lutherans engage the world | january-february 2016

Lutherans ENGAGE the WORLD

January ndash February 2016 Vol 4 Issue 3

888-THE LCMS (843-5267)lcmsorg

January ndash February 2016 vol 4 no 3


7 An Out-of-the-Box Missionary

12 Puya The Story of a Middle Eastern Refugee in Germany

15 Bread for Body and Soul 16 Convivencia Multiethnic Ministry in Arkansas

inspire

12

7

Engaging the Church in the work of witness and mercy across the globe in our life together

LUTHERANS ENGAGE THE WORLD is published bi-monthly by The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod

copy 2016 The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod Reproduction for parish use does not require permission Such reproductions however should credit LUTHERANS ENGAGE THE WORLD as a source Print editions are sent to LCMS donors rostered workers and missionaries An online version is available (lcmsorglutheransengage) To receive the print edition we invite you to make a financial gift for LCMS global witness and mercy work Unless otherwise noted all photos are property of the LCMS

Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations are from the ESVreg Bible (The Holy Bible English Standard Versionreg) copyright copy 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers Used by permission All rights reserved

LIFE TOGETHER mdash AT HOME WITH GODrsquoS GIFTS

The stories gathered in this issue of Lutherans Engage the World are focused on mission work and they are remarkable Like an intricate weaving rich with colors and textures each one is a unique account of lives changed by the Gospel now and eternally Yet there is a common thread running through the entire issue At Cristo Para Todos in Arkansas they call it ldquoconvivenciardquo In Peru the Rev Joshua Gale speaks about it as people being ldquoat home where Godrsquos gifts are givenrdquo I witnessed it in Philadelphia where the Rev Adam DeGroot walks the streets visiting parishioners in their homes sharing their food listening to their joys and sorrows and serving them with Godrsquos gifts In Berlin and Leipzig itrsquos evident in the parishes of our German partner church where God is sending hundreds of former Muslims With joy and determination mdash and often with threat of persecution mdash these newborn children of God eagerly gather around His gifts and care for each other in body and soul The same golden thread runs through the church in Peru where a trained chef helps the church feed hungry children and in an African boarding-school facility where Matins and Vespers begin and end each day The thread Itrsquos a unique three-ply fiber mdash Witness Mercy Life Together mdash and it glistens with Godrsquos good gifts ldquoin Christ for the Church and the worldrdquo God continues to creatively weave the golden thread of His Gospel across the globe and as He does He weaves in your financial support and prayers with those of so many others to further His kingdom It is truly a thing of beauty a work of rare art Thank you for your part in it May God continue to bless you and grant you a rich life together filled with His good gifts In ChristPamela J NielsenAssociate Executive Director LCMS Communications

engage

inform 2 Rejoice

3 10 Questions

10 Mission Field USA

19 Grants Support Gospel Proclamation at 45 Urban Lutheran Schools

4

involve 4 Christrsquos Care for Childrenrsquos Bodies

and Souls in Kenya

21 Checking the Oil

S TA F FDavid L Strand executive director communicationsPamela J Nielsen executive editorErica Schwan director design services Megan K Mertz managing editorstaff writerErik M Lunsford manager photojournalismLisa Moeller designerAnnie Monette designerChrissy Thomas designer

E D I T O R I A L O F F I C E314-996-1215 1333 S Kirkwood Road St Louis MO 63122-7295lutheransengagelcmsorglcmsorglutheransengage

Cover image The Rev Adam DeGroot new national missionary and pastor of Shepherd of the City Lutheran Church in Philadelphia waits for students to engage him at Temple UniversityPHOTO LCMS COMMUNICATIONSERIK M LUNSFORD

PHOT

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Rejoice Your Name Is Written in Heaven

ldquoBehold I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall hurt you Nevertheless do not rejoice in this that the spirits are subject to you but rejoice that your names are written in heavenrdquo (Luke 1019ndash20)

liferdquo (At Home in the House of My Fathers Pages 718ndash719)During our limited time on this earth what could be better

than that Together as the Body of Christ we engage the world in His Word and work The living and active Gospel makes wonderful things happen The Spirit alone turns unbelief into saving faith Human lives are changed mdash now and for eternity Divine mercy and forgiveness are freely distributed Godrsquos truth sets people free from sin and death Heaven and its unending treasures are opened up intended for all to share

The rejoicing that emerges from these blessings is a symptom of the abiding presence of the Lord Jesus among us in Word and Sacraments It represents a cheerful encouragement that drives away our fears and anxieties even when we become distracted or dejected by an utterly fallen world that is openly hostile to Christ and His Gospel

Rejoice dear reader as you encounter much witness and labor under the Lordrsquos will mdash your work your prayers and contributions as well as those of your fellow redeemed mdash in the following pages Here are just a few examples of the countless individuals who are experiencing the joy of knowing Jesus

T HE SON OF GOD GAVE THESE GLORIOUS AFFIRMATIONS TO 72 SOULS WHO WERE RETURNING AFTER HAVING BEEN SENT OUT ldquoAS LAMBS IN THE MIDST OF WOLVESrdquo

(Luke 103) They had been called to proclaim peace heal the sick and declare that Godrsquos kingdom had come near in the Word of God made flesh What marvelous assurance for these faithful witnesses of Christ mdash a confident trust shared by all Christian missionaries and their fellow baptized who so generously provide crucial prayer and enabling resources mdash that such witnesses are continually sent into the harvest field even today

Reflecting on the experience of the 72 in an 1898 address to the Synodrsquos Minnesota and Dakota District mdash and ably projecting the biblical narrative into the ldquonowrdquo mdash Friedrich Pfotenhauer observed

The joy [Luke 1020] will give us the right mind and the right inspiration for our mission work the right tenacity of purpose and energy For our person then we have obtained the good portion We cannot be richer and happier and better situated on the earth than we already are Happily and willingly we will work where our dear God has put us for wherever we go we take heaven and the joy of eternal treasures with usPfotenhauer who would later serve as the Synodrsquos president

(1911ndash35) continued ldquoA true missionary however is not merely joyous in his work because his name is written in heaven but also because through his ministry his fellowmen shall be won for eternal

In ChristRev Kevin D RobsonChief Mission Officer The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod

