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Petri Hotari | 2025 LLC Summer Services – Congregation Evening Sparrow Hath Found an House Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.” (Ps. 84:3,4) I find myself marveling over God’s Word that I’ve read many times. The psalmist describes God’s kingdom as a home for sparrows and swallows, but when have I considered the difference between them? Swallows have wings built for speedy and graceful flight. Sparrows are smaller, with shorter wings and stout bodies, often seen hopping on the ground. Are swallows like the youth of Zion? Sparrows surely depict mothers and fathers who desire to raise their young in a believing home and in the security and care of the home congregation. Just like God has created many different birds He has given those that dwell in His house different phases and lots in life. It is above all a spiritual house; with altars, places of worship, where the whole family of God both young and old can all dwell and hold on to the simple instructions of God’s Word, serving each other and blessing each other with the gospel. It is a blessed place, one where all sing praises to the one Lord and God. God Has Ordained At the foundation of the family of God is the security of the unchanging word of God. God created humans in His image and as male and female. “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Gen. 1:28). From the rib of man God created woman and He then ordained marriage. “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). Also: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:9). God ordained marriage between man and woman as a lifelong covenant. The dual purpose of marriage is for man and woman to be helpmates one to another and for accepting all the children that God blesses into the family. Yet here amid God’s kingdom are families who are not given children. God also blesses their obedience of faith. The psalmist writes: “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Ps. 127:3). The Bible also gives many examples how God opens the womb and gives the gift of children. This was seen already at the time of the Old Testament patriarchs. “And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach” (Gen. 30:22,23). Receiving a spouse is a blessing from God. Families receiving the gift of children is also a blessing from God: all things are from His hands. Do we always see it this way? Can we accept and be content in what God gives? Do we join with the songwriter, “What God ordains is ever good?” (SHZ 382). We see how the world around us moves farther away from these teachings of the Word of God. Yet God’s children cling to these unchanging instructions and trust in God. This brings peace to the heart. Courtship and Marriage It is a joy to all in God’s house to notice when believing youth begin courtship. For the “swallows” in Zion who are seeking for a spouse often the simple instruction of faith is given to pray to the heavenly Father that He would bless with a believing spouse. The purpose of courtship is for believing youth in soberness of faith to get to know each other, to find out if the foundation is the same, especially on matters of faith. In the unity of faith God can give believing young the gift of love towards each other that begins to flourish and grow. Courtship is not like the dating of this world that often emphasizes freedom of the flesh. This kind of lighthearted approach to courtship can lead to the dangers of sin and adultery. Courtship doesn’t always lead to the gift of marriage. Again, simple instructions and encouragement are offered to young dealing with these kinds of situations. “Pray! Allow God to lead and guide in these and all matters.” Faith teaches that it is God who gives all gifts, also the gift of a spouse; a special believer to walk in the obedience of faith together with - as one. God’s Word clearly warns against seeking for a spouse outside of God’s Kingdom. This was one of the signs of wickedness recorded during the times of Noah before God said: “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.” (Gen. 6:7) Paul in his letter clearly states, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?” (2Cor. 6) The enemy of souls works hard to try for a different outcome than the instructions of God’s Word. Connections with youth from the world can lead to temptations and danger, often manifested by a pull in the wrong direction and away from the “sparrow’s house.” Satan tempts the youth with all the attractions of this world and we live in a time where the worldly connections come through devices right to the believing home. Satan also once tempted Jesus, yet Jesus was victorious. Jesus gave the youth, and all of us, a good example how to battle; turn to God’s Word. Often, I recall my mother quoting from the first psalm during my time of youth, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sittest in the seat of the scornful.” In our world today the walking, standing, sitting with those not in faith extends to a virtual world. God gives strength to His own in battle wherever the battle front is. May those connections in the virtual world also be other “swallows” from the house of God! In God’s house there is a company of angels; the many aunts, uncles, parents, godparents, grandparents and elders who can notice the youth in their endeavour of faith and encourage and offer the care of the gospel to them. Believing youth who battle against the pull of the world and temptations of the flesh can shine like candles in a dark place. This can draw youth from the world to ask for the reason of their peace and joy. God can call those from the darkness of this world into His house. Instructions have always been for youth to not immediately begin courtship and marriage with those who have recently repented from the world. The new child of God, like a swallow with newly given wings, is given a time to “learn how to fly,” that is, become rooted and grounded in faith; to be drawn into the love and care of the congregation and to experience everyday life in believing homes. This is important! When is the right time to begin courtship for someone who has repented from the world? There is no timetable, rather the Holy Spirit guides and the right time is manifest when young receive a blessing with joy from their home Zion. If faith does not become the most important matter in their life, it will be a relief to have heeded the warnings received from home Zion against beginning courtship. The spirit that dwells in the house of God is unerring! Obedience of the Heart When two believing young are about to be married, we recall the simple prayer often given by the servant in the home congregation: “God thou who hast established marriage, bless this covenant. Grant this couple one-mindedness and love and make their home a Christian home.” There is much depth and instruction to these simple prayers that come from Zion. One-mindedness or unity of faith is the foundation of the believing home. The home is not intended to be a place where either the husband or wife dominates or a place of a dominant and tight spirit, rather a place where temporal differences are valued and discussed openly. Paul in letter to the Ephesians instructed wives and husbands to serve each other. Wives are to submit themselves to their husbands and husbands are called to a higher goal of loving their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. One-mindedness is when both husbands and wives obediently pull in the same direction, making decisions of life in humbleness, unity and in obedience to faith. In believing homes these are connected closely, obedience of faith and obedience of the heart. An obedient heart desires to heed the teachings of God’s Word and the instructions of the Holy Spirit that speaks in the congregation. Even difficult decisions made in often weak faith and obedience of the heart do not cause division