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Tommi Kinnunen | The Voice of Zion December 2018 -- And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. —Revelation 22:12,13 In our lives as God’s children, we sometimes question and doubt. Our faith is weak and lacking. We need uplifting and comfort. John was no different. When he was on the Isle of Patmos, he needed the same encouragement as we do. God did not forget him in his lonely place of watching. John was placed in isolation on this island because he had preached about the resurrected Jesus. People with hardened hearts did not want to hear this. In his isolation, John saw visions of what was to come: believers in heaven. How incredibly uplifting and comforting this must have been! God commanded John to write down what he had seen (Rev. 1:9–11). Believe in God’s Promise From the time of the first human pair, Adam and Eve, to the time of John’s writing, thousands of years had passed. Old Testament believers believed the promise of the coming Savior. Jesus was born as promised, and John himself was able to see and hear Him. On that island, John again heard Jesus’ words: “And behold, I come quickly.” A long human life might span ninety or one hundred years. Yet even these years are extremely short in God’s time. The Bible refers to a person’s life as a leaf that blooms for a moment and then falls to the ground. Even if we measure human existence from its very beginning until now, that time span is very short in God’s time. Since the text at the beginning of this article was written, about two thousand years have passed, and Scripture tells us that man will begin to think Jesus will never come (2 Pet. 3:3–4). Jesus will come a second time at a moment when no one expects it (Matt. 24:44). It will be a day like any other day when people are minding their earthly duties (Matt. 24:40–41). Jesus says He will bring His reward with Him when He comes. What reward is He speaking of? For a believer, it is the promise of everlasting life in heaven. It is the fulfillment of promises given to a tired and weary traveler—one who has kept faith and a good conscience and who endeavored to put sin away in Jesus’ name and blood. That day will be a day of great joy and liberty for all who believe! The old portion will be stripped away, and we will be given new bodies. All temporal trials will be in our past, never to try us again. That day will be a day of misery for those who closed their ears to the voice of the Good Shepherd. They will receive their reward according to their works (Matt. 16:27). Scriptures remind us that Jesus is the first and the last (Isa. 41:4), the Author and Finisher of faith (Heb. 12:2), the Alpha and Omega. John says in the very beginning of his Gospel how the Word was with God. Revelation (19:13) tells who the Word was: Jesus Christ our Savior. God’s Son was present when the earth was created, and He will be here when life on earth ends. The Good Shepherd Teaches, Invites For this reason, it is so important that we live according to God’s Word and the teaching of the Scriptures. We cannot find any wisdom or comfort anywhere God is not present. Although God is everywhere, the dark world cannot help us in important spiritual matters during times of need. How can we hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in those who serve other gods? We wish to seek wisdom and guidance from God’s holy congregation on earth. There Jesus teaches us in all matters through His Spirit. God’s Spirit is powerful and unerring. It will be our Helper and our Comforter until the very last day. The world will not end until God’s last chosen one has been called into His kingdom; the doors are yet open. As we look around us today, we see a sinful, evil world, a world which God allows to yet exist. He is a patient God. One who searches for His Kingdom will find it: “Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matt. 7:7). On the last day, no mistakes will be made. If there is even the smallest amount of living faith in the heart, God will see it (Amos 9:9). No place on earth is more secure than God’s kingdom. It is the only place where truth is found. Only here can we receive comfort and peace through the preaching of the gospel. Jesus has given His children a holy duty to preach forgiveness in His name and blood. “Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Col. 3:13).

Wayne Kallio | The Voice of Zion December 2018 -- Loneliness is real and tangible. It is felt in the heart and actualized in the mind, at times as powerfully as sorrow, joy and love. It can be persistent and long-lasting, depending on the circumstances that initiated it. Examples of circumstances that can trigger loneliness include: the death of a loved one a geographical relocation initiated by a work or career change, perhaps causing isolation from God’s children rejection or shunning by peers because of ways one is “different,” especially poignant during formative teenage years unawareness of or insensitivity to an individual’s needs—for advice, for a listening ear, for maintaining mental stability, for love changes in life circumstances leaving the farm and moving to the city when a dear one loses sight of God’s kingdom and denies living faith Loneliness, it seems to me, is defined by one’s emotional response to his environment, not by his physical presence or place in it. If a person is shy, anxious or lacking self-confidence, she can feel lonely even in a crowd, at events such as graduations, Summer Services, Peace Garden Youth Days, even at haps or youth camps. A Feeling of Craving, a Vague Emptiness Loneliness is missing something, someone or some aspect of life. I sense it as a feeling of being unfulfilled, accompanied by a vague emptiness, a sense of loss. I feel it as a craving (in my case, for a departed spouse) as one might crave moments of stillness in a noisy, busy world. My loneliness is exacerbated when I’m alone—alone after 44 years of togetherness. I frequently recall my mother singing to me this little ditty when I was a young boy: There’s a lonely little robin in a tree by my door. / And it waits for its mate to return evermore. / So remember, please remember, that I’m lonely too. / Like the lonely little robin I’m waiting for you. Although loneliness is usually an unpleasant response to isolation or separation, it is not always unpleasant, for in the verse above the bird also waits in anticipation to be reunited—as I do nowadays, after grieving has abated. This illustrates the difference between being alone and being lonely; they are not the same. I find that although being alone sometimes embraces loneliness, it is more often peaceful, restorative or creative. Loneliness from a Believer’s Perspective In general, loneliness is a negative emotion—one that brings longing, sadness, a