Learn more about our Forward in Christ magazine authors by viewing their photo, reading their bio and check out their latest posts. To see all posts by an author, click on their name.
Forward in Christ is the official magazine of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Latest posts by FIC (see all)
- Pastors share letter and artwork to encourage students - 2021/04/20
- Day 41: Jesus’ Passion – Podcast - 2021/04/04
- Day 41: Jesus’ Passion - 2021/04/04
Latest posts by Leah Adams (see all)
James Aderman and his wife, Sharon, raised three daughters and are now enjoying their 10 grandchildren.
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Find more articles authored by him.
Latest posts by James Aderman (see all)
Jeremy Bakken is a member at Trinity, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Jeremy Bakken (see all)
Daniel Balge serves as a professor at Martin Luther College, teaching Greek and Latin in MLC's pre-seminary program. He is also the program's academic dean.
Latest posts by Daniel N. Balge (see all)
- Please explain: What makes God unique? - 2019/12/07
Staff Writer at Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Nicole Balza finds her greatest joy as a writer to be . . . editing the work of other writers. Helping an author take her writing to the next level is a thrill. Preserving an author’s voice but improving his final product is a balancing act, but it’s one that she relishes. Nicole began working for WELS Communication Services in 1999. Writing, editing, serving as the host of a bi-weekly newsmagazine—there’s plenty of variety and never time to be bored. Plus, she has a front-row seat to the synod’s neatest ministry stories. Nicole also manages Forward in Christ magazine’s parenting column, Parent conversations, and the magazine’s website. She and her husband, Rob, live in Germantown, Wis., with their three children.
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Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Nicole Balza (see all)
- April 2021 - 2021/03/29
- March 2021 - 2021/02/26
- February 2021 - 2021/01/26
Caleb Bassett is pastor at Redeemer, Fallbrook, California.
Latest posts by Caleb Bassett (see all)
Aaron Bauer and his wife, Sara, have four children. The couple has been teaching Love and Logic parenting classes for the past eight years. Aaron teaches at Garden Homes, Milwaukee, Wis.
Latest posts by Aaron Bauer (see all)
Latest posts by Gary Baumler (see all)
- Christmas glory - 2020/11/29
Latest posts by Jim Baur (see all)
Latest posts by Holly J. Beckman (see all)
- The shiny penny - 2019/06/01
Amanda Berg and her husband, Mike, have three daughters. Amanda teaches 4K/5K at St. Philip, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Amanda Berg (see all)
Latest posts by Michael J. Berg (see all)
- Risen indeed! - 2019/04/01
Jonathan Bilitz is a pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, Madison, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Jonathan P. Bilitz (see all)
- Campus Ministry: Celebrating 100 years - 2020/07/28
- Lavished love for loneliness - 2019/09/01
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 11 - 2019/09/01
Lucas Bitter is a home missionary at Intown Lutheran, Atlanta, Georgia.
Latest posts by Lucas Bitter (see all)
- Finding a spiritual home in Atlanta - 2019/05/01
Gabriella Blauert attends Shepherd of Peace in Powell, Ohio. She’s married to Jack Blauert and dog mom to Sir Elton Dog. By day, she works as the marketing and communications coordinator for Pelotonia and by night you can find her exploring the latest restaurants and coffee shops in Columbus.
Latest posts by Gabriella Blauert (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Jon-Michael Blowe - 2021/02/25
- Confessions of faith: Kent Gavin - 2020/07/28
- My Christian life: Battling cancer as a teenager - 2020/03/31
Rachel Blum and her husband, Matt, are raising their three children in the country in Bonduel, Wis. Rachel currently teaches at St. Paul, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Rachel Blum (see all)
Mike Borgwardt is pastor at Crossroads, Chicago, Illinois.
Latest posts by Michael Borgwardt (see all)
- Public ministry matters - 2020/05/31
James Borgwardt is pastor at Redeemer, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by James F. Borgwardt (see all)
John Bortulin is pastor at St. John, Mukwonago, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by John P. Bortulin (see all)
- A new story - 2019/04/01
Timothy Bourman is pastor at Sure Foundation, Queens, New York.
Latest posts by Timothy Bourman (see all)
Jonathan Bourman is a home missionary at Peace, Aiken, South Carolina. He and his wife, Melanie, have one daughter.
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Find more articles authored by him.
Latest posts by Jonathan Bourman (see all)
Latest posts by Kelsie Bramstedt (see all)
- Teen Talk: Strength in sorrow - 2019/02/01
Melissa Brander is a member of Pilgrim, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Melissa Brander (see all)
- Book nook: In God’s Orchard - 2020/05/26
John Braun is the executive editor of Forward in Christ magazine.
Latest posts by John Braun (see all)
- The Bible still matters: Part 3 - 2021/03/27
- A thought: Scripture alone - 2021/03/27
- A thought: The Ides of March - 2021/02/25
Kenneth Brokmeier is a pastor at Our Savior, Brookings, South Dakota.
Latest posts by Kenneth L. Brokmeier (see all)
- Please explain: Why is Jesus taking so long to return? - 2020/10/28
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 5 - 2019/03/01
Linda Buxa can’t seem to hold a full-time job. Instead, she has two part-time jobs in communications, is a regular blogger and contributing writer for Time of Grace Ministry, and does freelance writing and editing in her spare time. Linda is the author of Dig In! Family Devotions to Feed Your Faith, Parenting by Prayer, and Made for Friendship. She and her husband, Greg, have three children—one in college and two in high school. They also have one black lab, who-knows-how-many cats, and 18 chickens.
