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Erkki Joensuu | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - The Sabbath Word 4 Article -- I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee. – Psalms 119:162–168 The heart of the person singing the psalm is happy and rejoicing. Just before this, the singer has lamented, confessed his sinfulness, and asked for God’s mercy. “Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word…quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness” (Ps. 119:153,154,159).  The source for the singer’s joy is God’s living Word, the promise that God will send a Savior, His only Son for the atonement of his sins. God will send the One who will bruise the head of the serpent and win over the power of the devil (Gen. 3:15). The psalm singer believes in the promise and forgiveness of his afflictions. He had found his Savior Jesus, in the Word of God.  He compares his experience to the great kill of a hunter. The hunter had been shown the prey animal, he had been able to catch it, and he was able to partake in eating. This was a life-and-death matter for him. One’s death had become life for him. Now he had food to survive; he did not have to die. “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:24). Psalms were an integral part of ancient Israel’s worship service. Worshipers sang together with the help of musical instruments, tunes and musical leaders. Even during the Old Testament times, sorrow over sins, confession of sins, the proclamation of God’s mercy and absolution, and repentance – the change of heart and mind – were no strange concepts for believers. Already then, they believed in the salvation of mercy according to the priesthood of Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18; Ps. 110), and not according to the law.  Today also, during the New Testament time, these essential elements are part of God’s children’s worship service. The reading of Communion rites includes the confession of our sinfulness and proclamation of absolution, and sermons acknowledge our sinfulness and include the absolution of sins as well. The same is true when Christians take care of offences which have broken the love between them, or whenever Christians forgive each other sins that have attached during the journey in the name and blood of Jesus. Forgiving one another is according to the example of Jesus: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13: 14,15). The subject of the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost is forgiveness, Christ’s exhortation to “Forgive one another.” Mutual Christian love opens from forgiveness. Christian life is based on the forgiveness received because of Christ’s death on the cross. His suffering, death, and resurrection as a winner of evil compel us to face our neighbors with kindness, gentleness and forgiveness. Such an attitude makes it possible for God’s manifold gifts to be effective in all their richness. Our psalm text shows how God’s forgiving love impacted the people’s singing. God’s Word found a place in their hearts and the Holy Spirit opened their eyes to see that God’s Law was not condemning and upsetting them anymore, but it become their truth and a pillar. In their hearts they loved the will of God, and they hated and abhorred lying and falsehoods the enemy of the souls had planted in their flesh. They saw God’s power as greater than evil powers. They were no longer able to contain their happiness, but their hearts exalted in praise to God for His goodness and for the peace they experience all through the day.

Scott Landa | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - What Does the Bible Say Article -- Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matt 5:10 What is persecution? In the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2003), “persecution” is defined as harassment and suffering that people and institutions inflict upon others for being different in their faith, worldview, culture or race. Persecution seeks to intimidate, silence, punish or even kill people. Believers have suffered some form of persecution since the beginning of time simply for desiring to follow the will of God. As I pondered this I wondered how I, as a child of God, respond to persecution from those in the world. I remembered the precious example of Stephen. Who was Stephen? Stephen was one of seven deacons appointed over the congregation of Jerusalem after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Ghost. He was given much understanding and wisdom in Christ. Those who questioned and debated with him were not able to refute the wisdom given him by the Spirit. Instead, they brought him before the council in the synagogue with false accusations of blasphemy.  Stephen rebuked his accusers with the truth of God’s Word, and he was cast out and stoned and died a martyr’s death. Yet he desired that God would make his persecutors able to see God’s glory so that they might be able to own the hope of heaven as Stephen did. “He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60). It is recorded that there was a young man there, named Saul, who witnessed and maybe even participated in the call to stone Stephen. Could it be that the loving and forgiving heart of Stephen was able to prick Saul’s conscience?  Saul was later able to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd on the road to Damascus and received Jesus into his heart when Ananias blessed him. As an apostle of Christ, he did much work in the early church in Jesus’ name. What other examples of persecution are there in Scripture? Abel suffered death at the hand of his brother Cain because Abel offered, by faith, to God a more excellent sacrifice (Heb. 1:4). Noah suffered the taunts and jeers from the people of the world for years as he worked on the ark God instructed him to build. The children of Israel suffered slavery and oppression. The prophets were despised and even considered as traitors to their fellow citizens for warning of God’s punishment if they continued in their worldly ways. Many were imprisoned and some put to death for believing in Christ.  Wherever the believers are, the enemy of souls is also present, working in others to treat believers with ridicule, bitterness, even hatred. How is it in our day? We in North America have for many years been allowed religious freedom: we can gather around the hearing of God’s Word without fear of persecution. We can see God’s guiding hand in this and pray that He continues to allow it to be so. We do, however, encounter those who cause us harm with words or actions; perhaps they ridicule our beliefs, ignore us or exclude us from their circle. Though forms of persecution today are physically not as harsh as they were in years past, disrespectful words are still difficult to endure, and they try our faith. Remember, dear brother and sister in faith, that we have accepted this cross in hope of one day being able to inherit the glory of heaven (Mark 10:21). How are we encouraged in our journey of faith? Jesus instructs us to not place our trust in the things of this world. He wants us to lay aside the pride of this life so that we will have treasure in heaven. We are encouraged to remember that if we are made uncomfortable by those in this world, this is so only because the flickering candle of faith still is a light unto the world. One who lives in darkness is not able to abide the light of Christ which shines in each of His own (John 15:18). Christ instructs us, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). It is important that we remember to have a forgiving heart towards those who mistreat us. As Stephen followed in the way of Christ, so also we say, “Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).   Discussion Questions: How do we in our day stand up for our faith? What resistance might we face? How can we support one another when we face persecution for our beliefs? How do we as Christians want to treat those who persecute us? What does Jesus teach us? What does Jesus mean when He says those who are persecuted are blessed? What gives us hope during moments when we face ridicule and persecution?

