Preparations for synod are in full swing. The Synod will take place in Stellenbosch from 1-3 September 2017. Prof. Patrick Keifert from the Lutheran Church in America will be the guest speaker and will reflect with us on the topic: “Reformation: then and now.”
A key question we need to ask anew and again and again is: “Whom is God calling us to serve?”
Pat Keifert will give various inputs in the CCE and CCW. Please enquire from your congregation on the program.
Let us join in prayer as we prepare for this important gathering of the Church.

Liberated by God´s grace … was the theme for the weeklong Assembly. 304 Delegates and another 400 Guests gathered in the large Conference Hall. Humour and joy were an integral part of this assembly.
The underlying theme however was the joy of salvation in Christ. This came to the climax during the Sunday service in the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura. About 200 brass players, and a strong choir led the 10 000 worshippers in the Assembly Hymn: “We´re liberated, we´re liberated by God´s grace. The Son of God redeemed us on the cross, we´re liberated by God´s grace” (Hymn will be made available).
This then was the underlying theme of the whole assembly: Liberating Grace, so that God´s Blessing may come to all nations. It was a gathering representing 76 Million Lutherans world-wide, but it was not focussed to the inside. It celebrated 500 years of Reformation, but it was not focussed backward. In this, the assembly indeed captured the essence and core of the Reformation: What happens when Christ´s salvation comes into our lives? What happens, when human beings discover that they are set free by Christ, called to live to his glory?
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5,1) accompanied us throughout these days.
The sub-topics each received a full morning´s attention with worship, Bible study, key note address and group work in “villages” (small groups of 25 people, each having members from all continents).
“Salvation not for sale” highlighted again the gift of salvation through God´s amazing grace. But this salvation is commercialised – at the time of Luther through the selling of indulgences, in our time not only through lavish prosperity gospel preachers, but also within the Lutheran Churches when only paid up members receive communion or can have their children baptized or confirmed.

“Human beings not for sale” highlighted the image of God that humans are reflecting. The abuse of humans throughout the world, especially of women and children was highlighted. Currently 65 Million people on earth are refugees, most of them through man-made disasters. The persecution of Christians was discussed and reflected on.
What role can we as liberated Christians play?
“Creation not for sale – God, the creator gave freely and abundantly so that we can live on this earth. We were also made aware of the fact that globally humanity is placing the earth under severe stress. Currently we are depleting the earth at 1.6 times more than it has the capacity to produce. In some first world countries this increases to six times more than the earth can sustain. Malawi is the country with the lowest carbon footprint at 0.6 times. As Church we cannot ignore this, because we belong to Christ, through whom the universe was created, and we should take care of his creation.
In the closing service, just before the blessing, we were asked: From all corners of the earth – are you ready to live the love of Christ? And all responded: We are liberated by God´s grace. We will abide in Christ who sets us free!
Most of the material, bible studies and talks can be followed at https://www.lwfassembly.org in the four official languages of the LWF: English, German, Spanish and French. You can use it for bible study, house groups or personal study.
May the liberating grace of God in Christ help us to make a difference in our country!