Search Results

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion December 2023 - News and Notes Article -- On behalf of the LLC Office Staff, I hope each of you can experience a joyous and peaceful Christmas season. Scriptures relate how many years ago the heavens opened and angels announced the birth of the promised Savior. Today, the same joyful message echoes from God’s children; it gives comfort to the weary traveler and the hope of eternal Christmas in heaven. May the message of God’s perfect gift to humankind be our focus as we gather with loved ones during this Christmas season. Christmas is come, like a song to a silence of sadness; Christmas is come with the Christ-child, our joy and our gladness. Angels of God tell the glad tidings abroad: Glory to God in the highest. – SHZ 25:2 Updates on LLC Activities Admin On November 15, the LLC staff began the work to prepare the 2025 Operating Plan. The first workshop in this work is to have our annual Changing and Expanding Needs discussion. We use this session to explore and ponder what might our work look like in the coming decades. From here, we work to prioritize various opportunities and see what may be timely to progress in the upcoming operating plan. Pastoral The fifth LLC Ministers Webinar was held on November 2. John Stewart kept an introduction titled “After Times of Battle.” The Evening Devotions are accessed on our website by numerous people on a daily basis. They are also available as archives and in the Hearken App. In 2024, Wednesday evening devotions will be added so there will be a devotion aired each weekday. A training webinar for ministers who will serve in this way is scheduled for November 28. The fall Home and Family webinar was an introduction and discussion on the topic “Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens.” There were 45 connections from across North America. Mission We hold four African Ministers Webinars annually. Jouko Haapsaari kept an introduction on the Third Article of the Creed on November 14. The fall Area Mission Committee Webinar was held on November 14. We will hold a training webinar for the Ministers serving on Foreign Mission trips in 2024 on November 21. Education The first of a series of webinars for 2024 Confirmation and Pre-Confirmation Directors will take place on December 11. Digital Communications There is a lot of Christmas content on Hearken, our publications app. We have a special seasonal podcast, Christmas is Coming. Our annual Christmas magazine, Christmas in Zion, is also posted there, along with our new digital music album, Hail the Star. As you finish up your Christmas shopping, consider buying gifts directly from our online store! We can ship gifts directly to the recipients if they don’t live near you. Cooperation between SRK, SFC and LLC in the area of broadcast work and programming continues. LLC is sending participants to a weekend summer services radio course in Ranua, Finland, in February 2024. Print Publications This fall we have spent time planning for our periodicals content for 2024. Look for new features and new ways of presenting information in The Voice of Zion! We hope that this newspaper and its contents continues to serve readers everywhere, whether in print, digitally or in audio format. Music We just released our latest album, which is a digital-only Christmas album, Hail the Star. Look for it on Hearken or wherever you listen to digital music. Next spring we will release two new albums of believers singing together. One features a mixed group singing in Spanish, and the other features men singing in English. Look for more information on both of these in the early months of 2024. We are also planning to record an album of youth congregational singing next spring. This will take place in the southern Minnesota area.

Angie Hoikka | The Voice of Zion November 2023 - Column -- In June 2023, Angela Hoikka moved to Misawa, Japan, with her husband Mark and six of their nine children. They currently live on Misawa Air base and attend virtual services. They look forward to visiting the States during confirmation time next summer. Dear neighbors on this journey to our eternal home, Amori province is in northern Japan. It is our new, temporary home for the next three years. The custom in Japan is to greet your neighbors after moving in, showing up at their door with a small gift. The gift is traditionally something of low monetary value but useful like a snack or a box of tissues. Your introduction should be in their native language and goes something like this: “Nice to meet you. We are the Hoikka family and have six children living with us. I hope we will be good neighbors.” Hajimemashte. Watashi wa Hoikka des, roku nin kodomo ga imas. Youroshku onagai shimas. These greetings help to establish good relationships. Caring for these relationships of proximity involves greetings when passing; a simple good morning, evening, or afternoon is considered neighborly. In the time you live close to these people, it is considerate to limit noise. These simple gestures are unspoken communication of concern for others’ comfort, they instill trust. By not invading someone’s home acoustically, we show respect and hope that this gesture will be reciprocated. When moving out, the customs are similar; bring a small gift of similar value to the one you gave initially and say something like: “I am moving away; thank you for everything.” Kore kara hikko shimas. Osewa ni nari mashita. These greetings are accompanied with a humble bow in place of a handshake. Whether in Japan or North America, it is important to consider how our actions affect our neighbors. It is fortunate that we have ways to research a culture, area, and language by learning geography, local customs, and even figuring out how to greet neighbors in a way they will understand. We already understand our own customs and culture, so in theory it should be the easiest to interact with the people we know the best. I have discovered in my own family lack of communication and clarity often are the culprits of unrest. Without ill intention, little effort is made to care for the simple comforts of good relations; assumptions are made and patience is least abundant for the people closest to us. When patience wanes, tolerance is low and respect can be forgotten. Considering any communication, even a daily one between a spouse or child and parent, how much better could our relationships be if we set aside our worries and dedicated a few seconds to receiving and giving greetings of the holy spirit – gifts of love and charity. Forgiveness