A ministry that began last year at Trinity, Sacramento -- to the Arabic-speaking peoples of Sacramento -- may be expanding in the CNH District, according to Mission Counselor, John Whaley

Dr. Naeem, the Arabic missionary, met with John Whaley and Pastor Eisberg of Redeemer, Fresno, last week to discuss mission opportunities to the Arabic speaking community in Fresno. He was contacted by families in Fresno to come in and begin sharing the message of the Gospel with them.

Dr. Naeem prefers to partner with local Lutheran churches which allows for a place to conduct Bible study groups and to hold Arabic worship. Dr. Naeem will also be available to Lutheran congregations to conduct workshops on the Arabic culture and the Muslim religion.

If you would like more information on Arabic ministry, contact Dr. Naeem at Drgeorgenaeem@comcast.net.

Pictured is John Whaley, Mission Counselor for the Southern Region, Rev. Dr. George Naeem and Rev. Clarence Eisberg, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fresno. Dr. Naeem is the Executive Director of Biblical Orthodox Lutheran Mission (BOLM) based out of the Rocky Mountain District in Colorado. His ministry is captured in his mission statement, "Sharing Christ's love with Arabic speaking people and Americans nationally and globally."

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., March 22 /PRNewswire- FirstCall/ -- Bruce Pfirrmann, an eighth grade student from Our Savior Lutheran School in Honolulu, won the Hawaii state championship in the third annual Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge(SM) today. The top 100 statewide winners competed for a trip to the finals during the state championships held in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and the Department of Defense Schools.

Hey! Pastors... This is Jim Beyer up here in Santa Rosa and I want to see you golfing!

I've been asked to put together a Golf Tourney opportunity when you all come into Sonoma Country (Rohnert Park, etc) for the April 5,6,7 CNH District Pastors Conference. The conference is at the Double Tree Hotel in Rohnert Park. This is the renamed, reorganized Red Lion Inn that we have had two conferences at over the past 10-12 years. The Mountain Shadows Golf Club (north and south courses) has been renamed to Foxtail Golf Club, is right across the street from the hotel.

Inviting a person to worship is still a powerful evangelism tool. It becomes even more powerful at "the right time" such as during a personal crisis or a major life change. (Herb Miller, The Parish Paper, Nov. 2004 Vol. 12, #5)

In a study of 152,681 converts to the Southern Baptist Church, the following were identified as contributing influences:

1. Attending church worship services - 76.9%
2. Reading the Bible on your own - 57.5%
3. Someone personally sharing the plan of salvation - 56.6
4. Watching the way a person lived as a Christian - 53%
5. Someone telling about their own personal experience - 47.2%
6. Attending Sunday school or Bible study - 46.4%
7. Experiencing a personal crisis - 45.6%
8. Attending a revival or crusade - 27.9%
9. Experiencing a major change in life - 25.9%
10. Watching/listening to religious program on TV/radio - 21.6%
11. Reading a religious booklet or tract - 16.9%

U.S. churches are facing more and more legal hurdles to holding potlucks.

One of the most common questions in our church today is "Where are all of the 18-28 year olds?" Well, many of them are on college campuses all across the country. They are out there making huge life decisions including decisions regarding their faith. So, how can we in the church reach out to these students in a relevant, impactful, and genuine way?

Well, many of them are on college campuses all across the country. They are out there making huge life decisions including decisions regarding their faith.

So, how can we in the church reach out to these students in a relevant, impactful, and genuine way? Well,read on. . .

Bethany had a ground breaking on Sunday after church! We are moving forward with our building project!

I am lookiong forward to our building dedication in January 2006 (start praying for that opening date now, please!) This is a very exciting time and long awaited for our school families!

So. . .it's time to look at playground equipment for the new site.

Lisa Wright

For the family of Gloria Wallis, widow of the sainted Rev. Carl Wallis, who was called to glory on Good Friday.

For Bernie Pankow. The doctor has told him that the cancer has spread to the bone. He anticipates that the doctor will start him on chemo after his appointment this Thursday.

For Vineyard of Faith, Windsor. They have extended a call to Rev. Chris Davis of Federal Way, Washington, to serve as Senior Pastor and to Rev. Doug Williams of Santa Rosa, California, to serve as Associate Pastor. Please keep this in your prayers

Saint Paul Lutheran High School of Concordia, Missouri (a.k.a. St. Paul's College and St. Paul's College High) is having their sixth All School Reunion. It is being held June 24-26, 2005 on the SPLHS campus in Concordia, Missouri. This is the first time the reunion will be held during the same weekend as the annual benefit hog roast and auction. Check your spring alumni newsletter for schedule and registration information, or contact Walter Loeber, Alumni Coordinator, by calling 660-463-2238, ext. 232 or email splhsalumni@yahoo.com.

For those of you who don't know, Saint Paul is a day and boarding school which has been educating students for over 100 years. We offer high quality education that integrates Christian faith and learning. The character of the school is also influenced by a smaller student body -- about 150 boys and girls -- and a curriculum tuned to prepare students for post-secondary study. For more information please visit our web site at http://www.splhs.org.

Upcoming events:

• Spring Pastors' Conference, Rohnert Park -- April 5-7
• Education Administrators' Meeting, Ministry Center -- April 15
• Interim Pastors Meeting, Ministry Center -- April 19
• Board of Directors, Ministry Center -- June 14
• Board of Directors, Ministry Center -- September 10
• Fall Pastors' Conference, Fresno -- October 11-13