Our Lord has blessed our Missouri Synod with many faithful leaders over the years. Dr. Bob Sauer was one of those, and he now enjoys a deserved rest from his labors. Pres. Em. Bohlmann is correct about the Vice-Presidents of the LCMS being the "right-hand-men" for the synod Presidents. Dr. Sauer served in this capacity with three: Jack Preus, Ralph Bohlmann, and Al Barry.

Many confidential discussions between the President and his VPs will never be made public--or part of public history--but that is okay. Our Lord created an apostolate of twelve as a private council, since the Holy Spirit distributes his gifts and wisdom as he wills--sometimes to the most unlikely characters.

We can thank Dr. Sauer, and all of our Presidents and Vice-Presidents, for keeping our dear synod on the "straight-and-narrow" through some very difficult times. Thanks is also due to their wives and family for support of their husbands-fathers in those tough times! We know our Lord has not abandoned His church, when we remember with thanks our leaders like Dr. Robert Sauer.