by Melanie Ave The Rev. Matthew Heise serves as a career missionary to Russia and other former Soviet republics for The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). This October, as we celebrate World Mission Month, Heise (www.lcms.org/heise) offers a glimpse into his life overseas. The following is an edited Lutheran Witness (LW) interview with Heise (MH): LW:
C.F.W. Walther was the Synod’s first president. How does this pastor still matter to the church today?
Rev. Dr. Jerald C. Joersz I have a question about prayer. A friend of mine lost her only sibling to cancer in 2005. Shortly after that, her husband discovered that he had cancer. He died in 2009. And then her mother died. Now she just found out that her childrens father, whom she divorced but
See how you can help maintain the mausoleum that houses Walther’s remains.
Yes, It Is Finished In the Christian Church, we dont make amends; because Christ did it for us, we gladly make amens. Rev. Greg EilersPort Hope, Mich. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Theres always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking
The Lord used young Walther’s passion for music to provide an enduring heritage.
by Rev. Dr. Andrew Steinmann In American culture, the month of October is highlighted by Halloween celebrations that have grown increasingly elaborate. In fact, Halloween has become the fastest growing annual celebration in our culture. Sales of Halloween costumes for adults have skyrocketed. It is not unusual to see yards decorated with ghosts, spiderwebs and
Read about his struggles and the way in which they pointed Walther to his Savior, Jesus Christ.
What a nice surprise to see Fritz Upham featured in the August issue. I babysat for the Upham family when I was a teenager in Casper, Wyo. Jean and Fritz were special to me, so I am not surprised that Rev. Nickel said Fritz was “an important and vibrant member of our congregation.” Carol (Strasheim)
Read about two new missionaries who help share Christ’s Gospel around the world.
by Adriane Dorr Dr. Paul L. Maier is a true Renaissance man—professor, campus chaplain, author and lecturer who just so happens to serve as the Synod’s third vice-president. He also recently retired from teaching in Western Michigan University’s Department of History for the past 50 years. He is the author of several best-selling books, such
by Rev. Heath Curtis Most religions are quite spiritual. They are about teachings, thoughts, philosophies. They are misty and magical and otherworldly. Not so Christianity. Our faith is earthly, tangible; you can sink your teeth into it. The God we know created mankind from the dust of the ground and then stepped Himself into Mary’s