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Aleksi Päkkilä | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Aleksi Päkkilä serves as a parish pastor in the Nivala congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the national church of Finland. On Sunday, before services, a message pops into the friend group’s WhatsApp chat suggesting we go play something together or head straight to someone’s house for haps. Once again, the services would be skipped, which gives me pause. Deep inside, the thought stirs a conflict. Why is making choices so hard? How can a person know what is right or wrong in each situation? And what does it even matter? The Lasting Consequence of the First Choice In the beginning, things were different. In paradise, the first human pair didn’t need to wonder where the line between right and wrong lay—God had clearly expressed it. Still, in the form of a serpent, the enemy of souls cleverly cast doubt on God’s Word: “Did God really say?” (Gen. 3:1, NIV). The discussion that followed this question led to the fall into sin. With that fall came inherited, original sin, and along with it, the human understanding of right and wrong became permanently blurred. Yet God did not abandon the human race He had created. He gave them the promise that the power of the enemy of souls – the father of falsehoods and lies – would be defeated. Old Testament believers sometimes forgot this promise, and their lives began to drift away from God. So God had to remind His people of His will by writing the Ten Commandments with His own finger on two tablets of stone. Later, God sent His Son to fulfill the promise He had made in paradise. Although Jesus fulfilled the law on behalf of humankind, even those who believe in Him still bear the consequences of that first wrong choice. Because of corrupted human nature, it is not always easy for anyone to accept God’s will. That’s why we need the guidance of God’s Word in our decision-making. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Acceptance or Understanding? It’s natural for people to reflect on their own choices by comparing them with others’. Sometimes it may be hard to explain to yourself or to others why you chose a certain path, yet there may be a deep inner certainty that it is right – it may be that no further reasoning is needed. At other times, there may be great uncertainty, and that’s when it’s helpful to talk things over with fellow believers. But what if someone you thought believed just like you sees the matter differently? That’s when open conversation becomes even more important. We can trust that alongside God’s Word, the Holy Spirit also guides us when believers seek answers together. Respecting others and understanding their differing life circumstances is never wrong – but we shouldn’t support views that go against God’s Word, since God’s will does not change. For this reason, it’s one thing to seek God’s will in temporal or modern matters that weren’t known at the time of the Bible’s writing. It’s another thing to question a clear teaching of God’s Word—such as lifelong marriage, a sober way of life, or the kinds of words one should use. Grace or Christian freedom does not mean that anything goes or that everything must be accepted. In the end, each person is responsible for their own choices. Because of original sin, all people stand on equal footing, equally in need of God’s help – His grace. A spiritual and a human self, two totally different parts, wage a continual inner battle over right and wrong. We must recognize this and pray for strength to choose rightly. “This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). Two Roads To the question of why it matters to ponder right and wrong, we can turn to Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about the broad and narrow ways, or roads (Matt. 7:13,14). The idea that adjusting God’s will to suit oneself makes the road easier and may sound tempting, but according to God’s Word, that path does not lead to happiness. The broad road ultimately leads away from God. To stay on the narrow road, one must navigate not only the temptations of sin but also the danger of drifting into self-made spirituality. The phenomena of our time indeed seeks to supply kindling to both: on the one hand by questioning traditional values, and on the other by promoting a self-centered approach to faith matters. Still, seeking and following God’s will brings blessings in both this life and the next. “Then Peter said, ‘Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.’ And he said unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting’” (Luke 18:28–30).   Translation: M. Keranen

The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Home & Family Article -- Disrespect shows up in many forms—careless words, closed hearts, quick tempers, or hurtful silence. These writings by believers from the Flathead Valley, Mont., congregation invite us to reflect on how we experience, respond to, and teach about respect in daily life. Drawing from both real-life parenting and biblical instruction, the articles explore how we can model a better way: one shaped by humility, forgiveness, and the love of Christ. In a world where disrespect can feel constant, we are reminded that the tone we set at home, in school, and in our conversations can reflect the light of God’s kingdom.   Modeling Respect in Our Daily Lives Conor and Heather Davison We see examples of disrespect everywhere around us every day. When we are in a hurry, we tend to be short or rude to those around us. We might not notice a person coming behind us through the door, letting it close in their face. Maybe we cut someone off when we’re driving. Or we get impatient at the cheerful but slow cashier at the grocery store. Often the action is not meant to hurt, but it was done with insensitivity. Whether meant or not, a recipient may feel disrespected and hurt. If your careless actions resulted in hurt for another, it is right to acknowledge the hurt and ask forgiveness. Respect at Home Parents find it easy to lash out at children, especially when under stress. Sometimes hurtful words come. Parents can also feel disrespected when their children disobey or disregard the house rules.   Humbling to ask for a hug and forgiveness can be hard at times, yet it is important to stop and do so. There is a saying along the lines of “more is caught than taught.” Children learn first and best by imitating those around them. The best way to teach our children respect is to model it in our daily lives.  The parent who finds the good in others will not be shocked to find their children building up others any more than the family who makes going to church the priority in life finds those children continue to go when they leave the home.  God’s Word has clear instruction on how children ought to treat their parents. The Fourth Commandment says that children are to “Honor their father and mother” and in Colossians 3:20 “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Parents have a special duty to ensure that children follow these instructions and are taught these values. Just as the children answer to their parents in this matter, parents answer to the heavenly Father in this duty. Respect at School Children can feel disrespected when they don’t feel like they’re being heard by their parents, siblings, or their peers. To teach children how to be respectful, they need to know how it feels to be respected. School-age kids may be mocked for things such as what they wear, what kind of house they live in, or how many siblings one has been blessed with. It is not always easy to do the right thing when one feels disrespected. When disrespected, we may lash out in anger, and we often find it difficult to forgive and show love to that neighbor. Jesus said to “turn the other cheek” (Matt. 5:39). We all hope that our children are making good choices when they are away from home. We had a scenario where a teacher informed us that our child was being disrespectful to another student. He was asked to write a note of apology. He drew a picture of two boys hugging, and wrote a word bubble with the words, “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” Once again, we see how a child is an example of a child of God. We all sin against one another, yet a child has no shame in asking for forgiveness. We can never speak too much about this topic of disrespect, as we seem to need constant reminders. May God grant us patience to show our children how we are to live as God’s children. About Gossip Gossip, always a timely topic, can be another form of disrespect. We know that some forms of gossip are harmless and even can be a source of useful information, caution and social guard-railing. Yet, we all know the pain caused when the line is crossed into an area of harm. Respect for one another as