2 lcmsorgLUTHERANSengage JanuaryndashFebruary 2016 lcmsorggivenowglobalmission

nform

PHOT

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WITH THE REV DR ALLAN BUCKMAN10 Q

uestions

1 How did CFNA beginIt started in a modest way with a

computer class in the basement of Messiah Lutheran Church led by my wife Carol and a friend of hers Karen Vaughn Itrsquos grown to where we are engaged in 10 to 12 ministry initiatives

2 How is this work doneWe have a very simple model draw

bridge home We draw the refugees into the CFNA network through our ministries Then we intensify those links and move them along to nearby LCMS congregations

3 How many people do you work with at any given time

We have a goal of linking with 200 new refugees each year Wersquove been coming pretty close or even exceeding that Last year about 60 found their way into churches

4 How do you connect with refugeesWe have three ldquoquick linkrdquo ministries [to

connect] with refugees within a week or two of their arrival monthly health and wellness screenings delivery of home furnishings and welcome packages These are ways we can link quickly with new Americans and offer them our other ministries

5 Which programs are most successfulThe highest volume is the after-school

tutoring program on Tuesday and Thursday evenings We get between 30 and 50 kids Another one is the scholarship-assistance

program Every year we give scholarships to 25 to 30 refugee kids to attend LCMS schools

6 What are the refugees likeThe largest stream recently has been

from Nepal There were seven or eight large refugee camps over there with maybe 20000 to 30000 each St Louis is one of the primary destinations in the Midwest although certainly itrsquos not the only one These people have been uprooted from their country of origin and shifted from one two or maybe even three countries before they get here When they come here they need everything One of the things they need most is a friend

7 What are the opportunities to witnessThese people have been moved from

one place to another They get here and wonder ldquoWho am I anymorerdquo Itrsquos precisely at that point that they are open to other possibilities What greater chance do you have than to say ldquoHow about an identity in Christrdquo In our model the ldquohomerdquo part is the congregation This is where CFNA is different We have a destination for these people and itrsquos the church Wersquore very open about that

8 Whatrsquos most rewardingIn the last three to four years there

have been about 150 Baptisms andor confirmations Many of those are Nepali who have stepped out of Buddhism or Hinduism to become members of the LCMS

Some were Christians or closet Christians in Nepal where you have freedom of religion on the books but every social norm and every aspect of government bureaucracy militates against it When they come here those constraints are gone If they feel welcome they will probably take the step as wersquove seen This speaks to the power of the Spirit

9 Could you tell me about the recent grant you received from the LCMS

Yes it was for a little under $12000 to help fund facilitators We have three one for West Africa one for East Africa and one for Nepal These facilitators are key because they are the ones who can reach into these ethnic communities This is the cutting edge of world missions today full stop There are people from countries where Synod could never have sent mission teams Now they are right at the doorstep of the church

10 What advice do you have for a congregation that wants to reach out to refugees

Start something really easy like an English-as-a-Second-Language class The Missouri Synod has a large teacher base so thatrsquos something that certainly would suggest itself If you want to take another step get a couple of congregations together to sponsor a dinner event for new Americans Have a registration table to get contact info and ask about their greatest needs Inventory that and see which of those you can start with To really make this work yoursquove got to have the district involved and the [Synodrsquos Office of National Mission] But all the pieces of the puzzle are there They just need to be fitted together

Megan K Mertz is managing editor of Lutherans Engage the World and a staff writer for LCMS Communications

Learn more cfna-stlorg

by Megan K Mertz

Eleven years ago the Rev Dr Allan Buckman got involved with Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) an LCMS Recognized Service Organization that seeks to serve and connect incoming refugees in the St Louis area with local Lutheran churches To his position as CFNA chairman Buckman brings many years of experience working in international missions including 12 years as an LCMS missionary to Nigeria Here he discusses CFNA and how to start this type of ministry in other places

PHOT

O IS

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3JanuaryndashFebruary 2016 lcmsorgLUTHERANSengagelcmsorggivenowglobalmission

nform

Young ladies listen to a lecture at the Tumaini girlsrsquo boarding-school facility in Kisumu Kenya

lcmsorgLUTHERANSengage JanuaryndashFebruary 20164 lcmsorggivenowglobalmission

These are the boys of the Othoro boarding-school facility one of four primary school boarding facilities in Kenya operated with assistance from The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod Now the Synodrsquos new initiative ldquoChristrsquos Care for Children Kenyardquo provides the opportunity to sponsor children like the boys from the Othoro school

ldquoThe project has as its primary focus the clear proclamation of the Gospel into the ears of our children such that they can become the ambassadors of the Gospel to their families clans and communitiesrdquo said the Rev Shauen Trump LCMS area director for Eastern and Southern Africa

The boarding-school sites were built as part of Project 24 a partnership between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK) the LCMS Office of International Mission and various LCMS individuals and organizations The schools provide a Christ-centered loving caring and safe environment for vulnerable children who might otherwise not be able to attend school or who might be at risk for dropping out of school Children also receive free tuition medical care and meals

Each day children are immersed in Scripture through catechism study Matins and Vespers

It ldquosteeps young people in the faith while providing a home away from home where they can access primary school education that would otherwise be out of reachrdquo Trump said

John Kissinger Nyangrsquoau an energetic and sharp man with a fiercely warm smile serves as the projectrsquos director Hersquos the proverbial ldquoright man for the jobrdquo On a recent car ride to the Othoro site about an hour from Lake Victoria he talked leadership management accountability transparency collaboration and teamwork Kissinger said the projectrsquos ultimate goals are to ldquobring children to Christ promote healthy care and nurture talentsrdquo and to do these things in ways that are accountable to the donors of the project

Off a muddy road within the city of Kisumu and through a soccer field stands the Tumaini girlsrsquo boarding-school facility Young ladies cook chunked moist cornmeal ugali mdash a Kenyan staple notoriously good at defeating hunger mdash in a large pot over a crackling wood fire Others launder clothes in buckets twirl their mosquito nets back into knots above their bunk beds and laugh together over a game of jump rope They

Under the shadow of a chiseled cross built in a chUrch on a quiet compound near Kisumu Kenya boys in matching navy-blUe tracKsUits stand in line bow their heads clasp their hands and sing their liturgical-soUnding voices defying their lanky bodies

Kenya

by Erik M Lunsford

PHOT

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In addition to receiving nourishment and an education children living at these boarding-school facilities are immersed in Scripture every day


nvolve

memorize Scripture verses and join in singing activities There is a sense of familial camaraderie among the girls whether eating together or studying Lutherrsquos Small Catechism under the tutelage of a pastor from a neighboring ELCK parish