sense of loss, a feeling of disconnectedness and isolation. In some situations, it may be felt only momentarily and intermittently; in others it may be ever present, coloring one’s thoughts and shaping one’s actions. When severe, it can be felt to be draining, upsetting or constricting to the point of smothering joy. This is what David felt when sin isolated him from God: “I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop” (Ps. 102:7 ESV). In another psalm, David prays: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses” (Ps. 25:16,17 ESV). David’s situation leads us to examine loneliness from the perspective of a believer. To become isolated or separated from God, as David was, means also being isolated from the Holy Spirit and hence from God’s congregation, from the escorts and friends of the heart one has known. An isolated one surely experiences poignant loneliness, but don’t we also feel sharp pangs of loneliness and longing in our heart for the one who has left God’s kingdom? Although in time such loneliness abates for us, we would do well to follow David’s example and pray that reconnection with God would vanquish the loneliness the departed loved one must feel. Loneliness is softened when one dwells in God’s kingdom and feels His presence. Humans have an innate need to connect, and to have connection with God through faith ameliorates many feelings of loneliness. We can say, as Jesus said, “I am not alone, because the Father is with me” (John 16:32). We are also comforted when we understand through faith Jesus’ promise that He will send the “Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…even the Spirit of truth” (John 14:26, 15:26). The Holy Spirit Comforts and Unites It is hard to imagine the depth of loneliness without the Comforter in our life. Through the Holy Spirit, a believer is a member in the large family of a caring and loving Father in heaven—the same Father of whom Jesus says: “He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone” (John 8:29). Nor are we alone, for Jesus promises, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20). Further, we are connected through the Holy Spirit which dwells within us and in our brothers and sisters in faith. And we have a protective, guiding Mother in the congregation of God. Although we can and do feel loneliness in our temporal lives, we are not left endlessly alone in it; God sends compassionate escorts to listen to us, to comfort us and to connect with us. And best of all, we can become intimately connected through the Holy Spirit in the preaching of the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. It’s hard to feel lonely when we are united by the Holy Spirit. Discussion Points: What kinds of loneliness have you experienced in your life? How do you deal with, or lessen feelings of loneliness? How does your faith help you handle loneliness? What positive things could loneliness provide in one’s life? How I Lessened the Loneliness So, how does one ameliorate or lessen the ever-present loneliness that lingers when we suffer deep loss or another significant life-change? I’m sure that psychological journals provide solid advice in this, but I’d like to also share my personal experience after being widowed for eight years. 1. First, force yourself often out of your comfort zone. Rather than avoid contact with others, which loneliness urged me to do, I complied when someone asked me to participate in some situation. For example, I resisted attending the local ministers and wives’ evening since I no longer had a wife. But others encouraged me to come; they wanted to hear my psalms. They sensed my need to still belong. Being there helped me to unload a huge backpack of isolation and disconnectedness. The most significant of these situations was when I agreed, a year after Mary Anne’s passing, to go to teach at Reisjärvi Opisto. When principal Mikko Kinnunen invited me to do so, I first refused. But he then enticed me with a sweeter carrot, “What about coming to teach just half-time?” And so I did. It was terribly hard at first, to be there by myself—there where my wife and I had spent two wonderful years together many years prior. But the connection I experienced with all those understanding and loving students and staff was a healing balm. After the year was over, I realized it was the best thing that could have happened. That’s how it is in God’s kingdom. Following a number of such restorative experiences I became courageous enough to seek them out. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always restorative. It took my focus away from myself and onto others. It brought connectedness and it felt good—even in little things, such as talking with the stranger sitting next to me in the medical clinic waiting room, or on the airplane or standing in line at the post office. Especially rewarding was when I initiated conversation with someone I didn’t know before at a seniors camp in Phoenix or at winter and summer services. Being engaged, rather than withdrawn provides a sense of well-being and belonging, at least momentarily, and chips away at those moments of aloneness and loneliness. And more often than not, it leads to further contact and pleasant future interaction. 2. Second, don’t restrict your visits or relationships to only the social category (youth, married, single, aged) to which you happen to belong. We tend to think that only those in similar situations will be interested in what we say or do. Not so! Age is an artificial, self-imposed boundary; crossing it can create relationships as meaningful as those with your peers or family and thus diminish loneliness significantly. I began to visit young married couples and their families. I visited elders in a care facility. I even attended a few haps and youth Bible classes. It’s hard to feel lonely when you are engaged with others. Besides, it’s refreshing, rejuvenating and often entertaining and enlightening as a bonus. 3. Third, make the first move. Don’t wait for the other person to greet you; he or she is wishing you would say something to eliminate the unknown that hangs between you, so just do it! You can greet them—with God’s Peace and a smile. Connection happens automatically with either of these. Loneliness vanishes. 4. Finally, resist the temptation to trade face-to-face contact for virtual chat. Sitting at home with your iPhone in hand is no substitute for connection through eye contact, facial expressions and gestures, a smile or a grimace, laughter and a hug. Virtual contact is fine, even great in many cases, such as when I talk, for free, on WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime with my friends in Finland. But over-reliance on virtual contact when physical presence is possible is surely isolating and, over time, forges a pathway into loneliness.

