Gary Thies, Marilyn Schroeder, and YWR Hannah Shull at Mission Central

Recently a special group of out-of-state visitors and I met at Mission Central in western Iowa where the NOT NORMAL (Missionary Gary’s catchphrase) folks often gather to meet and hear presentations by missionaries home on furlough. It was certainly a joy-filled day!

Krista Young and Marilyn Schroeder at Mission Central

Among the special presenters were Missionaries Krista and Joel Young, one of the ten recipients of LWML’s $100,000 grant adopted in Albuquerque for this biennium, who spoke of the mission work that God has called them to do in Kenya. The very newest called Missionary to Concordia Middle School in Taiwan, Hannah Shull, will teach in a school with 2,500 students, of whom 85% are Buddhist. Hannah was a Young Woman Rep at the Albuquerque convention in 2017. What a delight it was to hear these missionaries, and learn how LWML grants, via funding through LWML’s distinctive Mite Box and its ingathering of coins, continue to be such a blessing in the mission field.

Let’s continue to be NOT NORMAL Missionaries, because it’s a good thing!

Marilyn Schroeder

Treasurer, 2015–2019
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Recently I presented my daughter with a special gift — the gold necklace, bracelet, and earrings that her grandfather gave to her grandmother on their 50th anniversary, a treasure then given to me by my father after my mother's death. This legacy gift, to be passed on in the family, required an appraisal in order that a rider might be added to my daughter's insurance, in case event of loss or theft.

How blessed that our gift of salvation has been secured, not with an appraisal of our worth, but by faith in Jesus Christ because of His sacrifice on the cross. In thanksgiving to Him, we, in turn, share God's Word with others so they too might  know of  this priceless inheritance.

Lutheran Women in Mission have continued the rich legacy of sharing the gospel of Christ for over 75 years. Please consider a donation at www.lwml.org/donate-endowment-fund or mail to the LWML Office, 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., St Louis MO 63118. Note the donation as LWML 75th Anniversary Thank Offering.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matt: 25:34).

Edie Norris

75th Anniversary Committee Chairman 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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That describes the 40 districts of LWML—Lutheran Women in Mission! This is the year of district conventions. As of July 22 following the LWML Michigan District convention which attracted 543 people in Port Huron, Michigan, attendance at the 33 conventions comes to a total of 8238!

With the final seven conventions happening in August and September all 40 districts will have met and not one of those conventions will have been the same. They are each one unique. Each one had a unique theme, different Bible studies, different ingatherings, service events, and mission speakers. The mission grants chosen for funding include grants that are relevant to that particular district.

Isn’t it amazing that although each LWML district has unique characteristics and activities, they are all united under the LWML umbrella. Our vision statement for LWML is that we are the leading group for LCMS women where each woman is welcomed and encouraged to use her unique God-given gifts as she supports global missions and serves the Lord with gladness. We work in our districts (seminary scholarships, food banks) and combine strength to work at national (NOLA 4H New Orleans, prison and jail ministry) and international levels (mass media in Egypt, Ugandan school buildings) impacting lives far beyond our individual capacity to do so.

Why do we do this? Because of God’s love for us! He showed His love for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, accomplishing eternal life for us. In response, we focus always on Him. He invites us to serve Him and others in our work either in our unique districts or our united national organization. We are compelled to tell others that they, too, are unique to God.  That they too, can share this faith that unites us all. As Christians we are each unique and all united in the one, true faith.

I pray that you learn about the mission grants, spiritual inspiration, and fellowship opportunities that are unique to your LWML district and support them. I also hope you acquaint yourself with the resources available from LWML and the grants that your districts united to choose to fund at our convention in Albuquerque.

There is so much we can do — Unique but United!

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4).

Patti Ross

President
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Children are quite perceptive and pick up on our words and actions even when we think they are not paying attention. This was evident to me when I viewed this cute video recording of my husband’s interview with our son, Walter, at the age of five. Walter is now 17 and ready to leave home for college, thus, Bill and I are about to be empty nesters.