in the home but instead obedience brings peace and draws family closer together. This is the work of the spirit of God. Obedience of the heart brings the family a desire to teach children about faith in the home. This duty of fathers and mothers extends beyond the home so that it is seen as a priority to bring the family to the home Zion to be taught, to be in the hearing of God’s Word, participate in camps, partake in the sacraments and support the work of the kingdom in its many forms. God has blessed Zion today with many opportunities for teaching and fellowship but this does not diminish the importance of families gathering in their homes to read from Christian publications, quieting to hear an online devotion or to sing the songs of Zion together. God’s Word gives many examples of obedience. Some familiar ones from Mary and Joseph who in obedience to the law brought Baby Jesus to the temple to be circumcised, then after forty days to be presented to the Lord as part of the Old-Testament sacrificial worship service. Later they brought Jesus as a 12-year-old boy to Jerusalem to the feast of the Passover. These are examples of how believing families go to where services are arranged. We recall Moses’ instructions on the wilderness journey, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou lies down, and when thou rises up” (Deut. 6:7). The writer to the Hebrews reminds: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb.10:25). This duty to exhort or remind to gather, to go to services doesn’t leave anyone behind, rather all in God’s house can help teach and reach out to bring others to service events and camps. The children of Zion need the teaching and instruction that comes from the gifts of the members that dwell there. This includes from those members who haven’t been given a spouse or children. Jesus gave this example when some came to mention that his family was seeking for him: “And he answered them saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on him with sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and my mother” (Mark 3:33–35). The house of God is a spiritual house where all gifts are needed and obedience to serve with these gifts is needed for the support of the whole family of God. Obedience of the heart of faith connects the home to the family of God. It gives strength to fight the flesh that always desires to draw back and is drawn towards sin. When one draws back, one becomes vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy of souls and the pull of the world. When personal plans and aspirations become all-important, this can also lead to one drawing back. Is this one of the signs of our time? Surely the enemy of souls knows when to use even healthy hobbies as a tool to soak up important family time or time away from the home congregation. His goal is to create in the heart a desire to sacrifice time with the family of God for the “home idols” that are of this world. This can happen between spouses or to both spouses or any member of the family because we all carry the corrupt flesh and blood that is so closely aligned to this world. Signs of this can emerge when there is a lack of time to gather as family in the home, especially around matters of faith; leading to a lack of time to gather with the home congregation. A falling away can result, bringing with it more concerning signs and worldly behavior. For example, a husband and wife striving to attain personal goals and pursuits of this world with increasing priority, finding less time for duties of home and family, can start to become more closely tempted by the world’s ways and sins such as family planning and birth control seem like the solution. The amount of time spent consuming the media of this world or closely following organized sports can start to increase. Oh, how important it is to be travelling closely connected with the family of God, from where help is found for the life of faith, for we live in perilous times (2 Tim. 3:1). God’s Word gives many examples of the importance of traveling with a heart that is obedient. King Saul, who was disobedient, was given this rebuke from God’s prophet: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou has rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Sam. 15:22,23). We recall how Jacob’s family, including his dear wife Rebecca, took and hid “home idols” when fleeing Laban’s house. But then later it is recorded, “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem (Gen. 35:2–4). Whether the family is one single traveler, spouses without children, or a father and mother with many children, always timely is the instruction to hear the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit that draws the children of God together. It reminds that personal temporal goals and pursuits are not that important. Obedience of the heart that is led by the Holy Spirit helps to counterbalance personal aspirations with the need to travel together with the children of God in faith. In fact, it gives a yearning to do so. The song writer well depicts this connection and yearning: “I yearn to travel with them, this congregation blest, my heart for each rejoicing when one is called to rest; I yearn to share their burdens, when grief and illness weigh, to bear the water basin and wash all sin away” (SHZ 204:4). Life of Service The writer to Ecclesiastes writes: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted” (Eccl. 3:1,2). God, who gives the gift of life, can bless into the home many children. For fathers, and especially mothers, life becomes a life of service to the family. In the busyness of the home, often there is no time left over for personal goals or hobbies. Weariness can come to the “sparrows” tending the nest, feeding the young. In the moments of adversity, the care of the gospel is often needed to strengthen the desire to share in the mutual responsibility in the home. Fathers that take a second wind to help the mothers who often work double shifts in the home may be rewarded by seeing newfound joy and energy. The help of fathers means so much to the home. This same effect is seen in double to both parents when angels from the home Zion come in with sleeves rolled up to help! This sharing of a life of service naturally extends to the older children and into God’s house where aunts and uncles also provide support. God does not forget his children and provides strength day by day. The time to raise young is a season that God gives which comes with many blessings that may not always be seen. In hindsight, this season is so fleeting. Into this busyness of family life there is a need to provide spiritual sowing into the home by both mothers and fathers. Fathers as the head of the family are exhorted to take a leadership role to ensure God’s Word is read and discussed at home. Often it feels that the flesh and blood must be dragged along in fulfilling this important sowing work and many lackings and weaknesses are often felt. Encouragement is needed; the duty being very important. The psalmist encourages: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Ps. 126:5). Traditions should be set into the home for reading God’s Word and singing the songs of Zion. These traditions will become the dearest and richest enduring memories of family life. Jesus reminded clearly of this when Mary was at his feet to hear His words while Martha was going about with much serving: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41,42). We are living perilous times and young couples may find themselves going through times of great temporal and spiritual trials. In their struggles, the home life can become neglected and as the song writer describes: “With selfishness and hurry, how blinded we become. We scarcely even notice our dear one’s needs at home.” Yet God does not ever forget His own and can send those from home Zion to help the struggling families. Continuing the verse: “But