Arvin Pirness  | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - News & Notes Article -- Fall is a busy time at the LLC office with staff, the LLC Board, and committees meeting to finalize plans for 2025 and prepare plans for 2026. These meetings and planning sessions remind me how important it is that God’s children remember to serve one another with their time. Thousands of volunteer hours are provided every year to serve brothers and sisters in faith. Christian love obligates us to escort one another in grace and truth to the end of our journey. Update on LLC Activities Camps The camp season is nearly over. As information from the camp season is reviewed, the respective camp boards begin preparing for the 2025 season and planning for 2026. This year a Woman’s Camp and Health Trials Camp were added. Both events were reviewed positively by those that attended.  As of the middle of September, 3,545 participants have attended camps. 280 attended Confirmation School. Camps have been arranged by six North American Camp Boards: Hasscib Lake, West Coast, Prairie Shores, Stony Lake, Kamp Kipa and Silver Springs.  Facilities There has been a lot of maintenance and improvements at LLC Camp Centers this year. Four cabin interiors at Kamp Kipa were improved; walls and ceilings were furred out, walls were covered with drywall and new flooring was installed. These cabins are now very nice. Replacement of deteriorated siding and painting of the entire lodge was completed in late spring. Volunteers at Stony Lake completed an overhaul of the main lodge decks. All this work is completed due to the large number of volunteers investing in camp work.  Education  Additional teaching materials have been created for third-grade Sunday school material and have been distributed to congregations this last year. For the 2024–25 Sunday school year additional teaching material is being piloted for 4th and 8th grade. Over the next few years, the goal is to continue to update teaching materials for all Sunday school grades.  Mission Work The Williston congregation has called Adam Lampi as a minister to serve their congregation. We wish Adam, his wife Carly and their family God’s blessings in these duties. Communication has been sent out from the office for all who are scheduled to serve in 2025 at LLC services, mission trips, camps, as well as for events coordinated by the camp boards and area mission committees. These 380 events are in addition to the regular service schedule in our local congregations.  Communications As has been communicated previously, we will discontinue printing lists of individual Christmas greetings in the December issue of The Voice of Zion . We will include greetings from LLC staff and Board and also from SRK and SFC. Member congregations can place Christmas greetings in the form of an ad if they wish. More information on this will be sent to congregation boards. The tradition of Christmas greetings in Christianity’s newspapers is a long one, and as times and habits of sending others Christmas greetings change, so do our practices. The 2024 Content Creators Workshop at Stony Lake Camp was well attended. Participants learned about and practiced writing skills, illustration, composing and arranging music and planned services broadcast content for 2025. In addition to individual sessions, there were also mutual sessions in which workshop participants discussed various aspects of creating content for LLC publications. Questions discussed included: – How does publications content support the spiritual, emotional, and congregational life of our audience? – Do our publications make space for those outside our faith while also deepening a connection with and between believers? – How can we make theological concepts and our core beliefs understandable for all readers? How do we tailor messages for different age ranges without watering down the core message? – How can we address contemporary issues through the lens of faith without becoming political or divisive? – What balance of print, audio, video, and visual content should we aim for? A recent topic of discussion in our area of work focuses on the fact that everything we produce is published on one or more digital platform, whether Hearken,  our website or external music streaming services. Some things we produce are also published in print or as physical products such as CDs. Previously it has felt that the main focus is print and physical products, with digital efforts being a side effort. Has this balance now shifted? We will continue to discuss this question and its implications to our work and planning our publications in future years.