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Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Linda Buxa (see all)
- Episode 33 – Teaching kids how money works - 2019/12/30
- Episode 12 – Volunteering as a family - 2016/12/13
Latest posts by Lydia Buxa (see all)
- Teen Talk: Jesus is our home - 2019/10/01
Pastor Mark Cares is president of Truth in Love Ministry, and a member at Messiah, Nampa, Idaho.
Latest posts by Mark J. Cares (see all)
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 12 - 2019/10/01
Latest posts by Keleen Carlson (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Carlson - 2019/02/01
Evan Chartrand, recruitment director at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wisconsin, is a member at St. Mark, Watertown.
Latest posts by Evan Chartrand (see all)
- The kingdom of heaven: God in action - 2020/09/28
Ethan Cherney is pastor at Bethel, Menasha, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Ethan Cherney (see all)
- He is risen - 2021/03/15
Aaron Christie is pastor at Trinity, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Aaron L. Christie (see all)
- For the Lord’s glory – Part 2 - 2019/12/01
- God’s gifts, our giving: Part 3 - 2019/11/01
- God’s gifts, our giving:Part 2 - 2019/10/01
Designer at Designworks
Carianne Ciriacks has served as designer for Forward in Christ magazine since 1999.
Latest posts by Carianne Ciriacks (see all)
Mary Clemons and her husband, Sam, have three children and seven grandchildren.
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Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Mary Clemons (see all)
Meg Clemons-Smith lives In Los Angeles, California. She is married to Paul Smith and they have two young daughters, Azara and Maizy. Meg has a BS in Family Studies and Counseling. After receiving her MA in Psychology and Human Behavior she decided to take a break from behavioral therapy to be a full-time mom.
Latest posts by Meg Clemons-Smith (see all)
Justin Cloute is pastor at St. Luke, Watertown, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Justin C. Cloute (see all)
- Please explain: Is heaven going to be boring? - 2020/11/29
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 6 - 2019/04/01
Vera-Ellen Cook is a member of Shepherd of the Hills, West Bend, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Vera-Ellen Cook (see all)
- Book nook: Full Accessories of God - 2020/12/27
Sheryl Cowling is a licensed clinical social worker who is also board certified as a professional Christian counselor and expert in traumatic stress. She provides counseling services at Christian Family Counseling, a ministry of WLCFS—Christian Family Solutions.
Latest posts by Sheryl Cowling (see all)
- Scripture comfort in adversity - 2020/03/23
- Parenting tips to help kids cope - 2020/03/23
- Episode 08 – When disaster strikes - 2016/06/13
Latest posts by Rachel Blum and Dan Nommensen (see all)
Latest posts by Sarah Reik and Dan Nommensen (see all)
- Parent conversations: Dealing with stress - 2019/12/07
Seminary consultant at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
Samuel C. Degner is Professor of Evangelism and New Testament at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He, his wife, and three children attend Christ Alone in Thiensville, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Samuel Degner (see all)
- Give to Caesar and to God - 2021/01/19
- I just had an epiphany! - 2019/12/07
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 10 - 2019/08/01
Donn Dobberstein is the director of the Commission on Discipleship. He and his wife, Beth, have four children.
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Find more articles authored by him.
Latest posts by Donn Dobberstein (see all)
- Episode 32 – What’s a parent’s role in dating? - 2019/05/01
- Episode 29 – Family Advent Devotions - 2018/12/17
Amelie Doneff, a junior at Manitowoc Lutheran High School, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is a member at Immanuel, Manitowoc.
Latest posts by Amelie Doneff (see all)
Latest posts by Whitney Donovan (see all)
- Episode 09 – Extracurricular activities - 2016/09/13
Sallie Draper performs system analysis and testing of synod software for the WELS Technology team. Along with WELS CTO Martin Spriggs, she has co-hosted the WELSTech Podcast (https://welstech.wels.net) since its debut in 2008, learning and sharing resources at the intersection of ministry and technology. Sallie graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, is a married mom of three adult sons and two lovely daughters-in-law, is a member of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Brookfield, WI, and loves llamas.
Latest posts by Sallie Draper (see all)
Latest posts by Kurt Ebert (see all)
- Advent means waiting - 2020/11/29
Mark Eckert is pastor at Calvary, Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and campus pastor in Lansing, Michigan.
Latest posts by Mark Eckert (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Kang family - 2019/09/01
Latest posts by Julie Educate (see all)
Shawn Egerer, a junior at Manitowoc Lutheran High School, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is a member at Grace, Manitowoc.
Latest posts by Shawn Egerer (see all)
Jeff Enderle currently serves at Christ the Rock in Farmington, New Mexico, a culturally diverse and historically rich area of northwest New Mexico near the Four Corners. Previously he had served in Southern California, Nebraska, and briefly overseas. Jeff and his wife Angela have four children ranging in ages from 11 to 4. Whenever they get a chance, his family enjoys exploring the natural wonders of God's creation in the Southwest together.