then we pray, dear Father. and share our stress and burden within the care of Christ” (SHZ 420:3). Also from another familiar verse: “Zion will carry you in peace and friendship true, in charity” (SHZ 252:3). All in the family of God are given a life of service; elder couples to the young couples and the young to the old. Do we notice in our congregations if there are young couples who are in difficult straits, perhaps even struggling with the simple instructions in how to live in the house of God? Do we need to reach out to them, go visit them or invite them to our homes? These are good questions to ask in the house of God, and He sends help from Zion. The Holy Spirit gives the whole family of God the mind to serve each other and help the struggling young families also. Then there are the youth, the graceful flying swallows. They need families to open their homes for events like haps. These joyous occasions of fellowship also need to find moments for God’s Word and songs of Zion: also bringing to the joy and busyness a feeling of peace and festive moments for the life of faith. This is often what the youth need the most. The enemy of souls tries to trap and entice the whole family of God but especially the young. Hosting the youth further adds to the life of service for families but it is a very important addition. This presents an opportunity for the youth, singles, aunts, uncles and others in the house of God to reciprocate and help the hosting families. We are reminded of the importance of opening our homes for the youth especially during a time of loss, when the enemy is able to deceive youth to leave the one saving-faith. In these moments the whole family of God feel great depths of loss and sorrow. The enemy does not just target the youth but all of those in the house of God. But God helps in battle and His children turn to him with unceasing prayers on behalf of the loved ones who have lost the way. Prayers and preaching to the lost ones are part of the life of service of the family of God: “I shall continue preaching to you, my child, each day till dirt and dust have covered my aged head of gray” (SHZ 583:4). Blessing of Family The gift of family brings many blessings. Family members share a common sense of belonging and purpose. Bonds of family can be strengthened during family traditions and events and the cherished memories they create. Family is a place to turn to for guidance and help during a time of adversity; where, by sharing, joys can be multiplied, and sorrows are divided. The busyness of family brings a richness to life. There is less room for selfishness and idle time, perhaps helping spare from many temptations and snares of this world. These are but a few of the many blessings of family. At the core of family is the gift of love that joins and creates a desire for family to travel through life together. The songwriter writes: “We need each other, Father, an open, warm embrace, the parents’ life experience, the children’s trusting gaze. We meet with disappointments, surprises, and enjoyment, here traveling side by side (SHZ 420:2). In addition to these blessings, the gift of faith in a believing family brings with it a deeper spiritual love. This love is the first fruit of faith (Gal. 5:22). This further strengthens family with the most important bonds, spiritual bonds. This importance is especially felt when a family member has been deceived by the enemy and forsakes the gift of faith and spiritual bonds of family are broken. There remains great love of the believing family towards the prodigal sons and daughters but there is also a great gulf which separates us when spiritual bonds are lost. For it is the spiritual bond of love that compels spouses and family to forgive each other’s failings and wrongs with the gospel of the blood of Christ. It has been said that the most important piece of furniture in the believing home is the throne of grace, the gospel of the forgiveness of sins; for it sustains spiritual life and spiritual bonds of peace and joy. The grace of God that dwells in the believing home also is a “home teacher” that teaches how to live by faith. As Paul writes: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for the that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11–13). Oh, there is reason to thank God for the gift of our believing family and all the blessings it brings! Care for the life of faith in the home is closely tied to the life in the congregation of God. It has a richness and abundance of blessings that cannot be fully known. Families of God are blessed with so many gifts and events that bring peace and spiritual food to the soul. Some of these are: congregation gatherings, services, gathering for the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion and larger festive services. The spirit of God that is shed on our hearts opens eyes of faith to see travel companions as such dear friends of the heart, whether they are young, the newly repented, elders or those who we have only met briefly over the years at services. It is like the elder believers and the many newly converted believers together in the early Christian church. “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common” (Acts 4:32). These words, “one heart,” “one soul,” and “all things common,” speak of the blessings of the spiritual family of God that can only be seen and known when one has been given the gift to be in the family of God. Its beauty is only seen from the inside. For sure family brings differences and uniqueness in character; many different gifts are needed in the family and in the congregation. Many faults and failings exist also among the family members. The endeavor of faith in marriage or in family is not a bed of roses. At the same time the enemy can paint a rosy picture of the world outside the life of the families of God’s Kingdom. The Old Testament traveler Asaph, openly describes his feelings: “For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Ps. 73:3). He then compared his lot as a child of God: “When I thought to know this it was too painful for me” (v.16). Then, finally remembering the blessings: “Until I went into the sanctuary of God: then understood I their end” (v.17). Asaph was lifted up and given to remember the most important blessing of being in the family of God: “Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever (v.25,26). The blessing and strength of the family of God is in the shared gospel, as Paul writes to the Colossians: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye" (Col. 3:13). For those in the family of God, the power of the gospel turns envy of the life in the world to an appreciation and yearning for the life in the house of God instead! The Old Testament prophet Zechariah wrote about this: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain. Thus saith the Lord of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof” (Zech. 8:2–5). Oh, what a precious picture of being at home in the family of God, where all of any age carry the gospel staff! Protection from the World We recall Jacob’s distress upon hearing the news of his brother Esau coming with 400 men. He prayed to God: “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children” (Gen. 32:11). We remember the encounter when Esau embraced his brother and then as it is recorded: “And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children with God hath graciously given thy servant” (Gen. 33:5). This example reminds of how God protects His children and families in this world and in times of fear and worry. In another example we recall how, when Jesus was a baby boy, the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream: “Arise, take the young child and his mother, and flee unto Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him” (Matt 2:13). In distress and trials of life it is good to remember to put our trust in God: He never forgets His own, as