With Valentine hearts, chocolates, and red flowers filling store aisles, who could escape seeing a message about love this time of year?

Would you like to actively spread the love of God by serving as a writer? If so, a wonderful opportunity is coming with the first-ever LWML Writers’ Workshop scheduled for October 24-26, 2020 in St. Louis. Watch for more information at your district convention!

LWML offers many reminders of God’s most wonderful act of love for us. You can access an article, Finding Hidden Talents, in the February reSOURCEs for Planning Programs, or reach archived devotions like Abounding in Love or His Overflowing Love on the LWML website. Click on the “WORD” dropdown menu, then on “Program Helps.” There are several options at the bottom of the page to explore additional resources, organized by type. Use them individually or with a group.

your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing (2 Thessalonians 1:3b).

Love,

Terri Bentley

Chairman, Christian Resources Editors 2019-2021
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Several years ago, I taught an English as a Second Language (ESL) summer course for a group of Japanese students at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. My day began as usual, but when I walked out to the driveway, my face fell when I saw the flat. What now? Do I call someone? Do I fix it myself? That part of the story doesn’t matter, but the next part does.

Although rather late, I made it to class and began the lesson. God helped me turn my unexpected happening into a teachable moment. How? My students learned new vocabulary words — flat tire, unexpected, etc.

Maybe you’ve been asked an unexpected question, like a friend from church pleading, “I need a resource — now! — for tonight’s LWML gathering! Help!” Good things will happen if you refer her to this link: LWML Winter Resources.

When we fully rely on God, I believe He can turn any unexpected event into good thing. The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

Char Kroemer

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:2).

This week the very first meeting of the LWML Presidents Assembly will be held in St. Louis, Missouri. God willing, I will witness this event. Presidents from the forty LWML districts will come together to learn, sing, share, and hug.

Did you know that January 21 is National Hugging Day? If you have ever watched LWML sisters greet one another, there are numerous hugs given and shared. Why do we hug? Hugs with our sisters and brothers in Christ convey our thanks to God for blessing us with a Savior and giving us the opportunity to serve and praise Him.

Filling our Mite Boxes is a unique way we can send “hugs” to people all around the world, so they can learn of Christ and be blessed for eternity in the presence of God. Share a hug with someone today; tell them how God loves them and sent His Son to be their Savior.

Arlene Naasz

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Prayer warriors are people who consistently pray for others. By our interceding, we put ourselves between the problems and the other person, standing there in the armor of God. We put aside our own cares, and care for them.

Paul was a prayer warrior like no other. He repeatedly prayed for many of the churches he visited. His letters begin with a prayer for the people, that their faith would increase.

As women of the LWML, we are always praying for others. We pray for our members who are hurting, or sick, or suffering. And we ask our friends to pray, too, and it multiplies exponentially. I have seen this and know that God is listening and will answer. Are you a prayer warrior?

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

Arrange a group Bible study on prayer, using one from our LWML resources.

Susan Donnelly

Public Relations Director 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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The ornaments have been returned to their box, the tree has been taken down, gifts are put away, and the lights have been stored for another year. Christmas is over. But is it, really?

Suddenly we have an epiphany. Jesus, in John 8:12, says, “I am the light of the world.” He reigns forever more! It’s our big “Ta-da!” moment. This season of the church year — Epiphany — shows us that the salvation Jesus brought to this world at His birth was for all people — Jew and Gentile alike. Thanks be to God for that great blessing.

As your LWML group enters the winter months, take time to reflect not only on the birth of Christ, but also on His baptism, His miracles, and His teaching. Include Bible study as a frequent and regular part of every gathering, as together we learn from His Word.

Our LWML website has many Bible studies from which to choose: single lesson studies, multi-session studies, and Quarterly studies. More can be found here.

Deaconess Betty Knapp

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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It is always an exciting time as the calendar flips over to a new year. The new year brings possibilities for new things to happen and hope that the next year will be better than the last. Many people will make resolutions hoping to establish new habits to help them accomplish this.

Perhaps you’ve noticed things getting stale within your local group or zone over the years. Maybe a fresh start or a refresher about LWML is needed. Women in Mission University is a wonderful tool to assist you, whether you are trying to get a new group off the ground or just need to recall some LWML basics. It can help get those creative juices flowing.

The LWML is such a blessing to our churches as we seek to bring Christ and His saving Gospel to the world through the study of God’s Word, support of worldwide missions, and joyful fellowship with one another. May the Spirit guide us in this New Year to find fresh ways to serve Him and bring hope to the world!

Rev. Brian Noack

Junior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).

This is HIS story — the story of the birth of our Savior. The Son of God was born as a human, the son of Mary and Joseph. He came in order to bring forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe that He is Christ the Lord.

As Lutheran Women in Mission, it is our mission to share HIS story with others, telling them the Good News that a Savior has been born for them. As you go about your Christmas week, carry this joyous message with you. Share the Good News with the checker, the bank clerk, the butcher, and the person standing in line ahead of you as you check out.

The shepherds heard this message. They encountered the Christ Child. They shared the news with all who would listen. That is what you are called to do as well. Share HIS story, HIS grace, and HIS love this Christmas week.

Rev. Mitchel Schuessler

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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