[DistUpd] January 24

Wed Jan 24 10:12:00 CST 2007

Update for January 24

A publication of the Nebraska District, a District ABLAZE!

Epiphany greetings in the name of the Lord of Light.

*	Prayer Requests
*	Mission Service Opportunities
*	LCMS to Hold Convention in July
*	Special Needs for Hispanic Mission Trip
*	New Hymnal to Be Available in Large Type and Braille
*	Open House for Omaha Pastor's Retirement
*	New Cancer Devotional Available From Wheat Ridge Ministries
*	St. John, Seward, Women's Retreat
*	In the News: Serving Rural Parishes
*	News from Mission Central
*	Update on Bibles for India

PRAYER REQUESTS

Rev. Rod Meske - Pastor Rod Meske of Immanuel, Hooper, began treatment
this week in Omaha for lymphoma, which has returned after treatment and
remission a couple of years ago. Please pray for our Lord's healing,
strength, and encouragement for him, his family, and the Immanuel
congregation and school during this time.

Patrick and Jennifer O'Neal - The following prayer request and update
came from Pastor O'Neal following our prayers for their family last
week:

It is with great joy that I write to you to let you know that Jennifer's
surgery went very well yesterday [January 17] (Thursday in Korea) and
she is now at home. The surgeon removed the gallbladder and gave
Jennifer some very surprising souvenirs - 122 gall stones!  We were
overwhelmed and filled with joy at the response to our prayer request.
The Lord answered all of our prayers.  We praise the Lord for His
goodness! 

I was able to reschedule my mid-term exams to Monday afternoon so I
could be with Jennifer at the hospital. Again, thank you for your
prayers.  We feel that a big hug of support has come from you to us.
Thanks.

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MISSION SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Hungary - Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as
an EFL Teacher in Hungary. LCMS World Mission needs a long-term
missionary to teach English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) classes to
students attending a Lutheran school in Sopron, Hungary. These
opportunities provide many opportunities to not only witness to students
in the classroom, but also to witness to fellow teachers at school and
friends you make outside of class. The long-term missionary in this
position will also be involved in other activities at the school and
dorms.

For more information, go to: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps or
contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or
mission.recruitment at lcms.org. 

Panama - Right now you have the opportunity to meet an urgent need as a
Youth Worker in Panama. An individual is needed to serve as a youth
worker in Panama City, Panama. This person will be responsible for
establishing a relational ministry with youth within the congregation
and community, developing leadership among young people and adults of
the congregations to carry on youth ministry, working cooperatively with
the pastors and other missionaries to expand the youth program, and
organizing opportunities for growth in Christian faith through Bible
studies, fellowship groups, servant events, and other activities.

For more information, go to: www.lcmsworldmission.org/searchopps or
contact an LCMS World Mission placement counselor at 1-800-433-3954 or
mission.recruitment at lcms.org. 

The Pacific Northwest - The B.C. Mission Boat Society is currently
seeking volunteers and teams for the summer of 2007. Experience an
unforgettable week of mission work where you will help with Vacation
Bible School, youth events, adult fellowship events, Bible studies,
music ministry, and community help projects.  At the same time, enjoy
the splendor God created within the mountains and inlets of the
magnificent West Coast. There are two different ways in which you can
serve.  You can be a crewmember and travel on the mission boat visiting
coastal communities, or serve one location with a land-based team.

Visit their website at http://www.bcmissionboat.org/ for more
information on both of these types of service and more information about
their ministry. They may also be contacted at B. C. Mission Boat
Society, c/o Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 795 West Island Highway,
Parksville, British Columbia, Canada, V9P 1B9; 250-248-5300; or
info at bcmissionboat.org
<mailto:info at bcmissionboat.org?subject=Email%20from%20Contact%20Us%20Pag
e%20of%20Web%20Site> . 

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LCMS TO HOLD CONVENTION IN JULY

The 63rd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod is
set for July 14-19 in Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center with
the theme "One Message: Christ." That theme, part of the Synod's
three-point vision statement of "One Mission, One Message, One People,"
has the sub-theme: "His Love is Here for You," based on 1 John 4:9-11.

The Synod convention is "the principle legislative assembly" of the
2.4-million-member church body, according to LCMS Bylaw 3.1.1, which
states that its activities include "worship, nurture, inspiration,
fellowship, and the communication of vital information."  Elections and
action on scores of resolutions are its main items of business. For
convention news leading up to and through the event, visit
http://www.lcms.org/pages/default.asp?NavID=8410. 

Rev. Larry Krueger, assistant to President Kieschnick and convention
coordinator, noted that materials for a "Day of Prayer, Repentance, and
Spiritual Renewal" are available for download from the Synod website.
That resource was produced before the Synod's 2004 convention as a
response to Kieschnick's call that "members of the LCMS ... devote
themselves to these spiritual disciplines on behalf of ourselves, our
church, and the Synod in convention," according to an introductory
paragraph on the web.