is so comforting to receive when name sins and a heavy heart drag us down, and it is just as comforting to receive when we are feeling good. I’ve noticed at night with the children that hugging and blessing is so refreshing; time slows, allowing us to appreciate all that we have. It’s the same in parting, a reassurance of love and God’s blessings of forgiveness gives strength for a short time and keeps us from getting ensnared in the little brambles on our travel path. Our time in this unfamiliar land has slowed time that way all new experiences do. We try to relate the unfamiliar to the familiar and then give it autonomy and categorization. This whole process is enjoyable but even more enjoyable when the other seven people in our family can share these same experiences. Their interpretations of the same experiences will be different and unique. By discussing feelings and interpretations of experiences we can learn even more about the culture we live in and the people caring for us. I am grateful for this opportunity, more grateful for the family support and small home congregation God has provided us here and most grateful for our mother congregation. The support and care we receive gives comfort and security. Comfort and security give feelings of safety that make us feel brave to explore this new land. We have experiences and hope to share them with our neighbors near and especially the ones far away. There are distant neighbors we know so well we can taste their homemade oatmeal cinnamon raisin cookies, wild rice soup, or pulla; we can imagine their responses to our words and actions and picture their expressions even when we cannot see them. I hope we can continue to share this culture with the culture we are representing and sharing here in Japan. We extend a hearty welcome to our believing neighbors who would like to experience the Pacific North and nurture warm relations. God’s Peace, your neighbors on this journey

Francis Pirness | The Voice of Zion October 2023 - Home and Family Article -- When you think about your life and how often your faith has carried you through trials or circumstances, isn’t it a marvel that God has continually offered an abundance of grace and mercy to an obedient one? God has promised to never abandon his faithful children. Hebrews 11:1 reads, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse brings me comfort in that living faith is not of our minds and reason. Faith allows us to dwell in the world daily yet not partake of all it has to offer. Even weak faith may be resilient against the doubts that the enemy tries to ensnare us with, doubts that make our journey difficult. I was reminded of this five years ago when my wife and I received shocking news that we were expecting triplets. At the time we already had five young children at home. This surprise was met with excitement, trepidation and many questions. Would these three babies survive? How would the pregnancy go for my wife? What would this mean for our family which would almost double in size overnight? How will we care for everyone and everything at home? Can we get a new car? Faith taught me once again to set my worries aside and trust in the mighty hand of our heavenly Father. The shock of the news gradually wore off and reality set in. I had this one recurring thought that God is all-knowing and has a plan for our family and for these precious little babies. I can put my trust in Him. If we were to trust with our own strength, the worries and concerns would be endless – and without resolve. As everything progressed, we were reminded at every moment that God was caring for us. We were carried in love and prayer by God’s children with the excitement of this event in our life and countless offers of help. The doctors and specialists that we met with mentioned the miracle of such a seamless pregnancy and commented that this could have only gone so well with the hand of God. It was beyond anything they could accomplish with their own knowledge. Even in this way God cared for us. When the time of the triple-birth approached, we marveled at God’s creation and simply waited. All along we couldn’t help the joy in our hearts mixed with our own worries. As I think back over the time of the pregnancy and many appointments, I can only give thanks to God that through the eyes of faith I am able to see all the blessings we experienced. None of our worries were needed. God had a plan for us all along and we were given three healthy little boys. Since then, we have been blessed with two more children. We watch our family grow, and our fervent prayer is that we and our children will remain in living faith until the day our journey ends and we reach our eternal home in heaven. Faith, despite Depression Chrissy Jacobson The darkness weighs heavily over my mind as I plod through another day. I wish that even for a small moment, the depression and anxiety would go away, and I could have peace and calm. However, the depression is there even in the middle of a crowd. It’s not seen outwardly, but it’s felt deep inside me. The medications I take daily do help, but at times it’s hard to keep laughing, and to keep a smile on my face. Prayers rise from my heart, please help my mind to calm down, and the darkness to lift for a short while so I can take one more step forward. I know – and trust – that God will only give me what He knows I can handle. Some days are more peaceful than others, but every day I cling to the thought that if I can remain believing my sins forgiven and keep faith foremost in my heart, I will reach that peaceful shore of heaven where this trial will no longer make my days heavy and dark. With that thought, peace, once again, enters my mind and heart for a short time. In Every Stage of Life, Keep Faith Maddy Muhonen In January of this year, I received the gift of a believing spouse. Braden Muhonen and I got to know each other in recent years by having mutual friends and attending church gatherings, including summer services and Peace Gardens. We began courting in the fall and after really getting to know each other we fell in love. We were engaged six weeks later, and our wedding date was set for January 14. It was such a happy time, full of excitement and awe of this new and unexpected life change! It was also a whirlwind because it happened so quickly. We felt clearly that it was God’s plan. The support of the believers all around us amazed us. Braden was 33 years old and had been wondering if he would be given a wife. Many believers, even those that weren’t very close to him, approached us, saying they had sent