Latest posts by Jeffrey D. Enderle (see all)
- A gospel-filled life: Part 10 - 2019/11/01
- A gospel-filled life: Part 9 - 2019/10/01
- A gospel-filled life: Part 8 - 2019/09/01
Ashley Evans is a member at Bethlehem, Germantown, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Ashley Evans (see all)
- A keeper of random information - 2020/12/28
Christopher Ewings is pastor at Faith/Iglesia Luterana de Fe en Cristo, Anchorage, Alaska.
Latest posts by Christopher Ewings (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Hany Guzmán - 2020/08/31
Twila Fickel is a member at Grace, Seward, Nebraska.
Latest posts by Twila Fickel (see all)
- To die is gain - 2020/05/31
Karen Fischer is a licensed professional counselor for Christian Family Solutions and has developed a resiliency training program that is being used in WELS churches and schools.
Latest posts by Karen Fischer (see all)
Jonathan Fricke, M.D., MPH, is a member at St. Andrew, Middleton, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Jonathan Fricke (see all)
- How I approach vaccines as a Christian physician - 2021/02/25
Latest posts by Beverly Fulmer (see all)
- Reflections of a mother - 2020/05/06
Laurie Gauger-Hested and her husband, Michael, have a blended family that includes her adult daughter and son and his teenage son.
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Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Laurie Gauger-Hested (see all)
Joel Gawrisch is pastor at New Life, Shoreview, Minnesota. He also serves on the Rites Committee of the New Hymnal Project and as a consultant with the Self-Assessment and Adjustment Program of WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling.
Latest posts by Joel Gawrisch (see all)
- The divine family - 2019/12/07
Anna Geiger and her husband, Steve, are raising their six kids in Mequon, Wis. Anna is the creator of The Measured Mom, an education website for parents and teachers. https://www.themeasuredmom.com/
Latest posts by Anna Geiger (see all)
- Episode 25 – Bedtime routines - 2018/07/04
Stephen Geiger is a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Anna, and their six children are members at Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls/Germantown, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Stephen Geiger (see all)
- Moments of decision - 2021/01/30
Adam and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 14 years and have been blessed with four children–Samuel, 12; Joel, 10; Alexis, 8; and Micah, 5. They are members at St. John, Wauwatosa, Wis. He is supervisor in the Ministry of Christian Giving office at WELS Center for Mission and Ministry.
Latest posts by Adam Goede (see all)
Aaron Goetzinger is pastor at Redemption, Watertown, N.Y.
Latest posts by Aaron Goetzinger (see all)
- Lent: Remembering his sacrifice - 2021/01/29
- Power in the ordinary - 2020/04/30
Emily Gresens Strey and her husband, Johnold, have four children.
Latest posts by Emily Gresens Strey (see all)
Rob Guenther and his wife, Becky, are raising four boys. Rob serves as pastor at St. Paul, New Ulm, Minnesota.
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Find more articles authored by him.
Latest posts by Rob Guenther (see all)
- Episode 28 – Raising godly men – November 2018 - 2018/11/17
Latest posts by Bryan D. Guhr (see all)
- Becoming “those people” - 2019/04/01
Jeremiah Gumm is pastor at King of Kings, Maitland, Florida.
Latest posts by Jeremiah J. Gumm (see all)
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus: Part 4 - 2019/02/01
- Ambassadors: Help them find Jesus : Part 3 - 2019/01/01
Seth Haakenson has served as a home missionary at Immanuel, Waukegan, Illinois, since 2017. He works with the congregation to reach out to the Spanish-speaking community.
Latest posts by Seth P. Haakenson (see all)
- Moments with missionaries: Waukegan, Illinois - 2019/04/01
Dan Habben was born and raised in Japan where his father served as a missionary for 42 years. He has served a congregation in western Canada and then one on the Caribbean island of Antigua. He is currently serving Mt. Calvary, Flagstaff, Arizona. He and his wife, Sarah, enjoy getting their four daughters up at 4 a.m. to go hiking whether in the Canadian Rockies, along the Caribbean coast, or in the desert canyons.
Latest posts by Daniel Habben (see all)
- Devotion: The world’s leading philanthropist is our friend - 2020/12/28
- Devotion: Like Joseph - 2020/11/29
- Devotion: But you promised! - 2020/10/28
Sarah and her husband, Frank, live in Merton, Wis., with their four children.
Latest posts by Sarah Haeuser (see all)
Shelly Hahm is a member at Prince of Peace, Fairport, New York.
Latest posts by Shelly Hahm (see all)
- The path to Easter - 2020/03/31
Latest posts by Dayton Hamann (see all)
- Belief in the face of disbelief - 2019/05/01
Rachel Hartman is a missionary wife currently located in the Miami area. Her husband, Michael Hartman, oversees Academia Cristo and WELS mission work in Latin America. The Hartmans are members at Divine Savior, Doral, Florida.
Latest posts by Rachel Hartman (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Brad Harris - 2020/10/28
- Confessions of faith: Anthony and Alex Lleonart - 2020/05/31
- Confessions of faith: Holly Vaden and the Thorsons - 2020/02/25
Latest posts by Theodore Hartwig (see all)
Latest posts by Eric S. Hartzell (see all)
- Trophies of grace - 2019/04/01
Latest posts by Gilbert Haw (see all)
- Teen Talk: Proof doesn’t change anything - 2019/04/01
Jonathan Hein is director of WELS Congregational Services and the Commission on Congregational Counseling.