Hannu Janhunen | The Voice of Zion November 2018 -- Outwardly, our friends’ lives might look fine, but we do not always know what they are experiencing. They may have many heavy trials. Each of us experiences things differently; some things weigh more heavily on one than the other. We all have our own trials to bear. When trials beset us, we can become tired and weary. We may ponder what the future will bring. We may wonder how we will have the strength to believe. What are we to do? Sometimes we do things in this life that have consequences. Perhaps we spend money foolishly or even fall into using illegal substances. These can bring severe consequences and even temporal punishment. God’s Word clearly shows us the right way. Matthew writes these words of Jesus: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (6:33). When we are able to journey in faith, we experience security and joy. God’s Word encourages us to trust in God and His guidance. Remember the Life of Job There can be blessing and protection in the trials we have been given. God has seen fit for us to experience trials. Many times this is hard to accept. We remember the life of Job, who was given extreme trials. He lost everything: his family, his livelihood and all his possessions. In the end, he acknowledged that God sees everything, even one’s innermost thoughts. He found himself to be a sinner and wanted to repent in dust and ashes. After Job’s darkest time of loss, sorrow and illness, God blessed him. Job received twice as much as he previously had. Most importantly, he left a testimony of faith (Job 42:1–17). Our minds can become mired in thoughts such as “Why am I experiencing all these things?” or “It is not fair for me to have all these trials.” We are not able to measure the fairness of our own trials. God’s ways are so much higher than our ways. He desires that we would make it to the destination of heaven. When the Israelites were on their journey towards the promised land, God gave them His promise: “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared” (Exod. 23:20). God Is with Us Always It is yet the same for today’s believers. God has promised to be with us all the days of our lives. We are reassured by the thought that God cares for us and protects us. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a good example for us. Her acceptance of God’s will teaches us to trust in God and His direction. We hear God’s will through His Word that is taught by the Holy Spirit in God’s kingdom. When trials weigh on us, it is good to discuss the way and the journey with other believers. They offer us comfort, guidance and reassurance. Mary went to visit Elizabeth and stayed there for three months before returning home. God took care of Mary even after the death of her son. On the cross, Jesus gave John the duty of taking care of her as his own mother (John 19:26,27). God’s protection is also always with us. God has given us the gift of faith, and He wants to protect us in faith every day. Jesus prays on behalf of His children so that we would be protected from all evil. Before His departure, He asked the Heavenly Father, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). Don’t Fear the Future A believer needn’t fear the future. Jesus asks us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all necessary needs will be given to us. He prays on our behalf without ceasing. He does not forget that His children are yet on the journey, travel-weary and tried. What refreshes us most amidst our trials is the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. When a fellow believer forgives all our sins, we are given strength to carry on. We can continue with joy on our pathway to heaven. Little Glimpses of Heaven Krista Simonson | The Voice of Zion November 2018 -- On a quiet evening, I find myself lighting candles. I sit in the semi-darkness, the room illuminated by softly glowing candlelight. My thoughts drift here and there, thinking upon this day, upon bygone days and moments. I ponder this life—this gift of existing here on this Earth, this gift of faith in my heart, this gift of hope that shows me the way to heaven. How has it been for you, my friend? Has your life been full of only joy-filled moments, full of carefree, sunny days? Or have you also had difficult times: cloud-filled, heavy days, when your faith has been tried—when you have wondered how you can keep on? On difficult, often wearying days, have fears and doubts come? Did they start as a tiny snowball that began to roll downhill, gathering momentum, along with more snow and more size? In such moments, has it been easy to believe, to trust? Or, buried under that ever-growing snowball, have you found yourself crying out: Dear Father, am I yet in Your care? What is it that can stop that snowball short in its tracks? What can cause it to melt into nothing and make it disappear? I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me (Ps. 77:1). What a relief it has been when I have been able to unburden my heart to a trusted escort! What a relief it has been to hear the words: All sins, all doubts, all fears, ALL are forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus! In times when life has heavily pressed me down, my heart from its very base, has been lifted up! Such is the power of the gospel, this love of our heavenly Father! Peace comes, and a soothing joy, that reaches beyond, and deeper, than the heartaches and hardships of this temporary earthly existence. Strength and courage also come—to take a forward footstep, and then another. May my heart always remember to turn to this gospel message. It renews my trust and my hope. It gives to me little glimpses of heaven. God knows me through and through. He balances everything just so for me. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it (Ps. 139:3,5,6). On this peaceful candle-lit evening, in these moments of reflection, my heart nods and quiet thankfulness seeps in: I have needed my trials! When all has seemed helpless and hopeless, I have had great need to turn to God. He lovingly pulls me closer. God gives me moments to stop and consider, moments to remind me what is truly most important in my life. How has it been for you? Have difficulties caused you also to look upward, toward the everlasting? Let us help each other on this journey! My friend, let us carry each other, in love and in prayer! May God help us to shield and shelter our own little candles, and help us shield and shelter one another’s flickering flames. Let us remind each other often where we are going. Our days, each and every one, have been given to us as gifts. God knows best. He wants to help us home. Life is short. Heaven is forever. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him (Ps. 28:7).

