Once a year hundreds of Lutherans gather in New Ulm, MN to celebrate the graduating class of Martin Luther College. There are over 5,000 colleges and I’m sure they all have great celebrations for their graduates, but I bet what happens in New Ulm is like no other graduation. Well, honestly it’s the service after graduation that is life changing.
You see Martin Luther College is a teacher training college for our Wisconsin Synod schools. It’s a small private college that trains our future called workers.
Called workers? This is where some of you might wonder if this is true. The second service of the day is called the Call Service. It’s when the vast majority of these kids will be sent to a school to begin their career, their ministry. It is such an emotion packed service. For the most part they don’t have a choice as to where they are sent. It’s a total “Here am I, send me, send me” moment. This is the second time I’ve experienced this as a father. I’m certain I was more nervous, anxious, emotional, for their assignment than I was for mine. They could be sent from Oregon to Florida and anywhere in between. Both of my daughters were placed in MN. Not too far away but I definitely wouldn’t want them any farther than that.
However, that’s the kicker. We don’t get to decide. They don’t get to decide. Through much prayer and deliberation 12 District Presidents look at the skills these graduates have been blessed with and do their best to determine where those skills can best be used to serve their Lord and Savior. These young men and women have decided to share the Word of God with His little lambs and now they put there trust in His promises for their lives.
Every time I say that I get goosebumps. I thank God for Martin Luther College and for the many, many students that have chosen to make it their life long ministry to share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to countless souls.
In a world that is upside down, backwards and just plain crazy this day brings me so much peace and so much hope. Hope for a better today. Hope that the Holy Spirit will work faith in those countless souls that will be touched by the service and callings of these young men and women.
1 Chronicles 16:34
34 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”
I’ve included a video that recaps the day. The last song is a song that makes me emotional and always gives me goosebumps. We used to sing it when my choir would return from tour and now we sing it at the end of every choir rehearsal. Hundreds of Lutherans gathered in a gym singing “God’s Word is Our Great Heritage” in 4 part harmony. Wow, again I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about it.
God is Good. God’s richest blessings to the graduates of MLC 2017. Allison, you’re going to be a great early childhood educator.
so nice to see the DORNS,!!!!!!!!!!!!!