LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 51

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SYNODICAL REPORTS 51

R1-03
International Lutheran Laymen’s League

The International Lutheran Laymen’s League (Int’] LLL) has

served as a vital auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri

Synod since the League was founded in 1917 to support the church

in word and deed. Catching the vision of One Mission— Ablaze!

the League, founded in 1917, continues this partnership by foster-
ing the work of “Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the Nations
to the Church” through Lutheran Hour Ministries.

About 125,000 supporters and an active volunteer base num-
bering in the thousands across North America and worldwide are
the face of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Reported here are key events in the Int’] LLL since the previous
LCMS convention:
¢ Working in partnership with the LCMS Department of Youth

Ministry, Lutheran Hour Ministries inspired “young ambas-
sadors” to witness to their generation through the national
Teen2Teen service project, which debuted at the 2001 National
Youth Gathering, and reprised on a larger scale at the 2004 Gath-
ering.

e “By Kids ... For Kids,” a project connecting children in North
American schools with needy children in foreign lands, was en-
hanced by “Teacher to Teacher” and “The Mothers Touch” vol-
unteer activities. This involved many LCMS elementary schools,
Sunday schools, and vacation Bible schools.

e With a presence in nearly 2,500 LCMS ‘congregations, Parish
Media Team training events involved thousands of participants,
equipping them with effective tools to tell the Good News to their
communities.

© The “Servants to the Nations” program continued engaging vol-
unteers who witnessed firsthand by putting their faith into service
around the world.

¢ The Int’] LLL maintained its close alliance with Orphan Grain
Train, and many league leaders and volunteers continued to be
involved in the humanitarian endeavors.

e Supporting a volunteer-driven tradition spanning more than 50
years, Lutheran Hour floats were the lone Christian presence each
year in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena,
Calif., being seen by about a million people on the parade route
and as many as 450 million worldwide on television. Self-funded,
this is an ongoing project by the Southern California District LLL
made possible by its Petal Pusher volunteers group.

e The Lutheran Hour maintained a significant presence on about
1,000 radio stations throughout North America, and worldwide
via the Internet (www.lutheranhour.org).

¢ Internet ministry advancements (www.lhm.org) amplified the
spread of the Gospel and provided LCMS congregations access to
Lutheran Hour Ministries outreach services and media expertise.

¢ In 2002 Little Shepherd debuted on television as an animated
Christmas special in multiple languages. With several industry
awards to its credit, the special saw DVD release at Christmas
2003.

¢ First overseas and subsequently in North America, Lutheran Hour
Ministries launched “Equipping the Saints” witnessing training
to inspire outreach in congregations pursuing The Great Com-
mission.

e “Living for Tomorrow” multimedia campaigns continued to grow
and involve churches and communities in key locations through-
out the United States.

e Encouraging families with Gospel tools, “Family Connection”
joined Lutheran Hour Ministries’ comprehensive effort to bolster
congregations.

e “Project Connect” materials reached a milestone in mid-2003 by
being in place at more than 1,000 sites, including many LCMS
congregations.

¢ The popular radio program “Woman to Woman,” hosted by Phyl-
lis Wallace, reached its 10th anniversary and was heard on about
300 radio stations.

¢ Lutheran television outreach was saluted at its 50th anniversary
on Aug. 31, 2001. ;

¢ Across the world, the spread of God’s Word through Bible cor-
respondence courses expanded, with more than 1,200 graduating
from the Ethiopia course in one year alone.

¢ New Christ-centered books and materials were produced for
overseas outreach in Serbo-Croatian, Chinese, and other lan-
guages. Television specials such as Yeshua were voiced in Rus-
sian. ,

¢ Doors for increased outreach opportunities were opened in
Cameroon, Yugoslavia, Malawi, Kenya, Latin America, Canada,
and other lands.

e “Project JOEL” brought outstanding evangelism results in Latin
America and continued to grow.

e The Lutheran Hour Ministries center in India celebrated its
golden anniversary.

e Lutheran Hour Ministries in Russia marked its 10th anniversary.

¢ In 2003 the organization’s leadership established new guiding ini-
tiatives:

1. Promote evangelism and follow-up training

2. Use effective media to proclaim the Gospel

3. Build strong Lutheran Hour Ministries identity and involve-

ment within congregations

4. Reach and involve ethnically diverse audiences

5. Attract and engage youth and young adults in active ministry
¢ The league held international conventions in Kansas City, Mo.,

Ottawa, Canada, and Peoria, Illinois, attracting thousands of sup-
porters and general attendees. Area LCMS churches held leader-
ship roles at the conventions, which were a blend of ministry re-
ports, inspirational testimonials, and traditional Lutheran worship.

e Dr. Wallace Schulz concluded more than 25 years on The
Lutheran Hour as associate speaker.

e Dr. Dale Meyer, The Lutheran Hour speaker for more than 12
years, accepted a Divine Call to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis,
and continued involvement with the league via the award win-
ning television program On Main Street. The 250th installment
of the program was taped in 2002.

« The Rev. Ken Klaus was chosen and installed as Speaker for
Lutheran Hour Ministries.

¢ A special celebration was held for Honorary Lutheran Hour
Speaker Dr. Oswald Hoffmann on the occasion of his 90th birth-
day in December of 2003. He remains active with Lutheran Hour
Ministries. Thousands of supporters and friends responded to
this commemoration, including LCMS President Dr. Gerald
Kieschnick and other dignitaries.

¢ Don Bennett was named interim executive director, succeeding
Rodger Hebermehl, who retired.

The Lord continues to bless the work summarized in the Int’]
LLL mission statement: “Bringing Christ to the Nations—and the
Nations to the Church.” This is being accomplished in creative and
innovative ways, domestically and around the world, in line with
our vision statement, “All Nations, All Peoples, All in Christ.” It is
the continued pledge of the league and its Lutheran Hour Ministries
to support the LCMS and the spread of the Good News of Christ
Jesus via media and the volunteer efforts of thousands of individu-
als who are dedicated to the cause of Christ.

Al Waldron, President
Don Bennett, Interim Executive Director

2004 Convention Workbook