This update got to be very long. Presently I am in Ghana, getting ready for arrival of LBT missionaries who will come for meetings in July. Also I will be here to welcome back son, David, his wife, Valerie and family on July 5^th. In this update I have shared the blessings of my time in Liberia as well as the problems. If you don’t have time to read this LONG update thoroughly perhaps the items that are bolded will catch your eye and you will know how to pray specifically for my needs.

It has been quite awhile since you have heard from me. I am sure most of you remember that I went to Liberia in early April. I have returned to Ghana last week to make preparations for the LBT Ghana meetings that will be taking place at the Lutheran Mission House where I am now living here in Ghana. It’s really hard to believe that it has already been a year since I moved here. However as I now drive into the yard, I am reminded of my former yard as many of the lovely bushes and flowers that I had there now have relatives in my new yard and remind me of the lovely yard I had to leave. Yes, when I moved here, the main house was fixed up nicely, but the guesthouse and yard has taken a lot of work to renovate. My former neighbors and friends moved here with me have done a terrific job making this place feel like home for all who come. By July 9^th we expect to have 9 adults and 9 children here. The smallest room in my house that once was an office for former Lutheran missionaries and then became a walk-in closet now contains two bunk beds and hopefully will serve us well as an extra bedroom. Although the LBT missionaries will all be together here during most of the day for over two weeks, some of the teams will be sleeping at other places at night.

My 2 1/2 months in Liberia was very busy for many reasons—quarterly reviews for language associations and LIBTRALO, serious generator problems, 8 trips to the mechanic with the 4-Runner I purchased last year, Mother Tongue educational material development, tending to the needs of my Liberian colleagues who suffered from illnesses such as typhoid, malaria, and strokes, repairs that needed to be done to my single room residence in Liberia and a growing number of friends in Liberia that love my company.

I arrived in Liberia just in time for quarterly reviews, which was a blessing in that I got to see members from all the language associations who came from outlining areas of Liberia for these meetings. Previously I was in charge of these meetings, however now the LIBTRALO Executive Committee (EC) facilitate these reviews and it was gratifying to witness their competence in reviewing the plans and expenditures of all the language associations and encourage language association’s progress toward local ownership. Although everyone at LIBTRALO misses Nick, LIBTRALO’s Executive Director, who experienced a mild stroke the day before I arrived in Liberia, his colleagues on the EC have done a commendable job taking care of the quarterly reviews and other critical needs such as getting a very sick generator up and running again.

Before I tell you about problem areas, I must share that God has answered some ongoing prayer needs I have had. Insomnia has become much less of a problem than it has been in almost 20 years. I can count on one hand the number of times I needed to take a sleeping aid and I found that I have slept heavier than I have for a long time. Secondly, God has given me friends in various parts of Liberia and it seemed that almost every weekend I had someone in for dinner or I was invited to their homes. I finally got up to Phebe Lutheran Hospital Compound and had a wonderful time with new and old friends. Getting out of the hustle and bustle of an overcrowded city into the lush green forest was so relaxing. It was on this visit, that two friends, who are good administrators, strongly advised me NOT get another used vehicle but to purchase a new vehicle. It was their deep concern for my well being that convinced me to approach LBT with this idea. For reasons I really do not understand, many missionaries of today, do not tend to stay for long periods of time overseas and so good-byes is a frequent occurrence which in a way causes me to initially resist developing close relationships as that makes the good-byes more painful.

God also brought people into my life that I had never met before, but who had heard about me through friends who knew of my long time experience in Liberia. Each of the people I met were a tremendous encouragement to me. They helped me to see that my work is not only valuable in the areas of Scripture use and preserving Liberian culture and language, but that there was much potential for LIBTRALO to become a valuable asset to the country of Liberia as a whole.