fellow believers and as neighbors in a community starts with the Eighth Commandment, where we are instructed to think the best of our neighbors. Luther’s explanation to this commandment says, “We should so fear and love God as not to falsely belie, betray, slander, nor raise injurious reports against our neighbor.” This clearly forbids harmful gossip. We can think closely about the words in Luther’s list. Betrayal may be deeply hurtful to the friend who would want to keep a matter private. It may be best to let each person share their own health or relationship issues when the situation is shared privately. Sometimes what we see as harmless news can be deeply painful to those involved. John states that “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer” (1 John 3:15). In the same way, our thoughts with evil intent towards our neighbor breaks the 8th Commandment. Can we say we respect our neighbor if we think any manner of evil of him in our hearts? We are also instructed to come to our neighbor’s defense if any man comes to us with accusation against him; as Luther says, “apologize for him, think and speak well of him and put the best construction on all he does.” Therefore, if we feel offended or disrespected, we are instructed to assume our offender meant well, building on these charitable thoughts by acting on this belief. This is the basis of respect in God’s kingdom.   Responding to Disrespect with Love, Not Anger Dan Grangroth Dinner has been cleaned up and homework is complete. Mother and father sit in the living room, talking with the children before bedtime. A child cries out from the bedroom. A special token, hidden away, is broken in the corner of the bedroom. Mother and father comfort the child, even as they fight the anger building inside. Another disrespectful situation. Why break a sibling’s belongings? This is a familiar experience in our home. The response varies between children and has become predictable. Some show anger, some sadness—each with different levels of noise or silence. The same is true for adults; we each respond to disrespect in different ways. Parental Responsibility to Teach Dealing with disrespect can be challenging. An authoritarian approach is dictatorial and may lead to obedience rooted in fear rather than honor and respect—a true change of heart. Leniency, on the other hand, can become permissiveness of sin and lead to more misbehavior. Luther writes, “Do not coddle children. The first destroyers of their own children are those who neglect them and knowingly permit them to grow up without the training and admonition of the Lord. Even if they do not harm them by a bad example, they still destroy them by yielding to them. These parents will, therefore, bear the sins of their children because they make these sins their own.” God has given parents a responsibility that is to be taken seriously. A balance must be found – one that establishes boundaries and helps children develop self-control. Luther encourages us to use evangelical discipline: to correct with great measures of forgiveness. The Bible teaches us to be respectful. We also carry certain expectations of how others should show respect. When those expectations are unmet, we can become angry – and that, too, is not right. The Old Testament outlines legal consequences for disrespectful – even criminal – offenses. Today, governments carry out the consequences of such actions. In this way, we are freed from the burden of wrath, handing that burden to those God has ordained. Consider Joseph When we feel disrespected, we can think of Joseph, as told in Genesis 37–45. Joseph told his brothers a dream that, when taken literally, seemed disrespectful. Yet, through eyes of faith, it was truth – not meant to offend. Resentful, his brothers sold him into slavery. Instead of anger, Joseph chose to serve his masters and soon found favor in their eyes. Later, falsely accused by his master’s wife, he was imprisoned. This was another moment that might have justified anger, yet Joseph continued to serve with love. In time, he was raised to leadership. A famine later brought his brothers to him, seeking food. When offense occurs, whether from the world or from within God’s kingdom, can we lay down our anger? Or does it only grow? Joseph, by God’s grace, forgave those who disrespected him. His heart of forgiveness led to healing and restored love in his family. Saul’s Offenses Were Forgiven Saul of Tarsus and his men did not respect the Word of God or Stephen. When stones rained down on Stephen, “He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:50). Stephen’s companions might understandably have feared and hated Saul. Yet, as children of God, we want to put such anger behind us. When Ananias was called to care for Saul, he desired to be obedient. Love is stronger than fear or contempt. “And Ananias, putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 9:17). A phenomenon today is the tendency to speak negatively of those with differing stances or opinions. Like-minded friends discussing temporal matters can easily fall into this pattern. I’ve noticed that once this type of conversation begins, it tends to grow in boldness and intensity. Ephesians 4:29, 31 instructs us: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” If you’ve found yourself in such a situation, it may help to speak with others about the matter. Through conversation, you may be encouraged to view it through a forgiving lens rather than one that feeds wrath. We also look to Jesus. The world showed Him great disrespect. That led to the shedding of His blood on the cross, and to the most precious gift we have. We can approach the throne of grace, even in matters of disrespect and anger, and believe all sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. We can make new promises and look to the goal of heaven, where there will be only peace and love – and perfect unity.   Thoughts on Disrespect Ethan Ojala Throughout life there are ups and downs, lefts and rights, good decisions and bad. The way we keep a healthy relationship with peers and the rest of the world is through personal actions.  Whether out running errands or having fellowship with others in God’s kingdom, everyone is responsible for their own actions. Like adults, a youth in God’s Zion wants to shine light onto this world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5,16).  Being an example is a big responsibility. In church, younger kids in the congregation look up to older kids, watch them and copy their actions. If an older youth shows disrespect, for example does not follow rules, bullies or speaks rudely, younger kids can take it the wrong way and think that doing any of those actions are “cool.” They might do disrespectful actions themselves.  Shining a light onto this world does not only mean being a good and respectful citizen, it also means not casting a bad light onto this world. Youth and adults in God’s Zion all want to set good examples in the congregation, in school, with elders and with families. Disrespectful behavior would cast a bad light on God’s kingdom. Being disrespectful can ruin reputations, friendships and your own self-respect.   Alexa Grangroth, age 17 The best way I’ve been rebuked by a parent or elder was with calmness rather than anger. Instead of yelling or punishing right away, they’d calmly tell me I was being disrespectful and that they expected better from me.  One example that comes to mind happened a few years ago. I was arguing with my mother, and she gently told me that the way I was talking back to her was not respectful and that I needed to think about my choice of words. This really caught me off guard. In the heat of the moment, I was just trying to get my point across and wasn’t thinking about how my words might affect her. When she rebuked me in this way it wasn’t shaming me, it was holding me to a higher standard. After I stopped and thought about how I was treating Mom, I felt bad. After I received my sins forgiven, I wanted to act more respectful, because I didn’t want to harm my conscience or let her down again.   Natalie Grangroth, age 16 The way that I identify a disrespectful situation is when someone says or does something that does not feel right. A personal example would be when I am with a group of people, and I say rude things about others. When I am being disrespectful in this way, I don’t usually think of it as disrespectful until afterwards. It isn’t right to disrespect others, and when I do, I feel bad about it.  Not only can we disrespect people, but we can also disrespect objects or property. If I am playing an instrument or a game, I would want to use them with respect. If I don’t, then they could break, even if that’s not what I intended. We want to always respect people and property. When we see someone else in a disrespectful situation, we want to approach them with respect and tell them that what they are doing isn’t right.   