Dear Mission Prayer Partners,

Living Hope, Stafford is at a critical moment in the building-opening process. They are praying to be able to welcome children on Tuesday, September 7, which is the first day of school in their area. Being open to coincide with the start of school will make a tremendous difference in the ability to sustain and grow this new ministry.

As it is with many new construction projects, the list of what is yet to be done and the permits needed feels insurmountable. This is a call to prayer – specific, intentional prayer for this ministry that any obstacle that might be holding it back would be overcome in time for welcoming children.

I wrote to pastor Gary Rueter and asked him what we could specifically pray for. This is his response:

1)Clean water. Twice we have failed on our site to get water that is clear of particles. It’s now identified as a County system problem and a hydrant across the street from us will be opened and flushed until it flows clear. That should allow us to pass the water inspection on our property.

2) With clean water the fire sprinkler company can begin to complete the connections on its system and then begin the three or four days of tests to make sure everything is functioning.

3) At the same time the electrician needs to complete his task and to get the fire alarm panel installed and functioning.

4) Next the fire alarm company will come on the scene and program the system to operate correctly. We are told that can take them weeks (not days).

5) We also were informed yesterday that the bio-retention storm water management system must be totally functioning before we can get occupancy and it is barely begun. Monroe Excavating is responsible for the clean water and this bio-retention facility as well as bringing the playground area to grade and several other items. So prayers for Monroe, the electricians, and the sprinkler and fire alarm folks are definitely in order.

6) In the meantime three external doors need adjustment by the manufacturer to fit the hardware that we have (the doors were incorrectly shipped and they will not arrive on the scene until Sept 8, but should complete in one day.) We also have much touchup; caulking proceeds apace; and some siding is awaited to complete the outside.
Instead of being days from completion as we had been led to believe, we are more likely into weeks. At this point we are still holding to the Sept 26 dedication, but you can tell that is also in jeopardy.

Please begin fervent prayer on behalf of this ministry. Invite others to join you. Let us pray for the responses needed and the tasks completed so that Living Hope can welcome little children and their families next Tuesday.

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.

Closing Headline
10:02 am Prayers for the Harvest and Workers

Don’t forget to set your cell phones alarm/alert to 10:02 a.m. and pray for the Harvest and Workers. Luke 10:2 Jesus told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Deaconess Sally J. HIller
Director of Congregational Outreach
Southeastern District

Prayer Notes August 24, 2010

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Colossians 4: 2-3.

Dear Mission Prayer Partners,

It was only a moment but it happened – a Gospel connection. My husband and I were at Wendy’s for lunch. Once we received our meal, we bowed our heads and said out loud (not too loudly) the table prayer. We didn’t think much about it, we always give thanks before we eat. But someone else noticed it and she was moved to come to our table and mention that touched her that we would stop to say a prayer. Her eyes filled with tears and I asked her if we could pray for her. She leaned over and whispered “My husband has been dead for almost a year and I miss him.” I held her hand and in silent prayer, listed her up for strength and peace. She left thanking us for being unafraid to pray at Wendy’s.

Just a moment, an unintentional witness that touched the heart of another. It is for moments such as those that we are in constant prayer, asking God to somehow work through our imperfect witness so that another may be connected (again) with Him.

Do not grow weary, keep on praying. Our constant prayers for the sake of mission is opening doors for missionaries, new ministries, and new relationships. Keep on praying, you never know who will catch you.

During these next weeks, remember Circuit 4′s Mission Committee as they continue to work on a new African Immigrant Outreach effort in the Bowie-Crofton (MD) area. They are asking for specific prayers that the details with the hosting congregation will soon be completed, a mission developer is raised up, and that hearts will be opened as news about this new outreach is shared within the community.

Our Prayer Goals for 2010
Let us join our hearts and voices as we pray for:

Those who do not know Jesus Christ and the joy of His salvation for them.
The work of mission outreach teams, missionaries, and outreach efforts that will make a Gospel difference in our communities.
Boldness in each of our lives that we will regularly share the Good News of Jesus with others.
The continued growth in prayer partners for mission. (Our goal is 3000 pray-ers and a prayer team for each new mission.)
For 750,000 recorded faith-sharing events.
For the work and the people of the Convention of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.

