News. Who We Are. Summer The Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. THE OPEN BIBLE God s Word is the foundation of faith and life.

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1 News Summer 2018 The Association of Free Lutheran Congregations Who We Are THE OPEN BIBLE God s Word is the foundation of faith and life. THE ASCENDING DOVE The Holy Spirit ascending is symbolic of the freedom of the congregation and the power and guidance of the Spirit. THE GREEN VINE The vine is the emblem of the living congregation bearing fruit for the Lord.

2 THE AFLC USE TIME WISELY A physics professor called on one of his students to list some characteristics of heat and cold. Things expand in heat and contract in cold, answered the student. Give an example, said the professor. In summer, answered the student, the days are long, and in winter the days are short! Whether you agree with that logic or not, you are blessed with more daylight to enjoy in the summer. How will you use it? In Jeremiah 8:20 God says, Harvest is past, summer is ended, and we are not saved. God has given us only so much time to respond to His invitation of forgiveness in Christ. Those of you who have experienced forgiveness, use the daylight hours to live out forgiveness. Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord. When people tell me, That was a good sermon, I have begun replying, I have a good book from which to preach. If you do your job well and are complimented, give credit to the One who gave you a body that works. Appreciate those who taught you a work ethic by which you can accomplish much. I hope you have a long, great summer. Nothing can make it as long or profitable as someone being saved through your words or life witness. They will enjoy the effects of forgiveness for all eternity. That is one long summer. ~Pastor Lyndon Korhonen Pastor Lyndon Korhonen AFLC President president@aflc.org 2

3 VISION MOVING AHEAD There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). in Christ alone A dvancing the gymnasium building project has required much prayer, an extensive process of planning, and many investments from generous individuals and churches. We are excited about the progress and how this building will be used to carry out our mission to establish students in God s Word for a life of faith in Jesus Christ. With the help of Kinghorn Construction and Paul Youngquist from ARY Architects, the building committee has completed the preliminary schematic site plan, floor plans, elevation views, and renderings of the gymnasium. The architect will continue with design development and construction documents. We plan to have construction documents complete and ready for bidding by mid-summer, with an actual construction start date depending on funds and commitments given by friends of the Schools. We hope to begin construction in September so as to get the building enclosed before winter hits in earnest. In the meantime, surveying and civil engineering for site work will be done in order to obtain site plan approval from the City of Plymouth. The Schools currently do not have precise costs or a public capital campaign but expect both by mid-summer. As of this writing, approximately $2 million in cash and commitments has already been received toward the project and we are speaking to a number of other specific donors. Look for a broad but relatively brief capital campaign later in the summer. For the most up-to-date news on the gymnasium project, visit aflbs.org/vision. On the gymnasium project web page, you may sign up to receive periodic updates. For more information on giving to the project, please contact Sherry Mork at or slmork@aflc.org. The Schools Board of Trustees, Building Committee, and administration have a plan, a process, and a purpose for moving this project ahead. Your prayers are vital. Your generosity in giving will be God s provision. Expanding our reach is God s work. Together, we move ahead for His glory. ~Sherry Mork, VISION coordinator & executive assistant Sherry Mork, VISION Coordinator slmork@aflc.org 3

4 AFLBS A WORD-CENTERED path to any vocation A FLBS is a unique destination among other college experiences. AFLBS students learn God s Word and how to apply it to any situation in life. We provide students with a discipleship learning community where they study God s Word four hours every day, work in the community in the afternoon, then return to campus life and ministry for the evenings the weekends. Students who choose to begin their college career at AFLBS will study most parts of the Bible, meet delightful Christians from around the world, and lay a foundation that prepares them for whatever educational and vocational path comes next. God has used AFLBS in the lives of over 3000 graduates in every arena of life and ministry. Our vocation is to serve God by loving our neighbor as a part of the universal priesthood of all believers.... The formal study of God s Word at AFLBS is part of the training that helps equip and prepare believers to carry out His calling in all aspects of their lives. ~Dr. Phil Haugen New Testament professor At AFLBS, my understanding of vocation has completely changed. When I hear the word vocation, my initial thoughts jump to a career or specific job. However, I have learned that vocation is any way in which Christ works through us to bless our neighbors. ~Rachel Watson AFLBS senior, Byron, Minn. I began my career grounded in God s Word, equipped as a follower of Christ, and prepared to be a Christian nurse in today s society. ~Alison Aadahl Class of 2008, Sioux Falls, S.D. Association Free Lutheran Bible School 3134 East Medicine Lake Boulevard Plymouth, MN aflbs@aflc.org NEWS NOTES Alumni Weekend Our annual summer alumni event will be held July Friday s Golf Scramble, held at The Refuge Golf Club in Oak Grove, Minn., will benefit AFLBS Student Scholarships. Saturday s Friends and Family Day will include classes and workshops, children s program, a luncheon, recreation, and gala with childcare provided. For more details, go to aflbs.org. Accreditation Update After five years since making application with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), the AFLC Schools are taking final steps toward full accreditation. The schools have held candidate status with TRACS since the fall of 2014 and are aiming to reach full accreditation by October An accreditation site visit by a TRACS evaluation team, April 30 May 3, resulted in. 4