Isaiah writes: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (Isa. 49:16). God also leads and guides His whole spiritual house and He never slumbers. A clear example of this is from the wilderness journey: “The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night” (Exod. 13:21). The Holy Spirit has always and will always guide the family of God. We remember how generations ago the believers experienced how the Holy Spirit guided in teaching that the television was not for the believing home. Believers, generations afterwards, have marveled at the protection this has given the believing home, and we still hold to this teaching, continuing to experience how obedience protects us from evil. We have to recognize that the enemy is never idle and today the television can be concealed in the palm of a hand. The decision of the believers not to participate in Halloween was similarly led and guided by the spirit in the house of God. We also remember already from the Old Testament, the children of God decided to forsake the practice of adorning themselves with makeup and earrings. God’s children still cling to these instructions today and living in obedience to all these things continues to bring blessings and protection we cannot fully appreciate or know! The winds of this world blow all the more into believing homes today, yet we are assured that the swallow still has a home and a sparrow a nest in the kingdom of God. God has seen even our time all beforehand and provided protections which will be made known in time. As we read in the Shepherd’s psalm: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Moreover, the Good Shepherd has promised to be with his own “even unto the end of the world.” Above all it is the staff of the gospel, the forgiveness of sins, that uplifts the weak hands and strengthens the feeble knees of the member in God’s house. It gives strength day by day to travel towards the heavenly home, the home where earthly storms cannot reach; where the whole family of God with all former saints will have reunion together and sing praises to the lamb of God eternally.   Discussion Questions What support do the young and young couples need in the time we live? What are the timely issues that should be visited about? What traditions in the home are important to pass on? Blessings of time and prosperity can provide opportunity for healthy hobbies for believing families. In what ways might these pursuits bring worry and be timely topics to openly discuss? Discuss fellowship between the young and old: what are the benefits? How can we encourage believer to engage in this type of fellowship? How should we support our youth? Do we see the youth gatherings such as haps as important? In what ways do they offer a time to quieten around matters of faith and songs of Zion? Are families in Zion more lonely? Is there a need to draw near, to encourage more fellowship? How has God’s Spirit led and guided in your life and protected you? Are the decisions the believers made in the past been always easy to follow? Having followed them, what have they brought you and your loved ones? When larger services are arranged is it your habit to attend in person? Can some struggle to attend? If so how can we encourage and help? What do you plan in your home Zion for those unable to attend? What will it be like in heaven one day for the whole family of God?

Larissa Wuollet  |  The Shepherd’s Voice  August/September 2025 - Home and Family Article –   Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” (NIV).    Like most people, I’ve found myself where a believer should not be – in the seat of judgement or scorn. To scorn or judge is a type of mocking.    It’s easy to start thinking we would do better if we were in someone else’s shoes; it’s important to remember we all make mistakes that others could judge and criticize, too.    I need to be mindful of the voices I surround myself with – particularly with what I consume on social media. What we see and listen to can influence our thinking and views of those around us. These messages can plant seeds of doubt about matters of faith.     When I am troubled by criticisms that I hear, I talk with my husband, friends and family quickly, rather than let the thoughts stew. Then I find peace, because sometimes God provides a straight answer through conversations or a sermon. Other times the answer is that I don’t need to understand every detail, and I can trust the voice of the Holy Spirit with that issue.    God will give you the help you need to remain a child of God, and even when we don’t have answers, we have the gospel to lean on.    Things to visit about: When a neighbor has trouble of some sort, is it easier to talk about them or to go talk to them, to offer help? Does negative talk help or hurt the one who is troubled? How can I be more approachable for one who is struggling? What sort of conversations are we having at my table? Are we tearing down or building up?

Kathy Waaraniemi | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - LLC Summer Services Article -- Opening Service It had been many years since my husband Keith and I had driven to Saskatchewan from our home in Minnesota. It was lovely to see God’s creation work on the prairies once again: the green fields as far as the eye could see, the brilliant yellow canola crops, the rolling hills, and the endless sky. But even more beautiful than the nature surrounding us was to once again see the believers from Canada and all the friends in faith who had come to the services from across the North American continent and the globe.  Jim Jurmu, LLC Board Chairman, Monticello, Minnesota Jurmu opened the services with prayer and thanksgiving, asking that God’s Word would go forth wherever listeners are gathered. He read from Luke 12:31–32, reminding us that our Father knows our needs and calls us to seek His kingdom. Life brings distractions and fears, but God turns our thoughts to eternity. Like Peter, we too can cry, “Lord, save me.” Jesus comforts: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Jari Warwaruk, Pastor of the Saskatchewan Congregations Warwaruk welcomed attendees on behalf of the Saskatoon, Outlook, and Dunblane congregations. He reflected on the motto: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), reminding us that Jesus didn’t come to settle earthly matters, but to do His Father’s work in love. We’ve come for rest from the turmoil of the world, he said. Here we can turn off the noise and be reminded of the peace in God’s kingdom. “What a beautiful place we’ve come to.” Adrian Pirness, LLC Mission Work Director, Elk River, Minnesota Pirness shared greetings from believers in Ghana, Togo, Ecuador, Pakistan, and other mission areas. “Many around the world are thankful for these services,” he said, reflecting on the messages he received through global WhatsApp groups. “With all the happenings in the world, it is good to be close to the Good Shepherd.” Tero Lehtola, from the Dalarna, Sweden, Congregation Tero Lehtola brought greetings from the SFC and believers in Sweden and Norway, speaking from Psalm 48:10. He reminded us that spreading God’s Word is not just for preachers—ordinary believers have led others to repentance by simply confessing faith. We don’t need beautiful words, for the power is in the gospel, he said. “Services strengthen faith and call to those outside the kingdom—Jesus died for your sins.” Ilmari Korhonen from the Ylöjärvi, Finland, Congregation Ilmari Korhonen shared greetings from the SRK and believers in Finland, reading from Psalm 30:12. All our temporal good is from God, but to carry His peace is a heavenly gift, he said. Seeing our heavenly inheritance gives us reason for thanksgiving. He warmly called to children of believing homes who have left: “You are called here. The Father is ready to run to you.” He closed with comfort about the heaven God has prepared for those who love Him.