Curt Simonson | The Voice of Zion November 2018 -- But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. John 15:26–27 As we approach the end of the Church year, we are reminded to watch in faith. The world will end, and the final day of judgment will come. Judgment is a word that can cause us to pause and consider life’s final, critical moment: how will we be judged? For what we’ve done in this life? We recall the last day and evening when Jesus was seen in public. We note that He wanted to share with His disciples some very important things that would help them later. While He was yet with them, they could bring their questions and issues to Him without fear or worry. They could trust that He would always have a suitable response; sometimes He answered the question and other times He turned their attention away from questions that could cause more confusion and worry. Jesus always knew what was before Him and His children, and He knew how to prepare His children for the future. Jesus often spoke of the signs of the end of time, but His hearers didn’t always understand what He was referring to. As time passed, Jesus’ disciples realized after the fact that many things that happened had been foretold by Him. The Bible text for this article includes a small part of the last discussion Jesus had with His disciples. The disciples surely treasured the memory of this last evening often in later times as they continued the work of the Spirit that Jesus had authorized and commanded them to do. The Holy Spirit, Our Comforter The Comforter is in every discussion we believers have as we continue the work which the disciples began. The Comforter never leads God’s children in the wrong way, along diverging ways or in ways that lead to confusion. As Jesus stated, it is a Spirit of truth and proceeds from His Father. The enemy of souls attempts to mimic the spirit, so it can cause confusion and mistrust in God’s kingdom. Dear brothers and sisters, have we at times been confused or been tempted to not trust because of things we hear—whether true or partially true or totally false—in the house of God? The devil is not concerned with the truth and has no mercy. It knows it has only a little time to confuse each of us as the end of time draws nigh. We must very carefully consider how “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor. 14:33). During Jesus’ last evening with His disciples, He told them how they would be treated and that all false things would be said of Him. So it is for us as well. We can read God’s Word and be encouraged in this most precious faith, which is cared for here in God’s kingdom, “the pillar and ground of truth.” During His discussion, Jesus also noted that we should expect to be spitefully treated and criticized by those who oppose the Spirit of truth. This is a sign which we yet see in God’s kingdom, and even this testifies to us that this is a special place. God Leads Us to the Grace Fountain The world around us and even our own flesh seek opportunities to undermine or question the wisdom of decisions the Holy Spirit has led believers to make before our time. May we always remember that the source of our strength to believe is not within us, but in the power of the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. When we turn to God in prayer and ask for strength to believe, God leads us to where forgiveness is preached in Jesus’ name and in the blood He shed for us. When we hear the proclamation of forgiveness of sins from the mouths of God’s children in the kingdom of grace, we are cleansed from iniquity. Our Comforter again assures us to remain trusting in God until the day we are called from this temporal life into eternity. When we believe this way, death has no power over us. Eternal peace, joy and righteousness await. Let us continue to believe for today, not worrying about eternity or the final judgment. Faith is always a matter of the present moment. Yesterday’s faith has expired, and we haven’t been promised tomorrow; sufficient is the evil for this day (Matt. 6:34). The dust of the journey collects on the feet of God’s children, but it is wonderful to have our feet washed in the basin of water we fellow believers use in caring for each other. In this we bear witness to Jesus’ work, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Lohduttaja muistuttaa meitä: Usko tänä päivänä Mutta kuin Lohduttaja tulee, jonka minä teille Isältä lähetän, totuuden Henki, joka Isästä käy ulos, se on minusta todistava. Ja teidän pitää myös todistaman; sillä te olette alusta minun kanssani. Joh. 15:26–27 Lähestyessämme kirkkovuoden loppua, meitä muistutetaan uskossa valvomisesta. Maailma tulee päätökseensä ja viimeinen päivä, tuomiopäivä saapuu. Tuomio on sana, joka voi saada meidät pysähtymään ja miettimään elämän loppua ja sen kriittistä hetkeä; ”miten meidät tullaan tuomitsemaan. Tekojemmeko perusteella? Muistamme viimeisen päivän ja illan, jolloin Jeesus vielä nähtiin julkisesti. Huomaamme, että hän halusi jakaa opetuslastensa kanssa muutamia hyvin tärkeitä asioita. Nämä tulisivat auttamaan heitä myöhemmin. Kun Jeesus oli vielä heidän kanssaan, opetuslapset saattoivat esittää kysymyksensä ja asiansa hänelle ilman pelkoa ja huolta. He saattoivat luottaa siihen, että Jeesuksella olisi aina oikea vastaus heille. Joskus hän vastasi kysymykseen. Toisinaan hän käänsi heidän huomionsa pois kysymyksestä, joka saattaisi aiheuttaa enemmän hämmennystä ja huolta. Jeesus tiesi aina, mitä tapahtuisi hänen ja hänen lastensa tulevaisuudessa. Hän tiesi, miten valmistaa lapsiaan tulevaisuutta varten. Jeesus puhui usein lopunajan merkeistä, mutta hänen