Nearly 1,000 people attended the 90th annual international convention of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, held July 26-29 in Duluth, Minn. The convention, with the theme “Let Your Light Shine” (Matt. 5:16), implored
attendees to let their light shine as a beacon for those who do not yet know Christ.
“It is our hope that you will dedicate yourself in the coming year to seeing how you can ‘Let Your Light Shine’ for the Lord in your daily walk with Him,” said Int’l LLL President Jack Kidwell.
Lutheran Hour Ministries Executive Director Greg Lewis thanked attendees for their continued support during one of the general sessions and shared the ministry’s challenge of finding more ministry friends in the future.
“Today’s challenge is not much different from what the founders of the Lutheran Laymen’s League faced,” said Lewis. “The LLL was born and supported by committed laypeople of vision who shared their vision with friends to help carry it out. I encourage you to help us invite new people to join us in sharing the hope that only comes through Christ with all people.”
Pastor Ken Klaus, speaker of “The Lutheran Hour,” offered messages designed to inspire listeners during the general session, The Hoffmann Society reception, and The Lutheran Hour Rally. “Today you stand at a crossroad,” Klaus said. “Today it falls to you, the members of this organization who best understand the Savior’s song to be renewed in your commitment.”
Astronaut Jeffrey Williams served as the keynote speaker during the Friday afternoon fellowship luncheon. Williams shared his experiences and showed images of his time as the Expedition 13 flight engineer aboard the International Space Station. He explained how the images illustrate “how we can see the glory of the Creator through His creation, but we cannot tell exactly who He is. That comes through Christ.”
Officers elected during the convention include:
- Raymond Stuckemeyer of Altamont, Ill., vice president.
- Alvin Etzler, Sunderland, Md., treasurer.
- Paul Martin, Fitchburg, Mass., secretary.
Also elected, as Int’l LLL regional governors, were:
- Ronald Saar, Hilton, N.Y., Region 1.
- Ron Morris, Mobile, Ala., Region 3.
- Philip Krauss II, Westland, Mich., Region 5.
- Charles Groth, Fairmont, Minn., Region 7.
- Lorris Haarberg, Arapahoe, Neb., Region 9.
- V. Dale Stoner, Greeley, Colo., Region 11.
- Lewis Eilers, Kimberly, Idaho, Region 13.
- Bob Felstead, Canmore, Alberta, Canada, Region 15.
Also during business sessions, the convention adopted a resolution to strengthen and promote its flagship radio program “The Lutheran Hour” by increasing the number of stations carrying the 
program — including more international broadcasting, making Lutherans and the general public more aware of the program and how to hear it, and “making ‘The Lutheran Hour’ the number-one priority in all future budget plans.”
In addition to the time provided for worship, fellowship, and Bible studies, one of this year’s highlights was a set of outreach workshops led by prominent church and lay leaders in three subject areas: leadership development, global outreach, and community outreach. Workshops addressed a variety of topics, including forming a church ministry action team, global mission partnerships, effective outreach, sharing LHM’s message, hosting a “Conversations of Grace” conference, and communicating electronically.
Other activities from the convention included a special focus group to discuss ways of enhancing the LHM Ambassador program, a “Bringing Christ to the Nations” event to recognize the achievements of LHM volunteers, a service event in which children attendees filled bags with personal-care items to give to The Salvation Army of Duluth, and a presentation about LHM’s interactive Web site for kids, “JCPlayZone.”
For more information about the convention, including videos of key events, visit www.lhm.org/convention on the Web.
The next international convention of the Int’l LLL is scheduled for July 24-27, 2008, in Lexington, Ky.
Posted Aug. 8, 2007
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