Potatoes and Prayers
Several new communities are being reached with the Gospel of Jesus in the Rio Grande Valley through a variety of mission outreach efforts. One involves potatoes—yes, you read correctly: spuds,
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“HE Was Famous Like Elvis”
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke
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Do New Churches Really Reach New People?
A few years ago, I sat down with the manager of the athletic complex we hoped to use as our first worship venue. He asked me, “So, why do you
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Only One Thing Never Gets Old
Not long ago I was driving and saw an old, broken-down, pitiful representation of an automobile. It was a Lexus. Yes, I said Lexus. Even luxury cars get old. They
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Mission Planting Throughout Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (it wasn’t called this at the beginning) has always had an emphasis on planting new congregations in the United States. The Synod was organized in 1847 and in a short period of seven years had to
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Why is Witnessing so Hard for Us?
Wherever I go, I find people of God who want to be better equipped to witness. They long to be able to tell people the good news of Jesus. But
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Pastoral Outreach to Those With Gender Dysphoria
Olympic champion, Bruce Jenner, was atop the news this past spring and summer as the saga of his transition from manhood to womanhood unfolded. Time magazine, where Bruce Jenner was
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“Cactus Communities”
I call them “cactus communities.” Let me explain. A cactus has life and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. But a cactus is also highly guarded and difficult to open.
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The Welcome of the Forgiven
Earlier this month the Texas District Board of Mission Administration visited the Haven for Hope in San Antonio. The Haven for Hope is the largest homeless shelter in the nation
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It Was a Great Day, Anyway!
Despite another round of rain in the Cypress area that caused localized flooding, the “public launch” of Cypress Chapel was a great success. Cypress Chapel is the most recent church
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