The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1931, Sheet 152

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THE LUTHERAN PIONEER.

Immanuel Conference
of Our Colored Missions.

Pastors, teachers, and delegates were privileged to
meet in session at Salisbury, N. C., August 28—30,
to consider the serious, but ever enjoyable task of
extending the bounds of God’s kingdom. Interest
was shown by all. Each one gave attention to the
reading of doctrinal papers and took part in the dis-
cussion of matters presented to the conference.

Rey. Hunt gave the concluding portion of his
paper on the Third Article of the Augsburg Con-
fession, speaking chiefly of the two states of Christ.
Superintendent Gehrke began his paper on the
Fourth Article of the Augsburg Confession, which
treats of the ever important subject of Justification.
The members were enlightened on the meaning of
the word “justification.” <A lively interest was shown
by all in the two valuable essays. These two doc-
trinal papers were welcome food for our souls, and
it gave us much comfort to know that the Lutheran
Church, by the grace of God, still can show men the
one true way to eternal life. The afternoon of the
first day was devoted to important business which
dealt chiefly with the Missionary Expansion Move-
ment. The superintendent pointed out the necessity
and value of making a thorough, systematic canvass
and of keeping reliable records. Our lay members
are to be properly instructed and interested in con-
ducting a neighborhood canvass. The valuable sug-
gestions and material given by the Mission-expan-
sion Committee were explained and each one urged
to use them properly. Several vacation Bible-schools
were successful during the past summer months.
The evening was spent in attending a service in
which Dr. Nau delivered a comforting pastoral
sermon. He spoke on “The Life of Faith,” from
Gal. 2, 20.

The second day of the conference was devoted
partly to hearing more of the essay by Superinten-
dent Gehrke. His paper was highly instructive;
but due to the importance of the subject and‘ the
briefness of time he will conclude his paper in our
winter conference. Pastors Vorice and Roberts
delivered two fine catechizations, which held the
attention of the members. Our pupils are also re-
ceiving the Bread of Life. Dr. Nau reported on
Immanuel College, which has been remodeled to
suit modern conveniences. ‘The renovation was so
thorough that we have really a new college in all

_Tespects. It should be a pleasure for future students
to enter this institution. Mr. Jonathan Ekong of
Nigeria, West Africa, informed us in a fascinating

way about his native country, its government, and
the peculiar life of his people.

Sunday was a day of special services in con-
clusion of the conference. All the workers, also lay
members, had opportunity to receive strengthening
of their faith by partaking of Holy Communion.
The confession and regular service were conducted
by Pastors Fuller and Hunt.

The members of the local congregation spared no
efforts to entertain us by serving delicious meals at
noon and in the evening. There was a variety to
suit the individual taste of every one. It was
a kindness not soon to be forgotten.

At 3 p.M. we again assembled for the last official
meeting, consisting in a special service dedicated to
missions. Professor Meibohm of Immanuel College
gave a timely sermon on the day’s Gospel-lesson.
We all took home with us these words: “Go and do
likewise.” If we profess to be God’s own, let us show
it by seeking to gain new members for His Church.
Our opportunities are many; so let us make use of
them in bringing souls to Christ.

Soon after this, our pleasant stay in Salisbury
drew to a close. ‘The dear people of St. John’s
Church were thanked for their fine example of
Christian fellowship towards the visitors. President
Till officially closed the conference; after which
we joined in singing the sweet farewell song “God
Be with You till We Meet Again.” And so, having
been strengthened in heart and mind for the high
calling of saving souls for Christ, having discussed
the business before us, we departed to our various
fields of labor. These gatherings of Christian people
in one grand cause tone up our hearts to a renewed
determination to further the cause of the Gospel
and to heed the Call of the Hour.

The winter sessions of Immanuel Conference
will take place in Winston-Salem, N. C., during the
month of February, 1932.

JOsEPH SCHLICHTING.

Luther Conference at New Orleans, La.

Luther Conference of Louisiana convened for its
summer session at St. Paul’s Chapel, Rev. E. H.
Wildgrube, pastor, August 5—9 inclusive. Luther
Preparatory School, adjoining St. Paul’s, was util-
ized for the purpose of carrying on the day sessions,
the chapel, the night services. It was gratifying to
note the manifestation of interest in the Lord’s work
by their presence on the part of local and out-of-
town delegates from Alexandria and Mansura, La.