Latest posts by Jonathan R. Hein (see all)
- Being Christ’s witnesses - 2021/01/10
- An eternal-life perspective - 2020/04/28
- Meeting the needs of others - 2020/04/14
Latest posts by Brian Heinitz (see all)
Jennifer Heins is a member of St. Paul, North Mankato, Minnesota.
Latest posts by Jennifer Heins (see all)
Stephen Helwig serves at Gethsemane, Omaha, Nebraska, and is the first vice-president of the Nebraska District. He and his wife, Carrie, have six children.
Latest posts by Stephen G. Helwig (see all)
- Ever been tempted like that? - 2020/02/25
- Silent no longer - 2019/03/01
James Hemmelman, WLS class of 2020, is a member at Risen Savior, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was assigned to serve as the associate for the Dakota-Montana District president, St. Paul, Rapid City, South Dakota.
Latest posts by James Hemmelman (see all)
Wendy Heyn is a member at Christ, Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Wendy Heyn (see all)
Emmilee Hillier is a junior at Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, WI. She loves animals and cosmetology!
Latest posts by Emmilee Hillier (see all)
- Teen talk: You are not alone - 2020/02/25
Megan Himm is a member of Bethlehem, Germantown/Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and a senior at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, Jackson, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Megan Himm (see all)
- Book nook: 5-minute Bible Studies for Teens - 2020/02/25
Harold Hoeppner, a retired pastor, is a member at St. Philip, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Harold Hoeppner (see all)
- Now I lay me down to sleep - 2020/08/31
Christa J. H. Holland is a member of First, Racine, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Christa Holland (see all)
- My Christian life: Dealing with mental illness - 2020/04/30
Latest posts by Cindi Holman (see all)
- Episode 19 – A successful school year - 2017/08/04
Casey Holtz and his wife, Amanda, have three young children.
Latest posts by Casey Holtz (see all)
Pamela Holz is a member of Beautiful Savior, Clarksville, Tennessee.
Latest posts by Pamela Holz (see all)
- He was listening - 2020/04/30
Dr. Phil Huebner was assigned to start a new mission church in Palm Coast, Florida, in 2007. Over nine years, Christ the King Lutheran Church and School was showered with blessings, growing to 300 members and 400 students. In 2016 he accepted a call to serve as Campus Pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee where he now serves. Huebner holds a Masters in Divinity and a Masters in Systematic Theology from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and received his Doctor of Ministry in Mission and Culture from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 2019. His thesis was on what to do with children in church. His entire ministry to date has seen emphases on outreach, children, teens, and families. Huebner is married to Becky and they have two children, Noah and Gwen. In his free time he loves to travel and read and research more on the topics of families and teens.
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Find more articles authored by him.
Latest posts by Phil Huebner (see all)
Samantha Huebner is a member at Pilgrim, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. She is an admissions counselor at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee.
Latest posts by Samantha J. Huebner (see all)
- Campus cornerstone: The rock - 2020/04/30
- Going home - 2019/11/01
Kelly Huet serves as Pastor for Service & Outreach at St. Andrew, Middleton, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Katie, are raising their three small children in a small town just west of Madison. As a family they are passionate about equipping others to follow Jesus and live as missionaries in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and families.
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Find more articles authored by him.
Latest posts by Kelly Huet (see all)
Marketing coordinator at WELS Communication Services
Ann Jahns and her husband, Thad, are members of Shepherd of the Hills, West Bend, Wisconsin. They have three 20-something sons.
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Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Ann Jahns (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Kaitlin Lamb - 2021/01/29
- Confessions of faith: Cristina Urbanek - 2020/06/29
- Heart to heart: Parent conversations: What’s a parent’s role as a child dates? - 2019/05/01
Latest posts by Clark Schultz and Jenni Schubring (see all)
Latest posts by Meg Clemons-Smith and Jenni Schubring (see all)
Aaron Jensen is pastor at St. Stephen, Adrian, Michigan.
Latest posts by Aaron Jensen (see all)
- On the middle road - 2020/06/19
Latest posts by Laura Schaefer and Jonathan Bourman (see all)
Latest posts by Mark Karpinski (see all)
Matthew Kimmel is pastor at St. Luke, New Lisbon, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Matthew Kimmel (see all)
- Christ’s return is imminent - 2020/11/29
Staff writer at WELS
Amanda Klemp is the Editorial Projects Manager for WELS Communication Services. A lifelong WELS member, Amanda feels very blessed to use her professional skills to serve WELS ministries. She resides in Iowa, working remotely, with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
Latest posts by Amanda Klemp (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Cheryle and Dana McArdle - 2020/12/28
- Confessions of faith: Sherry Deaton - 2020/03/31
- Confessions of faith: Fleck - 2019/12/01
Latest posts by Thomas D. Kock (see all)
- Digging for insights - 2019/09/01
- Majoring on the minors – Part 12 - 2019/01/01
Latest posts by David Koelpin (see all)
- Starting a church during a pandemic - 2020/07/27
John M. Koelpin grew up on the campus of Dr. Martin Luther College (currently MLC) where his father taught in the History and Religion departments for more than 40 years. Currently he serves as pastor at Calvary, Dallas, Texas. He and his wife, Beckie, have been blessed with eleven children.
Latest posts by John Koelpin (see all)
Micah Koelpin, a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin, is a member at Trinity, West Mequon, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Micah Koelpin (see all)
- A day in the life of a future pastor - 2020/03/31
Taras Kokovsky is pastor at St. John and James, Ternopil, Ukraine.
