A total of 34 men comprising Board for World Missions members, stateside administrators, observers, and world missionaries met Aug. 6-10 at Camp Shiloh, a Christian retreat center near Pittsburgh, Tex., to share experiences, discuss challenges, and mutually strengthen one another in God’s Word and worship.

The theme of the conference was “Making Disciples—How is this best done?” The group discussed how the respective mission fields plan and carry out their important church planting work. The conference also allowed participants to review the lessons that have been learned over the years and identify new ways in which the Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” can be furthered. “These gatherings are essential for bringing together those men who are involved in a unique facet of our synod’s work,” says Rev. Dan Koelpin, World Missions administrator, “and it is always uplifting to hear how God is blessing their efforts.”

Representatives of the World Mission team meet once every two years for this conference. Koelpin says that this year’s retreat setting offered a chance for the diverse group to relate, form closer bonds, and focus on issues that uniquely pertain to World Missions—all in a peaceful setting that minimized the usual city distractions. “With conference attendees coming from all over the country and the world, travel costs to Texas have little difference from those generated to reach the Midwest,” says Koelpin, “and the restful atmosphere in the midst of nature is always a plus.”

Learn more about WELS mission work at www.wels.net/missions.