Podcasts about national mission

What happens when a family relocates from Germany to study at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis? Stephen Guzik (seminarian at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) and Stephanie Guzik (Support Coordinator, LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about where they each grew up and how they met, how they ended up in Germany together, Stephen's journey into the Lutheran church in Germany, how he was formed along the way at Kaiserslautern Evangelical Lutheran Church and encouraged to consider a pastoral vocation, their discernment process and decision to come to St. Louis, how their transition has been going, Stephen's first year of seminary, and what they're looking forward to in this journey. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Most Indians, when they get a job at Microsoft in Seattle, never look back. Rishi Bal did look back. He left a comfortable engineering career in the US — at one of the world's most valuable tech companies — and came home to build something India doesn't yet have: its own AI. Today, Rishi is the CEO of BharatGen — India's first government-funded sovereign AI initiative, anchored at IIT Bombay, supported by the Department of Science & Technology. Under his leadership, the team has just released Param 2 — a 17 billion parameter foundation model, built "from first byte to final model," entirely in India, across 22 Indian languages. This is a Swades story. For the AI age. In this conversation with Roshan Cariappa on Bharatvaarta, Rishi unpacks why sovereign AI isn't a buzzword — it's the difference between India having control over its own digital future, or being shut off by a foreign company tomorrow. What we cover: - Why he walked away from Microsoft and came home - What "sovereign AI" really means — the 3 layers nobody explains - The engine-and-steering-wheel metaphor for AI - The aircraft analogy: application layer vs ground floor - BharatGen, Param 2, and the 22-language project - Why India stands the most to lose from AI disruption - The "free isn't really free" problem with foreign AI - Why the biggest bottleneck is talent, not technology - India's "find the India model" approach ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: Why India Could Lose the AI Race 00:35 Meet Rishi Bal: Building India's Sovereign AI 01:07 What Does AI Sovereignty Actually Mean? 02:47 Why India Cannot Depend on Foreign AI Forever 04:02 Should India Build Its Own AI Stack? 07:00 Building AI vs Just Using AI 08:00 USA Model vs China Model vs India Model 10:14 India's Biggest AI Opportunity 12:52 The Hidden Challenge: AI Doesn't Understand India 14:29 Inside India's Sovereign AI Mission 16:38 Can India Really Build World-Class AI? 18:15 AI Will Transform Education, Law & Healthcare 21:24 The Hardest Problem in Indian AI 22:39 India's Biggest AI Bottleneck: Talent 24:07 Advice for Every Student Entering the AI Era 25:24 The Real Cost of Free Technology 27:30 Can Indian AI Compete With OpenAI? 29:18 The UPI Playbook for AI 31:50 Why Ecosystems Matter More Than Startups 33:00 Digitising India's Knowledge & Manuscripts 34:02 Brain Drain: Why Talent Still Leaves India 35:50 How Governments Are Preparing For AI 37:49 What Rishi Learned Moving From Microsoft To Government 39:15 Why Global Talent Is Looking At India Again 41:00 India's AI Future: Optimism vs Reality 43:30 What Happens If India Misses This AI Moment? 46:50 Why India Must Become an AI Creator, Not Just a User 47:21 How You Can Contribute To India's AI Mission 48:15 Final Thoughts

India's first-ever "Dolphin Ambulance" is a specialized mobile ICU launched under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

