Jul2020
It’s time to act. Let’s cast the net!
by Craig Heidenreich
LCA/NZ Cross-Cultural Ministry Facilitator Craig Heidenreich says Jesus is establishing God’s kingdom among the nations and calls us to participate with him. ‘When we fish for souls, it’s a corporate endeavour’, he says. ‘Our net is made up of all of us, with our different gifts and callings.’
Jul2020
Staying in touch with grandchildren during COVID-19
by Judith Smyth
Staying in touch with her 15 grandchildren has always been very important for Judith Smyth. ‘They are always in my thoughts and prayers’, she says. ‘During the recent time of isolation … as I couldn’t see them in person, I decided to write a letter to each of them.’
Jun2020
Remote community undeterred by COVID-19
by Larry Kenny and Martin Bennett
Singalongs at the remote Amunturrngu community and neighbouring outstations in the Northern Territory have become cultural celebrations observing anti-viral protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jun2020
‘Our exile is an act of God’
by Pastor Matt Anker
When the president of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, Rev Antonio Reyes, and his wife Arlene were unable to return home due to travel bans, they believed their exile was an act of God.
Jun2020
Going social with gospel truth
by Rikki Lambert
A bewildering social media and internet-connected revolution is reshaping the world and relationships, even how we think and act. This Information Revolution has gathered a socially transformative pace. How should we 21st-century Christians engage with social media and the internet?
Jun2020
Pandemic sees new generation step up
by Pastor David Spanagel
Like many others during COVID-19 church closures, St Johns Hope Vale in Far North Queensland has had to seek creative and technological ways to reach people. With shaky internet and very basic equipment, it was a huge challenge. But a new generation of people has stepped up.
May2020
A great chance to show love
by Craig Heidenreich
Imagine how you’d feel if you were stranded in another country with all the current health concerns – and you couldn’t speak the language. Many of our LCA/NZ congregations engaged in Cross-Cultural Ministry are responding to these needs, and being innovative in how they minister to people.
May2020
Sharing the chance to say goodbye
by Tania Nelson
The late Pastor Paul Albers had organised everything about his funeral but COVID-19 restrictions meant it could not proceed as originally planned. With only 10 people able to attend funerals when he was farewelled in late March, how do you manage with so many wanting to pay their respects?
May2020
God is leading us through this crisis
by Helen Beringen
Earlier this year our lives were filled with activity but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. Reflecting on these unprecedented times, GP and counsellor Dr Kirsten Due says the key is seeking to understand ‘what God is doing in our lives – how he is redefining us’.
May2020
Reconciliation action is everyone’s business
by Marilyn Wall
The LCA’s vision for reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians is inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ. It is the good news of Jesus’ saving love that makes reconciliation everybody’s business.
