St. Johns Lutheran Church in Springfield Virginia has been running a pilot program of Prayer Walking inspired by the experiences described in the book “Why Pray?” which is listed on the Prayer page of this blog. The following are the descriptions of one participant’s experiences in two days. The pilot has had one or two teams of at least two people walking and praying inconspicuously through the mall daily between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Neighbor to neighbor at Springfield Mall
By Eric Klanderman

Week 1: Wednesday, December 3, 2008

I stopped by SJLC to see if anyone else might have signed up – they had not so I proceeded to the mall

Between leaving SJLC and arriving at Springfield Mall, I contemplated what I was about to do, and decided that I would first walk around the perimeter on the outside. It is possible to do this entirely on sidewalk with a few exceptions. A couple stores have loading docks that create “breaks” in the perimeter. There is a set of steps to negotiate near J.C. Penney. For one very short stretch on the southeast corner, and about 40-50 yards on the northeast corner, one must walk on parking lot/traffic lane. As I approached the mall from my car, I could only muster up, “Lord of the universe … Lord of the universe…., Lord of the universe…” about 10-12 times before I focused on why I was there. First, I prayed for the handicapped who come to mall and have to find and use the parking lots designated for them, and gave thanks for those so eligible but who are able to leave them for others more in need. Then I prayed for those who wish they could use those close-in spots because they’re juggling packages and a stroller and a toddler, but must use something farther out. Then I thought to pray for those who have to juggle packages as they negotiate public transportation or one of the shuttle services. Then I prayed for the safety of those who would come later in the day and have to park farther out in the lot, in the dark, and maybe cold. Took about 20-25 minutes to circle the entire perimeter before entering the “Food Court” area from the east side off Pioneer Drive. Tasted a couple yummy sample morsels. Prayed for Food Court workers, especially those who struggle with weight problems and must work around tempting smells. Prayed for Salvation Army workers who seemed relegated off onto Macy’s arm. Then found them to be from St John’s, manning the Angel Tree there for 16 years – they like the spot; used to be next to a Disney Store. Prayed for the police – they have a station there. Prayed for kiosk workers who, likely, must stand for several hours and probably have to have fairly strong bladders – at least those working alone with nowhere to sit. The crowd on a Wednesday noon was fairly thin – those I did encounter were friendly. One complete walk of each arm of the lower level took up the rest of my lunch hour – next week I’ll start on the upper level and see where the Spirit leads from there. The height of activity seemed to enter from the east (near Target & Food Court on Lower Level) followed by Upper Level on the west side. I’ll let the Lord decide on how well he heeds my pleadings, but I can state quite clearly that I felt more at peace within myself for having contemplated how He might help our neighbors at Springfield Mall.

Neighbor 2 Neighbor – 2nd week, Dec10, 2008

This week I got off to a late start due to a VERY lengthy phone call at work. I stopped by SJLC once again to see if anyone else may have availed themselves of the time slot I chose. This was no hardship, as I had food stuffs to drop off for Koinonia. As there seemed nobody else on the N2N calendar I left for the mall, arriving about 12:30.

The conditions of my arrival made me think to pray for all those who are frazzled by the materialism of what the Christmas season has become (including for myself), as we scurry from one place to another. This time set aside to reflect on how God can bring peace to an otherwise hectic day makes me believe that in some sense that part for which I pray is answered by virtue of the praying. My hope is that the Holy Spirit envelopes those around me as He seems to do for me. Today I drove, rather than walked, the perimeter of the mall, so praying took a back seat to driving just to negotiate the route. But things seemed a bit busier this week than last, and I had to search a little to get a spot where I wanted to be near the Target entrance. Pray for patience for those who seem desirous of a round of “bumper cars” while trying to get just a little closer to the door of their choice.

Weather today was damp – pray that shoppers are able to stay dry, and if it snows or freezes that they stay upright as the blacktop turns into a skating rink. I noted a couple interesting ad posters – Honda will have to tell you if they work. Above is a cupcake dressed with white frosting and chocolate chips with the word “CRAVE” underneath. Beneath that is a Honda automobile with the letters CR-V (adding a shadowy “A” around the dash in CR-V and a shadowy “E” at the end. I wonder if the advertisers know what they are doing – while I certainly like cupcakes, and chocolate chips I wonder if enticing me to want sweets will steer me, or anyone, to the car they wish to sell. But it did lead me to pray for those are in financial straits because they buy in response to just such impulses, even if at far smaller amounts than required to purchase an automobile. And if there really is such a thing as an “addiction” to shopping that those so afflicted may seek and find the help they need to get away from such unhealthy desires.