5 AFLTS Personally prepared and BIBLICALLY ROOTED T hree years of classroom instruction on the AFLTS campus immerses students in the Word of God as the authority for all areas of life and ministry. Scripture forms a theologically trained mind as students learn to study, interpret, and teach the Word of God and its doctrines in the congregation. The one-year congregational internship gives students the opportunity to not only apply these skills to preaching and teaching, but to share their Biblical understanding as they care for the souls of God s people in the congregation. Enhancing the Learning Environment The physical environment of a classroom has direct impact on the quality of learning and academic engagement, even in a seminary classroom. AFLTS classrooms are being renovated to include softer overhead lighting, an air exchange, updated furniture, and desk arrangement designed to facilitate better classroom discussion and improve visibility. Fostering Community The creation of a new commons area near the seminary classrooms provides an atmosphere for conversation during class breaks, a place for students and families to gather, and a spot for refreshments and meals. The space includes updated kitchen space, a coffee bar, and lounge furniture. Summer Institute of Theology set for August 6-10 Teaching and Teachers, is this year s theme for the Summer Institute of Theology (SIT). Classes and workshops will focus on Christian education in congregational ministry. Plenary sessions include Pastor as Teacher, with Dr. Ken Schurb and II John with Pastor Martin Horn. Electives will feature topics on adult Christian education, excellence in children s Christian education, effective confirmation instruction, and oral methods of teaching Scripture. Learn more at aflbs.org/sit. Third Annual Friends of the Schools Banquet Join alumni, friends, and supporters of the AFLC Schools on Thursday, November 8 for a gourmet dinner and a program featuring a ministry update from AFLC Schools President, Pastor Wade Mobley and special guest and keynote speaker, John Stonestreet. Stonestreet is president of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview and is a cohost of Breakpoint, a Christian worldview radio program. He also appears on The World and Everything In It radio program. Learn more at aflbs.org/banquet. A key element to the seminary experience is the camaraderie and genuine care among students and their families. Each day is an opportunity to build friendships, share in joys and sorrows. A child is diagnosed with cancer, a parent dies, a high-risk pregnancy with complications all these situations have recently been met with love, prayer, offers of help, meals, and visits. ~Dr. James Molstre, AFLTS dean Association Free Lutheran Theological Seminary 3120 East Medicine Lake Blvd. Plymouth, MN aflts@aflc.org 5

