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Matthew Keranen | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- In October 2019 the SRK, our sister organization in Finland, published Myrskyjen keskellä, Suomen Rauhanyhdistysten Keskusyhdistyksen historia 3 (1962–1980). This title in English is In the Midst of Storms, History of Central Association of Finnish Association ]]> This is the third in a series of books on SRK history. It follows Protected in Two Shells (2010) and Expanding Gospel Work (2011). The LLC has published a summary in English of these two history works under the title Expanding Gospel Work (2012). In the Midst of Storms tells the history of the SRK during the years from 1962 to 1980. It is not the history of Christianity, nor is it a history of local RYs, rauhanyhdistykset (Associations of Peace, i.e. local Conservative Laestadian congregations). The source material is mainly from the SRK archives. In addition, interviews were conducted with those who were in roles of responsibility in the SRK during the time period in question. SRK representatives share that this history book aims to describe objectively, based on sources, what happened, why it happened and what the consequences were. It is important to view the study as a whole in order to get a thorough, overall picture of the time period covered in the book. During this time period, there were difficulties, and God’s blessings and guidance were also truly evident in the work in Christianity. In discussing this book, SRK representatives stated that they felt it was necessary to publish this book and the timing of it is good. SRK Board Chairman Matti Taskila wrote, “God has prepared a suitable time to confront recent history.” We at the LLC are interested in this book for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we wish to read more about the history of our sister organization. Because our organizations have worked together for decades, their history is partly our history as well. Moreover, as has previously been printed in this periodical, we have embarked on our own history project. In 2023, the LLC, formerly AALC, will celebrate its 50th anniversary. The LLC Board has allotted resources for a book to be written on the 50-year history of our organization. Keith Waaraniemi will research and write the book and I will serve as project manager. We consider it very important for believers to know our common history. A backward view on where we’ve traveled, what we’ve overcome and how God has guided our every footstep as an organization gives us assurance that He will show us our path forward as well. While God’s kingdom remains, its workers and work fields change over time. May we preserve our story for the dwellers and workers to come. It is valuable that through our history project, the younger generations will have access to objective and factual information on LLC history. To learn more about the SRK history project and the book in question, I interviewed Markku Seppänen and Ari-Pekka Palola and translated their answers into English. Markku Seppänen is chairman of the SRK Publishing Committee, which oversees the contents of all SRK periodicals, recorded albums and books. Ari-Pekka Palola is SRK’s Publishing Director. He wrote and researched the SRK history books, and Markku oversaw the review, editing and publishing processes. The following interview contains Markku’s and Ari-Pekka’s answers in their entirety. What does the SRK hope to accomplish in publishing a series of thorough historical studies? Markku: It has always been important for believers to follow in the footsteps of believers who went before us. We can learn from their lives. We can follow the phases of the battling congregation and note how God has guided and protected on the foundation of God’s unchanging Word. He has been present in the midst of adversity as well. The most recently written period of history from 1962 to 1980 was distant enough from the perspective of historiography, but also near enough. It is yet possible in the form of interviews to hear the experiences of those still living who carried responsibility at the time. Ari-Pekka: Knowing the history of Christianity has been deemed necessary in order for us to understand present-day matters and so we would have a clear picture of e.g. what the issues were in various schisms. Schisms and many other issues relating to phases of Christianity were so complicated that unraveling them has required extensive and thorough research. Otherwise, we would not have gotten the correct overall picture of them. Why is it important to know your history? Ari-Pekka: It is good to know what kinds of phases have led to the present day. This has not been at all self-evident. Many things that are a regular part of life in Christianity today have come about in a particular situation for a specific purpose. Similarly, many decisions have been made in particular circumstances and they are easier to understand when they are examined against that backdrop. The history also includes many events and schisms, the effects of which are still visible in many ways. How do you explain the benefit of this work, in a nutshell, to a young person? Markku: I would like to tell them that it is good for us to learn from the past. From history we can see how the doctrinal foundation of faith has remained the same. God has blessed and guided those who trusted God’s Word and those who were preserved in the love of believers. From history we see how the work of the gospel has progressed. In an open and objective history writing one can find answers to questions or false rumors that weigh on one’s mind. The falls and wrongdoing of individual believers may have been generalized to apply to all of Christianity. For most on the outside, the Bible’s teaching of one kingdom of God has been the greatest stumbling block. A wrong spirit causes discord and confusion among Christians. The reason for schisms and false doctrines seems at all times to be that a person grows in his or her own mind and falls away from the place of a child. Then love grows cold and there often comes a judgmental and rationalizing spirit. At the worst, God’s congregation can begin to look cheap and God’s children very faulty. Ari-Pekka: In a nutshell: knowing the past helps to understand many things that one may wonder about. It also gives the opportunity to avoid repeating mistakes that have sometimes been made. How objective is it possible for one to be studying the history of Christianity “from the inside?” Markku: Ari-Pekka Palola is a recognized historian. The SRK history study has been conducted using scientific history study methods. Personally I even think that the deepest essence of the history of Christianity cannot be studied without understanding and personally experiencing the foundation of faith. In my opinion, a more in-depth history of Christianity requires a scholarly approach that is simultaneously hermeneutic, empathetic and understanding. Still, all research is always flawed. It is also good to note that In the Midst of Storms is not the history of Associations of Peace (RYs) or of the entire Conservative Laestadianism but rather the history of our central organization, the SRK. In reading our history it is necessary to look at the whole entity from the perspective of faith and view events at hand as having been allowed by God. Ari-Pekka: In research, objectivity is always a big challenge when the author belongs to the group that is being researched. The author must at all times consciously strive to examine things objectively and avoid presenting the views of an “insider.” It requires constant awareness. On the other hand, “insiderism” is also beneficial in automatically understanding the nature, meaning and purpose of certain things. One must just attempt to explain them such that even an outsider understands. This book deals with the years 1962–1980. What are your most important findings from this period? Markku: This period of history (1962-1980) was very significant. During this period, Finland, Europe and the whole world underwent a time of strong societal change. Traditional values were questioned and secularization was evident in society and in the church [Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]. This development caused great concern among believers over how we could remain in faith and brotherly love. God guarded His congregation. The work of Christianity expanded and prospered in unprecedented ways. During that time the foundation was laid for current child and youth work with camp centers and various kinds of activities. On the other hand, there were also doctrinal battles. It is most important to see how believers were protected in the doctrine, faith and love of Christ. In Finland only a small group separated from the believers. The Bible shows that there have been times of battle since the days of the apostles. Even these times of crisis have been allowed by God. Even though things that are wrong have found their way into Christianity, there has always existed the correctly believing congregation. Ari-Pekka: The main research findings in this new book relate to how great difficulties and strong growth of work in Christianity existed side by side throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Christianity existed amid great external pressure and in the beginning of the 1960s and throughout most of the 1970s there were also internal difficulties. Despite these difficulties, the work developed rapidly: camp work expanded, the first camp centers were acquired, day circle and Bible class work was started. Publication work expanded, books and recordings were published alongside periodicals. The number of visitors to Summer Services doubled. Also during the time of caretaking meetings the work developed and believers were willing to devote a great deal of time and resources to the work of Christianity. This shows that their faith community was important to them and they wanted to be part of it despite the negative issues. What is your message to people who may be troubled at things that have happened in the past? Markku: At different stages in history there have been difficult times and trials. They are part of life. Such times are experienced in an individual’s life and also in the life of God’s congregation. The challenges of a changing time can create conflicts with living faith. That is why God’s Word encourages us to watch. Unrest has also been caused by doctrinal arguments, false doctrines and schisms. These too are the reality of a battling congregation. God does work through us imperfect and sinful people. Jesus, however, lives amidst His disciples and can calm the storms. Others may have drifted in the battle outside the kingdom of God. Some of them may have experienced wrong, law-minded hardness. God’s kingdom is so precious that it is not worth leaving because of the faults of individuals. To those who have fallen away and to all who made mistakes yet belongs Jesus’ unfathomably great love, inviting gospel and the word of forgiveness. It is most important to remain humble in the place of a child and to personally believe one’s sins forgiven. No one of us can rise above others. In the living congregation the voice of the Good Shepherd is always heard; with love it calls, guides, encourages and comforts. God can protect us in faith. In a miraculous way God protected the believers even in Russia where they lived for a long time under anti-God rule in a closed state and also experienced severe persecution. A book about their experiences will be published in Finland this summer. Ari-Pekka: To people struggling with issues that happened in the past, I wish to say: it is easier to deal with your difficult experiences if you understand the context they are part of. Then you will notice that it is not an injustice specifically against me. Mistakes have been made in caring for many things, and these should be openly acknowledged. This is the case, for example, in connection with caretaking meetings. However, this does not mean that all caretaking meetings and all the issues discussed at them were wrong. Someone may have been talked to about an actual concern, but in the wrong way. It is a more difficult situation for one who was talked to about something that was later deemed unfounded. That has also happened. If those who made mistakes in soul care are still alive, it pays to discuss the matter with them. Hopefully they are ready to admit their mistakes and correct matters on their part. If the individuals are already dead or are not ready to admit their mistakes, it can alleviate your situation if you for your own part are able to forgive them. It is good to remember that they have acted to the best of their understanding and have not made bad mistakes on purpose. How has this latest book been received in Finland? What sorts of discussions has it raised? Markku: Discussion among those outside our group has been surprisingly moderate and calm. It seems to me that the history book has usually increased understanding and calmed the attitudes toward Conservative Laestadians. According to some opinions, the history book should have dealt more with the fate of those who drifted away from the group after the caretaking meetings and also the effects on people of negative aspects related to the caretaking meetings. In past years, Conservative Laestadianism has been labeled by individual abuses during the period of caretaking meetings as well as by false doctrines that do not belong to living faith and which in some places have made their way into Christianity. Those included the demand for public confession, digging into one’s heart, withholding forgiveness and law-minded hardness, which contained characteristics of the New Awakening movement from the beginning of the last century. These issues come to correct light in this new history book. The history book has aroused a great deal of interest among believers. This has also been shown by the book’s sales figures. The reception of the book has been calm for the most part. There has been some discussion on whether it is necessary to use names in addressing the mistakes of those centrally involved in the