It is with joyful anticipation that I am looking forward to our churches convention next week, where my father is planning to use parts of President Matthew Harrison’s book “At home in the Church of my fathers” to illustrate the background, foundation and purpose of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, which has striking similarities. Prof. Klän from the “Lutherisch Theologische Hochschule Oberursel i.T.” (SELK) is to add to this history with a paper on Hopf and his workings with our Church in mission, seminary training and its constitution and Rev. Tswaedi is to elaborate on our Churches life under Apartheid. It seems we will have plenty food for thought and discussion.

Other topics on our agenda are two district presidents from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Rev. Timothy Scharr and Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders on “The calling process: What is this?” and “Visitation as pastoral help” respectively. This builds on Prof. John Pless’ (CTS Ft.Wayne) paper last year: “The Report on the Saxon visitation” and mine: “Visitation as ancient Christian practice and challenge today”. This time I am talking on the “Ordination formula and pastor’s life”.

Besides regular devotions throughout the day there are also daily bible studies: “Called to be a pastor” (Dean Mandla Thwala); “How to be faithful” (Dean Tebelo Mafereka) and “Wonderful promise and hope” (Dean Siphiwe Danisa).

Brother Christoph (Mission of Lutheran Churches) is to update us on the Churches mission and we will also hear about the work of our Seminary in Tshwane.

The highlight of our convocation is to be the ordination of four candidates: Silas Mogale, Bheki Ngobese, Moses Mokopanele and Phenyo Mokgaimena tomorrow in a week – if they pass the ecclesial “Amtsexamen” this Friday.

We are expecting more than 60 participants as we gather in the Roman Catholic Retreat Centre of the Good Shepherd at Hartebeestpoort Dam. Thanks to faithful and generous friends of the Lutheran Church, who the Lord of the Church provides in his unfathomable goodness and unfailing faithfulness we can afford to hold this convention yet once again. May he bless the  proceedings with his presence and guidance throughout those coming days to strengthen the brethren and to edify the Church +++