Latest posts by Taras Kokovsky (see all)
- My Christian life: A Ukrainian mother chooses life - 2020/12/27
Member at Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
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Latest posts by Melissa Anne Kreuser (see all)
Pastor Lahmann serves at St. John's in Burlington, Wis., since graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2009. He and his wife Sarah have three children - Samuel, Madilynn, and Abigail.
Latest posts by Kirk Lahmann (see all)
- Jesus is the prophet - 2020/01/30
Chris Lambrecht and his wife, Briana, are members of Christ the Lord, Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Chris Lambrecht (see all)
- Book nook: Simply Lutheran - 2020/05/26
Steven Lange is pastor at Hope, Louisville, Kentucky.
Latest posts by Steven Lange (see all)
- Take up your cross - 2020/06/09
Richard Lauersdorf is currently serving as a pastor at Good Shepherd, West Bend, Wisconsin. He formerly served as WELS' Vice President of Mission and Ministry.
Latest posts by Richard E. Lauersdorf (see all)
- The book of James: Using the Word of Truth - 2020/11/29
- The book of James: Active in giving thanks - 2020/10/22
- The book of James: Active in good works - 2020/09/28
Latest posts by James Aderman and Laurie Gauger-Hested (see all)
Rachel Learman and her husband, Paul, are raising four children in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Rachel Learman (see all)
Latest posts by Alan Lemke (see all)
Dan Leyrer is pastor at St. Marcus, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He previously served as a professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Daniel Leyrer (see all)
- Honoring government through sacrifice - 2021/02/25
Latest posts by Stephen M. Luchterhand (see all)
- Don’t forget Advent - 2019/12/01
Greg Lyon has served as a campus pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since the fall of 2015. Prior to that he served at Peace Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. His primary area of focus and passion is pastoral counseling. He has been happily married to Amy since 2006 and they have three children, Samuel, Elliana, and Addison.
Latest posts by Greg Lyon (see all)
- A Bible story just for me: Guilt - 2020/05/31
- A Bible story just for me: Anxiety - 2020/04/30
- A Bible story just for me: Grief - 2020/03/31
Latest posts by Trudy Madetzke (see all)
Pam Manske is a devoted wife, mother of three, and grandmother to 11 precious lambs. Retired from a 41-year nursing career, her greatest joy continues to be serving Jesus by serving others.
Latest posts by Pam Manske (see all)
- God’s forgiveness - 2019/12/02
Bruce McKenney is pastor at St. Paul, Lake Mills, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Bruce McKenney (see all)
Tom Meitner and his wife, Amanda, have three children and are members of Bethlehem, Germantown, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Tom Meitner (see all)
- Book nook: Your Life Has Meaning - 2020/11/29
Andrew Meyer is pastor at St. Paul, North Freedom, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Andrew Meyer (see all)
- Forgive as you are forgiven - 2020/08/31
Dr. Kristi Meyer has been writing Advent services at St. John’s, Wauwatosa, WI for many years
Latest posts by Kristi Meyer (see all)
Philip Moldenhauer is pastor at Our Redeemer, Madison, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Philip Moldenhauer (see all)
- The last judgment - 2020/10/28
Adam Mueller, director of the Hymnal Introduction Program, is pastor at Redeemer, Tucson, Arizona.
Latest posts by Adam Mueller (see all)
- Much more than hymns - 2020/01/30
Nathan Nass is pastor at St. Paul, Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Nathan Nass (see all)
- Overcome evil with good - 2020/10/28
- Make every effort - 2020/09/28
Jared Natsis is pastor at Rock of Ages, Madison, Tennessee.
Latest posts by Jared Natsis (see all)
Latest posts by Jennifer Nelson (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Jennifer Nelson - 2019/06/01
Alicia Neumann is a member at Christ, Zumbrota, Minnesota.
Latest posts by Alicia A. Neumann (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Kannika Killion - 2021/03/27
- My Christian life: Teen faces difficult medical diagnosis - 2020/11/29
- Confessions of faith: Harry and Angie Corey - 2020/09/28
Paul Nitz is the One Team counselor for WELS World Missions.
Latest posts by Paul Nitz (see all)
- The joy of the gospel - 2020/08/17
Dan Nommensen and his wife, Kelly, have a teenage daughter and a teenage son. They are members at Christ Alone, Mequon/Thiensville, Wisconsin.
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Find more articles authored by him.
Latest posts by Dan Nommensen (see all)
Latest posts by Scott Oelhafen (see all)
- A front-row seat to WELS Waukesha campus ministry - 2019/12/01
Kerry Ognenoff and her husband, Andy, have an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son. They are members at St. John, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
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Find more articles authored by her.
Latest posts by Kerry Ognenoff (see all)
Rachel Olson is a member at Shepherd of the Bay, Lusby, Maryland.
Latest posts by Rachel Olson (see all)
- Don’t turn away - 2021/02/26
Jenny Otto is a member at Mount Olive, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Latest posts by Jenny Otto (see all)
- And the door closed behind us - 2020/05/22
Peter Panitzke is pastor at St. Paul, Muskego, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Peter Panitzke (see all)
- Dust you are - 2020/02/25
Pastor at Holy Word, Austin, Texas, is president of the South Central District.
Latest posts by Don Patterson (see all)
- Planting seeds - 2021/03/26
Dr. Mark Paustian, a professor at Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota, is a member at St. Paul, New Ulm.
