One of the collects for missions prays in part: “That all who hear it may receive the gift of salvation…” Christ did not die at the cross in order to have His hard-won forgiveness for the world held back or to be delivered only in piecemeal. No part of a sinner’s forgiveness is left undone; nor does it in any way hinge on human effort….

Ninety years ago a small cadre of men gathered at the Aberdeen Hotel in downtown St. Paul. Any casual observer would not have expected much to come from the little, inconspicuous assembly. But those dedicated ELS forefathers met for conscience sake and began charting a course to form our synod that, under God’s blessing, has borne fruit for us who assemble here today….

The apostle Peter lets us know that by God’s grace through faith in Christ we have been made special people. Within an established universal priesthood of all believers, Gods wants us all—pastors, teachers, missionaries, lay members, fathers and mothers in the home, every Christian—to play a part in shining the brilliant light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on those who yet live under the pall of spiritual doom and gloom. Taking people where they are and having them see their real need for salvation from sin and damnation is a major component to understanding the work of evangelism.

It is of great comfort and encouragement for us to be assured that the message we share about the crucified and risen Savior brings to the soul of each listener the unconditional forgiveness of sins from God, and we then await the Spirit to do His work.

The evangelism theme this year, “Declare His Praises,” also reminds us to cast our support firmly behind Lutheran Schools of America. The use of church schools in our communities provides great opportunities for Gospel outreach. Our own children and grandchildren find themselves today in a society of secular education that questions truth’s existence in regard to natural/moral law and has no time at all for a religion that, while inclusive (it is a message for all), holds to Christ alone for the hope of everlasting life.

Luther remarked in his day: “I am afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures and engraving them in the hearts of the youth.” Through Lutheran Schools of America we aim, God willing, to provide assistance to congregations in having their own schools where God’s Word reigns supreme. You can be a partner in this venture through your prayers and through your gifts of support to our synod-wide “For You and Your Children” offering.

On the subject of Christian education, we should also take note of the eightieth anniversary of our Bethany Lutheran College. Where would our Evangelical Lutheran Synod be today were it not for the blessings God has showered upon us through this excellent institution of higher learning? Its mission statement reminds all that the college is “committed to the teachings of the Bible as set forth in the Lutheran Confessions;” this is the doctrinal position that guides and directs all aspects of spiritual life on the campus.

In May the Christian church celebrated the festival of Pentecost. From that day of the Spirit’s special outpouring, the umbrella of Christianity has extended over the entire globe. The zeal for worship and the drive for mission work has been, and continues to be, a distinguishing mark of believers. What method did the Lord use to add to their numbers? It was not simply by sitting in their house churches waiting for converts to trickle in. Fellow Christians of varied backgrounds, skills and vocations “declare[d] the praises of him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

May we never lose sight of our common goal to evangelize and to promote the establishment of missions. Pray for our pastors, teachers and missionaries. Ask the Lord to use the resources of our synod to reap a bountiful harvest for Christ’s kingdom, while we strive to disseminate the precious means of grace to our own communities and to people of other countries.

President Moldstad’s address was excerpted by the editor. The complete address can be read in the 2007 Synod Report.