Closing Headline
10:02 am Prayers for the Harvest and Workers
Don’t forget to set your cell phones alarm/alert to 10:02 a.m. and pray for the Harvest and Workers. Luke 10:2 Jesus told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

In Prayer
We pray with thanksgiving for the ministry and service of LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick and pray for God’s blessings and wisdom to be upon LCMS President-elect Matt Harrison as he prepares to take office on September 1, 2010.

Prayer Requests
Let Us Pray:

+ Dr. Dave Falkner, Principal at Concordia, Hyattsville MD is recovering from surgery.
+ Rev. Dave Betzner (Interim, Christ Community, Leesburg VA) recovering from oral surgery.
+ With thanksgiving to God who kept Rev. Don and Teacher Marcia Schaefer (Our Savior, Rehoboth Beach and St. John, Dover DE) safe during an auto accident.

Calls Pending

+DCE Nathaniel Brewer (Rancho Cucamonga CA) to Grace, Durham NC to serve as Director of Christian Education.

Calls Declined

+ Rev. James Wiggins (Peace, DC) to Faith, Mobile AL

Installation

+ Vicar Tom Roma was installed at Concordia, Conover on August 8.
+ Rev. Karl G. Schuler will be installed as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Woodbridge, VA, on 8/29/2010.
+ The Rev. Lawrence M. Eckart will be installed as Pastor on 9/12/2010 at Island Lutheran Church, Hilton Head, SC.

Transfer In

+ Rev. Arthur L. Gillespie, Emeritus, transferred from Atlantic District to Southeastern District.

SED Sunday is coming this Fall!
Throughout the Fall, members of the staff and the Board of Directors will seek opportunities to share with congregations through worship and Bible study our thanks for you and the creative partnership that enables us to be one district together in mission. If you are interested in having a speaker in your congregation, please contact Sally.

Position Available

First Lutheran Church, Huntingtown, MD is seeking a part/time youth director for our middle school and high school youth ministry. We are a growing congregation just south of Washington D.C and are committed to the youth of our congregation and their discipleship. We are looking for a Youth Director who is faithful in his/her own prayer, worship and fellowship life and wants to share his/her leadership gifts and talents through service in youth ministry. The position will be part/time (12 hours/week) to start. For further information and salary or to send in a resume, contact First Lutheran Church at 410-257-3030 or firstlutheran@flc-lcms.org or DCE Shawn Maassel at 301-332-9801.

Women of Faith Tickets Available!

First Lutheran Church of Huntingtown, MD  has a block of tickets for the upcoming August 27-28 Women of Faith conference (Over the Top.) We have 9 tickets left and are looking for individuals or groups who might be interested in attending!  The tickets are $89 for both the Friday and Saturday conference at the Verizon Center, Washington D.C. and include boxed lunches both days.  Please contact Shawn Maassel at 301-332-9801 if interested.

Southeastern District, LCMS
6315 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22310
800-637-5723

Thank you for your ongoing support of Ablaze! for God’s Mission

Already 63% of pledges for Ablaze! for God’s Mission have been fulfilled. Thank you for this support of ministry, which enables new efforts to continue. As this newsletter is being prepared, LINC Baltimore is at work gathering school supplies for inner-city youth who are in need of these basic tools for education. Crossways Mission in Norfolk VA, who is in a corner storefront in Downtown Norfolk, has filled a prayer window with the petitions of people who both worship at Crossway and travel the downtown sidewalk. University Christian High School will open the school year with a new principal and a commitment to be accredited within two years.

Yet, this is the beginning, already Mission Developer Glenn Lucas is working with congregations, mission committees, and circuits to begin work in 5 new areas, such as Zion Praise Tabernacle an African Immigrant Ministry seeking to plant in the Bowie MD area. Currently, the creative partnership of the Southeastern District has begun 57 new ministries toward the goal of 100. Again, thank you for your contributions that are making this possible.

From LCMS President Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick
to the members of the Southeastern District:

Dear President Diefenthaler, Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Grace and peace be with you, from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

On behalf of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, I express sincere congratulations and thanks for your generous response to the Ablaze for God’s Mission campaign. Along with those of many others in our Synod, your gifts help fuel the fires of our Synod’s effort to reach lost people for Christ.

