Recently I read a National Geographic article (June 23, 2025, by Alisa Hrustic) containing an interview of a still practicing 102-year-old physician who started his practice in 1947. He gave the three top healthy habits to follow for longevity: 1. Stay physically and mentally active; 2. Do not smoke cigarettes whatsoever; 3. Don’t harbor hatred. #3 struck me as a bit unique in such lists as the other two seem normal.
Here is what Dr. Tucker had to say about #3: “When you hate, you’re physically abusing yourself. Your pulse and blood pressure go up. It’s the same stress that you’d get with any anxiety. Look, hate is innate. When we hate someone, we increase our own stature, emotionally, and it just doesn’t work that way. There’s no reality to it, except the unhealthy physiological responses.”
Now our Lord warned us about hatred. Not because it would shorten our lives here on earth but because it violates the command to love neighbor as oneself and has eternal consequences. “He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” (1 John 3:14b-16a)
While the good doctor’s third rule for long life is wise, our Lord’s counsel is wise for all eternity and is rooted in His self-sacrificing love for us. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins…We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:10&19) Live well in Jesus’ love for you now and forevermore.
Glenn Obenberger
Wonderful news from Peru!
World Outreach Administrator Rev. Thomas Heyn and board member Rev. Daniel Ruiz visited the village of Luis Terry in the Peruvian Amazon, along with Rev. Segundo Gutiérrez and Rev. Andrés Robles. Ten adults and children were baptized during the service! “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” (Ephesians 4:5) Just prior to this visit, three pastors were ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Peru!
Our Bethany Lutheran College
Bethany Lutheran College is celebrating a record-setting start to the 2025–26 academic year. The official enrollment report shows 685 full-time undergraduates—the highest in school history—and an all-time high of 251 new students (freshmen and transfers) beginning their Bethany journey. Overall student headcount has reached 928, and the campus is enriched by 149 international students from around the world. This strong international enrollment not only brings culture and perspective but also expands Bethany’s mission opportunity to share Christ’s love across nations. These encouraging numbers highlight the strength of Bethany’s mission and community.
“Hopeful, Cheerful, and Undaunted”
The next Pastoral Support Committee retreat will be held on February 3–5 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We are inviting both pastors and their wives to this retreat with the desire to support not only the pastors, but also their helpmeets. We will cover such topics as: the blessings of the parsonage, the prayer life of the parsonage, common stressors on a pastor’s family, grief, and the Lord’s Supper. There will also be a breakout session for pastors and another for their wives.
The committee would encourage every congregation to consider supporting their pastors and wives so that they might attend the retreat. Registration will open on October 1 and includes room and board at the retreat. Wednesday afternoon/evening will be free time for the couple.
Pre-registration (Oct. 1–Nov. 30) Couple: $330 Single: $185
Registration (Dec. 1–Jan. 11) Couple $375 Single: $210
Register at: https://els.org/retreat
2025 Bjarne W. Teigen Reformation Lectures
October 30–31, 2025
Luther’s Great Treatises of 1525:
Not by My Own Reason or Strength
- Against the Heavenly Prophets in the Matter of Images and Sacraments — Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Austin, TX
- How Christians Should Regard Moses — Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux, Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, MN
- The Bondage of the Will — Dr. Keith Wessel, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN
Bethany Lutheran College | Sports and Fitness Center
Mankato, MN | October 30, 10:30 a.m.
Register online at blc.edu/reformation-lectures
ELS Youth Missionary Fund
The Hugh Brooks Mission Fund was established Rev. Matthew & Rebecca Brooks in memory of their dear son Hugh who died from heart complications before he was a year old. This wonderful memorial fund exists to assist ELS teens and college students with financial help to participate in mission projects within our fellowship. Youth leaders and/or parents of our young people are encouraged to contact to our ELS Board for Youth Outreach chairman, Josh Mayer, through their congregational pastor to learn more about how their youth might make use of these funds in kingdom work. “Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Ps. 90:17)
Upcoming Events
October 1–3 – General Pastoral Conference
October 30–31 – Reformation Lectures
November 13–14 – Board for Home Outreach
November 18–19 – Board for World Outreach
View current vacancies and calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Download this newsletter as a bulletin insert.