LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 21

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MISSIONS 21

be in mission. It has been learned, though, that there are certain
limits to the practicality of theological education by extension
and that there still is a need for some type of resident seminary.

Plans and Hopes for the Future

In rejoicing in God’s blessings which He has showered upon
us we in Venezuela await God’s future for us with a degree of
apprehension as we see storm clouds of radical economic and
political change descending upon us and all of Latin America.
Nevertheless, to an even greater degree we live in hope know-
ing that God will bless His Word made flesh in the world as He
is lived and proclaimed.

Douglas R. Groll, President.
Conference of Lutheran Churches
in Venezuela

15. Council of Lutheran Churches
in Central America and Panama (Concap)

Major Developments

In Central America and Panama the key word for the last
two years has been one that many of our brothers and sisters
may not recognize, even though it is perfectly good English —
indigenization. At the beginning of the period there were eight
Central American pastors and eight expatriate missionaries who
exercised much of the leadership. Now, 2 years later, the pic-
ture is entirely different: 13 national pastors work harmoniously
with five expatriate missionaries. The expatriates serve to meet
specialized needs in the church, while increasingly the nationals
are assuming the decision-making leadership responsibilities.

The results of this shift in leadership are quick to make
themselves felt. Sometimes it is in areas that seem relatively
unimportant to the ‘“‘Gringo” missionary, as for instance in the
instruments used to accompany congregational singing, or the
choice of hymns. Sometimes it is in difficult areas like deter-
mining the responsibility of the church in societies where there
are repressive, cruel regimes; or seeing just what the churches
can and should do in the face of staggering social problems. All
of this, of course, viewed in the light of the church's task to pro-
claim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

Plans and Hopes for the Future

Such inner dialog of the churches, as they become truly a
part of the countries where they are, leads inevitably to another
conclusion that points out our future task for us—the need to
make our church lay-centered. We must activate all the people
of our churches for carrying out the church’s demanding role.

In order to help us redefine our methods to make our
churches more lay-centered, we are embarking on a curriculum
development program, together with other Lutheran churches
of our area. We will involve as many of our people as possible
in dialog with others, in order to make them aware of what the
church really is and what their role can and should be in it.

Our churches are becoming Central American and the
Central Americans are becoming our churches. We are being
equipped by our Lord to proclaim His name by the power and
with the gifts of the Spirit. As this happens, we are experi-
encing a growing unity among ourselves which we take to be a
work of that Spirit who is leading us into an understanding of our
work that fits with our place and time. We are seeing here and
there spurts of church growth, as well as more slowly acquired
results of the kind that come only with patience and persever-
ance. You might say that we are digging in, spreading out and
growing up!

Kenneth Mahler, President. CONCAP

16. Lutheran Synod of Mexico
Major Developments

Missouri Synod Christians are, of course, not the only Lu-
therans sharing the Gospel in Mexico today. There are about
10 Lutheran entities in our nation, using four different languages.

The first Protestant services permitted in Mexico by the
1867 constitution were described as “‘German Lutheran.” But
since the 1940s the Missouri Synod has been concerned pri-
marily with establishing a Spanish-speaking national ministry.
Because of past restrictions, progress has been slow. But God
has now blessed us with a dozen Mexican pastors plus additional
lay workers, serving a membership of 1,500.

The 55 Lutheran ministers from the various Synods are in-
vited to regular study retreats.

Our church has also participated in Augsburg Seminary
in Mexico City. This is an inter-Lutheran school for students
from Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
The present enrollment is 13 students. Prof. Ray Rosales of
Augsburg Seminary also coordinates the extension program that
teaches 150 Lutheran students in six centers throughout Latin
America.

During the last biennium, some of our congregations initiated
a lay-training program called: ‘‘Plan Seventy.” For a 9-month
period, the laymen completed Scriptural, historical, and practi-
cal studies that equipped them to witness, to teach, and even to
lead a worship service. This program has now spread to various
Lutheran groups in a number of countries.

Plans and Hopes for the Future

Our Synod has opened two new areas for evangelism in
northern Mexico: Chihuahua and Culiacan. In each area, satel-
lite missions will probably develop from the central congrega-
tion. In several areas of northern Mexico, the government has
donated land to our Synod because it recognizes the good work
God’s people are doing. Hopefully multipurpose edifices, though
humble, will soon be erected there.

We are grateful to our Savior for the help received from the
Missouri Synod. We are raising three special offerings in ob-
servance of the 125th anniversary. We appreciate also the as-
sistance of the Texas District, the Colorado District, the Lu-
theran Baja California Mission, and other organizations and
individuals. Especially do we raise our hearts in adoration be-
cause you have supported us with your charitable understand-
ing, your Christian love, and your fervent prayers.

Tomas Guzman, President, Synod of Mexico

APPENDIX B
North American District Mission Reports

In December 1972, each of the Synod’s 38 North American
Districts was asked to do a two-page summary report on its
District mission program this past biennium. Districts were
asked to report on:

1. major developments in Christ's mission in their area the

past 2 years

2. chief problem(s) struggled with in relation to Christ's

mission (the major one mentioned, of course: shortage of
funds)
3. major joys and satisfactions for which to give thanks to
God

4. major mission plans being projected and worked on

5. ways in which the synodical Board for Missions has as-
sisted or could assist in the fulfillment of Christ's mission
in their area.

Due to space limitations in the CONVENTION WORKBOOK, a
limited sampling of District responses (principally showing what
mission plans the Districts are working on or looking forward to}
is included in this appendix. The complete District reports,
however. will be given to the convention floor committee on
missions.

What's in the ‘mission hopper’ for North America? The
following replies indicate that Districts have been working on or
are planning toward many and varied, old and new, mission
thrusts:

A. B.C.: exploration of new ministries in 11 areas... “inner
strengthening for forward movement.”

Atlantic: greater involvement of parishes and their representa-
tives in the planning process of mission . . . “renewed stress
on evangelism ... stewardship . . . more significant inter-
Lutheran planning and work.”

Cal. and Nev.: expansion of mission in central cities . . . recruit-
ment and training program for indigenous full-time workers
in minority and special culture communities. .. . “develop-
ment of a ‘process’ for change. renewal and planning... .~

Central Ill.: *.. . at least one new mission this year”... . three
permanent facilities for mission congregations . . . divide a
town-gown ministry . . . additional vicar in ministry to deaf.

Colorado: sharpening goals for special ministries . . . mission
expansion (possibly up to 10 new ministries in next 3 years),
with local involvement in decision making . . . “exploration
of opportunities for inter-Lutheran cooperation” —in regard