Through the generosity of many individuals and congregations, the Southeastern District has been and will continue to be able to support mission development in those local and regional locations most needful of such mission endeavors. In addition, LCMS World Mission will be able to support new mission endeavors across our nation throughout the world. Your gifts will not only help plant congregations and train and support leaders, but they will also encourage personal witness opportunities as people share their faith with those who have not yet heard the Good News of God’s love in Christ.

It is my prayer that your generosity will help inspire others throughout The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod to make sacrificial gifts to support mission outreach. It is evident that you have taken to heart St. Paul’s counsel to Timothy to …”fan into flame the gift of God…” (2 Tim 1:6a).

It gives me great joy to add a word of sincere appreciation for the efforts of the Southeastern District staff, especially District President Jon Diefenthaler, for tireless commitment to this worthy cause. Without such leadership the campaign simply would not have achieved the success which resulted from much prayer and selfless expenditure of time and energy.

Once again, thank you for your commitment and dedication to the Ablaze for God’s Mission effort. May our gracious Heavenly Father bless your gifts to extend His Kingdom and bless you richly for your participation in His mission.

Sincerely, in Christian love,
Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President
The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

Two Southeastern District Congregations Recognized at Synod Convention

At the 64th regular convention of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, three congregations were recognized for participation in Fan into Flame (Ablaze! for God’s Mission). Two of the three were from the Southeastern District: Mountainside Lutheran in Linnville NC and Prince of Peace in Springfield VA.

Mountainside Lutheran Church: The congregation, with 54 baptized members, was formed only five years ago and uses a church building at Camp Linn Haven. Members far exceeded a Fan into Flame goal by raising $279,000, Zehnder said.

Together with its own funds, Mountainside recently received a $900 grant from the Fan into Flame campaign to help purchase a refrigerator/freezer for Volunteer Avery, a social-service agency that provides food to needy people in Avery County, according to the congregation’s website.  Donors can now provide perishable items for distribution through the ministry items it could not accept before.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church: Members established a goal for themselves that each member should aim for seven critical events each year.  A critical event occurs when one member witnesses about Jesus, and the hope that is within him or her, to another person, so that person may encounter Christ. In Phase I of its Ablaze! fundraising effort, Prince of Peace reported it had recorded more 600 critical events and exceeded its goal of raising $185,000 to support Ablaze!

Phase 2 placed more emphasis on mission to our neighbors. To date, the congregation has raised $410,000 for Fan into Flame, and has focused on church planting, including an Ethiopian community,



Shalom!

Wow! What a Summer.  the Lord has provided many opportunities for
mission. I have been blogging regularly at www.aohe-dc.org but
newsletters have fallen between the cracks.  I have now caught up.  You
can read the newsletters by going to the blog and then to the
newsletters page, or by clicking on the links provided below.

May Newsletter

June Newsletter

July Newsletter

I seek your prayers, your participation, and your support.

In His name

Jerry Lucas
Mission Advocate, Apple of His Eye-DC
PO Box 351
Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

www.aohe-dc.org
www.appleofhiseye.org
jerry@aohe-dc.org
On Twitter: @aohe_dc
On Facebook: aohe-dc

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ. Colossians 4: 2-3.

August 10, 2010
Dear Mission Prayer Partners,

“It is amazing that a poor human creature is able to speak with God’s high Majesty in heaven and not be afraid. When we pray, the heart and the conscience must not pull away from God because of our sins and our unworthiness, or stand in doubt, or be scared away. When we pray we must hold fast and believe that God has heard our prayer. It was for this reason that the ancients defined prayer as an Ascensus mentis ad Deum, ‘a climbing up of the heart unto God.’”

This quote from Martin Luther describes the wonderful relationship that God desires for us. I can neither earn nor deserve the grace I receive each moment of my life. What a blessing we have each received. It is that same blessing that I want others to experience and why, for me, finding ways to share this faith is so important.

I am giving thanks for the opportunities that presented themselves this day to share Jesus with another and to pray for them. We must hold fast in our prayers and believe that God hears them. It is this very task that we are called to be about as we pray for those with whom we share the Gospel and for each of the mission needs that are presented to us. Do not grow weary, for your prayers are making an eternal difference.

