August 8, 2003

The Jesus Is Lord Mission (JILM), an independent mission society whose membership is composed mostly of retired church workers, has planned its first national gathering for Sept. 6-7 at Zion Lutheran Church in Walburg, Texas.

"We want it to be a celebration," said Dr. Glenn O'Shoney, former LCMS World Mission executive director and a member of JILM's organizing committee. The society, just a year old, already has raised $100,000 for LCMS World Mission, and its membership continues to grow, O'Shoney said. Some 500 people have joined the organization since its founding in July 2002.

JILM grants of $20,000 each are being used to start new work in Afghanistan and to support missionaries serving in Kazakhstan and Vietnam. Another $40,000 grant will be used for theological education in Nigeria.

Activities at JILM's first national gathering will include approval of the organization's constitution and bylaws, election of officers and adoption of mission projects. Total funding for those projects may reach as high as $250,000, according to O'Shoney.

Guest speaker for the gathering will be Rev. Robert Roegner, executive director of LCMS World Mission.

Registration is $10 and includes two meals, thanks to a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

For more information or to register, contact JILM President Will Sohns at (254) 986-1131 or cowboypastor@msn.com.

LCMS News