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from the executive chair ...

Lenae Rasmussen

On September 11, 2001, everyone in America became more aware of the threat of terrorism. Likewise, the confessional crisis in America became a stark reality for confessing Lutherans on October 23, 2001. We will remember "9/11" and "10/23" as we remember the day Pearl Harbor was bombed-days the reality of our situation literally hit home. Terrorism was no longer something that happened someplace else-it was happening in our home land, in our home church. All doubt was removed. The first lifeboat for confessing Lutherans had been launched from Elk Horn, Iowa, none too soon. 

Many of us have been discussing the confessional crisis in America for several years. We have debated if things will get worse or not, and how bad things must get before we are compelled to say something or do something. We have pondered who will determine if things have gotten "bad enough," and what should be said or done if things are "bad enough." We no longer need ponder any "ifs, ands, or buts." The time to act has come like a thief in the night: Our neighbor is in the ditch. We must help. Faith and love drive us to do no less. Now the question is no longer theoretical but quite practical, "What can we do to help?" 

Recruit: The primary purpose in forming an association like LCMC and the Augsburg Lutheran District is to help pastors find calls and help churches find pastors. Thus our first task in the ALD is to recruit member churches and chapters, and affiliated pastors, church workers, and individuals to our new fellowship. This task calls everyone one of us to pitch in and help. Subscription forms are posted on the ALD website, and we will also have online subscription options soon. 

Organize: To serve our purpose we formed committees and divided up the work. Each ALD committee has been asked to develop a charter that lists its mission, goals, objectives, tasks, and members. This will help each committee stay in its lane, and coordinate their efforts for better effectiveness. These charters will be formally adopted at the ALD convention in Springfield, Oregon, July 15-18, 2002.

Support and Proclaim: This past month I've learned what a powerful witness to the gospel the Augsburg Lutheran District is as we support one another. When we stand by our friends in prayer and consolation our faith is active and the love of God is shared. Supporting one another strengthens us and our witness to Christ, assuring us that God will always take care of us-nothing can ever separate us from his love in Christ. As we proclaim this gospel of Christ with words, we also proclaim it in deed when we support our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. United in Christ, praising him as the only Lord of his church, we can face any tyrant or foe, for God is with us to the end of this age.

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