During these next weeks, please pray for Living Hope, Stafford VA. They are so close to opening. There are many smaller tasks that must be completed before they can get the use and occupancy permit. They had hoped to have students in a summer program by the first of July. Dedication and opening of the program will take place in October. Please pray for Rev. Gary Rueter and Director Lori Schneider as they continue to move forward with staffing this ministry and seeking enrollment. Pray that families will come forth and enroll their children. Pray for the workers that are needed to run such a program. Pray for the congregation that their work in outreach continues to move forward as they seek ways to be hands and feet of Jesus within the community.

As we focus on the start of the school year, lift up all our Lutheran schools: the workers, the students, and the students who will be coming. Pray that each day as they gather, the Spirit of God fills their hearts and minds with wisdom and understanding. Finally, pray that for each of these students and their families, faith is nurtured and a life-long relationship with Jesus the Savior is formed. We give thanks for the growth of University Christian High School in Conover NC and we look forward to celebrating Open Arms at Living Hope’s first day of school.

Our Prayer Goals for 2010

Let us join our hearts and voices as we pray for:
Those who do not know Jesus Christ and the joy of His salvation for them.
The work of mission outreach teams, missionaries, and outreach efforts that will make a Gospel difference in our communities.
Boldness in each of our lives that we will regularly share the Good News of Jesus with others.
The continued growth in prayer partners for mission. (Our goal is 3000 pray-ers and a prayer team for each new mission.)
For 750,000 recorded faith-sharing events.
For the work and the people of the Convention of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.

Praying through August

for the Mission of the LCMS

Reflect on the new future of the Synod, the work of congregations, missions, and schools. And for the success of our new structure.

Philippians 1: 3-6  Describe the “partnership” Paul speaks of to this congregation. How might this inform us as we “walk together” into mission and ministry in the future?

Pray
O Blessed Spirit, on the Day of Pentecost You came to call unto Yourself a pilgrim people. You entered into the hearts of those first believers, filled them with zeal and courage, and sent them into the world to proclaim the promise of the eternal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Down through the centuries You have blessed Your church as it has reached out to touch the hearts and lives of the people for whom Christ died. We come to You this day to ask Your continued blessing on the church. Where it is in error, correct it. Where it is in danger, protect it. Where it suffers from persecution, preserve it. Where it is weak, strengthen it. Where it is in conflict, give it unity. Where it prospers, grant Your blessing. Bless the work of pastors, teachers, evangelists and all those who go in Your name to bring Your Gospel to the entire world. Open the hearts and minds of those who don’t know You, that they may join with us in proclaiming You as Savior and Lord.

Lord, God, You have called Your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that Your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

New Missions:
Ascension Hmong Mission
Emmanuel, Rockhill SC
Hispanic Mission, MD
Greater Hickory Hmong, NC
Lamb of God, MD
Point of Grace, NC
Hispanic Mission, Northern VA
Mekane-Yesus of MD
Crossway, Norfolk VA
LINC Baltimore
Jordan Mission, NC
Chinese, St Paul, VA
Bridge Hispanic Mission, NC
New Hope Missions, NC
Good Shepherd, VA
Good Shepherd CDC, VA
University Christian High, NC
New Kent Mission, VA

Emerging Missions:
Middletown DE
Hispanic, Baltimore MD
AIM, Bowie MD
LINC Metro DC
Embraced by Christ, Ladysmith VA
South Dulles VA
Christ Our Savior,
Camden SC
Etowah, NC

_____________________________

The Southeastern District (SED) is a regional district of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Connecting people with Christ, the 205 churches, 91 schools and 43 missions are located in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, North and South Carolina. The SED office is located in Alexandria VA.

Closing Headline
10:02 am Prayers for the Harvest and Workers
Don’t forget to set your cell phones alarm/alert to 10:02 a.m. and pray for the Harvest and Workers. Luke 10:2 Jesus told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Deaconess Sally J. HIller
Director of Congregational Outreach
Southeastern District
6315 Grovedale Drive
Alexandria VA 22310
800-637-5723
703-971-9371

August 5, 2010

This communication is sent by Joseph B. Davis of AIM-SED to share notices and information from AIM Congregations and Ministry Partners.   There are some wonderful things happening in AIM that I would like you to be aware.

AIM UPCOMING EVENTS

1.   AIM AWARENESS MONTH- SATURDAY and SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2010

2        Bethany AIM- Global Miracle Prayer Line -every night @ 9pm – 10pm.  Please note the new telephone #:  805-360-1000   pin. 559429 #.   You all are welcome to dial in and experience the wonderful working power of God. If you are unable to join us live on the line, there is still an opportunity to submit your prayer request(s).  Simply go to http://www.lucasjs.com/sedcongregationsablaze/?pageid=1460 and fill out the form and click submit. Thanks for your participation.

