In 2011, LWML published a book titled, “God Gave the Increase,” written by Marlys Taege Moberg, Lauren Beale, and Janice Kerper Brauer. This book chronicles the work of LWML Mite offerings throughout Europe. Africa, and Asia. Since 1942, LWML has provided assistance to the hurting, forgotten, and needy throughout the world through our mite offerings.  As we celebrate this season of Reformation, let us not forget that even though our plans might be worthy, it is ultimately God who gives the increase. Martin Luther might not have known that his actions on that fateful day in Wittenburg would affect the whole world, but God knew and was the One Who knew the plan that was being carried out. We have no reason to fear when we know God is in control!

Shelley Stewart
LWML Rocky Mountain District President

Now that the convention is over, you want to tell everyone about Lutheran Women in Mission — the LWML. The joyful spirit of fellowship at a large gathering of women seeps from your pores.

Every quarter uplifting LWML moments are published to help you share. The Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly can be distributed to all who missed the excitement you felt. If your church only orders a few, pass them around. Use the Bible studies and look for points of interest.

I admit I have been carrying my Quarterly around and telling everyone about LWML. But I must confess, I have a selfish reason. My granddaughter Kalli graces the cover of the Summer 2023 edition. Although I have written Bible studies and other articles for the LWQ, I have never been more excited to share this one.

Isn’t that the case for most of us? The more we are involved, the more we want other people to know about it. I hope that is how you feel about LWML. Get involved and spread the word about the love of Jesus.

Terri Bentley
LWML Utah-Idaho District President

My husband and I are avid hikers and bikers and love to be outside enjoying God’s beautiful world. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV). My most thankful prayers are made while outside enjoying God’s gifts.

As I write this, it’s April 17. Michigan is having a late snowstorm. I am grateful to be forced to accomplish tasks that have been waiting for my attention. Being thankful throughout the day is getting easier as I practice. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

LWML has helped me focus on daily devotions, keeping Christ in all my activities. In His name my focus is on the needs of others — working on a mission project; filling my Mite Box; assisting with funeral luncheons; or working on fundraisers with LWML sisters and brothers. I’m looking forward to Milwaukee — seeing people live their faith with hugs and smiles — putting Christ first with their actions. Inspiring devotions and Bible studies will fill me up as I journey home afterward. 

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunities to serve. Thank You for LWML!

Carol Klein
LWML English District President

Recently, our congregation held an inaugural Happy Birthday Party for children of all ages. As a member of the hosting Board of Education, playing a party game of Pin the Tail on Balaam’s Donkey came to mind as I recalled one of the eight short Bible studies/reflections — Joanna and Balaam — in the LWML book A Missionary? Me? (cph.org) written by LCMS women serving as missionaries. Joanna writes, “God called a donkey to talk. He also calls each of us to our own impossible task for the sake of the Gospel.”

Before playing the game, I told the story of Balaam and his donkey — God used an insignificant donkey to deliver God’s message, thus showing God’s power. God opened Balaam’s eyes revealing the angel of the Lord. I explained that they would be blindfolded and spun around three times, similar to Balaam’s situation. When the blindfold was removed, they would see where their tail was pinned — possibly not where they had anticipated.

Dear Lord, thank You for calling me to be Your missionary wherever and whenever You have need of me. Open my eyes to do Your will even in places I don’t anticipate. Amen.

Michelle Zollinger
LWML Louisiana-Mississippi District President 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Feeling so stressed that you become paralyzed and unable to do anything?

A pastor spoke of being in the eye of a hurricane as the peace of God. While the outer part of the storm has winds up to 150 mph, the eye of the storm has much calmer winds of 15 mph, often with sunny skies. Hurricanes move slowly, so it is possible to stay in the eye with clever navigation. God’s Word is the eye of the storm.

On January 1, I started the “Reading Through the Bible in A Year” calendar by LWML. Reading God’s word reminds me that beginning with Adam and Eve, God has promised us that He is in control and that He cares. God’s Word keeps me in the eye of the storm, looking to Jesus.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Laura Strattman
LWML Central Illinois District President

Genealogy is an interest for many people today. It can be exciting to find out where your family came from or to learn that you had an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary or Civil War. However, there is one ancestry for which we don’t have to investigate as it is written in the Word of God.

Our first parents, Adam and Eve, walked with God in a perfect relationship in the Garden of Eden.  By their sin, they broke that perfect oneness, and we, as their children, do the same. Yet, God, in His great love, had a plan for our redemption even before the world was created.  He sent His Son to take our punishment, so we could return to the perfect life of the “new Eden” forever.

“God’s Family” is a devotion on the LWML website that digs deeper into our oneness with God and with our sisters and brothers in Christ.  It is one of many wonderful devotions that can be found for your individual or group use on the LWML website, lwml.org.

Sharon Dever
New England District President

Can you believe that Ash Wednesday is tomorrow, beginning the season of Lent? Wasn’t it just Christmas? I have been thinking about Lent recently, not only because I’m the church secretary trying to get the bulletins prepared, but because during one of our Advent services our Pastor had us look at the banners behind the altar. One has the root of Jesse on it and the other one has the Advent wreath with the base as the crown of thorns. As a child I didn’t really realize that Christmas and Easter were linked but as I started reading and studying the Word it became clear. During the season of Lent, we reflect Jesus’ journey to the cross and fix our eyes on Him. One of the ways we can do this is by using Lutheran Women in Mission devotions and Bible studies found on the LWML website lwml.org, under The Word tab. I am looking forward to using them in my own group and with my zone.

Gayle Caruso
LWML Florida-Georgia District President