How will the 2026 National Offering support efforts by local congregations and ministries? The Rev. Dan Galchutt (Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod), Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission) and the Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how past National Offerings have made a difference for the church, who contributes to a National Offering, what the theme "Christ is Risen! Tell the Next Generation" means for the upcoming triennium, how this offering will serve the church, the types of projects that can be supported through grants from the National Offering, and how churches can prepare to support this National Offering. Learn more at lcms.org/convention/national/offering and reporter.lcms.org/2026/2026-national-offering-tell-the-next-generation. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can podcasts support Christians as they uphold the value of all life? Stephanie Neugebauer (Manager of Mercy Resource Development, LCMS Office of National Mission, and host of Friends for Life podcast) and the Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission, co-host of Friends for Life Podcast) join Andy and Sarah during Sharathon 2026 to talk about the topics the Friends for Life podcast covers, why these topics are important to both of them, some of their favorite topics and guests, and why now is a critical time to have a podcast addressing these topics with gospel motivation. Learn more about Friends for Life and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform at kfuo.org/friendsforlife. Whether you listen on the radio, online, or by podcast, KFUO Radio walks with you through Scripture, prayer, and sacred music. Sharathon is April 30 through May 2. Join us as we celebrate the Gospel work God is doing through KFUO and proclaim Christ for You. Anytime. Anywhere. Give now or pledge at KFUO.org/sharathon! As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What could family devotions look like for your household? The Rev. Andy Becker (Director of Family Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what family devotions can look like, why it's important for families to develop a devotional practice, some simple things to include in family devotions, how to develop a routine, and resources from LCMS Family Ministry and Concordia Publishing House. Learn more at lcms.org/family. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Why is campus ministry important for the faith of young adults today, and how can we support those leading campus ministry? Julianna Shults, DCE (Program Manager, LCMS Youth Ministry), the Rev. Dr. Heath Trampe (Director of Discipleship Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission), and the Rev. Sean Kilgo (pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lawrence, Kansas; coordinator of Campus Ministry, LCMS Kansas District; LCMS Stewardship Presenter) join Andy and Sarah to talk about how campus ministry is critical to the life of young adults, how LCMS U Campus Ministry is meeting their needs, some examples of what LCMS U Campus Ministry looks like today, how congregations can support those leading campus ministry, and what participants in the LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference will gain this year. Learn more at lcms.org/lcmsu and LCMSU.org. The LCMS U Campus Ministry Staff Conference (Free!) Thursday, June 4, - Friday, June 5, 2026 Lawrence, Kansas Registration closes May 13. Learn more at calendar.lcms.org/event/lcms-u-campus-ministry-staff-conference-2026. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Mark and Julianna interview two student athletes, Savannah Butterfield and George Austin, about how the church can support all student athletes in their vocation.   Bios: Savannah Butterfield is from St. Louis, Missouri and plays on the Concordia University, Nebraska basketball team. Her home congregation is The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens.  George Austin is from Chandler, Arizona and plays lacrosse for Corona De Sol High School in Tempe. His home congregation is Risen Savior in Chandler.  Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com  End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders.

What role does pastoral recruitment play in Set Apart to Serve? The Rev. James Baumgartner (Manager, Pastoral Missionary Recruitment with the LCMS Office of International Mission) and the Rev. Dr. Quintin Cundiff (Director of Church Planting with the LCMS Office of National Mission) join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about what they get to do in their respective positions, their journeys into church work vocations, the need for international pastors and what these pastors get to do, how church planting works and why it is important, and how we can continue to raise up new pastors by the work of the Holy Spirit. Learn more about serving internationally with the Office of International Mission at international.lcms.org and learn more about church planting by emailing church.planting@lcms.org. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can church workers and graduate level church work students refine their God-given talents and skills in spiritual care from a historic Lutheran perspective? The Rev. Dr. Brian Heller (Manager, LCMS Office of National Mission, Mercy Training, LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what Lutheran Visitation is, how listeners may have experienced visitation, how Lutheran Visitation Education serves the Church, the key components of Lutheran Visitation Education, how this training fits into the bigger picture of Specialized Spiritual Care, and how church workers can take advantage of Lutheran Visitation Education. Learn more by emailing specializedcare@lcms.org or visiting lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/specialized-spiritual-care-ministry/lutheran-visitation-education-program. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What drives someone to leave Imperial College, Oxford, and IBM Research to return to India in the 1990s—when few dared—and build a robotics movement from scratch? In this episode of 3 Techies Banter, we sit down with Kavi Arya, the visionary behind e-Yantra and India's pioneering robotics education initiatives. From the challenges of returning to a liberalizing India, to creating robotic kits that empowered thousands of students, to scaling innovation for a nation of 1.4 billion - this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, risk‑taking, and reimagining engineering education. 00:00 – Highlights of the Episode 04:09 – Intro of Kavi Arya 06:40 – Returning to India in the 1990s 11:20 – Tata Research & Family Business 15:30 – Joining IIT Bombay 20:45 – Building Entrepreneurial Culture at IIT 26:10 – Teaching Embedded Systems & Robotics Kits 31:00 – National Mission for Education Using ICT 36:25 – Industry Experience at Mahindra & Mahindra 42:50 – Founding Iyantra 49:15 – Student Projects & Breakthroughs 55:40 – Scaling Robotics Education 01:02:00 – Advanced Training: Drones & Control Systems 01:08:30 – Innovation, Scale & Culture 01:15:00 – Closing Thoughts Discover how: A PhD in embedded systems met India's scarcity mindset. IIT Bombay became the birthplace of hands‑on robotics learning. Students built lemon‑sorting robots, drones, and even autonomous snakes. Scale, culture, and confidence are the true engines of innovation. If you've ever wondered how India can leapfrog into the future of technology, this episode is your blueprint.