The thought of boarding schools may conjure vivid thoughts of far-off facilities where children leave home and return only after graduation Yet this unique project sends students home to their families or clans during school holidays and organizes friendly ldquoCatechism Clubrdquo competitions between sites The students bring home what they have learned and many share it with their families or communities

ldquoIn designing the Christrsquos Care for Children project we modeled their daily

life at the school boarding facility on that of a seminary campus with

constant immersion in the Word strong confessional

Lutheran mentors and

a daily schedule built around the rites of Matins and Vespersrdquo Trump said

Back at the Othoro site the boys meander home past the resident cow munching grass on the soccer field Two boys walk together with their arms over each otherrsquos shoulders a sign of friendship By noon they had been nourished in both body and soul

ldquoWe want to ensurerdquo Trump said ldquothat Godrsquos littlest ones grow up with full bellies a dry roof over their head every chance at academic success and most importantly Godrsquos grace-filled Word resounding in their earsrdquo

Erik M Lunsford is manager of Photojournalism for LCMS Communications

Learn more View the photo gallery

lcmsorgphotochrists-care-kenya

Sponsor a child Visit lcmsorggivenowchrists-care-for-children-kenya or contact LCMS Mission Advancement at 888-930-4438 or by emailing missionadvancementlcmsorg

Young men walk into their dormitory at the Othoro boarding-school facility near Kisumu Kenya


AN

Out-of-the-Box MISSIONARY by Pamela J Nielsen

Off the train the Rev Adam DeGroot national missionary to Philadelphia grabs a hearty brisket and provolone sandwich and wanders out into the bustling center of the nationrsquos sixth-largest metro area He declares ldquoI love this cityrdquo

PHOT

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nspire

The young pastor from South Dakota hops a bus to Temple University one of eight universities nestled among

the historic buildings and towering office structures On the campus he hunts for the perfect bench Settling in he pulls a flattened stained and well-worn cardboard box from his backpack Its four sides display the words ldquoReligion is for the weakrdquo As an evangelism technique itrsquos rather out-of-the-box He opens his Pastoral Care Companion sips coffee and waits Itrsquos the perfect lure for this fisher of men Soon schools of students stream past with sideways glances and double takes as they spot the box and step around it A student stops to ask about the box An hour later about a dozen have come and gone The first student is still there talking to the missionary DeGrootrsquos warm smile and genuine interest in the students put them at ease They eagerly challenge him and he asks them to defend their beliefs The exchanges are lively and honest And then the sidewalk is suddenly empty Itrsquos time to head home

The missionary will be back another day with his box and the Gospel

Philadelphiarsquos Sole LCMS PastorUrban ministry in Philadelphia began about 15 years ago when area Lutherans and suburban congregations formed Philadelphia Lutheran Ministries (PLM) to ldquoenliven the city through proclamation of liberty in Christrdquo At the time not a single LCMS parish existed within the city limits Today DeGroot is the sole full-time LCMS pastor serving the city of Philadelphia The magnitude of his call weighs heavily on him Assisting DeGroot is the Rev Rob Kieslowsky part-time executive director of PLM whose parish is located just outside the city limits The two who together with their wives carry out the core work of PLM are optimistic about the opportunities in this urban mission field sober about its challenges and realistic about the sparse resources at their disposal What does the city need DeGroot confidently answers ldquoThe need is for

the Gospel and the pronunciation of the forgiveness of sinsrdquo At breakfast DeGroot plans his day and downs his coffee before packing the supplies hersquoll need He hopes to make two home visitations before heading downtown As he zips up his coat therersquos a knock at the door from a weary Iraqi woman Shersquos heard about the pastor and is desperate for his help in finding her son whorsquos been imprisoned in Baghdad for nine years DeGroot listens to her and tells her about a God who loves her and her son so much that He sent His Son to save them He speaks of Christ who knows her suffering because He suffered on the cross for her He comforts her with Godrsquos Word and offers a prayer for her and her son promising to help in whatever way he can When DeGroot has to leave his wife Melissa a trained deaconess collects more information about the womanrsquos missing son DeGroot walks briskly to the home of parishioners suffering from family strife The two women are delighted to see their pastor who comes to listen pray share

The Rev Adam DeGroot new national missionary and pastor of Shepherd of the City Lutheran Church talks with Kayla ldquoKekerdquo Hiemenz (left) and Mildred Williams during a home visitationSince the visit the Lord has called Williams to her eternal home


Godrsquos Word and sing a hymn of comfort With the sign of the cross he blesses them and heads to the bus stop to make his way downtown DeGroot and his family live in the parsonage of Shepherd of the City Lutheran Church on the cityrsquos northeast side The ethnically diverse neighborhood has seen better days it is rife with crime drug abuse prostitution and gang activity mdash all within walking distance The fledgling parish struggles to exist The church building badly in need of repair houses a slowly growing congregation that will likely never be able to financially support its pastor Yet inside her walls the Good News of Jesus Christ is preached and His Sacraments provide a weekly feast for souls impoverished by sin Bible class a meal and food distribution to the poor follow the Sunday service

Mission Field USAPhiladelphia is like so many urban centers across the country that have been long abandoned by the church But as

immigrants and professional workers have come to the city looking for a new life it has become a ripe mission field ready for the harvest The LCMS through the Office of National Missionrsquos (ONM) ldquoMission Field USArdquo initiative is actively partnering with districts congregations and Recognized Service Organizations to place missionaries like DeGroot ldquoWe are responding because there is a needrdquo says the Rev Bart Day ONM executive director ldquoDistricts want to remain engaged in ministry on the fringe in hard places where the reward is great but where the funding models are a challenge We believe that through partnerships that support the worker (salary and benefits) we can keep ministry happening in the most needful placesrdquo DeGroot joins a growing number of LCMS missionaries He is one of the first national missionaries whose salary and benefits are covered by a network of support from across the Synod ldquoWe are sending network-supported

missionaries just like we do internationally These missionaries will tell their stories visiting congregations and schools And as they do they will build a network of people who love them pray for them and financially support themrdquo Day says ldquoWe believe that the Synod will respond to domestic missionaries People see the tremendous opportunities we have in our own backyard for mission work The United States is the third-largest mission field in the worldrdquo

