LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1979, Page 49

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 49

members as are professional workers at the congrega-
tion and District level.” The delegates adopted this
resolution, encouraging the identification and training
of lay expatriates for effective witness. The convention
next adopted Res. 1-27A (7B 187) and thereby adopted
the mission challenge for the 1980s of a 100% increase
plus inflation in the mission budget of the Synod and
asked the Board of Stewardship, working with the
Board for Missions, to see to it that this challenge for the
1980s is met to the glory of God and the expansion of His
kingdom. Prior to considering the next resolution, Dr. G.
Thomas Edward, president of the India Evangelical
Lutheran Church, was introduced to the delegates. He
described the challenges which lie before the church in
India and stated its intention to become self-reliant in
pastoral ministry by 1985. He concluded his remarks by
asking the delegates to remember the India Evangelical
Lutheran Church in their prayers. The delegates ex-
pressed their thanks to all agencies, auxiliary organiza-
tions, and fraternal benevolent societies for their con-
tributions by adopting Res. 1-31 (TB62). After declining
to consider an amendment which was ruled a substitute
motion calling for withdrawal from comity arrange-
ments, Res. 1-32A (7B 187) was adopted as presented.
The resolution called for a review and evaluation of the
guidelines governing comity arrangements and their
implementation in the light of our mission and church
planning strategy and for a report of the findings at the
next convention of the Synod. Since campus ministry is
under the jurisdiction of the Districts of the Synod, it
was resolved that the concerns expressed in Overture
1-14 (CW 49) be addressed to the proper Districts so that
they might be met there (Res. 1-33, TB 62). The conven-
tion agreed that the present administration of blind and
deaf ministries should be continued and declined to
separate the administration of these two ministries or to
establish a separate Commission to the Deaf at this
time (Res. 1-34, 7B 63). Having brought the work of the
Floor Committee on Missions to completion, Chairman
Happel expressed thanks on behalf of the committee to
the staff of the Board for Missions and to the members
of that board, without whom it would have been impos-
sible to prepare the resolutions and complete the work.

Devotion

After all missionaries and representatives of partner
churches had gathered on the podium at the invitation
of Rev. Wilbert Sohns, chairman of the Board for
Missions, President Preus led the delegates in a prayer
of dedication and commitment to the work of missions,
asking for wisdom and power to accomplish the goals
which had been established at this convention. The
entire convention then joined in the singing of the hymn
“Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.”

Session 12

July 12, Afternoon
Opening Devotion
After the singing of a hymn the chaplain for the

convention, Dr. Nitz, introduced Rev. Nelson Unwene,
vice-president of The Lutheran Church of Nigeria, who
provided the meditation for the last session of the
convention. Basing his remarks on Phil. 4:19, he re-
viewed the actions of the convention and pointed out
that God often opens doors but that we are afraid to
enter. Yet, as He did for St. Paul, God will supply our
every need. The devotion was closed with prayer.

Minutes

The minutes of Sessions 7, 8, and 9 were approved as
submitted.

Point of Privilege

Dr. Willis Wright, president of Alabama Lutheran
Academy and College, thanked the delegates for im-
plementing the resolution adopted at Dallas calling for
the building of a library at Selma. The library is
scheduled for completion in September. The date for
dedication of the building has been set for Feb. 10, 1980,
when the Council of Presidents will be meeting on the
campus.

Announcements

It was announced that a delegate attending the
convention had had his van stolen with all of his
camping gear. Delegates who wished to assist him in
meeting the needs which he faced were asked to deposit
any funds which they wished to donate with the Vice-
President of the Northwest District. President Preus
reported that there were 24 resolutions still pending
requiring action before the end of the convention.

Point of Privilege

After being granted a point of privilege, a delegate
madea motion that “we covenant with one another that
this become the last convention at which a list of
preferred candidates is provided to the delegates or any
part of them.” After some discussion, this motion was
declined. [See also Minutes, Session 1]

Two thousand miles on a motorcycle? To a synodical convention?!?