# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1938_S169
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Various Missions 169

and contiguous territory and thus, by strengthening the home base,
produce ever greater dynamics for wider service.

Action of Synod: These resolutions were adopted.

(NotE.—- As to the Candidate Fund, compare action under “Missions
in General.”)

As to the Mission Expansion Fund, Synod resolved that the Mission
Expansion Fund be continued and that the Fiscal Conference be re-
quested to grant adequate funds.

Home Missions in South America
(Memorials 408; cf. 401, p.119, Reports and Memorials)

It is again our privilege to report to you in regard to your work
in South America. Again we can say that God has blessed our
work in an abundant measure during the last three years. We are
now operating in four of the countries in South America, viz.,
Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. God has given us the
encouragement of a substantial numerical increase, which, when
figured on a percentage basis, ranks with the leading Districts of
our entire Synod. In fact, both the Argentine and the Brazil Dis-
trict are among the first five in point of gains. Humanly speaking,
much more could have been done if the men and the means were at
our disposal. But far overshadowing this numerical increase is the
spiritual advancements that have been made. In consequence of
the persistent efforts of our faithful missionaries and because of the
blessings of a gracious God this numerical increase has been paral-
leled also by a spiritual growth. Our reports show much improve-
ment in church attendance, participation in Holy Communion, and
other evidences of a living faith.

Difficulties have also been encountered by our men in the field.
During the last several years Argentina has been especially hard hit
by the grasshopper plague. Promising crops were completely de-
stroyed by these pests in a very short time. In some sections of
our field drought and the grasshoppers brought about a condition of
acute need, which was partially relieved by the help of the congre-
gations in more favored sections. Naturally these discouragements
and disappointments have had their effect on the work of the
Church, especially as far as the financing of the work is concerned.

God has during these past three years permitted your entire
Board to labor in this work. Only during the last few months have
we not had our full strength. Mr. G. F. Bauer has been hindered by
illness from devoting the time and thought to our work which he
had previously done in a very conscientious and efficient manner.
However, we feel confident that he will again be with us, fully re-.
stored to health, by the time this report is brought to your attention.

Again God has prevented any serious disagreement between
the officials and the mission boards of both Districts and your Board