Members of the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) have given $50,000 this year to support the WELS Civilian Chaplaincy in Europe. At the annual OWLS convention held July 12-15 in Manitowoc, Wis., seniors also pledged to give that same amount for each of the next two years.

The WELS Civilian Chaplaincy in Europe, a unit of the Commission of Special Ministries, stations a civilian chaplain in Germany to minister to military personnel and civilians. It is not supported by the WELS budget.

Rev. Carl Ziemer, director for the Commission on Special Ministries, says this gift will give the ministry a huge boost and help ensure its continuation. "I marvel at God's grace and how he uses seniors to support this ministry with their prayers and offerings," he says. "Even in this severe recession, godly seniors step forward to support the men and women in uniform ensuring that they will hear God's Word and receive the sacraments."

More than 1,500 seniors—either as individuals or as part of one of the 56 active chapters around the country—are OWLS members. They meet in convention annually; more than 200 seniors attended this year. The organization, for WELS members age 50 or older, emphasizes the spiritual, cultural, and personal growth of seniors. It also works to keep its members active in ministry. In upcoming years, the group is looking to expand its visitation ministry, in which seniors minister to other seniors in hospitals and nursing homes.

To learn more about the organization, contact the national office at P.O. Box 84, New Ulm, MN 56073; 507-354-4403.