Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
It was a privilege for me to travel from my home in Saint Louis, Missouri to the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Pretoria, South Africa again this year. I am a Pastor in the Southern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. I serve two congregations in the District; at one I am the Pastor, and at the other I am the Pastor and the organist. I teach Confirmation and Music to upper grade students at a Lutheran elementary school near my churches. I am also one of the organists at Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis.
While I was at the seminary in Pretoria, I played the keyboard for 15 chapel services and for the Sunday morning Divine Service of the English speaking congregation that meets on the seminary campus. I also preached at two chapel services and gave one private music lesson.
The Southern Illinois District continues to support the seminary on a regular basis. We were pleased to purchase a new keyboard for the seminary after my visit last year, and during my visit this year I was able to set up the keyboard and use it to accompany worship services.
I wish to thank the seminary administration and the students for their hospitality. I stayed in the guest quarters on the seminary campus and ate the same meals that the students receive (breakfast and lunch). One day I also enjoyed a special lunch off campus with members of the faculty. I look forward to visiting again as the Lord wills. Until then you will remain in my prayers and the prayers of my congregations.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)
God bless you as you serve Him in your lives and in your various ministries!
Rev. Dr. Arthur Eichhorn, Ed. D.