those silent prayers that, God willing, we would each be granted a spouse. It’s beautiful how even in this way, believers carry each other in love and prayer when we aren’t even aware of it. Soon into our marriage, both of Braden’s paternal grandparents, Sylvia and Walter Muhonen, passed away at the age of 95 years old after being married for 74 years. In those last days of Walter’s life, as family and friends sang around his bed, Sylvia gave her sweet smile to Walter and the love in their gaze brought tears to my eyes. Braden and I conversed during that time about the lessons we can learn from them and other elders. One is that when we are obedient to God; He will bless our marriage and our lives together. Seeing the love in a marriage of 74 years encourages us to take care of matters and most importantly, to serve each other as God has taught us. We do this for preservation of our marriage and also so that, one day, we can make it to our heavenly home. The Congregation Supports Faith Ron Meredith The Bible tells us what faith is: “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). It also tells us how it comes: “By hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). God provides us with believers as escorts on our faith journey. They are concerned with our faith life, preach the gospel to us and provide a listening ear when spiritual help is needed. COVID-19 taught us about the need for fellowship. During COVID, life felt more difficult, perhaps because we were unable to attend church. The online services helped, but the contact with other believers suffered. Attending church regularly supports our faith life. In addition to hearing God’s Word at services, other activities support faith life. There are many camps we can attend. Work in the kingdom is always available as there are endless jobs to be done. It is truly a joy to work with other believers at camps, in building projects and helping to maintain the church. It may be difficult to find time to attend camps or work at them, but we have always found that once we are there, we enjoy the fellowship and are happy we went. The Voice of Zion has many articles that support faith life. Others share their trials and experiences about their personal walk of faith. For us, these shared experiences are uplifting, showing how others have met trials and how some have come into faith. As I think about having faith, a certain experience comes to mind. When the 1973 heresy had left Ishpeming believers without a church, we bought an existing church building in Negaunee, Mich. Not many years later, the congregation had outgrown the church and wanted to build a new church. Over time we found two lots that might serve us, but these lots were not the best. Still, we needed a church, so we placed a bid on the small lot of land. As owners, the township board discussed selling to our congregation, but rejected our high bid because they wanted a tax-paying owner instead of a tax-exempt church to add revenue to the township. The second lot was a strip of land with a small hill on it. Due to building codes, we would have had to put an elevator in the church building. Our offer was not accepted. As we discussed the land negotiation, another piece of land came on the market. It had plenty of space for a new building and everything else we needed including a parking lot, playground, and baseball field. We made an offer, it was accepted and within days the owner of the property with the hill notified us that they accepted our low offer – but we already had the lot we wanted, the lot God had provided. God guided our search. Our plans and attempts to purchase land for our church were blocked again and again. God had a better plan. Faith is strengthened when we reflect on how God guides His congregation. Questions for Discussion Trials in life can make our journeys slow, our footsteps heavy. What are some burdens that people experience, yet others may not see? What can the individual who is feeling a burden do to alleviate the pain and weight? How can the outlook of faith aid one in trials? What are some things that we escorts can do to help and comfort? Organizations sometimes offer support groups and therapies for those who experience life’s burdens. In what ways are sermons and songs therapy? Is there a type of group we could create that might aid the hurting in a more specific way? Can we imagine what our congregations can do to facilitate friendships and help everyone know that they have a place to serve together with us all?

Adrian Pirness | The Voice of Zion November 2023 - What Does the Bible Say Article -- The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever. – Psalm 22:26 Written by King David, this Psalm contains texts suggested for Good Friday. David begins, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me” (v. 1). Jesus cried the same words from the cross on Good Friday. In despair, David speaks a message of hope: “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted and thou didst deliver them (v. 3,4). In our text, David writes of those who are meek: “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.” Meekness – A Rich Word As a Christian term, meekness can be described as the opposite of self-will or self-interest. God’s Word indicates meekness as having a humble attitude and patiently enduring offenses. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul highlights meekness as a fruit of the Spirit. Our society today primarily sees meekness as negative: deficient in spirit or courage, to be submissive or even a pushover. Rarely is meekness thought to be a desirable quality, especially when contrasted with individual pursuits and accomplishments. Society encourages, “Create your own destiny, forge your own path.” But another description of meekness is to endure injury with patience and without resentment. God’s Word speaks positively of meekness, encouraging it as a fruit of faith. