Call day and graduation

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” This was Jesus’ exultant cry when the seventy returned from their preaching tour. We feel this same joy when we send men off into fields ripe for the harvest. We celebrate God’s grace as 40 men were assigned to various fields of ministry through the synod’s assignment committee.

Twenty-eight graduates from the class of 2009 received their first calls into the public ministry and three from the class of 2007 were reassigned. Of these men, four were assigned to our ministerial education schools, 25 to parish ministry, and two to world mission fields. In addition, three assignments from previous years were made permanent, and six men were reassigned to their present field of labor.

Assignments were also received by two graduates who were trained through the Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI) and its satellite program the Asian Ministerial Training Program. Directed by Prof. E. Allen Sorum, the PSI guides and assists non-traditional students through their pre-seminary and seminary training.

While 11 traditional students and one PSI student are still waiting for assignments, we are confident that the Lord has a place for them to serve in his Church. We just don’t know where it is yet. Our Lord’s words are clear: the harvest is plentiful, but the workers, few. Please keep those newly assigned and those yet to be assigned in your prayers that they may bring the blessings of the gospel wherever they may go and however they may serve.