3. New Hope International Lutheran Church, 13611 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel, MD 20708

It is our greatest pleasure to extend to you and your entire congregation this invitation to participate in our Church anniversary this year, slated for Sunday, August 15, 2010 @ 4:00 p.m.

The THEME for this year’s anniversary is, “LORD, BUILD YOUR CHURCH!” (Matthew 16:18). And what a privilege to have Bishop Darlington Johnson, Senior Pastor, Bethel World Outreach, Silver Spring, MD, to serve as our guest speaker for this year’s celebration. Bishop Johnson is a global conference speaker who is passionate about advancing God’s mission through church planting. He brings to us a wealth of ministry experience and great insights for God’s kingdom strategy in the 21st century. There are also two special Gospel musical ministries to be featured during our Anniversary Celebration service::  The Ambassadors of Shepherd’s House, Philadelphia, PA; and Worship Minister/Pastor Elenora Mouphouet of Judah’s Generation, Baltimore, MD.

During the program, a free-will offering will be lifted and proceeds will go towards our Building Project. Please be our guest as we enjoy this wonderful moment of God’s faithfulness towards us for the past six years. Don’t forget to please put aside a gift to support our Building project. Refreshment will be served following the service, therefore please plan to stay with us a little longer.

Thanks in advance for honoring this invitation and we look forward to seeing you and the entire church family soon.

For His glory,

Minister John Stemn,
CHAIRMAN, PLANNING COMMITTEE
ATTESTED BY: Rev. J. Orlando Flahn, SENIOR PASTOR
“Bringing New Hope to the Nations”

Prayers:

1. AIM/SED-LCMS MINISTRY
2. VARIOUS AIM MINISTRIES AND PATNERS IN MINSTRY
3. LCMS-MISSOURI SYNOD
4. RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
5. OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD
6. HAITI

I encourage you to please read your email regularly.  Please note that my email has changed. The new one is davis301@clear.net. Please direct all questions, concerns and announcements to davis301@clear.net

Joseph B. Davis
Secretary General AIM-SED/LCMS

August 3, 2010

This communication is sent by Joseph B. Davis of AIM-SED to share notices and information from AIM Congregations and Ministry Partners.  There are some wonderful things happening in AIM that I would like you to be aware.

AIM UPCOMING EVENTS

1.  AIM AWARENESS MONTH- SATURDAY and SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18-19, 2010

2        Bethany AIM- Global Miracle Prayer Line -every night @ 9pm – 10pm.  Please note the new telephone #:  805-360-1000   pin. 559429 #.   You all are welcome to dial in and experience the wonderful working power of God. If you are unable to join us live on the line, there is still an opportunity to submit your prayer request(s).  Simply go to http://www.lucasjs.com/sedcongregationsablaze/?pageid=1460 and fill out the form and click submit. Thanks for your participation.

3. New Hope International Lutheran Church – New Hope Int’l Lutheran Church celebrates its 6th Anniversary (August 14-15, 2010).
Activities as follows:
1. Saturday, August 14: Sport Day, Soccer Tournament, BBQ, etc. Venue: Montpelier Park field, Laurel.
2. Sunday, August 15: Anniversary Service @ 3:30 p.m. Guest Speaker: Bishop Darlingston Johnson, Bethel World Outreach Ministries International, Silver Spring, MD. Venue: 13611 Laurel-Bowie Road, Laurel, MD 20708.  Special Guest Musical groups: Worship Minister Elenora Mouphouet, Judah’s Generation, Baltimore, MD and The Ambassadors, Philadelphia, PA.

Everyone is invited!

Prayers:
1. AIM/SED-LCMS MINISTRY
2. VARIOUS AIM MINISTRIES AND PATNERS IN MINSTRY
3. LCMS-MISSOURI SYNOD
4. RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
5. OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD
6. HAITI

I encourage you to please read your email regularly.  Please direct all questions, concerns and announcements to davis301@cox.net

Joseph B. Davis
Secretary General AIM-SED/LCMS

Thank you all for your prayers and your support of this year’s Tending the Flame. It was a powerful, exciting, and uplifting event.