Key staff members from LIBTRALO and myself were interviewed for an hour by the most popular radio station in Liberia on a program called, "Talk with the Experts." People called in and said, "We had no idea that there was a group like yourselves in Liberia, is this because you don’t have enough money to publicize yourselves as we think the work you are doing is very important? Many Liberians lost their lives during the war because they could not speak their language and it is true, those of us who do not speak our mother tongue are loosing our cultural heritage. We hope to hear more about the work you are doing." Later we had people stopping us on the street and coming to the LIBTRALO office to find out more about the work we are doing. This was a very encouraging event for all of us at LIBTRALO.

As I am in Ghana with Ali, Hannah and Levi, son Paul is in Liberia repairing LIBTRALO’s equipment; most particularly computers and giving much needed specialized computer training. One of the things Paul has brought to light is that LIBTRALO needs a bigger generator than the 5 KVA generator we have been using. No doubt this is the reason our new generator lasted for less than a year? Therefore LBT Mission Project Committee has given LIBTRALO permission to use money from the Liberia Generator Account, so we can buy a 10 KVA generator. This means when LIBTRALO builds their headquarters—hopefully next year, LBT will then reopen the generator account so LIBTRALO can buy the bigger generator we had previously wanted for LIBTRALO’s new headquarters. Even though Liberia Generator fund will not be officially reopened at this time, I have been told that if anyone wants to send money to reimburse the LIBTRALO Generator account, it will be accepted by LBT. I have been really touched by the number of people who have called LBT and have offered to either send a new generator or help purchase a generator as they realize how important it is to have electricity to do the work of mother tongue literature development. It is clear evidence to me that you are willing to make great sacrifices so Liberians will be able to read God’s Word in their mother tongue.

Unfortunately God has not blessed LIBTRALO staff or myself with good mechanical skills. If He had, then LIBTRALO, a Liberian mechanic and I would not have purchased the 1993 used 4-Runner that I did. It is true, the engine is in great shape and the vehicle looks good. However neither I, nor those helping me select the vehicle crawled underneath to thoroughly examine it. After having to take the vehicle to the mechanic eight times in 3 months—almost after every 10 miles of use—LIBTRALO and I decided it was time to take it to qualified mechanics and determine what it would take to get the 4-Runner running well. After a thorough examination I was asked by the head mechanic to come in for their analysis, as there were too many things for them to report on the phone. When I walked into the garage, I was handed a 5 page list of problems that included about a 100 items that needed to be repaired with a cost of over $8,000 to get it done. Because the chasis was so badly rusted, even these repairs could not guarantee that the vehicle would not have ongoing problems. I was told that their recommendation was that I should sell the vehicle as quickly as possible and buy a NEW vehicle rather than look for another used vehicle. This was a shock, as I wanted this vehicle repaired, as I knew we would need it daily in August when we hold the next mother tongue literature development workshop. This of course means that I am now totally without wheels in Liberia until I can get enough money to buy a replacement. LBT has graciously opened a Liberia Vehicle Mission Project so money can be made available to buy a new vehicle for me. With the high cost of fuel, I am NOT looking at getting a gas guzzling 4-wheel drive—although that would be the best kind to have in Liberia. Because of the deep holes in many of the roads in Monrovia, I am looking to purchase a high clearance vehicle than can carry at least 6 people and 6 pieces of luggage as we do a lot of airport runs. Pray with me that God would provide not only the money needed, but also the ability to get a vehicle that will meet my needs in Liberia. Pray that God will provide a buyer who has the money and can make good use of 4-Runner that has a good engine, but needs a totally rebuilt chasis. There are mechanics in Liberia that are capable of rebuilding the chasis.

Via e-mail, I got the following information from one of my LIBTRALO colleagues this week. "I have been sick with malaria, typhoid and throat problem. I have been down completely but hopefully am now improving." Typhoid has been a serious problem that has plagued many of my LIBTRALO colleagues. For some of my colleagues it costs them a whole month’s salary just to get treatment, so they struggle along without the proper treatment." Pray that God will keep us all strong and healthy.

