Where are they now? Divine Savior Ministries
In Forward in Christ, we report the news but aren’t always able to follow up. “Where are they now?” is our way of giving you the rest of the story.…
A Lutheran Lent
John A. Braun On Ash Wednesday in some churches—some Lutheran churches too—ashes are placed on foreheads as a sign of repentance. For many, Lent is giving up some indulgence—like candy, greasy food, or even red meat—for 40…
Silent no longer
Nicodemus remained silent before Jesus died, but, along with Joseph of Arimathea, he broke his silence. Stephen G. Helwig Have you ever been there? In a hospital room? Next to a hospice bed? Have you ever been there…
Let’s do Lent!
How are you preparing to observe the Lenten season? Mark H. Schewe I’m sure you are preparing! The Lenten season begins the first week of this month, with Ash Wednesday…
The WLC Mission Journeys team to Arizona - David pictured third from left
Students put their faith into action
Not all college students are planning to lie in the sun or ski the slopes during their Spring Break this year. WELS Mission Journeys is working with campus ministries at several…
Light for our path: What role does emotion play in contrition?
Sometimes after I sin I don’t feel very remorseful. I am afraid that the lack of emotional guilt within me following sin means I am not contrite. What role does…
WELS EdTechLead conference to be held in 2019
The 2019 WELS Education, Technology, and Leadership Summit (WELS EdTechLead) will be held June 25–27 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. This new event combines the National School…
Heart to heart: Parent conversations: How can we help a family with a sick parent?
How can we help a family with a sick parent? When we find out that someone we care about is sick, we want to help. Often, though, we don’t know…
Women’s ministry conference – being living stones
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). The focal point of the upcoming 2019 WELS Women’s…
The Book of Revelation: Part 4
Comfort in the midst of conflict: Revelation 6 and 7 Timothy J. Westendorf Jesus, who was slain to purchase us for God, stood at the center of the throne. He…
WELS members support Christmas outreach program – C18
Approximately 70 percent of WELS congregations participated in the synodwide Christmas outreach program known as C18. WELS Congregational Services created a myriad of materials for congregations to use to encourage…
Evangelism lessons from the Savior: Luke 10 : Part 2
Like lambs among wolves Eric S. Roecker He clenches his hands, palms soaked with sweat. The butterflies in his stomach flutter fiercely. He looks in the mirror one last time…
Discover who you are
University study encourages you to explore and discover. Parents need to be a part of that process too. Hannah White My third year of college has given me a perspective…
Close enough to love
A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Luke 10:33 Joel C. Seifert “And who is my neighbor?” A religious…
Hindsight shows God’s blessings
Mark G. Schroeder Twenty-five years ago, in the spring of 1994, our synod was facing a time of uncertainty and divided opinions. Eight months earlier at the 1993 synod convention, the synod approved,…
Confessions of faith: Ensign
A woman finally discovers the blessings of Baptism. Alicia A. Neumann “I just want to go to heaven,” says 74-year-old Pat Ensign, when asked why she wanted to be baptized. Pat’s baptism was not only a blessing…
A parent’s worries and advice
A mom discusses the importance of talking to your children about what they may encounter when they go to college. Mary Sieh We recently took our 18-year-old to college orientation day. The first day we learned fun social events…
Merging for mission – Part 3
Three congregations become a multi-site as they work to spread the gospel in South Florida. Julie K. Wietzke It started with three congregations—all with their own unique situation—having the same goal: to…
Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 5
KISS them Kenneth L. Brokmeier We are ambassadors for Christ. Our mission? Preach the good news (cf. Mark 16:15). Previous articles in this series directed us to be ready by studying the Word. We know about praying boldly, confidently, and even dangerously for God to open doors. We recognize that listening carefully is a…
Frogs in heated recliners
Glenn L. Schwanke I wake with a start, and it takes a few moments for me to realize it was only a dream. The dream? I’m sitting at the supper…
A gospel-filled life: Part 2
Prayer in Jesus’ name Jeffrey D. Enderle Slumps affect all the greats. Last year’s baseball batting title winner might go through the first week of spring training without a hit. A sure-bet first-round NBA draft…