# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1941_S173
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Reports on General Missions AVL
IV. MISSIONS.
A. MISSIONS IN GENERAL

The consideration of missions was introduced by the following
address of the Secretary of Missions, the Rev. F. C. Streufert:

Reviewing Our Far-Flung Mission Activities
I wish I could invite you to a mountain-top to behold with
me the beauties of our Church, its mission activities from the
‘Atlantic to the Pacific, from Alaska to Mexico. I wish we might
be permitted to gaze into the distant lands to behold at a glance
our Church and the many mission-stations in Asia, in Africa,
in Europe, in South America. These stations are indeed like an
oasis in a barren country, like palms planted beside the still
waters. They are a refuge for the troubled sinners and a shelter
for those in distress. And as we behold all in a panoramic view,
we see our messengers ministering to men of all colors and _races,
to young and old, pleading, preaching, teaching, every one in his
own tongue. In more than twenty languages they tell the forlorn
sinners that God is Love.

Home Missions. —In the past ten years 784 new stations were
opened, and 310 became self-supporting. If we consider that these
ten years include the long period of depression, a period of de=+
cidedly reduced incomes and contributions, we cannot but sing the
praisés of Him who sustained us. Yes, His banners must go for-
ward at all times, even in days of adversity. True, during this time
some stations which had definitely proved that they had out-
lived their usefulness were abandoned (241), and the faithful few
at these stations were attached to near-by parishes. During the
past ten years there were also consolidations of 152 parishes, which
meant that a larger number of pastors thus released could be
transferred to more profitable fields.

Status Quo.— Nearly all our mission departments, the Euro-
pean mission department and the China Missions excepted, show
a healthy growth. In February of this year the Board of Home
Missions in North America granted the necessary funds for the
opening of 35 new mission-stations in strategic centers of _,OUr
country from the $50,000 Mission Expansion Fund set aside by
the Fiscal Conference for 1941. In addition, 20 new stations
were supplied with candidates on the temporary basis with funds
from the Candidate Fund. In foreign fields, in India, in China,
in Africa, our work continued in spite of the disturbing handicaps
due to the present war conditions. The banners of the Lord are
going forward everywhere also in the South American fields.