Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 332

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 
W
HEREAS, 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 
W
HEREAS, 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 
W
HEREAS, 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 
W
HEREAS, 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 
W
HEREAS, 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