# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1941_S230
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

230 Reports and Action on Various Mission-Fields

such reports and addresses as occasion might be offered, and as
a consequence a number of conferences and congregations have
given him an opportunity of making such personal reports.

One of the fruits of the otherwise deplorable war conditions
is the flourishing hospital and dispensary at Enshih, China, begun
with private funds and visibly blessed by the Lord. Another is
the Middle School at Wanhsien, which was also started more or
less as a private venture and which is being conducted under
a special permit for the time being, until it can assume more
definite form.

At present the work of the home office is divided into this
fashion: Matters pertaining to India and the home base are taken
care of by Dr. Brand, and matters pertaining to China and the
Philippine Islands come to the desk of Secretary Schmidt.

On the basis of a resolution at the late Delegate Synod, which .
echoed what had been resolved in 1935, viz., that special training
be given our prospective missionaries, the Board is making prepara-
tions for such work as an outgrowth of conferences with the faculty
committee of Concordia Seminary. It is planned to give a year of
such missionary training to prospective missionaries designated
for foreign fields. The course of studies as outlined by the faculty
committee should be eminently practical and at the same time-of
such a nature as will permit granting degrees. The prospective
missionaries who are to take this course will be granted a mis-
sionary fellowship by the Board in sufficient amount to take care
of their needs during this preparatory year. As part of the program
offered there will be language work; a review of the main doctrines
of the Bible as they would be placed in contrast to the special
heathen tenets found in the mission-field; a course on the social
and economic conditions and importance of the country of their
‘labors; a course in missionary methods and approach; a course
in mission history and administration; and such special courses,
for instance, pedagogy, as may be required in particular cases.

Land and building replacement needs have been considerably
aggravated because of the war, and therefore we shall have to ask
Synod to grant at least $15,000 a year for the coming triennium.

Our Synod has entered the second century of its existence.
God has preserved the pure Gospel in our midst. He has kept our
Church working along the lines of correct Biblical principles. Our
chief organizational problems have been solved. We have an
abundance of man-power and command considerable material
resources. Surely this time will become for us a time of decision:
either we open our hearts to the call of the Lord to get up into
a high mountain and to lift up our voice with strength; either we
engage in a program of determined, aggressive, and far-visioned