kuulijansa eivät aina ymmärtäneet mihin hän viittasi. Usein Jeesuksen opetuslapset ymmärsivät jälkikäteen, että monet asiat joita tapahtui, Jeesus oli jo aiemmin ennustanut. Tämän kirjoituksen Raamatunteksti sisältää pienen osan viimeisestä keskustelusta, jonka Jeesus kävi opetuslastensa kanssa. Myöhemmin opetuslapset varmasti vaalivat usein tätä muistoa viimeisestä illasta, kun he jatkoivat sitä Pyhän Hengen työtä johon Jeesus oli heidät valtuuttanut ja käskenyt. Pyhä Henki, lohduttajamme Lohduttaja on läsnä kaikissa uskovaisten käymissä keskusteluissa, jatkaessamme työtä jonka opetuslapset aloittivat. Lohduttaja ei koskaan johdata Jumalan lapsia väärää tietä, pitkin erkanevia teitä, tai teitä jotka johtavat hämmennykseen. Kuten Jeesus totesi, tämä on Totuuden Henki joka lähtee hänen Isästään. Sielunvihollinen yrittää jäljitellä henkeä, jotta voisi aiheuttaa hämmennystä ja epäluottamusta Jumalan valtakunnassa. Rakkaat veljet ja sisaret, olemmeko toisinaan hämmentyneitä ja kiusauksissa, kun kuulemme asioita Jumalan huoneessa - joskus tosia, joskus osittain tosia ja joskus täysin vääriä? Paholainen ei ole huolissaan totuudesta, eikä hänellä ole armoa. Se tietää, että sillä on vain vähän aikaa saattaa meitä hämmennyksiin, kun ajan loppu lähestyy. Meidän tulee ottaa tarkoin huomioon, että “ei Jumala ole sekaseuraisuuden, vaan rauhan Jumala” (1. Kor. 14:33). Viimeisen illan aikana, jonka Jeesus vietti opetuslastensa kanssa, hän kertoi heille kuinka heitä tultaisiin kohtelemaan ja kuinka kaikkia vääriä asioita tultaisiin hänestä sanomaan. Näin on myös meidän kohdallamme. Voimme lukea Jumalan sanaa ja tulla rohkaistuiksi tässä kaikkein kalleimmassa uskossa, jota hoidetaan Jumalan valtakunnassa joka puolestaan on ”totuuden patsas ja perustus”. Keskustellessaan Jeesus totesi myös, että voimme odottaa tulevamme väärin kohdelluiksi ja arvostelluiksi niiden taholta, jotka vastustavat Totuuden Henkeä. Tämä on merkki, jonka me edelleen näemme Jumalan valtakunnassa. Se myös todistaa meille tämän olevan erityinen paikka. Jumala johdattaa meitä armon lähteelle Maailma ympärillämme ja myös oma lihamme etsii mahdollisuuksia horjuttaa ja kyseenalaistaa niiden päätösten viisautta, joihin Pyhä Henki on johdattanut uskovaisia ennen meidän aikaamme. Muistakaamme aina, että uskomme voimanlähde ei ole meissä itsessämme, vaan anteeksiantamuksen evankeliumin voimassa. Kun käännymme Jumalan puoleen rukouksin ja pyydämme voimaa uskoa, Jumala johdattaa meidät sinne missä saarnataan syntien anteeksiantamusta Jeesuksen nimessä ja siinä veressä, jonka hän vuodatti puolestamme. Kun kuulemme syntien anteeksiantamuksen julistuksen Jumalan lasten suusta tässä armovaltakunnassa, olemme puhtaat vääryydestä. Lohduttajamme vakuuttaa meitä myös säilyttämään luottamuksen Jumalaan siihen päivään saakka, jolloin meidät kutsutaan ajallisesta elämästä ikuisuuteen. Kun uskomme tällä tavoin, kuolemalla ei ole valtaa meihin. Iankaikkinen rauha, ilo ja varhurskaus odottavat. Uskokaamme tänään, huolehtimatta iankaikkisuudesta tai viimeisestä tuomiosta. Usko on aina tämänhetkinen asia. Eilisen usko on mennyt, huomisesta emme vielä tiedä; kullekin päivälle riittävät sen omat murheet (Matt. 6:34). Matkan pölyt tarttuvat Jumalan lasten jalkoihin, mutta on ihanaa saada pestä jalat siinä pesumaljassa jota me uskonystävät käytämme toisistamme huolehtiessamme. Tässä me todistamme Jeesuksen työstä: -Älä pelkää, piskuinen lauma; sillä teidän Isällänne on hyvä tahto antaa teille valtakunnan (Luuk. 12:32).

Keith Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion October 2018 -- Our sister organization, the SRK in Finland, published a new book this past summer, Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Writings on the Basics of Faith and Doctrine. The book contains a number of writings by different authors. It was edited by Ari-Pekka Palola. As its Foreword explains, the book opens the message of the Bible and the Reformation on how God justifies a sinful person. The basic message of the book arises from the words of Apostle Paul: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). The perspective of the righteousness of faith provides the context for the various chapters. The 500th anniversary of the Reformation (celebrated in 2017) is one factor in publishing this book. In addition, over the years, a need for doctrinal discussion on how we believe and teach has also arisen among younger and older generations within Conservative Laestadianism. Thus the need became clear for a thorough work covering central doctrinal points. The purpose of the book is to describe simply and clearly how we believe and teach, and to explain what our understanding is based on. The book also aims to explain to the reader the concepts related to central questions of faith. The goal of the book is to encourage believers endeavoring in this time and to show that our Christianity travels “in the footsteps of the former saints.” After this book was published, North American believers have expressed much interest in seeing it published in English for the same reasons mentioned above. The Pastoral Committee and Publications staff have developed a plan to use volunteers and LLC staff to translate, edit, and publish the book chapter by chapter beginning with the January 2019 issue of The Voice of Zion. In this way, pieces of the book will become available to readers sooner than if we were to translate the entire book before publication. We look forward to this series and pray that these freshly written articles on timeless topics will edify the congregation and help each of us in our endeavor of faith all the way to heaven’s home.