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- The story of us - 2020/12/28
Dave Payne and his wife, Joyce, have four adult children and two grandchildren. Dave serves as communications director at Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Appleton, Wisconsin, and is a member at Eternal Love, Appleton.
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Souksamay Phetsanghane, a professor at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wisconsin, is a member at St. Paul, Ixonia, Wisconsin.
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- Please explain: Why did Jesus use parables to teach? - 2020/09/28
Ann Ponath and her husband, David, have four kids ranging in age from 24 to 15.
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Latest posts by Ann M. Ponath (see all)
- My Christian life: A teacher retires full of memories - 2020/08/31
- Encouraging and supporting future called workers - 2020/03/31
- An emotional roller-coaster ride - 2019/08/01
Latest posts by David Ponath (see all)
Latest posts by James F. Pope (see all)
- Light for our path: God hates us? - 2019/12/01
- What I learned by answering questions - 2019/12/01
- Light for our path: What kind of comfort - 2019/11/01
Gail Potratz and her husband, Phil, have three adult children and eight grandchildren. Gail has served as a teacher and technology coordinatorfor more than 30 years.
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Latest posts by Steven H. Prahl (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Kalbach - 2019/11/01
Paul Prange, chairman of the Psalmody Committee for the WELS Hymnal Project, is a member at St. John, Burlington, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Paul Prange (see all)
- Psalms: Songs of his people - 2021/03/29
Contributing editor Peter Prange is pastor at Bethany, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Peter Prange (see all)
- Devotion: Pick up the proper sword - 2021/03/27
- Devotion: Not my kind of king - 2021/02/25
- Devotion: Joyful repentance - 2021/01/30
Gary Pufahl is pastor at Christ, Big Bend, Wisconsin.
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Jonathan Quinn is pastor at Beautiful Savior, Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
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- We look for the resurrection of the dead - 2020/03/31
Robert Raasch is pastor at Mount Olive, Appleton,Wisconsin.
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Latest posts by Jack G. Radandt (see all)
- My heart rests on Jesus - 2019/11/01
Latest posts by McKenna Reik (see all)
Counselor at Christian Family Solutions
Sarah Reik is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a counselor at Christian Family Solutions. She and her husband have four children.
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Laura Reinke is a marriage and family therapist at Christian Family Solutions and the director of youth ministry at Trinity, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
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- Parent conversations: How does a teen’s brain work? - 2020/06/29
Latest posts by Laurie Gauger-Hested and Rob Guenther (see all)
Aaron Robinson is pastor at Fairview, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Aaron Robinson (see all)
- Give thanks to the LORD - 2020/10/28
Commission on Evangelism, Director at WELS
Eric Roecker is the director of the WELS Commission on Evangelism, a ministry of WELS Congregational Services.
Latest posts by Eric Roecker (see all)
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 7 - 2019/05/01
- Evangelism lessons from the Savior: Luke 10 : Part 3 - 2019/04/01
- Evangelism lessons from the Savior: Luke 10 : Part 2 - 2019/03/01
Amanda and her husband, Frank, are high school sweethearts. They are blessed with four children: Fiona, Archer, Victor, and Zion. Amanda has her master’s degree in Music Composition, sings with The Lutheran Ceili Orchestra, and teaches music lessons. She is also a co-founder of Holy Hen House, a ministry for Christian women to be spurred on in their faith online and in real life.
Latest posts by Amanda Rose (see all)
- Episode 21 – Cultivating a mission heart in children - 2017/12/04
David Rosenau is pastor at St. Mark, Leesburg, Florida.
Latest posts by David Rosenau (see all)
- My Christian life: Once a detective, now a pastor - 2021/01/30
Joel Russow is pastor at Faith, Tallahassee, Florida.
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- Focused living in Christ - 2020/08/31
David Russow is pastor at Hope, Andover, Minnesota.
Latest posts by David Russow (see all)
- My Christian life: A man of truth - 2021/03/16
Jeff Samelson has been the pastor of Christ, Clarksville, Maryland, since he was assigned there in 2000. Originally from Libertyville, Illinois, he met his wife, Charlene, in her native Singapore when he was working there in his first career with the U.S. Foreign Service. They have two grown children and, unsurprisingly, everyone in the family loves to travel.
Latest posts by Jeffrey Samelson (see all)
- Please explain: Whom do we blame for bad things? - 2020/02/25
- Christmas really happened - 2019/12/01
Latest posts by Timothy Satorius (see all)
- Hope after the storm in Puerto Rico - 2019/05/01
Laura Schaefer is a member at Christ the Lord, Brookfield, Wisconsin.
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- My Christian life: WELS nurse lives out faith through her vocation - 2020/09/28
- My Christian life: Camp BASIC - 2020/03/31
David Scharf served as a parish pastor at lmmanuel in Greenville, Wisconsin, from 2005-2016. He now serves as a Professor of Theology at Martin Luther College as well as the chairman for the WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling. A graduate of Luther Prep (1996), Martin Luther College (2000), and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (2005), Dave and his wife, Beth (nee Koelpin), have six children.
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Rebecca Schermerhorn is a member at Grace, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is also a founder of Holy Hen House, a non-profit ministry for women that includes a blog, a quarterly magazine, and women's ministry events.
