A G ROW ING GO S PE L I MPAC T
Through You
by CHAD FIX
BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, For decades, Lutheran Hour Ministries has proclaimed the Gospel to the world through a unique ministry model. It is one that identifies and equips local laypeople to build their presence and impact using strategies and tactics contextual to the culture and language in which they serve. But with billions of people today still not having heard the saving message of Jesus Christ, our mission is more urgent than ever. As we go into the future, it is exciting to see how God is blessing us. Individuals worldwide currently experience the Gospel more than 195 million times each week through LHM’s efforts. But we know that God wants that to grow much further. This is why we are embarking on a bold globalization initiative over the next five years that will allow us to exponentially expand our ministry work into places that we have not yet had an opportunity to explore. Building upon our successful model of hiring local staff, we launched an innovative approach to global expansion this year called the International Internship Program. This program uplifts the next generation of Christian leaders to do ministry in their local context, in their native language, in a contextualized way. This will lead to us hiring and equipping intern teams for ministry in 12 new areas over a three-year period. Earlier this year, we identified four hub locations from among existing ministry centers to serve as
2023 Annual Ministry Impact Report
training centers. We provided them with a toolbox of philosophical and educational support that will help them equip an initial four intern teams of three individuals each to be as successful as possible when they begin ministry in their home countries of Peru, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kyrgyzstan. Our globalization efforts also allow us to increase our focus on North America as a mission field, reaching the next generation here at home with the hopeful message of the Gospel. Your ongoing prayers and generous support have put us in a position to embark on this ambitious plan that exponentially increases our Gospel impact. As you explore this ministry impact report, you will find that the International Internship Program is just one way God has worked through LHM this year. I hope you are humbled knowing that your involvement in this life-changing ministry offers people the opportunity to find answers and relief through the Gospel.
YOUR PARTNER IN HIS MISSION,
A Year in Review HOW THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL IMPACTED LIVES THROUGH LHM IN 2023 The following are some ways in which Lutheran Hour Ministries was abundantly blessed by God during the last year thanks to your generous support!
Kurt Buchholz CEO, Lutheran Hour Ministries see next page
The Lutheran Layman Winter 2024 | 11