Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Known as the "land of smiles," visitors to Thailand are immediately impressed by how polite and gracious the Thai people are. Although Thai people don't forge deep friendships quickly, once a relationship has been developed, it will never be broken.
Because more than 92 percent of the people in Thailand are Buddhists, the influence of the Buddhist religion can be seen in virtually all aspects of Thai culture. The beliefs and values of Buddhism are tightly interwoven throughout Thai society.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the myriad temples and shrines that can be found in every community across the country. Buddha statues, idols and images of other mythical beings are a common part of the décor. Whether made of wood or concrete or carved from stone, many Buddha figures are covered with gold.
It's not unusual to see Thai people kneeling before an image of Buddha or the idols that hold a prominent place in their homes. After placing gifts of food, a glass of water, or flowers on the altar, the Buddhist worshippers often light several incense sticks. With sincerity etched on their faces, they bow and repeat chants and prayers in the hope the smoke rising from the incense will somehow carry their requests to Buddha or their ancestors. At some shrines small pieces of gold leaf can be purchased and then attached to the Buddha figure as a special offering.
As a Christian, I experience conflicting emotions when I observe Buddhist people praying to idols and images made by the hands of people. I feel sadness to see such kind people speaking to figures that have ears, but can't hear, seeking assistance from images that have hands, but can't move. I feel compassion for them, because I know they are doing the only things they know to do.
At the same time, I feel joy and great gratitude I have a God who is alive, who is powerful to help, and who loves me. When I pray, God hears and answers. When I'm in need, He acts on my behalf. With His strong right arm, He guides and protects me. There is no other god like Him.
It's exciting to see how God is using the Lutheran Hour Ministries-Thailand team to share the Gospel with the Thai people through their radio programs, school outreach program, and other ministry activities. It's important for Thai Buddhists to hear from Thai Christians that Christianity is not a Western religion. Jesus died for their sins too.
THE PRAYER: Gracious God, send Your Holy Spirit to work in the hearts, minds and lives of the Thai people, who do not believe in Jesus as their Savior. Reveal Your truth to them. Give them the gift of faith and bring them into Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by Dennis Denow, a missionary with The Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod World Mission and the husband of LHM-Thailand Director Monta Ekwanit Denow. Denow volunteers to teach weekly English classes for the LHM-Thailand staff and occasionally assists with other LHM-Thailand projects. Lutheran Hour Ministries-Thailand focuses on sharing the Gospel and making contacts with local people through various community radio programs, Equipping The Saints (ETS) evangelism training, Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), print, Internet and Gospel text messaging. The staff also conducts special children's activities and does presentations in government schools.
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MONDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Zadok? He was a priest during David's reign. (Good job Pam and Dianne)
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30am and 11am; Sunday school 9:45
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It's been since the beginning of February that they've been here. I am looking forward to hearing them and singing along with them. Bring your friends to worship and enjoy God's Word in both word and song!
We will hear the results of the finance committee as they have completed their work to figure out how to pay for a DCE here at St. John's. Please make plans to attend!!!
PRAYERS FOR OUR SERVICEMEN
Danny Dreyer- Army- 2nd Lieutenant- Ranger school, In a swamp in Florida near Elgin Air Force Base, Pensacola, FL
Sam Hargrove- Army- 2 Lieutenant- Ft Rucker, Alabama, will be going through helicopter flight school and other training
David Mincemeyer- Army- Army Specialist- Ft. Carson, CO
Jon Rahn- Navy- Hawaii, not sure of his rank at this time
David Tate- Air Force- 2nd Lieutenant- Kirtland AF Base, Arizona
Alex Walters- Navy- E4- Guam
Ryan Woolf- Air Force- Airman 1st Class- Buckley Air Force Base, near Denver, CO
If there are more out there that I just don't know about, please let me know, and I will include him/her on the list.
Also, if you would like your family member or friend included in this list, please reply to this email with all the information!
Pray for these guys. Some of these guys are in harm's way right now, others are training to put themselves in harm's way. All of them have volunteered to serve and protect their country (which is you).
Even though it is only 30 degrees. Winter is over and Spring has sprung! Time to gear up for some activities and fellowship. I would like to kick it off on Friday night, April 19 at 6pm with a picnic under the pavilion. I will make the brats and burgers. You bring your favorite beverage and a side dish to share. PLEASE Let me know if you can come! _______________________________________________________________________________________
NEW MEN'S GROUP CALLED "MEN'S NETWORK" TO BEGIN WITH A MEN'S BREAKFAST ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27 at 8am!!!
It has been on my mind and heart to begin a men's ministry at St. John's. I would like us to begin with a men's breakfast on Sat, April 27 at 8am. I will do the cooking, but I would like a guy or two to help me out. We will eat breakfast and have a half hour devotion, followed by the planning of future gatherings and events. Please make plans to attend TODAY. Wives please encourage your husbands to go!!!
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW TO SELL YOUR OWN WARES AT ST JOHN'S ON SATURDAY, MAY 4
The ladies aid is expanding their bake and craft sale to include those who would like to sell their own products whether they be homemade crafts or sell from home products like uppercase living, scentsy, Tupperware, etc. Tables are available for $20 a table.
Along with that there will again be parking lot spaces available for our 5th annual Flea market. parking spaces are $10 a space. More info below:
WHERE??
Basement and Little Lambs Classrooms: The Ladies Aid is adding INSIDE spaces for vendors, crafters, and bakers to their Spring Craft and Bake Sale. You can reserve your own spot to sell your own wares for $20 per table. These spots are open to St. John's members first before being open to the public. If you are interested, call Coleen Bottorff 456-5482 or the church office 456-2888 within the next two weeks.
Parking Lot: The Annual Flea Market will continue as it has the past four years. Parking spaces will remain $10 per space. Proceeds from the outdoor parking space rentals and Little Lambs sale under the pavilion will benefit the preschool. They are raising funds for their new Summer Camp Programs and to enhance preschool. Please call the Little Lambs teachers or the church office to rent a parking space 456-2888
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