The Voice of Zion October 2024 - Editorial -- As the golden hues of autumn settle across our fields, we find ourselves in a season that invites reflection and gratitude. The harvest, a time when the fruits of human labor are gathered, reminds us of the blessings God has provided throughout the year. It’s a time to reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy, including the freedom to vote, believe, and worship as our conscience guides us. As we approach Thanksgiving and also Election Day, uncertainties that loom on the horizon—whether personal, communal, or national—can stir up doubts and fears. But the Bible offers us profound guidance on how to navigate. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are reminded to “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” This call to gratitude helps us recognize God’s presence in all aspects of life, both in moments of celebration and challenge. As we reflect on Election Day, we can give thanks for the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our communities. In Daniel 2:21, we are reminded that God “changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” While elections are important, we can trust that God is ultimately in control of the course of history. Our hope is not in the hands of human leaders but in the eternal reign of Christ, our King. The prophet Habakkuk offers a beautiful example of trust in God, even when the future is unknown. He declares, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines…Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (3:17,18). Habakkuk’s response is one of faith, recognizing that God’s goodness and provision are reasons for joy and thankfulness, even when life’s outcomes are uncertain. As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, it’s natural to be thankful for the blessings of family, food, and shelter – and living faith. But let us also strive to give thanks for the ways God sustains us through every season of life. In James 1:2–4 (NIV), we are encouraged to “consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Challenges are opportunities for growth, deepening our reliance on God and witnessing His faithfulness in our lives. A bountiful harvest reminds us of the spiritual harvest that God is cultivating within us and around us. Even when the fields of our lives seem barren, God is at work, ever planting seeds of faith, hope, and love. Lamentations 3:22,23 assures us that “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” This Thanksgiving, let us pray for strength to be a people of hope and gratitude, not just for the blessings we see but also for the unseen work God is doing in our lives and in our nation. We are blessed to live in countries where we can freely worship and vote, contributing to the common good. We approach the election season with the confidence that, regardless of the outcome, God’s purposes will prevail. Let us remember the words of Psalm 46:1–3: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.” We ask God to fill our hearts with thankfulness this season—not just for the harvest that fills our barns, but for the enduring hope that fills our souls, knowing that our God is sovereign, faithful, and good. We can be confident that He holds our future in His hands.

Pam Redman | The Voice of Zion October 2024 - Home & Family Article -- Fellowship with our escorts in faith is a great blessing. We are fortunate to have services, camps and other gatherings where we can receive nourishment for our souls and create bonds of love with other believers. Involvement in activities of God’s kingdom is beneficial to believers. It is secure to stay in the middle of the congregation where we can discuss matters of our hearts with those who are of the same spirit. We are advised, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). God has given us the gift of faith and gifts to serve. The book of James reminds us, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (1:22). We are often encouraged to put our gifts on the exchange table for use in the kingdom. Each gathering and event requires people to work in various roles. This can be a great opportunity to meet and get to know others while working on the project, whether it is building a church, preparing for summer services or cleaning up after coffee lunch. We may not recognize our own abilities, even thinking, “Why me?” If one is not able to serve, he or she can pray for other workers. “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6). God blesses willing hearts and hands. Another important aspect of believers’ gatherings is singing! “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Ps. 13:6). We are the most fortunate people!   Joy in God’s Congregation Steve Kallinen What do I remember after I leave services? It is not the details, but it is joy like a child would have after washing a basket in the rain, as refreshment and preparing for a new day. There at the gatherings, friends have made me smile or laugh, the sermon has touched my heart and soul, and the singing has brightened the day. As a natural plant grows, it needs more water and fertilizer, not less. People are like the plant that continues to need nourishment for the heart and soul, feeding the tender plants of God’s Word, so they would grow and flourish to produce grain for the harvest to heaven. How good to be under this refreshing moisture. On a trip to Kenya last December, a young man waited from early morning at the service site, as he wished to “not miss the services when we would finally arrive for church to be held.” I figure he waited five or six hours for the services to begin. The time of awakening in Africa creates a hunger for God’s Word. We heard several times, “We wish these services would last three to four days at a time in our area.” Likewise in Sierra Leone in May they sat and listened, they stayed throughout the day’s events and yet hungered for more. How we can also learn from them? “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:22). Remember the children of Israel as they crossed the Red Sea, and the Lord destroyed those who attempted to capture them, so then Miriam led the children of God in unity and rejoiced singing, “Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea” (Exod. 15:19–21). Children hear His calling voice; they rejoice together that God had helped and we also must say, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). I could also mention how camps have been a great oasis in the desert for me. They are precious opportunities for fellowship, for devotions, and for learning about faith. Yet, how often am I there?  The gathering of the community of saints is comforting to one who needs to feel the hand of God’s angels for support in faith. Lambs find comfort in a flock, not when they are alone in the pasture. In the flock the Shepherd is watching and protecting them—and us—from onslaughts of the enemy.   