Director’s Letter
The Mission Goes On
The mission of proclaiming the Gospel goes on, no matter the trials and tribulations or challenges and changes we face.
“With this message or preaching, it is just as if one throws a stone into the water. It makes waves and circles or wheels around itself, and the waves roll always farther outward. One drives the other until they reach the shore. Although it is still in the middle, the waves do not rest; instead, the waves continue forward. So it is with the preaching.” (Martin Luther, Ascension Sermon, May 29, 1522)
Before Jesus’ saving work on the cross, our sin had drowned us in the darkness of death. But God saw our condition and mercifully sent His Son to save us, that washed in the waters of Baptism we would have forgiveness, life and salvation.
Having been cleansed by Jesus’ blood, the church is sent by Him to show forth His mercy and proclaim the saving Gospel, as He charges His disciples prior to His ascension: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).
As Luther teaches, as a stone that falls into the water sends ripples farther and farther out until they reach the shore, so God’s mission goes on. The waves do not rest. Likewise, the waves of the Gospel continue to go on through the work of the LCMS in Italy, where two new pastors have been ordained to preach the Good News of Christ Jesus. The waves of the Gospel go on through our work in Chinese ministry and ministry to shut-ins across the country. The waves of God’s work continue to ripple outward through His people to the ends of the earth.
The mission of proclaiming the Gospel goes on, no matter the trials and tribulations or challenges and changes we face, for the kingdom of Christ is in constant movement. It does not cease, and it does not stand still, for its power does not lie with us, but with our Lord and His desire to bring all to the knowledge of His redeeming love.
In Christ,
Rev. Dan Galchutt
Interim Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