6 AMBASSADOR PUBLICATIONS Biblical curriculum for your CONGREGATION 6 S unday morning Bible classes are a significant opportunity to disciple members of the congregation through regular study in God s Word. Having an overall intentional curriculum plan as a congregation for this discipleship process is beneficial for all ages. Sometimes teachers choose random topics or curriculum independently from one year to the next. The unfortunate effect can be students who become bewildered wanderers. A wanderer implies aimlessness. The biblical goal is maturity in Christ, equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man (Ephesians 4:12-13). Most people would not find a haphazard approach acceptable or productive for teaching math or science or music or any other secular field. Yet this approach is often embraced in the education program of the church. Providing clear direction and intentionality through well-planned teaching of the Scriptures focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ is an important goal of the Ambassador Sunday School Series. This curriculum has been thoughtfully designed and specifically mapped to lead students through the Scriptures as they move from one level to the next. By the time they are finished with the elementary curriculum, students will have a strong foundation in Old and New Testament history, Bible doctrine, and catechetical teaching to prepare them for confirmation classes. We invite all congregations to consider the value of using the systematic, Christ-centered Ambassador Sunday School Series. Free samples are available on our website and upon request. Early Childhood Elementary Youth Prayer Needs AFLC Heritage Series Volume V: Pray for ongoing work on a new book to be published in 2018 a collection of writings by the late Dr. Francis Monseth. Ambassador Sunday School Series: Pray for the Board of Publications and director as they prepare new early elementary curriculum on the Ten Commandments. The goal is to have these materials ready for the school year. Early Elementary Middle School Marian Christopherson, Director Ambassador Publications parished@aflc.org BOARD MEMBERS Solvieg Hjermstad, Chairman Pastor Dennis Norby, Vice Chairman Bonnie Handsaker, Secretary Maren Sletten Pastor Les Johnson

7 THE LUTHERAN AMBASSADOR A publication FOR THE LOCAL CONGREGATION Subscription rates Individual... $25/year International... $27/year Group... $24 each/year (Subscription list maintained by congregation, mailed directly to your home.) Bulk... $20 each/year (Subscription list maintained by congregation, mailed bulk to one address.) Subscribing online We re making it easier to subscribe to our magazine. Simply visit: aflc.org/lutheran-ambassador/subscribe and enter your information for an individual or international subscription ($1 more for fees). Ruth Gunderson, Managing Editor ruthg@aflc.org The Lutheran Ambassador is a monthly magazine published by the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Each month features a specific theme, carrying articles both practical and devotional. Our writers, all volunteer lay people and pastors from our local congregations, are a key feature in our publications. Our magazine features monthly columns geared toward building a strong devotional life, tackling the basics of our beliefs, and sharing life experiences in order build up the Body of Christ. All of our articles and columns center around biblical, Lutheran doctrines and heritage. Our magazine also features news and information from our local congregations, schools and AFLC departments. DEVELOPMENT WATCHING GOD AT WORK I want to thank the congregations and individuals who have so graciously given to paying off the mortgage on the AFLC president s house, as well as for those gifts that have been designated to pay down the debt on the Charles property. The response to our request has been great. At the writing of this report, an additional $230,000 remains to be paid on the Charles property, and gifts continue to come in toward this debt. Please pray with me that the debt would be paid off by the end of our Annual Conference this year. I also want to thank all who have given so graciously and, in many cases, sacrificially over the past year toward the needs of all the ministries of the AFLC. We saw a huge increase in giving in the month of December, for which we praise the Lord. As we move forward into 2018, each of the ministries continue to pursue the work that the Lord has given them to do. We ask that you continue to pray for them and support them with your financial gifts. Without your gifts it is very difficult for any of these ministries to be able to continue what they are doing. It has again been the pleasure of the Development Department to serve you and help in any way that we can in your giving toward the ministries of the AFLC. We are so thankful to the Lord for His guidance throughout each year, even each minute of each day. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. If you have any questions about any of the ministries or about estate planning, please give us a call and we will do what we can to get you the information that you need. May God richly bless you as you serve Him. Please pray for us so that we can be sensitive to the Lord s leading as we meet with God s donors. ~Pastor Tonnes Pollestad Pastor Tonnes Pollestad, Director tonnes@aflc.org 7