Juliana Grangroth, age 14 When a peer is being disrespectful to me, it is often easiest to ignore them or give disrespect back. However, the right thing to do would be to rebuke them. Say for instance, someone is talking behind my back and I hear about it from other people. I should go to that person without anger and talk through that issue. My first thought would be to call or text them, but I know that talking about it in person would be the best way to handle the situation.   Children’s Perspectives on Disrespect Meg Davison, age 16 When have you seen an example of disrespect? One example of disrespect I see at home is disregard for my property. My personal things go missing, get broken or taken. This can be very frustrating when my items are not respected. How have you felt when you have been disrespected? It is very frustrating to be disrespected, and my normal reaction has been to get upset or angry about the situation. It can be hard for me to remember that as a child of God, I should react with love instead of anger. What can you say to someone who is being disrespectful to you or to a friend? I think the best way to talk to someone who is being disrespectful is with love in your heart. You can ask them if something is bothering them and offer help. There may be something troubling them that is causing them to act with disrespect. Everett Muhonen, age 8 When have you seen an example of disrespect? I’ve seen disrespect at school when my classmates bring things to school that aren’t allowed, or when they don’t follow the rules or participate in class. How have you felt when you have been disrespected? I have felt really mad and upset that someone has treated me in an unkind way. I don’t like that feeling. What can you say to someone who is being disrespectful to someone’s property or belongings? I would say to them, “Touching other people’s things isn’t right.” Anya Jurvakainen, age 9 When have you seen an example of disrespect? I have seen disrespect when a boy in my class yelled at a teacher. How have you felt when you were disrespected? My feelings were hurt. What could you say to someone who is being disrespectful to one of your family members? I could help solve the problem and say that they shouldn’t be rude to others. Sidney Grangroth, age 13 When have you seen an example of disrespect? At church and school when people make fun of other people about their clothes and hair. How have you felt when you have been disrespected? It makes me feel sad and hurt. I ask them to stop, and I try to ignore them. What can you say to someone who is being disrespectful to you or to a friend? I can ask them if they would like it if others treated them that way.   Discussion Questions: How do you feel when an adult or authority figure speaks harshly or condemns someone? What might this teach children about respect or disrespect? How is it possible to be unintentionally disrespectful? How can we correct someone who has been disrespectful in a way that reflects grace and love? How can respect in our daily lives shine the light of God’s kingdom? How should we respond when we see or experience disrespect—especially when we feel angry or hurt? How can we teach children about respect and disrespect? What should we do if we hear someone speaking harmfully about another person—especially when it feels awkward to speak up?

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - News & Notes Article -- Many of our children are now or soon to be on summer vacation. I hope that in these days many would be able to experience a time at camp in the fellowship of brothers and sisters in faith. Some of you have now completed your grade studies and the next stage in becoming an adult is before you. May you with a prayerful heart approach the future with hope and aspirations and in whatever you do, do it unto God’s glory. Maybe you will find ways to contribute to the work of your home congregation! Summer services are at the beginning of July. Already now I wish to thank the many individuals who have served to prepare for the services and in advance, to you, the many who will serve during services. There will be many opportunities for service guests to sign up for a work shift.  I wish you a safe and blessed summer.    Updates on LLC Activities Pastoral  As we finalize the plans for the 2025 Summer Services in Outlook, Sask., we welcome Ilmari Korhonen and his wife Riitta from Finland along with Tero Lehtola and his wife Eija from Sweden. Ilmari and Tero have been sent by the SRK and SFC to serve at these services. Following Summer Services, the brothers will be traveling and serving in various congregations in North America. We will also be served by Jukka Palola and Olli Vänskä who will be traveling with the Language Camp group. Bob Haapala and his wife Shawna traveled to the Sweden Summer Services in late May. Kevin Ruonavaara and his wife Cindy travel to Finland to serve on a three-week trip which will include the SRK Summer Services. We wish to remember the servants of the Word and their families as they travel to serve. Mission Department Over the past months, there has been a need to reorganize the work in Kenya. Joseph Kuse from Ghana is currently in Kenya for approximately one month to assist with this. Plans are also being made for a similar trip in August. Remember this work and the brothers and sisters in Kenya in your prayers.  We experience that God still calls seeking ones to His kingdom. About two years ago, a man from Benin was able to personally believe through a WhatsApp connection with French-speaking brothers in Finland. He requested that services could be held in Benin. On the April trip to Togo, two days were spent in the neighboring country of Benin. Listeners who had heard the preaching of God’s kingdom for the first time were able to believe their own sins forgiven. Remember them in your prayers! Facilities  The Silver Springs Camp Board continues to work with a building committee on the plans and construction of a pavilion at Silver Springs. Prior to construction, a finalized plan with firm cost estimates will be presented to Minnesota congregations asking for support. The purpose of a pavilion at Silver Springs is to provide an area for food service during Summer Service events and as a service venue for regional services. Camps  Planning for camps began many months ago, and now camp season is well underway. Children especially look forward to youth camps. It remains our prayer that God will bless this camp season and grant refreshment to His children. The second annual health trials camp was held at the Elk River Church in early May. About 40 participants attended in person and approximately 15 attended online. Participants responded positively to the camp, expressing clear appreciation for this type of event. Plans are underway to continue it in 2026. Education  We often get requests for instructional material from individuals and congregations. We are starting a process to organize presentations, articles and lesson outlines and make them available in a standardized format and searchable online via the llchurch.org website. This work is expected to be completed by mid 2026. Communications Over the past two years, we’ve received much favorable feedback on the array of podcasts available on our Hearken  app. Podcast series begin and then eventually they end. New podcast series take their place. New podcasts include “Guided by Faith,” “Serve One Another,” and “Along Life’s Way.” These are available to all Hearken  subscribers. Today is a great day to start listening, if you haven’t already! We received approximately 30 applications for 14 opisto scholarships for the 2026–27 opisto year. These applications will be processed and selections made in the coming months. Applicants will be informed of the Opisto Scholarship Committee’s decisions at the end of summer. The Committee will also be sending out information to applicants and more broadly to member congregations to outline how the scholarship and the methods of supporting scholarship recipients is evolving. A couple of member congregations are making plans to arrange Content Creator Workshops in their local areas. Areas of focus at these workshops include writing, art and services broadcast work. These workshops will provide opportunities for those with interest or skills in these areas to see how their gifts can be used in the work in God’s kingdom. If your congregation would like to arrange a workshop, or would like to hear more about what this type of event might look like, please contact Ruth at rdelacey@llchurch.org We look forward to serving you at the Summer Services Bookstore. We will have several new items for sale, along with previously published items. Welcome to stop in, browse and purchase!

