I’ve Treasured Your Prayers

In January 2011 I had just finished my term as LWML New Jersey District President. I became very sick. After six months of visits to specialists, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare illness called Cushing’s Disease. My condition worsened. My husband, Bob, said I almost died three times. My spine had nine fractures. My leg was almost amputated. Things were bad. Unbeknownst to me, my LWML sisters and brothers started praying for me — a lot! Prayers were ascending from people I didn’t even know. I’ve met some of them recently and they ask me how I’m doing. Am I better? I say yes, thank you, and thank you for the prayers!

It is difficult to describe how much those prayers meant to me. Even now I praise God for all of those who lifted me up in prayer. Today, I know about all those prayers, and I will be forever grateful. I deeply treasure the women and men of the LWML for their faithfulness in prayer.

During this September to Remember, treasure those who have prayed for you and thank the Lord for each of them. On September 13, consider a donation in honor of your treasure at https://www.lwml.org/givingtuesday

Susan Donnelly

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Treasure of My Heart: Precious Gifts of God

Baby Sophia Rose at 1 day old

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). Although these words have always been a source of comfort and encouragement to me, they came to have a special meaning for our entire family as our daughter-in-love spent 44 days in the hospital pregnant with our granddaughter.

During those days, we prayed for our daughter-in-love, our son, and baby Sophia Rose and for all the doctors and nurses who provided their loving care. We prayed for all pregnant mothers as they carried the precious gifts God gave them. We prayed that baby Sophia and these incredible little ones would know of God’s love for them and how He knitted them together as unique and special individuals.

Isn’t that what we all want for all our children ─ to have them know God’s love for them? As Lutheran Women in Mission, we want God’s children around the world to know that God loved them so much He sent His Son as Savior and Redeemer. Our mite offerings over the last 80 years and hopefully, for the 80 years to come help share this Gospel message.

On September 13, I will donate a monetary gift to the LWML in honor of our precious granddaughter Sophia Rose who was born in August. My prayer is that many more of God’s children may hear of His saving grace. Join me in spreading the Good News!

Michelle Jenks

Strategic Plan Facilitator
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Back to School Days

Children around the country are heading back to school and beginning another year of learning and growing. Getting ready for those first days of school means gathering school supplies, buying new clothes (or at least “new to you” hand-me-downs from older siblings), and getting excited about their new teacher.

For teachers, the anticipation of a new school year begins with room preparation, lesson plans, and learning the names of each student.

As teachers begin this new year of teaching and guiding students, take the time to celebrate and support them by preparing a Teacher Tool Kit. Gather the items for these Tool Kits and distribute them to teachers from your congregation to help stock their classrooms with much needed supplies. Include a handwritten note of encouragement and pray for all teachers as they prepare their students to have a successful year of growth and development.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Deaconess Betty Knapp

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

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Encouragement

The beginning of a new school year often signals the beginning of fall activities in our churches as well. This includes Bible studies, confirmation classes, and fall LWML activities.

What a great opportunity to invite a new member of the congregation to a new or existing Bible study, provide a confirmation teen with an encouraging note, or look at a new time or way to conduct LWML activities. You can find a multitude of ways to invite a woman in your congregation to become involved with LWML by reading “Inviting Women to Become Involved.” There are so many ways for women to be involved in proclaiming Christ, supporting mission, and serving others.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Michelle Jenks

Strategic Plan Facilitator
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Wanderers

Is that what you would call the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the desert? My husband and I are seasonal wanderers in our RV: winters in Arizona and summers on the road seeing the sights. Sometimes things don’t go according to the plans I made. I? Yes, I need to make a route and a plan, but I also need to be open to God’s plan for our time.

This summer we had a hiccup along the way and are now house hopping among family. After a failed attempt to be home last Christmas, this is a joy-filled respite. I lift my thanks to God, who saw that my ‘family’ tank was running low, but now it will be overflowing.

Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us (Psalm 40:5a NIV).

God was in the details with the Israelites, and He is in the details of our lives each day.

Take a moment to ponder this Mustard Seed Devotion.

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Start off the Fall with a Creative Event!

Serve the LORD with gladness! (Psalm 100:2a).

Summer is nearly over and most of you took a break from getting together for LWML. It is time to plan for the year with LWML events. What should you do?

If you are looking for new ideas or themes for your meeting or event, look no further. Check out LWML Creative Events on the LWML website where you can get ideas to make that first meeting or event special.

You can also look at Faith Building Help for Groups for themes to use through the year that include resources such as Bible studies, devotions, songs, and sketches. For ideas on servant activities, you can look at the Mission Service Activities webpage, also found here on the LWML website. You can have your year planned out with resources right at your fingertips.

Have fun at your get-togethers and enjoy your planned events!

Marie Chow

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Looking to Him

Ever feel like life is overwhelming? Our lives are full of responsibilities, challenges, deadlines, and items on our to-do lists. Many times when life has become overwhelming, I am tempted to stop leaning on Jesus and begin focusing on all those other things. Soon I realize, I need to return my focus to Him by spending time in God’s Word and in prayer.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). He promises to direct our paths and that His mercy endures forever. Those promises help me remember that my earthly life may seem overwhelming but God is always with me and I can always lean on Him.

If you find yourself overwhelmed, you may find this devotion a helpful reminder to trust the Lord: “When You Feel Overwhelmed.”

Karla Koehler

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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