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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESKUnique in everysense of the wordUnique is a word that is often overused and misused. Unique does notmean very unusual. For something tobe unique, it’s not enough for it to bevery rare. No, something that is uniqueis literally one of a kind.As Assignment Day at Martin LutherCollege (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., andWisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS),Mequon, Wis., approaches, I wonderhow often we stop to think about andgive thanks for a truly unique blessingthat we in the Wisconsin Synod enjoy.And when I say unique, I mean uniquein the true sense of the word: not justsomething special or unusual or rare,but something that is truly one of a kind. ere is simplyno other churchbody in the worldthat is blessedwith a system fortraining pastorsand teachersexactly like ours.8May 2016There is simply no other church bodyin the world that is blessed with a system for training pastors and teachersexactly like ours. In that system, nearlyevery person who will serve in the public ministry in our synod is trained atthe same college. Most of the studentsat that college come from a system oftwo prep schools and nearly two dozenarea Lutheran high schools. In thisunique system nearly every pastor whowill serve as a spiritual shepherd in ourcongregations is trained at the sameseminary. In the eight years of highschool and college that it takes to betrained as a teacher or staff minister,nearly every student has been taught byteachers and professors who all sharethe same faith and the same commitment to the Scriptures. The same canbe said for those who spend 12 yearspreparing to be a pastor. In those yearsof education, students live in dormitories with fellow students who not onlyshare the same faith but who also arethinking and praying about whetherGod might use them some day in thepublic ministry. Shared faith, sharedgoals, and a shared purpose make forsomething truly unique.Then think of what happens on Assignment Day. At MLC, young menand women who have the talents andskills to succeed in every kind of careerinstead have dedicated their lives toserving as Lutheran teachers or staffministers. At Wisconsin LutheranSeminary, young men who could havetrained in nearly any field say witha sense of their own unworthiness,“Here am I, Lord, send me!” God hasused this unique system not only totrain young men and women in theskills they will need in their ministrybut also to shape hearts, to strengthenfaith, and to cause these students tomarvel at the message they will proclaim.And they are led to trust the Lord whois calling them. There they stand onAssignment Day, not having appliedfor a job, not having submitted a résumé to a prospective employer, nothaving interviewed for a position.Imagine this: They stand there on thatday not knowing where they will serve,but they are ready to go anywhere theyare sent. Think of the trust that takesin the heart of a young graduate. Theytrust their Lord because they knowthat the call they will receive will befrom him. They know that no matterwhere they will go or who they willserve, the same Savior who is callingthem will be with them and will blesstheir work in his name.Sometimes we take blessings forgranted. Our system for trainingcalled workers and the called workers produced by that system areblessings that should never be takenfor granted. These blessings are fromGod, and they are truly unique.

QUESTION & ANSWERLight for our pathAs Christians, should we steer clear of “halal” meat, consideringthat part of the preparation of this meat includes invoking Allah?James F. Pope“Halal” is an Arabic word meaning “permissible.” Halal meat comes from animalsthat have been slaughtered in keepingwith Islamic laws of the Qur’an. Includedin the slaughtering process is a ritual withprayer to Allah or at least the mention ofhis name. As the Bible addressed a situation like this in the past, your question illustrates the truth of wise King Solomon’swords: “There is nothing new under thesun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).A BIBLICAL PARALLELThe scene is Corinth, Greece. The date isA.D. 50. Two Christians are standing in themarketplace eyeing meat that is availablefor sale. The grade is good and the price isright, but there’s one potential catch: Themeat was involved in idolatrous worshippractices. One Christian says, “I could neverbuy or eat that meat considering it is associated with pagan practices. That would bewrong.” The other Christian responds, “Asfar as I’m concerned, there’s nothing unacceptable about that meat.” Two Christianswith differing opinions about somethingthe Bible neither commands nor forbids.When I mentioned your question to acouple of friends, I received reactionssimilar to those two Christians in Corinth: “I could never buy or eat meat fromanimals that had been slaughteredas Allah’s name was being invoked.” “I don’t have any problem withbuying or eating that meat.”Who was right in Corinth? Who is righttoday?IDENTICAL BIBLICAL PRINCIPLESThe apostle Paul addressed the situationin Corinth by reminding those Christiansthat there is only one God—the God of theBible, the triune God: “We know that ‘Anidol is nothing at all in the world’ and that‘There is no God but one’ ” (1 Corinthians8:4). The food that had been sacrificed toILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCKidols was perfectly fine because, as theapostle pointed out, idols do not exist.“But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomedto idols that when they eat sacrificial foodthey think of it as having been sacrificed toa god, and since their conscience is weak, itis defiled” (1 Corinthians 8:7). If CorinthianChristians believed it was wrong for themto eat meat that had been associated withidolatrous worship practices, then it waswrong for them. Paul reminded the Christians in Rome of the same truth: “But if anyone regards something as unclean, then forthat person it is unclean” (Romans 14:14).On the other hand, a Christian in Corinthwho recognized the freedom to buy and eatmeat associated with idolatrous worshippractices could have consumed that product without sinning. At the same time, thatChristian would have wanted to exercisethat freedom with a loving eye toward fellow Christians whose consciences wereguiding them in a different direction. Thisis where the apostle’s instruction came intoplay: “Be careful, however, that the exerciseof your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).So what about halal meat? Slaughteringanimals in the name of a nonexistent Islamic god does not spiritually contaminate the meat. Buying or eating suchmeat is a matter of conscience. And, aswas the case in Corinth, Christians willrefrain from condemning those whohave a different opinion.Contributing editor James Pope, professorat Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota, is a member at St. John, New Ulm.James Pope also answers questions online atwels.net/questions. Submit your questionsthere or to fic@wels.net.May 20169