Mikko Juvonen, Juhani Ojalehto | The Voice of Zion October 2018 -- What is like to serve in the work of Christianity in Africa? Togolese builder and speaker-brother Nicolas Deh tells about smoothing rough edges in African Christianity’s work fields and how the work of God’s Kingdom has become established in western Africa. Adapted from Siionin Lähetyslehti, September 2018. Nicolas Deh from Togo has served as a minister for many years. They have nine local ministers, and this year they plan to call four more to serve. “In Togo the domestic mission work is such that three weekends a month we ministers keep services in different parts of Togo,” Deh explains. In his daily job Nicolas Deh works in the building trade. He has a team that builds houses from the foundation up. Customers typically buy the supplies and then Deh organizes laborers and supervises the building process. In the early 1990s, amidst unrest in his home country, Nicolas Deh fled to Sweden. In Sweden he attended many different churches before he met Conservative Laestadians. After he received the grace of repentance, he returned to Togo to tell about his discovery. Meanwhile he stayed in touch with Swedish believers. When the work of Christianity became established in Togo, the local believers established the Laestadian Lutheran Church, which in French is the Eglise Luthérienne Laestadienne du Togo. Deh is the chairman of the church. Often on Speaking Trips, Sometimes at Home Too In addition to serving in the activities of the local congregation, Nicolas Deh participates twice a year in week-long mission trips as a guide and interpreter. He has also gone on a few ten-day mission trips to other African countries. “At first my wife felt this workload was heavy, but now when the children are older, things are easier on the home front.” Nicolas says that he has learned to value time spent at home, and he tries to be at home during the workweek as well as on one weekend a month. His wife is Cecile Deh, and they have six children, the youngest of whom is five years old. Nicolas Deh hopes that those in positions of responsibility would be remembered in prayer and that others would have a merciful attitude toward them. He encourages others to discuss matters openly and to express their viewpoints. “Sometimes it happens that at a meeting someone refrains from expressing their opinions and then later complains how poorly things are handled.” Deh ponders the way he handles his own duties and how he has developed in those duties. He welcomes constructive criticism. “How else could I have noticed what I’m doing in a harmful way? When someone gives me feedback, it’s possible to try to do things better,” he says. “Previously I might have reacted very strongly if I thought someone or something was hurting God’s kingdom.” I See Where God Has Done His Work The young, growing home Zion in western Africa has experienced growing pains. “In these African countries I have felt that discussions can get quite harsh sometimes. We need much forgiveness. I think that the difficulties we’ve experienced in our home Zion help us in our dialog with congregations in other countries.” Deh says there has been an improvement in these matters. “It seems that in Gambia God has done His work and mutual understanding has grown. The atmosphere of forgiveness and grace has borne fruit.” Deh has noticed a need to learn the basics of faith. “When mission workers are westerners, locals might get the idea that if they join our group, they’ll get some monetary assistance. We just have to gently guide them to understand that God’s kingdom is not food or drink, but that faith comes first and people are called into the fellowship of faith.” His August mission trip through the countries of Senegal, Gambia and Guinea made Deh think about what he knows how to do and what he is able to do. “Now afterwards I realize how God has prepared hearts and opened His Word. Even though I’m happy that God has been able to use me in His work, I must say that the most important thing is that my own name is in the Book of Life.”

Tomm Stewart | The Voice of Zion October 2018 -- Both “home” and “Zion” are familiar and comforting words to believers. This has always been evident in God’s kingdom. Millennia ago Joshua said of his home and family, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15). In this way Joshua made the same connection to home and Zion as God’s children do today. Initially, the Holy Spirit kindles faith in an individual through the living gospel. Jesus says, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit guides life in the Christian home, where the gospel of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood blesses and carries faulty yet pardoned sinners in mutual grace, love and truth. The Holy Spirit calls, gathers and enlightens in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (cf. Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of the Creed). This is a function of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers in our homes and local congregations. The Holy Spirit also works in this way in the mutual congregation, which includes all believers everywhere and crosses all human boundaries, imagined or actual. God’s love—the love of Christ—joins believers together in one faith, one hope, one God (Eph. 4) and in one love. Jesus says, “For by this shall men know that ye are my disciples in that ye have love one for another” (John 13:35). The congregation has the God-given duty to take care of the office of the keys here on earth. Believers use God’s Word, communion, prayer and mutual fellowship to remain in and become strengthened in faith. We support and encourage one another, advise one another and rebuke one another with loving instruction (2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Thess. 5:14). Faith matters are cared for in the fellowship of the congregation. If one member suffers, all the other members suffer too. In the same way, one’s joy is shared joy (1 Cor. 12:26). The mind of Christ and atmosphere of peace are brought about by the love of God. Advice given in love is not meant to demand, but rather to help the child of God in his or her battle against the power of sin. Christ and the congregation are inseparable. Therefore, a congregation member can’t live differently than what the congregation teaches. When Christ is with His congregation, the congregation endeavors in one faith, one doctrine and one hope. Christ is the way and the truth and the life. The congregation of God holds fast to God’s Word and Christ’s gospel of the forgiveness of sins. Thus we see the role of our home and mutual congregations in Christianity. According to God’s Word these matters never alter nor pass away with changing times: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35). In a spiritual sense we see God’s intentions for all believers. Jesus expressed it very simply, “Follow me” (e.g. Matt. 16:24, Mark 8:34). He also says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Just as we share roles and responsibilities in our own homes, so God also arranges for the orderly functioning of His congregation. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11). In our local congregations and mutual Zion, in obedience of faith we are able to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It helps us on our journey to personally hear and believe the good tidings of the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. We are also supported through gifts God bestows on those who serve the congregation, upbuild His kingdom, offer salvation to undying souls by preaching the gospel and call those without living faith to repentance. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, local congregations and our mutual Zion appoint servants to help in the work of God’s kingdom quite the same way Jesus appointed disciples. It is so good and so important that services are arranged and that we have opportunities to hear God’s Word and enjoy fellowship and activities with other believers “so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). We are blessed with this in our own homes, in our home congregations and in unity with our mutual Zion. “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity!” (Ps. 133:1).