Mission Work in Ghana, April 2025 Keith Waaraniemi and Sakari Yrjänä | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Mission Work Field Notes Article -- In the gold-mining town of Prestea and the riverside community of Aveyime, services are held under mango trees and in rented classrooms, and the gospel is shared across languages and lives. Visiting ministers from abroad join local believers in the work of God’s kingdom and in the details of daily life. This report captures the life of faith in Ghana: congregations take root, services are organized and led, and joy springs forth when the gospel is preached in one’s own language.  We are pleased to observe how women also take part in organizing services across the congregations. They serve actively, like Martha in the Bible, yet, like Mary, still have time to sit and listen in services. Many of them participated actively in discussions afterward. It was touching to see how they encouraged the preacher during sermons with their gestures and expressions. When we think of previous visits to communities such as Aveyime, we note a greater number of listeners at services. God has given a time of growth.   Yawo Goka’s Story I am Yawo Goka and I teach French in the Junior High School of Prestea, where there are 1,700 students. There are three parallel classes in each grade, and I teach two of the lower levels. Some classes have up to 70 students. I teach 12 hours a week, but most of my work time is taken by tasks like checking exams, preparing lessons, and other paperwork. I am married to Esi Atelas. We have six children—three boys and three girls. The oldest is 25 and the youngest is 12. My friend Joseph Kuse lives in Accra, and I often visit him there. Once when there were services in Accra—perhaps in 2011—he invited me to attend. At the services they spoke about sin. My sins pressed me down and felt heavy. After the services I asked the speaker, “May I believe my sins forgiven?” When I heard the gospel, it brought relief—I was free. I had previously been part of the Catholic Church. There we confessed our sins in a confessional booth to the priest, but before repentance I didn’t really understand what sin was. There, constant collections were a burden—they would ask for money two or three times. If you had no money, you couldn’t attend. I stopped going to church at 17. Now I am happy. My whole family believes.   Francisca Akosua Goka’s Story I am Francisca Akosua Goka and I live in Prestea. My father first received repentance. When services were held in Prestea, I too believed my sins forgiven. At 17, while still a student, I wanted to continue my studies at a vocational school in Prestea. Our family could not afford it, so my father asked for help from believers involved in humanitarian work. They funded my training to become a seamstress. Now I sew clothes at home, and my father bought me a sewing machine. I sew for myself, and customers come to our house to place orders. I share my work on Facebook and Instagram so that customers can see the clothes. I dream of starting a clothing shop where I can make and sell clothes.   Josephine Badu’s Story My name is Josephine Badu. My husband and I have four sons. The oldest is 22 and the youngest is 6. They are all still in school. We used to live in Peki but moved to Aveyime in 2014. My husband works as an electrician for a water pump company there. In addition to housework, I make ice for sale. While living in Peki, I received the grace of repentance at services in 2012. I was very happy when I could believe my sins forgiven. Since moving, I have organized services in Aveyime. The first services were held in 2014, with Joseph and George speaking. My sister also lives in Aveyime with her family. In the beginning, there were very few of us. Before services, I usually set out chairs under a large mango tree and let neighbors and believers know that services are coming. This week, two unbelieving neighbors came to services. I had told them about faith and that mission speakers were coming. Every Sunday, I am the Sunday school teacher in Aveyime. We have a Sunday school book that I use to teach. Usually, about 20 children attend. During Sunday school, I bless the children with the forgiveness of sins.

Laurel Hill interviewing her dad, Peter | The Voice of Zion June/July 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Laurel:  Is there a difference between asking to understand and questioning in doubt? How would you explain the difference? Peter:  Questioning in doubt can cause me to feel troubled. It’s hard to believe something is God’s plan when it causes me to feel stressed, especially with a big decision. It depends on the topic whether it’s questioning or doubting.  Sometimes we just don’t understand everything either, and that’s okay. In that case, it’s good to openly visit with fellow believers about the matter. We can remember that when conversing with believers, the Holy Spirit is present and can guide the discussions, giving acceptance and understanding where it’s needed. It’s good to visit with humility and with love, accepting rebuke and correction. Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered, there am I in the midst of them.” When we have questions or doubts about believing we can discuss them with believers. When we do it in that way, the Holy Spirit will guide us. Even if we don’t understand, we can accept that too. That’s not what gets us to heaven. Keeping our faith is what gets us there. When the Pharisees asked Jesus questions with the intention to trap Him or make Him say the wrong answer, then they were doubting Jesus. They were blinded to His teachings and didn’t have faith, so they didn’t believe Him.  What do you think? Laurel:  I think it definitely depends on what someone is asking. If someone genuinely doesn’t understand something and they feel troubled, that is a good time to ask to understand.  Next question: how can asking (to learn) and questioning (in doubt) affect your faith? Peter:  If we’re asking to listen and to learn and we have the right heart, that is important. We can remember that the Pharisees were likely not asking to learn, they were asking because they doubted Jesus. We need to have the right heart that wants to believe when we’re asking or have concerns. The Pharisees had hearts of unbelief. Laurel:  The right heart is the most important factor in this situation. How can you tell if you are asking with trust or questioning because of doubt? Peter:  If you’re asking with trust, maybe your heart is troubled and wants the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If you’re full of questions and doubts, it might be a good time to ask yourself: do I have unforgiven sin that needs to be taken care of? Maybe you just need the care and fellowship of other believers to help get through a difficult trial. Laurel:  Christian fellowship certainly is important for youth. It can feel intimidating to ask a question you need answered, but as long as you have the right heart, the Holy Spirit will guide the discussion. What should you do if God doesn’t give an immediate answer to your questions? Peter:  We can pray for acceptance and peace from God and ask Him to calm our minds and give us His peace. It is important to remember that part of Jesus’ teaching is that He gives us peace in the form of the Holy Spirit or Comforter. He doesn’t give us the peace that the world gives; He gives heavenly peace. This is a peace for our spiritual side, the undying soul. We also can remember that we aren’t saved by knowledge. It doesn’t get us to heaven. Faith is what gets us to heaven. There are many things we have little understanding of, and that’s okay. We don’t need to understand all matters to get to our eternal home.