To download the Day of Prayer material, go to http://www.lcms.org, click
on "Convention," and then on "Resources." Please keep the upcoming
convention in your prayers.  

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SPECIAL NEEDS FOR HISPANIC MISSION TRIP

Members and friends of Peace, Grand Island, will be taking a short term
mission trip to El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico, March 2 through
March 11. They have some special requests for the mission church in
Mexico. Please contact Ken Steinbeck at 308-381-2714 or
kensteinbeck at gmail.com with questions or to donate the following items.

There is a dire need for an electric wheelchair for a friend of the
missions in Mexico. This young woman was injured in an accident and is a
quadriplegic. She has a wheelchair, but she is limited since she has no
arm function to move herself. An electric wheelchair would mean so much
to her. 

This church also needs folding chairs and folding tables (card tables or
folding leg, banquet tables) for the times when Orphan Grain Train makes
deliveries there and they are distributing clothing and food.  If your
congregation or school has updated your tables and chairs recently and
you are looking for a good home for your old ones, contact Ken to make
arrangements for getting them to the mission congregation in Mexico.

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NEW HYMNAL TO BE AVAILABLE IN LARGE TYPE AND BRAILLE

Within the next few months, Lutheran Blind Mission expects to produce
the new hymnal, Lutheran Service Book, in both large-type and braille
versions. The complete large-type edition will have seven volumes of 100
pages each and will include the liturgies and all verses to all the
hymns featured in the new hymnal, but no music. LBM Executive Director
Rev. Dave Andrus says he hopes to have copies ready to mail in March.
Each set of seven volumes will cost $40, which covers printing and
mailing costs. 

"We worked hard not only to make [the new large-type edition]
user-friendly and readable, but not too heavy," he said, "because if
it's easy to use, more people will use it. Having a large-print hymnal
will allow people to continue to be involved in corporate worship, which
will assure them of God's constant presence, care, and support," Andrus
said.  "There's no reason that a person should lose hope, purpose, or
faith when they lose their sight."

The braille edition of Lutheran Service Book -- a total of nine volumes
-- will be produced by several "braille work centers" across the
country.  All are located at LCMS churches and are operated by
volunteers. The braille hymnals will be available free to congregations
sometime after March 1. Lutheran Blind Mission is now accepting orders
for both the braille and large-type editions of Lutheran Service Book.

To place an order, fill out the order form at www.blindmission.org, or
contact LBM toll-free at (888) 215-2455 or via e-mail at
blind.mission at blindmission.org.  Checks for large-type editions -- made
payable to "Lutheran Blind Mission" -- may be mailed to LBM at 7550
Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63119-4409.

Congregations that purchase Lutheran Service Builder, the electronic
companion to Lutheran Service Book, will be able to print their own
large-type versions of the hymnal, so they need not order separate
copies from Lutheran Blind Mission.

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OPEN HOUSE FOR OMAHA PASTOR'S RETIREMENT

Sunday, February 18, marks the retirement of Rev. Dr. David L. Block as
senior pastor at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Omaha. Everyone is
invited to celebrate his ministry and retirement with the congregation
at an Open House beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the Divine Shepherd Christian
Life Center, 150th & Q Street.

You will have an opportunity to greet Pastor Dave & Carlyn and share a
special moment or two with them.  Cake and refreshments will be served.
If you are unable to attend and would like to send a card or letter of
congratulations, please send to: Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, c/o
Sally Turner, 15005 Q Street, Omaha, NE  68137.

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NEW CANCER DEVOTIONAL AVAILABLE FROM WHEAT RIDGE MINISTRIES

Wheat Ridge Ministries would like to share a new resource available
through our friends at Faith Lutheran Church in Oakville, Missouri.
"Hope and Healing" is a small group Bible study developed in and around
the church's cancer support group, The Way to Wellness. The study
includes Scripture readings, a study guide, and thought-provoking
questions. To purchase a copy of the book for $10 (includes shipping and
handling), please call Faith Lutheran Church at 314-846-8612. A
downloadable copy of the Bible study will be available soon at no cost
on Faith's website - www.faithlutheranstl.org.  

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ST. JOHN, SEWARD, WOMEN'S RETREAT

St. John Lutheran Church, Seward, is hosting its 17th annual Women's
Retreat on Saturday, February 3, from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Concordia
University's Janzow Campus Center. 

Keynote speaker Elaine Bickel of Millington, Michigan, will provide a
humorous and inspirational address, workshop, and closing message
incorporating the theme, "The Joy of Being God's Child."  Elaine is a
humorist, author, educator, and inspirational speaker. She has authored
numerous curriculum materials for Sunday school and vacation Bible
school, and authored three Bible study books. Elaine is a trained
coordinator for Rainbows for All God's Children, a support group for
children experiencing loss due to death or divorce. She was the
recipient of the 1994 Saginaw News Crystal Apple Award for teaching
excellence and has been interviewed by Phyllis Wallace on "Woman to
Woman."

