Region 4 Governor’s Report from Int’l LLL BOG Meeting
October 15-17, 2009

by Martin Henrichs

The beauty of attending quarterly meetings of the Int’l LLL leaders in St. Louis is the inspiration provided by the Holy Spirit and the socializing with the St. Louis Staff and Governors. We are united in support of Lutheran Hour Ministries, God’s purpose for
our existence.

Pastor Grimm reminded us that, like Nehemiah who mobilized the Hebrew people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days, we can, by striving together under God’s
blessing, work miracles in the lives of people without hope.

I followed up on that theme in my prayer-- that we work mightily to build a bridge to the lost that will bring them safely to the faith we share in Jesus Christ. This is ongoing through International Ministries and U.S. Ministries.

INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES: Gunya Na Thalang described our activities in Asia—Cambodia, China, India, South Korea, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand—adapting methods to the individual cultures, such as children’s camps, ETS training, youth ministry, music, text messaging, holistic ministry and Bible studies.

Eric Gates described the successes in Africa where in 1900 there were 9 million Christians and today 300 million. In Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar
and Lebanon (Mid East) Bible Correspondence courses, women’s ministry (A.I.D.S widows), prison ministry, and economics projects are doors to spreading the Gospel.

The new LHM Director for Latin American Ministries is a dynamic Brazilian, Nilo Lipur, who told of successes and challenges in Panama, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, four of the 11 countries where LHM has offices. He emphasized three organizational
objectives—work with LCMS World Mission, increase local support partnerships, and develop a creative production center of Spanish language resources.

Log onto lhmint.org for more information about the 31 ministry centers we support.

U. S. MINISTRIES: Interim Director Dave Dawson did an excellent job summarizing
our outreach programs--The Lutheran Hour, Daily Devotions, Para Camino (Spanish language), Woman to Woman, Men’s Network Bible Studies, Equipping to Share, JC Playzone, Military Prayer Guides, Project Connect, and Advent Devotions. President Greg Walts has already provided stats. showing growth in these outreach programs in his excellent report to the District Convention in Seymour.

MINISTRY ADVANCEMENT: Harold Melser, an experienced fundraiser, has just become Director of our ministry support division. My initial reaction is that he is an
excellent choice for the position. Curt Wittbracht and Larry Pritchett reviewed the financial reports, noting that we are meeting our budget by streamlining operations and attracting new donors.

Terry Shields, LHM Chief Information Officer reported that a computer program called
“e-tapestry” has been installed and should save LHM $100,000 per year. We pray this
will help with record-keeping and insure accuracy.

Melissa Bohlmann reviewed the Greensboro Convention, noting the good evaluations
and the generosity of the hotel in reducing the bill by $50,000. She expects 1,200 people
at Omaha in 2010 because of special activities taking place—Rev. Ken Klaus’ last convention as Speaker, President Mick Onnen’s home area, involvement of International Directors, and “Prairie Fire”, which attracts many to the area, and celebration of the 80th Anniversary of “The Lutheran Hour”. The 2012 convention will be in Canada and 2014 in Dearborn, Michigan.

Notes about Regional Gatherings in off years: I have been skeptical about our ability in the Regions to achieve the goal of bringing new people to Regional Conventions. But I am excited about the concept laid out by our St. Louis Task Force. Here are some elements being considered: (nothing is in concrete yet—more info. at the January meeting)

• Geographic LLL Regions would not be the organizing concept. Instead, gatherings would be concentrated where at least 300 LCMS churches are within an 8 hour drive.

• We are urged to inform Melissa Bohlmann of resorts, retreat centers and motels
that may be considered for the gatherings. The Task Force will screen the sites, make
arrangements, sign contracts and accept Registrations in St. Louis.

• The Task Force will pick the site and organize the promotional materials for churches and LLL members within the target area. They will work with all local LCMS organizations, as well as with our LLL people.

• It was suggested that the annual District Conventions be held on the Friday before the Saturday/Sunday Regional Gatherings.

• Three or four St. Louis staff members will attend and offer presentations.

• The activities will be designed to attract people who are unfamiliar with LHM and
open their hearts to join us in reaching out to unchurched people.

• The Men’s Network will be involved, along with possible servant events and recreation activities.

• A budget will be set for each event to guarantee the lowest cost to LHM.

I think President Onnen summed up well the concept in his report that the Regional events will be “short on business, and long on worship, Bible study, outreach, training, motivation, service, recreation and fun.”

Because Greg Walts and Mick Onnen have covered the other items, I will close now
by saying, God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to serve as your Region Governor during this time of change. After a thorough discussion of the proposed restructuring of our governance, it was passed unanimously by the BOG. The changes to the Bylaws will be voted on by all of you at the 2010 convention. Plan now to spend some warm summer days in Omaha.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”  John 15:16

PS: The St. Louis staff would like for Districts with partner international directors to set a goal of raising $2,000 for expenses to bring them to the Omaha convention next summer.
The balance would come from the International Ministries budget. Please give thought to
how we can accomplish this. Rebate funds should not be used. I’ll ask Greg to put this on
the Agenda for discussion at our December 5 Planning meeting.

PS 2: I wasn’t going to mention this, but I go in for right hip replacement surgery on Tuesday. I’m probably more concerned than I should be, but my last time overnight in
a hospital was in the 4th grade—a disaster still ingrained to my mind, and I tend to have
blood clots. So, I feel I could use your prayers. Thanks.