Jim Frantti | 2005 LLC Seattle Summer Services - Ministers and Board Members Meeting -- What is a sacrament? Juhani Uljas, in the book Treasure Hid in a Field , answers the question in this way: “The word, ‘sacrament,’ is not found in the English or the Finnish Bible, yet the sacraments are deeply founded in Scripture. In the Latin Bible, the word ‘sacramentum’ corresponds (ex. Eph. 5:31) to the word’mysterion,’ mystery, in the Greek Bible. The mystery of faith, which we cannot fully understand is connected to sacrament. For that reason, we regard it with the timidity and humility of a child, for we remember that God has ordained it.” “God has given the sacraments to those who have been helped unto faith to support them in their endeavor.” “According to our Christian Doctrine, the sacraments are holy acts of the congregation, that Jesus Christ himself has instituted. Christ himself is present in them and distributes His grace to us through visible elements (CD 56). In the sacrament God’s Word is joined to the visible, even to the elements touchable to the hand, so that we are assured again and again how real is God’s grace toward us.” How many Holy Sacraments are there? Again, quoting from Uljas: “The Apology to the Augsburg Confession states the matter as follows: ‘The genuine sacraments, therefore, are Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and absolution (which is the sacrament of penitence)’ (XIII:4). Absolution was removed from among the sacraments, because the promise of God was not connected to visible elements but to the Holy Spirit. The resurrected Christ said to His disciples, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost, whosoever sins ye remit...’ (John 20:22,23). The sacraments have not been instituted by men or the church, but God has instituted them.” In the Old Testament, circumcision corresponded to baptism and the Passover lamb to communion. “In both the Old and New Testaments the Sacrament is associated with the covenant made by God and His people and the promise given in that connection. God has instituted the sacrament as a sign to remind of His promise. Faith takes hold of the promise of God; the sacrament supports and strengthens faith.” (Uljas) What Is the Purpose of the Sacraments? Faith is not received through the sacraments. Faith comes first, and then the sacraments serve to confirm and strengthen faith. Luther wrote: “Sacraments are not satisfied by the performing of them, but by believing in them. It cannot be true that the power to justify should reside in sacraments.....The dogmatists of the sacraments have not understood these at all, since they have attached no attention to faith nor in the promise of the sacraments. They become entangled with the mere sign and its use and thrust us from faith to works and from the word to a sign. But by so doing, they have not only harmed the sacrament, but have entirely destroyed its content. Let us therefore open our eyes and learn to pay more attention to the word than the sign, more upon faith than the use of the sign. Do we not know that the divine promise always demands faith and that both, the promise and faith, are indispensable to each other, but are separately ineffectual. For without the promise, believing is impossible, neither does the promise come true without faith. But when both are reciprocally effective, they guarantee the true and surest effectiveness of the sacraments. It is therefore a vain struggle and a passage to perdition to seek the power of the sacrament avoiding faith and the promise. Does not Christ say: ‘He that believeth and is baptized is saved, but he that believeth not is condemned!’ Thus he indicates faith to be so indispensable in the sacraments, that it can save without the sacraments, and therefore He did not want to add: ‘who does not believe nor is baptized.’” The Augsburg Confession states: “Concerning the usage of sacraments, we teach that they are not instituted for signs only, by which Christians can be recognized, but are the marks and testimony of God’s will towards us so that our faith might be stirred and strengthened by them. Therefore, they require faith, and they are then properly used when received by faith and faith is fortified.” Philip Melancthon wrote concerning the sacraments: “For signs are to be used for this purpose, to establish the conscience. Neither John’s nor Christ’s baptism justified (and I speak of the signs as such) but only certified.....In both, faith justified.” Melancthon further wrote: “Participation in the Lord’s Table, that is the chewing of Christ’s body and the drinking of His blood, is a sure sign of grace.....Participation in the Lord’s Table does not abolish sin, but faith does. Of a truth, faith is confirmed by this sign. Just as the mere sight of Christ did not justify the dying Stephen, but only confirmed his faith by which he was justified and vivified, so in like manner mere participation in the table of the Lord does not justify but only confirms faith.” In Acts 2:38, 41,42, we read: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.....Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Thus we see the correct order: preaching – faith – baptism – doctrine & fellowship (Communion). Baptism Christ said in His baptismal command, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. 28:19-20 A person is not saved by baptism but by faith. Faith does not come through baptism but precedes it. As Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16 This was true also of circumcision. Apostle Paul writes of the circumcision of Abraham: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness .... And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.” Rom. 4:3,11 Baptism, as circumcision, is a sign of the righteousness of faith. Apostle Peter writes that baptism is “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.” 1 Peter 3:21 The correct order of preaching – faith – baptism is illustrated by the scripture narratives about Philip and the eunuch of Ethiopia and Peter in the house of Cornelius. Of Philip and the eunuch, we read in Acts 8:35-38: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” In Acts 10:44-48, we read of the event in the house of Cornelius: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.....Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Thus, faith is not received through baptism but precedes it. We believe therefore that every child is born with a living soul and as a child of God and is in a saved condition even before being baptized. Although we believe that neither faith nor forgiveness is received through baptism, the believers keep baptism as a holy covenant. Augustine has written: " Not by the lacking of a sacrament, but by the despising of a sacrament one is damned.” Neglect of a sacrament is illustrated by the account of Moses, when God had called him to lead His people from the bondage of Egypt. Moses had failed to have his son circumcised, according to God’s command. We read in Exodus 4:24-26: “And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him [Moses] , and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” Moses had neglected to keep the sacrament of circumcision, and the condemnation was not directed to the child but to the father. What then does baptism signify? Uljas writes, “In baptism, God joins a child into the fellowship of His congregation to be cared for. The endeavor as a child of God begins there. When a child grows older, the battle against sin begins. Baptism obligates us to it. Paul writes to the Romans, ‘So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.” (Rom. 6:3, 4) “According to the teachings of the Small Catechism, baptism