work of God’s kingdom who have been in error. Most of them have later received the grace of repentance and have passed away in faith. It is good to note this. Handling these topics requires skill and tact while remaining in the truth. It is important to maintain a respectful attitude toward all that has happened and to remember our own weaknesses. No one of us has been protected in faith and on the right path by our own merits, but rather by God’s grace and with the power of forgiveness. Ari-Pekka: The new history book has been well received and it has been read a lot. The first printing of 2500 books sold out before Christmas and we had to print more. Many have said that they’ve read the book and are particularly pleased that it addressed the caretaking meetings openly and honestly. There has been only a smattering of critical comments. In what ways do SRK and LLC’s history intertwine? Markku: These histories have a very natural and close connection. As I understand it, there has been close and equal interaction between the central organizations. Mission work is done in cooperation. Even the older history of Finnish and American Christianity, including schisms, are closely connected. What is important is open and confidential cooperation and discussion of faith, doctrine and life, for which especially in these times there is good possibilities with the development in technology. New history is born every day. Ari-Pekka: The history of the SRK and LLC has been closely linked since the founding of theAALC. SRK’s support was of great importance to American Christians after the heresy. The SRK supported the establishment of the AALC and the beginning of its work in many ways and provided a lot of pastoral or caretaking support as well to American Christianity. This led to a situation in the late 1970s in which the AALC brothers did not dare to make decisions without first asking the opinion of SRK brothers. The SRK sought to avoid such an arrangement and stressed that they are not infallible and are unable to assume such responsibility for America’s affairs. What does the course of history tell about our future? Markku: History tells how God protects His children and congregation even in times of difficulty. We should not be overly attached to personalities or individuals but rather rely on God and His Word. It is important that the voice of the Good Shepherd is heard in all situations and that we would not grow in the work of the Lord. In the kingdom of God, the least is the greatest. The Good Shepherd calls those who have drifted away, loves the fallen with the mind of the Good Samaritan, forgives, lifts, carries and comforts those who erred. The Good Shepherd seeks those who are lost high in the mountains and hills of pride, those trapped in the maze of reason and philosophies and those submerged in permissiveness of sin, and He calls them back into the very middle of His flock to believe. God’s grace is the best teacher. Ari-Pekka: Events in history do not automatically tell anything about the future, but they do tell us what kinds of things can happen in the future as well. There are many phenomena that have tended to recur in Christianity in perhaps slightly different forms. We can assume that this will continue to be the case in the future. And when that happens, we can potentially be aware of the situation and benefit from our past experiences as we respond to it. Your greetings to North American believers and those working onAALC/LLC History Markku: My wife Liisa and I have very warm memories from a speaking trip in 2003. It was wonderful to experience that love and hospitality shown to us. We met dear sisters and brothers, many of whom have already gone to glory. We have often remembered our trip. Our prayer is that we would remain there and here on the same path of faith. It is important to protect the love between children of God. Even true doctrine will not save if love for God’s congregation is lacking. God leads us through this battling congregation to the rejoicing congregation in the glory of heaven one day. We are yet on the journey, children of the day, and we can look to the future with confidence. God will surely help us in all our phases. Working on this history has emphasized to me the importance of remembering past generations with gratitude. In their day, they have spared no effort in serving God’s congregation with their own gifts, correcting their mistakes and acknowledging their weaknesses. Most of them have already reached the destination victoriously. Ari-Pekka: Greetings to the LLC history writers: Try to view things objectively, even when it feels difficult. Don’t try to write the entire history of Christianity in America but focus rather on the phases of the AALC/LLC and examine issues related to individual congregations consistently from an LLC perspective. Be prepared to take a critical look at your own actions as well and to admit your own mistakes openly. Remember that none of us are infallible, neither do we need to be. Also, remember that the history book is not meant to be a history of the kingdom of God and no work can ever be that.

The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4). Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord (Ps. 127:3). But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). These portions of God's Word signify how important a job we as parents have in upbringing our children, in sowing the seed of faith. What they learn as a child often remains with them throughout their lifetime. Teach the ABCs of Faith Mavis Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- In our duty as parents, we are fortunate to have the assistance of God’s congregation. We have our small home congregations where our children begin to learn the simple ABCs of faith. Then we have Day Circle, Sunday school and camps. This work is among the most important work in God’s kingdom. As parents we find these resources a big help and a necessity to reinforce our weak teachings at home. Living faith has remained the same through all the generations. “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us” (Ps. 78:2,3). We believe the same as our believing parents, grandparents and other elders, and can take comfort in teaching our children in the same way the previous generations have taught: Put away sin as it attaches. Strive to keep a clean conscience. Only unforgiven sin can separate people from God. Preach the gospel of the forgiveness of sins often. Encourage the youth in their daily struggles. Open your home to haps and invite the young to visit. I hosted our area’s haps group shortly after my brother Gary passed away. We sang Safe in the Arms of Jesus in his memory. It was such a comfort to be reminded that if we remain believing we too can one day reach the shores of heaven. For those who have lost this gift of faith, we want to show them that we still love them and their undying soul. After my husband Larry received the grace of repentance, he said he had always felt the love of the believers. This meant so much to him. Faith Comes by Hearing It is so important to take our children to services. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Growing up, I remember parents who did not take their children to hear the Word of God. Sad to say, they are no longer believing. My uncle Jake Ylioja sometimes said, “A church without the sound of children is a dead church.” Children are the future of God’s kingdom. Often it would seem easier to leave the children at home or to only listen online. However, we all need the fellowship of the believers whenever possible. For those living away from a congregation, Internet services are a big support – and they can be for all of us. One can sit and listen with the family to a live sermon or an archived sermon. Many timely discussions are also available. This is an additional tool one can use to reinforce the home teachings and give opportunity for the children to sit quietly to listen to God’s Word. Sunday school lessons are also available. Listening to God’s Word is important to all. Even when my husband wasn’t believing, he often went to church with us where he could listen to God’s Word. When God opened his heart, he knew where to go to have his sins forgiven. It was one of the happiest moments in our family to know he was now a child of God and heaven acceptable. And we were reminded that we do not have to understand everything – all we are required to do is to believe our sins forgiven. “Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and he is rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Resources and Helps LLC publications are a big asset: books, audio recordings and periodicals. The Illustrated Home Bible is a storybook Bible that is simple, easy to read and understand and beautifully illustrated. This book is a benefit to any home library. There are many other resources as well for which to be thankful, many different aids to help us instruct our young in interesting ways. An older book of the believers, From Victory to Victory, translated from SRK’s Voitosta voittoon (1971), includes the following instruction: “It is the will of God, you beloved young brothers and sisters, that you would receive strength through grace to walk as it is comely to a young Christian…and that you parents also would receive strength through grace to raise your children in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit” (p. 140). And from the same book, on page 8: “The Holy Ghost unites those who believe the living gospel; children, young people, middle-aged, old, rich, poor, learned and unlearned into one holy family and royal priesthood in Christ.” Faith Comes by Hearing David and Karen Young | The Voice of Zion June 2020 Advice from elders is timeless when they encourage us to bring our family to the hearing of God’s Word. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). At gatherings of God’s children, we feel joy! “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:16,17). The gospel comforts and gives strength. Singing songs of Zion with fellow believers at services, camps and discussions also brings peace to restless hearts. Peace and comfort enfold us while attending and as we leave congregational events and camps. God’s gatherings instruct and encourage weak and faulty parents. We often go home from such gatherings uplifted, thankful for a fresh start, making new promises as parents. We learn together with our fellow believers – escorts in faith who share the same spirit – and peace, comfort and joy abound! God gives guidance in Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Gracious God, we pray to You: Shepherd all our children. We are foolish, slow of heart. Father, You must lead them. Carry our beloved young; keep their hearts from evil. May a guardian angel be with them as they travel (SHZ 429:1). Thank You, God, for Being Beside Me Lars Anderson | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- All people experience trials and difficulties – no one is immune. We can look back to the first human couple and read about the struggles they had to experience because of their fall into sin. Adam and Eve went from living in paradise where everything was provided for them to having to work for their food, shelter and all that was needed to survive. God provides and blesses us with all that we have in this life; it’s His will that we work for our daily bread still today. We don’t have to look very far, however, to become discontent. The Internet and social media have made us more connected than ever before. It’s easy to look through this medium to see how others portray their lives. Without even realizing it, we can become envious and discontent. We may try to secretly compete with each other or wish to live the same ideal life we see pictured. We can begin to criticize others or have ill feelings towards them. If we fall too far into this trap, it can lead to depression or anxiety when we feel we can’t keep up or be able to have the same, seemingly beautiful life. It’s easy to fall into comparing – it’s a natural human tendency. We remember that Cain was very jealous of his brother Abel and even killed him because of this. As we experience trials or difficulties or find ourselves struggling to feel joy in our life, is there something we can do to help? Count Our Blessings What does this mean? For me, this can be as simple as saying a short prayer of thanks to God when I recognize or realize my blessings. It can be thanks for a good night’s sleep when I wake in the morning, that God has given a new day or that the sun is shining. God hears all our prayers! Recognize the Cause of Our Trial Sometimes we can take steps to change our trial or difficulty. Of course, this may not always work depending on the trial. But as an example, if we have become discontent because of what we see on social media, we can work to change the amount of time we spend online. Or we can even delete or suspend our accounts. If the news of this world causes anxiety, we can turn off our radio and news feeds. If we suffer from depression or anxiety, we can also reach out for professional help. Speak with a Trusted Friend A friend might be able to see things from an outside perspective that can help in some way. They can listen, comfort or seek help on our behalf. A believing friend can comfort with the gospel of forgiveness. Trust in the Gospel The gospel heals a wounded conscience. It comforts and strengthens us to know our matters are in order and we are heaven-acceptable. Trials and difficulties are not a punishment from God because of our sinfulness, yet God allows trials in our life to try our faith. We should not blame God for our difficulties. Instead, let us remember to give thanks to Him that we are still a child in His kingdom and that He cares for us daily. Discussion Points What resources have you found that have helped in teaching your children? Do you know prodigal sons or daughters whose childhood teachings have led them back to God’s kingdom? What has this spoken to you? How have Internet resources been helpful in your teachings? How can we be a good example to our children? In parenting, what have been your greatest helps?

