Faith Mission Society

Abstract

Roger Carter’s essay traces the origins and development of the Faith Mission Society (FMS), a lay-led organization within the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) that supports foreign and domestic mission work. Sparked by growing interest in Peru missions during the late 1960s, FMS was formally organized in 1972 under the leadership of Rev. Robert Moldstad. Its primary outreach tool, Mission News, provides timely updates, personal stories, and photographs that foster mission awareness and engagement. Though independent of the ELS, FMS collaborates closely with its Mission Board, channeling financial and prayer support to projects such as Project Cristo Rey, Thoughts of Faith radio broadcasts, and the Lutheran Children’s Fund. The Society’s five founding goals—focused on increasing mission interest, ambition, potential, resources, and accomplishments—have largely been fulfilled, with nearly $300,000 raised by 1987. Carter concludes that FMS effectively connects supporters with mission efforts, enriching both senders and receivers. —Abstract by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)