LWML &mdash; Lutheran Women in Mission

Posted on February 16, 2016 9:19 AM by System Administrator

Be Strong and Courageous

“For [God] has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” This passage out of Hebrews 13 is one that I cherish. As a Professional Church Worker that promise from God means everything to me. Like Moses and Joshua [Deuteronomy 31] I count on His presence no matter where I serve or with what situation He presents me. I can be strong and courageous as God leads the way.

As much as this passage forms a cornerstone for my service in the Lord, I know that this promise is for everyone. God wants us to be confident in Him and to live in a way that reflects this truth. This may mean saying ‘yes’ to a new job or a move to a new town or a request of nomination for a position within your church or the LWML. Check out the Leader Development’s ‘Volunteers in Christ’s Ministry’ at www.lwml.org/developing-leaders. Be secure in His Word and courageous, for He has promised “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Rev. Robert L. Mundahl
LWML Jr. Counselor

Posted on February 02, 2016 9:17 AM by System Administrator

Gifts

Throughout our lives we have been given a lot of various gifts. As children, we eagerly anticipated the gifts we would receive for birthdays. Each gift you opened with anticipation and surprise.

Yet before you were born the Lord had already blessed you with a gift you didn’t even know existed. In Jeremiah 1:5a, the Bible says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” God set you apart and gave you gifts or talents that make you the unique person you are today.

The Time is Now to seek within yourself and uncover the many gifts the Lord has given to you; to realize and share those gifts as a mentor, a leader, or a servant in the LWML.

Ginger Starrett
LWML Recording Secretary

Posted on January 05, 2016 9:29 AM by System Administrator

Reach out – even inside your church!

The Time is NOW to plan an activity for the whole church body, embracing the mission of the LWML. Collect and assemble any of these kits to be given to local agencies in need. Pick one or two kits and ask everyone to bring items for one complete kit.

Are you thinking out of the box? Don’t ask your LWML group to host – ask other women you know who have a heart for missions. Make this a Saturday morning breakfast activity, or an activity on Sunday morning immediately after worship. Don’t overthink this – but do publicize.

Take time to share information about the LWML mission grants as participants assemble their kits using any or all of the resources available on this website. The Time is NOW to reach out – even inside your church!

Debbie Larson
LWML Vice President of Organizational Resources

Posted on December 22, 2015 9:13 AM by System Administrator

Serve to Show Jesus

SCARY--a far-away move, two small children, a new church. Thanks to Gerry, I would find a loving place. She was an inviter and an encourager. Through her, the LWML became my future. She was one of three now deceased LWML women whom God sent to let me see Him through them. Marie was a behind-the-scenes person. The only way you knew what she was doing for the Lord was to “catch” her doing the tasks like cleaning bathrooms or painting walls at church. She had the gifts of helps and service. The third, Florence, was an out-front person. The Lord gifted her with leadership and wisdom. These inspirational women lived their faith and shared Jesus and LWML with me. Is there someone you can touch in this way? Notice, that God used all different types of women to reach me. Step out there and be a mentor to those women in the pew around you. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thessalonians 1:2-3).

May the LWML continue to be a conduit for women to follow Jesus and serve Him and His people.

Ida Mall
LWML President 1991-1995

Posted on September 15, 2015 9:04 AM by System Administrator

Make it a balloon day!

Bring colorful balloons for everyone at your next event. After opening with prayer and a devotion, have everyone blow up their balloon—after they have held it for a moment have them hold on to the end while at the same time, letting the air out.

Now have everyone look at their deflated balloon. What has happened? Just as their balloon and yours have a new shape since it has been expanded by blowing it up and releasing the air inside, so our purpose in our gatherings should be stretched in new ways, to think beyond what we knew when we came and to look ahead for new ideas! This can happen when we gather together for Bible Study, fellowship, prayer and service!

Linda Reiser
LWML President 2003-2007

Posted on August 18, 2015 9:05 AM by System Administrator

The Time is NOW … to Make Jam!

Two Minute Tuesday Have you ever made Nanking cherry jam? The little red berries grow in clumps on bushes in my yard and when they are ripe the work begins. The long, labor-intensive process starts with picking enough of the small fruit to make the juice for jam. Those cherries are precious. Then the cherries get rinsed, go through the food mill to remove the seeds and stems, get squeezed in cheese cloth, and go to a pot where they are boiled. By adding sugar and pectin, those cherries are now unrecognizable. They have been changed to jam!

It strikes me how much my life with Christ is like jam. Quite frankly, I am a labor-intensive project, and most would think the process of saving me too much work, but not God. Like the cherries in the jam, when God sees me through the veil of His Son’s suffering and death, my sinful self is completely transformed. Humble service, like making jam, is also at times difficult. It isn’t about the one who serves or about the worthiness of the recipient, but about reflecting the love that God has shown us.

The Time is NOW to love others unconditionally and watch God make “jam.”

Nikki Tyrrell
Marketing Team Coordinator