Deaconess Pamela J Nielsen is associate executive director for LCMS Communications


lcmsorgphotodegroot

Read more about DeGroot and other national and international missionaries lcmsorgmissionaries

Contact the Rev Steven Schave at StevenSchavelcmsorg to learn more about the ldquoMission Field USArdquo initiative

What does the city need DeGroot confidently answers ldquoThe need is

for the Gospel and the pronunciation of the forgiveness of sinsrdquo

The Rev Adam DeGroot comforts a woman in his familyrsquos parsonage in Philadelphia The woman was asking for information regarding her missing son

DeGroot talks to students at Temple University in Philadelphia


Percent

50 or more 20 to 49 10 to 19 05 to 09 Less than 05

ldquoLk I te y lift up yr eyes and s at e fields are white for harvestrdquo (John 435)

WHOrsquoS IN YOUR BACKYARD WHERE FOREIGN-BORN RESIDENTS LIVE

BELIEVE SCRIPTURE IS WORD OF GOD

BELIEVE IN GOD WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY

LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION

IS AFRICAN-AMERICAN2534 PEOPLE PER SQUARE MILE

SPREAD ACROSS 72 OF US LAND AREA

I N T E R N AT I O N A LSTUDENTS STUDIES IN

ndash MISSION IMMIGRANTS ndash

ndash MISSION CAMPUS ndash

ndash MISSION GENERAL POPULATION ndash

64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER

EUROPEAN amp CANADIAN

ORIGINS OF THE US IMMIGRANT POPULATION

258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN

8Statistical portrait of the foreign-born population in

the United States 1960ndash2013

SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136

50MILLENNIALS (COLLEGE AND YOUNG ADULTS)

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS

20300000 TOTAL UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS

974926

RAPID GROWTH IN NUMBER OF

2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M

Adults who are 366M 558Mreligiously unaffiliated

Religiously unaffiliated 210M 361Madults saying religion is not important in their lives

2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335

RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION

OF THE US 2010-2050

ADULTS WHOBELIEVE IN GOD

SAY RELIGIONIS NOTIMPORTANTIN THEIR LIVES

ADULTS THAT ARE RELIGIOUSLYUNAFFILIATED

MILLENNIALSUNAFFILIATEDRELIGIOUSLY

CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS

ISLAM GROWING FASTEST

Muslims are the only major religious

group projected to increase faster

than the worldrsquos population as a whole by 2050

ESTIMATED CHANGE IN POPULATION SIZE 2010-2050

lt 35 growth in overall global population

Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256

BLACK MINISTRY lcmsorgblackministry

HISPANIC MINISTRY lcmsorghispanicministry

RURAL amp SMALL TOWN MISSION lcmsorgrstm

URBAN amp INNER-CITY MISSION lcmsorgcitymission

WITNESS amp OUTREACH MINISTRY lcmsorgwitness-outreach

YOUTH MINISTRY lcmsorgyouth

CAMPUS MINISTRY lcmsorglcmsu

GOSPEL SEEDS lcmsorggospelseeds

RELIGIOUS ldquoNONESrdquo

THE HISPANIC

POPULATION REACHED A HIGH OF 554 MILLION IN 2014

Figures may not add to 100 due to rounding Figures may not add to 100 due to rounding

RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

JanuaryndashFebruary 2016 lcmsorgLUTHERANSengage 11lcmsorggivenowglobalmission

PUYA by Roger Drinnon

THE STORY OF A MIDDLE EASTERN REFUGEE IN GERMANY

As France and Mali have fallen victim to recent terror attacks launched by the Islamic State (also called ISIS) and Al Qaeda-linked groups these acts of terror further complicate an already difficult question regarding the churchrsquos role of mercy toward Middle Eastern refugees Many of these refugees also have suffered at the hands of Islamist extremists

Yet in the shadow of these events the bright light of the Gospel shines in the darkness as the LCMSrsquo partner church body in Germany the Selbstaumlndige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche (SELK) cares for the stranger in its midst Here is one story among many of how this ministry is making a difference

lcmsorgLUTHERANSengage JanuaryndashFebruary 201612

PUYA ldquoI had all these questions about Islam

that the Koran and the [local] imam could not answerrdquo Puya says ldquoI knew something was not rightrdquo

He says the more he learned about Christ the more things made sense to him The Gospel helped him cope with his parentsrsquo deaths and the anxiety stemming from that trauma

ldquoI saw the Bible as truth by learning about Jesusrsquo love and His death on the crossrdquo Puya says

However when he began to share what he was learning about Jesus with others Puya says one of his friends reported him to the local imam who instructed the orphanage to deny Puya any food Some people had falsely accused him of being paid by outsiders to evangelize When the imam and others observed Puya was no longer praying at the local mosque Puya says he was driven from the Iraqi orphanage due to death threats originating from the imam

So he fled for his life to German y

Today Puya is a refugee in Berlin where he attends Dreieinigkeits-Gemeinde (Trinity Lutheran Church) in Berlin-Steglitz a congregation of the SELK

The Rev Dr Gottfried Martens pastor of Dreieinigkeits-Gemeinde has been

receiving refugees and catechizing them for decades In the early 1990s following the fall of the Berlin Wall he ministered to East Germans who previously lived under atheist communist rule with no pastoral care while also caring for refugees coming to Germany from Russia

In 2011 he baptized his first former Muslim a refugee from Iran That same year Martens would go on to baptize a second Since then he has baptized hundreds of refugees the majority of whom come from Iran and some from Afghanistan Now as more than a million Middle Eastern asylum-seekers are flooding into Europe many are knocking on Martensrsquo door He said so many are coming to his church that he averages only four hours of sleep a night

In a Nov 15 service at the church Martens baptized 10 more refugees who had completed rigorous catechesis and an examination of their faith and who also demonstrated consistent church attendance As they renounced Satan in the baptismal rite each catechumen also openly renounced Islam

More than 300 fellow refugees attended the service With the pews and balcony so full extra chairs were brought out into the aisles to seat more while others stood in the stairwells Puya whom Martens had catechized and baptized sometime ago was one of the communion assistants during the service

As his eyes well up with tears a young man who goes by the name Puya recalls how mujahedeen militants in Afghanistan murdered his parents when he was a child forcing him to flee to Iraq where he was placed in an orphanage He says while in the orphanage he met someone who discreetly introduced him to Christianity

