Looking Forward

For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).

Looking forward is typical for most people. Usually, it is a looking forward to something better than what one has now. Of course, the damage that sin causes, in everything, causes one to be cautious and reserved so that one is not so disappointed when what one hoped would come to be does not. Yet, there are times in life that God allows for things to be better. Our Christmas celebrations are often some of those. The joy of the carols, the getting together with family, the great message of hope through Jesus, often cause it to be so. And even when it doesn’t always turn out as we wish, we have a vastly greater event awaiting us. It is the very same thing to which Abraham looked forward — eternal life with our God and Savior. We Christian believers truly do look forward to being with Jesus.

Rev. G A Piepkorn

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Stay Connected and Foster Communication

As Lutheran Women in Mission, we joyfully proclaim Christ and equip women to honor God by serving others. The LWML Communication Committee was created to communicate this important information to every LCMS woman. Our goals are to foster communication with each district to share resources, promote products, and be liaisons between the LWML and the women in our congregations.

One of the best ways to stay connected with LWML is to subscribe to eNews. By hitting the sign-up button at the bottom of this home page, you can receive emails highlighting resources, events, and mission updates.

As Lutheran Women in Mission, you too can foster communication. We encourage you to check out the Leader Development webpage. This page has featured resources, leadership tips, and development tools all in one place to help you grow in your faith and as a leader.

As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:15b).

LWML Communication Committee

Teresa Tester, Chairman; Rebecca Bessell; Susan Donnelly; Wendy Sjoblom
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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A Picture of Heaven

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, (Revelation 7:9a).

On a diverted flight, I was seated in a row with a mother from Syria, and a father from Venezuela. Since English was their second language, I clarified what the captain said over the loudspeaker to the passengers. As we waited, we shared our lives, our faith, and the camaraderie of people who have lived through an odd situation.

This is the first week in Advent and all I could think about were the Wise Men traveling to find the Christ Child. We will celebrate that event on Epiphany, but people were searching for Christ throughout all history. Glean motivation to share that Gospel by reading the “Let God Use You” devotion from lwml.org.

I cannot wait to see my new friends when we are standing around the throne of God!

Cheryl Mattil

Strategic Plan Facilitator
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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God’s Blessings on Your Thanksgiving!

Are you in full preparation mode for Thanksgiving? A little extra cleaning — done! Grocery shopping — done! Extending the table — done! Prep cooking has started. Pies are in the oven.

If you are like me, you may be saying, “What have I forgotten?” Do you need a Thanksgiving devotion? There are many fall resources on this website.

Fall Resources

Thanksgiving Bookmarks and Notecards to color

May your Thanksgiving be Christ-centered, joyous, and filled with love and gratitude!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts (Colossians 3:16).

Leslie Colligan

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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National Bible Week

And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).

As a young girl, I remember spending the night with my grandparents and listening to them read a chapter from the Bible every evening after supper — a great example of the importance of God’s Word in their daily lives. It was difficult for me to understand as they read the Bible in German, and I only understood English.

This week we observe National Bible Week. The LWML has Bible studies in many different languages — including German. Check out all the multi-language resources on our webpage. We have resources in German, Spanish, Ukraine, and more. Share them with people you know that speak those languages.

Another way to observe this week is starting to read the Bible in a year. In our LWML Shop, there is a Bible Reading Plan. Five sets are included in the packet. Use one and invite others to join you on your journey to daily be in God’s Word — no matter what language you use.

Arlene Naasz

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Sing to the Lord of Harvest

During this season we focus on the harvest.

One section of our Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly that I enjoy is “The Heart of LWML.” It is fun to see the creative projects in which our districts are involved. Stoles for Yambio were featured in the Fall 2024 Quarterly. My zone fall rally was held at Trinity, Alamogordo, New Mexico. The ladies of Trinity showed us some of the stole designs they have created to present at the ordination of 19 seminarians in Yambio, South Sudan. The stoles are a true labor of love. Many women of the congregation have stepped up to help with various phases of the project. Some are not involved with their local LWML group, but that may change as they come to know the joy of gathering with their sisters in Christ for a mission project!

Won’t you join me in thanking God for all Lutheran Women in Mission as we work together to bring in the harvest of souls for Jesus?

You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil (Isaiah 9:3).

Anita Werner

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Seasons Change

As November has rounded the corner, I am enjoying the frosty mornings, the honking of the geese flying south, the Thanksgiving planning, and the chance of a first snowfall. Changing seasons of the year, encourage me to consider the changes that happen in our life situations. Some, of course, are very joyous and others bring us to tears and worry. We don’t know what a day will bring into our personal lives. The question becomes, “How do you face change?”

Scripture gives us this advice: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Personally, I am not always happy when changes happen unexpectantly, and my plans are rearranged or gone all together. Sometimes, a change can bring a smile and joy to my heart. I recall the time a friend just showed up at my door and said, “Come with me!” I was taken on a beautiful walk and enjoyed an exceptional lunch that I had not planned. That change was a true gift which I remember to this day!

“Change is inevitable. Growth is an option” is a famous quote from Christian author John Maxwell. Change is going to happen to everyone. It’s the reaction to the change that can set the direction of your daily walk with the Lord. Ask yourself when a change comes your way, “How will I grow because of this change?” Talk to the Lord, ask His guidance, and follow His lead to find the growth awaiting you.

Blessings as you accept change graciously and grow stronger in your faith.

I encourage you to read the devotion by Mary J. Smith: Change

Karol Selle

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

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