Faith Cometh by Hearing Don Lahti Children sometimes ask why we go to church. There could be multiple answers from the Bible to this question. In Romans, Apostle Paul said, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (10:17). He also said, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (v. 14). Living faith is not of us ourselves. God first calls us into faith, as is recorded in the first letter to Corinthians: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1:9). A child might next ask, how can one come into living faith? Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:7,8 NIV). In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). We understand, according to God’s Word, that living faith is of God and He gives it to the humble and penitent sinner who seeks to receive the absolution of their sins from another believer, one who has the authority from the Holy Spirit to forgive sins, as is recorded in 1 Peter 2:9. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.” Jesus gave this authority to His own disciples before He died on the cross, according to Luke 24:49, “Behold, I sent to promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” John 20 also contains this: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven” (John 20:22,23, NIV). As we examine how the Bible instructs us about faith, we understand how important it is to gather around God’s Word. We desire to attend church, Sunday school, Bible class and other gatherings of God’s children. We need the constant reminders that are given us in the Bible and through the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew how necessary it was, as He instructed His disciples in His farewell sermon regarding how important it was for Him to go away. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).  The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of the importance of fellowship with believers, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). If we keep a distance from other believers, on the edges of God’s kingdom, there are dangers. The enemy of souls can begin to tempt with lies, which can corrupt the human mind, causing us to doubt. Doubts could eventually lead one away from God’s kingdom. Instead, we wish to heed admonition to travel in the “middle of the flock.” By doing so we are protected in faith.   Living Away from a Congregation Gladys Lahti When I was growing up, we did not have a church nearby to go to. My dad was in heresy. My mom repented from the heresy when I was just a small girl. After Mom received the grace of repentance, she came home on the train from the cities. Dad had asked the minister from his church to pick her up from the train station and bring her straight to the church and he would get the cows milked before going to church. When Mom got off the train, she was able to confess her faith to the minister. She told him she would not be going to church with him because she had found God’s kingdom.  So the minister brought her home. He only brought her as far as the end of the driveway that led to the house. Yet to this day, I can picture Mom walking up the driveway, seeing Dad standing in front of the barn watching. I’m sure he was wondering why she came home instead of going to church. I remember how much it meant to my mom and to us kids when the believers would stop by to visit. We would always sing songs of Zion together and Mom would discuss faith with our company. It was so special when Dad would bring us to the believing services. It meant so much to be able to get to church.  We don’t want to take it for granted when we are able to get to services, especially remembering that this didn’t happen often in the past. God has preserved me in faith to this day, and I pray that He would continue to protect me and guide me in faith until the end of my journey.   Attending Church Services Hannah Keranen Why would a believer not want to go to Church Services? When we are believing, it seems natural that we get hungry to hear God’s Word spoken.  We desire to be in the middle of the flock of believers. Where are we likely to find them? We find them at church services and other service events and occasions, or at the homes of believers. As a child we always attended Sunday school and then the church service that followed. During church we sat quietly while the minister delivered a Finnish sermon, followed by an English sermon. All was well and we felt refreshed. Nowadays, people appreciate the fact that services can be listened to online at home, in a vehicle while traveling, any time of day or night. This is very acceptable but it feels important, if possible, to incorporate fellowship also. This helps us to remain on the straight and narrow pathway to heaven. If we endeavor, young and old, with a clean conscience, having sins forgiven, we can be joyful and live in God’s peace.   Susan Kiviahde In pondering the importance of attending church, the first thought that came to my mind was the Bible portion, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). It is very important to remain in the love and fellowship of the believers. It is a wonderful option to be able to listen online when we cannot make it to church, but we should not make that an excuse to not attend services at the church. It is important to attend the meetings of the believers. This is especially true in times of conflict and turmoil in God’s kingdom. During the heresy of 1973 and also in the recent heresy, it became very evident in meetings that there were two voices in the congregation. By attending meetings with an open mind, we can see for ourselves the fruits that are revealed in different speeches. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). Leading up to the 1973 heresy, I listened to both sides until it was revealed to me which side was the true kingdom of God. To remain as a child of God, it was most important to remain in this true kingdom, regardless of the fact that most of my family and many dear friends were going the other way. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all things will be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). Although I then lost many dear ones, I have experienced Jesus’ words to be true: “Everyone that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matt. 19:29). This is what we all hope for when our days on this earth come to an end.   It Is Important to Gather John and Esther Martin We enjoy singing together Sunday evenings at the manor. We enjoy when we get visiting families with children to church on Sundays. The children brighten our day. It is important to gather with believers. It is good to teach children by example the importance of attending services and having fellowship with believing friends.  We often feel our own poorness in many ways. We can enjoy evening devotions. We live day by day and putting sin away as it attaches.   Discussion Questions How does it help you in your faith to attend services? How do camps help you along the narrow way? Why is fellowship important? How does talking with others help us believe? How can serving in God’s kingdom keep us close to the center of the flock? What words can encourage and support ones who seldom attend services? Discuss where and how we might extend an invitation to services to those who have not yet found God’s kingdom.

