As the ELS observes the 100th anniversary of reorganization, we also remember this year marks the 50th anniversary of the start of mission work in Peru. In 1968, following years of cooperating jointly through the Synodical Conference, the ELS decided to establish its own foreign mission in Lima, Peru. The first missionary arrived on January…

A sermon preached at the 1918 reorganizing convention of the ELS reminded the faithful few that their purpose was to extend God’s kingdom and they “should not weary in this work.” Since its reorganization in 1918, the ELS has participated in foreign mission work in fifteen nations. Working through the synods of the Synodical Conference, early missionaries served…

In the 1980s the focus for home missions shifted from offering aid to established churches to that of supporting exploratory missions. Former President Orvick observed, “Where would we be today if it were not for the dedicated efforts of our members and our mission boards who, with limited resources, boldly took steps to organize mission…

Mission work always has received much attention in our Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Already at the 1918 convention, a Home Mission Board was established. Much of the early mission work in those days was found in supporting small groups who had been displaced or left without church buildings as a result of the merger of 1917.…