Dale and Laura Skoog | The Voice of Zion October 2018 -- Pray. Wait. Trust. As parents of three young children we are sometimes asked if we remember what is was like when we didn’t have children. It seems that the answer, “Yes, of course,” surprises them. We do remember. After all, we have been married more years without children than with children. We remember the joys and we remember the sorrows. God Hears Our Prayers “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings” (Ps. 61:1–4). In the first years of our marriage we prayed that God would bless our life with children if it was His will. We were not given children, and gradually our prayer to God changed. We prayed that we could see and find contentment with the blessings in our life. “Wait on the Lord” “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Ps. 27:14). We waited. Our wait lasted 20 years. God blessed our years of waiting. We were husband and wife who became best friends. We had fulfilling careers and were able to travel often. We found that the void of no children could be partially filled by giving our time to others. We fondly remember time spent with nieces and nephews. Volunteering within God’s kingdom has blessings. We feel fortunate that we had time available for this as well. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3,4). Waiting can also be trying. There were hopes and dreams that didn’t materialize. There were doubts. There were tears and there were prayers. Through it all God granted us contentment and strengthened our weak faith. Our life was not miserable; we had much to be thankful for! We pondered whether adoption was an option for us. With prayer, we completed the necessary paperwork and the wait began. We waited four years before acknowledging that once again God had shown us that this was not His plan. With mixed feelings of sadness and some relief we closed our file for adoption. Three months later we discovered that we were expecting our first child! With unspeakable joy we marveled at God’s guiding hand. Trust in God’s Plan “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5,6). To trust means “to believe in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of. To have faith in.” We make plans for our lives, but when the path takes a different turn than we anticipated we can wonder why and even struggle against it. How comforting it is to put our trust in God, knowing that He has the perfect plan for us. “Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song I will praise him” (Ps. 28:6,7). We are parents now. We have three beautiful children, ages 7, 5 and 3. Our life has drastically changed in many ways but there are things that remain. Amidst the many joys there are sorrows still. There are doubts and struggles. Our prayer for contentment has not diminished. We need the care of our Heavenly Father in every stage of life. How good it is to trust in the will of God! In addition, there are two supporting articles on this topic in the printed or digital Voice of Zion. Discussion Points: In what ways has your life gone differently than you planned? What kind of process has it been to accept that God’s plans have been different than your plans? What obstacles do you have to overcome to gain acceptance and contentment? Have you felt alone in your trials? Where have you found help in times of struggle and trial? In what unexpected ways has God blessed you? Some deal with a busy household filled with little ones, others deal with an empty, quiet house. How can we support one another in life situations that are not the same as ours?

Kristen Keplinger | The Voice of Zion September 2018 -- I didn’t know if I could leave our six-year-old, Laine. She was born with brittle bone disease and I had not traveled far from her. Traumatic events and everyday risks have kept me by her side. So when I heard it would be possible to join my dad, Pete Lever, on a mission trip to Africa, I was torn. I had heard of his many previous trips, and his experiences made me want to visit there myself. I’ve always had a strong desire to experience different cultures and to see the world and the beauty of God’s varied creation. I particularly enjoy conversations with people anywhere I travel. My family encouraged me to go to Africa and promised to care for Laine’s needs. I soon learned that Missy Loukusa, with whom I had visited about Africa before, would also join the trip! In one village in Togo, we visited a believing home. We kept services with just the husband and wife because the children were at school. The husband, Jerome, related how a few years ago he met a childhood friend, whom he had not seen in 30 years. He noticed that the friend was so calm and peaceful, and he told him that he wanted to achieve the same contentment the friend had. He told Jerome how he had found God’s kingdom and was now a speaker-brother. He sent believers from Lomé to visit Jerome and his wife. They received the grace of repentance and the gift of faith! Jerome also told how he had sustained many injuries in a motorcycle accident. As a result, he had a metal rod in his leg. I shared some experiences we’ve had with our daughter Laine’s condition and showed photos of her recent leg surgery. It turned out they have a metal rod in the same leg! Sharing life stories and hearing how believers in Africa found God’s kingdom were special experiences. It reminded me what a precious gift faith is. We received permission to visit the local school. It was wonderful to see attentive students with minimal school supplies and such a desire to learn. We met the children from the believing family. I enjoyed watching my dad and Juha Kaarivaara, the mission speaker from Finland, teach the children phrases in English and Finnish. The daughter of Joseph, a speaker-brother we were traveling with, lived at a boarding school. We went to visit her. It was amazing to see the staff and students busy in the classroom and with various tasks, such as hauling water and cleaning dorms. Joyce, the believing girl we stopped to visit, walked back to the van with us. Before we left, she and her father embraced and blessed each other. This familiar sight brought tears to my eyes. I remembered the many times my children have left home and how comforting it is to bid farewell with the gospel. Witnessing this was one of many ways I felt the unity of faith with these believers so far away from home. I look back on my trip and recall many experiences that impacted me. I cherish the instant bond I felt with the believers there. I had wonderful visits with my dad, Juha, Missy and the African brothers and sisters on our long van rides in Ghana and Togo. The lives of many women—wives, daughters, mothers, grandmothers—looked so different, but felt very similar to mine. The children’s joy especially touched me. The people we met were so grateful for our time and efforts, yet I feel an even larger debt of gratitude to them. Their love and kindness are indescribable. I was thousands of miles away from my husband and children, but I was surrounded by believers who are