Results Announced for LHM’s 2023 Election

by CHAD FIX

More than 73 percent of Lutheran Hour Ministries’ registered voting members cast ballots in this past spring’s election to fill open seats on the Board of Directors for the International Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Hour Ministries. Karl Abraham of Lochaber-Ouest, Quebec, Canada, and Ryan Bredow of Gilbert, Arizona, started their first terms on the Board at the July Board meeting; Jim Dankenbring of St. Louis, Missouri, and Virginia Miller of Rochester, Minnesota, were re-elected to their second terms.

The Board is also responsible for appointing its four officer positions each year from among sitting Board members. The Board of Directors has re-appointed Kurt Senske of Austin, Texas, as chairman, and Melanie Braun of Tempe, Arizona, as treasurer. Kristi Matus of Boxford, Massachusetts, will serve as vice chairman, and Donald Scifres of Greenwood, Indiana, is the new secretary. Visit lhm.org/about/board.asp to learn more about your elected Board members.

Thanks to everyone who participated this year in the election process! Want to vote in 2024? Anyone who gives a gift to LHM between July 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2023, and is a member of a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) or Lutheran Church—Canada (LCC), will be eligible to register for next year’s voting membership. Look for a postcard in the mail in February 2024 with details on how you can register to vote before next spring’s March 15 deadline.

Nominate a Candidate for 2024

Nominations for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors for the Int’l LLL/LHM are being requested now for next spring’s election. The Board is seeking dynamic, visionary, mission-minded leaders who are committed to helping LHM share the Gospel around the world. You are urged to prayerfully consider the God-given talents, skill sets, passion for outreach ministry, and service to the Lord when considering potential nominees from your personal and professional networks. In addition to being an LHM/ Int’l LLL member, all nominees must be members of an LCMS or LCC congregation and cannot be ordained clergy.

To download a nominations form, or learn about additional eligibility requirements for nominees, visit lhm.org/nominations. Nominations must be received by Nov. 1, 2023, to be considered. u

Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. The large population has provided LHM with tremendous opportunities to share God’s love throughout Guatemala since launching its ministry there in 1993.

LHM–Guatemala (known locally as Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, as well as the 30th anniversary of Director Rebeca de Franco, with a full weekend of activities. These included a special Project JOEL field program for youth on Friday; a music concert on Saturday; and a worship service on Sunday.

The Project JOEL event, with 425 junior high students as well as school officials and teachers in attendance, included a motivational speech by a former Project JOEL student who has now started his career as a sports journalist. In addition to hearing him share details about his personal journey to accomplish his professional dreams, attendees watched a drama written and directed by Guisselle Pena, the ministry center’s Project JOEL coordinator, and performed by a group of volunteer actors. Following the presentations, each student received a Bible with the Small Catechism from Lutheran Heritage Foundation before enjoying light refreshments.