National Mission Institutions continue United Women in Faith's Legacy. These community-based ministries have offered education, housing, health care, and other essential services for well over a century. While their names, models, and leadership structures have evolved, their mission has remained steady: to be a faithful, responsive presence in the lives of those they serve.From the Jan./Feb. 2026 issue of response magazine.

Education in India isn't just about schools, classrooms, or textbooks.It's about possibility.It's about whether a child is seen, heard, and given the chance to imagine a different future.And yet, for millions of children across the country, quality education still slips through the cracks—not because they lack talent or potential, but because the systems around them fail to create opportunity. It's a gap we've lived with for far too long. But every once in a while, someone chooses to challenge that gap.In this special three-part series, The Education Revolution, we sit down with Shaheen Mistri—Founder and CEO of Teach For India, and one of the most influential voices shaping the future of learning in India.What began as a young woman's decision to return to Mumbai at 18 has since grown into one of the country's most powerful education movements. From the early days of Akanksha to building Teach For India into a nationwide force, Shaheen's work reminds us that real change begins with empathy, courage, and an unwavering belief in every child's potential.In this first episode, we trace her journey back to where it all began.We explore:What inspired her to work with children in low-income communitiesThe stark realities of education she witnessed in Mumbai's slumsThe early struggles and defining moments that shaped AkankshaThe lessons she learned from children that transformed her approach to leadershipWhat continues to motivate her after more than three decades in the sectorThis is a story about purpose, persistence, and the quiet power of showing up—day after day—for children who deserve every opportunity to thrive.CreditsHost: Shreya MGuest: Shaheen MistriResearch: Alisha CArtwork: Rajnikant SProduced by: The Good SightConcept: The Good SightFor feedback or to participate, write to us at contact@thegoodsight.org#TeachForIndia #EducationReform #EducationForAll #EdEquity #TFIMovement #TheGoodSight #EducationRevolution

War is not a new topic, but it is one our young people may be asking about. In this episode, Mark and Julianna are joined by Rev. Dr. Joel Lehehbauer, the Executive Director of the Commission on Theology & Church Relations (CTCR) for the LCMS to give us a brief understanding of how we talk about war in the church.  Bio: Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer is the Executive Director of the Commission on Theology & Church Relations (CTCR) for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He has been on the executive staff of the CTCR since 1991, having previously served as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, Mich. (1985-1990). He is a frequent speaker at church-related conferences on a wide variety of theological topics, and has a special interest in current issues, challenges, and opportunities in areas involving the intersection between church and culture. Dr. Lehenbauer attended Valparaiso University, Concordia College, Ann Arbor (B.A.), and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. (M.Div., STM, Ph.D.). He and his wife Hope live in Union, Mo. and have four grown children and five grandchildren.  Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com  Commission on Theology and Church Relations Library - resources.lcms.org/reading-study/theology-and-church-relations-library Holy Resolve Bible Study from Concordia Publishing House - cph.org/holy-resolve-terror-war-today-downloadable End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders.

In this text from Paul Gerhardt, each Christian encourages himself to rejoice and maintain a cheerful trust in God for all things. He is our portion and treasure so that despair need not overwhelm us. As He has cared for us our whole lives long, so He will continue to care for us. His discipline comes from His love for us, the same love that has forgiven our sins in Christ. Therefore, we trust His guiding love to lead us home to Him.  Rev. Charles St-Onge, missionary pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, through the Office of National Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 737, “Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing.”  “Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God's fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy.   Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

There is a notion that observant Jews don't have a chance to be professional athletes. The notion that Shabbat is an impediment and a sheer lack of role models make it hard for young athletes to find their way to elite sport. AJ Edelman is one of the trailblazing athletes working to change those conditions. Without any of the supports offered by the classic winter-olympic pipeline, he taught himself the dangerous art of skeleton from watching YouTube videos and went on to compete for Israel in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Since then, he has built out the Israeli bobsledding program, recruiting athletes and sponsors, and pushing his team to reach the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Jay and AJ discuss the challenging logistics of building an Olympic program from scratch, and the unique set of restrictions and responsibilities AJ feels as a chosen representative of the State of Israel. Today's episode was produced by Tani Levitt and Mijon Zulu. To check out more episodes or to learn more about the show, you can visit our website Allaboutchangepodcast.com. If you like our show, spread the word, tell a friend or family member, or leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app. We really appreciate it. All About Change is produced by the Ruderman Family Foundation. Episode Chapters 0:00 Intro 2:35 How AJ became a sled athlete and chose Skeleton and Bobsled 9:14 Has AJ always wanted to be an advocate for the Jewish people? 12:04 AJ loves to inspire the next generation 14:50 Activism as a national athlete 18:35 How do other athletes relate to AJ's activism? 22:52 How do fans relate to AJ's activism? 24:53 Campaigns to bar Israel from international athletic competition 29:27 What would making the 2026 Olympics mean to AJ and Israel 32:49 Outro and goodbye For video episodes, watch on⁠ ⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation⁠ Stay in touch: X:⁠ @JayRuderman⁠ |⁠ @RudermanFdn⁠ LinkedIn:⁠ Jay Ruderman⁠ |⁠ Ruderman Family Foundation⁠ Instagram:⁠ All About Change Podcast⁠ |⁠ Ruderman Family Foundation⁠ To learn more about the podcast, visit⁠ https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/⁠ Jay's brand new book, Find Your Fight, in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.jayruderman.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