Juho Kopperoinen | The Voice of Zion June 2020 -- Installment 16 of 20, translated from the book Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine. (Ed. Ari-Pekka Palola, SRK, 2018) In my article I will discuss the Bible’s teachings on eternity, human life, death and fin ]]> I will reflect on people’s ability to perceive time and its passing as well as endless time, eternity. I will consider the ending of all that exists, death and life after death. Discussing eternity and final events piques interest but it can also cause fear and concern. The Bible in many passages addresses death, eternity and final events. The underlying theme throughout these is that humans and nature belong to the world God created. All creation has a limited lifespan. Above all this is nevertheless God’s care for creation, which spans from time to eternity. A Christian has strong hope of life continuing after death (John 5:21–29). The Bible promises that a person created in the image of God will enter the land of endless peace, rest and joy. Many Bible passages describe the new earth and the new heaven. Many readers likely remember the story of Lazarus going to the bosom of Abraham or of Jesus’ words to the thief: “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 16:19–31; 23:40–43). These two stories summarize the hope found in Christian teachings regarding the last events. Time and Timelessness Humans have the ability to comprehend time and measure its passage. They are also able to plan their near future and their own use of time. Humans nevertheless live in this moment and cannot travel to another time. We cannot return to the past and correct our mistakes nor can we travel into the future to bypass a difficult period of time. Humans are bound to their own time. The Creator sets for each person the boundaries of life, which the person cannot change or move. A person, just like all other creation, has his or her own time and lives from birth to death. The question of what happens after death has always preoccupied people. The Bible’s descriptions of God’s time help us understand that humans do not comprehend time like God does (2 Pet. 3:4–13). How could we comprehend the relationship between God and time which the psalmist describes by saying that a thousand years in the Lord’s sight is like one day (Ps. 90:4)? God’s work always happens in this moment. To God time is always the present. He has a boundless past and an immeasurable future. He has always been. From Him has all originated, and to Him all returns (Col. 1:16,17). His decisions are eternal and absolutely wise. People’s ability to perceive God’s time is lacking in many ways. A time-bound person cannot comprehend the essence of timelessness and eternity. It is a bit like trying to combine the past and future into the present moment or like trying to combine linear and cyclical experiences of time such that time passes but does not progress. God is above all that exists, sustains all things and allows people to feel the might of their works, but nonetheless He only reveals a small part of Himself and His hidden, sacred power. We must humbly acknowledge our limitations. God does not consent to be a part of time as perceived by humans. He has no beginning and no end. He is above and beyond our ability to comprehend. Eternity is a characteristic of God, but He also calls humans there. He has promised humans eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible describes how the human mind and undying soul look toward eternity and timelessness. We believe that by faith a person has eternal immortality with God. Likewise, we understand that the greatest misfortune occurs when a human soul’s connection to God is severed for eternity. The Nicene Creed describes the Son’s eternity: He “ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; from thence he shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.” The same creed also states the following about eternity: “we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.” Humans are temporal and perishable, but a person can partake of eternity when the gospel – Christ’s grace – can bless him or her and free the person from the power of sin and evanescence. When one is thus freed, heaven touches earth. The Small Catechism explains: in the “Christian Church He [the Holy Spirit] daily and richly forgives me and all believers all our sins; and at the last day, will raise up me and all the dead, and will grant me and all believers in Christ everlasting life.” The Apology of the Augsburg Confession further defines this: “Because faith makes [us] sons of God, it also makes [us] coheirs with Christ…we do not by our works merit eternal life; for faith obtains this, because faith justifies us and has a reconciled God. Eternal life is due the justified.” The End of the World – Threats and Prophecies According to the Christian understanding of time, humankind’s time will once end. Connected to the ending of time is the promise of Jesus’ second coming (also called parousia) and the final judgment. The study of final events is called eschatology. Many Bible passages, such as the books of Daniel and Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, contain prophecies describing the end of the world. The Bible also mentions signs connected with end-time events. There have always been people who feel enticed to interpret these prophecies and place the end-time signs into the events of their own time. One should treat these doomsday predictors and interpreters of signs with caution. God does not give exact knowledge of His plans through these signs. He has not even let Jesus know the moment when time will end (Matt. 34:35,36). One must not infer from this, however, that the end of time is discussed in the Bible only as an allegoric event. People must live with the knowledge that in addition to the ending of their own lives, each person will also face that which awaits all of humanity: the moment when the books of heaven are opened. In this day and age, humankind is concerned about the state of the climate and changes in nature. Studies show that global average temperatures are rising, glaciers are shrinking and living conditions are changing in many areas. There have been natural disasters in many parts of the world that could be interpreted as God’s signs of end of times. However, overly hasty interpretations should be avoided. It is good if knowledge of these changes lead to efforts to protect nature and the environment. Meanwhile it is important to remember that previous changes in nature, such as ice ages, have taken place allowed by God. The Christian outlook on this goes back to the biblical creation narration where it says that humans should cultivate and protect creation (Gen. 2:15). This means that people are allowed to make reasonable use of that which nature provides, but at the same time they must take care of the environment. It is good for modern humans to remember that the Creator has allowed enormous climate changes in the past as well. Following these, creation has settled into a new form, always within the limits allowed by the Creator. He does not allow humans to destroy the world He created. The gifts of nature should be used with respect for all creation and with esteem for each neighbor created in the image of God. Paul wrote, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Rom. 8:19–22). Many may associate Paul’s words “groaneth and travaileth” with the current concern for the state of nature and the environment. However, this interpretation does not do justice to the context of this text. Paul used this everyday metaphor to express the longing a person feels as he or she awaits deliverance from sin. Jesus’ Second Coming Jesus Himself spoke of events of the end times (Matt. 24–25; Mark 13). This theme is also featured in the Book of Revelation. From the beginning, Christians have awaited the second coming of Christ. In the letters in the New Testament, it can be seen that during the early church, the thought of Jesus’ imminent return changed into awaiting His return (1 Thess. 4:17; 2 Cor. 6:2). Christian faith still lives while we wait. Believers have been given hope of heaven (Rom. 5:19–21). It is like an anchor that gives strong courage so that one needn’t fear nor doubt what is to come. This hope encompasses trust in the resurrection of the body even though we as humans cannot fathom how it will happen (1 Cor. 15). Christ is the hope of glory. The Gospel of Mark describes the chasm between the human world and God’s world. This chasm will close when the Son of Man arrives and the scattered believers are gathered into one people of God (Mark 13). A core theme is God’s promise to guide His own even through difficult happenings towards the good destination. Mark connected Jesus’ exhortation to the church to “Watch!” with following the signs of the times. The endeavor cannot be passive waiting, but rather it must be active watching. The Gospel of Matthew tells of the coming judgment of the world (Matt. 24–25). On the last day, Christ will come in glory with all His angels and will sit on His throne. All people will be gathered in front of Him. They will be divided into two groups: one group will go to eternal life, the other to eternal punishment. This perdition is meant for Satan and his angels, but those who have not believed the gospel will also go there. Luke has recorded in his Gospel three teachings about the end times or about Jesus’ second coming: the servant waiting for his master (12:35–59), the question of when the kingdom of God will come (17:20–37) and Jesus’ speech of the destruction of the temple and final events (21:5–36). Luke describes the coming of God’s kingdom in glory as an event in which Jesus gives His own royal power. For the disciples, God’s kingdom is already present (17:20,21; 22:28–30; 23:43). The main point is to be ready at all times because no one knows when the last moment will come. The Gospel of John does not describe the return of the Son of Man, nor does it tell of the end of the world. In the eschatology of John, faith persists through death and death cannot deprive faith of its future. If a person does not believe, he or she proclaims his or her own judgment (John 3:18). In the Gospel of John, eternal life is such that Jesus’ own know Him, the one true God, whom the Father has sent (17:3). Jesus prayed that all His own would be one, just as He and His Father are one (17:21). The Redeemer is in His own and the Father is in His Son. Their unity carries a person as God’s own to the coming perfection. This is already present in the kingdom of God blessed by the Holy Spirit. In instruction that describes the end of everything, one must exhibit special humility and responsibility. It is necessary to be careful that one’s own false certainty does not take root in biblical teaching. Human interpretation is not based on a lasting foundation. This, however, does not preclude a call to repentance or warning one of the danger of losing one’s immortal soul. Christian teaching on the final events emphasizes God’s mercy and grace. He can open the door of heaven and close the gates of hell. Resurrection and Eternal Life in Heaven Christian faith teaches the resurrection of the dead. Christ was the first to rise from the grave. With His resurrection, He opened heaven to believers. Christ’s own have before them the true resurrection of life. Although the body disintegrates in the grave after death, in the resurrection will occur a new union of body and soul. God will create a new, glorified resurrection body. The resurrection of the body is the type of work that God does not reveal to humans. Nonetheless, faith in the resurrection is such a central part of Christian faith that without it faith would be entirely in vain (1 Cor. 15:12–23). People in New Testament times had access to a wide variety of Old Testament end-time imagery. Important concepts of symbols included the guidance of God experienced by the people of Israel, God’s kingdom, the Son of Man, heavenly elders and “powers,” the book of life, the tree of life, new Jerusalem, the holy city and the temple. In those times those words had both a historical meaning and an allegoric meaning that revealed