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- Follow me - 2020/11/30
- Tidy up! - 2019/05/01
- Episode 17 – Tips for a simple summer - 2017/06/04
Latest posts by Mark H. Schewe (see all)
- Success or failure? - 2019/05/01
- Let’s do Lent! - 2019/03/01
Latest posts by Jane Schlenvogt-Dew (see all)
- Book nook:Purposeful Grieving - 2019/12/01
Nicolas Schmoller is a professor of theology and foreign language at Martin Luther College, the college of ministry for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Nick loves spending time with his wife Katherine and three children.
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Cameron Schroeder is a Martin Luther College student serving as editor of the college's KnightWatch Weekly.
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- Ministry in action - 2021/01/29
Eric Schroeder is a pastor at St. John’s, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Eric D. Schroeder (see all)
- Please explain: Does Christian freedom give me the right to do anything? - 2020/12/28
- Looking forward - 2019/11/01
Rev. Mark Schroeder is president of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
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- President’s message: The fields are ripe for harvest - 2021/03/27
- President’s message: The end of the story - 2021/02/25
- President’s message: Blessings small and large - 2021/01/30
Liz Schroeder and her husband, John, live in Phoenix, Ariz., with their five kids. They serve as lay leaders at CrossWalk Church.
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Andy Schroer has been a pastor for more than 20 years, serving congregations in Mexico, Miami, and now at Redeemer in Edna, Texas. His first book, 364 Days of Thanksgiving, was published in 2015. He has a syndicated devotional column in five newspapers throughout Texas. He has been a contributing editor of Forward in Christ since 2016. You can find more of his writing at http://364DaysofThanksgiving.com. Pastor Schroer and his wife, Clariza, live in Edna, Texas, with their two children, Isabel and Andy.
Latest posts by Andrew Schroer (see all)
- Forgiveness isn’t fair - 2021/02/25
- A Sabbath from social media - 2020/09/28
- Bittersweet - 2020/07/28
Jenni Schubring and her husband, Tad, currently have five children in their clan ranging in age from 11 to 19 as well as their obnoxious dog. Jenni is a certified life coach and public speaker.
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Clark Schultz and his wife, Kristin, are raising three young boys. He serves as pastor at Shepherd of the Hills, West Bend, Wisconsin.
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Pastor Michael Schultz is the director of the WELS Hymnal Project and a member at Trinity, Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Michael D. Schultz (see all)
- For the Lord’s glory – Part 1 - 2019/10/01
Pastor Glenn Schwanke serves Peace, Houghton, Michigan, and the “Lutheran Collegians,” a student organization at Michigan Technological University.
Latest posts by Glenn L. Schwanke (see all)
- In Christ - 2021/01/29
- Unprecedented - 2020/11/29
- COVID casualties - 2020/08/31
Pastor Andy Schwartz began his greatest and most blessed personal ministry on August 8, 1998, when he married Sarah, his wife of 21 years. God has richly blessed them with children Katelyn, Benjamin, Emma, and Natalie and one more unborn child they can’t wait to meet in heaven one day! God has also gifted the Schwartz family with the opportunities to serve in the public ministry as pastor and family at St. John's in Florence, Wisconsin, where he began his ministry in 2001, and at Christ the King in Bremerton, Washington (as in the state), where he has served since 2006.
Latest posts by Andrew D. Schwartz (see all)
- Put on the new self(ie)! - 2019/12/01
Carly and her husband, Joel, live in Marietta, Georgia. She and Joel have two children—Ella and Benjamin. In addition to teaching piano, Carly is a freelance writer.
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Joel Seifert lives in Marietta, Ga., and serves Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. He’s previously served in Bozeman, Montana; Thiensville, Wisconsin; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Phoenix, Arizona. He enjoys exploring Atlanta with his wife Carly and his children.
Latest posts by Joel Seifert (see all)
- Devotion: The church sees color - 2020/09/28
- Devotion: We believe, therefore we listen - 2020/08/31
- Devotion: Clarity in life from closeness to death - 2020/07/28
Jasper Sellnow is pastor at St. Paul, Mauston, and St. Paul, Adams, Wisconsin.
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- Confessions of faith: Brandee and Jim Cranfield - 2020/11/29
Bethany Siegel is a member at St. Lucas, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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- Christian love in politics - 2020/10/13
Latest posts by Mary Sieh (see all)
- A parent’s worries and advice - 2019/03/01
A retired pastor, Robert Siirila lives in Austin, Texas. He teaches online classes for Asia Lutheran Seminary as well as coaches leaders in East Asia.
Latest posts by Robert Siirila (see all)
- Moments with missionaries: Robert Siirila - 2020/10/27
Pastor Sims is a 1980 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School, a 1985 graduate of Northwestern College, and a 1989 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He presently serves as an associate pastor at St. Paul's, Columbus, Ohio. He also serves as the Michigan District President. He is married to Melinda who is an instructor at The Ohio State University. They have a daughter, Erika, who resides in West Allis, Wisconsin. In his spare time Pastor Sims enjoys fishing, hunting, working out, gardening, playing guitar, and listening to jazz.
Latest posts by Snowden Gene Sims (see all)
- Amen, Amen - 2021/03/27
- One person at a time - 2020/12/28
- Wedded widows and widowers - 2020/10/28
Nicole Smith and her husband are raising two young boys in Sussex, Wisconsin. This article is reprinted with permission from holyhenhouse.com, a blog for “imperfect women spurred on by God’s perfect grace.”