Derek Mattila | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - The Sabbath Word 2 Article -- The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. – Jeremiah 18:1–10 Jeremiah the prophet lived a time of great upheaval and uncertainty in the southern kingdom of Judah. After the death of King Josiah, there were apostate kings installed who rejected God and the prophets. Nebuchadnezzar eventually destroyed Jerusalem, and many from the land of Judah were taken into captivity. God approached Jeremiah at a young age with these words, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jer. 1:5). Often, we feel our own weakness and timidity when we are asked to serve in God’s kingdom; Jeremiah was no different. He said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am but a child.” God reminded Jeremiah that He was with him, He would deliver Jeremiah and Jeremiah would go where the Lord sent him, and the Lord would put words in the mouth of His servant. In Jeremiah 18, Jeremiah is led by the Lord to the house of the potter. The potter in the house was working and had a clay vessel on the wheel. We can assume that this potter brought his wares to the market to sell to his customers and had standards for goods that he produced. He saw that this vessel he was making was not one that he was happy with, so he reworked it into another vessel. This is what Jeremiah was watching when God came to him again with these words, “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand O house of Israel.” We see, as Jeremiah did at this potter’s house, a picture of God’s omnipotence. Just as the potter has full control over the clay, so does God shape all individuals and nations according to His will. He blesses obedience and despises sin and disobedience. His promises are sure for those who live of faith in Him. This text about the potter’s clay applies to each one of us in our places of watching. As the letter writer to the Hebrews states in 12:6, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Just as the children of Israel in these times endured trials that were often heavy, so can we today suffer afflictions of health, death of a loved one, and other trials of life. During trials it is easy for our minds to question God and wonder Why me? or Why us? Why would God allow me to be this way or why would He allow certain things to happen? Apostle Paul writes in the ninth chapter of Romans, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.” “Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (14,19–21). Through faith we have comfort even when experiencing heavy trials and difficulties. Our family lived this very personally when our daughter was taken from this life at a young age. Without faith it would seem impossible to bear the grief that comes with the death of a child. Although questions still come to our minds, at the same time we can see how God did not forget us. The beauty of His kingdom shone brightly when times were the most difficult.

The Voice of Zion August 2025 - Editorial -- The world of work and opportunity has changed. Some industries have shifted dramatically, and individuals – even highly trained ones – have had to rethink their path or start over entirely. But alongside these changes, there are doors opening. Help-wanted signs are posted, and new kinds of work are emerging. For a young person stepping into this landscape, the challenge may not be the absence of options, but the weight of choosing among them. Uncertainty is not new. Scripture is full of people who walked forward without knowing what came next: Abraham setting out from his home, Ruth leaving Moab, the exiled Israelites wondering if they would ever return. God’s people have always lived with unknowns. But they have also always lived with a promise. One of the most reassuring promises was given to young exiles in Babylon. They longed for home and clarity, and to them God said: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer. 29:11). It wasn’t a promise of ease. It was a promise of remembrance, purpose, and divine direction. That same promise stands today. Though the future may seem uncertain, it is not unknown. God holds it – and us – in His hands. We were created with a mind to think and energy to work. These abilities are given in different ways and measures, but they are gifts from the heavenly Father. Whatever our daily work may be – studying and learning, helping at home, raising children, building businesses, caring for others, solving problems – we want to honor these gifts. Our gifts may lead us to academic study or to hone practical skills through apprenticeships, learning a trade or developing hands-on talents. Scripture tells us, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto the Lord” (Col. 3:23). Doing something wholeheartedly requires trust. Trust that God will bless the effort. Trust that He is near, even if we don’t know where the road leads. That trust shows itself in prayer, learning, persistence – and faith. Gifts often begin as small interests. A mind pulled toward music, machines, people, or design may be sensing the spark of a calling. But even interests need to be uncovered and nurtured. God allows us space to discover, to grow, and to delight in learning. Our motivation is shaped not only by what is in us, but also by what surrounds us. Within this time and space, we may be surprised by what takes root and grows. Even Martin Luther, living in a time of upheaval, urged young people to prepare diligently – not to control their future, but to be ready to serve wherever God placed them. “God does not need your good works,” he said, “but your neighbor does.” For Luther, education and skill were ways to love others and serve faithfully in whatever role God provided. What if we fail? We will, sometimes. Not all efforts end in achievement. Dreams shift. Start-ups falter. Some lose motivation entirely. But failure isn’t the end. It teaches, refines, and reorients. It reminds us that our lives are not self-made, but God-led. He does not measure us by success, but by faithfulness. His plans remain – even when ours fall apart. “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Prov. 16:3). So we go forward in gladness. Our path is toward heaven, but it runs through this world – with its learning curves, heartbreaks, and joys. God walks with us. Our gifts and interests can point our way through this life. The future may unfold differently than we expect, but the One who holds it never changes.