signifies that the old Adam in us should be pressed down by daily sorrow and repentance. It must be mortified, with all its sins and evil lusts. In its place, the new man should daily come forth and rise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” To the commandment of baptism also belongs the commandment of instruction, which obligates the parents to bring up their children according to the word of God, so that they would grow up in grace and life. In baptism, through the visible sign, God takes the believing child into His covenant for life to establish him in salvation. Finally, we note that judgment is not directed to one who does not have the opportunity to be baptized before death comes. Luther explains this when writing about Jesus’ commandment of baptism (Mark 16:16, Matt. 28:19): “Therefore must this text be understood so, that baptism is here commanded and reinforced and it must not be despised but used as has been said and nevertheless not straining this text so taut that someone therefore would have been condemned if he were unable to be baptized .....There has always been one-mindedness in this, that if someone believes and nevertheless dies unbaptized, he is not for this cause condemned to damnation, for it may be so, that someone believes and even though he desired baptism, death came first.” Holy Communion (Sacrament of the Altar) We can find the scriptural basis for the sacrament of holy communion in the accounts of the Last Supper found in the three synoptic gospels. Matthew 26:26-28 “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Mark 14:22-24 “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed and brake it, and gave it to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.” Luke 22:19-20 “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” Apostle Paul writes of this in his first epistle to the Corinthians: “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” 1 Cor. 11:23-26 As said previously, one does not receive forgiveness or justification through partaking of Holy Communion. This is a feast of the believers, a precious meal of remembrance. It is received by faith, for the words “shed for you” require a believing heart. In this meal, we partake of the body and blood of Christ, at which time our faith becomes strengthened and refreshed. The children of God partake of Communion because it is the commandment of Christ and His gracious promise, and because we need strengthening and refreshment in our endeavor of faith. This was also true of the eating of the Passover lamb in the Old Testament. The Passover lamb was eaten with “the doorposts of the hearts daubed with blood” for the strengthening of the faith and journey. The Passover meal was also a meal of remembrance. In partaking of it, the children of Israel remembered how they were delivered from bondage. There are two elements present in Communion – the bread and the wine. Scriptural accounts of the Passover meal indicate that the bread was an unleavened bread. The Scripture is not clear as to the nature of the wine. The scripture texts dealing with the establishment of Communion simply refer the “the cup” and to “the fruit of the vine.” As to whether the content of the cup was fermented or unfermented is unclear. Grape juice, wine and non-alcoholic wine have all been used in Communion. As believers, we understand that the body and blood of Christ are present in communion. In the Augsburg Confession, it is written: “It is taught among us that the true body and blood of Christ are truly present in the supper of our Lord under the form of bread and wine, and are there distributed and received.” Luther taught that childlike faith is required here. With our natural eyes, we see the elements, but in faith we believe that Christ’s body and blood are present. Finally, two quotes from the Swebilius Catechism regarding Communion: “Without faith or the spiritual eating and drinking, sacramental eating and drinking which happens in Communion does not help at all: but it comes to the partaker more for judgment than for salvation.” “What benefit do we have from the Lord’s Communion? (1) Our faith becomes strengthened and assured of the forgiveness of sins; (2) We become joined with Christ, so that He is in us, and we in Him; (3) Our faith becomes assured of resurrection unto everlasting life.” Conclusion The Augsburg Confession teaches: “The sacraments are effective, even though the priests which give it are not righteous, as Christ himself testifies: On the seat of Moses sit the Pharisees.” This is the way it has been taught in Christianity. On the other hand, the office of the gospel is an office of the Holy Spirit. The proclaimer must be a partaker of the Holy Spirit through faith. As believers, we keep the sacraments as holy and as commandments and covenants with Christ. The most important matter is that we are believing. In this way, we are acceptable participants in Christ’s sacraments. Yet we also wish to show respect to these solemn and sacred occasions, even in an outward form, by our conduct, dress, etc. We have been present at the solemn occasion of baptism. The small child is dressed in white garments. The minister performing the baptism, the parents, the godparents and the other guests also have dressed for this occasion to gather around the baptismal basin. Also at the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, we show proper respect to the occasion. In the Swebelius Catechism, the question is asked: “How should we conduct ourselves as we proceed to the Lord’s table?” The answer is: “When we have received absolution by the office of preaching, we should - (1) Step forth in true repentance, putting away all foreign and wordly thoughts; (2) While partaking of the sacrament, conduct ourselves in godly, sober and meek manner, remembering that we are not communicating with man but with God; (3) When we leave, we should rejoice in spirit over God’s renewed grace, and praise Him from our heart for this, retaining good intention and will to walk in the new life.” References Augsburg Confession Apology to the Augsburg Confession Small Catechism Large Catechism On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church The Loci Communes of Philip Melancthon Treasure Hid in a Field

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion May 2025 - News & Notes Article -- The month of May presents a season of change. In the north, nature exhibits her full splendor after waking from winter rest. In some areas, school ends, and many graduation ceremonies are held. Dear graduate, we wish you God’s abundant blessings as you prepare for life as an adult. May you protect and preserve the most important matter in life – the gift of faith that holds the hope of heaven. May also marks Mother’s Day. Dear mothers, may God richly bless you for the care that you provide for your family. Updates on LLC Activities   The notice and agenda for the 2025 LLC Annual Meeting, to be held in Outlook, Saskatchewan, has been sent to all LLC member congregations. Included in the packet is the 2026 LLC Operating Plan, titled, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto God.”  The Operating Plan is presented as a PDF file and a video. We encourage congregations to make this document available to all members as they meet to prepare delegates for the annual meeting. Facilities Facility planning is always ongoing. The Silver Springs camp board has requested a building committee to assist with constructing a permanent pavilion at Silver Springs. The purpose of the pavilion is to provide a place for service events and additional day uses, such as workshops and seminars. The planning for this structure is in an early stage. Education The Mission Work Steering Group has developed a plan for nine teams to support mission work throughout the world. One of the teams is the Learning Materials and Education Team. This team is made up of eight people from the LLC. Currently, the team’s focus is organizing the work, identifying stakeholders and establishing a structure. Additional information will be forthcoming as this team begins its work.  