The Remarks and Blessing of India Evangelical Lutheran Church President Samuel at the LCMS Officers' Installation Service

Dear Friends,

It is an honor and privilege for me to bring the word of blessings on behalf of the Missions.

I am extremely happy to tell that IELC- India Evangelical Lutheran Church is the first fruit of LC-MS mission work.

During the year 1885, Rev. Theodore Naether landed in India and started mission work. He served for only four years and died because of Plague. Plague is an epidemic disease. One day he called all the believers. He ordered a coffin box. He advised the believers not to touch him. He was playing a violin and he played a hymn. Afterwards, he laid down (himself) in the coffin box and died after two hours. Because of his sacrifice, today there are 100,000 believers existing in India Evangelical Lutheran Church. In the same way, on behalf of all the Mission Work (of LC-MS), I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every Missionary and their sacrifice to the Gospel.

On behalf of India Evangelical Lutheran Church, I bring blessings. May the Lord of the Church shower his richest blessings upon each and every one. I strongly believe that this is the time the Lord has given to us. The Lord’s time is not early. The Lord’s time is not late. The Lord has given President Harrison the right time to proclaim the ‘Word’ not only here, but to the world. “May the Lord bless him in his Mission Work.”

Rev. Dr. J. Samuel,

President,

INDIA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH