During the month of December in New York City, it is common to wait on a cold and crowded platform for the train to arrive. While waiting, some people scroll on social media, others scramble with emails, others Facetime with friends, and others just stare in thought. And yet, the train’s arrival will bring something new.

Jesus’ coming changes our life trajectories. We were destined to die, but Jesus’ death on the cross and rising from the dead allows us to have new life in Him by faith. He calls us to faithful service while waiting, making the most of our time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). We joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others. This is not an opportunity to “pass the time” on the platform; we actively and faithfully serve “whenever and wherever He has need of us.” Thanks be to God for these opportunities to witness to Christ in this season of repentance, hope, expectation, and renewal.  

Deaconess Raquel A. Rojas
Lutheran Women in Mission
Atlantic District President 

The trees in Michigan are shedding their beautiful leaves. What a blessing to watch each season shed its beauty to make way for the next season! Thanks be to God for his inexpressable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15), runs through my mind as I enjoy the changes.

We have moved from a seasonal focus on thankfulness into Advent — a focus on the birth of our Savior. To Christians, each season offers beauty and reasons to be thankful. Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).

Being a part of LWML is a blessing, inspiring a Christ-centered framework for servant activities, fellowship opportunities, and conversations with others. Assisting with funeral luncheons, fundraisers, cards for shut-ins, and other mission projects, we are Lutheran Women (and Men) in Mission. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10). We are blessed to serve.

Thank you, Lord, for the seasonal opportunities to serve. 

Carol Klein
Lutheran Women in Mission
English District President 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

A friend from church was not answering our calls. She finally picked up the phone and informed us that she had lost her leg. She needed our support and members sprang into action. We added her to the prayer chain; we started a fund to buy a ramp for her apartment entrance; we sent cards and made visits. After a prolonged rehabilitation and fittings for her prosthetic leg, she came home. We were overjoyed to have her back with us.

Who needs our help or assistance? We often look the other way and think that someone else will help. When have we been the one who passed by? Resources on the LWML website can help. Check out these kits for various people groups including new moms, a sick child, college students, even construction workers. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4).

Sarah Rippy
LWML Indiana District President

What an exciting, uplifting, and fulfilling time we had at the Milwaukee convention! Exhilarated by worship, Bible studies, speakers, music, and fellowship, we want to share this experience. We left the convention on an emotional and spiritual high. However, maintaining that motivation for sharing can be a challenge once we return to our daily routine. To ensure the long-term impact of this wonderful experience, it is important to implement effective steps to follow through.

1. Reflect on the Convention. Take time to reflect on the key teachings, insights, and messages you received during the convention. Pray!!

2. Create a Plan. How can I continue to share this in my group, zone and district? Pray!!

3. Seek out someone with whom you can share. You are more committed when you have someone to buddy with as you share. Pray!

4. Stay in the Word, educating yourself through devotions, worship and Bible study. Pray!!

Attending an LWML convention can be an uplifting experience that empowers you to take action and make a lasting impression on fellow Lutheran Women in Mission.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to be a part of this convention and continue to use me to do Your will.

Pam Kercher
LWML Montana District President

Do you know her? The one who made a significant impact on everyone.

Miss Esther — a woman with a heart for Jesus. Seven years after Jesus called her home we can still quote “Here’s a Werther’s and a hug goes with it.” Her impact did not stop there, nor did it stay within the walls of the church. Wherever she went she would ask people where they went to church and then encourage them to find one or invite them to our church.

My significant impact? No, it isn’t the same. Miss Esther was an evangelist, but she would be the first to say that God did not make all our gifts the same! She would also encourage you to do what you do in the name of the Lord! Your circle of sharing Christ through your gifts could be to 1 or 1,000 — all are important.

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11–12).

Cherie Endrihs
LWML Gulf States District President

After a long, cold winter, nothing is more rewarding (well, almost) than a good house cleaning, brushing away the cobwebs and dust. It is also a great time to clean out closets for clothes we can no longer wear, but someone else might need. We may have household items that are no longer used, but someone who may have just experienced a disaster could use to get back on their feet.

Since last year, LWML has been celebrating 80+ years of service and sharing God’s love. What better way to celebrate 80 years than by donating 80 items to those in need. If you don’t have 80 items to share, consider partnering with other sisters in Christ or your church members to collect 80 items to share the love of Jesus and provide for others.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Follow LWML’s 80th celebration through the lwml.org/80 webpage and enjoy the photo montage that will be played at the LWML Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 22-25, 2023.

Julie Hatesohl
Vice President of Gospel Outreach
LWML Kansas District

From November 2020 through January 2021, the women in the LWML Oklahoma District collected gently used and new shoes to be recycled and repurposed in developing countries. In some cases, the shoes were used as small businesses to raise funds for families. One family traded a pair of shoes for a goat so they would have milk for their baby!

This year, one of our LWML groups celebrated “What’s Your 80?” by collecting over 800 pairs of gently used and new shoes! They will be added to the hundreds of others we’ve collected. Just think of the blessing each one of those pairs of shoes will be to someone else! 

Just as our Lord blesses our mite offerings for mission grants, so He blesses every gift given from our hearts in service to others. If you’d like to reach out with the Gospel, check out Demonstrating Jesus’ Love for inspiration. To Him be the glory as we Serve the Lord with gladness! (Psalm 100:2a).

Pam Wiederkehr
Oklahoma District President