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus teaches that the meek shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). David also writes, “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Ps. 37:11). Meekness contains an aspect of submission to another. But the question is who or what are we submitting to? Peter writes, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). Everything we have is a blessing from our heavenly Father. Faith is offered as God’s grace gift, and He opens the heart to receive and cherish it. God grants the desire to endeavor, to battle against sin with the gospel of forgiveness. The strength to strive against the devil, the world, and our sin-corrupt flesh comes from God. Meekness causes us to acknowledge and accept that our human strength, ability, and understanding are insufficient. We depend on God’s grace and it is comforting to remain in His care. Meekness Is Trusting God On the wilderness journey, the children of Israel found themselves without food. They were hungry and had reason to complain. But God fed them with manna from heaven. They were instructed to gather only enough for each day, except on the day before the Sabbath when they gathered enough for two days. Everyone had enough. They were satisfied and thankful for what God provided. “The meek shall eat and be satisfied.” But later they came to despise the food they once received with joy (Num. 21:5). Are we satisfied with the food God provides in His kingdom today? Sometimes we hunger for more. At festive services, at camp, or even when visiting with believing friends we don’t want it to end. Sometimes at services we listen for a particular message instead of praying that God would open His Word as He sees our need. At those times we may not hear what God had to say. We can be satisfied with what God gives for each moment. When God has protected in faith, we can say it’s always been enough. Let us not despise the food from heaven. God feeds us when we gather to hear His Word. Meekness is calm acceptance of things beyond our control. Even when we don’t understand, isn’t it secure to leave matters in the care of our Father who knows, sees, and allows all things? We were reminded of this during the pandemic a few years ago. Things beyond our control, which we may have disagreed with, were certainly known by our heavenly Father. He allowed them for His purpose. We are slow to thank God for His care and blessings. He provides all that we need for this life, and He gives us hope of eternal life in heaven by faith. “They shall praise the Lord that seek him.” A Battle Worth Fighting The battle is worth fighting! Paul instructs us, “fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:12). Jesus reminds, “Behold, I come quickly: Hold fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11). Continue battling sin with the power of the gospel. We cannot attain meekness or the other fruits of faith through our own strength or power. On the contrary, aren’t we often impatient and selfish? It’s easy to put our own wishes and desires ahead of our loved ones’ needs and before the things God deems good for us. He only asks us to remain endeavoring, to believe the gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. One day we will exchange our cross for a crown. “Your heart shall live forever.”

Jukka Petaisto | The Voice of Zion November 2023 - Home and Family Article -- How does meekness, a fruit of the Spirit, shine in our temporal lives? As I have pondered this topic and gathered my thoughts, I feel that meekness shines in dear believers around me. I also hear the Word of God that reminds me what meekness is. At a recent Sunday evening service, the minister spoke from 1 Peter 5:5,6. “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” And at Bible class a teacher read from Proverbs 15:1. “A soft answer turneth away wrath but grievous words stir up anger.” Meekness means many things. Along with a meaning like humility, meekness also can infer that someone is indecisive or passive, not usually a positive attribute. Rather, tenacity is a value in our culture; this value teaches that we should know what we want and go to great lengths to achieve those goals. Individually, we may be tempted to ignore rules, to rebel, or to protest actions our government takes. In recent years the COVID-19 happenings unfolded and they were often discussed. I listened to COVID-19 outrage, frustrations, and strong convictions both for and against gathering, masks and mandates. I shared my thoughts at times and was not immune to these feelings. I have pondered and worried if love was broken between believers. The prayers and doubts were many during those times. I listened to our board members and ministers as they presented and discussed with the congregation what to do next. I heard meekness in these presentations and felt I could trust the Holy Spirit was speaking. On this matter and many temporal matters Romans 13:1 reminds us: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” The verses that follow carry further instruction, but I have little understanding. I do feel the overall instruction is clear and simple; God provides government and leaders and we are subject to the laws and rules of our land. When we have differences of opinion on temporal matters, I’m reminded of Luther’s explanation of the eighth commandment. At the end of the explanation Luther says, “Think and speak well of him and put the best construction on all he does.” I want to think that all believers are doing the best they can to navigate through difficult temporal situations. I also want to think that our temporal leaders and neighbors are doing the best they can, although they do not have this great gift of faith and the Holy Spirit to guide them. We can pray and trust that God will give strength and guide our lives. The Bible gives good instruction, and we hear the Spirit speak where two or three believers are gathered. We don’t need to understand, we simply need to believe. The Gospel will lift and carry us until we reach that heavenly home. Earthly Life, Heavenly Goal Andrea Joensuu A healthy self-concept is something believers strive to achieve. Our sense of self underpins our life choices, both good and bad. A healthy self-concept helps us to care for ourselves and those around us, and it protects us from harm. A believer’s highest quest is heaven. But we should also pursue a happy and fulfilling temporal life. Our personal goals and ambitions are balanced with our heavenly goal, and they shouldn’t pull us away from Christian fellowship and the hearing of God’s Word. God created each of us as a unique and perfectly imperfect person and we rejoice in our creation and life opportunities. Today’s culture emphasizes self-actualization: achieving one’s full potential. But for many, the pursuit of self-actualization has led to self-absorption and indifference to others. Our culture glorifies the individual as the maker of gifts and talents instead of our heavenly Father. Nevertheless, self-actualization is healthy and desirable. God gave every person differing skills and talents. His will is that we exercise these gifts, especially in His kingdom. As believers, we self-actualize while striving to keep a good conscience