The 2025 Camp Season began early April. The first camp at Stony Lake was held April 4–6, with just over 100 ministers in attendance. Camps are an important part of many believers’ lives. We often hear how beneficial days spent at camp have been on a personal level.  Mission  The spring season is a busy time for mission trips with many brothers traveling from Scandinavia and North America to Ecuador and Africa. Upcoming trips are noted on page 18. Please remember in your prayers the brothers and their families at home as they serve. The believers look forward to these opportunities to gather and hear God’s Word with visiting ministers. As summer approaches, we are beginning to plan for confirmation schools in global mission work. If God allows, we will have a confirmation school in Ghana in August and possibly a similar camp for adults in Kenya. The Mission Work Steering Group has had initial meetings with each of the nine teams that support the global mission work efforts. The teams are beginning to consider the work in their respective area. Each team involves many volunteers that support this expanding work. Pastoral The 2025 Ministers Camp was held at Stony Lake Camp in early April. There were just over one hundred ministers that attended in person and around fifteen were able to join online. We experienced the blessing of one spirit. The topics for discussion were around Doctrine, God the Giver of Life, Music in the Congregation and Discernment.   With warm memories of Winter Services in our minds, we continue the planning of the Summer Services in Outlook, Sask. Many ministers throughout North America as well as from our sister organizations in Finland and Sweden will be called to serve at these services.  The third Bible Translation Communication has been shared with the congregations. It has been important for us to discuss this topic openly in our congregations. Through these discussions, the delegates are able to receive guidance prior to the 2025 Annual Meeting where they will have an opportunity to discuss the Bible translation topic with other congregation delegates. Communications We will hold our annual Content Creators Workshop September 12–14 at Stony Lake Camp in Minnesota. A content creator is one who contributes written material, art, digital media or music content, or one who contributes their skills and time in support of publications and broadcast work. A content creator is anyone who contributes to any of our projects in any way. We extend a warm thank-you to all who write, take photographs, create art, edit digital media such as audio or video, and otherwise contribute to anything we produce. We invite you to the workshop to meet other contributors—content creators—and to hear interesting discussions on how this work can support believers in their walk of faith. Editing is complete on a fiction work called Time for Words  by Heli Jurmu. Next will come the layout process and then after a final check it will be off to the printers. We look forward to publishing this first work of fiction by a North American author. At a recent Print Publications committee meeting, there was discussion on our children’s magazine, The Shepherd’s Voice.  Subscription numbers have remained at the same level for quite a few years. Do you subscribe to Shepherd’s Voice?  Or is there a family with young children you know who might enjoy this publication? You can use the print magazine and the audio available on Hearken  together so that young readers can listen and follow along! See the New on Hearken!  feature on page 18 to find out what new things will be posted on Hearken  in coming weeks. LLC’s Opisto Scholarship Fund supports those who have received scholarships to spend a year at one of three opistos in Finland. Consider making a donation to support opisto students! Or consider asking opisto alumni in your congregation to host a fundraiser for the fund. Over the past four decades, hundreds of North American youth have received a scholarship and spent a year studying abroad.

Ken Byman | The Voice of Zion May 2025 - Round the Table Article -- Contentment can be difficult to find, and it seems we spend our lives trying to find this state of happiness or satisfaction with our lot in life. We tend to focus on our temporal contentment first, hoping for a raise, a new car, a new house or the next vacation. Through hard work and persistence, we may reach these goals and that can bring some form of brief contentment. Yet we quickly look forward to the next goal as soon as that contentment fades. Contentment with our temporal belongings, however, is insignificant when compared to the contentment we seek in our spiritual lives. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul writes, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:11–13, NIV). Here Paul illustrates how contentment can be found regardless of one’s life situation. It is contentment like this that we continue to seek in our lives. Finding this contentment that Paul writes about is often a struggle because our human portion frequently wants to fight against God’s will. We tend to focus on our temporal lot, hoping to make a more comfortable or desirable life. Yet God has ways to steer us back towards Him, and He is patient in His waiting as we slowly begin to accept His will. When we pray for God’s guiding hand in our lives, God hears our prayers, though He might not answer them in the way we ask. Instead, He answers them with what we truly need. Sometimes God determines that we need a trial in our life, and we may struggle to accept this. One question we often ask ourselves is “How can I accept this trial?” In the case of smaller trials, it may be possible to work through the trial with little help. However, when God gives larger trials, we fail to find the personal strength to carry our burden. This is when we turn our face to our heavenly Father in prayer. He has surrounded us with many travel escorts to lighten our burden. Through the care, love, and support of these escorts, we begin to feel the acceptance of God’s will. Through acceptance, the struggle eases and we can then begin to experience contentment, which comes in bits and pieces and can be fleeting. Because we are humans and quickly forget God’s lessons, we will continue to seek contentment until our earthly journey is ended. Though this journey is often overwhelming, it is also important to reflect on the blessings God has given us. There is contentment in knowing that He has guided us unto this day. We can also be thankful knowing that God will not forsake us, and He has given us travel escorts to help us on our journey. As Paul wrote, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Let us remember to pray for strength to find contentment and to thank God for the blessings He has given us. Contentment is for today; we cannot save some for tomorrow. Like the children of Israel traveling on the wilderness journey when the manna was only given for one day, we strive to put our trust in God and ask for His guiding hand. It is a blessing to live with acceptance of what our future holds. May we always sing as the little songbird, praising God for the blessings of today and thanking Him that we can be free from the worries of tomorrow.