Far left refugees read through a translated copy of Lutherrsquos Small Catechism Center an Iranian Christian refugee talks with the Rev Markus Fischer pastor of St Trinitatisgemeinde a SELK congregation in Leipzig Germany during a Bible study for Iranian and other refugees Right the Rev Dr Gottfried Martens hugs a refugee following Bible study

Refugees gather for communion and blessings as the Rev Dr Gottfried Martens leads worship at the Dreieinigkeits-Gemeinde a SELK congregation in Berlin-Steglitz Germany Above inset Puya (left) is a convert to Christianity ldquoI saw the Bible as truth by learning about Jesusrsquo love and His death on the crossrdquo he says

13JanuaryndashFebruary 2016 lcmsorgLUTHERANSengage

PHOT

OS L

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nspire

In light of the already strained capacity and infrastructure of Germany to handle the influx of Middle Eastern refugees the LCMS is coming alongside its German partner church and her congregations as they bear mercy to the refugees literally knocking at their doors

At the recommendation of LCMS missionaries in Eurasia the Office of International Mission authorized a $100000 grant from donated mercy funds to support SELK congregations in providing food shelter transportation language instruction and the proclamation of the Gospel to people once considered impossible to

reach The Synod also has established a new fund mdash ldquoChristrsquos Care for the Persecuted and Displaced Mercy for Body and Soulrdquo mdash to help provide assistance to refugees

For good reason the Church continues to confess that ldquonothing will be impossible with Godrdquo (Luke 137)

Roger Drinnon is manager of Editorial Services for LCMS Communications

Learn more Read a related Reporter article blogslcms

org2015synod-walks-with-german-partner

View the photo gallery lcmsorgphotorefugee-care-germany

Make a gift lcmsorggivenowccpd

Far left Baptism candles bear the Christian names of Muslim converts Left translated Bibles lie on the table next to photographs of refugees helped by the Rev Thomas Seifert pastor of Paul-Gerhardt Gemeinde a SELK congregation in Braunschweig Germany Below the Rev Dr Gottfried Martens baptizes new Christians after they renounced Islam


Bread for Body amp Soul

A

mdash Jeancarlos Ramirez Zevallos

Ramirez brought the idea of adding a soup kitchen to the Rev Joshua Gale LCMS missionary and pastor of the Lima congregation and Deaconess Caitlin Worden LCMS missionary and director of Castillo Fuerte In March the new afternoon meal was served for the first time For a symbolic price of only 1 sol (about 30 cents) 25 to 30 kids now enjoy favorite Peruvian dishes before attending educational lessons and chapel services at Castillo Fuerte every weekday afternoon

As Ramirezrsquos involvement in the mercy house increased mdash transitioning from a volunteer to an employee mdash so did his involvement in the church located just one floor below the mercy house

Ramirez asked Gale numerous questions about the faith As Gale responded Ramirezrsquos interest in the Lutheran church grew until eventually he attended his first service at Castillo Fuertersquos church Right away Ramirez noticed a difference He no longer felt judged or like he needed to work for his salvation

ldquoI remember the first time that I attended a Divine Service here in La Victoriardquo Ramirez said ldquoIt had a big impact hellip it changed the way that I was thinking of the Divine Servicerdquo

t Castillo Fuerte a mercy house operated by LCMS missionaries

in Lima Peru dozens of kids are being fed through the addition of a soup kitchen while the kitchenrsquos chef also is being fed with the bread of life

In May 2014 Jeancarlos Ramirez Zevallos attended Coffee and Conversation an English outreach program organized by the Rev Mark Eisold LCMS career missionary to Peru There he learned about how Castillo Fuerte mdash which means ldquoMighty Fortressrdquo in Spanish mdash was providing mentoring tutoring Lutheran instruction and a Christian refuge for children of the impoverished La Victoria district of Lima

Ramirez began volunteering at Castillo Fuerte and he met with a representative of La Victoria to discuss the needs of the local children With many parents working in the local market all day for low wages he learned that many of the children went without lunch after school ended at 1 pm

He saw an opportunity to use his culinary skills mdash honed during four years of culinary school and eight years of working in restaurants mdash to help Castillo Fuerte increase its service to the community

by Daniel Fickenscher

In August he became the first confirmed member of the congregation

Thanks to the soup kitchen Gale said attendance has increased and more families have become connected to the church During a recent activity children even referred to Castillo Fuerte as their ldquosecond homerdquo

ldquoThe [soup kitchen] has allowed us to be involved with them and their families to where they feel at home here a place built around our altar and pulpit meaning they feel at home where Godrsquos gifts are givenrdquo Gale said

With two new Castillo Fuerte locations set to open in Lima in early 2016 even more children volunteers and staff will be able to find this sense of Christian community and refuge in the Lutheran church

Daniel Fickenscher is the Synodrsquos communications specialist for Latin America and the Caribbean

Learn more lcmsorgperu

ldquo It had a big impact hellip it changed the way that I was thinking of the Divine Servicerdquo

Jeancarlos Ramirez Zevallos


nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

OS J

EANC

ARLO

S RA

MIR

EZ Z

EVAL

LOS

AND

ERIK

M L

UNSF

ORD


nspire

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D

The men he discovered were new in town factory workers struggling to assimilate into Arkansas after leaving Puerto Rico

Orlando and Martin spent time in Bible study with the men and ldquothe very next day Orlando picked them all up and brought them to church where three found a homerdquo Martin explains ldquoEven as they wait to bring their own families here from Puerto Rico these three men have been embraced by our family of faith and incorporated into our ministryrdquo

Their need is not uncommonldquoMany Hispanic families are hurtingrdquo

Martin says ldquoSome in ways that are evident physical or relational needs Others in ways that are hidden so focused on the American dream that they donrsquot recognize their spiritual emptiness They need guidance they need

real community but above all they need the forgiveness and the freedom of the Gospelrdquo

Enter Salem Lutheran Church in Springdale Ark where Martin serves as associate pastor and leads the churchrsquos Hispanic congregation mdash Iglesia Luterana Cristo Para Todos or Christ for All Lutheran Church On any given Sunday at Salem visitors and members will observe two languages 10 nations and three Divine Services Yet itrsquos still one church That Martin says is true convivencia (life together)

ldquoIn most other settings and even in the church these differences often cause divisionrdquo he says ldquoWe have our challenges yet there is a genuine love and warmth in this congregation that flows from our faith in Jesus Christrdquo