Having left off on the lower level last week I proceeded to the upper level. The view as one proceeds around the pathways of that level gives the impression that it ought to be the one that a person ought to use if you had to choose just one of the two. Probably just because it’s more exertion to keep the head raised and looking up. I was once again struck by how much it appears the kiosk workers must be a special breed to stay on your feet for all those hours – usually with nowhere to sit down, etc.

Remember small children who come with parents. Springfield Mall has its carousel, and the children (few as they were) seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. On the other hand, the carousel, the toy stores, and things like a salon, “Cartoon Cuts” seem destined to set up confrontations between parents and those children on their mall treks. Pray that the children are honoring their parents and that the parents honor their heavenly Father by caring for His little ones.

Here is a suggestion for other N2N participants. Springfield Mall is running a drawing over the season called “25 Days of Giving” One may enter every day (at the Info Center near the carousel ) for one chance at one of two $500/person ($1,000/day) cash payments. Enter your name with a commitment (to yourself, I’ll not watch) that if you were to win you would donate your winnings to Koinonia for a local family. I say Koinonia, because according to the information there, Koinonia is somehow involved one day of this period to accept the prize for a local family – wouldn’t it be nice if we could make it yet another.

We should pray for the employees of all the mall stores. It’s a tall order as there are many of them. Some are probably temporary and will be out of a job in a couple weeks. Pray that they are kept safe from criminal types who may be engaged in shoplifting or even robbery of their places of business.

An hour can fly by quickly – and mine did. May God bless the Springfield Mall, its customers and its inhabitants.

Pastor Jonh Meehan of St. Johns Springfield.

Thanks for sharing your prayer-walking experience, Eric. My own experience from last Sunday afternoon was a blessings in many ways. The Scripture lessons from worship kept going through my mind, leading me to new ways to pray as I walked along. There was lots of activity going on when I was there, with many people out and about. While walking, I stopped by to talk with John & Helen Dell at the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree display. There are some very sobering statistics about need and giving level this year – more cause to pray.

Two stories of boldness follow. The first is an Ablaze For God’s Mission report from Holy Cross, Towson MD, a congregation who averages 50 people in worship on Sunday, with 108 confirmed/baptized members. The Lord led them to generosity in their Ablaze! for God’s Mission response. The second is about an Ablaze! outreach activity by Jordan Mission, one of the 22 ministries being funded through Ablaze! for God’s Mission.

“Ablaze” Beginnings at Holy Cross, Towson – MD
by Gene E. Merrell

When I first hear of Ablaze, I had little enthusiasm for it. Mistakenly, I thought it was just another money-raiser for the Synod. Holy Cross was already facing financial difficulties and I was new to the Congregation.

Then Dr. Diefenthaler attended a circuit pastor’s meeting at First Lutheran, Towson on Thursday, May 10, 2008. He explained the several aspects of Ablaze, including prayer support through partners and witness training for lay members. He also had sample literature for all of us at the “Winkel”.

At that meeting, Dr. Diefenthaler canvassed the pastors present and asked what plans their congregations had for participating in Ablaze. At my turn to respond, I explained that Holy Cross had not conducted a stewardship program for some years. My plan was to introduce a low-key effort during Advent. I felt the congregation was still gaining confidence in me.

Having completed the stewardship program at the end of 2007, I presented Ablaze to the Planning Council in January of 2008. The officers approved an effort for mid 2008. In applying for a guest speaker to explain and promote Ablaze, we were fortunate to find Dr. Diefenthaler available for Feb. 2, 2008. He spoke at the 9:00 a.m. Bible class, 10:00 a.m. Worship Service and afterward met with the officers and any other lay members interested.

By a glad happenstance, the new Specific Ministry Pastoral Program came up for questions and discussion. Since the Planning Council already had been investigating the possibility of a vicar assignment for Holy Cross, the SMPP drew immediate and hearty interest. This eventuated in Holy Cross calling a member of the congregation, Mr. Thurman Frey, to serve in the pastoral office while studying on-line for this formal ordination. He started serving the congregation in mid-August of 2008.

Meanwhile, plans for an Ablaze effort proceeded. Mr. Neil Munshi, and assistive executive director of Holy Cross, volunteered to chair a guiding committee. The planning council also canvassed its members and determined on early preliminary responses that $12,000.00 seemed a reasonable goal for the congregation. Mrs. Gloria Bose supplied a variety of promotional materials. Mr. Munshi gathered a small committee, and (although there were some delays) the entire congregation was canvassed.

To this point the congregation has gathered gifts and pledges totaling $14,280.00. There are also plans to continue bringing Ablaze to the congregation’s attention. Especially through the monthly Messenger, the aim is to move beyond the financial aspects of our effort and tell of area and District mission efforts, to support Ablaze by Sunday and individual prayers, and by developing witness and mission program locally.