Arvin Pirness  | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - News & Notes Article -- My summer concluded with the first Pre-confirmation camp at Prairie Shores in Saskatchewan and the return of the Peace Garden Youth Days. This fellowship and time spent in the study and hearing of God’s word reenforced to me one key matter of the joy of believing. The peace of God that surpasses all human understanding is so calming for God’s children whose endeavor to heaven is in this world but not of it. The future of God’s kingdom is bright, not because of any inherent glow on our part, but because the faith of even the youngest, inexperienced, tempted and tried child of God radiates a powerful contrast to the darkness of this world. To the child of God, no greater matter, no greater joy can be known than to experience peace of conscience and hope of heaven. To you young, who traditionally return to school this time of year, be ready and willing to share of that hope of heaven you experience through faith. May God bless you as you progress along your path of education. Update on LLC Activities Education Volunteers are an integral part of Christian education, whether by teaching at camps or in local congregations. Volunteers also support Education in development and improvement of educational curriculum. As an example, the LLC is managing a project to provide Sunday School teachers with additional teaching aids. Volunteer committees in local congregations continue to work on making these updates.  All camp centers have enjoyed a very active camp season. Of special interest, perhaps, this year is the first year that Youth Camps were hosted at Silver Springs, in Monticello, Minn. A total of 110 youth participated in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Youth Camps.  Staff and participant camp evaluations are an important part of camp work. The information gathered from these evaluations assist in developing additional programs, addressing needs in food service and lodging and determining what benefits participants and staff realize from their camp experience.  285 Confirmation students attended eight Confirmation Schools this summer. As the numbers of participants grow, we continue to explore additional ways to serve our youth. In 2025 there are plans to hold four Confirmation Schools at Stony Lake, one each in the Pacific Northwest, Prairie Shores and Hasscib and two at Kamp Kipa.  Preconfirmation school curriculum focuses on Luther’s Small Catechism. Staff evaluations from these camps prompt us to find ways to limit the size of these camps to less than 40 students with 30 seeming to be an ideal number.  A camp board workshop is scheduled for October 4–5, 2024. All North American Camp Board members are invited to attend.  Mission Work After the summer hiatus, mission trips resume in the fall. Trips to Sierra Leone, Ghana and Togo have recently happened, and a confirmation school was held in Kenya. The introduction “Be Sober, Be Vigilant” which was presented at the Minister and Board Members meeting during 2024 Summer Services was the discussion topic for LLC Ministers Webinar 3 on August 29. The 2024 LLC Ministers and Wives Camp will be held in Longview, Wash., September 20–22. The theme for the event is “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house” from Psalm 84:4. Communications The LLC Opisto Scholarship Committee recently met to select opisto scholarship recipients for the 2025–26 opisto year. These scholarships are awarded to applicants based on selection criteria reviewed and approved by the LLC Board. Those awarded scholarships are asked to confirm whether they will accept the scholarship and commit to a year at opisto. Once all recipients have confirmed their acceptance of these scholarships, the list of recipients will be published. Each year there are some students who are interested in paying their own way to opisto. The availability of self-pay spots is dependent on the opistos, and this is not determined by LLC. When we hear from the opistos whether they will accept self-pay students, we will inform those applicants who have indicated their interest to us. We will hold our annual Content Creators Workshop September 13–15 at Stony Lake Camp in Minnesota. We are sometimes asked what a Content Creator is, or who is a content creator? To us in the Communications department, a content creator is anyone who contributes written material, art, digital media or music content. A content creator is anyone who contributes to any of our projects in any way. We need the contributions from many people in order to sustain our current level of product and periodical production. 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. At this year’s Content Creator Workshop, we are joined by two guests from SRK. Hanna Aho will discuss aspects of believer fiction, and Katri Isopahkala will discuss planning and producing content for believers’ periodicals.  In March, LLC announced a fiction writing contest. This is open to writers of all ages. We hope to receive manuscripts of novels aimed at teenagers and young adults. We further hope that the manuscripts submitted to the writing contest depict the lives of believing characters and are supportive of faith. The contest is open through the end of November, so you still have time to send in your submission! For more information, see the notice on our website.

Marty Wuollet | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - The Sabbath Word 5 Article -- The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. – Psalms 103:19–22 The tone of this Psalm suggests it was written when King David was an older man. His proclamations and encouragement sound as if from one who has lived long and failed many times.  David’s history is familiar to all of us, from the time of his anointing to his death. There were times in his life where his will and God’s were aligned, and times when David had to resign his will, finding God’s ways unshakeable. Many of the psalms are written from the perspective of a child of God and speak personally from the writer’s heart. In this way it is comforting for us to know that God’s ways haven’t changed, and neither has our place, but as the saints of old we all have common experiences in this time of life on earth. Our psalm text assures that God is reigning and His kingdom rules over all. This is not so obvious to our mortal eyes, nor to the will and desire of our flesh. Often, we pray for prosperity, peace on earth, peace with our neighbors, good government, peace between our governments and many other things of this nature. These are good prayers, and we ought to pray for these things. We should thank God for these, even if we think a person in office may be lacking or have ill motivation.  In our own prayers, we can hear an aching for God to align His will with ours. But as Jesus prayed and taught us to pray, “thy will be done;” we resign our will to the will of God, trusting that God’s ways are best. There were times when the kingdom of Israel ruled over the land, and there were also times when they were enslaved.  This difference is only notable from this place of temporal life. God’s kingdom is eternal, heavenly, and reigns in the war of good versus evil. It also serves to the individual person as opposed to a given nation or culture. No eternal value comes from our position on earth, ruling or enslaved—what is important is believing. By faith, in personally believing the gospel, all of God’s children are freed from the bondage of sin. The victory over sin, death and the devil are given as a gift.  There is not any need for us to see a kingdom rise on this earth and win over lands and control existing powers. The gift and victory are in our heart already and no one can take it away. This gift has been given by God to each of His children, and we are brought into this kingdom of pardoned sinners, to be cared for and to care for others. God’s kingdom is hidden in plain sight on this earth and those who see it from the outside aren’t aware of its everlasting nature. Often, they see it as old-fashioned, traditional, strict, judgmental or even cult-like. Many who have left this kingdom seek a broader path but still want to be justified and they may also become critical in this way.  The marvel is that God has given this to the individual, for each of us to know and believe in our own heart. So personal is this for each of us that we can live through all phases of life in peace, freedom and joy, trusting securely that God’s hand will bless and guide accordingly in this world. Even when the world rises before us, which could make us tremble in the flesh, we have this trust that God will still care for us and give us the strength we need in that moment. Scripture tells us that God’s Word has been put into our hearts as Paul relates in the letter to the Romans, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach” (10:8). This is the call then for each of us who have personally been given the grace to believe. To sing praises unto God for His goodness and love to us. To praise His ways above our understanding. To rejoice when our own flesh has been humbled for the sake of salvation. When we read the psalms of David, we can consider that though he was a king on earth, he sought the righteousness of God continuously, and he blessed God for keeping him as a believer. With this same faith, we children of God encourage each other and offer His grace to all humankind.