A letter to a mentorhelps us understandthe importance ofChristian encouragement and example.Dawn E. SchulzDear Christian Mentor,I’m not exactly sure where to start. I have somuch to say. The other day I came across theBible you had given me, and a flood of memories has been swirling around my head eversince. I just can’t let another day go by without saying “Thank you!” God has used you inso many ways to shape the Christian womanI am today. Words can never express howgrateful I am to him for the gift of you.I’m not sure if you remember this, but there wasone day I left a note in your office saying “I amDONE!” Done with trying. Done with giving.Done with loving. Done with it all. I was hurt,frustrated, and felt very misunderstood. I shouldhave known then how special you are to put upwith my drama.Do you remember what you did?You found me in the halls of my dorm and gaveme your One Year NIV Bible. You said I didn’tneed to quit. I needed to change my perspective.“Start with Romans 5:3,4,” you said. “‘We gloryin our sufferings because we know that sufferingproduces perseverance; perseverance, character;and character, hope. And hope does not put us to10May 2016shame, because God’s love has been poured outinto our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who hasbeen given to us.’”And that was it. My bumper boat of emotionswas placed right back in the middle of the pathwith God’s Word to light the way.That’s just what you do. In difficulty and trial.In joy and celebration. In work and relaxingtimes. Whether intentional or unaware, youhave always lovingly guided me back to Jesusthrough God’s Word. Scripture has embeddeditself in your heart, convinced you of who youare in Christ, and motivated your every action. And you have never missed an opportunity to share that biblical identity with me inthe hopes that mine would be the same.You aren’t just one person. You are the manypeople God has used in my life. My mom,grandma, aunt, and sister. My teacher, my friend,my coworker, and even the lady I hardly know atchurch. Some of our relationships have lasted alifetime, while others have been a brief season.Each of you has different backgrounds, talents,challenges, and strengths. But there is one thingall of you have in common. You have shown mePHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

an example of what it is to be a Christian womanbecause you have followed the example of Christ(cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1).Your mentoring hasn’t always been as direct ashanding me a Bible and telling me to read. Oftena subtle glance or tap on the shoulder was all ittook to remind me I was heading toward thecliff of slander or disrespect. You rarely told mewhat to do but rather helped to reveal puremotives or selfish intent through questions ofgenuine interest in my life. When you sharedfrustrations or disappointments from your ownlife you always ended with thanksgiving to Godfor his salvation, guidance, and answer to prayer.You never spoke as if you had all the answers.You didn’t need to. God had them. And thatwas what mattered.Even more than words, I observed your practices. If “actions speak louder than words,” yourlife has been a megaphone. I’ve watched youmake wise use of your time for the benefit offamily, friends, and God’s kingdom of believers.Often that meant sacrifices of sleep, resources,and personal comfort. But that didn’t matter. Youdid it as if serving the Lord. I’ve witnessed youmake tough decisions despite ridicule becausethey were in line with God’s standards. I’ve observed you navigate the work world as a professional who never forgets she is God’s child first.You’ve demonstrated limitless generosity thatfreely gives—even through hurt and rejection.You have shown me that sometimes a harshword needs to be said, but there will always beforgiveness and reconciliation. ALWAYS. Yourheart has been changed by the grace of JesusChrist, and you live it every day. Everything youdo is a way to honor him and say thank you.You also knew the best way for me to learnwould be to invite me into your life insteadof watch as an outsider.The thing is, I’m pretty sure you didn’t evenknow you were doing this. You’re probably horrified I’m making all this fuss. But Jesus said itwould be like that on the Last Day, right? “ ‘Lord,when did we see you . . .?’ The King will reply,‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of theleast of these brothers and sisters of mine, youdid for me’ ” (Matthew 25:37-40).I’m taking the time to finally say thankyou because I realize with great appreciationwhat a blessing a Christian mentor is. In mynaïveté, I assumed everyone had you in theirlife. I thought every woman had a mentor toPHOTOS: XXXnurture, encourage, and equip her accordingto God’s Word. But that’s not the case. I lookaround and see the selfish and inconsistenticons of our culture luring the unaware downconfusing and destructive paths. The worldtoday tells women their value and identitycomes from what they do instead of who theyare because of Jesus. The cheap alternativesof title, achievement, and appearance are promoted by society instead of the qualities ofbiblical womanhood like diligence, wisdom,generosity, and dignity found in Proverbs 31.I often talk with women caught in the middleof these conflicting standards. They want theanswers to life’s questions about relationships,parenting, career choices, and womanhood.They are frustrated, confused, and about readyto be DONE!And that’s when I think of you and smile. I tellthem they don’t need to quit. They just needto change their perspective. And then we openthe Bible to see the guidance God’s Word hasto give.You’ve showed me that’s what a mentor does.She lovingly shares her faith and life throughrelationships in order to build up believers andshow Christ to unbelievers. Thank you for giving me a picture of what that looks like. Andthank you for the encouragement to let meknow I can do the same.May God continue to bless the lives of thosearound you as you have blessed mine.Love,DawnDawn Schulz is a member at Cross of Life,Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.WELS Women’s Ministry is sponsoring a conference on mentoring July21–23 at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis. The conferencewill feature biblical presentations onChristian mentoring, practical toolsand resources, and opportunities fornetworking and brainstorming. Formore information or to register, visitwels.net/wmconference. Learn moreabout WELS Women’s Ministry in theMay edition of WELS Connection.May 201611