In my new position as mentor and supervising pastor for “Provisional Vicar” Frey, I am not in frequent detailed contact with these current efforts. But I am confident the congregation will keep and hopefully exceed it’s pledge, and will move ahead with further prayer and witnessing.

An Ablaze! Event at Jordan Mission:

Jordan stepped out into the community with both feet on December 13. Four tons of snow set the stage for a wonderful community event where we had the opportunity to meet many new faces and families. From sledding to family pictures with a snowman there was plenty to do all afternoon. Inside the community building, families were making Advent wreaths and Chrismons learning about the true meaning of Christmas. The children especially enjoyed the puppet shows that were held every hour. What better way to tell our neighbors about the new church than to give them an early Christmas present, a snow day.

It is truly a joy to talk with people and tell them the support that we are receiving from area churches to begin Jordan Lutheran. People are excited to hear that churches are working together to reach out beyond their own walls; what a wonderful testament to the mission minded focus of the entire region.

During the end of January, Jordan Lutheran will hold a preview service at the theater for the launch team to learn how we will turn a theater into a house of worship. When services begin on February 8 we want to be sure that we are ready for God to move in mighty ways. As we walk by faith, I am constantly shown how through prayer God has opened doors and given us opportunities to tell our community about Jordan Lutheran.
You can learn more about this mission at: http://www.jordanchurchnc.org/. Pastor Mike Merker is the Mission Developer and his email address is: pastor@jordanchurchnc.org

From President Jon Diefenthaler

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age.” Galatians 1:3-4a

I am delighted for several reasons that the approaching Christmas season will focus our attention once again the incredible gift of God to our world that we see in the Child born in Bethlehem.

For one thing, this makes me all the more grateful for the generous gifts and commitments that you have made to Ablaze! For God’s Mission. Because of you, we are approaching the $5.5 million marker toward our goal of $6 million, and we are well on our way to starting at least 100 new ministries and congregations within the Southeastern District by October 31, 2017.

Secondly, I want you to know that the global economic crisis of recent months has made it all the more important for us to reach, if not surpass, this goal. Like so many of our congregations, the SED has experienced setbacks with respect to income sources we need to fund our budget for this year as well for 2009. Nevertheless, it remains both our desire and our firm intention to fulfill the commitments we have made to those new missions and workers who are depending upon the support that we have promised.

Finally, I believe there is a unique spiritual opportunity in all of this for each of us. What has been heightened is not only my sense of God’s grace toward our world in choosing to rescue us from the “evil” that is imbedded in all aspects of life in the “present” as much as any other age. I also see the God who has blessed me beyond measure in so many ways now challenging me to put more of my trust in Him, and as I seek to serve Him through the church of His Son, Jesus Christ, to step out in faith with greater boldness.

Stepping out in faith, listening to God’s voice, sharing the Gospel with another, praying for a new mission, sharing from the abundance of God’s blessings in one’s life – each and all are ways that we are witness to an amazing God.

LCMS’ congregational statistical reports for 2007 show continued decline in membership, increase in specialized ministries and increase in total contributions. The average worship attendance reported was 165.7 compared to 172.5 in 2006. The average amount given during 2007, per communicant member, is estimated at $762.79. (This is an increase of $32.79 from the previous year.) These statistics, submitted by only 2/3 of Synodical congregations showed decreases the areas of new members by profession of faith, children baptized, adults and children confirmed.

from Jerry: Today, we knocked on 36 doors and at one of the opened doors, we met Mary B. who professed faith for the first time. She said that her sister had taken her to a Baptist church in DC a few times a long time ago, but initially she did not know what to think about Jesus and had a general idea that there was a god, but no idea of how to have a good relationship with him or what happens to a person after they die. We went through a presentation of the core of Christian faith. She said it made sense to her, and we prayed. I asked if she had really said in her heart that she believed she was a sinner and could not save herself, and that she believed that Jesus died to pay for her sins, and that God raised him from the dead to show that he accepted that sacrifice. She said that she believed it, so I said that God had made her a Christian already.

As of October 2008, 148,699 faith-sharing moments have been recorded by the Southeastern District Office. To share your story, email sjhiller@se.lcms.

Administrator’s note: I debated putting this one out there as it is my own. On-the-spot confessions of faith are rare in my experience. We are part of the great cloud of witnesses that the Holy Spirit uses to bring His love and the Gospel message to people. Usually we continue to do this by faith without seeing the fruit, but occasionally we are privileged to be there when He seals the deal .

When the SED Exec staff meet, they often spend time sharing faith-sharing experiences. At a recent meeting they shared moments that occur naturally during the day. Here are a few examples of the open doors of opportunities that God provides: Rev. Bill Seaman daily walks in his neighborhood with his dog. As he encounters others who are walking (especially their dogs), he has the opportunity for conversations. Many times, he has enough time to direct the conversation to the blessings of God in our everyday lives.

