At its recent convention, the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) gave the Commission on Special Ministries about $53,000 to support the European civilian chaplaincy ministry. One hundred sixty people attended the convention, held Oct. 9-11 in North Mankato, Minn.

“Without the support of the OWLS, it would be highly unlikely that we would be able to continue this ministry,” says Rev. Carl Ziemer, director of Special Ministries.

While at the convention, Ziemer shared more about the work of Chaplain Rev. Josh Martin, who serves military members and their families as well as civilians and students who have relocated to Europe. Attendees also heard from Martin himself via a video that showed the ministry being conducted and the families being served in Germany, England, and Switzerland.

OWLS has been helping support this ministry, which is funded entirely by special gifts, since 2003 and has raised more than half a million dollars for this program over that time. The group pledged $50,000 in support for next year as well.

The convention, under the theme “Oaks of Righteousness,” had 11 workshops, including presentations on Alzheimer’s, Luther and the 95 Theses, and the Dakota War of 1862 in Minnesota. “From the beginning worship service to the very end of the conference, it was Christ-centered and focused on how we can serve,” says Ziemer.

OWLS, a WELS service organization for those age 55 and up, has about 1,350 members in 50 chapters throughout the United States. The next OWLS convention will be held Oct. 8-10, 2013, in Wausau, Wis.