Lutheran Hour Ministries-Indiana

LLL – Indiana District Letter

Greg Walts, District President

11/5/09

“…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Board of Governors Meeting: Saturday, December 5, 1 - 4 pm, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1385 South Main Street, Tipton, IN 46072-8460. This is a very important meeting as we will be setting the schedule for the District events in 2010. So, please mark your calendars and plan to attend. We need your inputs.

Indiana District Convention: This year’s convention has come and gone. Through the efforts of Denny Noel and his convention team, the convention went as according to the plan. There were many highlights at the convention. Our special guest from LHM, Richard Cohrs conducted a great break out session in the afternoon on the Men’s Network and was a great keynote speaker at our banquet. The other two breakout sessions will be led by Pastor Udhay Raji, on Christian persecution in India, and by Duvon McGuire, New Life International, whose organization manufactures water purification systems for third world countries, were very well received. Pastors Wendt, Stuckwisch and Bauman led a very inspiring worship service. Special guest, Jennifer Gast Madsen, the crew boss for the Lutheran Hour Float in the Rose Bowl Parade, gave some poignant “off the cuff” remarks about the great out reach effort that is on display each New Year’s Day. New officers were elected and installed. The convention reelected Al Deluanay as Secretary, Roy Stuckwisch as Treasurer and Herman Otte as Membership Chair for the South Central Region. Newcomers to the Board of Governors that were elected were membership chairmen: Greg Werich (North East Region); Ron Schultz (North West Region); Wally Fahling (North Central Region); and Chris Clark (Central Region). Unfortunately, we were not able to find a candidate to fill the South Region Membership Chair position. I will be looking for someone to appoint to this position. I thank each and every one of these newly elected officers for their willingness to serve. I also want to thank the outgoing BOG members for their service. Those whose terms have ended are, Fay Richert, Roger Potratz, David Anderson, and Ted Fraebel. Thanks guys, for your service.

The Men’s Network: Have you visited www.lhmmen.com? This is a great resource of Bible Studies, blogs, forums, and other activities designed to keep men active in their local congregations. There are two new Baloney Shop episodes: one on the NEA and one on Vain Talk. Both are strong messages in support of Christian values. There are now seven Bible Studies on the website. The newest one is entitled, “How we got the Bible” by Dr. Paul L. Maier. There is a new feature on the website entitled, “Stuff They Did Not Teach Me in Sunday School.” This feature is hosted by the new executive director of the LLL, Bruce Wurdeman. I recommend that you go through the website on your own or with your Men’s Group. This resource is one of the most exciting outreach efforts I have seen in the 30 years that I have been associated with the LHM. In the middle of November a new Bible Study will be released. It will be on the book of Revelations. The author of the study is Pastor Ken Klaus, Lutheran Hour Speaker.

Prayer Requests: Pray a prayer of Thanksgiving for Rob Horne. It has been determined that his diagnosis of ALS is wrong! He has some other treatable condition. It was great to see him at the convention in Seymour. Also, pray Martin Henrichs, Region 4 governor as he recovers from Hip Replacement surgery. Also, pray for the International BOG as they reorganize the upper structure of the League to become more efficient and as they form a search committee to find a new Lutheran Hour Speaker. Finally, give thanks that our newsletter editor, Alena Guagenti, has given birth to a healthy daughter, named Eden.

May the Lord continue to bless the LHM outreach ministry.

Greg Walts, IN District President