How do we know that things exist? The Rev. Dr. Mark Wood (Pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church in Gold Canyon, AZ, former managing director of Church Planting, Renewal and Support for the LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah for Episode 3 of our “Prepared with a Reason” series to talk about how we know that things exist, what we do with the supernatural, when our cultural perceptions or understandings of the relationship between the natural and supernatural change, what makes existence purposeful and meaningful, and how to respond to worldly assumptions about existence. Find the “Prepared with a Reason” curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Why should and how can adults and young adults be prepared to enter challenging conversations in the public square? The Rev. Dr. Mark Wood (Pastor of Shepherd of the Canyon Lutheran Church in Gold Canyon, AZ, former managing director of Church Planting, Renewal and Support for the LCMS Office of National Mission) and Dr. Lisa Clark (Senior Editor, Curriculum Resources, Concordia Publishing House) join Andy and Sarah for episode 1 of our "Prepared with a Reason" series to talk about why a curriculum on being prepared for challenging personal and public conversations was important for CPH to create, some scenarios that exemplify the need for education and training in this area, the topics covered in "Prepared with a Reason," how the curriculum prepares us in each of these topics, how this curriculum is different from other apologetics curriculum from CPH, and what readers and listeners can expect to learn. Find the curriculum at cph.org/prepared-with-a-reason-leaders-guide-digital-edition. Other helpful books mentioned by Pastor Wood include: The Universe Next Door: ivpress.com/the-universe-next-door Naming the Elephant: ivpress.com/naming-the-elephant As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How are Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT) trained? The Rev. Michael Meyer (Director of Training, LCMS Disaster Response and Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission), Kris Schuldt (LERT Training Committee, District Disaster Response Coordinator, LCMS Missouri District), Bryce Cramer (LERT Training Committee, Chainsaw trainer), and the Rev. Trae Fistler (LERT Training Committee, District Disaster Response Coordinator, LCMS Mid-South District) join Andy and Sarah to talk about what LERT is, how LERT teams serve and why proper training is so important, why the LERT training curriculum was updated, and how teams can be trained using this new curriculum. Learn more at LCMS.org/disaster and LCMS-LERT.org. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

It takes 150 crocus flowers to make just one gram of saffron. For comparison, a spice like cumin, gets you hundreds of kilos per acre whereas saffron yields barely two.Despite getting a prestigious GI tag from the Indian government and even a National Mission dedicated to its revival, Kashmir's saffron production has plummeted:from 8 tonnes in 2011 to just 2.7 tonnes in 2024.So what's going wrong? And can India learn something from Iran, which currently dominates 90% of the global saffron market?Reporters Mehroob Mushtaq and Numan Bhat, traveled deep into saffron country, met the farmers, walked the fields, and came back with a story that's rich in detail, visuals, and hard truths.Tune in.*This episode was originally published on July 21st 2025.Compete in India's first and only case-build competition.Daybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India's first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, and analytical business stories.

The LCMS Youth Ministry staff reflects on the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering and celebrates what God did during our time together in New Orleans.  Resources: YouthESource Website – youthesource.com  LCMS Youth Gathering – lcmsgathering.com  End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders.

We're talking church work recruitment and worker wellness at the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission) and the Rev. Dr. James Baneck (Executive Director of Pastoral Education and Set Apart to Serve) join Andy and Sarah on the KFUO Stage for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the role of the lay person in worker wellness, how worker wellness is a part of Set Apart to Serve, what concerns we have about the wellness of church workers, what we mean by personal stewardship, and some examples of excellent worker wellness and personal stewardship from the parish and Deaconess Tiffany and Rev. Baneck's prior service. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Mark and Julianna record from the Interactive Floor of the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering!  Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering – lcmsgathering.com  YouthESource website – youthesource.com End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders.