Sally Hiller was in a store where the cashier began a conversation that included his concerns about his future, relationship with his girlfriend, and faith. She was able to ask the question: “Do you know who Jesus is?” God provided the right moment and an empty store for this faith sharing moment.

Steve Heemann shared that he no longer looks for the open door of opportunity, because God is bringing people to him. Immanuel, Baltimore is participating with the Lutheran Mission Society and has a Compassion Center (thrift shop) on Saturdays. As people come through they have an opportunity to speak with someone and share in prayer. Steve is one who is listening, sharing Jesus, and praying with those who visit the Compassion Center.

God indeed opens the door of opportunity in every day ways for us to share Jesus Christ with another. Walk through the door. We do have the best news of all to share with the world!

Last week our Mission Development Academy teams shared their celebrations and prayer needs. I want to share them with you so that you may remember them in your prayers as God uses each to reach people with the Gospel.

North High Point, NC is giving thanks for work that is completed on defining a mission and vision for the new outreach work. A dedicated planting team has worked through core values and developed a mission plan for the new ministry. They ask for prayers as they work to determine a time line for getting started, gathering a core group, and identifying a mission track vicar. The Mission Planting Team consists of members from Fountain of Life, Kernersville NC and Grace, High Point NC.

New Kent, VA has learned that planting new ministries is all about God’s plan and timing. They also realize that it is about relationships and not about buildings and land. They are gathering momentum and look to begin worship soon. They, too, are seeking to enlarge their core group of people who will dedicate the next 12 months to 2 years to begin the worship center. They are praying for patience and God’s divine wisdom as they move forward. They want to have the attitude of Jesus that sees challenges and potentials instead of obstacles and closed doors. Information about New Kent may be found on the website for King of Glory in Williamsburg.

Open Door Fellowship, Weddington NC celebrates the opportunity the planting team had at the Mission Development Academy retreat to developed very specific objectives, goals, and tasks. This work has given them the focus they needed. Now, they also see the challenge to develop a strong core team of individuals who will provide leadership and presence to the new ministry. They are giving thanks for their sponsoring congregation, Messiah in Charlotte and look forward to the growing mission partnership that is developing between the two ministries. (Read more about this mission at: http://www.opendoornc.org and http://www.messiah-nc.org/open-door-fellowship.html).

Crossway, Norfolk VA rejoices that they are able to see how God is leading this planting journey in the midst of the urban setting. They give thanks for all that is happening: reaching previously unchurched people, gathering regularly for worship, interacting with college-aged students, sharing the Gospel, and seeing the ministry grow. They are praying that God will continue to power the momentum that is shaping this outreach work and that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it will continue to grow. (You can learn more about Crossway, where they connecting real life to genuine faith at http://www.cwnorfolk.com/)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:16-17

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.
Sally J. Hiller
Mission and Ministry Executive
Southeastern District, LCMS

Dear Mission Prayer Partners,

These are incredible days! The opportunities we have to share Jesus seem to increase everyday. I spoke with a member of one of our congregation’s who said: “I used to be afraid of sharing faith with another but now it is so natural that it happens without my thinking about it. All of a sudden, I find myself in the middle of a conversation where I am talking about who God is and what he has done in my life. I even have the courage to ask them if they know Jesus.” That’s what being Ablaze! is all about – letting the Holy Spirit use us to share the Good News with another.

I am giving thanks for the many who are sharing the Good News. The Southeastern District set a goal of 2.5 million faith-sharing events by 2017. Already more than 194,000 have been reported. While it may seem to be an impossible goal from my own human view, I know that with God all things are possible. I read the following quote in my morning devotions: “You serve a big God. You don’t need to become intimidated by the grand scope of the things you pray about. They may be bigger than you are, but they are never bigger than God is.”

Join with me in praying for the 2.5 million people who will hear about Jesus as we lift his name in deeds, in conversations, and in praying for the work of new mission outreach throughout the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Thank you for your mission prayers, they are making an eternal difference.
Sally J. Hiller
Mission and Ministry Executive
Southeastern District, LCMS

“Bethlehem Marketplace”, an interactive play presented by The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Olney MD, is about the journey to the Bethlehem village of over 2000 years ago on the night of Jesus’ birth. More than 100 members of the congregation, 60 of them in full costume, are involved in the production. Over 600 people attend the production each year. What a great event to involve the congregation in an outreach effort.

Last year, a dream of having a public crèche display in Greenwood SC came true. The church sponsored a night and 1-day display in an empty store within the local mall. Mrs. Phyllis Krohn and other members of the congregation were present to share stories about the various displays. As they did so, they had wonderful opportunities to share the real meaning of Christmas. The event made the front page of the paper and Greenwood Lutheran, Greenwood SC enjoyed being able to share with the larger community.