Dear Fellow Workers in God’s Kingdom:
The August 2020 issue of Forward in Christ quoted Pastor Richard Lauersdorf as saying, “It makes you humble when you know how much power God’s Word has. You appreciate the opportunities God gives you to use that Word in special ways with people.”
Most of you know that God called Richard home to heaven in January. We praise God for his ministry, which spanned 62 years and included synodical leadership positions as well as parish service.
We also praise God that in addition to his respect for the Scriptures, God blessed him with the ability to understand people and the life struggles and spiritual challenges we all face, as well as the ability—through his gift of writing—to express the hope, comfort, and peace that is ours because of the message of Christ.
When Pastor Lauersdorf was writing the Out of the Depths series of devotions (a set of four booklets for those who are nearing the end of life, those whose loved one is dying, those who have lost a loved one, and those who are suffering from loss in general) he shared that in his ministry he had officiated at over 800 funerals. As he ministered to those many families, he became very familiar with the fears, the pain, the anger—all the emotions and challenges experienced by those who have lost a loved one. In the devotions he wasn’t afraid to address those challenges, even feelings of anger toward God, as he gently led hurting souls to the cross. I personally give these booklets, especially With Tears in Our Eyes, in lieu of a sympathy card. People are grateful for the comforting messages they contain.
Lauersdorf’s ability to apply God’s law and gospel so clearly to our lives was also evident in the two general devotion books that he wrote, Together With Jesus and Beside Quiet Waters. These were published at a time when Thrivent Financial (formerly Aid Association for Lutherans) offered free books as gifts for members. They chose both books to distribute and shared that they were the most requested titles in their program—evidence that people beyond the WELS cherished the clear law and gospel message that came through in every devotion.
That same clear message is evident on the pages of the People’s Bible series volume on Hebrews, which he wrote, the two Lenten series that came from his pen, and the numerous articles he authored in Forward in Christ.
While his earthly ministry has come to an end, God still works powerfully through the gospel people can see so clearly in Pastor Lauersdorf’s writing. Consider how these gospel-centered resources can aid you in your ministry.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
Your brother in Christ,
Ray Schumacher
Northwestern Publishing House Editor
schumacherr@nph.wels.net