So many issues can divide us, butthe Word of truth unites us as wearm ourselves with God’s armor.James R. HuebnerThe apostle Paul was unafraid to broach touchy subjectsand to press the hot buttons of his day. Those buttons arestill hot in our world, in our American culture, and in oursynod. These subjects bring to light differences of opinionsor differences in the way we approach issues, problems, andconcerns. They can divide us. But they are also opportunities for us to demonstrate our common commitment toGod’s truth. In other words, every generation needs to recapture the truths and principles of Holy Scripture for itselfin order to be one in service to God and to each other.THREATS TO UNITYPaul addresses a very real threat to the spiritual unity in theEphesian congregation, namely, Satan’s tool of sexual impurity. If you are unaware of the assault on biblical morals and12May 2016values created by the efforts of the LGBT crowd to shifthomosexuality from a moral issue to a political issue in theminds of Americans, you better pinch yourself to see ifyou’re still breathing. Has the availability of pornographythrough the Internet become a plague on our society andalso affected our church members and called workers? Yes.But people who fall prey to homosexual or heterosexual sinare not the enemy. They are victims of the enemy. Theyneed to hear what God has to say about their sin and theirSavior in an honest, compassionate, and winsome way. Wehelp heal them and draw them to Christ and then their fellow believers as we speak the Word of truth in love. We dothe same things in our discussions on the biblical principlesof God-pleasing gender interaction and application of thoseprinciples.When the apostle addressed the issue of parent-child relationships and as we observe the breakup of the family inour society, we value all the more the precious privilege ofenhancing through Lutheran schools what children learnabout Jesus in God-fearing homes. But how can we alsoPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

make every effort to shift the purpose for a congregation’searly childhood center, preschool, and Lutheran elementary school from primarily “taking care of our own” to“reaching out to the lost”? How do we work together asone in Christ? We do that by speaking the truth in love.is ready to move forward and carry out his duty. The goodnews of peace with God through Jesus keeps us balancedand able to dodge temptations but also keeps us light on ourfeet, ready to take the first step in kindness for the needy, incomfort for the hurting, and in forgiveness for the guilty.“Take up the shield of faith” (6:16). The Roman shieldHow can we learn to care more about others than ourisn’t just to display the emblem of the soldier’s legion. Heselves so that not only employers and employees interactcan maneuver it for protection. Your trust in Jesus doesin God-pleasing ways but we also ask everyone we know,the same. Your faith shields you when the flaming arrows“How are you doing today?” and mean it? We do that byof temptation come sizzling in.speaking the truth in love.“Take the helmet of salvation”In these areas, we may long for(6:17). Any head injury knocksperfect unity and oneness, butWe can demonstrateyou out of the fight. You mustthat will not happen on this sideoneness in service tokeep your wits about you. Whatof heaven. Yet, we can demonbetter way to do that than to havestrate oneness in service to GodGod and one anotherthe assurance of God’s promise ofand one another in our approach,salvation! We wrap our thoughtsin our attitude, and in the way wein our approach, in ourin his love so that we can makeinteract with one another, submitattitude, and in the way we wise decisions when challengedting “to one another out of reverby a fork in the road or the enemyence for Christ” (5:21). So we putinteractwithoneanother.beforeus.ourselves in a position to catch theblessings God wants to pour out toTake “the sword of the Spirit,us, and we are “completely humblewhich is the word of God” (6:17).and gentle . . . patient, bearing with one another in love”Every Roman soldier needs an offensive weapon from the(4:2). We do that by speaking the truth in love and waitarmory. It’s the sword. The Word of God is yours. And iting for the Lord’s blessings on our efforts.works. Use it. You can slice and dice the devil and sendhim running. Wield the Word of God.STAND FIRM. WEAR GOD’S ARMOR.But God is not done. He has one more weapon in the arCan you see Paul, sitting at his writing desk, quill in hand, mory for you to use so that we can be one in Christ. “Praywriting this letter? Out of the corner of his eye he sees the in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers andRoman soldier assigned to guard him that day, all fittedrequests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep onout and geared up for

Imagine That! Devotions for Teens by Teens These 60 devotions will help teens learn from their peers about God and what he has done for them. Your teens will find great spiritual insight as they read about the power of God's Word in the lives of othe