sacred mysteries. In everyday use, the word heaven [translator’s note: in Finnish, taivas means both sky and heaven] describes the atmosphere and a certain part of space. In Christian language, heaven means God’s invisible world. The Nicene Creed states, “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.” The invisible world, such as heaven and angels, are beyond human comprehension, but they are important to faith (Exod. 20:4; Ps. 113:5,6). Heaven is part of the realm of God from which Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit come. Heaven is the source of all salvation and blessing. However, even the heaven will one day disappear (Ps. 115:15,16; Matt. 24:35; Luke 21:33). In Christian teaching, heaven is the eternal dwelling place of the blessed. God’s kingdom transcends the boundary between heaven and earth. The battling, traveling people of God are on earth, whereas the angels as God’s servants and rejoicing people of God who have made it to the destination are in heaven. Eternal life and heaven are explicitly described in many songs. Familiar images include white robes, celebration feasts, harps and songs and golden cities. These metaphors convey and sustain hope which free a person from sorrow, hunger and lacking. A person longs to be free from trouble and sorrow. A believer can await in hope the last call, which is expressed in the Gospel of Matthew in the following way: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34). God Is the Lord of All In my article I have discussed eternity and the last times. Although these topics are written about in many Bible passages, we must content ourselves with the fact that we look at their message as though through a mirror or from afar. It is easier for us to understand the promise contained in those passages of a time in which all sorrow and worries are gone forever. On these themes my thoughts have gone in two directions. On the one hand I have thought how clearly Scripture describes God’s sovereignty. He is the Lord of time and timelessness, life and death. On the other hand, in many of these questions I have had to acknowledge my own limitations and inability. After reading the texts, I must admit how little I am able to understand the end of life and the events of eternity. And yet I trust. I live in this time and meanwhile I await in faith the fulfillment of those promises, which in many ways remains hidden from me. Bibliography Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. Luther Martin Apology of Augsburg Confession. Large Catechism. Resurrection of the Dead. Commentary on Chapter 15 of Apostle Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians. Original work “Das 15. Kapitel der Ersten Epistel S. Pauli an die Korinther” 1532. Sermons on the First and Second Epistles of St. Peter. Original work “Epistel S. Petri gepredigt und ausgelegt” 1523. SmallCatechism. Hulkko Kullervo Ylösnousemusta kohti. SRK 1990. Huovinen Eero Lutherin kuoleman teologian ekumeeninen perusongelma. Suomalainen teologinen kirjallisuusseura 1981. Uusi ilo: pääsiäisen evankeliumi. WSOY 2014. Lauha Aarre Pyhä kirja puhuu. Kirkkovuoden Vanhan testamentin tekstien selitykset. Kirjaneliö 1983. Nissilä Keijo Katsokaamme uskon alkajaan ja täyttäjään. Heprealaiskirje – kehotuspuhe uskossaan väsyneille. SRK 2015. Schweizer Eduard Uuden testamentin selitys 1–4. Kirjapaja 1989–1992. Teinonen Seppo ja Riitta Ajasta ylösnousemukseen. Kirjaneliö 1975. Uljas Juhani Peltoon kätketty aarre. SRK 2000.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion August 2020 -- Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. — 1 Peter 5:5–10 Did God really say? Versions of this question confront and test God’s children in every generation. The fundamentals of this question were experienced in the Garden of Eden when Eve faced the deceitful serpent. She asked herself this question and used her own reason in accepting the challenge of the serpent, “Ye shall not surely die” if you eat the fruit from the middle tree (Gen. 3:4–6). The heart begins to fall away from God when we act upon the prompting of our enemy, which appears to us through the world, the devil and our inherently sin-corrupt flesh. There is a timeless admonition in God’s kingdom to protect your little finger from the enemy because in no time it will take your hand, your arm and then your whole being. This warning has come because of our elders’ experiences. The brevity of life has brought front and center Jesus’ teaching that “if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell” (Matt. 5:30). In moments of temptation, can you look above and beyond momentary thrill that can take away faith and see instead the blessing that is the hope of eternal life in heaven? For Eternity, Not Just This Life It is a natural part of growing up to become an independent and capable individual. This natural need to detach from our parents so we can forge and forage our own way becomes especially pronounced in adolescence. One can start to ask questions of why. One can start to challenge parents’ authority, civil authorities and even the authority of God’s Word. In recent times people have used the acronym YOLO (you only live once) to justify certain actions and deeds. The fact that people think they only live once has for some become justification to do as pleases their imagination and desires. The deceitfulness of our flesh, the devil and the world corrodes fundamental morality and respect for the golden rule (Matt. 7:12) and elevates self-satisfaction to highest priority. This is a remarkable contrast to Jesus’ teaching that prioritizes serving God and neighbor (Matt. 22:34–40) rather than being served by your neighbor. My Heritage Is Heaven Our text is from a letter Peter wrote to churches in Asia comforting the Christians facing persecution. He wrote beautifully about the tried nature of the endeavor of faith and its glorious conclusion in heaven (1 Pet. 1:3–13). This letter has instructions to young and old alike. It especially calls the young to a place of submission. Dear child of God, don’t seek a negative connotation in the word submission. Think of it as an action in which you humbly seek counsel of your elders as have other generations before you. They learned – as you can – that trials teach patience, patience builds experience and experience provides hope (Rom. 5:1). May you be found without the expectation that others will serve you, but rather desiring to serve your neighbor. May you first serve them with your source of hope and be ready proclaimers of the gospel to those who God extends a time of visitation. Your fruits of faith can call one to God’s kingdom. Your ability to show those fruits is not powered from within, but they are God-given, stemming from the assurance that your sins are pardoned in Jesus’ name and precious blood. May you and your friends in faith visit the elders, speak of the endeavor, attach your heart to the hope of heaven and battle the enemy by keeping faith and a clean conscience.

The Voice of Zion August 2020 -- We are all familiar with the Great Commandment. Even if we don’t know it by name, we likely remember how on one occasion Jesus taught His listeners, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:27). This is a core teaching of the Bible, hence the aforementioned label. Jesus’ instruction was in response to a question from a lawyer. The lawyer asked a follow-up question, “And who is my neighbor?” (v. 29). Though the lawyer was challenging Jesus in this situation, this question is one we can ask ourselves. Who is my neighbor? Etymologically the word neighbor means “one who lives nearby.” In other words, we can think of neighbors as those we come in contact with in our daily lives. Are they, then, the ones the Bible instructs us to love? In studying God’s Word, we can learn that neighbor in fact means all humans (e.g. Matt. 5:43–48). In His sermon, Christ teaches that we have no basis for differentiating between those whom we should love and those for whom we feel an opposite emotion, because God Himself does not differentiate (v. 45). All people, therefore, created and redeemed by God, are equally precious and worthy of our love. Each has the same dignity, though some have violated their own or another person’s dignity by their actions. Those we perceive as our enemies and even our persecutors are our neighbors. If we think of our kin, our friends, our townspeople, all the people we have ever met, or people we read about in the newspaper, our leaders, all foreigners…how is it possible to love all these people? We find it is easy to draw boundaries between us and others, between “my kind of people” and “other kind of people.” We may rank some higher or more worthy and others lower than ourselves. Nonetheless, we must remember that God, who created all humankind, doesn’t do that. So why should we? In all times there have been those who have been tempted to discriminate against others based on religion or race or language or culture, to name just a few characteristics that may separate groups of humans. The Bible tells for example, how Jews did not associate with Samaritans (cf. John 4). Discrimination can stem from fear of otherness, fear of differences between us and others. We may react to others or treat them based on historical happenings and conflicts. We may be tempted to treat an individual as a bearer of perceived characteristics of an entire group of people, rather than treating that individual as…an individual. In the midst of these thoughts, we should pause and ask ourselves: would I like to be judged based on my origins or ethnicity? Would I want others to stereotype me? Would it feel right if my integrity – even my faith – were called into question because of my nationality? Can I truly put myself into others’ shoes and feel what they feel? It is good for us also to remember the eighth commandment. In fact, the Great Commandment referred to above is connected to those commandments that Moses received in Old Testament times. Commandments four through ten all deal with how we love our neighbors. The eighth commandment reminds us to avoid even in our speech saying negative, offensive words against an individual or group of people. Luther instructs in his explanation of this commandment to: “apologize for [our neighbor], think and speak well of him and put the best construction on all he does.” The Bible affirms that every human is equally important and valuable before God. Everyone is to be treated with dignity, respect and, above all, love. Jesus teaches the Golden Rule, “as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). It is not our place or our right to demean God’s creation work. When we question or deny others’ right to exist among us, it is not right, and it, in fact, is a sin. It is good for us to remember that mistreating our neighbor is a sin against God. One who loves God also loves his neighbor (cf. 1 John 4:20). In all times, including in the days we live, it may be challenging to love all our neighbors. This challenge arises from the sinful portion, the original sin that we all carry. In and of ourselves we cannot love God with all our hearts, much less our neighbors. Having received God’s grace through faith, we experience love for our heavenly Father, love for our neighbor and love for ourselves. We can also recall that Christ is the Savior of all humankind. He is even the Savior of those who haven’t yet found living faith and salvation in Him. Yet today, Christ with heavenly love calls people to Him, heals and carries and cares for them in His congregation. The love of Christ works in our hearts too, yielding fruits of the spirit, of which one is charity. God-given grace – in the life-saving gospel – can fix love that has been broken. The Apostle writes, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). As a fruit of the Holy Spirit we are given peace (Gal. 5:22); let us be peacemakers among our fellow humans. Faith empowers us to serve our community and to reach out to those in need. There is no better gift we can offer than that which we have freely received: the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. When we desire to love and serve our neighbors, God will bless our endeavors.

