To Thank God for the Synod’s International Schools and Pray for God’s Guidance in Furthering Their Role in the Church’s Mission

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesussaid to the disciples, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you …” (Matt. 28:19–20 AKJV); and

WHEREAS, The Synod in convention in 2016 resolved to commend and support Synod’s international schools and their role in the Church’s mission; and

WHEREAS, The Chief Mission Officer, The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) Asia region, and the Board for International Mission (BIM) in convention in 2019 reported that a major objective this past triennium (extended to 2023) was to strengthen the relationship between the international schools (all of which are located in Asia) and the Synod, and encourage these schools to be steadfast and thorough in a Lutheran Christian identity and mission; and

WHEREAS, Hong Kong International School, Concordia International School—Shanghai, and Concordia International School—Hanoi have, in the extended past triennium, continued to present the Synod with a multitude of mission opportunities; grown as world-class, highly-respected educational institutions; and endeavored in good faith to strengthen their work with Synod; all done in the face of extraordinary constraints arising from the COVID-19 pandemic during March 2020–February 2023; and

WHEREAS, Church of All Nations, Lutheran, Hong Kong, whose founding pastor Rev. Lenard Galster and congregation worked in 1962–1963 with LCMS educator Dr. Mel Ki esch nick to propose that Synod engage in educational mission for the international community in Hong Kong, is in 2023 giving thanks to God for 61 years of church ministry to international and local families in Hong Kong and Asia; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank God for the mission and ministry of its three international schools over the last 57 years, especially during the last three years operating under extraordinary COVID-19 constraints, and that the individuals and congregations of the Synod be encouraged to lift up these schools, their communities, and the countries they serve in prayer on a regular basis; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention pray that the Holy Spirit continue to guide, inspire, and encourage the LCMS Board of Directors, the BIM, and the respective boards and heads of school of the international schools to build on the mission and ministry of proclaiming the Gospel of our Savior Jesus through the education of children in international schools.