 2, 2009, the attendance has been close to 40.
- The privilege of making His Name known among the nations through the books and materials printed and distributed.
- The service of sainted leaders, Bishop Andrew Mbugo Elisa, Sudan, and Rev. John Sundarum, India Coordinator.
- The service of your pastors and teachers.
- The success of the Word in Finland.
- Those who uphold the true meaning of Christmas.
- The huge demand for the Spanish Bible with Catechism. Our supply is now exhausted.
- Gifts from individuals, schools, congregations, groups for a second printing of the Spanish Bible with Catechism.
- Individuals who have remembered LHF in their estate plans.
- For the leadership of the Rev. James Fandrey, LHF executive director, and for the leadership of the LHF staff at home and abroad.
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