The members of that church invited the congregations of Circuit seven of Iowa and Minnesota to a Rural Outreach Meeting in late August. Perhaps they did not expect to have over forty attend the meeting, and those who came did not expect the enthusiasm of the parish Outreach team.

The Rev. Bradley Kerkow gave a presentation from the ELS Board for Evangelism. He stated that the purpose for outreach was not just to gain members, but to proclaim to the lost that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Jesus commanded that His followers proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all people. He promised that the Holy Spirit would use His Word to give faith to people according to His will.

In the afternoon, the lay people told about the various methods they have used to tell others about Jesus: distributing door-knob fliers, printing pamphlets, visiting nursing homes, phone surveys, etc. It takes love for Jesus and the lost, planning, coordination, giving of time and energy, and faith to do this work. God said that His word will not return empty, but will accomplish His purposes.

In some areas of the synod we notice dwindling membership. However, each congregation remains a small island of light in a darkened world as it proclaims the truth about Jesus and His salvation. What a tragedy it would be if the Gospel light would be snuffed out in a community because the church had to close! How much better it would be if the members are active in "proclaiming the praises of Him who called [them] out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

God keeps His children in this world for a time so that they can be lights set on a hill, salt to preserve souls, and tellers of the Good News. Who else will tell people the truth about God if we don't? People need to hear that sin leads to eternal punishment, but that God sent Jesus to keep the law and pay the ransom for the sins of the whole world by His death. They need to know that Jesus rose from the tomb to proclaim His victory over sin, death, and the devil. They need to hear that people are declared not guilty of sin through faith in Jesus alone.

With loving eyes, Jesus saw the great need for souls to know about His salvation. Where people saw strangers and foreigners, Jesus saw lost souls. He urged His disciples, "Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!" (John 4:35). Where others turned their backs on sinners, Jesus had compassion for them, saying, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matt. 9:38). Where some cursed their enemies, Jesus asked God to forgive them for nailing Him to the cross (Luke 23:34).

When we speak the Gospel, the Holy Spirit uses our words to create faith in people's hearts and God will give the increase of souls won for Jesus. We thank God that He uses His children to proclaim the message of salvation.