Martin Luther understood the power and impact of the written word – ‘If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write’, he wrote. His writing changed the world, from his 95 Theses to translations of Scripture and publications of his sermons, devotions and theological considerations. Luther was dedicated to providing access […]

Martin Luther understood the power and impact of the written word – ‘If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write’, he wrote.

His writing changed the world, from his 95 Theses to translations of Scripture and publications of his sermons, devotions and theological considerations. Luther was dedicated to providing access to the gospel for all people, not just the privileged and educated of the day. Lutherans around the world value the written word as a means of providing access to the gospel for people in their own languages.

With this in mind, two arms of the Lutheran family – one in Malaysia and one in Australia – have combined their resources to produce tracts in languages spoken in Malaysia.

The Lutheran Study Centre (LSC) in Sabah was established for the benefit of local and regional Lutheran churches in Malaysia. Its purpose is to help these churches embrace Lutheran confessional identity, as they proclaim the gospel to the people of Malaysia. The LSC publication ministry invests time and resources in promoting the publication and translation of tracts and other reading material suitable for Lutheran lay members and clergy. This ministry plays a crucial role by making resource materials available for members to read, understand and appreciate our Lutheran heritage and confessional stand.

The LLL’s Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) outreach ministry in Australia produces tracts, which are short written messages of hope and encouragement, in the service of bringing messages of God’s saving grace to all people. Tract Development Officer Anne Hansen knows God’s word is not limited to English translations, but that it needs to be provided in all languages so that everyone can read of God’s saving grace in their own language. ‘Just like at Pentecost when the disciples spoke in the languages of all the people, so we also have the mission ahead of us to proclaim God’s love to all nations’, she says. ‘Other countries are better at it than Australia, but we can always improve with God’s help.’

In 2016, LTM made several tracts available to LSC for translation. The then director of LSC, Dr Eric Trozzo, was encouraged by LCANZ emeritus pastor Dr Vic Pfitzner to translate LTM tracts to add to LSC resources. Translations were made into local languages and dialects, including Tamil, Mandarin and Malay.

I would like to thank the Lutheran Church of Australia and LTM for making available tracts and other resource material to LSC. This joint effort will support our objective to enhance Lutheran confessional identity.

This story was also published in the April 2022 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Malaysia (Sabah) at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/malaysia-sabah/