Res. 2-03 — To Give Thanks to God for Missionary Care Provided by the Office of International Mission

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ commands His Church to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19 –20), and the Synod carries out this work through the sending of missionaries around the world; and

WHEREAS, The Office of International Mission (OIM) strives to deploy and sustain physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy missionary families for faithful, enduring service in the spreading of the Gospel, the planting of Lutheran churches, and the showing of mercy in close proximity to Word and Sacrament ministry; and

WHEREAS, The OIM begins its comprehensive approach to missionary care already in recruitment and discernment, carefully evaluating the suitability of missionary households and seeking appropriate placement for their well -being and effective service; and

WHEREAS, The OIM provides extensive pre -deployment training and support for missionaries, spouses, and children—equipping them with the theological, cultural, and practical preparation, while also offering care, resources, and clarity during a time often marked by uncertainly and transition; and

WHEREAS, The OIM continues its care on the mission fields through regionally-based care circles, pastoral support, regular care conversations, language and cultural training, appropriate housing, educational benefits for children, healthcare, opportunities for rest and continuing education, and other resources directed toward the whole person—body, mind, and spirit; and

WHEREAS, The OIM intentionally supports missionaries and their families at the end of their service through reintegration into life in the United States, providing transitional resources, intentional time for reflection and adjustment, and opportunities for the Church to give public thanks for their service; and

WHEREAS, This comprehensive care has led to a more than doubling of the five -year and ten -year retention rate of missionaries, resulting in a more robust and consistent missionary presence in the field; and

WHEREAS, Our recruiting efforts are resulting in an increase in the number of missionaries that we have in the field, currently 120 Synod and Alliance missionaries and their families —for a total of at least 349 people in need of pastoral care; and

WHEREAS, This comprehensive care is carried out through the collaborative work of the Global Care Team and regional care circles, reflecting synodwide commitment to the well-being of those sent in Christ’s name; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks and praise to God for the faithful and compassionate care provided to missionaries and their families through the OIM; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod commend and support the OIM’s ongoing efforts to care for missionaries holistically, so that they may serve with endurance, faithfulness, and joy; and be it further

Resolved, That the OIM establish a full-time chaplaincy in each region by the 2029 Synod convention to expand our pastoral care for our missionaries; and be it further

Resolved, That the congregations, districts, and all members of the Synod be encouraged to pray for the Synod’s missionaries and their families, to engage with them in mutual encouragement, and to support the mission of the Gospel ;

and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod rejoice that through the faithful service of missionaries, supported by the OIM, the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed to the ends of the earth.