# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S683
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MISSIONS 99

fhe past triennium has been a time of peace and tranquillity
ur Church and its mission in our country: No adverse legisla-
has hindered or halted the progress of the work of the Church.
dly ever did. our Church draw closer to the political world than
iow. Officials and representatives of our Church, being invited to
pear before committees of varied interests of the Government in
tters in which we, too, as a Church are vitally interested, had
wonderful opportunity to testify of the faith that is within us,
present our viewpoint on important issues, such as the separation
‘Church and State, on education and our care for the children
ough Christian day schools, on the youth problem and on our
uth organization, on the spiritual service rendered to men in the
lefense projects, to men in the armed forces through the chap-
icies and the service centers. And since other denominations
vere also present at these joint meetings, necessity demanded at
és to give clear-cut declarations of Lutheran and Scriptural
rinciples.
Our work done in the defense projects, in the service centers,
“in the chaplaincies in the ‘armed forces, in the preservation of the
youth, evoked the praises of the authorities. For the peace we
enjoy in this time of stress and for the good will and praise given
‘us we are grateful to the Lord. And as law-abiding citizens we
shall ever seek the best interests of the country and endeavor to
‘merit continued confidence in us. Yet, after all, the purpose and
aim of our endeavors cannot chiefly be to please men, to create
‘good will between us and the outside world at home, and to estab-
lish better relations between the nations of the earth, not chiefly
social betterment, not chiefly relief in bodily need; in short, our
chief aims cannot be centered on external matters. Our chief
‘purpose must ever be the salvation of souls, the preaching of the
Gospel (evangelization) and teaching the young (Christian edu-
cation). And as soon as we enter upon this program, and fear-
lessly confess Christ, the Scriptures, and the faith that is within us,
explain our doctrinal position and with determination adhere to
this position, we are no longer persona grata. Our determination
to adhere to the Scriptures is not considered a matter of conscience
on our part, but rather sheer stubbornness, bigotry, and narrow-
mindedness. It is today, as it was in the days of Jesus. “Hail!
Hail!” the masses cried, only to crucify Him a few days later.
But let none of this disturb or trouble us. Let it rather be a
warning to us not to seek vain glory, not to forget the real goal
before us, that is, to preach the Gospel, be it in season or out of
’ season, whether the world lauds or hates us. If only Christ be
* preached and men’s souls be saved! Let this ever be our chief
, ‘concern. F.C. Streurert, Secretary of Missions

Pestana:

esis

Jeet

Tee