I am sure that most of you have heard the exciting news by this point! On Tuesday, May 1st in a worship service at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO we were introduced to a gentleman who will have a significant impact on our lives over the course of the next year and for many more years. We also, as the congregation that will be hosting Vicar Daniel Nguyen and his wife Duyen, for their vicarage. We also will have the blessed opportunity to share in their lives and Vicar Daniel continues to grow in his understanding of what it means to be a Pastor, and for Duyen as she continues to support him through the Pastoral formation process.

Here is what the seminary has to say about the vicarage experience for everyone involved. “Vicarage is a joyous, challenging, risky venture for student, pastor and congregation. There’s rejoicing over the growth of a man for the office of the ministry and the difference he makes in the life of a congregation. Yet, the development of needed relationships – and then letting them go at the end of the year – is demanding of everyone involved…Vicarage is a dynamic interaction of student, supervisor, seminary, and church, all growing in the grace of God, to further the personal, spiritual, pastoral and theological formation of a man for the office of the ministry. Risky? Yes! Challenging? Indeed! Joyous? Most definitely!”

I served my vicarage at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, VA. It was everything that is stated above, and much, much more! Miranda and I were incredibly blessed that year because we had a congregation that welcomed us with open arms. To this day we have many friends at Redeemer and likely will remain friends with them for the rest of our lives.

When Vicar Daniel and Duyen arrive, please make them feel welcome. Invite them over to your home, share a meal with them, share life and mission and ministry with them. We will undoubtedly be blessed because of their presence with us over the next year as we have the privilege of being used of God to help prepare a man for the Office of Holy Ministry!

Please be in prayer for Vicar Daniel and Duyen as they make their preparations to come be with us in early August and feel free to contact them (see his letter for contact information) to let them know how excited you are to have them come!

The Lord bless and keep each of you this month. We’ll see you in worship!

In Christ, Pastor B

Jesus is the Son of God. Old Testament prophets spoke of His coming and described the eternal and life-changing impact He would have.

Jesus is both God and man. He stilled the seas and walked on water. With a touch of His hand, He cured incurable diseases. He restored life to those who had physically died.

Jesus personifies love. He paid the ultimate price so that we could live with Him forever. He sees us through the eyes of love.

He loves us in spite of every hurtful thought, every harmful word, and every wrongful action. These are all a result of sin, which contaminates everything we do. It is behind every broken home, every empty life, every infirmity, every damaged emotion, every sorrow and grief. And as the Bible says, the end result of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). But Jesus Himself was sinless; only He could pay the penalty for our sins.

Because of his love, He suffered, died, and rose again.

We are forgiven. All who believe in Jesus are guaranteed eternal life with Him in heaven.

Why did Jesus do this? Because Jesus is love.

What Difference Does Jesus Make?

Suffering and pain touch everyone. At times life seems like an endless cycle of hopelessness. Even Christians, who claim that Jesus is the source of hope amidst the struggles, still suffer. They still struggle. They still die. So, what’s the point? What difference does Jesus make?

First, look at the brokenness that invades your life—those things that cause guilt, shame, and grief. They exist because of a condition called sin—sin separates you from God and robs you of the peace, comfort and hope you desperately crave. And no matter how hard you try, there isn’t anything you can do to make things right again on your own.  That’s where Jesus comes in.

Jesus knows the misery you feel. Jesus makes the difference at that very point—when your pain intersects your cry for help. Jesus is God’s answer to that cry.

Jesus took the punishment you deserve. He died in your place so that you can be forgiven. Because you are forgiven, you can have the comfort of knowing you are at peace with God and the certainty that He provides you with the strength to cope with guilt, shame and grief.

And because of what Jesus has done for you, your past is forgiven, your present can be lived with confidence, and your future is guaranteed.

For all who believe in Jesus, an everlasting world—without suffering, sin and death—is assured. This glorious place called heaven is where you will see Jesus face to face.

That’s the difference Jesus makes!