8 WORLD MISSIONS One day in KARENGA, UGANDA H i, my name is Naomi. I am seven years old. My dad is from America, my mom is from the Netherlands, and I am Ugandan. In this last year, I got to live in all three countries. This spring, we moved back to Karenga, a small village in northern Uganda. It is one of my favorite places. Karenga has lots of mountains, lots of trees, lots of dry grass, lots of people, lots of shops, lots of plants, and my favorite: mountains and friends. It is very hot. Nearby there is a park with animals in it. My favorites are the warthogs, cheetahs, and lions. There are also elephants. It takes only 30 minutes to get there. We moved to Karenga because we wanted to go where there s lots of need of the gospel. Some of my friends are catholic and some I don t know what they believe. My friends Chapi, Akio, and Aaron go with me to church. My Dad and his friend, Michael, are going to preach to those who don t know about God or who know very little. Michael goes to teach teenagers in the local school three days a week. Our house has three rooms for sleeping and one room for eating. There is one closet. For furniture, we have two shelves in the kitchen and a bed frame for mom and dad. We all sleep under mosquito nets. The bathroom is a pit latrine at the bottom of the hill. A stall for bucket baths is attached to it. This week we got electric lights in our house for the first time. The power comes from a five-foot solar panel on our roof. My mom is busy every day. She cooks over a gas stove which sits on the floor in the corner of our kitchen. She can make lots of my favorite things: greens, posho, rice, beans, and even Jewish braided bread. She spends a lot of time teaching me school. She also washes clothes in a bucket and hangs them up to dry. I help with the chores, too. We haul water from a solar pump in jerry cans. There is a water filter in our house. My friends do lots of work, too. They spend a lot of time taking care of their brothers and sisters, some of whom are babies. They do some cooking and pick mangoes from the tree by our house. Sometimes we cook white ants for a tasty snack. When I am not busy with chores or school, I do a lot of things with my friends. We play tag, take care of dolls, jump rope, and climb trees. We can pick fruit from the trees we are climbing. We also do a lot of pretend cooking. You should try my greens and beans. When it rains, we play on the porch and use buckets to catch rain from the roof. Sunday is my favorite day because our house takes time to rest from school and some of the chores. After church and lunch, we watch Scooby Doo on the computer, eat Jello popcorn, and drink juice. Life is different in Karenga from America and the Netherlands. There is no upstairs or basement. There is no TV, stove, fridge, or stroopwafel. There are no swimming pools or balloons, and it is hard to make cookies and cake. Instead of winter and summer we have dry and wet season. But I can go outside even when it s raining. It is my favorite place, and you should all come to visit to me. ~Naomi, daughter of Micah and Famke Berger (with writing help from Michael Rokenbrodt), AFLC Missionaries to Uganda 8 Del Palmer, Director, AFLC World Missions worldmis@aflc.org

9 AMBASSADOR INSTITUTE TRAINING PASTORS IN INDIA For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4). he AFLC of India has had a long-standing problem. They have many congregations but very few trained pastors. The T Ambassador Institute stands in the gap, training pastors and leaders to serve the local congregations. We have always dreamed of sending missionaries to India. Pastor Brent and Emily Raan went to India in 2016 with the goal of training local pastors. Unfortunately, they were unable to stay in India because the government was no longer allowing Christian missionaries. Therefore, our problem of having trained pastors continued. The Ambassador Institute stepped in to ease this problem by training local pastors. The Ambassador Institute s oral curriculum is now printed in Telugu, which allows the teachers to have a copy of the lessons in their mother tongue. Each month the pastors and Bible women gather at the AFLC of India headquarters and several Ambassador Institute lessons are taught and discussed. The pastors and Bible women then go back to their congregations, equipped to share God s Word with those in their villages. The goal of the Ambassador Institute training is that those who hear God s Word in the congregations will learn it themselves and then share it with their friends, neighbors, and relatives. This can be done easily because of the oral format of the Ambassador Institute curriculum. It is our prayer that many will be reached for Christ in India as the Word of God is brought in this way. Pastor Del Palmer, Director delp@aflc.org 9