Ruth DeLacey | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - Featured Article -- George Koivukangas of the Cokato, Minn., congregation has retired after 34 years as an LLC board member. George shares: “I’m so glad God has given me a thankful and joyous mind as I step back from the work of the LLC board. I treasure the many years of fellowship, freedom and unity that have prevailed among the board members. It feels good to see the new God-given gifts that have been added. I feel blessed that God kept me close to the work for so many years. I gained much more than I was able to give.  “I certainly felt the prayers and support of believers throughout those years, especially during the years of spiritual battles. “This summer’s festive Summer Services felt like a foretaste of Heaven. My heart rejoiced. The encouragement toward the work of God’s kingdom at the Annual Meeting was especially comforting. God is with us and will never leave us.”   Peter Kuopus of Ishpeming, Mich., is retiring from the LLC Board after 12 years of service due to a health situation. “The work has expanded over that time, yet God has called the right people into the work. I am thankful that God’s kingdom is present, and we can be a part of it. The main message in God’s kingdom is the message of the gospel which never changes. I will miss dear brothers and sisters that I have worked with. God has allowed this illness, and I must take time to rest. Amongst Zion there is unity and support for the work. We can trust without fear to continue.”   New LLC Board Members Matthew Keranen Nate Maki grew up in the Seattle and Spokane, Wash., congregations. When he was fresh out of high school, his friend told him there’d be a job for him in Alaska. So, Nate went. Nate is now 39 years old. He and wife Riita have ten children. He works in power line construction and serves in a variety of roles in the Alaska congregation. Recently Nate was nominated to fill a position on the LLC Board of Directors. At the 2024 LLC Annual Meeting, this nomination was approved. Nate has lived in Alaska for over 20 years. When he moved there, the whole congregation fit in a living room. Since then, God has given much growth. In the early days, everyone had to be involved to allow congregation life to happen. Nate says he had no choice but to teach Sunday school as a teenager when he was asked. He says that those responsibilities helped him grow up. Today the Alaska congregation has many families and many youth. Nate says that when he and Riita were a young family, they learned of family life from older families. Now it is their turn to serve and guide younger families. It requires more effort to be close-knit with a larger congregation, but through working together on building projects and arranging special services, the congregation remains close. When Nate was nominated to be an LLC board member, it felt heavy on the one hand, yet he knew he was in the care of the congregation. He’s not sure what all it means to be a board member, but he trusts it will be revealed. He understands that it is good for the Alaska congregation to be connected even in this way to the LLC and to other congregations in the Northwest Mission Area. Nate trusts that despite the doubts that come when asked to serve in this role, there will be blessings as well. He will be cared for in the middle of the flock. He will serve by discussing the issues that arise and in other duties that are given. Nate extends thanks to brothers and sisters in faith who remember him and his family in this time. They are grateful for prayers and support.   Steve Laiho comes from Palmer, which is near Ishpeming, Mich. His mother was a believer, and his father was granted grace to repent later in life. He learned of caring for one’s faith life from his mother. She didn’t know Scripture, Steve says, but she used the gospel often. Steve was a member of the Ishpeming congregation for 51 years. There he and his wife Lois established their home, into which nine boys and nine girls were born. One small boy went to heaven as a 7-month-old. Today Steve and Lois live in North Dakota, where they are members of the Williston congregation. Of their 17 living children, three still live at home. Their youngest is 15 years old. Steve says it’s a new stage of life. He still needs to work, he says, and enjoys his work in the oil industry. His wife can get out more after spending 30 years at home. She enjoys visiting their children and grandchildren, of which they’ll have 30 by the end of the year. Williston is a growing congregation that is working to build their own church facility. They have 150 children in Sunday school, and Steve says that the future of the congregation is bright with so many young ones. As a servant of the Word, he performs many baptisms. Steve has served his local congregations and area mission work in a variety of roles. Two years ago, he joined the Northwest Mission Area board. When he was nominated to join the LLC Board of Directors, it came as a total surprise. The 2024 LLC Annual Meeting confirmed the nomination, and Steve became an LLC Board member. Steve shares that he wants to be obedient and serve as asked. He knows there is lots of work to be done and he has seen that there are many willing workers. He recalls advice of Ishpeming elders Dan Rintamaki and Tom Prophet to say yes when asked to serve. Steve wishes to use his own gifts as he is able and to work with those gifts God has given others. He can help his home congregation and the Northwest area stay connected to LLC work. The work comes with blessings, blessings the enemy would want to hide from view. Steve says many have remembered him with encouraging words and prayers. That, he says, makes it easier to serve willingly.