Wayne Kallio | The Voice of Zion September 2020 -- Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up. —Deuteronomy 6:4–6 This brief Bible passage accomplishes many things. In it, God makes himself clearly known to His followers, He establishes the relationship of love He wishes us to have with Him, and He gives us a duty to perform – to teach our children. It is with these words that God sends Moses and the Israelites on their continued wilderness journey after giving them the detailed behavioral teachings of the Ten Commandments. The instructions in our text seem to serve almost as a punctuation mark to the preceding teachings of the commandments. The Smallest and Most Helpless What is striking here is the scope of God’s willful message, from establishing who He is to ensuring that His kingdom will not come to an end but will, through the believers’ loving teaching of their children, reign forever. Centuries later, Jesus builds on this same teaching when He says, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Our passage takes us from the greatest, God, through to the least, children. It is the important position of the children and the teaching of them that begs for recognition and emphasis here. Though they in one sense are the smallest, the least, the most helpless, Jesus nevertheless says, “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4). Another time Jesus tells His disciples to “allow the little children to come unto me…for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). How vital, then, are the innocent babies born as gifts of God to those who love Him, to those who are “an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself” (Deut. 7:6). The “special people” are God’s own believers – the mothers and fathers that believe in Him and who God has called to be teachers of the young ones. It is God who gives life to both parent and child. In All Times and in All Places God encourages parents and all caretaking adults in His kingdom to talk about faith. This teaching and guiding of children can also include grandmas and grandpas, sisters, brothers and godparents. We follow this command in the baptism sacrament when we exhort all adults present to diligently teach the children at all times and in all places. Here in Deuteronomy, God tells them to instill in the children His will and His love not only at home “in thine house” but also when they are away from home, when they “walk by the way.” He wants the teaching to begin when they awaken each day, “when thou risest up” and when they go to sleep at night, “when thou liest down.” In other words, He wants His “chosen,” who are a “special people” unto himself to fully live their faith in Him, so that their love and belief in God will be not just told to their children but instilled in them. The words of Jesus explain this best: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Believing children are the continuation, the future, the “everlasting” of God’s kingdom here on earth – an everlasting that for the wee child in whom the love of God is instilled, and for the adult child of God, has already begun but will not end. From Generation to Generation This instruction to teach is expressed four more times in the book of Deuteronomy and much earlier, in Genesis, when God expresses his confidence in Abraham, saying, “I know him, that he will command his children…and they shall keep the way of the Lord” (18:19). Perhaps Psalm 78 sums up this teaching concept most clearly: “we will not hide [the words of my mouth – verse 1] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength and his wonderful works…that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children” (verses 4 and 6). Let us remember that the child is at the center of God’s kingdom. Let us also recognize that this child is born helpless and needs the nurture, teaching and guidance of loving parents – parents who accept these same values from the living God. May the kingdom of God continue, as it has throughout time, through the preaching and teaching of His Word from generation to generation.

Lars Keplinger | The Voice of Zion September 2020 -- My trip to Africa was an enjoyable experience. I traveled there on a January 2020 mission trip with Brian Johnson and his son Richard. We were picked up by hosts who made the experience of meeting the believers in The Gambia relaxing. A nice surprise was that the believers understood and spoke English. We could communicate easily, and they were able to continually share different things with us along the way. One of the most memorable things was our visit with the service guests and children at each stop along the way. At first we felt a bashfulness to speak or communicate about ourselves or our lives. In each new location, our visit began with a service as soon as things were set up and service guests arrived. The host would gather the congregation and pass out sheets of paper with words for prerecorded songs of Zion, then we would play congregational singing from a cell phone to lead our singing. A sermon would be preached, and a closing song came after the sermon. Generally, after the service there would be a time of questions and answers. As we discussed questions that arose, the bashfulness seemed to disappear as we realized that God’s kingdom spoke and that we were dear brothers and sisters in faith. The children in Africa were very special to me. I missed my own children on the trip, and my longing helped me communicate with African children. I was very curious how their daily lives compared to what I was used to seeing at home. They were attentive to my questions and answered clearly. They seemed to be interested in seeing pictures from my phone and sharing stories and activities from their own lives. The most important bond we shared was the same faith. We were able to visit a school for an hour or two on one stop. We participated in a little soccer game at one of the houses. We were given an impromptu tour swimming and crabbing in The Gambia River. We were able to have many enjoyable conversations with the young believers in The Gambia. To me, each stop felt too short. I could have easily visited for longer at each stop, but it was necessary to get going to the next location for services. I encourage all to visit mission fields in Africa. Believers there are anxiously waiting for you to come. I enjoyed meeting the believers on the other side of the world. I hope God continues to bless them and us all on our mutual journey to heaven. Did you know? The first Gambian believers repented after getting to know believing Finnish tourists. Mission services were first held in 2009. There were six mission trips there in 2019 and one so far in 2020. Nowadays Gambian believers have their own organization, The Gambia Laestadian Lutheran Association. They have their own speakers, and they arrange services and Sunday school regularly. At big services in November 2019 for example, there were 168 participants. The official language is English. Services are held in English, French and in local languages. It is the smallest country in mainland Africa, about the same size as the state of Connecticut here in the U.S. The Gambia’s borders align with the Gambia River. Other than the coastline, the country is surrounded by Senegal.

Aimo Helén | The Voice of Zion September 2020 -- Installment 18 of 20, translated from the book Christ Is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine.(Ed. Ari-Pekka Palola, SRK, 2018) Questions pertaining to ethics and morals have arisen with increasing frequency in public discussion. As I write this, on the radio there is a discussion on helping refugees. One discussion participant refers to his ethical and moral duty in defending his potential acts of civil disobedience. In the news it tells how in one legislative issue members of parliament are given freedom to vote according to their conscience. In everyday life, we constantly make choices. Often we do not need to ponder very deeply the reasons for making these choices. Sometimes, however, we encounter questions that give us cause to pause and think how to act correctly in this situation and what to base my decision on. In this article, I will consider the relationship between faith and morals. An ethical dimension is an integral part of all religions. There are, however, many non-religious people in the world whose actions appear good and right. I will ponder the origins of morality, how it manifests itself and its significance in human life. I will examine these issues from the perspective of faith that is personal, biblical and based on the Lutheran Church’s confessional writings. Morals and Ethics The word moral is derived from the Latin word mores which means established habits or patterns of behavior. Morals mean distinguishing between good and evil, right and wrong and actions based on these, which are reflected in an individual’s decisions and choices. Only humans have the ability to distinguish between good and evil. Throughout time it has been recognized that the problem is not so much distinguishing between good and evil or right and wrong but the fact that a person does not do what he or she knows to be right and good. Even the Apostle Paul had to state, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do” (Rom. 7:19). The word ethics comes from the Greek word ethos meaning “habit” or “manner.” Ethics is understood to be the philosophy of morality. As such, it is an examination of morals that considers, for example, a good life and how to attain it. In everyday language, morals and ethics are often used as synonyms. Ethical questions can be approached from several perspectives. Theological ethics is based on human’s relationship with God and the influence of the relationship with God on human relationships. It is thought that people are accountable to God for their choices. Philosophical ethics considers e.g. how the concept of good should be defined. Ethics can also be divided into personal ethics and social ethics. These perspectives are often intertwined and in some cases may also contradict one another. Morals includes an idea of what is good and worth pursuing. Things that are considered good are called values. They are goals and aspirations that are strived for. Values include e.g. happiness, justice and gender equality. Some things are pursued for their own sake, while others are a means to achieve some other value. For example money can be a means in the pursuit of happiness. In addition to values, morals contain rules, or norms. They help put values into practice by providing guidance for different situations. A norm that forbids killing a person protects life and human dignity. Norms can be commands, suggestions or prohibitions. Customs and habits represent unwritten norms, while laws and rules of procedure represent written norms. Moral Assessment People are moral actors who acknowledge responsibility for their actions. As Christians we think that God has created humans in His own image to know the difference between good and evil. Doing the right thing, i.e. moral good is a broader issue than obeying laws and rules. Some matter or action can be considered wrong even if it is not prohibited by law. Many in a position of power have had to take responsibility for their actions and resign from their duties even if they have not broken the law. There may also be situations in which society’s rules and laws are contrary to biblical faith and guide one to sin. In such a case a Christian obeys God rather than people (Acts 5:29; Augsburg Confession, article XVIII). Moral decisions are influenced by e.g. knowledge, emotions and will. Which of these is emphasized in a person’s decisions depends on a person’s background, upbringing and worldview. Ethical ideals often emphasize empathy, i.e. the ability to place oneself in another’s situation. Sometimes, however, a person may put his or her own perceptions above others’ views and judge their actions based on one’s own perceptions. This is called moralism. Dual moralism meanwhile means that one presents an image of being better than one is or that one does things that he or she disapproves of in others. Distinguishing right from wrong is not always simple. Sometimes one must choose between bad options and choose the lesser evil. The Basics of Doing the Right Thing Morals are part of humanity. Pursuing good and doing the right thing are an inseparable part of being human. We expect good of others and we assume we will be treated fairly and that we will be told the truth. We make selfless choices e.g. on behalf of our children. It would be impossible to deal with a person who functions outside that which is moral. Good morals on the other hand drive one to take responsibility and lays the foundation for social interaction. Christians think that the origin of morals is in God’s actions. It is part of