also my family; they have the same ability to support me with the gospel in my life of faith. Missy and I shared a close bond and supported each other throughout our travels. It was nice to have the companionship of another female. Our trip was blessed in many ways. I am thankful for my experiences in Togo and Ghana and warmly encourage others to visit the believers there when the opportunity arises! The Water of Life Flows in Bena Melissa Loukusa | The Voice of Zion September 2018 -- Curious onlookers gathered to listen. Women, from whom we had minutes earlier purchased fresh, hot corn on the cob, and school children on their lunch break paid close attention to the conversation between our brother in faith, Emmanuel, and a few of the women. I was curious too, so I quickly found a spot near another dear brother, Kofi, who began translating the conversation for me. Since childhood I had often pondered the lives of people such as these African villagers. Now I was in Africa on a mission trip. We had been driving along a newly built highway when Emmanuel asked if we’d like some corn. The spontaneous stop for corn in this Togolese village called Bena was an opportunity to glimpse the local people’s daily lives. I listened as Kofi recounted that Emmanuel had asked the villagers how it was possible that every time he passed by, they always had fresh corn to sell, even in the dry season. “We have the river,” they answered. More discussion ensued. They use this water and drink it, but do they know where the river begins? Or where it ends? Or how it came to be? I saw furrowed brows and perplexed expressions followed by relief when they had an answer. “God,” the women said. God had created the river and He created them also, they affirmed, nodding their heads. Emmanuel explained how our lives are like the river. God is the originator of life and He knows when life ends. We do not ask our parents to be born. One day we will go somewhere else. Today we are alive, but one day we must answer to God for how we lived our lives here on earth. Emmanuel asked, “Do any of you have sin?” The listeners admitted that yes, they did have sin. They listened intently to the loving instruction on the need to repent. Emmanuel spoke to them about the gospel that God has given to His disciples through the Holy Spirit. “We have ourselves drunk from this gospel and our sins are washed away. Therefore, we want to share the gospel’s good news: God’s Son, Jesus Christ has also paid for your sins,” Emmanuel continued. “Today we offer to you, through the power of the Holy Ghost, no other thing than forgiveness of sins in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I watched one villager after another come forward to receive the grace to believe in the Word of reconciliation. My heart rejoiced with gladness and thanksgiving. How marvelous is our God and Savior! When it was time for us to continue our journey, some women didn’t want us to leave. “How will we be able to continue?” they asked. Emmanuel encouraged them, “The important matter is to believe personally and to be cleansed. The Holy Spirit has come to dwell in your hearts and will teach and guide you in your life of faith.”

Name Withheld | The Voice of Zion September 2018 -- As years pass, I reflect on my life as a single believer. Memories of my first Peace Garden Youth Days, Colorado Ski Days and other church events were once vivid in my mind. Nothing could compare to the anxious anticipation of attending an event for the first time. At the event I soaked in every minute of the action-packed weekend surrounded by believing companions. The sermons and speaking turns seemed to be directed right at me. Back home I rode the joyful wave of feeling uplifted for many days. But all too soon I crashed back down again with familiar trials and temptations. Again I could only pray to have the strength to continue for yet one more day. My second visit to Peace Gardens lived up to all the expectations set by the first. I reunited with friends I met the first year and again I felt so uplifted. Soon, though, I realize I’m approaching my tenth year attending Peace Gardens. I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend so many church gatherings that I cannot even count them all. The memories blend together. It’s difficult to distinguish one event from another. Going to the next event becomes routine, but it is still worth going because the events remind me of what is most important in my life: faith. I try not to take what I have for granted. I have a large network of friends spanning many states and countries. Life, though, doesn’t always go the way I planned. I’ve learned I can’t get too attached to any one friend or even a particular group of friends. Friendships don’t always stay close. As happy as I was for one of my best friends when he started courting and then got married, it was not easy for me. I knew our friendship could never be the same. He would no longer be at my side at Peace Gardens or Ski Days. He has other priorities now. Loneliness is a difficult fight, but God provides me with new companions. As my friends marry off, a younger group of friends appears. I once again find my place. The age gap doesn’t matter, because we are all believers with a common goal. At one church event, I was excited to think that I may soon be turning the page to a new chapter in life. A visit with a girl soon led to mutual interest in getting to know one another better. I experienced the highest of highs that plummeted to the lowest of lows when the relationship I anticipated would be lifelong came to an end. My heart ached with great pain. Resuming everyday life without the companion I thought I had was one of the most difficult trials I’ve faced. I battled the temptation to place blame on her and God for my pain. Fortunately I found that there is power in forgiveness. I had to switch my focus to taking care of myself. I had to remember I had other friends to lean on. Idle time is always dangerous, but in that time of recovery it was especially difficult. I had to stay busy and let time heal me; in some cases there is no other way to heal except to let time pass, whether that be weeks, months or years. On my journey through life I’ve learned a lot about myself. I have strengths but also many weaknesses. I’ve learned how to avoid my greatest temptations. I know what situations put me at risk of falling. I also know that I am weak and, despite my greatest efforts, I fall. I can’t rely on my own or anyone else’s strength. The sole source of strength is the forgiveness of sins. I must reach out to friends when I stumble. I often think of song of Zion 574: “I surely would drown in temptation and woe if You sent no angels to help me.” These angels can be any believer. There is great blessing in friendships with single girls, even if there is no interest in a closer relationship. It is in God’s hands whether one of those friendships sparks and becomes something more. I must put all trust in Him and be content with all the blessings He has provided. God knows what is best for me.