It takes 150 crocus flowers to make just one gram of saffron. For comparison, a spice like cumin, gets you hundreds of kilos per acre whereas saffron yields barely two.Despite getting a prestigious GI tag from the Indian government and even a National Mission dedicated to its revival, Kashmir's saffron production has plummeted:from 8 tonnes in 2011 to just 2.7 tonnes in 2024. So what's going wrong? And can India learn something from Iran, which currently dominates 90% of the global saffron market?Reporters Mehroob Mushtaq and Numan Bhat, traveled deep into saffron country, met the farmers, walked the fields, and came back with a story that's rich in detail, visuals, and hard truths.Tune in.Daybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India's first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, and analytical business stories.

How does an educator become a Lutheran School Principal? Dr. Alan Freeman (Director of School Ministry, LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about how he became a school administrator, what kind of “leadership training program” for Lutheran schools existed when he became an administrator, the need for Lutheran school administrators today, the correlation existing between the shortage of Lutheran school teachers and the shortage of Lutheran school administrators, how Lutheran educators are trained for leadership through the SLED (School Leadership Development) program, and what SLED training looks like. Learn more about Lutheran Schools and Lutheran School Leadership at lcms.org/schools. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Why does worker wellness matter—and how can your congregation get involved in a pilot project to support it? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director of the LCMS Office of National Mission) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about why congregational leaders should care about the well-being of church workers. She shares who we consider to be church workers, what “worker wellness” really means, what participation in the pilot project looks like, how it benefits both congregations and workers, and what steps leaders can take to get started. Visit https://reporter.lcms.org/2025/congregations-needed-for-worker-wellness-pilot-project to find more information as well as the questionnaire for the Pilot Program. Please email workerwellness@lcms.org if you have any questions. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

How can we show love to our neighbors through acts of mercy? Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor (Managing Director, LCMS Office of National Mission), the Rev. Dr. Brian Heller (Manager of LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry), and the Rev. Andy Becker (Manager of Family Discipleship) join Andy and Sarah to talk about the Mercy: Love Throughout Life conference happening March 14-15, 2025. They discuss why this conference is so timely, the variety of topics the conference will cover, who this conference is for (everyone!), and the unique in-person + online hybrid format. Learn more and register at calendar.lcms.org/event/mercy-love-throughout-life-conference-2025. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

The 2025 March for Life is Friday, January 24! Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Managing Director with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about what happens at the National March for Life, why the LCMS has had a consistent presence at The March for Life, what is unique about this year, the invitation for President Harrison to be a speaker at the Rally, and how people can connect with the LCMS presence at this year's National March for life. To register and find more information, visit lcms.org/life. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

What does Hispanic Ministry look like in Southwest Detroit? The Rev. Ricardo Granado, Michigan District Missionary for Hispanic Ministries, joins Andy, Sarah, and translator the Rev. Stephen Heimer (Manager of All Nations Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission) during our Hispanic Heritage Month series to talk about his Lutheran heritage and growing up in Venezuela, his journey to become a Lutheran pastor and how he served the Church in Venezuela, his family's journey to the United States and how he has served the church here, and the amazing ministry happening in Detroit. Learn more about Pan de Vida on their Facebook page: facebook.com/pandevida1820. Read more from Rev. Granado at michigandistrict.org/commission/granado-leads-michigan-district-hispanic-ministry. Learn more about LCMS Hispanic Ministry at lcms.org/how-we-serve/national/hispanic-ministry.

Each day of the Omer has its own unique personality and lessons for personal growth. Let's journey together from now until Shavuos, trying to make the most of this amazing period. omer #sefira #countthedaysandmakethemcount #jew #jewish #torah #torahfortoughtimes #rabbiroodyn #bringthemhome #rabbi #torahanytime #Judaism #Israel #shiur #responsetotragictimes

Ezra lists the heads of households who make the journey to Jerusalem with him. These people are known not only to Ezra, but also to the LORD. The list especially emphasizes the needed workers for service in the temple. Prior to beginning the journey, the people fast in humility for three days in order to rely solely on God for their safe travel. The people faithfully carry with them vessels and other offerings for use in the temple, and God brings the entire group and their possessions safely to Jerusalem. Rev. Charles St-Onge, missionary pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, through the Office of National Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezra 8:1-36. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

Ryan and Shannon discuss how the US Cyber Command deployed cyber specialists to more than a dozen countries last year to fortify networks and expose tools that hackers are using. These deployments, known as 'Hunt Forward' missions, were conducted by the Cyber National Mission Force. Other countries have also sought assistance from the US in dealing with cyber threats. The Defense Department is seeking $14.5 billion for cyber activities in fiscal year 2025, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity. Article: Secretive US cyber force deployed 22 times to aid foreign governments https://www.c4isrnet.com/cyber/2024/04/10/secretive-us-cyber-force-deployed-22-times-to-aid-foreign-governments/ Please LISTEN