God’s world dominion. Lutheran ethics represents the so-called natural law tradition in ethics, according to which the commandment of faith and love is written in each person’s heart (Rom. 2:14–16). According to this the ethical guidelines of the Bible are based on the natural law and are its interpretations. The Ten Commandments, the Dual Commandment of Love and the Golden Rule summarize the demands of the natural law to be applied at all times. The demands of natural law apply equally to all people. Even though different cultures have different understandings of morals, people agree on many things. Harming the innocent and stealing another’s belongings are considered wrong everywhere, whereas kind and merciful treatment of others is valued. On the other hand, different cultures and communities have starkly different perceptions of a good life. A person who is aware of the reasons for the way he or she thinks is able to discuss his or her views, defend them and, if necessary, critically evaluate them. Conscience Regardless of one’s worldview it is thought that the conscience is a person’s inner voice, an inner ability to determine right and wrong. Its functions are evident when a person is remorseful over his or her actions or refrains from doing something because he or she considers it wrong. It is a generally accepted notion that all people have a conscience and each person has the right to act according to his or her conscience. This is also expressed in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience, and they are to act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood” (Article 1). According to the Declaration, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion” (Article 18). As a Lutheran Christian, I think that conscience is not just the result of environment and upbringing. Its foundation is in the influence of the natural law, in the fact that God has written His law in the hearts of all people. Due to this, all people in their innermost are aware of what is good and what is evil (Rom. 2:15). After the fall into sin, however, the conscience no longer provides completely certain knowledge of God’s will. A fallen one may consider permissible something that God has forbidden, or forbidden that which God has allowed (Rom. 14:1). The Bible is the only guide from which we can learn to know God’s will. It is necessary for us to learn His will in the hearing of the Word in God’s congregation. A conscience that functions properly is cared for by God’s Word and enlightened by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 9:1). The Finnish word omatunto (conscience) emphasizes a person’s own understanding of right and wrong. In Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament, the functioning of the conscience was described by speaking of the heart (e.g. 1 Sam. 24:5,6). In Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the word syneidesis was used for the conscience; this word literally means knowing something together with someone else. This same connotation is present in the Latin conscientia, English conscience and Swedish samvete. Christian tradition has interpreted this as knowing together with God. A person’s own thought or experience of innocence and being right is not a sufficient and sustainable basis for life. Apostle Paul stated that he knew of nothing on his conscience, but that that did not make him innocent; rather, the Lord is his judge (1 Cor. 4:4). The conscience is functioning when it warns of wrong or unjust actions. The human mind often tries in different ways to silence the voice of the conscience, but this is a bad path to follow. If a person continuously acts against the conscience, its voice weakens and eventually becomes silent. The Reformer Martin Luther stated well-known words at the Council of Worms in 1521, “I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. So help me God.” The conscience can harden, but on the other hand it can also become too sensitive. Then a person takes on a burden that is not his or her fault or about which he or she can do nothing. The functioning of a healthy conscience includes feeling guilt and remorse. At times it is asked whether the ability to deal with feelings of guilt, confront distress and feel remorse has been lost in the lives of modern people. What must one do when the conscience accuses? The conscience cannot forgive anyone’s sins. The gospel of Christ that cleanses one from sin must be heard in God’s congregation. Hearing the gospel gives birth to faith in the atonement of Christ and it gives the conscience true peace (Heb. 10:22). Morals in the Old Testament Christian ethics’ values and life instructions arise from the Bible. The Christian understanding of morals is based on the creation narratives, according to which God created humans in His own image. Only humans can hear God’s voice and be in connection with their Creator (Christian Doctrine, item 15). Humans are accountable to God for how they use the abilities and skills they have received. The command to cultivate and protect means that humans are considered God’s coworkers. Humans’ job is to act in creation’s best interest such that they do not subjugate or ruthlessly exploit anyone or anything. On the basis of creation work, each person has human value. He or she as the image of God is irreplaceable and unique. According to Christian faith, being human includes respecting the image of God both in others as well as in oneself. Most of the moral teaching of the Old Testament is contained in its first five books, which we know as the books of Moses. Jews use the name Torah for this collection of books. In addition to ethical instruction, it contains regulations on purity and sacrifice. In Christianity, the Old Testament is read from the perspective of the New Testament. According to Christian understanding, Jesus has atoned for the sins of all in His sacrificial death, and therefore God does not need to be appeased with sacrifices or by following purification regulations. Nonetheless, the law of the Ten Commandments, i.e. the Decalogue, also applies to Christians. The people of Israel did not receive a new collection of moral norms in the tablets of the Decalogue (i.e. Ten Commandments). God merely clarified that natural law that the first person knew in his heart. The first three commandments in the Decalogue address the relationship between human and God. The other commandments speak of one’s relationship with other people. The commandments summarize in an excellent way the content of natural law. In them are fulfilled love and what is good for one’s neighbor. For this reason Martin Luther called the Ten Commandments “the law of the whole world.” The validity of the Decalogue is recognized even outside Christendom. There is also important ethical material in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. God instructed many prophets to warn those in power in their time about e.g. greed, deception and injustice toward the disadvantaged. The prophets condemned hypocrisy. Sacrifices and piety cannot replace doing good for one’s neighbor (Isa. 1:15–17). Jesus’ Ethical Teaching Jesus was a Jew and the basis of His instruction was Jewish law. The Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) can be considered a summary of the central teachings of Christian ethics. In this sermon, Jesus interpreted the Law of Moses. He actually emphasized the demands of the law by repeating, “Ye have heard…but I say unto you.” Jesus’ instruction contained the principle that that which is morally significant is not a mere act. Proper compliance with the law also requires that the act includes the right attitude and motive. Jesus’ instruction emphasized the principle of reciprocity. It culminates in an exhortation called the Golden Rule: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matt. 7:12). The ethics of the Sermon on the Mount reveal the nature and ideals of God’s kingdom: righteousness, peace, joy, love, justice, reconciliation, moderation, truth and faithfulness as well as the thought that one need not worry too much. Jesus himself served as an ethical role model when He defended the oppressed and marginalized. His motive was a love for His neighbor that is unfathomable to human reason. Jesus demanded people to love even their enemies and evildoers in addition to their friends and benefactors. The law and the proclamation of the prophets are encapsulated in the Great Commandment, the dual commandment of love that Jesus taught: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt. 22:36–40). This instruction expresses the Christian view of a person’s place in the world. One always functions before the face of God and is accountable to Him for one’s actions. One cannot escape or deny one’s moral responsibility. Jesus’ ethical teaching was also fulfilled when He healed the sick and conversed with societal outcasts as well as in the parables He told. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan is an answer to the question “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25–37). Ethics of New Testament Letters The New Testament letters address moral issues in addition to Christian faith. For example, they ponder how to function in the world and what is our relationship with authorities (Rom. 13:1–7). The letters also provide advice for spouses, children and parents in homelife as well as at work and in free time. Paul also indicated that love for one’s neighbor is the core concept of Christian ethics (Rom. 13:8–10; Gal. 5:14). The first letter to the Corinthians has been called Paul’s ethical letter. In that letter he addressed many problems in personal life and the congregation. The best-known portion of the letter is probably chapter 13, which discusses love. Other well-known and oft-quoted portions concern sexual immorality (1 Cor. 5; 6:18–20) and the position of women in the congregation (1 Cor. 14:34,35). In recent decades the question has been posed whether these viewpoints of Paul were based on cultural mores of his time or on God’s revelation that binds Christians at all times. This discussion is part of a broader development that began in the 1970s of questioning the Bible’s theological authority. There is moral instruction in other New Testament letters as well. For example, the current Finnish Bible the first section of the last chapter of Hebrews is labeled, “Living according to the will of God.” The writer gives the congregation four important exhortations for faith and life: he exhorts unto brotherly love and hospitality, to remember prisoners and the mistreated, to honor marriage and to guard against greed (Heb. 13:1–5). Apostle James emphasized, as Paul did, the importance of love for one’s neighbor. He reminded that it is not selective nor discriminatory (James 2:1–17). Characteristics of Lutheran Ethics A study published by the Church Research Institute [of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland] in 2016 Osallistuva luterilaisuus (Participatory Lutheranism) showed that Lutheranism still profoundly shapes Finnish values. The significance given to everyday encounters and interpersonal relationships is important in the Lutheran tradition. The Lutheran Reformation adopted the notion of God’s love as the basis of reality. According to this notion, a person is primarily understood to be a recipient of gifts and one who shares those gifts with others. This occurs in temporal activities and in everyday encounters amidst daily responsibilities. At the core of Lutheranism is the notion of salvation which humans cannot earn by their own deeds. In our relationship with God, we are always the receiving party and unable to advance our cause in any way. Another core belief that structures Lutheran thinking is making a clear conceptual distinction between the spiritual and temporal realms. Luther thought that God enacts and uses His power in the world in two ways, temporally and spiritually. Both domains or regiments are ordained by God. The regiments are different and separate but not detached from one another. They embody God’s dual dominion in life. The temporal regiment is needed to resolve moral, political and societal questions. The authorities passes laws and establishes office in order to maintain outward order in society. People fulfill the will of God even when they are acting in the best interests of society e.g. in non-governmental organizations and political parties. Social ethics guides a person to enact temporal justice, but it must not force one’s conscience. In His spiritual regiment – His congregation – God gives birth to faith and love. Christ’s atonement work changes the significance of morality in the life of a person who has been helped into faith. A Christian is no longer a slave of sin but rather free and independent of all demands placed on him or her. This freedom is the basis of Lutheran ethics. Due