Just before I left Liberia, LIBTRALO’s desktop publisher’s baby was born prematurely. Weemor has had a difficult time getting pregnant and for one reason or the other she has aborted all of her babies at various stages in the pregnancy. In this pregnancy she got the best medical care possible in Liberia. When the baby was born alive, we all rejoiced. However 10 days later, the baby died. Baby Joweena’s middle name was Desire. It was given because her parents so desired a child of their own. Pray for Joseph and Weemor Kolleh that God will heal the pain of this great loss.

 I am confident that God will provide for not only my needs, but also those of my Liberian colleagues, as I know you are faithful with your prayers and your gifts.

As always, in His Care,

Alvina

Lutheran Bible Translators

303 North Lake Street

P0 Box 2050

Aurora, IL 60507

Alvina Federwitz

P. 0. Box CT 839 Cantonments-Greater Accra

Ghana, West Africa

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Lutheran Talk Radio

You can listen to Issues, Etc. on-demand. Issues, Etc. is produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Islam, Defending the Pro-Life Position, God's Will for Your Daily Life, Religion & Politics, Biblical Interpretation, the Pop Spirituality of Oprah Winfrey, Movie Reviews, Christ-Centered Fatherhood, Creation vs. Evolution, Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses and more. Listen to what you want when you want at http://issuesetc.org/.
You'll find weekly updates at the link below.
http://issuesetc.org/promote.html
If you have any questions, email me or call me at (618) 223-8385. Thanks for your consideration! Jeff Schwarz, Producer
 

Adult Gathering November 6, 2008

We have an exciting adult gathering coming up on Thursday, November 6, 2008. It will be held at The Plaza, 201 N l Avenue, Wausau. The cost is $22. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. John Saleska. Rev. Saleska is the Director of Concordia Bible Institute. He was a professor of the Old and New Testament, Psychology, and Counseling, at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana for 23 years. He is an exciting and engaging speaker. The Savior’s Songbirds, a musically talented family of 12, will provide the entertainment. They are creative and inspirational in telling the story of Christ working in their lives.

Something new! We will have an ingathering. This will be a first at an Adult Gathering. We are asking participants to bring new or like new towels, washcloths, sheets, blankets, quilts, pillows, and similar household items. These items will be given to The Thrift Shop operated by Victory Lutheran Church in Gwinn, Michigan. This is an area of our District that is desperately poor and needs a helping hand. No clothing is needed at this time. The North Wisconsin District LCMS supports Victory Lutheran Church.

If you have questions, please see Pastor Doug or contact Rev. Dennis Pegorsch, Adult Ministry Taskforce Chairman at pegorschd@verizon.net or 715-675-4074.

In Our Savior’s name, The Adult Ministry Taskforce

Lutheran Womens’ Missionary League

As the grim news comes of the levee breaks and continued flooding in parts of Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, I know you share my concern for all who are there, especially our LWML sisters. Many of you desire to do "something" in the name of Jesus for those who have suffered greatly.

May I suggest the following things that you and the women of your districts can do:

1. Pray for those who live in the flood zones and for all who are working to help. Pray in your personal prayer time, with your family members, at LWML gatherings in your society or district, and at noon on Mondays as we join Together In Prayer

2. If you are moved to contribute you can go the LWML home page ( in the left column click "Giving." A drop down menu will appear; click "Donate Online," and you will be directed to a Web page with a place to "Click Here to Donate Securely Online Today." The next page that comes up will ask for information from you; in the middle of that page is a place for "Donation Type." Use the drop do menu there to highlight the category, "Disaster Relief Fund."

3. Donations may also be sent directly to the LWML; P Box 411993; St Louis MO 63141-1993. Please mark your donation "Disaster Relief."

4. Plan to follow through in the weeks and months ahead as people cope with the future. LWML plans to provide assistance in the coming weeks, as we did at the time of hurricane Katrina.

5. Please let us hear from you. Send any flood related photos or stories to the LWML. You may use the e mail address: lwml@lwml.org or the postal address above. We appreciate hearing from you.

When the storms of life come, our foundation is secure because it is built on the rock, Jesus Christ. (See Matthew 7:24-25).

