South Dakota Lutheran Laymen's League
 
NEWS

Thank You, South Dakota!

These are the words expressed by Mariana Mastrantono, Director of Lutheran Hour Ministries South American office located at Montevideo, Uruguay, to Bill Snow, President of South Dakota’s Lutheran Laymen’s  League following their whirlwind tour of South Dakota the latter part of June 2008. 

From June 21st to June 29th, Mariana spoke to no less than 12 audiences at 9 congregations.  We estimate that the total attendance exceeded 600 souls.  After explaining that there was a need in her ministry for new computer equipment, updating existing equipment, purchasing at least one new printer and various other office updates, as well as a desire to purchase books to begin a library in their office, free will offerings totaled in excess of $2,700.00 with at least two, possibly three, locations expressing the thought that they would be gathering additional offerings to support this ministry.  We wait to see how the LORD moves the hearts of the congregations.

Uruguay, a predominately atheistic/agnostic and just plain nonreligious society, is a rich field for sowing and reaping the harvest of GOD’S Word and Promise.  Mariana and her staff are anxious to keep planting the seeds; they have been doing so since 2001, with many success stories, for they know the LORD of the Harvest will answer their prayers and will keep their numbers of baptized souls increasing. 

Besides all of the speaking engagements, Mariana was able to do a little sightseeing.  Among the places visited, were:  Falls Park (Sioux Falls), rummage/garage sales with Myrna (a first for Mariana), Redlin Art Center (Watertown) and Wal-Mart (for clearance items and items she was requested to purchase by fellow Uruguayans), Missouri River Earthen Dam and Lake (Pierre), Mt. Rushmore National Monument and Crazy Horse Monument (Rapid City/Black Hills Area), Badlands National Park (near Wall S.D.), Wall Drug (free ice water and 5¢ coffee – Wall, S.D.),  Al’s Oasis (near Chamberlain, S.D.), and finally,  the Corn Palace and Cabela’s (Mitchell) where she was impressed with the wild life exhibits and was able to purchase a pair of slacks as a souvenir for her father back in Uruguay.  We were also able to relax, at the end of the tour, with our daughter and her family in Sioux Falls before Mariana had to begin winging her way homeward, to Uruguay.

It was a very inspirational week for the Snow’s and, hopefully, Mariana, as well as all those we made contact with during the week.

If you missed the presentations and your congregation would like to know more about this ministry, contact Bill Snow at the address below for an opportunity to hear more.  If you would like to contribute to this ministry, send your contributions, earmarked for the Uruguayan Ministry, payable to the S.D. LLL, to either Bill Snow or Gene Stegeman at one of the addresses listed below.

Bill Snow                                                                      Gene Stegeman
440  7th Ave. N.E.                                                        1334 Westminster Dr.
Watertown, S.D. 57201-1863                                      Brookings, S.D. 57006
605-886-8956             

Clowns With A Message

Clowns with a Message is a relatively new ministry started by Joe & Shelly Simonson at Zion Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, S.D. Their mission: To show, share & spread the joy of the Good News of Jesus Christ; to show the happiness of being a part of Christ’s family; & to help people smile, laugh & enjoy the life God has given us.

 They started off just entertaining local parishioners at their Friendship Ablaze carnivals every year.  Now they travel with the LLL Sausage Dinner Team doing illusions, tricks, balloon twisting, jokes & skits. They give away LHM trinkets & toys for children & adults alike.  They also are branching out to volunteer for the general public to proclaim the Gospel & inform people about Lutheran Hour Ministries.  Pamphlets & general information are left so people can read about everything LHM does & how they could possibly help or get involved.  Such venues include Children’s Inn, VA Hospital, local hospitals, retirement communities, etc.

If you have an event coming up where you would like Humble the Clown & Happy Harmony to come & entertain, please contact Joe or Shelly at (605)334-0201 or www.clownswamessage@aol.com

 

Clowns with a message:

 Jokingly making God’s Word serious.

S.D. DISTRICT LLL SETS GOAL TO ASSIST LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES WITH GLOBAL CARE PACKAGES TO VIETNAM IN 2008
 
     The Board of Governors of the S.D. Lutheran Laymen's League (LLL) has adopted a 2008 goal of supplying 1,500 Global Care Packages for children in Vietnam in conjunction with the International Lutheran Hour Ministries of St. Louis.
 
     Global Care Packages are small containers packed with faith sharing items, school supplies and personal care items.  This is an EXCELLENT "short term" missionary project for your congregation, VBS, Sunday School, Bible Class, etc.
 
     If you or your organization would like to get involved in an easy, relatively inexpensive, short term mission project, get in touch with Bill Snow, 440-7th Ave. N.E., Watertown, S.D. 57201.  Ph. 605-886-8956  for more information.
 
     The S.D. LLL will coordinate collection of completed packages, shipping to central collection point, etc.  All you have to do is let us know how many you want to pack.
 
     We're also looking for someone to coordinate this effort, so if you or someone you know would like to get involved in this project - STEP UP - STEP OUT - and give Bill a call.

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