10 JOURNEY MISSIONS Expanding your WORLDVIEW hank you for your ongoing prayers as Journey Missions has achieved the fouryear mark. We are dedicated to providing T opportunities for people to serve on the foreign mission field through mission trips and our short-term assistant (STA) program. When many trip attendants think of short-term mission opportunities, their focus is, How can we help the field? This is a vital focus to have. As we continue to provide opportunities to help on the mission field, we also are able to see the ongoing work that God creates in those who are going. Often after traveling on a short-term mission, people share in debriefing about an expanded worldview, a deeper understanding of people, and largely how their view of God has expanded exponentially by experiencing His Church in another part of the world. When trip members come back from the mission field, our prayer is that they would return with rejuvenated hearts to continue serving through their local congregation. The Short Term Assistant (STA) program continues to expand, and we have the ongoing blessing of seeing how God works in and through those who serve for three months and longer on our mission fields. Often these are people looking to get a taste of long-term foreign ministry as they look at where the Lord is directing them. Some come back desiring to pursue missions, and some return with a missional outlook as they pursue a domestic calling. No matter the outcome, we praise the Lord for these volunteers and their desire to serve. Please continue to be in prayer for Journey Missions as we continue to provide opportunities to congregation members to partner with our international fields. Our desire is to continue to be a viable option for people who are open to serve our missionaries. ~Jon Nelson Short Term Assistants Prayer Requests Jon Nelson, Department Head jon.nelson@aflc.org aflcjourneymissions.org Becca Ehlert: Uganda rebekahehlert93.wordpress.com Ben Smith: Uganda Emily Olson: Uganda Josue Flores: Uganda Brazil mission trip: June 20-July 6 Uganda mission trip: Juy 25-Aug. 15 Planning for 2019 trips Increased prayer and financial support Additional Short Term Assistants to serve alongside missionaries 10

11 HOME MISSIONS PASSION FOR GOD S WORD Home Missions News The Alaska Gift Registry has been updated with the needs of summer ministry for The Net, VBS and the personal needs of our missionaries. Sign up for our Kne to receive updates and prayer concerns for the work of missions within the US. o you remember the smell of fresh pie, a turkey in the oven, and sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving Day while the house D was filled with the laughter and chatter of loved ones and family? Are your recipes passed down from one generation to another like some of ours? What makes those holidays and memories so special? There is nothing more wonderful than being home for those holidays and being loved and a part of my precious family. Think about your spiritual family and your precious brothers and sisters in the Lord. AFLC Home Missions is about relationships and building spiritual families as we gather and plant new congregations. As people come to Jesus, we strive to welcome them into God s family where they can thrive on the spiritual nourishment of the Word and be cared for and loved. One of many examples of an AFLC Home Mission congregation reaching out and welcoming others into the family of God is New Hope of Jamestown, N.D. As members there walk in love in their community, there is a fragrant aroma (Ephesians 5:2) that draws in those who are seeking to find a church home. The congregation is made of many who have had a deep desire and hunger to be fed only on God s Word. Although their backgrounds and occupations are varied, both of the pastors who have served New Hope have had a strong passion for the Word to be central in their preaching and teaching. Pastor Frank Cherney was their first full-time shepherd and he left a strong base on which Pastor Steve Bernston has been able to continue to build and continue in his service to the whole community. The congregation has recently taken in 24 new members and has been remodeling a church building. Sunday school rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and office space have all been updated to meet the future needs of this growing congregation. AFLC Home Missions has sent two Parish Builders Erik Nelson and Damian Johnson and the youth group has been maturing and growing under their leadership. New Hope has recently sent another student to AFLBS. Pastor Steve and some of the congregation s leadership have attended our Home Mission leadership retreats. The congregation is excited to share Pastor Steve and Mary as they go to serve at The Net in Alaska this summer. As God pours out His blessings here, this church family rejoices. It is a joy to watch God grow and build His church. AFLC Home Missions invites you to become involved in supporting and praying for our new Gatherings, churches and the Alaska Mission. There is something for everyone to do. ~Pastor Paul Nash Pastor Paul Nash, Director homemis@aflc.org 11

12 FLAPS Reaching out to REMOTE VILLAGES Finally, Brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you (II Thessalonians 3:1). t the time of this printing, the four-person vacation Bible school team from the AFLC is part way A through the schedule of reaching out to nine remote Alaskan villages to bring the good news of Jesus. This expanding ministry is truly a highlight of the summer for the young people who get to interact with the team for five days learning about Jesus. For some of them, this may be their first exposure to Bible teaching. Last summer the VBS team consisted of Paul and Carissa Eikom, Heather Hansen, and Alisha Kneeland. It takes committed, loving Christians who are eager to share the good news in very sparse living conditions to accomplish this goal. The team usually flies each Monday to a different village with all the food and VBS supplies they need in two plastic tubs. They learn to pack very efficiently to fit all this in the Cherokee Six airplane that is normally used for the flight to and from the villages. The team is picked up Friday afternoon and flown back to Naknek for restocking their supplies to get ready to fly out to a new village Monday morning. We thank God for these willing servants who have allowed themselves to be used by God in this way. The number of children attending the VBS sessions more than doubled last summer. It is truly a blessing to see more and more children being exposed to the good news of Christ through this outreach ministry. Please pray for safe flights and open hearts to receive the message that is shared this summer. FLAPS has three airplanes for service in Naknek. Pastor Jeremy Crowell is the chief pilot and mechanic on the planes, and he has three other pilots willing to volunteer their time to help in especially busy times. The planes are used to transport the VBS teams, haul older kids to weekly Bible camps, and transport pastors to conduct services and Bible studies in the outlying villages. At times the 300-mile trip to Anchorage is made for medical visits or supplies. There are no roads to any of these villages, so airplanes are the only way to reach them. Your prayers and support for this vital ministry are greatly appreciated. ~Kevin Lee 12 Kevin Lee, Executive Director flaps@aflc.org