and supporting one another in faith. Exercising one’s voice and personal autonomy are held as admirable indications of strength. But it often requires even greater strength to express oneself in a way that is meek, yet not weak. Christ was meek. Meekness requires both compassion and respect for others. It also allows us to disagree with others when necessary. As believers, we seek to voice ourselves humbly through peaceful and respectful means. For example, we express our position on important issues through the democratic process of voting. God’s Word exhorts us to modesty, and believers shy away from raucous protest movements that can easily entangle our flesh (Rom. 12–13). Believers wish to accept trials as they are given, for they draw us closer to God and help us toward our heavenly goal. Our highest quest is not a perfect life here on earth, but there in eternity. Conversation on Meekness Anita and Briitta Niemi visit with their mother Kyllikki Niemi What does it mean to be meek, and how is it shown as a fruit of the Spirit in the life of a believer? Kyllikki: Meekness is being gentle and speaking respectfully to others. It is shown as a fruit by helping one another, being humble, and having forgiveness in the home. Also, this is without expecting anything in return. Briitta: Meekness is being humble, not being pretentious nor overbearing. It is being gentle and kind and asking for forgiveness and forgiving from the heart. It is being obedient to God’s will. He guides and directs our lives, and His plans are always the best. During the COVID pandemic, our lives were reduced to the three of us at home. We were accustomed to frequent visits from the children and grandchildren to Mummula. We struggled with this. We wanted to remain obedient and humble to the restrictions that were mandated. So we started driveway visits. We would help Mom into the car and visit all her children and grandchildren in their driveways. This lifted our spirits. During the first year of the pandemic, we contracted COVID. Mom’s case was very severe, and she was hospitalized. So many prayers rose to God: “Thy will be done”. Mom was left with many health complications that continue today. My vacation time was used for the multitudes of medical appointments with specialists. At the time, I wondered why these trials were given to our household. Acceptance came slowly but what a gift came with it. My nieces and nephews that were confirmation age and older began visiting us weekly when the COVID restrictions were lifted in our province. Peace, contentment, and joy grew with each shared visit. We shared joys and sorrows. These weekly visits brought comfort and so much joy to my life. Anita: Meekness is being humble. I would agree with what Mom and Briitta said about having patience and forgiveness in our home. It is believing our sins forgiven. I am thankful to still have my mom here with me today and for Briitta helping and encouraging me to continue to be patient in caring for Mom. Nowadays in our culture, it’s considered good to stand up for yourself and forge your own path to fulfillment and success. Some favor speaking out loudly on topics on which they’re passionate. What is the believer’s viewpoint on this? Kyllikki: As a believer, we should always strive to remain humble and obedient to God’s Word and authority. Briitta: It is good for one to work at being successful, but one must remain obedient to the teachings of God’s Word and to remain humble. Let God guide your life and remember that He is the best provider. All these gifts come from Him. We are taught to be obedient to authority. Rising up against the government and disobeying mandates was very evident during the COVID pandemic. Although one may not agree to the restrictions and mandates, we need to be obedient. It can be very difficult to remain humble. Anita: As Briitta mentioned, it is okay to strive to be better but to also to remember who our guide is. We must trust in God and let His will be done. How does meekness as a fruit of the spirit govern our home life? We all have our lots in life, given from the hand of God. Kyllikki: We use the gospel freely and ask God for strength in all matters. As an elder, I need to remain humble and ask for help in much that I do. I pray God will continue to give strength to my girls to continue to help me in my daily life. Discussing issues and coming to an agreement keeps the love between us. We need to be patient. In sickness and health, we need to accept all that God gives. At first it was tough to accept, but over time I have accepted my lot in life and realized that I have much to be thankful for: family, travel escorts and that I can still attend services. I am so thankful and blessed that I can live at home with my two daughters who are nurses and so lovingly care for me. Briitta: Anita and I share the care of Mom. We also cared for Dad until he passed away. Disagreements sometimes come up, but we talk about them and forgive one another. We are content with our lot in life. It is a blessing in our lives as we don’t have spouses or children of our own. We are surrounded by siblings and many nieces and nephews, and this fills our lives. While caring for Mom, I feel thankful and blessed. God has given us this time in our lives. While it sometimes limits our travels to Summer Services or other events, we get to have these special times with Mom that our siblings don’t have. We are blessed to be the ones that care for Mom as she once cared for us so lovingly. We are thankful for the online Summer Services. During difficult days, I remind myself, just as Mom always told us: the sun will always rise on a new day. Trust that God will continue to give us strength for each day. I often think of the words to virsi 547. “Every morning there is a new grace. Why should we worry? Shadows and weakness recede. Jesus gives His strength. Thanks be to the Lord for His help along the way. He is with us now and always.” Anita: I am thankful to have the opportunity to care for Mom as I did care for Dad. I have a roof over my head and a career which I enjoy, taking care of the elderly. I am very blessed with having most of our siblings living close to us. Our nieces and nephews bring us great joy. Questions for discussion Look up “meekness” in a dictionary. Which definition surprises you? Give examples of when humans are assertive and fierce and when humans are meek. Discuss Jesus’ life and His character traits as described in the Bible. Jesus was usually meek. Why was this? What do we learn from Jesus’ example? When is the time we want to be meek?

