# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1947_S841
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

MISSIONS 8389

IV. MISSIONS

Report of the Secretary of Missions
(Memorial 401)

The greatest century in the history of the Protestant Church
since the days of the Reformation has come to a close.

For one hundred years our missionaries speeded their way
from station to station going to the north, to the south, to the east,
and to the west, crossing the boundary over to Canada, to. Alaska,
to Mexico, to Guatemala, to the Canal Zone and Panama, to the
West Indies at large, and to the isles of the Pacific.

For fifty years the deaf were privileged to hear of the way of
life which is in Christ Jesus, their Savior. The pagan world in
India, in China, in Africa was privileged to hear the glorious
message of salvation. In spite of many hardships the banners of
the Prince of Peace were unfurled in four of the South American
countries: in Argentina, in Brazil, in Paraguay, in Uruguay.
Though the ravages of the war definitely halted the progress of the
Gospel in European countries, the everlasting truths even there
were not bound. The Lord grant that from out of the ruins
a stronger Lutheran Church may rise to the glory of God and
the salvation of many. .

When we met in Saginaw for the thirty-ninth regular conven-
tion three years ago our hearts were filled with deepest gloom.
We were still at war. No one could tell what the future might have
in store for us. Much was said of postwar planning, stabilization,
rehabilitation, restoration, reconstruction, and readjustments. We
were still groping in the dark. Yet, having the eternal verities and
Christ to bid us to preach the Gospel, we did not only survive, but
by His grace we went forward and extended His kingdom even in
these days of stress.

Now the war is ended; the last of the shrieking bombs has
fallen; the last ship has been sunk; and the last communique
has been issued. True, the fearful consequences of the most devas-
tating war the world has ever seen are still upon us, Yet we are
hopeful. We lift up our heads and see the unchanging Christ with
the unchanging Gospel.

Transfer of the Board of Home Missions from Milwaukee to
Detroit.—For many years outstanding, consecrated service had
been rendered by the Board of Home Missions chosen from the
Milwaukee area. A sincere vote of thanks was rendered members
of this board when the convention transferred it to Detroit, Mich.

Appointment of an Assistant Secretary of Missions and an
Assistant Executive Secretary of Home Missions.—To take care