Lutheran Blind Mission is moving out from under the auspices of LCMS World Mission and becoming an independent mission society May 1. Although it will continue to receive partial funding from the mission board for two years, Lutheran Blind Mission will be looking to donors for the majority of its funding, according to Rev. Dave Andrus, the ministry’s director.
Last year, the ministry moved from the Synod’s International Center into its own offices about five miles away. Sparked by an LCMS World Mission reorganization, the move toward independence — and alternative funding sources — will enable Lutheran Blind Mission to “respond to the needs quicker than waiting for funds to become available from LCMS World Mission,” according to Andrus.
Andrus said he is confident that “God’s people can — and will — make it possible for Lutheran Blind Mission to continue to help blind people see Jesus.
“On behalf of the church, the mission of LBM is to reach this often overlooked and ignored people group,” he said.
Since about 4 percent of any population is blind or visually impaired, according to Andrus, “there are a lot to be reached — more than 11 million in the United States, and 95 percent are unchurched,” he said.
For more information about Lutheran Blind Mission, contact Andrus at (800) 433-3954, Ext. 1323, or dave.andrus@blindmission.org. Or, visit the ministry’s Web site at www.blindmission.org. Contributions to help support Lutheran Blind Mission may be sent to 7550 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63119.
Posted March 26, 2004