Kay Wuollet | The Voice of Zion November 2023 - Youth Column -- As a child, I always wanted to be older, and I wished the time would speed up. The flow of time in my child eye seemed to drag on and on. “When I get older…” was often in my mind. Now as I reflect on my childhood, I see how those years passed quickly. When my high school years were winding up, the time came to consider the opportunity of opisto. “Do I want to go? Would I enjoy it? What will I do if I don’t go to opisto?” These were questions that I turned over and over. Then May came. School ended, and summer break arrived! I decided to apply for the opisto program and a scholarship. After submitting the application, an email notified me that I should hear back from the LLC in early September regarding the scholarship. Time went on and seemed to run away. Busy with day-to-day duties, I watched the months slip by. This time of waiting, from May to September, was eventful for me. My summer started with serving as a counselor at Kamp Kipa. After the youth camp season was over, I continued working part time at a retail store. Many lake days filled up the remaining hot weeks of Arizona summer. Our family received the blessing of a new baby, and I attended summer services in July. At last, the end of August approached and I anticipated a letter of acceptance to opisto. September. My phone rang one afternoon while I was at work. The caller happened to be Mom. “You’ve gotten mail from the LLC!” she told me. I immediately thought of my application. I felt nervous excitement. As soon as I got home, I opened and read the letter. I’d been granted a scholarship and was accepted to Reisjärvi opisto. I felt lucky to receive this once in a lifetime opportunity, but my mind started wandering. “Will I be alright? Who will I go with? Will I be with any friends? My little siblings will grow so much. I will miss my family and friends. So much will change when I am gone.” These thoughts come even though each of us eventually leaves our childhood home. Would my time to leave come sooner than later? Then, I thought of how fortunate we are today – we can video call. I will still be able to see the familiar faces of my loved ones. After more thought, I decided to accept the scholarship. In less than a year, I will be at opisto in Finland. Again, I wait for time to pass. I worry about how my time away will go, and I have put my trust in God. As I ponder my studies in Finland, I wonder if I will pick up the Finnish language easily. I hope to the learn Finnish while I am at opisto, but I know it will take time and patience. And a year will pass quickly. Time comes and goes – an eyeblink – yet some days it stands still. I’ve relaxed my worries about how my time in Finland will go, because I know God already has a plan for me. As I also wonder what other Americans and Canadians will go to opisto and to which opisto they go, I have concluded that what happens is planned by God for each of us. We will each meet many, many young believers from Finland, Sweden, the U.S. and Canada. These friendships will be a blessing for our lives. We do not know God’s plan for us, yet we can put our trust in him, and know that he is the teller of all time. The time of our birth, the time of our death, and the time of everything in between.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion November 2023 - News and Notes Article -- November arrives, bearing a subtle touch of winter and signaling the approach of another year’s end. It also brings the conclusion of the church calendar and the commencement of Advent, with holiday preparations just around the corner. Autumn serves as a poignant reminder of the human condition, mirroring the grass that flourishes but eventually succumbs to time’s passage. November 1 is All Saints’ Day, a time for us to honor those who have gone before us and emerged victorious. Their memory resonates in the familiar song text that tells that Saints of God have eternal peace, having striven in earthly battles. Their recollection often kindles a longing within us; we yearn to dwell in heaven with them (SHZ 140:1). As we lay out plans for the forthcoming holidays and look ahead to 2024, let us not forget to count the abundant blessings bestowed upon us by our heavenly Father and to hold onto the hope of a heavenly destination awaiting us at the end of our life’s journey. We have this and much more to be thankful for. Speaking of which, Happy Thanksgiving to all our U.S. readers. Updates on LLC Activities Facilities The camp season is now over. Review of the needs for the facilities and preparation for 2024 camp season continues on through the winter months. We continue to pray that God will bless this planning and preparation. Pastoral An LLC Ministers Webinar/Seminar was held at the LLC office on October 21. Former Phoenix and Prescott Valley pastor Matti Kontkanen gave two presentations related to pastoral counseling. These dealt with the topics of listening and love and respect. Matti, who currently works as a counselor, traveled on the fall mission trip to North America. The fifth LLC Ministers Webinar in 2023 is on November 2. Foreign Mission Work From August through October, mission trips have happened in Ecuador, Ghana, Togo and Kenya. Approximately 30 locations were visited on the Ecuador, Ghana and Togo trips and services were attended by nearly 500 people. The believers in Togo elected a new National Board during the September trip; we wish this board God’s blessings for their work. A confirmation school was held in Kenya with about 90 students. Education Sunday School curriculum review continues. A Bible Camp was held at Stony Lake, October 6–8, 2023. The lessons at camp were recorded and are being edited for posting to the LLC website and possibly to Hearken. The theme of the camp was taken from John 6:38. “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” The area of study covered was from Palm Sunday to Pentecost. Print Publications Our seasonal magazine Christmas in Zion is at the printers! Watch for your copy in the mail soon. This year marks the fortieth issue of this magazine, and next year marks 40 