"Stand firm, and you will win life."

 Luke 21:19 

I'm not sure there is any other directive that Jesus speaks more clearly than from the above verse. Short, simple and to the point.

As I write this article, I'm sitting in a hotel room in Santiago, Dominican Republic with no windows and watching the only English TV station - CNN. I guess you can talk 24 hours non-stop on politics!

As all of you know, the South Wisconsin District has been a partner in the DR for over ten years. Over the past three years, our schools have been involved in supporting Escuelas Luteranas La Concordia, Palmar Arriba (day school) and Escuelas Luteranas La Licey (preschool). Over these three years, I have learned an important lesson - Missions are messy! This not only applies to a school in a third world country like the Dominican Republic, but also in our schools in South Wisconsin. Our Lutheran schools, wherever they are located, have one mission and purpose in mind, share the Gospel to advance the Kingdom!  As simple as this sounds, it can become complicated when sinners (like me, you and certainly politicians) involve ourselves in the Divine plan. Yet, we heed Christ's words, "Stand firm!"

In three years, we will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.  Martin Luther stood firm 500 years ago to form the Christian belief of Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide and Sola Gratia. Messy? You bet! Without trial, tribulation and persecution? Of course! But, God's promises were true then, as they are today... "you will win life!"  As I walk through the classrooms of those I have little in common with, I see the one thing that brings us all together... God's kingdom being expanded by the spreading of the Gospel. And believe me, the people of the Dominican Republic do much greater things for me than what I do for them.  

So what can we do to stand firm? Pray and pray often for our elected officials to seek our Savior's guidance as they make policy affecting our schools and families. Pray for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (even those you have not met and serving abroad) as they lead in their ministries that they may lead appropriately to His will. And lastly pray for the sharing of the Gospel to those who do not know our Lord's promises - and don't be afraid to heed His Call to serve!

Serving Together,