FAITH SUPPORTS
It was last winter when I first found out about the "Toivon Torstai"- evenings which are held in Kankaanpaa. I immediately decided to take part in one of these evenings. I have barely missed a meeting since.
Living faith has truly been reflected from the words of the speakers. The thought-provoking speeches deal with the joys and sorrows of life and about faith being the supporting strength in all life's phases. I have felt the closeness of the Holy Spirit and God has nurtured me through the speeches and songs. I've felt how a flame of hope has ignited in my heart. The "Toivon Torstai"- evenings are like a celebration in the middle of everyday life.
There's a lot of different kind of musical activity going on during these meetings. I can feel the bond between Christians as we sing the songs together.
I am truly happy that this kind of idea was born here in Kankaanpaa. It has been easy to attend these "Toivon Torstai"- evenings and there has been a big group of people in charge making sure that everything works effectively.
Now that hopelessness spreads all around the world, there is a need for the Gospel of living hope!
Marjut Koivuniemi 
January 13th 2002 was a day in 32-year-old Kirsi Viita’s life that shook her world. Completely unexpectedly she got a message
that her husband had committed suicide. “It felt like a surreal nightmare. There seemed to be no reason or even a possibility to go on.
The foundation of my life that I’d been building for years was suddenly gone. Suddenly I was alone with our 12-year-old daughter and 5-year-old-son.”
“I sought help from people around me, from crisis groups and even the psychology. I started to pray to God: Help me, hear me and please answer me.
What am I supposed to do now?”
One night, when Kirsi was out on a walk, she met a friend who told her about the “Hope for Thursday”-meetings that Finnish Lutheran
Hour holds, and invited her along. “Next day two other people told me about the same meeting and one said she’d to come with me.
I went and in my heart I felt strong warmth, security and joy. I called out to God and become convinced that Jesus lives and He can
help me. In the end of the meeting I wanted to bring all my worries to Jesus and follow Him. I was also directed to a church’s small group,
where I met more people like me; broken and hurt but whole and complete in Jesus.
“I have found Jesus and my place in the church. I also want to help other people who have similar background as me”,
says Kirsi Viita
A radio wave passes through the living room's window.
A radio wave doesn't stop in walls of hospitals and jails or the metals of cars.
A radio wave transmits a message.
The message can be hedonistic, nihilistic, post-modern, masculine,
feministic, capitalistic, neo-religious, authoritative, ecological,
masochistic...
The waves will always carry some kind of a message anyways.
In the activities of The Lutheran Hour we are aiming to the goal that the
message of God would get to those who don't come in contact with the
Christians otherwise. Radio waves can carry the wonderful message of the
Gospel to people. This is possible through the collaboration of the
Christians.
People create their images of the world stronger and stronger through the
means of communication. Christianity should belong to the ordinary lives of
the people. When there is talking about Christianity in the media it is
preserved as one option in the market of values. The competition is fierce.
It is not obvious that Christianity would have a primary meaning in the
peoples' values. The Christian faith that has been built during many
generations can be destroyed within one generation. In addition to consulting we
still need more and more work that is reaching out.
Listeners respond:
"I want to encourge you and your work. Some months ago I was planning a
suicide, then I heard a song your band plays. The message of the song
change my life.I live now in faith to my Lord Jesus and I am a member of a
congregation. I hope this encourges you to continue your ministry."
"Your tv-program Redboots for Christmas was excellent Christian work. Also
the book you have made from it is very good, high quality and tells
beautifully the real idea of Christmas."
"Some time ago I ordered a book from you, thanks for it. I also got a
feedbackform asking if I need more information or discussion help. I have
an great interest because I have a lot of things I want to discuss..."
"Thanks the book you sent me. I ordered it after I heard your program. The
book is good and not too long. Even this kind of man can read it. I am now
in my cottage. Could I get more information about these things and your
work..."
You can help the work of The Finnish Lutheran Hour.
Simply fill out the form below to learn more about how could you help us
bring hope to those without hope.
You can also send your contribution by using bank transfer:
Address:
Suomen Luterilainen Tunti ry.
PL 641
33101 Tampere
Finland
Donation Account, Mediawork: 800015-70683871
Donation Account, Road : 800015-70683868
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