Doubts, Fears, and Trust

John 20:29b is my confirmation verse: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Do you ever feel like Thomas? Doubting?

Do you ever need a little proof? A sign?

Gideon, in Judges, chapter 6, asks God for a sign, not once, but two times. Just as Jesus was patient with Thomas and his need to see, God was patient with Gideon and his need to be sure.

God is patient with me, also. He sees my heart — full of faith, love, and trust — and then calms my momentary doubting mind. When doubts try to sneak in, I remember the verse given to me by my pastor at confirmation. I turn to Jesus instead of focusing on fleeting doubts.

The LWML website has a resource — “I Love to Tell the Story,” — a podcast which deals with doubts and fears that are covered by God. Access this podcast here.

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Resources for Your Faith Walk

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household (Hebrews 11:7a).

This past June my husband and I toured The Ark Encounter in Kentucky, which was amazing in size and complexity. Noah and his family spent an estimated 75 years building the ark, a decades-long reverent act of faith. We left with our faith strengthened and in awe of our faithful God.

The LWML has many resources to help your group in their faith walk. Most are available as free downloads on the LWML website. A new resource is Faith Building Help for Groups 2021–2023. This planning resource includes over 50 new devotions, songs, Bible studies, and sketches to encourage your faith. Try using these resources at your next LWML gathering!

Arlene Naasz

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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LWML Sunday Celebrations

Did you know that the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is almost 80 years old?

What do you do when observing a “milestone” birthday? Do you reminisce and look at old photos? Do you think, “I look just as good as I did ten years ago?” Do you plan a celebration?

We are celebrating LWML Sunday this fall. This is a great time to think of our LWML memories and thank God for what he has done and continues to do through this organization. From one grant for $15,000 in 1942, to 28 mission grants to fund, and a $2,150,000 mission goal in the current biennium, God has truly blessed the LWML.

This year’s LWML Sunday theme is “Our Hearts in HIS Hand,” written by Rev. Dale Meyer. He writes, “Our hearts for Christ are in His hand of service, wherever and whenever He has need of us.”

Celebrate what God has done this fall with 2021 LWML Sunday materials!

love one another earnestly from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22b).

Susan Donnelly

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Shining Lights, Like Christmas Lights Throughout the Year

Celebrating the “shining lights” in our lives, the LWML Board of Directors (BOD) was asked to share a “shining light” — someone who shares Jesus’ love through service to others. Were you inspired by their stories? Now it is my turn and I’m challenged to pick just one so I will share several, like a string of Christmas lights shining all year long!

Dottie Sincebaugh was the LWML North Dakota District President when I became involved with LWML. At the first BOD meeting, she invited me to join her for ice cream! She answered all my questions and made me feel so welcome. Dottie is a true servant leader, sharing Christ with everyone she meets.

Rev. Todd Smelser, now in heaven with Jesus, was a quiet man but boldly shared his faith. I loved his Bible studies and still refer to them. He encouraged me to allow my name to be considered for the office of district president.

I was privileged to meet Diane Kane and Becky Meggers when we joined Faith Lutheran Church in Woodland Park, Colorado four years ago. They both serve the church and their community, and although busy, they always make time to welcome visitors and make them feel like they belong.

Have you had a “shining light” in your life who reflects the love of Christ? Share your story. Consider donating to the LWML Mission Goal. The LWML legacy of sharing Christ and His mercy will continue around the world!

Debbie Larson

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Small Acts

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Moving and making friends in a new congregation is tough! That’s when Jenny became my “shining light.”

The day we joined our new church, many people said “welcome,” but Jenny’s greeting included an invitation to the church picnic; “It will be a good place to meet people.” Could she see how we were missing our old friends and longing to build relationships in our new church home?

The next Sunday, Jenny gave a small wave on the way to her pew. I said a little prayer of thanks for that small gesture of friendship.

When I stepped out of my comfort zone and showed up at their LWML meeting, there was Jenny! After introductions, she escorted me to the refreshment area, asking about my favorite soda so they would have it next time.

Jenny truly reflects the love of Jesus in her small acts — acts that aren’t so small to those who receive her kindness.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, … show kindness and mercy to one another,” (Zechariah 7:9).

Susan Brunkow

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

A Day to Remember: 9/11

Most of us vividly remember September 11, 2001. We are not able to recall by name each of those who served that day — first responders rescuing victims, co-workers helping others, or strangers praying for strangers. On that day twenty years ago, there were multitudes who let their light shine brightly, thus glorifying our Father.

I especially remember firefighters on this day. My father, a teacher by profession, was a volunteer firefighter from 1958 until his passing in 2019. In both his professional and volunteer lives, he was an inspiration to many. He instilled in my siblings and me an attitude of serving. Today I remember my dad and all the firefighters who have served as “Shining Lights.”

For this LWML September-to-Remember, consider donating to the LWML Mission Goal in honor of someone who was a “Shining Light” in your life.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

To God be the Glory!

Kathy Pavelock

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Shining God’s Light in New Ways

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Pastor Mark during a livestreamed devotion

Two men have been “shining lights” to me this past year and I am privileged to share how their service reflected God’s love. Pastor Mark and Pastor Tim serve Mountain View Lutheran in Apache Junction, Arizona. Both are admired for the warm, personal relationships they develop with parishioners. However, when COVID arrived, they needed to find new ways of letting God’s light shine through their service.

They offered Sunday school via Zoom, and a lot of in-depth learning took place over this new platform!

They utilized Facebook to share daily Gospel devotions. Pastor Mark is an early riser; his message was available on my phone in the morning. Pastor Tim delivered his devotion live each afternoon. Twice a day I was given an opportunity to grow in the Lord!

Now that we are worshiping in the sanctuary again, we look back with grateful hearts on the extent to which our pastors were willing to continue “shining the light of Jesus’ love!”

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021