The retreat also includes two workshops, a luncheon, a Christian book
fair, and praise and singing opportunities. The cost is $25 per person
($10 for high school or college students). Free child care will be
provided at St. John's Child Development Center. Women of all ages and
all denominations are encouraged to attend. Registration brochures have
been sent to several churches and are available at St. John or by
contacting Lisa Krings at sk90349 at alltel.net (402-643-3699) or Shirley
Liesener (402-643-6794).   

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IN THE NEWS: SERVING RURAL PARISHES

Shepherd Divides Time Between Three Flocks

"For the Rev. Norm Porath, retirement didn't mean he stopped
ministering.

Porath said he can be more selective with where he ministers, and he's
chosen to minister to three churches, working with Lutheran
congregations in Snyder, Dodge, and Howells."

Read the rest of the article on ministry in a rural setting written by
Don Bowen in the Saturday, January 20, issue of the Fremont Tribune at
this webpage:
http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2007/01/20/news/news3.txt.
Stories are only archived for fourteen days from the date they are
published.

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NEWS FROM MISSION CENTRAL - By Gary Thies

Upcoming Mission Speakers

Rev. Jonathan Muhly will be speaking in the barn at Mission Central on
February 8 at 7:00 p.m.  This young man is a very special missionary in
Russia and is doing some amazing things to tell people there about
Jesus, our Savior.  Make plans now to join him at Mission Central and
hear his story.

Rev. Greg Sawyer from Hong Kong will be speaking at Mission Central on
March 1 at 7:00 p.m. Come and meet Pastor Sawyer and his family, and
hear how the Lord is using them to share His Good News in Asia.

News Updates

REV. JOHN MEHL, ASIAN AREA DIRECTOR COMES TO MISSION CENTRAL 

 It was cold and snowy and many people had to cancel their trip to see
Rev. John Mehl here at Mission Central. The snow was coming down and the
roads were terrible, but a few very brave folks came to help send Rev.
Mehl back to his home in Hong Kong. Rev. Mehl told of his work in
Southeast Asia and the new doors that are opening into new countries
around the world. The Lord is calling thousands to Himself in countries
that we have never been before. Rev. Mehl gave one of the most
interesting presentations, and at the end of the evening, Acts 13:3 was
once again played out with the people "gathering together and placing
their hands" on Rev. Mehl and sending him back to Hong Kong. It was a
cold and wintery night, but a night that many will remember. If we can't
go to Southeast Asia, we can help send someone in our place.  

MEETING OF MISSIONARY PILOTS FOR MISSION CENTRAL

One very special day in January a small gathering was held for the
purpose of "scheduling flights" for Missionary Gary Thies. Yes, the Lord
has now sent seven pilots who own their own planes, and they have
committed to be "Missionary Pilots." They assist in flying Gary to
various locations throughout the year. The purpose of the meeting was to
select and designate the trips and who would take the flights to the
locations during the year 2007. Chief Missionary Pilot Nate Predoehl of
Greta, Nebraska, will make the arrangements for each flight, and most
flights will land at Mapleton International Airport. However, one flight
will have to leave from a larger airport, as on May 6 Gary has to speak
at Saginaw, Michigan, and can only leave on Sunday morning. On Saturday,
May 5, there will be a special presentation at Mission Central to the
Christian Motorcycle Association who are having their Annual Meeting
there. So, in order to keep the Sunday appointment, Missionary Pilot
Harry Barr will have to dust off his Lear Jet to fly Gary to Saginaw!
This is truly a special group of people that God has called to help at
just the right time. God is truly "calling" special people for "special"
work at just the right time. We thank God for these "Missionary Pilots"
that help in such a wonderful way. 

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UPDATE ON BIBLES FOR INDIA

The following update shares information on the gathering of Bibles to be
shipped to India. This opportunity was shared in the November 1 Email
Update. 

At this point we have about 2,500 Bibles and have funds of about $1,600
to purchase more. It is exciting that each day boxes of used (recycled)
and/or new Bibles are arriving, as well as the funds to purchase others.
I truly believe that the goal/prayer for 5,000 Bibles will be reached by
the end of January. Praise God! If you are among the many that have sent
Bibles or funds to purchase Bibles to be sent to India - Thank you! We
can only wonder how the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those
that receive and read about Jesus. 

If you would still like to donate Bibles, they may be dropped off or
sent to the International Headquarters of Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk
at PO Box 1466, Norfolk, 68702. Contact the Norfolk office with
questions at 402-371-7393 or email at ogt.org. 

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Nichole Hetz
Nebraska District LCMS
Director of Communications and Events
1-888-643-2961
nicholeh at ndlcms.org <mailto:nicholeh at ndlcms.org> 
www.ndlcms.org <http://www.ndlcms.org/>  

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