Varina Petaisto | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - Home & Family Article -- Like boughs that bear abundance when firmly on the tree, as people we’re created to with each other be. – SHZ 420 We recently made a cross-country move to Colorado. Before settling here, we spent five months traveling the east coast of the United States. After that time on our own, we felt welcomed and a sense of joy to belong in a congregation again. We have felt the blessings in attending the planned activities of the congregation. We have also experienced much joy in visiting with our believing escorts of all ages; whether in their homes, or ours.  There have often been opportunities to enjoy nature with others, camping, mountain biking, skiing or some other activity. In these ways we have developed friendships and connections with our brothers and sisters in faith in this congregation.  To experience this connectedness, we found it is important to reach out to others, and to respond when others reach out to us whether it be to visit or to help in some way. Through visiting at various functions, we can get to know fellow believers from the heart. We share life’s experiences, questions, joys, sorrows, and most importantly, we can be uplifted on our journey of faith. We have found when others have shared their life’s experiences, and we gain insight and strength for our own endeavor. Hearing others share has also given us the strength to visit about our own trials and experiences. When we feel connected to our journey friends, we are then able to reach out in times of trial to lean on our travel escorts, and we feel the freedom to help others who are experiencing times of trial. Apostle Paul writes, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Connect with Those Far Away We also connect with our dear ones who live far away. We use messaging platforms to share photos with family and friends, as well as video chats to feel even closer when we can’t visit in person. We need to find a balance between catching up virtually and enjoying the present moment with those who are physically around us. One way we have used technology to connect is through story hour, where our kids meet with their cousins on a Zoom meeting hosted by aunt Natasha. This has been such a fun way to connect with cousins, and to enjoy a story read by a dear aunt who now lives far from us. In this time of digital connectedness, it has been a blessing to be able to stay connected with our family and friends who live far away. We have also felt the importance of forming friendships with those in our home congregation who share our everyday life and experiences. Most importantly, we share the gift of the Holy Spirit, which unifies us in faith.  Staying Connected in God’s Kingdom John Waaraniemi When I was asked to write an article on how I stay connected in God’s kingdom, I first wanted to say no. But after thinking about it, I realized that other than at church and living at my cousin’s place, I find myself not doing much with other believers. Maybe that’s the reason I was asked.  In my congregation there are no other single guys my age – all my friends are married with children. Generally, I stay home or go and do my own thing. It seems that the older I get, the timider I am to reach out to others for visits, most always waiting for invitations from others.  Quite often I get in the mindset that nobody wants an older single person like me over. Sometimes, feeling alone in crowds, I find myself skipping out on other church activities like graduation parties and weddings. I am fortunate to work for a company where most of the employees are believers and during the week I’m not completely away from believers.  I find it important to get to services and have fellowship there as well as connecting with family and friends back home in Minnesota. Although I’m not as socially active as others, I enjoy smaller group activities and value my believing escorts.  Contacts on My Pathway Paula Petaisto I am in the kitchen preparing a meal for friends who want to participate in a fundraiser for the Colorado congregation. At the same time, I am connected to the Oulu Cathedral by a virtual connection, listening to an evening of singing for the upcoming 2024 Suviseurat  in Pudasjärvi, Finland. The cathedral is packed to full capacity. Not everyone who wanted to attend was able to get inside. A beloved brother in faith is describing the event. The motto of Pudasjärvi services causes one to pause and ponder. It asks, “Do you love me?” It is Jesus’ question, and it touches each one of us. It is a timely question. What is my answer? We moved to Colorado about three years ago so that we could be closer to our grandchildren. A child does not doubt that Jesus loves her or him. Even this very day, as we were eating breakfast, the little two-year-old blurted out: “Let’s sing ‘Jesus Loves Me.’” A child is an example of faith to us. She trusts that mother, or even grandma, will take care of her. Eyes sparkling, she meaningfully sings: “Yes, Jesus loves me.” Jesus loves every one of us. But do I want to accept His love? Do I regard my sisters and brothers in faith as being important in my life? According to the Bible the fruits of the Holy Spirit are, among other things, love, joy and peace. By faith I understand that I need escorts on my pathway. Even though we are different, here on the narrow path of striving onward we have the same goal. We want to follow Jesus, to listen to and hearken to His Shepherd voice in the kingdom of God. We are not alone. We need one another so that only heaven would be visible. During my life, I have dwelled in many localities and in congregations of varying sizes, alone and together. When we lived at the lonely watchman’s outpost in California during the latter part of the 1990s, I thought then that it would be good for every believer to experience this situation in life where dear journey friends and escorts are far away. By this I mean how connection to other friends living in remote outposts became so important. What precious moments we experienced when after a three-hour drive we were able to gather with friends in their home for home services! The proximity of friends in faith is not to be taken for granted. I am grateful that God has preserved me as His child and led me by the hand unto this very day. This connection with friends in faith is best when, during our conversations, we can sense that we share the same understanding of faith and the unity of the Spirit. This is an incomprehensible gift, regardless of whether we are near or distant from each other.   