To Give Thanks for LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces

WHEREAS, Fromthe Civil War through both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent areas of conflict, Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) pastors, serving honorably and with distinction as military chaplains, bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those protecting our great nation; and

WHEREAS, Some chaplains serve on forward bases in harm’s way; others, onboard ships maintaining vigilant watch over the seven seas; yet others walk the flight line on isolated air bases, engaging airmen as they load fighter aircraft for combat operations on matters of faith and family; and

WHEREAS, These “pastors in uniform” provide Word and Sacrament ministry while enduring hardship, constant peril, and danger; and

WHEREAS, These chaplains meet the needs of military personnel and their families stationed around the world andprovideavitallink to home; and

WHEREAS, LCMS chaplains have been recognized for their excellence in theology and pastoral care by their peers and frequently called to significant leadership posts within the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces(MAF) supports almost 200 chaplains representing the church on active duty; in the Reserves, National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and Coast Guard Auxiliary; as Directors of Religious Education; and in the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

WHEREAS, MAF assists and trains congregations through Operation Barnabas, working to equip and encourage local pastors and congregations of the Synod in compassionate care and witness by training them for outreach to all military-connected people (active, reserve, retired, veterans, and their loved ones); and

WHEREAS, The Synod cares deeply for those who currently serve, for those who have donned the cloth of our nation in uniform, and for those who served our nation and live in our communities;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations to intentionally recognize and care for current and former military members, veterans, and family members in their midst by joining the network of care provided through Operation Barnabas; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for MAF, Operation Barnabas, and MAF leadership,including its director,the Rev. Craig Muehler, and assistant director, the Rev. Dr. Steven Hokana.