Lamentation is a poetic masterpiece that captures the profound sorrow of a once-glorious Jerusalem now laid to waste. Chapter 1 paints a vivid picture of the city personified as a lonely widow, utterly deserted and mourning her losses after the Babylonian invasion. It's a poignant exploration of the themes of suffering, the consequences of turning away from God, and the stark reality of exile. The Rev. Brian Heller, manager of Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry for the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Lamentations 1. Embark on a journey through the Book of Lamentations, a deeply moving poetic reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. This book is a profound expression of grief, portraying the desolation of a city and a people who have experienced immense suffering. Each chapter brings its unique perspective, from the vivid portrayal of Jerusalem as a lonely, grieving widow to the poignant pleas for mercy and reflection on the unyielding justice of God. The imagery is stark and emotive, encapsulating the pain of exile and the consequences of turning away from God. Yet, amidst the mourning, Lamentations also offers glimmers of hope and the possibility of redemption. It's a powerful exploration of human sorrow, divine justice, and the enduring faithfulness of God, even in the darkest of times.

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor — Managing Director for Human Care and Ministerial Support and Director of Life Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, and Rev. Ken Krueger — Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for Concordia Plans, join Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about how each of them became church workers, why worker wellness is important to them, what worker wellness and the wellness wheel are, how the Synod is addressing worker wellness, and how different ministries across Synod work together to ensure worker wellness. Learn more about Church Worker Wellness at lcms.org/wellness and Concordia Plans at concordiaplans.org. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

In this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa to talk about his next book, Faith That Shines in the Culture. In his upcoming book, Al shows readers how we can reflect the light of Christ to the world around us. Pre-order Al's newest book on CPH's website by visiting cph.org/faith-that-shines-in-the-culture. Show NotesBeing part of society as a Christian means living out your faith in the church, the government, and the family. At the same time, every individual is called by God to do something in the world, known as your vocation. Both your vocation and living in The Three Estates are beautiful and rich parts of being a Lutheran. In his upcoming book, Al Espinosa examines both of these theological concepts to help you see how to take up God's greatest call: showcasing God's light through you and into the world. During the episode, Al talks about how Christians can learn how to express Christ's light in each portion of their life as they go about their daily routine. He also discusses how this new book fits in with his two previous Faith That… books with CPH and what listeners should expect from the work.   QuestionsHow does your new book fit into your previous writing?What is vocation? What does vocation look like?What are the Three Estates?What advice do you have for church members to help underscore how important it is for every member of the local congregation to be active and involved?About the GuestRev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa is a graduate of Concordia University Irvine (BA) and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana (MDiv). He received an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Birmingham (England) in 2009. Dr. Espinosa is the senior pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Irvine, California, and a member of the Board for National Mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. In addition to writing the faith-and-culture trilogy, he has served as an author for The Lutheran Difference, a study notes team member for The Lutheran Study Bible, and a contributor to the Biblical Response series. 

Rev. Dr. Alfonso Espinosa, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA, Chair of the LCMS Board for National Mission, and author of the forthcoming book Faith that Shines in the Culture from Concordia Publishing House, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about how this book fits into his trilogy of books about faith and culture, how we understand vocation as Lutherans, our vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with our neighbors, what "light" has to do with all of this, and how we understand vocation within the three estates. Find your copy of Faith that Shines in the Culture at cph.org/faith-that-shines-in-the-culture.

EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, KNOWING JESUS. Well talk about a big vision! How can it become a reality?  Dr Rachel Jordan-Wolf will be joining us at this year's LAUNCH (See launchcataylst.org for the best deal available for you and your team.   Rachel is executive director of HOPE Together in the UK, having worked closely with the initiative since 2010, when she was the Church of England's National Mission and Evangelism Advisor, and this episode is FULL of encouragement that you may not be aware of, and doesn't tend to get spoken about anywhere near enough.  “I'm committed to evangelism being at the heart of the church,' says Rachel, “Committed to mission and to the local church in villages, towns and cities, and committed to do this together across denominations and across ethnicities to make Jesus known with words and action. We are also committed to a new generation, engaging with Millennials and with digital culture as well. You'll hear how as well as being an expert on the stats and demographics from surveys she has commissioned we can have a great deal of hope for the future church. Rachel as a passionate evangelist herself is seeing God move in exciting ways as she personally finds opportunities because people are way more ready to hear the good news of the gospel than most Christians are to pass it on! This podcast serves to help you to do that, and help others to do so too - so please rate it, share and subscribe, and connect with Rachel in person at LAUNCH or at hopetogether.org.uk and please check out talkingjesus.org to not only be encouraged but equipped!   

