# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2004_S51 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 51 R1-03 International Lutheran Laymen’s League The International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’] LLL) has served as a vital auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod since the League was founded in 1917 to support the church in word and deed. Catching the vision of One Mission— Ablaze! the League, founded in 1917, continues this partnership by foster- ing the work of “Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church” through Lutheran Hour Ministries. About 125,000 supporters and an active volunteer base num- bering in the thousands across North America and worldwide are the face of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Reported here are key events in the Int’] LLL since the previous LCMS convention: ¢ Working in partnership with the LCMS Department of Youth Ministry, Lutheran Hour Ministries inspired “young ambas- sadors” to witness to their generation through the national Teen2Teen service project, which debuted at the 2001 National Youth Gathering, and reprised on a larger scale at the 2004 Gath- ering. e “By Kids ... For Kids,” a project connecting children in North American schools with needy children in foreign lands, was en- hanced by “Teacher to Teacher” and “The Mothers Touch” vol- unteer activities. This involved many LCMS elementary schools, Sunday schools, and vacation Bible schools. e With a presence in nearly 2,500 LCMS ‘congregations, Parish Media Team training events involved thousands of participants, equipping them with effective tools to tell the Good News to their communities. © The “Servants to the Nations” program continued engaging vol- unteers who witnessed firsthand by putting their faith into service around the world. ¢ The Int’] LLL maintained its close alliance with Orphan Grain Train, and many league leaders and volunteers continued to be involved in the humanitarian endeavors. e Supporting a volunteer-driven tradition spanning more than 50 years, Lutheran Hour floats were the lone Christian presence each year in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., being seen by about a million people on the parade route and as many as 450 million worldwide on television. Self-funded, this is an ongoing project by the Southern California District LLL made possible by its Petal Pusher volunteers group. e The Lutheran Hour maintained a significant presence on about 1,000 radio stations throughout North America, and worldwide via the Internet (www.lutheranhour.org). ¢ Internet ministry advancements (www.lhm.org) amplified the spread of the Gospel and provided LCMS congregations access to Lutheran Hour Ministries outreach services and media expertise. ¢ In 2002 Little Shepherd debuted on television as an animated Christmas special in multiple languages. With several industry awards to its credit, the special saw DVD release at Christmas 2003. ¢ First overseas and subsequently in North America, Lutheran Hour Ministries launched “Equipping the Saints” witnessing training to inspire outreach in congregations pursuing The Great Com- mission. e “Living for Tomorrow” multimedia campaigns continued to grow and involve churches and communities in key locations through- out the United States. e Encouraging families with Gospel tools, “Family Connection” joined Lutheran Hour Ministries’ comprehensive effort to bolster congregations. e “Project Connect” materials reached a milestone in mid-2003 by being in place at more than 1,000 sites, including many LCMS congregations. ¢ The popular radio program “Woman to Woman,” hosted by Phyl- lis Wallace, reached its 10th anniversary and was heard on about 300 radio stations. ¢ Lutheran television outreach was saluted at its 50th anniversary on Aug. 31, 2001. ; ¢ Across the world, the spread of God’s Word through Bible cor- respondence courses expanded, with more than 1,200 graduating from the Ethiopia course in one year alone. ¢ New Christ-centered books and materials were produced for overseas outreach in Serbo-Croatian, Chinese, and other lan- guages. Television specials such as Yeshua were voiced in Rus- sian. , ¢ Doors for increased outreach opportunities were opened in Cameroon, Yugoslavia, Malawi, Kenya, Latin America, Canada, and other lands. e “Project JOEL” brought outstanding evangelism results in Latin America and continued to grow. e The Lutheran Hour Ministries center in India celebrated its golden anniversary. e Lutheran Hour Ministries in Russia marked its 10th anniversary. ¢ In 2003 the organization’s leadership established new guiding ini- tiatives: 1. Promote evangelism and follow-up training 2. Use effective media to proclaim the Gospel 3. Build strong Lutheran Hour Ministries identity and involve- ment within congregations 4. Reach and involve ethnically diverse audiences 5. Attract and engage youth and young adults in active ministry ¢ The league held international conventions in Kansas City, Mo., Ottawa, Canada, and Peoria, Illinois, attracting thousands of sup- porters and general attendees. Area LCMS churches held leader- ship roles at the conventions, which were a blend of ministry re- ports, inspirational testimonials, and traditional Lutheran worship. e Dr. Wallace Schulz concluded more than 25 years on The Lutheran Hour as associate speaker. e Dr. Dale Meyer, The Lutheran Hour speaker for more than 12 years, accepted a Divine Call to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and continued involvement with the league via the award win- ning television program On Main Street. The 250th installment of the program was taped in 2002. « The Rev. Ken Klaus was chosen and installed as Speaker for Lutheran Hour Ministries. ¢ A special celebration was held for Honorary Lutheran Hour Speaker Dr. Oswald Hoffmann on the occasion of his 90th birth- day in December of 2003. He remains active with Lutheran Hour Ministries. Thousands of supporters and friends responded to this commemoration, including LCMS President Dr. Gerald Kieschnick and other dignitaries. ¢ Don Bennett was named interim executive director, succeeding Rodger Hebermehl, who retired. The Lord continues to bless the work summarized in the Int’] LLL mission statement: “Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations to the Church.” This is being accomplished in creative and innovative ways, domestically and around the world, in line with our vision statement, “All Nations, All Peoples, All in Christ.” It is the continued pledge of the league and its Lutheran Hour Ministries to support the LCMS and the spread of the Good News of Christ Jesus via media and the volunteer efforts of thousands of individu- als who are dedicated to the cause of Christ. Al Waldron, President Don Bennett, Interim Executive Director 2004 Convention Workbook