All My Remembrance of You

by Robert Mohns

St. Paul often included greetings to the saints under his care. He did this not only in a general way, but also at times in very personal ways. In a similar way, I want to repeat what Scripture has to say and acknowledge my thanks to the saints whom I have had the pleasure of working alongside these past seven years.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
– Philippians 1:3-6

I have had the great pleasure of working under President Teuscher, whose knowledge of the faith and its living out has been a rock. To my peers on the President’s Ministry Council, Rev. Haberstock, Rev. Bublitz, and Rev. Schutz, I give thanks to God for each of you and for the gifts you have been given and so passionately applied in your service to the church. It really has been a “Together One” experience.

To our office support staff, Iris, Angela, Vira, Deb, and Tetianna, who have kept me on track, I am going to miss the multiple daily, sometimes hourly, weekly conversations (but not the form filling!). To finance staff, Dwayne, Christine, and now Henry, and the back-office people who make things happen, Cheryl and Nikunj: rarely have I seen have I seen an office group have so much joy in their work. Thanks also to Dimitri, our I.T. support, who has more than once saved my digital bacon. I am indebted also to Nancy, whom I have had the pleasure to work alongside in supporting our workers’ health and well-being using her gifts in human resources.

To our Missions Directors, Rev. Smith and Rev. Quast, whom I have had the pleasure of working together on many and various missions. To Dcn. Neeb, our newest recruit, but whom I have known for many years now as she has worked in youth and family ministry areas prior to her appointment. To Dr. Francis, another new appointment, to our communications department; in the short time we have had to work together you have enriched me in so many ways with new questions to ponder, and sharping communication skills; your personal support and enlightening curiosity for the Synod’s ministry that I have experienced in our interactions have been a blessing. To Alex, Michelle, and Mathew, whom I have depended on in assisting in my communications, such as articles, your support has been essential to me.

To David Friesen whom I have had pleasure to work with closely on such a wide range of congregational supports, though I don’t think I have taken a road trip with you, I feel like I have spent a long time on the road with you. A great partner in ministry.

I also want to recognize the Board of Directors, Arnold and Doug and crew, for their dedicated service through thick and thin, always ready to support the work of the church and myself. Your governance has been foundational to my service.

To our seminaries and President Emeritus Dr. Gimbel, Interim President Dr. Heck, current President Kraemer, and President Winger, as well as the faculty, support staff, and boards, it has been a blessing to serve alongside you in the endeavour of forming servants for Jesus’ sake.

To the front lines of our Synod, all the Circuit Counsellors who have been stretched so far to meet the needs of congregations in delivering services, support, prayers, and direction. In such a vast and diverse region, I give thanks for your willing service when called upon and your prayers and support to me.

I give thanks to God for the pastors, deacons, lay workers, and lay leaders who I have had the joy of working alongside in local parishes, and the great support you have given me in my Office.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge also the members of our West Regional Mission and Ministry Council. Many of you have been around for two terms now: do you remember how we began, with just an idea of what this new thing was? And how we have grown together in expanding the work of the RMMC to support the work of the congregations, and working also alongside the East and Central RMMCs in providing resources nationally.

This is an incomplete recognition of the many saints whom I have had the great joy of working alongside, and I have not even mentioned the various members of our Listed Service Organizations and committees. My objective is to give you a little glimpse of the vastness of God’s grace and mercy that has brought together such a diversity of peoples to be united together in Christ for the sake of the Gospel.

The role of the Regional Pastor is expansive indeed, overwhelming at times, but blessed beyond measure, blessed by God, blessed by the many saints. It is humbling to see the greatness of God in Christ Jesus at work in this place we call Canada, humbling that you have called me these past seven years to serve you as your West Region Pastor. Of that I am unworthy. If anything has come of my service to you, then that has been God’s doing, and I join you in praising God for His faithfulness. Where I have failed you, that is mine to give an account for, and I ask for your forgiveness.

As the Synod moves forward into the next quadrennium under new leadership, but Together One in faith, hope, and love, please continue to receive those whom you have elected to positions of leadership with thanksgiving, continue to work with them, and continue to uphold them in all your prayers.

What our sainted brother, Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman, said 25 years ago about the well-being of LCC, remains true today: “Not as well as they should be, but better than we deserve.” In spite of our failures and setbacks, the Lord has never failed us, nor has His work been set back. His work for the salvation of all peoples continues to advance, our Lord for every land.
God is good. Always. He has been good to Lutheran Church–Canada.

Rev. Robert Mohns is Regional Pastor for Lutheran Church-Canada’s West Region.

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