Jon Carter finishes off our series ‘The Beauty of the Gospel' using an interview with Rachel Jordan-Wolf, the Church of England's National Mission and Evangelism Advisor, as he unpacks the call to action in Matthew 28.

Rev. Dr. Mark Wood — Managing Director for Church Planting, Renewal and Support with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his life and career before seminary, how he made the decision to pursue seminary education and church work vocation, the challenges of moving to seminary as a second career family, how seminary life was for his family, and his encouragement for men to consider second-career pastoral vocations. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Resuming after a short break, The Think WIldlife Podcast returns with a new episode discussing the role of ecological economics with Nandan Nawn. We discuss the ideas and trends in ecological economics, how it varies from environmental economics, how the field is growing in India. We also discuss how nature can be valued and the role of local communities in conservation. We also discuss the recently launched National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being and some of the great work being done by Biodiversity Collaborative.Nandan Nawn recently became a Professor at the Jamia Millia Islamia. Classical Political Economy, Ecological Economics and, Environment and Development have been his persistent academic interests. His present focus is on Economics of Ecological Restoration.  He has designed/co-designed 13 and taught 21 courses across levels and programmes in four institutions across two cities of India. He has supervised 28 Master's thesis, 1 MPhil dissertation and 1 PhD thesis. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anishbanerjee.substack.com

Rev. Brian Heller, Manager of Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry with the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about who is served by professionals in Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry (formerly Specialized Pastoral Ministry), in what ways chaplains serve, how he began considering formation to be a chaplain, the special training that professionals in Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry receive, and how to begin the steps to becoming a chaplain. Learn more at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/specialized-pastoral-ministry. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Rev. Eric Andrae — pastor of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, PA, and Lutheran Student Fellowship Pittsburgh, and Rev. Michael Meyer — managing director in the LCMS Office of National Mission, join Andy and Sarah to talk about why ministry to college students is important today, how campus ministry made a difference for both of them when they were students, what campus ministry looks like today, and how campus ministry staff and leaders will be equiped in the LCMSU Campus Ministry Staff Conference 2023. Find Lutheran Student Fellowship Pittsburgh at lsfpgh.com and register for the LCMSU Campus Ministry Staff Conference at calendar.lcms.org/event/lcms-u-campus-ministry-staff-conference-2023.

Rev. Charles St-Onge, missionary pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada through the Office of National Mission for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study John 18:15-27. As Jesus goes to His trial, Simon Peter faces his own. John's connection to the high priest gives Peter access to the high priest's court. When Peter is questioned there, he denies that he is one of Jesus' disciples three times, in accord with Jesus' Word. Meanwhile, Jesus is questioned by the high priest and gives faithful testimony. Though Jesus is on trial, His responses end up putting the high priest on trial for refusing to put faith in Jesus. As Jesus clearly remains in control of the events of His Passion, He goes forward willingly to save the very people who are sinning against Him and to save all. “The Word Made Flesh” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. John. The disciple whom Jesus loved wrote his Gospel account as an eyewitness to Jesus' life and ministry. As we read the Word of God recorded by St. John, the Holy Spirit works in us so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so have life by faith in His name.

Deaconess Emma Heinz and Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor join Mark and Julianna to talk about how we approach life issues in youth ministry and teach a full theology of life in all things to our youth. Find LCMS Life Ministry resources at lcmslife.org and life resources on the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com/life. Bio: Deaconess Emma Heinz lives in St. Louis and is married to Seminarian Ben Heinz. She has served as a Deaconess intern in the Office of National Mission, including helping with the LCMS Gathering registration. She currently serves as registrar for Higher Things and in her spare time likes to read and write.   Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor serves as director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Life Ministry.  After a first career in marketing, she received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary and earned a doctorate from Bethel University. She is married to Rev. Jonathan Manor, and they have five children and two grandchildren. 

