 by Edward A. Wright International LLL Communicator
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Dateline: Duluth, Minnesota ... Your reporter recently returned from the land of 10,000 lakes, including the biggest one, Lake Superior, where the Int’l. LLL celebrated its 90th Annual convention.
The theme for 2007-08 is “Let Your Light Shine” (Matthew 5:16) and was certainly most appropriate as the Great Lakes have the most lighthouses in the nation. Approximately 1,000 delegates were registered to hear the messages and programs of LHM. An opening communion worship service ushered in the first of three General Sessions with a streamlined agenda plus ministry presentations and educational workshops. Rev. William Diekelman, first vice president of the Missouri Synod, addressed the assembly and noted that LHM is reflecting the light of Christ and is a beacon of spreading the Good News around the world. He introduced Synod President Gerald Kieschnick, via a video, who praised the LLL for its work and partnership with the Ablaze movement. Recently elected LWML President Janis Wendorf reported on the group’s recent convention in Sioux Falls, SD, and the planned mission goal of $1,725,000 — serving 18 ministries during the next two years. Canadian LWML President Judy Grande also greeted the conventioneers about their mission grants. Lutheran Church-Canada First Vice President Rev. Nolan Astley offered his hearty encouragement to LHM’s wonderful programs. |
Lutheran Hour Speaker Rev. Ken Klaus spoke about Christianity and its heritage of heart-felt hymns and how we should ‘live’ our song. In his eloquent message, he emphasized that by focusing on the essential and not the expedient, the crucial and not the comfortable, the fundamental rather than the fad, Christian organizations would reap their goals of saving souls for Christ.
Elections were held, and Int’l. V-P, Stuckmeyer was re-elected along with Treasurer Al Etzler. Paul Martin was elected Int’l. Secretary. Visitors were invited to meet Dr. Mark Hannemann and Michelle Bauer of the new radio production of LHM — “Life .... Revised” — at the U.S. ministries booth. Some 500 were present for the Hoffmann Society dessert reception sponsored by the Lutheran Hour Ministries Foundation. Dick Gast and his daughter, Jennifer, were on hand to let us see the newly designed Lutheran Hour float that will be featured in the 2008 Rose Bowl parade. They also treated us to ‘root beer floats.’ The attending youth “Let their Light Shine” by preparing health care bags for the local Salvation Army with materials they brought with them to Duluth. The Friday family night included a meal, entertainment by Tina & Lena, followed by a visit to a local theater to see a production of “Cats,” a ride on the Northshore Scenic RR or a cruise on Lake Superior. Saturday’s agenda featured 22 educational workshops. Rev. Klaus then preached on the theme of the convention at an old-fashioned Lutheran Hour Rally which was open to the public. Next year’s convention will be in Lexington, KY, July 24-27, hosted by the Indiana District. |