Encouraged among Brethren Elle Wittenberg I remember the dark, heavy air of that night. The suffocating weight of loss. She stood before me, but I knew that she was gone. The connection that had bound us together so tightly was severed, as though slashed in two. I held her almost as desperately as I wished to let her go. How could someone I loved so completely be so lost? For a long while the ground beneath me felt as though it were made of sand. My vision blurred as I waited to receive communion. I shook from the effort to stand, to continue along the line. A wave of sorrow loomed, threatening to engulf me. And then he was there, unwavering, reaching for my drowning soul. My brother’s arms wrapped around my form and the words flowed over me, “You can believe all your sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and precious blood.” All was still. Now I see that God allowed for certain connections to change or be lost altogether, yet I can see what truly matters. It can be difficult to lose a friend to the world, and to forget the beauty and surety found in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit that also teaches us to keep hope and love for those lost ones. Though we feel pain and loss, it is important to remember to turn to God’s Word found in His kingdom. Remarkably, even without speaking, we may feel the bond unlike anything this world has to offer. I am comforted as I remember Romans 1:12, “You will be encouraged amongst brethren.” As we continue to haltingly reach out a hand to our escorts in faith, that distant, glowing heaven draws us ever closer.   Discussion Questions How do you balance all the connections in your life, both with those around you and those farther away? Tell about a time in your life when you have especially needed connections with other believers. How does the ease of forming new connections shift through the ages and stages of life? What changes when one you’ve connected with loses their faith? How can we support those that are new to our area or who appear to be alone or lonely at services? Ponder the words of song of Zion 433, verse 4. What do they say about a believer’s longing for connection?

Keith Moll | The Voice of Zion September 2024 - What Does the Bible Say Article -- “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 In our world today we witness talk of peace amidst the backdrop of wars and rumors of wars. Ideologies clash, and humanity grapples with the repercussions of its discord. Jesus spoke of the last days, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places” (Matt. 24:7). Although peaceful resolution to conflict is the desired outcome, Scripture reminds us that wars are a sign of the end time. Temporal world peace will not be achieved when the enemy of souls works together with humans’ corrupt portion to create chaos and turmoil throughout the world. We can pray for peace and stability in the world and ask for God’s blessings in our homelands. What causes distress and restlessness? Personal peace is quite different than world peace. Sin and disobedience cause personal distress and sorrow. The Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses, reveal His will for humankind. These commandments can awaken one to sin. Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Roman believers, “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10). When God awakens people to the knowledge of their own sin and the consequences of it, they are left only to seek God’s grace and mercy. Paul also wrote, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). God in His Word promises a remorseful, penitent seeker that they will find. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:7,8). True heavenly peace is found in God’s kingdom here on earth. Where does peace abide? Where does a sin-distressed person find peace? Peace is found where one hears and believes as God’s Word teaches. Jesus explained, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). Our sin debt has been paid for by Jesus’ own blood. Peace is found where the blood of Jesus washes sin away. It is found where God’s children are. The core message of God’s Word is the gospel message of the forgiveness of sins. Through hearing and believing this message, faith is received, and true peace of God is found. This is God’s message, preached through the Holy Spirit, that we can personally hear and believe. How does God answer? Even as the world clamors for peace, only God can give a peace which endures through trial and tribulation. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). When sins are all forgiven, God answers with peace. The weight and burden of sin is lifted. When one receives this blessing, and believes, they become a child of God and living fruits of this faith shine into this world. This person desires to put sin away as it attaches to preserve this God-given treasure.  What peace do God’s children own? As recipients of God’s grace, we own a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace encompasses not only the peace of conscience but also the unity of spirit among believers. We are encouraged to keep this peace and love through forgiveness, one to another. Christ’s sacrificial love to us, also kindles a love within us to serve others. Paul to the Ephesians exhorts, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (4:3). We desire to care for each other in both love and truth, reminding each other of sin and its consequences. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom. 14:19). God’s children bring the message of peace through the forgiveness of sins. They sow the seeds of God’s Word which brings true peace. They shall be called the children of God.   Discussion Questions: What is the difference between earthly peace and personal peace? How would you describe to another what it feels like when there is peace in your conscience? According to this writing, what makes world peace unattainable? How is the peace that God’s children have different from worldly peace? How can believers contribute to peace within our communities? Read Isaiah 52:7 as you consider this. Why are peacemakers blessed?