years since it was first published. The LLC History book project has entered its final review phase. Much careful work has gone into this project and we look forward to publishing the results in coming months. Digital Communications We recently launched the latest version of Hearken, our publications app. This version features updates to usability and functionality. We continue to receive useful input and feedback from Hearken users. We are grateful that many subscribe to this app to enjoy the regular stream of new content published there. Music We published a new instrumental album titled Quiet Shelter. The album features sacred music played on a variety of instruments by believing musicians. It is available on Hearken, for purchase as a CD, and on other streaming platforms where LLC music is published. Later this month, we will publish Hail the Star, a digital-only album of Christmas music recorded by Seattle congregation musicians. The album will be available on Hearken and other streaming platforms. Opisto Program In August the Opisto Scholarship Committee selected 14 scholarship recipients for the 2024–2025 opisto year from a pool of applicants more than double that size. As is usual practice, we wait until all the recipients have accepted their scholarships before publishing the names of recipients. We wish the following LLC Opisto Scholarship recipients a blessed and happy time of preparing for their departure to opisto next August as well as a wonderful and rewarding time studying abroad! Jämsä Isla Archer, Rockford, Minn. Treagen Klassen, Saskatoon, Sask. Matti Olli, Seattle, Wash. Jonas Mikkola, Lethbridge, Alta. Reisjärvi Kiandra Huhta, Longview, Wash. Sophia Jurmu, Rockford, Minn. Ari Niemi, Toronto, Ont. Kinsey Smith, Glendale, Ariz. Kay Wuollet, Phoenix, Ariz. Kyla Wuollet, Phoenix, Ariz. Ranua Gretta Davison, Monticello, Minn. Jed Davison, Flathead Valley, Mont. Shaina Huhta, Menahga, Minn. Sophia Ylitalo, Menahga, Minn.

Craig and Lora Wuollet | The Shepherd's Voice October/November 2023 - Home and Family Article -- The Holy Spirit which comes through faith, comforts us in difficult times. We feel comfort and peace through listening to sermons, songs of Zion, and having fellowship with believing family and friends. With faith, God’s love comes close to us. If you own the gift of living faith and have the Holy Spirit, God will give you a peace that is found nowhere else on this earth. When our dear father Ken Wuollet passed away, God helped us bear this heavy loss by being remembered with love by other people. This love still carries us today. We felt the fruits of the Spirit and were comforted. When the angels came for dad, we sang songs of Zion, and we cried tears of sadness and tears of joy. We wanted our dad here with us, but God’s plan was different. We rejoice that dad’s earthly journey is over and he gained eternal life in heaven. It pays to believe. We have nothing to worry about when we have faith and trust in God. One day, our faith will carry us home to heaven, where our dad and many loved ones await. Things to visit about: Faith is a gift, and it brings other gifts into our lives. What are some good things that we have in our lives because we believe? What brings you comfort in times of difficulty or when you’re sad? What is the Holy Spirit?

John Stewart | The Voice of Zion October 2023 - The Sabbath Word Article -- Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. – Psalm 119:1–8 Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. Throughout its 176 verses, the writer expresses thoughts of delight, love, and obedience. The importance of God’s Word as the highest authority for a child of God emerges as central theme in the psalm. The familiar 105th verse comfortingly describes God’s Word and its care for the sojourner even now 3,000 years later: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Although it is impossible to ascertain who wrote Psalm 119, Biblical scholars suggest that perhaps David authored this psalm during his younger years when he hid from the jealous King Saul who sought to kill him. In his desperation, David sought temporary refuge among the Philistines and thus witnessed their pagan culture. The writer’s thoughts and prayers beseech God’s protection for a young person experiencing worldly trials and temptations. Blessed Are the Undefiled Although the psalmist laments over his failures, sins, and temptations (v. 36–38), he is moved to open his psalm by rejoicing that weak and stumbling travelers can yet remain in God’s grace and love: “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord” (v. 1). The writer of Psalm 119 conveys the abundant joy and freedom of traveling on the narrow way keeping faith and a good conscience. Similarly, the opening verse of Psalm 32, written by David, expresses the same wonderful joy over God’s love and care: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Experiencing God’s love and journeying under His immense grace thus constrains the children of God to also care one for another as indicated in the theme “The Dual Command of Love” assigned to this 19th Sunday after Pentecost. Apostle John wrote of Christ’s love and grace: “Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:16,17). Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34,35). God’s grace is the best teacher, as Apostle Paul wrote, “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12,13). The Work of the Holy Spirit The believer rejoices over God’s grace and can travel moment by moment believing sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. When matters in life press, the wayfarer can yet dip from the fountain of grace that bursts forth in Zion! Apostle Paul instructed young Timothy in this way regarding care of the conscience: “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck” (1 Tim. 1:18,19). Apostle John describes how it is the Holy Spirit that reveals the truth of God’s commandments: “This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:23,24). The words of the psalmists and of the apostles apply not only to believers living in antiquity but prophetically extend to believers all the way to the end of time. This call extends even to those lost sheep who have strayed away from the care of the Good Shepherd. They too, along with us, can believe sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

