Editor’s note. This is excerpted from a story that appeared at www.lutheransforlife.org/article/lfl-conference-equips-the-saints-for-life/

ITASCA, ILLINOIS – Equipping the Saints For Life was the theme as over 200 Lutherans gathered August 3-4 near Chicago, from across the United States, for the 2012 Lutherans For Life National Conference.

In her welcoming address to conference attendees, President Diane Schroeder said, “Whether we save a million lives or only one, we know that what we do serves the Giver of Life and what we do makes a difference! … [W]hat Lutherans For Life is equipped with, that matters the most, is being equipped with the Word of God. For we know God’s Word is the most powerful weapon we have to meet the challenge of our time and save lives … Let’s go forward with joy and anticipation, eagerly embracing the opportunities God will give us to make a difference.”

Rev. Ken Klaus, speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour, said in his Friday night keynote address, “God stands solid and steadfast against anyone who would deprive the innocent of their rights—including the right to life … You have come here this weekend to say, ‘Lord, count me in as one of Your faithful servants. Use me to take a stand for life; use me to speak for those who are silent; use me to educate those who are misinformed; use me to bring comfort and direction to those who are confused and frightened; lend my strength to those who are weak. Dear Lord, use me so Satan may be forced to confess, ‘I almost succeeded in destroying a life, but I didn’t.’ You have come here to take a stand and in doing so you have been joined with 20 centuries of Christians who have, in their time, proclaimed the transforming power of the Redeemer … this is our time, our moment to tell those around us, those who are coming after us: the Risen Savior values you, your unborn, your voiceless and your elderly. ….

In her Saturday plenary address, Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, thanked the attendees for spending time learning ways to help “people we will never see … you have heard the call of the helpless.” She highlighted Deuteronomy 31 in her call to be courageous in taking a stand For Life.

“We need to be training the ‘Joshuas’ … the battle is going to be fierce.” Mrs. Tobias reminded the conference that “abortion is the least regulated invasive procedure in the country … an irreversible procedure … 55,000,000 babies have lost their lives in this holocaust.” In closing, she referenced Galatians 6:9 (“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”) by asking for prayer for both those in the pro-life movement and for those who promote and provide abortion.

Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, LFL executive director, in his opening worship sermon, focused on Ephesians 6:10-20. “When you read through this text, it is easy to think that it’s all about us. …

“We have no excuse, because it’s not about us and our power. It’s all about God and His power, the strength of His might. It’s all about God and His power at work in us. It’s all about God and His power being perfected in our weakness … It’s all about Jesus. It’s all about God. He equips you with His armor. …”