13 WMF Finding our HOPE IN CHRIST T he national Women s Missionary Federation (WMF) assists the following AFLC departments with your 2018 WMF contributions as follows: MISSIONS Home Missions: Train and equip Parish Workers. World Missions: Gifts are equally split between the full-time missionaries. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AFLBS: Women s dorm room refurbishing. The next set of rooms will be completed during the summer break. AFLTS: Supporting each full-time seminarian with $100 per semester for books and a Lutheran Ambassador subscription. After this goal is met support will be applied to continuing education for faculty. Ambassador Publications: Publication of new second grade Sunday school material on the 10 Commandments. Cradle roll: Providing packets as a resource that can be used in the church or in your neighborhood and family to encourage the parents to bring their children up in the Lord. These packets cover the age of new born to three years old. Pricing for the packets is now $14 per packet. WMF GENERAL FUNDS Funds are used for preparing, printing, and distributing the WMF Bible studies, Helping Hand newsletter, fall WMF Resource Manual updates and welcome packets to new congregations. Convention expenses, travel of officers, GoToMeeting online board meetings, office equipment and supplies, salary for the executive secretary, and stipends for the president and treasurer also come from this fund. WMF Resource Manual: Each congregation should have one. Projects, program ideas, and much more information is contained in this resource to help your WMF. Please share with the National Board any program ideas that you have used so that they could be shared to encourage other WMF groups. BOARD MEMBERS We hope you are using our materials. We hope your group is using the WMF Bible study. We hope your group is growing and reaching out to women of all ages. We hope you participate and attend your district events. But most of all, we trust you are finding that Christ is your hope! Lynn Wellumson, president Esther Hylden, first vice president Tami Demo, second vice president JoyAnn Dahl, recording secretary Barbara Strand, communication secretary Deb Benson, treasurer Lynn Wellumson, President wellumsonlynn@gmail.com Dawn Johnson, Executive Secretary ctk@wwt.net 13

14 YOUTH MINISTRIES THEIR PLACE But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). I n a world where today s teenagers are pushed and pulled by a multitude of influences, the Bible reminds each believer of one s standing in Christ. AFLC Youth Ministries serves our family of congregations to win, build, equip, and multiply maturing teen disciples of Jesus. Here are some ways in which the Lord has been at work: FLY Beyond Our next national youth equipping conference will gather July under the theme: BELONG. Teens will be renewed by the Gospel and trained to serve in Christ s Kingdom. Apprenticeship Program Our twelve-month congregational experience for establishing youth leaders enters its second full season in August. Adults are identifying their spot for Kingdom service. Youth Workers Weekends 50 volunteer and vocational youth leaders gathered last January and we are praying for even more in early FLY Convention Our national youth gathering will be held July 1-6, 2019 in Estes Park, Colo. We will examine how the Lord has revealed Himself in His Word and allow the Gospel to call teens to faith in Christ under the theme I AM from Isaiah 45. (flyconvention.org) In addition, we walk with congregations through youth worker openings and other challenging situations. We do so in order to provide prayer support and tangible expertise that aids young souls to find their place with Jesus. Prayer & Financial Needs Pray for the equipping of teens at FLY Beyond in July Pray for congregations that are looking for a youth leader Pray for the full support of the 2018 Youth Ministries budget YOUTH BOARD Andrew Benson, Chairman; YW Weekends Liaison Pastor Eric Rasmussen, Vice Chair; Schools Liaison Sharon Rykhus, Secretary; FLY Convention Liaison Jordan Langness, Treasurer; FLY Beyond Liaison Pastor Nathan Olson, Member; Apprenticeship Program Liaison 14 Chris Rasmussen, Admin. Coordinator Pastor Jason Holt, Director Daniel Keinanen, FLY Convention Coordinator youth@aflc.org FLY COMMITTEE Pastor Eric Christenson, President Pastor Aaron Olson, First Vice President Andrew Kneeland, Second Vice President Julia Pillman, Secretary Caleb Holt, Devotional Life Secretary Emily Goff, Treasurer

