LWMS Annual Convention

What the “quick facts” of the 50th LWMS Annual Convention don’t tell you.

Over 2700 people were in attendance at the opening worship service: How do I even begin to put into words the feeling of worshiping with this many people? I heard that this was the largest gathering of WELS people in history. Regardless of whether that’s true or not, knowing that I was surrounded by Christians on this side of heaven that are all united in fellowship, doctrine, confessions and beliefs is just a tiny, wonderful taste of what I can only imagine eternity to be like. To witness 30 pastors clothed in similar white gowns and green stoles but a range of all shapes, sizes, ages and color receive Holy Communion - and then go on to give out Christ’s body and blood to the waiting 2700 people that filled a LaCrosse, WI stadium - was a poignant reminder of what we all are, sinners in need of a Saviour and forgiven by Christ alone. The convention scripture theme was He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:3 

Attendance was over 1700: Sure there’s the old adage that “everyone knows everyone” or if you ask enough questions you’re sure to discover you’re related, etc. And I did know some people but most I didn’t. The connection may not have been relation or even knowing the same person. The connection with every single one in attendance was through knowing Jesus and being united in purpose: to support and encourage mission endeavors in the WELS. I could never imagine that if I wasn’t there myself. These men and women are there because they get it - there is nothing more important on this earth than sharing Jesus with the world. Nothing. No matter the cost. Nothing. 

Mission Presentations

Pastor Nathan Berg~WELS Mission Restart, Faith, Black River Falls & Cataract,Wisconsin

LWMS Nepal Mission Trip

John Hildebrant~Asia

Pastor Pheng Moua~Imannuel Hmong, St. Paul, Minnesota

Pastor Joel Schulz, VBS Camp Support, Cross of Life, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Naoko Aminaka (formerly of Chiba, Japan) La Crosse, Wisconsin

Pastor Terry Schultz, Haiti Mission, Dominican Republic

How do I even begin to describe the emotions I had in listening to the individuals listed above?  I was riveted by the Hmong pastor’s saga of he and his mother and siblings leaving a refugee camp in Thailand but not before promising his father (the local shaman) that while he should take full opportunity of everything the US had to offer he must never become a Christian. Determined for years to honour this promise, he fought God until eventually he came to faith and then fought entering the ministry until he realized God had different plans for him!

I was inspired by the Schulz’s soccer camp story and how they’ve poured all their best into reaching the children of the community in this way, leaving the results up to God. 

I was relieved to hear the news of what is being done in India and Haiti and how the love of Jesus is being shared with the poverty stricken and those tangled in webs of false religion and taboo. 

I was proud of my friend and fellow pastor’s wife who gave her honest and witty story of her recent mission trip to Nepal. I was moved by the faith of these Nepalese women who made such extreme efforts to meet together in God’s Word. I cried for the bond we have with these Christian women most of us will never meet until heaven.

I was brought to my knees in repentance. I have not always showed love to the lost. I have not always given my best to the Lord. I have not made the effort to boldly combat false religions with the truth and freedom of the gospel. I have not embraced every opportunity to gather with my fellowship of believers to be in God’s Word - in the same town, no less! I am grateful to have a God who forgives me and who has done all of the above in my place perfectly. And I am humbled and overwhelmed with his grace and mercy... 

Workshops and Bible Study

 "Different Ways to Share Jesus with Your Spanish-Speaking Neighbors" ~ Pastor Daniel Schmidt,

"Establishing Roots in the Community!" ~ Staff Minister Daniel Schoeffel and Wendy Schibbelhut

"Prepared to Answer – Insights from a World Missionary" ~ Pastor Michael Harman

"Reaching Muslim Women in My Community" ~ Pastor Pieter Ried

"God’s Church in Thessalonica:  Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water" ~ Pastors Brady Coleman and Jeffrey Mahnke, LWMS Pastoral Advisors  

It’s not possible to attend all the available workshops and Bible studies offered as time does not allow. My registered choices this year was the Bible study on 1 Thessalonians and the workshop on Muslim outreach given by a former missionary to Indonesia. The Bible study was a whirlwind of Thessalonians and provided enough information to take the material back home with me to ponder. The Muslim outreach provided me with information on what the religion actually teaches (not necessarily what many followers believe). That’s the “easy” part. How do I describe my feelings while hearing what being a Christian in Indonesia is really like? The man giving his story often had tears brimming as he talked about these people. I was overcome by his love for these people and his willingness to risk his very life to teach the gospel. How do I describe seeing a picture of the decapitated heads of teen Christian girls murdered on their way to school - A story no newspaper or tv reported on or a crime that was never prosecuted. There are no apathetic, lukewarm Christian in Indonesia and other Muslim dominated countries because frankly, they can’t afford to be. They either boldly declare Christ as their Saviour or they don’t at all. 

Again, I am brought to my knees in repentance and I cry for the way I’ve treated a Muslim neighbour of mine. I am ashamed that my hatred for the religion overshadowed my love for her lost soul. I have not been bold in my confession. I am often more concerned about what others think of me. I am grateful to have a God who forgives me and who has done all of the above in my place perfectly. And I am humbled and overwhelmed with his grace and mercy... 

Offerings 

2012-2013 Home Mission Project:  VBS Camp Support ~ $53,284.22

Project #HM-2012-16 ~ Students in Multi-Ethnic Seminary Program - $37,610.68

Project #WM-2012-18 ~ Indonesia Projects - $37,610.68

Project #HM-2012-14 ~ Caribbean Missionary Conference - $29,548.37

Project #WM-2012-05 ~ Nigeria Projects - $29,548.37

There was some serious dough handed out to the various projects that had been voted on.  It didn’t just come from mid-air. It was given in love and thankfulness to Jesus. And who says collecting coins can’t add up to much? To God be the glory! 

This was personally my 5th convention I’ve attended and a few things struck me in particular. I was impressed with the use of technology and audio/visual that enhanced the message and connected the audience to the presentation. I was also made aware of everything the synod and various affiliate organizations have been doing coming out of the wake of previous years of financial constraints. At the time we groaned and cried at having to make cut backs and close missions and rightfully so. But what God has proven is that he works despite all that. And often times adversity breeds ingenuity. 

It was 4 crazy days of an emotional rollercoaster. I’m not going to lie! And you know what? I’d get back on that ride any day. The clarity of mind I left with was priceless - that me and you, all God’s people - have been Planted with a Purpose. We are where we are in our lives for a reason that’s bigger than clocking in and clocking out at the end of a day or even week. The closing hymn at the opening service reminded us:

Spread, Oh, Spread the Mighty Word (CW 576)

Spread, oh, spread the mighty Word; spread the kingdom of the Lord

Everywhere his breath has given Life to being meant for heaven

Tell them how the Father’s will Made the world and keeps it still,

How his only Son he gave All from sin and death to save

Tell of our Redeemer’s love, Who forever does remove

By his holy sacrifice All the guilt that on us lies.

Tell them of the Spirit given Now to guide us on to heaven

Strong and holy, just and true, Working both to will and do

Up! the ripening fields you see. Mighty shall the harvest be,

But the reapers still are few; Great the work they have to do.

Lord of harvest, grant anew, Joy and strength to work for you,

Till the gathering of nations all See your light and heed your call. 

Next year’s convention: 2014 - 51st Annual LWMS Convention, June 26-29, 2014 ~ hosted by Red River Circuit,  Dallas, Texas           See you there?!!!!!