God wisely chose Karen Avenson to serve as LWML Texas District Capitol Zone President in the fall of 1992, and I had the privilege of serving alongside her as secretary-treasurer.

Since our zone was very large, two delegates were sent to the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, LWML Convention in 1993. Our zone's rules at the time stipulated that, along with the president, the secretary-treasurer would attend LWML conventions, serving as the second delegate. I was privileged to attend this pivotal convention with Karen and learned so much.

Throughout our terms, Karen mentored me in her kind, calm, and quiet manner, enabling me to learn my responsibilities and grow in my leadership skills. She taught through example and encouragement, and by delegating tasks in a loving and patient way. Karen made doing LWML work a blessing and a joy for me. She and I have served together on other projects over the years, and she still serves as an advisor to me as needed.

Lois Teinert

Chairman, Leadership Development Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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on Sept. 15, 2020

Ida Mall, LWML President 1991–1995, influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her support helped lead me to say “yes” to serving as LWML Public Relations Director during her presidency.

When I was newly married, my husband’s first pastoral call was to Covington, Louisiana. I had been invited to join the local LWML when I lived in Wisconsin, but I did not attend meetings because I thought the organization was for older women! Now, as the pastor’s wife, I felt obligated to be involved in LWML, but when we were told not to put pennies in the Mite Box because they were too difficult to count, I was convinced again that LWML wasn’t for me.

The Lord had a different plan. Soon, it became our turn to host the zone rally. Ida Mall was our zone president, and at the beginning of the meeting, to my amazement, Ida proceeded to welcome every person (100 or more) by his/her first name! I thought to myself, “Wow! I will be involved in LWML with gifted women like this!”

I’ve participated ever since and am honored to be surrounded by intelligent, creative, and servant-hearted women!

Karol Selle

Chairman, Heart to Heart Sisters Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 15, 2020

Jeanette Priebe (1990-1994 LWML Utah-Idaho District President) influenced my involvement in the LWML. Her support led me to say “yes” to serving as our Western Zone President.

Our zone has few Lutheran churches, and that fall’s zone rally only had about 30 women in attendance. No one offered to serve in elected positions. Jeannette stepped forward and said, “No one leaves until we have a zone president!” Her eyes fell on me and, like they say, the rest is history. I was sent as a delegate to the LWML 1991 Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

My involvement increased as I held various district offices, served on national committees, joined Navajo mission trips, and worked on convention host committees. Although Jeanette moved out of our district shortly after serving her district presidency term, she gave me that initial shove to experience the rewards of feminine fellowship and serving the Savior.

Now I speak and write for the Lord through LWML on a regular basis, and nothing brings me more joy than to help others follow this precious path.

Terri Bentley

Chairman, Christian Resources Editors Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 15, 2020

Sue Anderson, a former LWML Rocky Mountain District President, influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her support helped lead me to say “yes” to serving first as the district’s Vice President of Servant Resources and then as its president.

Sue & husband Lee on their 59^th wedding annivesary

When I first met Sue, I hadn’t been involved in LWML very long. Sue was serving as our district president and was presiding over a board of directors meeting. Her love for the Lord showed in everything she did. She welcomed me with open arms, gave me an LWML hug, and always encouraged me to stay involved in every level of our wonderful organization. By watching Sue, I was able to say “yes” to the opportunities as they arrived.

The blessings I have received over the years include

• the many long-term friendships I’ve made, first with the women in the district and now on the national level;
• growth in leadership in all areas; and
• opportunities to serve the Lord through LWML.

Words of thanks go out to Sue Anderson and my gracious Lord for encouraging me in my walk with Jesus!

Mary Marten

Chairman, Christian Life Committee 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday on Sept. 15, 2020

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18a).

Throughout the United States, children are returning to school for a new year. For some it will be their first time in a preschool or kindergarten classroom; for others it will mean moving from home to attend a college or university. Still others will home school or participate in a form of virtual learning. Regardless of the setting or the age of the students, the purpose of school is for students to learn, and to be able to continue learning, the knowledge and skills they will use throughout their lives.

What about you? Are you a lifelong learner? It may have been a few years (or quite a few) since you have participated in formal education, Sunday School, or confirmation instruction, but you can kickstart your education today and grow in grace and faith through the study of God’s Word. Select “The Word” from the drop-down menu at the top of this page to get started!

Ruth Badciong

Christian Resource Editors Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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In-person classes begin this week on the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln (UNL), where LWML mite donations fully funded Mission Grant #14 “Hope and Healing Hub Downtown Lincoln – University Lutheran Chapel, Lincoln, Nebraska,” so that renovations could be made. The Chapel is now home to a counseling center, Concordia University Seward’s graduate courses, a worship center, and a place to fellowship and develop connections with the community and university students.

The facility has also been used for church-related events: an LWML zone rally, church retreats, Concordia University retreats, campus prayer meetings, and meetings for UNL pastors. “It's extremely rewarding to see people of all backgrounds flow in and out and know that they are receiving Jesus through this space,” said Rev. Rich Boring, grant administrator. We join him in thanking God for this mission opportunity! Read more here.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20).

Eden Keefe

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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