What does it mean to be a “theologian of the cross?” Martin Luther gave the Church this language to rightly confess the paradox of Christ's revelation of Himself in suffering. As part of a lengthy disputation, he wrote that “we apprehend the things of God not in glory, but in the suffering and death of Jesus.” So what does this mean? How does this affect the way Lutherans approach life issues? And finally, what does this mean for our vocations? Join Steph, Tiffany, and special guest Pastor Robert Zagore for another episode of “The Floor is Yours” as they put legs on this rich aspect of our Lutheran theology. Bio: Rev. Robert Zagore received his Master of Divinity in 1990 from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and completed additional coursework toward a Master of Sacred Theology, also from the seminary. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. Before becoming a pastor, Zagore worked as an accounting consultant for Cleveland Business Consulting Services. Zagore grew up in a blue-collar, immigrant Cleveland neighborhood and has served as a pastor for over 30 years in small, medium and large congregations, both urban and rural, and in the LCMS Office of National Mission. He and his wife, Gwen, have been married for 32 years and have four adult children. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Chaplain Brian Heller, Manager of Specialized Pastoral Ministry (SPM) in the LCMS Office of National Mission, joins Andy and Sarah to talk about his journey into serving as a pastor and in chaplaincy, the difference between institutional chaplaincy and military chaplaincy, how chaplains serve, the training chaplains receive through Specialized Pastoral Ministry, and what he's looking forward to in his new role. Learn about Specialized Pastoral Ministry and serving as a chaplain at lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/specialized-pastoral-ministry.

Pr. Robert Zagore of the Office of National Mission for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod LCMS Office of National Mission Making Disciples for Life

If you're baptized, if you have baptism sponsors, if you are a sponsor, then this episode is FOR YOU! Ever wonder what the difference is between a godparent and a baptism sponsor? Have you grown up confused by the role of baptism sponsors? Are you considering who to choose as a sponsor for your own children? What is the role of a sponsor and what does it mean to agree to that responsibility? All of these questions and more are answered in this episode!   For Bibles and Hymnals and other Baptism Gifts, shop at www.cph.org. Bios: Erin Bauer is a wife, mom of three, sister, daughter, friend, and baptized Child of God. She resides in Brookings, SD where her husband serves as pastor and she serves as head teacher at Bauer Lutheran Homeschool. She has a Masters of Arts in Deaconess Studies from Concordia Seminary. While she is not currently serving as a deaconess, she uses her degree in all vocations, especially exemplary Bible Study student and as she teaches the faith to her littles.  Gwen Zagore has been married to Rev. Robert Zagore for 36 years and now lives in St Louis, MO. They are blessed with 4 adult children, 3 wonderful “kids in law” and 2 grandchildren. Gwen graduated from Valparaiso University and received a Masters degree in Natural Resource Management from Michigan State University. She worked in various jobs in soil conservation as her husband served 3 different congregations in Michigan. However, her favorite use of the degree came recently when she became a part of the East African Agricultural Consultancy short term mission team. Throughout the years in the parish, Gwen has served as children's choir director, Bible study leader, school music teacher, and interpreter for the deaf.  Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor has been called by the LCMS Office of National Mission as the director of Life Ministry. She previously served the LCMS New England District as an executive focused on church worker wellness, human care and school ministries. She has also served at LCMS Recognized Service Organizations; at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and at various congregations. After a first career in business, a B.A. in Marketing and studies in an MBA program, Deaconess Tiffany received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University. Her research is focused on congregation and family care. She is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, Mass. The Lord has blessed Tiffany and Jonathan with five children, and a granddaughter.  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.

Have you come across articles in a magazine or social media that don't always paint motherhood in a positive light? What about headlines that speak about children as a burden to begrudge, rather than a gift to care for and delight in? Host Steph Neugebauer reads some disturbing headlines to begin this episode and invites LCMS Life Ministry leaders Tiffany & Kris to discuss the dangers and harm of them, while also devoting quite a bit of time to encourage mothers in their vocations. Much of it hinges on mindset – do we see parenthood and children as God's gift to us? Scripture applies both Law and Gospel on this very issue and sets our minds on things above.   Bios: Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor has been called by the LCMS Office of National Mission as the director of Life Ministry. She previously served the LCMS New England District as an executive focused on church worker wellness, human care and school ministries. She has also served at LCMS Recognized Service Organizations; at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and at various congregations. After a first career in business, a B.A. in Marketing and studies in an MBA program, Deaconess Tiffany received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne and earned a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel University. Her research is focused on congregation and family care. She is married to the Rev. Jonathan Manor, pastor of Lutheran Church of the Savior in Bedford, Mass. The Lord has blessed Tiffany and Jonathan with five children, and a granddaughter.  Kristin Freeman has served in the LCMS for more than 20 years. She is married to Alan and has two college-aged children, Holly and Samuel. Kris served as a high school Spanish and French teacher and registrar at Concordia Preparatory School (Baltimore, Md.), Spanish instructor at Towson University (Towson, Md.), teacher for Genesis Virtual Academy through Mayer LHS (Mayer, Minn.), and coordinator in the LCMS School Ministry in St. Louis, Mo. Kris now serves as manager of the LCMS Life Ministry office in St. Louis, Mo. In her free time, Kris enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.  Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org. Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.