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WHEREAS, These “pastors in uniform” provide Word and Sacrament ministry while enduring hardship, constant peril, and danger; and

WHEREAS, These chaplains meet the needs of military personnel and their families stationed around the world and provide a vital link to home; and

WHEREAS, LCMS chaplains have been recognized for their excellence in theology and pastoral care by their peers and frequently called to significant leadership posts within the U.S.

Department of Defense at the Pentagon; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) supports almost 200 chaplains representing the church on active duty; in the Reserves, National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and Coast Guard Auxiliary; as Directors of Religious Education; and in the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

WHEREAS, MAF assists and trains congregations through Operation Barnabas, working to equip and encourage local pastors and congregations of the Synod in compassionate care and witness by training them for outreach to all military-connected people (active, reserve, retired, veterans, and their loved ones); and

WHEREAS, The Synod cares deeply for those who currently serve, for those who have donned the cloth of our nation in uniform, and for those who served our nation and live in our communities;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to intentionally recognize and care for current and former military members, veterans, and family members in their midst by joining the network of care provided through Operation Barnabas; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for MAF, Operation Barnabas, and MAF leadership, including its director, the Rev. Craig Muehler , and assistant director, the Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana.

Board for International Mission

Ov. 2-07

To Thank God on the 60th Anniversary of the Inception of LCMS International Schools in Asia and Pray for God’s Guidance in Advancing Their Ministry and Mission

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus said to the disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20); and

WHEREAS, Church of All Nations, Lutheran, Hong Kong (CAN)—whose founding pastor, Rev. Lenard Galster, and congregation worked in 1962– 63 with Synod educator, Dr. Mel Kieschnick, to propose that the Synod establish Hong Kong International School (HKIS)—is in 2026 giving thanks to God for HKIS’ 60 years of educational mission for international and local families in Hong Kong and Asia; and

WHEREAS, Members of CAN and HKIS were seminal and instrumental in encouraging the Synod to establish Concordia International School Shanghai (CISS) in 1998 and Concordia International School Hanoi (CISH) in 2011, and active members of CAN’s congregational fellowship and pastoral care continue to serve within the CISS and CISH communities; and

WHEREAS, The Synod resolved at the 2016 Synod convention “To Commend and Support Synod’s International Schools and Their Role in the Church’s Mission” (2016 Res. 2-03); and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s Chief Mission Officer, the Office of International Mission (OIM) Asia region, and the Board for International Mission (BIM) reported to the 2019 Synod convention (Reports R1.2, 1.2.2, R8, pp. 17– 18, 32, 92) that a major objective of the pending triennium (subsequently extended to 2023; 2023

Reports R1.2, 1.2.2, R8, pp. 9, 22, 50) was to strengthen the

working relationship between the international schools, the OIM, and the BIM, and to encourage t hese schools to be steadfast and thorough in embodying Lutheran identity and mission; and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s international schools have in the past triennium: continued to present the Synod with ministry and mission opportunities; grown as world -class, highly respected educational institutions; and endeavored in good faith to strengthen their work with the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod thank God for the three international schools and attendant opportunities to proclaim the Gospel; and be it further

Resolved, That Synod members and congregants be encouraged to pray regularly for these schools, their c ommunities, and the students and families served; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire all involved in these international schools with the love of God, humility, wisdom, and grace, and particularly guide the Synod Board of Directors, the BIM, and the respective boards and heads of school to advance the mission and ministry of proclaiming the Gospel of our Savior Jesus through the education of children in international schools.

Church of All Nations Hong Kong

2026 Convention Workbook

297INTERNATIONAL WITNESS