to having received love as a gift, the Christian treats his or neighbors well as a fruit of faith. However, being helped to faith does not make a person sinless. The person’s life is a constant battle between the “old and new self” (Eph. 4:17–24). One well-known and often misinterpreted aspect of Lutheran ethics is the work ethic. The Protestant work ethic is often spoken of in a negative light. It is thought that it requires overly conscientious, joyless and hard labor. This is a misunderstanding at its core Lutheranism defines work as a calling received from God. Luther found this concept in Paul’s writings (1. Cor. 7:17–20). A calling describes a person’s inner tendency and gift to do something for the common good. In this way, work has purpose other than merely earning a living. According to the Osallistuva luterilaisuus (Participatory Lutheranism) study, nearly half of respondents considered it important that work be a calling. It was also important for many that work would become a life task to which one could dedicate oneself. These work-related values reflect the Lutheran view on the meaning of work. Morals and Secularization The ever-quickening spread of secularization and the crumbling of biblical authority have been evident in recent decades in both church life and in how society functions. Increasingly, the basic textbook of Christianity are considered bound to time and culture. The Bible’s guidance has been replaced by “biblical relativism.” The principle of the Reformation by which the Bible is the highest authority of Christian faith has been replaced by equality and love. It has been suggested that controversial issues surrounding e.g. the female priesthood and marriage should be resolved by separating the law and the gospel. It is thought that the law belongs to the realm of love and is bound to its time and therefore does not bind the church today. The spread of secularism is also visible in the fact that early childhood education and primary education offered by society provide little moral and religious support in the lives of children and young people. The early childhood education plan implemented in 2018 [by the Finnish National Agency for Education] caused much debate for this reason. A significant change in the most recent upper secondary school curriculum [in the Finnish education system] was the elimination of ethics instruction. In the future, ethical content based on Christian values and concept of humanity will only be taught in [Finland’s] primary and lower secondary schools. Conservative Laestadian Christianity has from time to time raised its concerns over the secularization of [Finnish] society. In a public statement released at Suviseurat (Summer Services) in Perho in 2005, it states “In our time, the understanding of right and wrong has become blurred. The teachings and authority of the Bible have been widely abandoned in our society and church [Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland].” This public statement recalls the principle of the Confessional Writings by which all doctrine in the church must be studied and evaluated according to God’s holy Word. The public statement draws attention to e.g. true love for our neighbor, questions concerning marriage, abortion, euthanasia, homosexual behavior and sober lifestyles. A 1993 public statement ended with the words, “We acknowledge our own shortcomings, but as pardoned sinners we, for the sake of love and truth, express our deep concern that the Word of God could guide our nation and our church. Humans have received as a gift at birth the awareness of right and wrong. God speaks to us in our conscience and requires us to do what we know is right, while forbidding us from doing what we know to be wrong. As a result of this, humans have a natural need and desire to act morally right. Morals are within us whether we are religious or not. However, the efforts of the community and of childrearers are necessary in order for the inner moral voice to develop and strengthen. As Christians we think that faith in God keeps our consciences in the right direction. A fallen person must continuously learn to know the will of God. Faith also gives strength to live according to the guidance of the conscience enlightened by God’s Word. Living a moral life is part of a human’s wellbeing. Good morals include acknowledging and appreciating neighbors. This is important in harmonious coexistence. For a Christian, however, the most important matter in life is to know God and the Savior and to become a child of God. A morally good life does not save a person. According to the material principle of the Reformation, a person is saved by faith alone, by grace alone, for the sake of Christ alone. The Holy Spirit calls through the gospel into the fellowship of God’s congregation. In this congregation we are in living fellowship with Christ and other Christians. The Bible is the highest authority of our faith and life. In Paul’s words, it is important that we remain in what we have learned and what we are convinced of (2 Tim. 3:14). Bibliography Aamenesta öylättiin – kirkon sanasto (https://evl.fi/sanasto/). Kristinoppi lyhyesti esitettynä. Suomen evankelisluterilainen kirkko 1948. Airaksinen Tiina ym. Portti. Etiikan perusteet. Eettiset kysymykset. Otava 2012. Hallamaa Jaana ym. Uusi arkki 3. Kristinuskon oppi ja etiikan kysymykset. Edita 2010. Hanki Katri ym. Silta 3. Etiikka ja kirkon oppi. WSOY 2009. Huttunen Niko Luterilaisen Suomen on aika tunnustaa väriä. – Senioriopettaja 4/2017. Julkilausuma 2.7.2005. – Oikea ja väärä. SRK:n vuosikirja 2006. Järveläinen Petri Kristinusko ja moraali. Suomalainen teologinen kirjallisuusseura. Helsinki 1994. Kinnunen Pekka Kristus on Raamatun Herra ja Kuningas. Martti Lutherin Raamatun esipuheita ja reunaselityksiä. SRK 1983. Kärkölä Pentti Ihmisarvo ulottuu hedelmöittymisestä kuolemaan. – Ihmeellisiä ovat sinun tekosi. SRK:n vuosikirja 2001. Laulaja Jorma Elämän oikea ja väärä. Kirjapaja 1994. Laurila Aarne ym. Nykyihmisen etiikka ja moraali. Oriveden opiston 70-vuotisjuhlakirja. WSOY 1979. Luther Martin Augsburgin tunnustus. Nenonen Heikki Luonnollisen lain sisältö Herbert Olssonin Luther-tulkinnassa. Dogmatiikan pro gradu -tutkielma. Helsingin yliopisto 2006. Osallistuva luterilaisuus. Tutkimus kirkosta ja suomalaisista. Kirkon tutkimuskeskuksen julkaisuja 125. Kuopio 2016. Palola Jukka Mitä käsite omatunto tarkoittaa? – Palveleva rakkaus. SRK:n vuosikirja 2008. Pelkonen Ari Koti lapsen omantunnon kasvuympäristönä. – Mä taimi olen sun tarhassas. SRK:n ajankohtaiskirja 2011. Raamatullinen usko ja elämä. Kannanilmaisu 3.7.1993. – Kristus on voittanut synnin vallan. SRK:n vuosikirja 1993. Rauhala Niilo Jokaisen elämä on yhtä arvokas. – Ihmeellisiä ovat sinun tekosi. SRK:n vuosikirja 2001. Uljas Juhani Peltoon kätketty aarre. SRK 2000. Vainio Olli-Pekka Hyveet. Johdatus hyveajatteluun. Viisas elämä 2017. Westerlund Marjukka Lapsen omantunnon kehitys (aatosklinikka.fi/lapsen-omantunnon-kehitys). Yhdistyneiden kansakuntien ihmisoikeuksien julistus.

Stephen and Diana Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion October 2020 -- We have anchors in heaven, not one but two – that is something we are used to hearing. Two of our children have gained their victory. Why us? We don’t know the answer, but we have experienced that God gives strength in times of trial and does not give us more than we can bear. The death of a close nephew in 2000 and a brother-in-law’s death in 2005 showed us that God provided the needed love and support to those bereaved families. Likewise, the outpouring of love we experienced after the loss of two children still comforts and encourages us. God knows what we need. Wings in the Sky Our son Isaac lived a short life. He was born in November 2010 and died in August 2011. We were on our annual camping trip at Clearwater Lake and surrounded by family when Isaac passed away. Our sister-in-law who was camping with us told us about wings she had seen in the night sky. The wings flew right over our tent when I brought Isaac into the tent at bedtime. We also learned that when we left the campsite to bring Isaac to the hospital, our son Justin reminded everyone else that “no matter what happens tonight, Isaac will be in a good place.” Such wisdom from a 12-year-old. Hearing this reassured us that it was Isaac’s time to go and that God sent an angel to take Isaac home to heaven. There is a time to be born and a time to die. Escorts Carried Us During the sorrow filled days and weeks after Isaac’s death it felt like we were in the center of God’s kingdom. Our families and local believers came to comfort and strengthen us. We didn’t have to worry about meals for weeks. These escorts often didn’t know what to say, but their presence showed us they cared, and this caring brought comfort. We also received phone calls, messages and cards from believers throughout North America. We never felt closer to heaven. After Isaac’s death it hit home that time moves relentlessly forward. We began to accept that there is no turning back the clock to a time when Isaac was still with us. Time also brought healing, and we felt the blessing of children and a busy household. The younger ones helped by asking many questions about where Isaac went, why he couldn’t come back to us and why we couldn’t go to him. We tried to explain that we would see Isaac again if we endeavor to keep faith until our life on earth ends. Our family again suffered loss in 2017, when Stephen’s dad passed away after a short battle with cancer. We experienced simultaneous grief and great joy, since he’d been given grace to repent a few years before, after a lifetime of unbelief. We missed him but rejoiced in his victory. Justin’s Last Swim Then, just a few weeks after dad’s passing, we lost another child. Stephen was a counselor and teacher at our first confirmation school in Saskatchewan in 40 years. Our son Andrew was one of the students. One lesson Stephen prepared was on prayer – perhaps that lesson helped to prepare him for what was to come. We were surrounded by friends in faith. Stephen was at confirmation school studying God’s Word as a teacher. Andrew was there as a student. I was visiting with believing friends on a Sunday afternoon. It was there that Justin and his friends decided to go for a swim. Later on Sunday, the mothers began to wonder why the boys weren’t back from their swim. The afternoon was turning into evening. Then they received a phone call from the boys. “We need help. Justin is missing.” At confirmation school, Stephen was enjoying song services when his phone rang. The display showed I was calling. “Justin is missing. The boys went swimming in the river and now they can’t find him.” “Oh Justin,” Stephen moaned as he sank to his knees. Five-day Search Justin was missing for five days. The first day, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police coordinated a search with the help of Saskatoon Search and Rescue and a host of family and friends. At the end of the day, the RCMP ended their search. They promised they would provide support, but continuing the search would be up to us. Every day, close to one hundred people helped with the search. Lookout points were strategically coordinated along the river to ensure that Justin’s body would be seen when it surfaced. After four days of searching and a severe thunderstorm, a spotter with binoculars saw Justin’s body in the water near a green pool noodle. Andrew chose to stay at confirmation school when he learned that Justin was missing. It was the best place for him to be, surrounded by believing friends and studying God’s Word. God answered our prayer that Justin’s body would be found before the weekend so we could focus on Andrew’s confirmation. Until We Meet Again In the days and weeks following Justin’s death, God gave us strength to carry on. We were comforted and encouraged by our believing family and friends. We didn’t have to worry about meals for weeks. Even three years later, we are comforted by people that remind us we are still in their thoughts and prayers. There are times we feel especially down. We miss our boys who are in heaven, and we wonder what life would be like if they were still here with us. Isaac would be celebrating his tenth birthday in November. Justin would probably be entering his final year of engineering at the University of Saskatchewan and wrestling with how to do it successfully with online classes. Though we have sad times, we still experience joy in our lives. Our children keep us focused on our day to day. Our household continues to be busy. The deaths of Isaac and Justin have helped us focus on what is important. They reveal that our life on earth is short and we don’t know when it will end. We want to endeavor in child-like faith, putting sin away. If we can remain in faith until the end, we will see our boys again in heaven.