At the time in my life when this video was recorded, I was juggling all the responsibilities of being a wife and mother to three young active sons, while also joyfully serving in LWML in our congregation, zone, and district. Walter picked up on something he may have overheard me say about having to juggle my tight schedule of meetings and activities. Obviously, Walter decided that he would not leave home and get married because that might mean that he would have to be at two meetings at the same time (2:30) in different locations (Texas and Louisiana) which would be impossible to achieve.

Even as we try to balance times and activities through our varying ages, energy levels, relationships, or responsibilities, God’s promises to us through all stages of our lives are rock solid. We have the blessed assurance that He will help us stay balanced on Him, our firm foundation.

To learn more about the new LWML Bible Study series, “Balance,” click here www.lwml.org/posts/shoplwml/balance-christ-filled-living.

Michelle Zollinger

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

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Exploration on the LWML website gives a wealth of information and insight into how LWML can help you serve the Lord. The following are just a few examples:

The Word … read the latest Mustard Seed Devotion, order new devotional booklets, and sign up via email for daily devotions.
Missions … discover the history of the Mite Box and find resources for sharing with others how God blesses our mite offerings.
Service … choose resources to help grow and develop an LWML group as well as encourage one another to serve Him with gladness.
Fellowship … follow LWML news on FaceBook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, YouTube, and Instagram. It’s easy to sign up.
News & Events … be up-to-date with Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly articles, eNews, and much more.
Giving … give online, and at the same time learn how to be a better steward of your God-given blessings.
About … sign up for LWML updates via email or contact us with a question you might have.

Visit our website often, explore what it has to offer, and learn how God continues to bless His ministry and mission through the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. We are indeed Lutheran Women in Mission. Praise be to God!

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God (1 Corinthians 9:11–12).

Char Kroemer

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Lutheran Hour Ministries received an LWML check for the mission grant you selected at the LWML Albuquerque Convention in 2017.  I had the wonderful opportunity to attend their weekly chapel service and present the $100,000.00 paid-in-full monies for the mass-media proclamation of the Gospel in Egypt and North Africa.

Now, at district conventions, each district is selecting their new mission grants for the 2018–2020 biennium. Often, we mention large amounts of money for different projects selected. Think of the two million-seventy-five-thousand dollars we have pledged to give by the time we meet in Mobile, Alabama, for the 38^th Biennial LWML Convention, June 20–23, 2019.

Awesome amounts to consider, but more than awesome is God working through us to make His Word a reality in the lives of so many who need to know Jesus as their Savior. We don’t just put our monies in a small box as an obligation because we are members. We are workers in His harvest fields as we pledge to Him “our willing service wherever and whenever He has need of us.” 

Review the LWML Mission Grants and the LWML Mission Grants Videos under the MISSIONS tab. Under the same tab see how Your Mite Offerings Have Made an Impact. Share this news with other Women in Mission and rejoice that God is blessing our work with the spreading of His Word.

Jennifer Huecker

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not stay in darkness (John 12:46).

June is the month often considered the beginning of Summer activities. School is out, and camp is just around the corner. Reunions are planned and friends are gathering around a BBQ grill. And, of course LWML district conventions are at a peak.

Who shared with you about Lutheran Women In Mission? Was there a special person who mentored you as you learned more about the work of this organization that focuses on God's Word and His Mission? Take a moment and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the person who introduced you to LWML. If that person is still this side of heaven, perhaps you could take it one step further and send a handwritten note, an email, or a text to express your gratitude.

Consider a contribution, in your friend's name, to the LWML 75th Anniversary Offering to help continue the rich legacy of sharing the gospel of Christ. Donate at www.lwml.org/donate-endowment-fund, or mail to the LWML Office, 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., St Louis MO 63118. Please note the donation as LWML 75th Anniversary Thank Offering.

Edie Norris

75th Anniversary Committee Chairman 
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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