# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S127
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

2. INTERNATIONAL WITNESS
WHEREAS, The FORO includes discussion and dialogue of
the plan for planting Lutheran churches in that field through
finances, short-term teams, and vocational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, We are directed by the Lord Jesus to “go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”
(Matt. 28:19–20), and in Acts 1:8, “… you will be my witnesses
in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of
the earth”; and
WHEREAS, Districts and congregations support Synod’s
partner churches through FOROs such as Chile, Mexico,
Uruguay, and Venezuela and LCMS missions, such as Belize,
Dominican Republic, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Peru,
Puerto Rico, and Uganda; and
WHEREAS, A FORO invites districts and their
congregations to participate and build partnerships through a
FORO to support OIM with the planting of Lutheran mission
churches through mission education, short-term teams, and
financial opportunities; and
WHEREAS, These small Lutheran church plants are
encouraged through the FORO visitation and are joyful to
witness that the Church (the Body of Christ) is larger than
themselves in this place and time; and

WHEREAS, Participation of districts and congregations in
these FOROs helps the district and their congregations to
witness and support the spread of the Gospel of Christ
crucified; and
WHEREAS, Church planting is furthered through FOROs,
and districts and congregations are enlightened and
strengthened through their visitation in supporting preaching
Christ crucified; and
WHEREAS, OIM aims to spread the Gospel, plant Lutheran
churches, and show mercy to the ends of the earth; therefore
be it
Resolved, That OIM be commended for the development
of the FORO model; and be it further
Resolved, That OIM apply the FORO model in other
regions; and be it finally
Resolved, That districts and congregations be encouraged
to participate in a FORO in order to strengthen our walk
together as “We Preach Christ crucified” to all nations.
Action: Adopted (6)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

WHEREAS, In these countries OIM supports FOROs and
this furthers the mission; and

Resolutions

PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION | 127