CPH Offers New Women’s Bible Study

A New Song: Planted by S/reams of Water will encourage and uplift women as they reflect on the life-giving stream that never floods, never dries up; a stream that al ways sings songs of God’s wisdom, songs of our Savior’s love.

This Bible study series is a fresh approach to individual and group study. Each book in the series provides six weeks of stories - faith narratives - based on biblical psalms. Following each day’s reading are questions that will facilitate your own reflection on the Bible. And at the end of each week are discussion starters for fruitful, meaningful conversation in the comfort and security of your small group.

Each faith narrative was written by a real woman facing real-life issues. Each author found help, encouragement, and direction for her life from God’s Word and shares her stories in her words. These stories, new songs if you will, help weave His Word into the unique melody of life.

Includes daily individual (five per week) and weekly group Bible studies, prayers, hymn stanzas, and journaling space. Contributors include: Jane Fryar, Jane Wilke, Rose Adle, Nicole Dreyer, Rachel Hoyer, and Ruth Koch. Learn more about these women and their experiences in A New Song! Visit anewsong.cph.org to find out more! Shop Concordia Publishing House Order Online: www.cph.org

The online store is open 24/7 Order by phone: 1-800-325-3040.

2008 National Symposium on Health and Hope Living Well! — The Body Language of Faith October 2-4, 2008

Hyatt Regency-Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The theme of Wheat Ridge Ministries’ 2008 National Symposium on Health and Hope is "Living Well! The Body Language of Faith." This symposium will provide a rare opportunity for leaders to be resources and renewed in their ongoing work of being effective agents of health and hope within the diverse communities in which they live, work, play, and pray.

The symposium is a fantastic event that will be attended by a cross section of people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives including pastors, teachers, parish nurses, social workers, medical professionals, lay leaders from congregations, philanthropists and others who have in common a love for the Lord and for serving people.

Thanks to a generous grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, every Thrivent member who attends the 2008 national symposium will receive a $50 scholarship toward their full registration. Re today!

(There are some at Zion who support Wheat Ridge Ministries. This announcement was included in the newsletter for their benefit.)

LCEF

Lutheran Church Extension Fund offers a variety of investment opportunities as a way to further the mission of the church. If anyone is interested in the latest information from LCEF, please look at the literature on the table in back of the church or see Dennis Dobberstein, our new LCEF representative.

Camp Luther

Camp Luther will have 210 additional children attending summer camp through the "Every Kid to Camp" ministry. Thanks to those who gave to this ministry, more and more kids are building a stronger foundation of faith in Jesus Christ through a summer camp experience. The vision is that every child in the North Wisconsin District LCMS will attend a week of summer camp before the ninth grade. Our 2008 goal was for 200 kids to receive full camper scholarships. Our 2009 goal is for 250 scholarships.

Did you know that what children learn about Jesus by the age of 13 is what they will believe as an adult? That’s right! That’s why it is important to continue to invest in these youngsters. The ministry of Camp Luther provides campers with opportunities to grow in their faith and continue to build strong spiritual foundations. "Every Kid to Camp" provides full camper scholarships with no cost to families for students in 3-8 grades who haven’t at tended summer camp at Camp Luther. What a great blessing from God!

Read what this single parent said about her two children who attended Camp Luther last summer.

During the past three years, "Every Kid to Camp" has enabled 440 children to attend a week of summer camp. If you would like to join in this outstanding mission-ministry, please make a donation today to "Every Kid to Camp."

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will supplement your gift if you are a Thrivent member. For every $2 you donate, Thrivent will donate $1 up to $300. Also, if you haven’t donated to Camp Luther in the last five years and make a donation of at least $100, you can become a New Partner in Ministry at Camp Luther. When 1000 New Partners in Ministry are named, Thrivent will donate $35,000 to the camp. Please send your donation to: "Every Kid to Camp," Camp Luther, 1889 Koubenic Road, Three Lakes, WI 54562.