Aila Mikkola | The Voice of Zion November 2020 -- In recent years, professional life has been attempting to take a so-called digital leap towards greater use of digital technology: for distance working, online meetings, video conference calls and conference gatherings online. Yet some people have been somewhat hesitant to take this digital leap. This is mostly due to one’s own technical skills and a lack of knowledge of technical equipment. For the past few years, I have been involved in LLC mission work in Ecuador as an interpreter. Services have been organized on-site in Ecuador. There were generally trips every six to eight weeks. Mission trips like this were the only format we knew. At the beginning of 2020, everything changed. With COVID-19, everyone had to social distance and many people were forced to take a big digital leap. Schools moved their instruction online. People kept in touch with elderly parents via WhatsApp calls since they couldn’t visit them in person. People ordered groceries online and visited the doctor via video calls. Meanwhile, an upcoming mission trip to Ecuador was canceled and the ones after that were put on hold. Test Services in April In April, the LLC office organized “test” services for believers in Ecuador using Zoom. The technology worked well and the services were well received. The LLC approached us interpreters with a request to interpret online services every Sunday. My initial reaction was concern whether the platform and the connection would work well enough. Secondly, I wondered how I could interpret online, since I am used to interpreting live. Nonetheless I signed up for this duty along with other interpreters from Finland and North America. We are happy to have some new interpreters join us as well, one of whom is Miranda Hendrickson. She described her involvement as follows: “After agreeing to be added to the translating schedule, I frantically began practicing. I was quite anxious, as it had been more than ten years since I’d spoken Spanish regularly. During the months prior to my turn, I practiced by listening to podcasts, speaking Spanish with other believing Spanish speakers via Zoom and by interpreting archived sermons.” LLC provided us interpreters and ministers with guidelines on how to log on to Zoom and how to do what is necessary for the Sunday service. Prior to a service, the minister and interpreter can share the Bible text and other information on the WhatsApp group established by the LLC. This exchange is crucial to help the interpreter prepare. The first online services in Spanish were organized on April 9, 2020. To everyone’s pleasant surprise, Zoom worked well, the interpretation worked out fine, and the service guests were able to see each other and hear God’s Word. The digital leap in mission work was successful! Regular Sunday Services Became Possible for Many The congregation in Ecuador kept coming to services every Sunday – in the morning U.S. time and evening Finnish time. Ministers from the U.S., Canada and Finland have served in turn. We interpreters attend the services to serve in our role of interpreting the services, but also to practice and improve language skills, especially religious vocabulary and expressions. Occasionally a minister who is not serving on a given Sunday will also attend the online services in order to meet believing Ecuadorian friends. Ecuadorian believers express their gratitude for having services every Sunday. Alex Panizo of Quito says, “Maintaining online services has been an important step for congregations in Ecuador. This has allowed the believers in Quito, Guayaquil, Riobamba and Ambato to strengthen their faith and find spiritual peace in these uncertain times. In addition, it has allowed us to converse and learn about the health status of our fellow believers in Ecuador, the United States and Finland. It is beautiful to know that God’s blessing shelters us all in health and it has been rewarding to see each other every Sunday through a computer screen.” Mario Mite from Guayaquil shares how important it is to have services every Sunday. “As the congregation in Ecuador still does not have their own minister,” says Mario in his WhatsApp voice message, “these services every Sunday have been a blessing to be in contact with the brothers and sisters in faith and also feel the unity and love between the believers. The services have also given us opportunity to ask for prayers of intercession for oneself and one’s family. Being able to attend services regularly without longer breaks has edified the Ecuadorian congregation and unity between local congregations in different parts of the country. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to see each other every Sunday to share the experiences of surviving with COVID-19. The virus has been very harsh in Ecuador and it has been a relief to see the other believers in good health online. Attending services has now become a regular habit in Ecuador as well,” says Mario. “Although the internet has allowed us to be in contact and to converse, it has also highlighted the reality of my country,” says Alex. “In Ecuador, not everyone has access to the internet, either due to economic factors or the place of residence in rural areas. An example of this is the non-attendance of our indigenous brothers from the Riobamba congregation at Sunday services.” From Different Sides of the Globe Many speaker brothers have served both on mission trips and online services. One of them is Markus Lohi, who shared his experiences. “Online services have been a very positive experience. The translator, joining the call anywhere in the world, plays a key role in making everything go smoothly. It has been especially nice to have a moment after the services for the guests to participate in a brief discussion. Being able to see friends of faith through video makes it much more homey compared to audio only. Smiles and tears speak without words. Of course, the online service format does not allow hours and days of visiting with the locals in their everyday surroundings and the mutual encouragement found in that. But the format does serve well the main purpose of God feeding hungry souls with His living Word. It is amazing to join in mutual prayer and song to God from different sides of the globe.” For some, the online services have been a way to reconnect with Ecuadorian brothers and sisters. For example, Miranda has traveled in Ecuador a few times years ago and met Ecuadorian believers. She says, “It has been a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with Ecuadorians.” There are also Ecuadorians living in Finland. Lisbet, married to Paulus Mikkola, and her sister Evelin, have been able to see their family in online services. They say that “the services have been a very special experience. Although there have been times of uncertainty due to the pandemic, services have filled homes with faith and hope.” The sisters express their gratitude to the LLC for making this online union possible. In their comments, Alex and Mario both give thanks to the interpreters. “An important factor in this process is the work of the interpreters. Without their help, we would not be able to meet every Sunday.” Collaborative Community of Interpreters Online interpreting has brought us interpreters closer together as well. Before this, many were just names on a list. Now we interpreters have our own gatherings online to practice Spanish and share information. We have also gotten to know each other better. Miranda comments, “I’ve gained new friends in some of the Spanish translators I’ve met from Finland.” One positive aspect of the online services, according to interpreter Aino Vuonokari, is peer support from other interpreters. “When you are an interpreter on mission trips, you work mostly on your own. Zoom services makes it possible to get support from other interpreters.” Other interpreters can help with a missing word, or we can share the interpretation so that one interprets the sermon and the other interprets the short discussion after the sermon. “This help is needed, since the interpretation online is more demanding than live interpreting, due to limited sound quality and due to the fact that online interpreting requires more concentration than translating live services,” says Aino. Grateful to God Most importantly, regardless of whether the services are online or onsite, God’s Word and the forgiveness of sins is the same. Gratitude to God in allowing us the possibility to attend services every Sunday comes up in every comment from Ecuadorian brothers and sisters. Mario says online services have been an excellent way to attend services, and he hopes these will continue even when it is again possible to arrange mission trips. “We leave everything in the hands of God,” says Juan Toapanta from Quito. “In this very difficult time that the world is going through, receiving services online is very good as it helps us increase our faith. We also ask God to give us strength and wisdom to believe in Him. We know that this all will pass and one day ministers will visit us again for the services.” We are thankful that it has been possible to take this digital leap in mission work! We all share in Miranda’s comment: “It has been such a blessing to take part in the Ecuadorian online services.” Thirty Zoom Connections Matthew Keranen | The Voice of Zion November 2020 -- Greetings from Ecuador, and from the virtual services held with our brothers and sisters in Ecuador! They, like us, are largely confined to their homes and not able to gather. Services have been held online with them four times already using the Zoom meeting application. God has blessed these services. The technology has served the purpose well and the services have been well received in Ecuador. Because mission trips are not currently possible, we plan to provide an online service each Sunday for the time being. Ministers and translators from North America and Finland will serve. Keith Waaraniemi kept the online service last Sunday, May 3. There were nearly 30 Zoom connections to these services. Aino Vuonokari and Aila Mikkola translated. Keith spoke from Psalm 126. Song accompaniment was played from Keith’s iPad. Keith says, “It is heartwarming to see all our dear friends online! Kathy was able to join me for the first time at Ecuador services.” Keith says the technology worked well except for a few brief moments. After the 45-minute service, there was over an hour of visiting and sharing greetings. Keith says it’s challenging to have spontaneous, personal discussions over a remote connection. He misses individual visits that are common after mission services on site. Keith tells how in their discussions, Ecuadorian brother Alex shared that that their healthcare system is facing severe challenges. There are not enough healthcare professionals and there is not enough equipment. And citizens do not have money to pay for care. Another brother Teodoro reported that people must decide between staying safe at home, or going out to work and risking falling ill. Approximately sixty percent of the people are those who must go to work. In Ecuador as well, believers understand that God is giving this time of trials. We remember our brothers and sisters in all countries in love and prayer. They remember us as well. Interpreting vs. Translating Readers will notice that the author of this writing refers to herself as an interpreter and to her profession as interpreting. We in North American Zion have commonly referred to this same role and profession as translator and translating. What is the difference? An interpreter is a person who is trained to convert oral or spoken messages from one language to another. A translator, meanwhile, is a person who is trained to convert written text from one language to another. These two skills are also some people’s professions. Some professionals do both interpreting and translating, others specialize in one or the other. Interpreting and translating both require an interest in or love of language and a deep knowledge of more than one language. Both are equally important in aiding people to understand messages – whether written or oral – that originate in another language. The translator’s key skills include being able to understand written material and, using necessary reference material, render that material clearly and accurately into the target language. The translator must have good writing skills in the target language in order to preserve the message of the original text, including nuances, emphases and narrative devices. The key skills of the interpreter include being able to “orally translate” or interpret from one language to another, in both directions, on the spot without using dictionaries or other reference material. Interpreters need good listening skills, since especially in simultaneous interpreting the interpreter must listen and speak at the same time. In effect, they memorize what the speaker says in the moment while simultaneously saying what the speaker said a few seconds ago. The interpreter attempts to transform whatever the speaker says, whether formal, informal, colloquial speech or cultural-specific references, to language and wording the target audience can understand. We can be thankful that God has provided believers with skills in interpreting and translating to aid in the work of His kingdom across the globe. These skills are put to good use here at the LLC as well in many areas, including publications and mission work.