Northern Illinois Synod Men in Mission

Our constitution requires that the president is to report to the membership each year at the Annual Assembly on the year's achievements, needed improvements, and proposed goals.

I would like to share Jeremiah 17:7-8 with you which I think sums up men's ministry fairly well. "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by the water sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes and its leaves shall stay green, in the year of the drought, it is not anxious and it does not cease to bear fruit." Men, we are the trees that Jeremiah refers to that are sustained by the true living water from God. We are to be ever-growing in God's faith; love and trust Him always. Let us be mindful that our mission is to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.

Lutheran Men in Mission-Northern Illinois Synod (LMM-NIS) has had a very active year. I would like to highlight some of accomplishments the men in our synod have made possible. Our flagship project, the awarding of scholarships to seminarians in the Northern Illinois Synod, has continued. The recipients of $1,000 Scholarship are as follows:

Gwen Sefrhans--Tabor Lutheran Church, Rockford--LSTC

Emily Sauer--Grace Lutheran Church, Richmond--LSTC

Also, at last year's Assembly, it was approved to support Rev. Herbert Mkemwa of Arusha Diocese to the tune of $6,000 per year for the next three years (this has since been reduced to $3,000 per year due to change in learning institutions). The Board would like to thank all those who have contributed to the scholarship fund by way of the Committee of 100, Lifetime memberships and other generous donations. LMM-NIS has also been involved/supported the following:

                Dixon Prison Ministry

                Lutheran Hunger Appeal

                LOMC Camperships

                LOMC Work projects

                Bible Distribution-Campus Ministry, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb

                Development of local men's ministry units

I've listed many of the successes in LMM for the past year, but we need to redouble our efforts to reach out to more men of all ages in our congregations. For on any given Sunday less than 38% of the adults worshipping in ELCA are men. When men encounter Christ through an effective men's ministry, EVERY area of the congregational life benefits. We seem to be in a lull in forming new units. We, as a board, would certainly like to see more organizing activity in our parishes. Not only would we like outward growth, but also we would like our units to grow upward as referred to earlier in Jeremiah 17.

As you know, our newsletter has temporarily been suspended due to a lack of editor/publisher. The newsletter is the only common link we have to all of our members. With the use of our newsletter, we can be more informed and connected so that we can support each other. If anyone is interested in the position, please let us know.

I along with Ted Jackson, Ray Cantle, Dave Stewart, Jim Bohrer and Floyd Anderson attended the National Gathering of LMM in Charleston, SC in July 2005. The focus was on how to get our young men involved. Thank you for the opportunity and experience.

What a delight to share the Lord's ministry with committed Christian men! If at any time, we can be of help or assistance, please contact your conference rep, officer of the board, or myself. We're here to serve you!

I give my thanks to officers, board members, and to You the Members that have assisted when called upon. I thank you for the opportunity to serve LMM-NIS.

Yours in Christ,

Dennis Mellgren