LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 115

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OTHER PRESENTATIONS
among us to cease and desist. I pledge to do everything
within the power of my office to bring such activities to
an end.
These are only some of my beliefs. Due to time constraints, that list will have to suffice for now. Basically
stated, I earnestly desire to be a man of God, of prayer, of
strength, of courage, of wisdom, of sensitivity, of fairness,
and of love. I need and covet your support, your encouragement, your constructive words of advice and counsel, and,
above all, your prayers.
In the June issue of the Reporter, the five nominees for the
office of President of the LCMS had an opportunity to respond
in writing to questions presented to us by the editor. I respectfully summarize my hopes, dreams, and vision for the
LCMS in the years ahead, as stated in that Reporter article:
• I envision a Synod that provides leadership in worldwide
Lutheran relationships.
• I envision the day when our faithful witness to the clarity
of the Gospel results in God-pleasing relationships with
other parts of the body of Christ.
• I pray for the day when our fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters are fully mobilized
in every appropriate way for the cause of the Gospel and
for the mission of the church.
• I envision a day in our Synod when disagreements in doctrine and practice are discussed in a spirit of collegial
trust, mutual respect, and Christian love.
• The Synod’s greatest opportunity is enhancing internal
and external Gospel communication through more extensive utilization of the gifts and abilities of our faithful lay
men and lay women. They are ready, willing, and eager
to be of service in the Lord’s kingdom in a meaningful
manner! I long for the day when that blessing is multiplied, by God’s grace, resulting in many more people
being saved eternally.
In this process, I am mindful of our responsibility to be
faithful, meaningfully articulated in the words of this song:
We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
and those who’ve gone before us line the way
cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace.
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
let us run the race not only for the prize
but as those who’ve gone before us

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let us leave to those behind us
the heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives.
O may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
O may all who come behind us find us faithful.
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we’ve left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they
uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road they, too,
must find.
O may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light the way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.
Yes, may all who come behind us find us faithful.
In the past few weeks, I’ve come to appreciate more fully
four statements that mean a great deal in my life:
1. God does not always call those who are qualified, but
He always qualifies those whom He calls.
2. The will of God will never lead you where the grace of
God cannot keep you.
3. It has been said that most men can stand adversity.
But if you really want to test a man’s character, give
him authority and responsibility.
4. God’s words to Joshua: “Be strong and of good courage.
Do not be afraid. Do not be dismayed. For the Lord your
God is with you wherever you go.”
The transition from the presidency of the Texas District
to the presidency of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
will be an awesome responsibility and a formidable challenge, made possible only by the grace of God, the gospel of
His Son, Jesus, and the wisdom of His Holy Spirit. It is
with God’s promise of those heavenly gifts firmly implanted
in my heart that I look forward to the years ahead.
Therefore, heedful of His calling, obedient to His will,
and dependent upon His grace for strength and courage, I
joyfully accept your election as President of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod. I thank you for this huge honor,
for this formidable challenge, and for your trust and confidence.
Terry and I express our prayer for all of you: May God
bless and keep you all in His care!
Gerald B. Kieschnick, President-elect

200l Convention Proceedings