The Domestic Mission Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recently announced that the Rev. Melvin (Mel) Jacob, D.Min., retired pastor and previous Director of Lutheran Counseling Services of Florida, received a Christus in Mundo award in September.

This award recognizes the dedicated service of those who have given many years to specialized ministries of chaplaincy, pastoral counseling and clinical pastoral education. Dr. Jacob dedicated 30 years as an Army Reserve chaplain and 25 years as counselor and executive director of Lutheran Counseling Services of Florida, serving rostered ministers and their families throughout Florida.

Four awards are given at each meeting, with two going to ELCA rostered ministers and two to LC-MS ministers.