Bridging BackgroundsStarted in 2002 Cristo Para Todos grew under the pastoral care of Brazilian church planter Rev Tardeli Voss Later the congregation ldquocame to Salem Lutheran Church hellip seeking primarily a space to worship and reach out to the communityrdquo Before long the two were ldquojoined together into one multiethnic churchrdquo Martin explains Since then ldquoour gracious God has developed a multiethnic Gospel partnership that bridges cultures backgrounds and languagesrdquo

ldquoWe are blessed with an ever-increasing population of Hispanics in the United Statesrdquo agrees the Rev Bart Day executive director of the LCMS Office of National Mission ldquoThe opportunities abound to connect these people to the Body of Christ Key in making these connections will be reaching outside our usual boundaries and outside our typical boxesrdquo

Godrsquos service to His people through His gifts of Word and Sacrament is the first line of defense in breaking down those barriers Three Divine Services are held each week at Salem one in Spanish at Cristo Para Todos and two in English

ldquoOur Spanish worship service is uniquely Lutheran and uniquely Hispanicrdquo Martin explains ldquoIt is a Christ-centered celebration of Word and Sacrament where broken people gather to be made whole in the Gospel There is both great reverence and deep emotionrdquo

One such emotion is joy observed weekly during the sharing of the peace

ldquoMost Anglo congregations shake a few hands with the people around them and quickly move onrdquo he notes But Cristo Para Todos members ldquotake the time to greet every person mdash often with a hug It takes a while but itrsquos our way of saying lsquoWelcome home You belong herersquordquo

A regularly held bilingual service for both congregations also helps members ldquorecognize and celebrate our common bond

by Adriane Heins


PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D

in Christrdquo Martin explains ldquoThere are always moments of humor tension and delight as we determine when to begin mdash American time or Latino time mdash and how to share the peace mdash do I hug those peoplerdquo

But as with any family those situations give way to discussion and growth ldquoWe are learning and growingrdquo he notices ldquoas a family of faithrdquo Convivencia

Blessings and ChallengesLike any LCMS congregation Cristo Para Todos still has its own unique set of challenges

ldquoHow do we continue to actively develop cross-cultural understanding and appreciation so that we can serve together and share facilities without divisionsrdquo Martin wonders ldquoHow do we incorporate into the church second-generation Hispanics who live between two worlds and languages often preferring English while identifying themselves as Latinordquo

Other challenges present more practical needs ldquoHow do we equip parents to be spiritual leaders in their homes when they cannot read or write the same language as their childrenrdquo he questions ldquoHow do we develop disciples among families in transition And how do we use our family connections throughout Latin America to share Godrsquos Word beyond our bordersrdquo

But fed by Christrsquos Word and Sacraments the members of Cristo Para Todos are strengthened not only to face those challenges but they also are emboldened for the work of caring for their own community with Christ-centered compassion

ldquoUsing the Spanish version of Gospel Seeds [a program of the LCMS that assists congregations in meeting their communityrsquos underserved needs] we train congregations intent on reaching out to Hispanics to walk alongside them in their physical mercy needs as Pastor Martinrsquos congregation is doing so wellrdquo explains the Rev Dr Carlos Hernandez director of both LCMS Hispanic Ministry and the Gospel Seeds program ldquoWhen we care for peoplersquos human physical needs like Jesus did in healing the sick and

feeding the hungry the Holy Spirit touches hearts and opens opportunities to share a verbal Gospel witnessrdquo

The congregation takes part in ldquoProject Compassion which serves the critical needs of our communityrdquo Martin says and also offers an English-as-a-Second-Language program and the use of its Family Life Center for youth sports and other activities ldquoOur English classes serve one of the greatest needs of our Hispanic neighbors while also providing a loving community that shares the Good News of Jesusrdquo

The cherry on top ldquoEvery fall we host the Festival of Nations a celebration of the cultures within our churchrdquo Martin explains Thanksgiving celebrations recently included ldquoa bilingual service and an international meal In addition to turkey and the works we also savored pupusas pozole and arroz con pollo hellip Lutheran potluck at its best

ldquoI am convincedrdquo he says ldquothat convivencia is much richer when Hispanics are involvedrdquo

God-Given OpportunitiesAs cultures languages and Lutherans continue to convene at Cristo Para Todos Martin sees continual opportunities for prayer ldquothat the Lord of the harvest hellip will raise up bilingual laborers in Northwest Arkansas and throughout the United Statesrdquo and that ldquoGod would open our eyes and hearts to the millions of immigrants and their children in our midstrdquo

And as for convivencia Martin gives thanks for it hellip and that ldquoGod has brought the nations here including millions from Latin America and given us the opportunity to show mercy give witness and enjoy life togetherrdquo

Adriane Heins is managing editor of The Lutheran Witness and editor of Catechetical Information for LCMS Communications

Learn more About LCMS Hispanic Ministry

lcmsorghispanicministry

View the photo gallery lcmsorgphotocristo-para-todos

Top church members and guests line up for a fellowship meal following a bilingual service at Salem Lutheran Church in Springdale Ark Center children learn Spanish Christmas songs at Salem Bottom the Rev Brandon Martin (right) Salemrsquos associate pastor greets members before a bilingual service


PHOT

O C

ONCO

RDIA

PUB

LISH

ING

HOUS

E

Grants Support Gospel Proclamation at 45 Urban Lutheran Schools by Megan K Mertz

The grants were made possible by children in 38 states who brought in their nickels dimes and dollars for ldquoBig City Mission Tools for Schoolrdquo mdash the mission project included in Concordia Publishing Housersquos 2015 ldquoCamp Discoveryrdquo vacation Bible school program

More than $92000 was received from 260 churches and groups and the LCMS added extra funding to bring the total up to $100000 The grants will support Gospel proclamation efforts at urban Lutheran schools by helping them provide tangible care to students through things like lunches school supplies playground equipment and tuition assistance

One of the schools to receive a grant was Christ the King Lutheran School in downtown Chicago which has 35 students in preschool through eighth grade

Geraldine Brazeal Christ the Kingrsquos principal said she was ldquoelatedrdquo to hear the news

ldquoWe have a lot of children in the school who come at 6 am and usually

stay until 6 pm but not all the parents qualify for child-care initiatives If they werenrsquot here with us they would be home alonerdquo she said ldquoRather than turn people away that need our after-school program we plan to use part of the funding to assist those families that would not be able to attendrdquo