Karen Young | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - Home & Family Article -- Like boughs that bear abundance when firmly on the tree, as people we’re created to with each other be. We thank You for our fam’lies, the life that You established, Your gifts to us, O Lord.  God blessed me with my earthly mother to love and care for me. In her later years of life, I, along with my family, loved and cared for her. The songwriter wrote, “As people we’re created to with each other be.” It is God’s perfect plan to be together, helping one another. “Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).  Caregiving for my mother was rewarding. She, an elder, had much to offer to us younger ones. She taught, also by example, with compassion and encouraged us in our lives of faith with the comforting words of the gospel. Her life’s experiences were interesting stories that we learned from. Time spent with my mother was cozy and peaceful. We’d get all set up and organized and enjoy ourselves! It was peaceful knowing we could just be, or we could add activities to our schedule if we wanted to. We need each other, Father, an open, warm embrace, the parents’ life experience, the children’s trusting gaze. We meet with disappointments, surprises, and enjoyment, here trav’ling side by side. In difficult moments of caregiving, prayers were whispered to our heavenly Father. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ” (Phil. 4:6,7). We children and grandchildren learned something new every day from my mother. She met me with “an open, warm embrace” every time I saw her. This is a memory I treasure! There were many moments of “surprises and enjoyment.” A momentary coffee break, a walk, a sauna, or a heart-to-heart visit helped us re-energize for caregiving. Singing songs of Zion together, sometimes with spouses, grandchildren and other believers, was a joyous and peaceful way to settle for a good night’s sleep. With selfishness and hurry, how blinded we become. We scarcely even notice our dear ones’ needs at home. But then we pray, dear Father, and share our stress and burden within the care of Christ. Caregiving requires time and patience. Therefore, with a busy life, one can tire out or become impatient. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).  Stay with us, dear Lord Jesus, stay close in every phase, when we let go and part here, face deepest sorrow’s days. For You alone can carry and let us grow securely beneath Your beams of grace. Accompanying my mother to services and to any gatherings of God’s children brought joy to us all! “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).  My mother enjoyed having family and friends over to visit. Everyone helping to get ready for our guests to arrive made these get-togethers doable. “Many hands make light work!” was another phrase of my mother’s.  My mother has now gained her heavenly rest. When I look back on her last years, many memories warm my heart. Though not always easy, caregiving for my mother was precious! “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Cor. 13:13).   Italicized verses are from song of Zion 420, words by Leena Impiö, translated by Paul Waaraniemi. A Child with Special Needs Natalie Kiviahde Caregiving for a child with special needs has brought many emotions, thoughts and doubts. Why has my child been made this way? Why has he been given to me, when I have twelve other kids to take care of as well? Why does he have this life? Why is it that, because of his special needs, our family often can’t do the things that come easily to others? When a family is given a child with special needs, the family’s life can revolve around that special-needs child. Decisions are based on them and their needs. Sacrifices are made because of them. Family life is not like other families’ lives; it is not what many would call normal. Patience can be worn thin many times. Doubts and even anger can arise many times.  A choice of sorts rises before the parents: you may stay in those hard thoughts or you can simply turn to TRUST. Trusting God is easier, trusting that God takes care of His own. Trusting that God has made each person perfect in His eyes. Trust that God gave you the children you have – or for some couples, no children. Understand that this is your lot in life—and it’s “a lot”—chosen for you by the heavenly Father.  We trust that God’s ways are far above our ways. Even if we don’t understand, may never understand, it is okay. When we can turn to God in all things and take care of our sins, doubts and anger with the gospel, our hearts are at peace and happiness is restored. A child with special needs can remind us daily of the simplicity of living faith – keep faith and a good conscience. God will guide you all the days of your life.   From Life Partner to Caregiver in a Few Short Years Edna Kesti Health trials can come in a variety of ways and at any time in one’s life. Whether it comes to you personally, with a child, or in later years with your spouse, a health trial is something that one would never choose. It is a life-changing event. In our case, Ken, my husband of sixty-two years, began to show signs of dementia. Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. The most common symptoms are problems with thinking, memory, behavior and physical abilities. It often causes anxiety and paranoia. My husband showed signs of all of these. I was told that there is no known cure for dementia. At first, I tried to ignore what I saw. I often got angry with his behavior. My reaction was emotional and of no help. Within a year, he was diagnosed with moderate dementia. I was a caregiver for him and had no idea what to do. I saw a quote in an article on dementia that said, “A patient with dementia is not giving you  a hard time. A patient with dementia is having  a hard time.” I knew I had to change, but I didn’t know how or what to change. I had to hand these trials over to God and trust in Him. I knew that, without His guidance, I am nothing. I had to quit fighting and let God lead me. I needed to look at each day through Ken’s eyes. His ability to understand had been lost. I had to learn to find ways to diffuse situations by approaching them simply and calmly and in ways that he could understand. A few believing friends who have similar trials are a great help. We share our experiences and find comfort that we have escorts along the way. Our family helps with the caregiving. Health Trials Camp has shown me that I am not alone in my trial. I have God’s kingdom at my side. Like all children of God, I am trying to be content with my lot in life. I need to remember that where God has placed me is where I belong. He will not forsake me. When I do fail, which is often, that precious gospel is there for me. We are fortunate to be in God’s kingdom.   