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Latest posts by Mary Snyder (see all)
- Ambassadors: How I shared Jesus stories - 2019/09/01
Latest posts by E. Allen Sorum (see all)
- The harvest is on! - 2019/06/01
Latest posts by Timothy Spaude (see all)
- Who will roll the stone away? - 2020/04/28
Timothy Spiegelberg is a home missionary at Carbon Valley Lutheran, Firestone, Colorado.
Latest posts by Timothy Spiegelberg (see all)
- Moments with missionaries: Timothy Spiegelberg - 2021/01/29
Latest posts by Martin Spriggs (see all)
- Episode 16 – Parenting and technology - 2017/05/04
Latest posts by Joshua Stahmann (see all)
- Easter is life - 2020/03/31
- Here I stand - 2019/10/01
Hannah Stegman, MLC class of 2020, is a member at Holy Trinity, New Hope, Minnesota. She was assigned to teach grades 3 to 5 at St. Mark, Citrus Heights, California.
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Latest posts by Paul Steinberg (see all)
- My Christian life: Haiti adoptions - 2019/12/03
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Dick Techtmann is a member at Good Shepherd, West Bend, Wisconsin.
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- My Christian life: The sign maker - 2021/02/25
Latest posts by Paul Tessmer (see all)
Latest posts by Michael A. Thom (see all)
- Archaeology and the couch - 2019/01/01
Rebekah Thoma is a teacher at St. Peter's, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
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- Becoming a living sacrifice - 2020/12/27
Luke Thompson is pastor at St. Paul, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Mark Tiefel is Worship Coordinator of the WELS Northern Wisconsin District and a member of the WELS Hymnal Project. He is pastor at Emanuel, New London, Wisconsin.
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- Lent means love - 2020/02/20
Latest posts by Stacy Tomhave (see all)
Thomas Trapp served as campus pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel at UW-Madison for 38 years.
Latest posts by Thomas H. Trapp (see all)
- Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 8 - 2019/06/01
Contributing editor Earle Treptow, president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wisconsin, is a member at Christ Alone, Thiensville, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by Earle D. Treptow (see all)
- Accept the challenge - 2019/11/01
- Our desperate need - 2019/08/01
- Embracing a double standard - 2019/05/01
Peter Unnasch is pastor at St. Lucas, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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- The visible church - 2020/07/28
Latest posts by Lisa Uttech (see all)
- Episode 13 – Children in worship services - 2017/01/13
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- Teen Talk: We pray - 2019/06/01
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Amy Vannieuwenhoven and her husband, Charlie, have four children ranging in age from a fourth-grader to a high school senior. Amy is a teacher at Northdale Lutheran School in Tampa, Florida, and the author of Look Up From Your Phone So I Can Love You from Northwestern Publishing House.
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Mark Voss is pastor at Divine Grace, Lake Orion, Michigan.
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Latest posts by Paul Wendland (see all)
- As a father has compassion - 2020/05/31
Luke Werre is a pastor at Peace, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
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- Well pleased - 2019/02/01
Contributing editor Timothy Westendorf is pastor at Abiding Word, Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Latest posts by Timothy J. Westendorf (see all)
- The Book of Revelation: Part 12 - 2019/11/01
- The Book of Revelation: Part 11 - 2019/10/01
- The Book of Revelation: Part 10 - 2019/09/01
James Westendorf, a retired pastor and professor, is a member at St. Luke, Watertown, Wisconsin.
Latest posts by James Westendorf (see all)
- A translation for the people - 2020/09/28
Latest posts by Hannah White (see all)
- Difficult conversations - 2020/09/28
- Campus cornerstone: 4 ways to keep your faith strong - 2020/01/30
- Discover who you are - 2019/03/01
Managing editor at Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Julie Wietzke has served as managing editor of Forward in Christ magazine since 2006. Since she began working at WELS Communication Services in 1995, she has written hundreds (thousands?) of articles for the synod. Her favorite part of the job: getting to talk to WELS members around the world about their faith and then being able to share their stories with Forward in Christ readers. She also enjoys turning a flicker of an idea into an article or a series in the magazine and finding the right authors to tell the story
Latest posts by Julie Wietzke (see all)
- Confessions of faith: Qiang Wang - 2020/04/30
- My Christian life: Spencer Beach - 2020/02/25
- Confessions of faith: Mark Hartman - 2019/12/04
Luke Wolfgramm is a WELS missionary in Russia.
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- “It’s good to be here” - 2021/01/29
Dr. Rhoda Wolle serves as Dean of Student Success at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis. Her mission is celebrating Jesus, and encouraging and equipping people to thrive!
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- Agape love - 2020/01/30
Latest posts by Jon Zabell (see all)
Paul Zell is pastor at Living Savior, Hendersonville and Asheville, North Carolina.
Latest posts by Paul E. Zell (see all)
- Word became flesh - 2019/12/02
- Bible study: The incarnation of our Lord - 2019/12/01
- Moments with missionaries: Hendersonville, North Carolina - 2019/06/01
Latest posts by Eric J. Ziecker (see all)
- Enduring Word - 2019/02/01
Latest posts by Natalie Zirbel (see all)
- Teen Talk: Walking on a tightrope - 2019/12/01
Ann Zuleger and her husband, Matt, have four children—Zachary, 18; Faith, 16; Isaiah, 13; and Ellis, 10.
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