She said the remainder of the grant will be used for the violin program which prepares future church musicians to attend better high schools and qualify for college scholarships

ldquoOur mission is to reach out to those who donrsquot know Jesus Christrdquo she continued noting how the school makes it a priority to accept unchurched students and then involves those families in worship at Christ the King Lutheran Church at least once a month

The school has a Baptism rate of about 25 percent Brazeal said because ldquothe Lord provides hellip and God works through all that the staff are doingrdquo

ldquoI cannot thank our donors enough for their overwhelming response in supporting urban missions through Big City Missionrdquo said the Rev Steven Schave director of UICM and LCMS Church Planting who was responsible for distributing the funding

ldquoLutheran education through our urban schools is one of the greatest ways for us to reach out to the families in our inner-city neighborhoods and to show we carerdquo Schave continued ldquoPeople in these communities are very interested to see how you care for their children and elderly residents and offering a good education speaks volumes And of course the ultimate goal is to bring these families into the life of the church and to teach the faith to the students An education is life-changing and when it is centered in the Gospel it is truly transformationalrdquo

Learn more lcmsorgcitymission

WITNESS|MOMENT

Forty-five LCMS schools in urban areas all over the country recently got some surprising news They were nominated by their district education executive to receive a grant of approximately $2200 from LCMS Urban amp Inner-City Mission (UICM)


nform

Straight from the PresidentThe latest news and highlights mdash delivered to your inbox

Visit lcmsorglifetogetherdigest to sign up

A new digital digest packed with features selected from Synod publications and multimedia outlets is available from the Office of the President Pastors church workers and laity will all find useful information to aid the whole church as we live and work together to proclaim the Gospel and bear Christrsquos mercy to one another in our congregations communities and the world

WORLDWIDE

The Leader in Christ-Centered Programming

lcmsorgprojectcatalog

Find a special national or international mission project YOU can champion

Have questions Contact LCMS Mission Advancement at 888-930-4438 or missionadvancementlcmsorg


We are beginning to overtly encourage Godrsquos people to consider giving an annual unrestricted

(undesignated) donation to the LCMS Irsquove been told that Irsquom off my rocker for even thinking about doing this So why do it

Itrsquos a stewardship issue Itrsquos not the most exciting one but it is immensely important to the mission of the church Yet we donrsquot quite know how to articulate just why this kind of donation is so vital Bear with me as I attempt to share some of what Irsquove been thinking Irsquod be interested to hear your thoughts as well

Routine MaintenanceA few years ago I took our car to one of those quick oil-change places As I was driving home I checked the rearview mirror and saw a trail of fluid on the road behind me The oil was draining out of the engine at an alarming rate I quickly turned around and headed back to the service shop where the mechanic found the culprit The ring seal on the new oil filter had slipped out of place He made the repair and an expensive disaster was averted

The engine in your car without enough oil flowing through it will eventually fail Without oil parts canrsquot move together as quickly or smoothly as designed They will get hot bind or break and the engine will seize up

The same is true with a congregation a parochial school and even our Synodrsquos national office

Follow the TrailWhen people express frustration about what the Synod is or isnrsquot doing we sometimes discover that the root of the frustration is found in a steady decades-long decline in unrestricted gifts which come mostly from the offering plate Like oil unrestricted funds donrsquot restrict motion mdash they lubricate it Our ldquooilrdquo as a Synod is spilling out of the engine Frustrated that the Synod doesnrsquot support seminaries at more significant levels Look at what is happening to the unrestricted funds because thatrsquos where seminary subsidies come from The Synod not paying the full freight of international mission work including missionaries Look at the unrestricted funds

Some pieces of the Synod Inc machine can only be funded using unrestricted dollars paying down debt like the historic loans of our treasured university system elected officers and boards various constitutionally mandated commissions the independent audit of the Synodrsquos finances legal services compliance with state and federal laws and the list goes on These things are all parts of the engine and many are rightly the responsibility

of the whole LCMS mdash all of us who claim affiliation Most have an important role to play in our Synodrsquos mission some we have no choice about Take one or more of those parts out and the machine begins to sputter clank and grind And we get frustrated angry or anxious

For decades our oil level has been falling The joy of designating a donation for something specific has overwhelmed the simple act of taking care of what God has already provided I for one donrsquot want to look in the rearview mirror and see signs that our capability to do important work in Jesusrsquo name is being compromised because I failed to lift up this vitally essential element mdash the value of the unrestricted gift

In the new year how can we ldquowalk togetherrdquo so that we continue vigorously to make known the love of Jesus in word and deed at home and abroad I believe there is value in checking the condition of our oil every so often mdash and topping it off with good oil mdash so that the various parts perform as we all want and expect Wersquore beginning to encourage unrestricted gifts to ensure this can happen

Mark Hofman CFRE MBA is the executive director of LCMS Mission Advancement

by Mark Hofman

CHECKING THE OILThe Case for the Unrestricted Gift

PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

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STEWARDS|CORNERnvolve

This magazine was developed for you as one who has supported the Witness Mercy Life Together work of the LCMS with your time andor financial gifts Whether your efforts and gifts were for disaster relief a specific ministry or an individual missionary you are a vital part of the Synodrsquos work around the world The stories found in these pages are about how YOU are making a difference and changing lives with the Gospel and Christrsquos mercy Lutherans Engage the World is our effort to keep you informed about the difference you are making in the world and to say THANK YOU for all you do

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONUS POSTAGE PAID

Burlington WIPermit No 12

OUR PRESENCE AS LUTHERANS IN WITTENBERG

The dedication of the renovated Old Latin School as the International Lutheran Center in Wittenberg Germany opens new doors to proclaiming Christrsquos salvation and deepening the understanding of the Reformation begun in 1517 You can be a part of itBy Godrsquos grace our Synod is close to completely funding this exciting renovation work through specially designated offerings You can help make that dream a reality with a special Wittenberg Project gift or by giving another gift

Follow our progress at thewittenbergprojectorg or call LCMS Mission Advancement at 800-248-1930 Ext 1661 Let us share ways you can stand with Luther to proclaim

ldquoFor by grace you have been saved through faith And this is not your own doing it is the gift of God not a result of works so that no one may boastrdquo (Eph 28ndash9)

