Lutheran Hour Ministries continues to spread the Gospel in Africa and the Middle East, including places where missionaries aren’t able to reach.
That was the message from Eric Gates, regional director for Africa and the Middle East for LHM during the 74th annual Michigan District Lutheran Laymen’s League convention on April 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe.
Gates described to convention attendees how LHM proclaims the Gospel through its nine ministry centers in the Africa and Middle East region today. He’s been able to develop relationships with church partners and leaders and has recruited, trained and motivated leaders in each country to develop local evangelism programs and raise funds to support LHM’s mission of Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church.
He pointed out one of the challenges facing the region has been the rise of fundamentalist Islam and terror. Muslim groups including ISIA, have been persecuting Christians. He has returned from visits to Turkey, Egypt and Iraq where LHM is proclaiming the Gospel to Muslim refugees while offering support and comfort to Christian victims.
The convention re-elected John Raffel from Big Rapids as president and Gregg Kremkow from Dearborn as secretary.
The convention also approved a 2016-17 budget that includes an anticipated operating income of $21,036 and expenses of $14,320. Attendees were encouraged to use budget monies to promote Lutheran Hour Ministries programs within their church and zones.
Nearly $900 was raised to send to LHM as part of the district’s Russian ministry project.
The convention also heard from LLL officers Gregg Kremkow, Gilbert Bartz and Howard Wellhousen, LHM Advance Giving officer Ruth Martin, Monroe Zone president Bill Sisk, LWML district president Willie-Marie Henry and Arcadia Retreat chairman Tom Anderson and Bible studies by district pastoral advisor Rev. Michael Allen, Dr. Jakob Heckert, Rev. Daniel Potts and Rev. Jeff Heimsoth.
Members are encouraged to attend the 100th anniversary celebration of the league Oct. 20-23 in St. Louis. More details are available at lhm.org.
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