15 EVANGELISM STATUS QUO? Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age... (Matthew 28:19-20). I t is time to reevaluate what we are doing in the AFLC to grow God s Kingdom on this side of heaven. As individuals and as congregations, are you seeing men, women, and children coming into a living relationship with Jesus? Is your congregation growing through the salvation of souls? If so, we d love to hear your stories. Please contact the Commission on Evangelism so that we can be encouraged by your ministry and pass on your stories to other congregations. Maybe your congregation is struggling in this area. It would be good to consider the reasons why. Perhaps it is time to spend much time in prayer, asking God for His help and direction. AFLC Evangelism has resources for such a need. The COE s focus is to encourage every congregation in the AFLC to become more active in being disciple makers. According to a 2018 Barna Research poll, only 17% of all church goers can explain what the Great Commission is about. We believe the answer to growing God s Kingdom lies in going back to Matthew 28: The focus of this passage is to make disciples. This is not a suggestion! This is a command. How can this happen? Well, we need to stop and evaluate if each of us are living in obedience to the Great Commission. The Great Commission is focused on intentional multiplication. Intentional multiplication is helping younger believers grow in their faith so that they will tell others about Jesus. When they come into a living relationship with Jesus, they help that new believer grow. That is the intention of the Great Commission intentional multiplication, thus the Kingdom will grow. It is time for all to become serious in obeying the command of Jesus in Matthew 28: The COE is ready and willing to help you find the tools and training to be obedient disciples. The status quo is not working. It is time for all followers of Jesus to become serious about being disciple makers. COMMISSION MEMBERS Pastor Jim Rasmussen, Director evangelism@aflc.org Michael Lynnes, chairman Kevin Hoops, vice chairman Micah Johnson, secretary Pastor Rich Ramsbacher Pastor Earl Korhonen 15

16 The Association of Free Lutheran Congregations 3110 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., Plymouth, MN Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN Permit No ASSOCIATION RETREAT, CONFERENCE & CAMP CENTER A PLACE OF REST T his has been a year of prayer at the Association Retreat Center (ARC). The mission of the ARC is to provide a place for people to come away and rest awhile (Mark 6:31). In this verse Jesus encouraged His disciples to come away and rest because so many people were coming and going in their lives, each with needs. The key point in this verse is that He called them to come away and rest with Him. The staff at the ARC sees thousands of people coming through our doors each year. While they may not all come back Sunday after Sunday, we are allowed a God-appointed moment in their lives to be open to their needs, whether that is through our facilities, speaking with them directly, serving them, or offering them the quiet time they need to be with Jesus. As we enter the 2018 season at the ARC, we are excited to announce our theme, Singing a New Song, taken from Psalm We simply cannot wait for the blessings that the Lord has and will continue to bless us with through the people, prayer, fiscal, and tangible supports as well as through campers and retreats. If you, your family, or your group would love a place to come away and rest awhile, we would love to see you out at the ARC this year. ARC info@arc-aflc.org Schedule FLY Zone: June 17-22, grades 4-8 Be prepared to FLY with a test run. FLY Beyond: July 16-20, grades 7-12 A week at FLY Beyond is five days of equipping youth to grow as maturing disciples of Jesus. AFLC Family Camp: July 29-Aug 4 Enjoy great teaching for all ages. Pastors, Wives Retreat: Sept A time of renewal and fellowship. Men s Retreat: Sept Refreshing through His Word. Holiday Shop at the ARC: Nov. 3 Vendors, crafts, and food.