888-THE LCMS (843-5267)lcmsorg

January ndash February 2016 vol 4 no 3


7 An Out-of-the-Box Missionary

12 Puya The Story of a Middle Eastern Refugee in Germany

15 Bread for Body and Soul 16 Convivencia Multiethnic Ministry in Arkansas

inspire

12

7

Engaging the Church in the work of witness and mercy across the globe in our life together

LUTHERANS ENGAGE THE WORLD is published bi-monthly by The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod

copy 2016 The Lutheran ChurchmdashMissouri Synod Reproduction for parish use does not require permission Such reproductions however should credit LUTHERANS ENGAGE THE WORLD as a source Print editions are sent to LCMS donors rostered workers and missionaries An online version is available (lcmsorglutheransengage) To receive the print edition we invite you to make a financial gift for LCMS global witness and mercy work Unless otherwise noted all photos are property of the LCMS

Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations are from the ESVreg Bible (The Holy Bible English Standard Versionreg) copyright copy 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers Used by permission All rights reserved



engage

inform 2 Rejoice

3 10 Questions



4


and Souls in Kenya

21 Checking the Oil




PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK














nform

PHOT

O L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D


uestions

























by Megan K Mertz


PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK


nform











Kenya

by Erik M Lunsford

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D



nvolve
















AN



PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D


nspire














lcmsorgphotodegroot








Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D

nspire













A





















nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

OS J

EANC

ARLO

S RA

MIR

EZ Z

EVAL

LOS

AND

ERIK

M L

UNSF

ORD


nspire

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D















by Adriane Heins


PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D




















PHOT

O C

ONCO

RDIA

PUB

LISH

ING

HOUS

E














WITNESS|MOMENT



nform




WORLDWIDE


















by Mark Hofman


PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK












engage

inform 2 Rejoice

3 10 Questions



4


and Souls in Kenya

21 Checking the Oil




PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK














nform

PHOT

O L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D


uestions

























by Megan K Mertz


PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK


nform











Kenya

by Erik M Lunsford

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D



nvolve
















AN



PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D


nspire














lcmsorgphotodegroot








Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D

nspire













A





















nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

OS J

EANC

ARLO

S RA

MIR

EZ Z

EVAL

LOS

AND

ERIK

M L

UNSF

ORD


nspire

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D















by Adriane Heins


PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D




















PHOT

O C

ONCO

RDIA

PUB

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by Megan K Mertz


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Kenya

by Erik M Lunsford

PHOT

OS L

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ICAT

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D



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AN



PHOT

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CMS

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Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

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IONS

ERI

K M

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PHOT

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PHOT

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CMS

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MUN

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by Adriane Heins


PHOT

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CMS

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MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

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by Mark Hofman


PHOT

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by Megan K Mertz


PHOT

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nform











Kenya

by Erik M Lunsford

PHOT

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CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

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K M

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SFOR

D



nvolve
















AN



PHOT

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Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

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IONS

ERI

K M

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nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

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MIR

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M L

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ORD


nspire

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D















by Adriane Heins


PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D




















PHOT

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ING

HOUS

E














WITNESS|MOMENT



nform




WORLDWIDE


















by Mark Hofman


PHOT

O IS

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THI

NKST

OCK




















Kenya

by Erik M Lunsford

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D



nvolve
















AN



PHOT

OS L

CMS

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MUN

ICAT

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K M

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D


nspire














lcmsorgphotodegroot








Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D

nspire













A





















nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

OS J

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MIR

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UNSF

ORD


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PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D















by Adriane Heins


PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

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D




















PHOT

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ING

HOUS

E














WITNESS|MOMENT



nform




WORLDWIDE


















by Mark Hofman


PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK

























AN



PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D


nspire














lcmsorgphotodegroot








Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D

nspire













A





















nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

OS J

EANC

ARLO

S RA

MIR

EZ Z

EVAL

LOS

AND

ERIK

M L

UNSF

ORD


nspire

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D















by Adriane Heins


PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D




















PHOT

O C

ONCO

RDIA

PUB

LISH

ING

HOUS

E














WITNESS|MOMENT



nform




WORLDWIDE


















by Mark Hofman


PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK























lcmsorgphotodegroot








Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D

nspire













A





















nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

OS J

EANC

ARLO

S RA

MIR

EZ Z

EVAL

LOS

AND

ERIK

M L

UNSF

ORD


nspire

PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D















by Adriane Heins


PHOT

OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

ICAT

IONS

ERI

K M

LUN

SFOR

D




















PHOT

O C

ONCO

RDIA

PUB

LISH

ING

HOUS

E














WITNESS|MOMENT



nform




WORLDWIDE


















by Mark Hofman


PHOT

O IS

TOCK

THI

NKST

OCK










Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

d St

ates

Cen

sus B

urea

u (censusg

ov)

783 | 664

164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15

copy 2

016

LCM

S


nform

Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

nter

(pew

researchorg) a

nd U

nite

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164 | 256










THE HISPANIC



RELIGIONS 02

FOLK

15























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OS L

CMS

COM

MUN

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K M

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D

nspire













A





















nspireMERCY|MOMENT

PHOT

OS J

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ARLO

S RA

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EZ Z

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M L

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Percent






LIVE IN URBAN AREAS

US BORN

LIVE IN RURALAREAS

OF USPOPULATION







64

ASIAN MEXICAN

immigrants outpace

IMMIGRANTS TO US

52HISPANIC

OTHER



258

1 3OU

TO

F

142

AS

IAN



SPANISH 44

CHINESE 6

KOREAN 2FRENCH 3

VIETNAMESE 3

HINDI 5

FILIPINOTAGALOG 4

ENGLISH 16

ALL OTHER 19

LANGUAGE

S S

PO

KEN

AM

ON

G US

IMMIGRANTS

CA

LIFOR

NIA NEW YORK

TEXAS

52

807

64

FOR

EIGN 36

136




974926


2007 2014Adults in US 2272M 2448M



2010JEWS 18

BUDDHISTS 12

MUSLIMS 09

OTHER 06

HINDUS 06

2050JEWS 14

BUDDHISTS 14

MUSLIMS 21

OTHER 15

HINDUS 12

FOLK RELIGIONS 05

89652335


OF THE US 2010-2050





CHRISTIANS

UNAFFILIATED

MUSLIMS 73

35

34

16

CHRISTIANS

HINDUS

JEWS







Data

Sou

rces

Pew

Res

earc

h Ce

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(pew

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ates

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lutherans engage the world | january-february 2016

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