# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1956_S414
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

414 MISSIONS

In the past three years each missionary was given a copy of
the Missionary Health Manual. India received $3,000 worth of
equipment and supplies, $3,000 for an ambulance, and $500 worth
of CARE Food Crusade parcels. $5,800 went to New Guinea, $1,000
to Nigeria, $400 to the Philippines.

Medical samples, drugs, vitamins, etc., gathered by individuals,
Societies, and chapter organizations were shipped to all overseas
installations by Harold J. Freiheit, M. D., the co-ordinator of med-
ical supplies.

Charles E. Stindel, M. D., rendered valuable aid to all the mis-
sion boards and missionary personnel in his position as Medical
Adviser. Many hours were spent in examinations and consulta-
tions as well as in correspondence.

The President of the Association, Charles G. Obermeyer, M. D.,
was responsible for the over-all program and spent much time in
counseling and advising regarding the development of the medical
mission program of our church.

The Cross and the Caduceus, official bulletin of the LMMA, was
published every two months, in 12,000 copies, with Rev. Justus P.
Kretzmann as editor. Pastor Kretzmann has continued to serve as
Part-time Executive Secretary.

Contributions received from individuals, societies, and organ-
izations amounted to $29,000 for the past three years.

The Medical Scholarship Fund has $11,000 available to help
those who are preparing for overseas work in the medical profes-
sion. One scholarship has been given.

God has richly blessed the efforts of many people who have
joined together to help promote the medical mission work of our
church.

In Milwaukee in 1950 Synod encouraged the medical people
to proceed with a plan for medical missions. Many consultations
were held with the mission executives and with members of the
mission boards.

In Houston in 1953 Synod commended the men and women of
the LMMA and resolved that plans for future development should
be presented to the Board of Directors of Synod.

This has been done. The plan for the medical mission work of
our church was adopted by the national convention of the LMMA
in November 1955. It was accepted by all mission boards. It has
been approved by the Board of Directors of Synod, which also re-
quests that Synod in convention take favorable action on the ap-
pointment of a full-time Executive Secretary for Medical Missions.
We urge the acceptance of this plan for a full-time Executive