This morning at the prayer breakfast, Dr. Jonathan Blanke who teaches at the Japan Lutheran Seminary was with us to share the incredible work of this mission. Dr. Blanke is set and supported through LCMS World Mission. You can follow his story through the LCMS World Mission.

Directors of Christian Education Jennifer Hills and Barb Haar served as emcees throughout the weekend. They facilitated the Prayer Breakfast leading a time of prayer for mission both globally and locally.

The weekend was wrapped up with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper that gathered us as one family in Christ and sent us out as one District in mission. President Jon Diefenthaler was the preacher and he reminded us that “Mission is not a church project. Mission is not just a priority. It is a 24/7 way of life in which we get to be blessing people.”  He also said that for much of the people outside the church, scripted outreach is like junk mail and they won’t even open it. That is why we must be the church in the midst of life – sharing the One who life was given for the world.

There are so many people who assisted in making this event possible. Justin Gaines was the videographer who captured the event. Watch for a video summary. Andrew Kassouf and Joel Armes developed and led a wonderful teen event. Sirpa Quinn, Cathy Long, and Cindy Haupt from SED staff were ever present and helpful. Donna Lucas was put to work in a host of areas. And as people walked by and offered to help – we put them to work. Thank you all.

Nest year’s theme will address family and multi-generational mission and outreach opportunities. We look forward to welcoming Mary Manz Simon, Joel Dietrich, Victor Belton, Marilyn Sharpe, and Dien Taylor on July 29-31 in Richmond. And, lest I forget, Echelon will be back for the teen program and our very capable Child Ministry team has promised to return.  Mark the date – July 29-31, 2011.

And now, as God has blessed you, may you bless others in His name.

Sally Hiller
Tending the Flame
July 30-Aug.1
Holiday Inn Koger Center
Richmond VA

“Blessed to be a blessing.” The call of Abraham in Genesis 12 is our call today. We know the story, we live in the full confidence of the promise of Christ who has given us everything through his own sacrifice. We, who have been blessed by God, are the “blessing people.” What opportunities today will we have to bless another – to be the church to another?

This theme carried through Reggie McNeal’s presentations as well as others. Esther Johnson, a sophomore at Concordia-Nebraska and a member at Ascension, Landover Hills MD shared the story of how after she had to return to her home country of Liberia without the hope of remaining in the U.S. for college, her high school principal remembered her. And through that action, an answer to prayer, the door was opened for her to return and attend Concordia where she could be study to become a Lutheran teacher and share the Gospel message with children in her home country.

Joe Murchinson, a member of Our Savior, Laurel MD, founded Side by Side a non-profit group working with students and families in partnership with the local school. He shared the story of how the local faith community came together to be the church to a family in crisis.

The stories of being the church filled the day. Ed Reich, Messiah Charlotte NC, brought greetings from the Lutheran Laymen’s League and described the wonderful partnership LLL has with the District. Sarah Guldalian, Lutheran Hour Ministry, told of the new resources available for congregations and teens. She shared that the new Mission U, through LHM, was given birth through the SED Mission U program last year.

Conference gatherers had ample opportunity to attend workshops – more than 50 were offered. The workshops included topics such as developing a congregational prayer team, how to use demographics to understand who is living next door to the church, how to raise healthy young boys, sharing the faith, what the Bible has to say about sharing the faith, welcoming your neighbor – and the list goes on.

A special event in the Conference was the evening Festival of Mission and Music. Random Calling (St. Stephen’s music team) started this event and Echelon (a Christian music ministry who worked with the teen program) continued with music interspersed  presentations from SED missionaries. We heard about the new work being done in Baltimore, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Conover-Hickory, Bowie, and through the compassionate outreach of the Lutheran Mission Society. We were blessed with the ministry of the Liturgical Dance Team from Resurrection, Richmond VA. At the end, LCEF Vice President Steve Heemann and his assistant, Cindy Haupt, shared a bit about the partnership LCEF has with congregations and investors. And in a special drawing, Rev. Ken Fuehler became the recipient of a Kindle.

So much flooded the day – this is to give you a glimpse of what took place. I’ll send one more report – after Sunday’s prayer breakfast and worship service.

Sally Hiller
Tending the Flame
July 30-Aug.1
Holiday Inn Koger Center
Richmond VA