LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1979, Page 180

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180 LATE REPORTS AND OVERTURES

to compensate the missing years of college education.

Some of the projects in the academic area are these:
the improvement of the continuing education and post-
graduate work, the establishment of extensions in
northern Brasil] during the summer recess, the devel-
opment of the basic course into a regular college,
improvement in the preparation for institutional
mission.

Administration

The biennium brought many changes in the admin-
istration. After 15 years Prof. Arnaldo J. Schmidt asked
to be relieved of the duties of the presidency. Dr. Martim
C. Warth was appointed for two years while the issue of
relocation of the seminary should be decided. In Jan-
uary 1979 Dr. Warth was appointed for another two
years while the issue of administrative independence of
the Brasil District should be decided. During his admin-
istration Prof. Schmidt always had the help of members
of his family in the seminary office. The last fine
worker, who was in charge of the secretarial work, of the
business office, and of the personnel, left the day the
presidency changed. So it was necessary to restructure
almost every section. Some people engaged could not
adapt and left after some time of service. Much time was
spent in teaching new members of the personnel. Final-
ly the Board of Control granted an administrator, a
secretary, and at the end of 1978 an accountant, who
help the president cope with the administration. The
different deans and directors who started their activity
during the biennium are of great help in the adminis-
tration. The change to the credit system, the adminis-
tration of the scholarship grants, the change in the
accounting system, the change in fieldwork, the change
of dining hall admission (from a global monthly pay-
ment to meal tickets), the semester registration, and the
student’s choices in the credit system—all this made the
biennium a time of hard work, where not all battles

could be won.
One of the major problems was the shortage of funds,

especially in view of the fact that for some years almost
nothing was spent for repair. This happened because
the District discussed the question of relocation. Fortu-
nately the Seminary Guild, created in 1978, is trying to
be helpful. The ladies organized a kitchen for the
students where they may prepare meals when the
dining hall is closed. The ladies also equipped the
commons for the students and will engage in the repair
of other facilities.

The library is still very small, if compared with those
in other countries. But the 22,000 volumes already
represent a great asset in Brasil, where the library of the
seminary is being considered one of the best in theology.
Dr. Johannes H. Rottmann has been the librarian for
many years and is now helped by younger men. His plea
is to have a substantially increased budget for new
books, especially in view of the postgraduate program.

Conclusion

The board, faculty, staff, and students are grateful
that God has blessed their efforts to serve Him and the

church through Seminario Concordia. They are espe-
cially grateful to the District Board of Directors and
Board for Education, and sincerely appreciative of the
support received from The Lutheran Church—Missouri
Synod through its Board for Higher Education. May the
Lord continue to make this seminary a blessing to the
church also after the first 75 years of service in His
name.

Board of Control
Martim C. Warth, Executive Officer

LX-02

Report of
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

It is a privilege for the International Lutheran
Women’s Missionary League to bring you greetings
from all its officers and members. May the Holy Spirit
guide and direct you as you deliberate and take action
on the agenda before you, so that our Lord is honored
and glorified in all the deliberations.

Wealso take this opportunity to thank the officials of
the Synod for the support given the league—and a very
special thank-you to the congregational pastors who
have given encouragement and direction to the leaguers
in their midst. Counselors to the LWML are very special
people, and we publicly thank you for your assistance in
the advancement of the league program.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, better
known as the LWML, is the official women’s auxiliary
of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The League
has an estimated membership of over 190,000 members
in its 43 districts. There were 86 new societies added to
the membership list during the past biennium.

The league was organized 37 years ago at St. Ste-
phen’s Church in Chicago; this marked the culmination
of many years of waiting. As from the beginning, the
motto “Serve the Lord with Gladness” in mission
education, mission inspiration, and mission service
continues to be the goal of each and every member.

The program of the league is directed by the board of
directors, which includes the elected officers, LWML
district presidents, committee chairmen, and advisory
members, which totals 64 board members. The board of
directors meet annually plus a preconvention meeting.
The executive committee administers the league busi-
ness between board meetings; 10 meetings were held
during the biennium.

Evangelism, mission service, and Bible study (deeper
into the Word) make up the three-cycle program of the
league. Special emphasis is given one cycle each year in
new programs and materials developed by resource
people and drawing on the talents of the league mem-
bers.

Innovative ideas are constantly being studied to be
used in the league programs. One such idea will soon
become a reality. 1980 seminars, “You Are God’s Gift,”
are being planned for the 43 districts of the LWML.
These seminars will affirm our faith in our almighty
God (all that we are and have are God’s gifts) and affirm

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