Do you understand God’s command to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded of you” (Matthew 28:19)? Jesus gives this command and provides us the tools to make disciples: Baptism and His teachings.

The LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission—is engaged in that command. That is why our mission is to enable women to use their God-given gifts in ministry to the world. We are equipped to witness about Jesus ourselves and to assist with missions and our missionaries so that they can baptize and make disciples in locations where we can’t go.

Every two years we adopt at the LWML national convention a mission goal. Two years ago at our 75^th Anniversary Albuquerque convention we pledged $2,075,000 towards carrying out that command of Jesus. As of March 31, 2019 those two years are up! We still have grants that have not been funded. Grants that would carry out this command of Jesus.

Please pray for generous offerings over the next two months so that all our grants to our ministries around the world will be fully funded. Immerse yourself in Scripture. See how God’s work is accomplished through His Word. Ask God to assist you in carrying out your part of His great commission—your part of spreading His teachings. Then, do what you can to contribute the resources needed to aid our grant recipients to do the same.

A quote attributed to Saint Augustine says, “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

See which grants are depending on us for funding and the current mission offering balance at http://www.lwml.org/mission-grants.

Patti Ross

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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One of the choices for the Friday Noon Info Gatherings at the 2019 LWML Convention in Mobile, Alabama is: Lunch with My Friends (Item S. on the convention registration form). To link to that form, click www.lwml.org/2019-convention. Even if you do not sign up to attend this specific choice of the Friday Noon Info Gatherings, since we are all sisters and brothers in Christ, we will be having lunch with friends at noon on June 21.

The Scripture readings which we heard in Church this week included:

• Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14).
• For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — Jews or Greeks, slaves or free — and all were made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13).
• “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18–19).

I invite you dear sisters and brothers, in one Spirit, to please join me in Mobile, Alabama as we rejoice in the 2019 LWML Convention goal, “Led by God’s power, praise and proclaim the Lord among all the nations.” 

Michelle Zollinger

Public Relations Director, 2017–2019
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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I heard someone remark in the grocery store line, “Well, Christmas is over.” I have put away my decorations but the celebration of Christmas is not over for me. For Christians, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ — a little baby born in a stable destined to save His people from their sins. I observe Jesus’ birth because He brings me the hope of everlasting life and that hope becomes a daily celebration throughout the year.

Just as I observe the birth of my loved ones, I observe the birth of my Savior. And just as I grow daily in my relationships with my loved ones, by the power of the Holy Spirit I grow in my relationship with Jesus. I am blessed to make my Lord and Savior a part of my day through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

I invite you to let the wonder of that first Christmas fill each of your days. On this website you will find many Bible studies, devotions, and other resources to help you and your family and friends celebrate Christmas all year long!

In His service, filled with His joy,

Debbie Larson

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Epiphany is a huge celebration in Spanish-speaking countries. The center of the celebration around each home is the infant Jesus in the manger. On January 6th a small gold crown is placed on His head and a regal gown adorns el Niño Dios (the Christ Child). The figures of the wise men have reached Bethlehem, completing the nativity scene. The family then exchange gifts and a Rosca De Los Reyes Magos  (Pastry of the wise men) is served with hot chocolate.

In the book of Matthew, it says that the Magi traveled to Bethlehem led by the star to the house where Mary and Joseph resided with Jesus.  And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).

The wise men came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh after learning of Jesus’ birth and came to worship him. Epiphany is a special time to remember that Jesus was born to save all people of every nation!

As we begin a new year let us remember our promise to bear our gifts to support missions around the world. A world in dire need of a Savior!

The LWML website is rich with activities for a year's worth of mission service activities, laid out in one document for ease of use. www.lwml.org/posts/mission-servants-activities/2019-calendar

… wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

Angelina Jauregui

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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And the shepherds returned glorifying God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them (Luke 2:20).

The silent night is fading like the darkness against the brightening eastern sky. As the sun rises, the shepherds begin their return to their sheep. It had been an eventful night for them – the angels, the announcement, the walk, the stable, the manger, and the Baby. There in the manger was a baby boy wrapped in strips of cloth, just as the angel had told them. It was all there, right in front of them.

Now it came time to return back to the sheep, back to their daily lives. What impact did this announcement have upon them? They told all that would listen that the Savior had been born. They proclaimed the words of hope and life. They glorified God for all of it.

Christmas Day for you. The message is for you, today. The Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord. He has come to save you from the depth of your sin. The silent night may be gone in the mayhem of the day, but the message remains the same – For to you is born this day…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).

Merry Christmas!

Rev. Mitchel Schuessler

Junior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Of all the towns that have ever been, God chose Bethlehem to be the place where His Son would be born. As the wise men traveled to Jerusalem, a natural spot for a kingly birth, they inquired of King Herod: Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? (Mt 2:2) The chief priests and scribes provided the King with the answer from Micah 5:2. It is in Bethlehem, a small town, just a few miles away.  On the day of our Savior's birth he was delivered by Mary and placed in a manger. For ever more the birth place of Jesus would be heralded as Bethlehem. On Christmas Eve, marvel at His holy birth, that in tiny Bethlehem would come the Savior of the World.  Peace on earth - good will to you!  Devotions are always available for free download from the LWML website at: www.lwml.org/program-helps-devotions

Rev. Robert Mundahl

Senior Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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