Allen Pirness | The Voice of Zion May 2025 - Bilingual Article -- When we look back on our life, we see that it is and has always been good to trust in God’s plan. When we look forward, it requires the obedience of faith to trust that God will guide us. This is not unique to our time, rather this has always been the case. A priest toward the end of the second temple period named Zechariah waited together with his wife Elizabeth for a child. They were getting older and still no child came. One day Zechariah was visited by an angel as he tended to the Altar of Incense in the Temple. He was told that his prayers have been answered and now God was going to give them a son. He would be called John and live as a Nazarite. The angel Gabriel also said that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth and would call many people back to the obedience of living faith.  Zechariah doubted the possibilities of what he was told and as a result he was struck dumb until the naming of his son John. Zechariah was unable to speak for more than nine months. During this time it seems like his hope in God’s plan for His people grew. He trusted that now the time had come for a savior to be born and that his own son John would serve God as a prophet. When he could finally speak, he praised God and prophesied that his son John would show God’s people that the way to personal salvation was through the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name and blood. That time came to pass at God’s correctly appointed time. Now in our time we await the already appointed time of the second coming of Christ. How should we wait? God’s Word tells us that as we approach the end of time, the times will become more perilous. We observe how true this is. It seems that even when we have hope that good things are happening in the world, we soon realize that even that time is more terrible than before. We silently lift our heads and patiently wait for the fulfillment of God’s final promise. He most certainly will send His son to bring us safely home.   Z es para Zacarías Allen Pirness Cuando miramos hacia el pasado de nuestra vida, podemos ver que es y siempre ha sido bueno confiar en el plan de Dios. Cuando miramos hacia el futuro, requiere la obediencia de la fe de confiar en que Dios nos guiará. Esto no es único de nuestro tiempo, sino que siempre ha sido así el caso. Un sacerdote, hacia el final del segundo periodo del templo, llamado Zacarías, esperaba junto con su esposa Elizabeth por un hijo. Ellos estaban envejeciendo y aun así, no tenían ningún niño. Un día, Zacarías fue visitado por un ángel mientras cuidaba el altar de incienso en el Templo. Le fue dicho que sus oraciones habían sido escuchadas y que ahora Dios les iba a dar un hijo. El sería llamado Juan y viviría como un Nazareno. El ángel Gabriel también le dijo que el estará lleno del Espíritu Santo incluso antes de su nacimiento y que llamaría a mucha gente de regreso a la obediencia de la fe viviente. Zacarías dudo de las posibilidades de lo que le fue dicho y como resultado, quedó mudo hasta en nombramiento de su hijo Juan. Zacarías no pudo hablar por más de nueve meses. Parece que su esperanza en el plan de Dios por Su gente creció durante este tiempo. El confió que ahora había llegado el tiempo de que un salvador era de nacer y que su propio hijo Juan serviría Dios como un profeta. Cuando el finalmente pudo hablar, el alabó a Dios y profetizó que su hijo Juan mostraría a la gente de Dios que el camino hacia la salvación personal era a través del perdón de los pecados en el nombre y la sangre de Jesús. Esto vino a suceder en el tiempo que Dios correctamente señaló. Ahora, en nuestro tiempo, nosotros esperamos por el tiempo ya señalado de la segunda venida de Cristo. ¿Cómo debemos esperar? La palabra de Dios nos dice que mientras nos acercamos hacia el final de los tiempos, estos se volverán más peligrosos. Podemos observar cuan verdadero esto es. Parece que aunque tenemos la esperanza de que cosas buenas están sucediendo en el mundo, pronto nos damos cuenta que este tiempo es aún peor que antes. Silenciosamente levantamos nuestras cabezas y pacientemente esperamos por el cumplimiento de la promesa final de Dios. El ciertamente enviará a Su hijo para llevarnos salvos a nuestro hogar.   Translation: Maria Wuollet

The Voice of Zion May 2025 - Editorial -- A recent LLC Sunday school seminar explored how to support students through escort-building and class procedures. This youthwork reminds us that we are all servants in God’s kingdom. And this role of service is always timely: each year, Sunday school, camps and congregations receive newcomers. At each gathering, we witness how adults and children alike serve as escorts to one another – encouraging and reminding one another of the place each has in the Father’s embrace, among the children of God. We pray that time at camp or Sunday school or services is one of love and welcome, that each is a place of being included.  We are social beings. From early on, children naturally seek their place in the group. This is part of learning to relate and connect. For many of us, belonging to groups outside the home starts in Sunday school, at a place around a table, included in the activities.   But our fallen nature complicates it. Instead of finding where we belong, we can begin to define ourselves not only by who we are, but by who we are not. We make ourselves taller by shrinking someone else. This happens even among those who do not think they are unkind.  It can happen in plain sight or just outside the view of watchful adults. Exclusion or quiet acts of leaving others on the margins happens in church yards, family gatherings, and youth events – anywhere children, teens, or even adults gather and seek their place in a social world. It’s not always name-calling. Sometimes it looks like silence or never being invited.  Some might hesitate to call this bullying, and perhaps that word feels too bold in certain cases. But whether or not we use that label, the result is the same: someone is left out. Someone is hurting. And Scripture calls us to notice. We should cast attention on the ones not included; they need the arms of the congregation around them.  Martin Luther writes in his explanation to the Fifth Commandment that we are to help and comfort our neighbor in every bodily need. That includes the need for belonging. The need to be seen.  Jesus saw people that others passed by. He called Zacchaeus by name and went to his house. He welcomed the little children when others shooed them away. He touched the leper, ate with the outsider, noticed the bleeding woman in the crowd. He loved without fear. This is our model.  To love our neighbor is not a platitude. This commandment asks us to see who is not being seen. To invite someone who hasn’t been invited. Love for all our neighbors is not merely the absence of hostility, but the presence of care. Indifference, passivity and inaction can be just as unloving as outright dislike.  There are children who cry themselves to sleep after youth events. Some who sit alone on a bench every Sunday. There are teens who wonder whether God’s congregation is open to every kind of person, even someone like them. Often the one who is excluded is not visibly different, but the one who doesn’t quite know how to get into the group, perhaps the one who is not related to anyone in the inner circle. And those inner circles? They can form without anyone ever saying a cruel word. They form through repetition: who sits where, who is always asked, who is never asked.  So what can we do? Some might feel we can do nothing, that this is just part of life and kids are kids. However, we can help: the solution is in fostering connection, to actively care.  We must acknowledge the teaching power of example set by adults – children come to see our actions and attitudes as normal and acceptable. If adults determine who belongs or who’s invited based on last names, popularity or interests, kids will do the same. But if we model a wide embrace, if we choose seats and extend invitations with an eye for who is alone, they will see that too. All adults – parents, teachers, camp directors – can show this type of leadership from their place of service in God’s kingdom.  We can also teach our children that real friendship, precious relationships, may be the ones we didn’t expect – ones that form outside the spotlight, in the quiet corners of camp or school or church life. This escort-building is for the endeavor to our heavenly home. Our prayer is that each flickering candle would stay lit, even our own.  Perhaps the most powerful message we can give a child who is being ignored, bullied or pushed out is this: You matter. You belong. God made you and loves you; this congregation is yours too.  And we must follow it up with action. Because saying “you belong” means little if we don’t make it true. Every lamb is worth going after.