The Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Sterling Heights, MI, has been granted Recognized Service Organization (RSO) status with the LC-MS. The designation was granted through the Board for Mission Services, Dr. Glenn O'Shoney, Executive Director.

The letter of agreement issued by Dr. O'Shoney, reads in part: "The granting of RSO status to LHF signifies that LHF, while independent of the Synod and not a part of the Synod itself, fosters the mission and ministry of the church, engages in program activity that is in harmony with the programs of the Board for Mission Services of the Synod and respects and does not act contrary to the doctrine and practices of the Synod. However, it is understood that the Synod does not control LHF, and that the LHF in the spirit of the Gospel of Christ, operates with freedom and self-determination, independent of the Synod or any of its districts or congregations in the establishment and evaluation of its own objectives and activities and in its programs, administration and financial matters."

Shortly after receiving word that the status was granted, Dr. Al Buckmann, LC-MS Director for World Areas, called to request the help of the LHF in establishing translation and publishing teams in Thailand, Burma, and Laos. These opportunities are now being investigated.

Mr. Richard Hallgren, LHF Board President, who signed the Letter of Agreement on behalf of the Board of Directors stated: "This status will give us better opportunity to work cooperatively and also enable us to utilize the services of the LC-MS Foundation in regards to planned giving."

The Rev. William Hoesman, Michigan District President, who was instrumental in assisting in the application process, offered his personal congratulations when notified that RSO status was granted to the LHF.

The LHF was organized on November 10, 1992, and is currently carrying out translation and publishing projects in 34 regions of the world covering 26 different languages. All published materials are distributed free of charge through missionaries and agencies of the LCMS, WELS, and ELS.

The Rev. Robert L. Rahn serves as Founder and Executive Director of the LHF and works with three other full-time staff members and eight part-time Regional Promotional Directors. Information on the worldwide Lutheran translation projects of the LHF can be can be obtained by calling 1-800-554-0723 or by writing P.O. Box 46, Sterling Heights, MI 48311.

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