I Have What I Need for Today Karen Hillstrom Don’t borrow the sorrows of tomorrow for it will steal the joy from today. This saying, based on Matthew 6:34, was a comfort in the early days of my noticeable vision loss. It was a time of worry and fear. With time, prayer and unwavering support from my husband Keith, I accepted this trial with a happy heart. I’ve learned to focus on what I can see and experience instead of dwelling on what I don’t see. I am a 48-year-old wife and mother who is legally blind. I have retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a degenerative eye disease with no currently known cure or treatment. When fear of the future comes, my coping thought is “I have what I need for today.” When I was diagnosed at the age of 30, my vision loss was minimal and didn’t affect my daily life. As my sight worsened, we were happy to learn the gene causing my disease is recessive so my children shouldn’t inherit it. This is a great comfort!  At the age of 35, I quit driving. Our family now lives on the edge of Menahga, Minn., within walking distance to the school, clinic and bank. With family and friends nearby, it is easy for our kids and me to find rides. I am also thankful our son and his family live across the road from us.  RP affects people’s vision differently. Today, I can see clearly in some of my outer peripheral vision, and in a very small area of my central vision. When walking around, I don’t usually trip over things at my feet. I see them. My clear, central area is so small that when at church, I see the minister’s face but not his tie. In my outer periphery, I see my pew and the pew in front of me. The blurry area, between the minister’s face and the two pews, is filled with small, flashing lights. When looking at my phone I can only see one word at a time.  The hardest part of my vision loss is not being able to recognize faces. I see people, so I don’t walk into them. However, I don’t know who they are. Some people, knowing my situation, will say “Hi, Karen!” I can usually recognize their voice, and I am grateful for them. They take away the alone in a crowd feeling I experience regularly.  Despite my RP, I can still take care of my family. We have a busy house, with nine of our eleven children living at home. Our home, with its familiarity, is my happy place. Amid this trial, there are many blessings. I no longer sweat the small stuff. I learned to be vulnerable and ask for help when I need it. My husband and I leaned on each other, and we are grateful for a strong marriage as a result. Holding hands is often necessary, especially in crowded areas or in the dark. Also, our children are helpful and empathetic, often asking if I need anything. Today’s technology makes life as a blind person much easier and more enjoyable. Smart devices set timers, read content and contain endless hours of audio programming. I deeply appreciate the audio version of the Voice of Zion  on Hearken . I haven’t been able to read the print version in full for many, many years.  In April 2024, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer. Having the hope of heaven and being in the midst of God’s congregation brought much comfort during this uncertain time. Thankfully, due to early diagnosis and excellent medical care, my prognosis is good. The cancer diagnosis has brought me back to my simple motto, “I have what I need for today.” I am hopeful God will allow me to live many more years to love and serve my family. “This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24).  Carried by Grace: A Family’s Journey through Special Needs Sharon Kallinen 1. Tell us about your family. My husband Dean and I have been married for over thirty years. God has blessed us with five children – now all adults – and seven grandchildren, with two more on the way. Our two oldest daughters live in the same zip code and our youngest son lives in Finland with his family. Two of our children, Jessica and Trevor, have special needs. Jessica has Cerebral Palsy along with a chromosomal abnormality, and Trevor has Down Syndrome. Both were evaluated to function cognitively in the range of 3 to 7 years old. Today, life has settled into a calm rhythm. Trevor enjoys living at home with us, and Jessica happily lives in the Building Hope home. After many years of challenges, we are grateful to see them enjoying life in their own unique ways. 2. How have your special-needs children impacted your life? Their impact has been significant, shaping who we are as a family. Because Jessica and Trevor required daily care and support, we were almost always together for appointments and routines. It brought a closeness among the siblings that still lasts today. Interestingly, our children were drawn toward professions that reflect this caregiving spirit. Kirsti became a lab scientist, Megan is now a speech therapist, and Dustin pursued nursing. It’s a testament to how Jessica and Trevor quietly taught all of us about compassion, patience, and the sacredness of every life. One truth we’ve tried to impress upon all our family is this: never mock God’s creations. We can’t lose patience with those who have disabilities given by God. 3. Tell about a time that stands out as extremely difficult. There were many difficult times. When all five children were young, our days were filled with constant motion – appointments, therapies, and hospital stays, some of them life-threatening. With the children so close in age, it often felt like the youngest three were triplets, each needing the same level of care and attention. We relied heavily on Personal Care Attendants during those seasons, though staffing was often inconsistent. My sisters were a tremendous help, stepping in whenever they could. Still, we needed every hand – and every prayer – we could get. In the most exhausting and uncertain moments, I often whispered, “Thy will be done,” clinging to the promise that God will never give us more than we can bear. One of the most painful memories was a particularly difficult hospitalization for Jessica. She had reached her lowest point, completely withdrawn, curled up in a fetal position and refusing human interaction. I remember praying desperately: “Lord, if this is how the rest of her life will be, please take her home.” He did not. In faith, we requested a prayer of intercession at church. The very next day, Jessica turned a corner. Something shifted – she began to heal from within. Her staff was astonished by the sudden change. But we knew. God’s entire congregation had lifted her up before the throne of grace, and He had answered. Jessica has since blossomed like a beautiful flower. That moment reminds us in a profound way: never underestimate the power of prayer. 4. What joys and blessings have you experienced? The joys are many – woven into the simplest moments. Jessica and Trevor radiate happiness and contentment. They remind us of the beauty found in a slowed-down life, where smiles, routines, and small delights carry deep meaning. It’s a blessing to see how our grandchildren love Jessica and Trevor with such gentleness and care. They see no difference – only love. Above it all, there is grace. Verses 3 and 4 of hymn 192, “The Grace of God Abundant” often echo in my mind: “Be comforted, ye weary! Your Shepherd carries you,” and “The wounds of Jesus, holy, are cities free in grace.” These lines have been a quiet refrain through the years. So, too, a Finnish hymn: “Every morning there is grace anew – why then burdens we carry?” ( Virsi  547). These hymns speak what my heart has long known: we are not walking this road alone. God carries the weary.