Mauno Soronen | The Voice of Zion October 2023 - Mission Work Field Notes Article -- The SRK [Central Association of Finland’s Associations of Peace, LLC’s sister organization] called me to go on a mission trip to LLC congregations in North America. I had the privilege of traveling with my wife Heli. Our journey took us to Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and to Alberta, Canada. The hospitality and care we received left a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. When our long flight from Amsterdam landed in Minneapolis, Kathy and Rick Nevala were there to welcome us. The LLC Summer Services in Monticello were about to begin. Other service guests were staying in their home as well. Warm Atmosphere at Summer Services At Summer Services, we participated in several LLC meetings. At the services, the LLC’s 50th anniversary services were held. The speeches and songs left an impression on me, as did the history presentation and the celebration choir of 250 singers. The atmosphere at Summer Services was one of freedom and grace. I listened attentively to the sermons. In the meetings, I could sense that many believers had been under great pressure in recent years. God has set His children free. The unity was very evident. We rejoiced over the fellowship that the Holy Spirit brings. The Holy Spirit calls and gathers the holy congregation where there is no division. Many openly expressed their prayers that their loved ones would find the kingdom of grace. During the services, we were reminded that the gospel contains not only words of comfort and refreshment, but also words of instruction and guidance. These are not the law, but rather grace and love. Guests in a Young Congregation In South Dakota, a young congregation gathered for weekday-evening services. They don’t have their own church facility, but they had found a place to hold services in Rapid City. Here at the foot of the Black Hills the families gather on consecutive evenings, children in tow. There were also guests from Arizona and Canada who stopped here on their way home from Summer Services. What stood out to us most were the bright faces of the children. Using pictures from the Illustrated Home Bible, I told the children the story of what happened in Cornelius’ home and how God prepared Peter to preach the gospel to the centurion and his household. We visited many homes. Carmen Halonen said how happy she and her family were to host mission speakers in their home. An outing organized by Janet and Mike Stonelake to Mount Rushmore National Memorial was very impressive. The images of presidents carved into the mountainside told their own story about the nation’s leaders. Discussions in Alberta We flew from South Dakota to Montana, where Pirjo and Hannu Janhunen picked us up and took us to Canada, to Lethbridge, Alta. We stayed with the Janhunen family for several nights. We held services Friday evening and Sunday morning. We recalled the story of the young Pharisee who sought eternal life but who was not ready to leave the path of law for the path of grace. The law does not provide strength to enter God’s kingdom. The young man was at the gate, but the grace which would have taken him into God’s kingdom was not acceptable to him. The law demands perfection. Only Jesus has fulfilled the demanding law. The law brings an awakened one to the gate of God’s kingdom, but only the gospel opens the gate for the one to enter. We met many of the Lethbridge believers. We discussed the Word of God and remembered servants of the Word. Back to Minnesota From Canada we returned to the familiar area where Summer Services were held. At services in Monticello and Elk River, we met many acquaintances. Steve McAdams spent many weekends with our family in the past. Now we had the opportunity to stay with his family. In sermons, we yet remembered Summer Services and the Saturday evening communion, which I was able to help serve. We spoke of the unity born of the Holy Spirit and being firmly rooted in God’s kingdom. I was struck by how many came to greet us after the services. Sometimes I wondered which language to use, but it soon became clear: we managed to communicate in both languages. Finnish Roots It was interesting to hear that many people had Finnish roots. I set off on a journey to Rolla in North Dakota with George Koivukangas along with sandwiches for the trip prepared by his wife Mary. I pondered aloud to George about the fact that we were traveling many hours, knowing there would be only a few service guests. George had an answer, “God knows.” For me, these words became the theme of this entire trip. At home services in Rolla, we served with God’s Word and we visited. As we sang “Rauhan saivat pyhät Herran” (Saints of God have peace forever) at the Finnish cemetery, we could feel the chain of the generations alongside us. Stories from my childhood came alive again, recalling how people from my home area set out for the new world in search of a better livelihood. From the memorial stone we read how the Finns lived in sod dwellings and worked the fields with horses and by hand. In this way they laid the foundation for future generations. Faith was an important source of sustaining strength in their lives. Fertile Land in Cokato It was touching to visit the Pioneer Park in Annandale, Minn., where the old Cokato church has been moved. On the wall there was a picture of pastor Lahtinen, who perished with the Titanic. On the altar, there was a devotional book containing the text and story of when the disciples were in a storm. In Cokato I spoke at services on Transfiguration Sunday, and in the evening I was able to sit and listen. I felt that the heavenly Father had blessed our services trip. At the Josephson home, Bill mentioned that it is nice that we chose their home as our place of lodging. We took a sauna and visited. The joy of shared faith was immense. Translation: M. Keranen