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion August 2025 - News & Notes Article -- We experienced God’s blessings at Summer Services in Outlook, Sask. Approximately 4,200 service guests attended with several hundred online connections to the service broadcast. It was truly secure to gather around God’s Word and in the fellowship of dear brothers and sisters in faith.  We thank the heavenly Father for this time of refreshment, and we also thank the believers in the hosting congregations in Saskatchewan for their preparations and service of love. At the annual meeting in Outlook on July 4, 2025, LLC delegates reviewed and gave support for the proposed 2026 LLC Operating Plan and approved a $1/month increase in LLC dues. This will allow additional support for publications staffing. Delegates also approved a proposal to use two additional Bible translations, the New International Version 2011 and the English Standard Version.  We experienced throughout the meeting the freedom to discuss the work of our church and the demonstration of the Holy Spirit when presented with items for decision. Delegates will be prepared to give a detailed report to congregations when meeting minutes have been finalized. Updates on LLC Activities Camps The 2025 Camp Season is underway and going well. There is a continuing need for kitchen volunteers. Please review your schedules and see if you can find time to serve in this way. The LLC and SRK continue to exchange confirmation teachers each year. This year Mika Kalliokoski from SRK served at Hasscib Lake Confirmation School, July 13–20, 2025, and Phil Jurmu from LLC served at Maitoinen 3, June 14–20, 2025. Pastoral At the 2025 Summer Services we experienced the comforting message of God’s Word through the 26 different ministers that were sent from North American congregations, Finland and Sweden. The 2026 Summer Services will be held at Silver Springs in Monticello, MN hosted by the Menahga congregation. The motto for these services is “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you” from 1 John 1:3. Sam Roiko and his wife Marleigh have traveled to Finland to serve the believers from July 16 through August 4. On this trip, Sam will serve at each of the Opisto services over a three-week period. Ilmari Korhonen, Tero Lehtola, Mika Kalliokoski and spouses and the language camp lead by Olli and Nina Vänskä and Jukka and Virpi Palola traveled to many congregations throughout North America to serve in the month of July. Through these services we have felt the unity of Spirit, and the same comforting message of the gospel. With the busy summer camp season winding down in August we begin to take a closer look at the details and plans for 2026 service and events. Communications We will hold a Content Creators Workshop at Stony Lake Camp September 12–14. This workshop is open to those who participate in creating written content (poetry, fiction, prose), content for services broadcast work, and music compositions. Please sign up on the LLC website. Note: a visual arts workshop will be held early next year at the LLC office. There will not be a visual arts track at this workshop. At the request of the LLC Print Publications Committee, we have produced and published a special issue of The Shepherd’s Voice.  This issue welcomes preschoolers and kindergarteners to Sunday School! Congregations can order the appropriate number of copies from the LLC office. How do you find out about new LLC publications? Or how do you hear of special offers and sales? We post these notices on social media, we send messages to local bookstore agents, and we also post new products and products with reduced prices in our online shop. If you have thoughts on how you’d prefer to hear these updates, please let us know! Send a note to rdelacey@llchurch.org A song leader and organist workshop was held in connection with 2025 LLC Summer Services. Representatives from 13 member congregations gathered at the Dunblane church to practice and learn together. After Summer Services ended, a three-day, continent-wide choir camp was held in Outlook and Saskatoon, Sask. Sixty-five singers along with choir conductors Lea Waaraniemi and Janna Ylioja and accompanist Liisa Keranen practiced pre-distributed music for two days at the Outlook church. On the third day, the group recorded fourteen songs at Knox United Church, a borrowed facility in Saskatoon. The theme of the camp was from Psalm 121, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” The album will be published next February. This month, 24 students from North America leave to Finland to spend a year at one of the opistos there. We wish these students and all who study at opistos a blessed and rewarding year!

Jake Tauriainen   |  The Shepherd’s Voice  June/July 2025 - Home and Family Article –   “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10   The Bible tells us in many places how God’s children have been persecuted – treated badly – by others, even by powerful leaders. In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. Slavery means being forced to work without pay, and that is a very bad kind of persecution. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, didn’t want to let the Israelites go. He wanted to keep them as slaves. But God chose Moses to lead them out of Egypt. When Pharaoh’s army chased after them, the Israelites were trapped by the Red Sea. But God protected His people. Through Moses, God parted the sea, and the Israelites crossed safely on dry ground. When Pharaoh’s army tried to follow, God made the walls of water fall back together. Pharaoh’s army drowned. God saved His people and brought them to the promised land of Canaan. Are God’s children persecuted today? Today, God’s children aren’t facing armies like Pharaoh’s, but they can still be mistreated. Sometimes, people at school or work might tease us for having a large family or for following God’s teachings. God tells us that children are a blessing. So even when others think our ways are old-fashioned or strange, we listen to God’s Word. If we are persecuted for our faith, we can remember that God sees it as blessed. He has promised us a home in heaven – our promised land.   Things to visit about: What does it mean to be persecuted? Can you think of an example of how someone might be mistreated for doing what’s right? How did God protect the Israelites when they were trapped by the Red Sea? Why do you think God promises to bless those who are persecuted for doing what is right?

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!

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