2017–2019 Mission Grant: Christian Eldercare Home in Haiti — Ministry in Mission; $100,000 fully paid

Look at what’s happening in Jacmel, Haiti! Construction is underway for this home for the elderly!  The foundation is complete can “settle before the rainy/hurricane season.” The home will be completed by the end of 2018 or beginning of 2019.  Mission teams are scheduled to build the walls: Shepherd of the Hills from Appleton, WI is to help in April; teams from Concordia Seward, the Iowa West and Ohio Districts in May; and teams from Kent State University, Lutheran Campus Ministry, and other Ohio churches in July.

LWML Ohio District President Jeanne Schimmelmann, LWML Ohio District President, is presenting a check for $50,000 to Jackie Rychel, Founder and Grant Administrator of grant #10, Christian Eldercare Home in Jacmel, Haiti.  Jeanne shared, "It was such an honor to present this check to Ministry in Mission. After hearing Jackie and the others speak about the lack of services and assistance for the elderly in Haiti, I knew this money was certainly going to have a tremendous impact on improving the lives of those elderly people. Ministry in Mission is certainly reaching out to the lost and forgotten and sharing God's love with them." 

Jaclyn, Grant Administrator for Christian Eldercare Home in Haiti, says she’s working with other Recognized Service Organization partners for help to train the Haitians in Eldercare, help in collecting and shipping of furnishing for the elderly, and with other groups that would donate bedding, blankets, and other humanitarian supplies.

Thank you for making possible a safe, caring, and healthy home for those elderly Haitians that have out-lived their families where they can have clean water, beds, food, and care while also being fed nourished with the Gospel.

For more information about this mission grant, view the individual mission grant page here.

2017–2019 Mission Grant: Lutheran World Relief Quilt and Kit Shipping Fund, $80,000

Shipping Hope

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 (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3).

Every year, countless Lutheran groups and individuals, including many Lutheran Women in Mission, join their hearts and hands in a labor of love: sewing quilts and assembling personal care, baby, school, and fabric kits to be distributed to people in need through Lutheran World Relief (LWR). This faithful labor turns ordinary items into tangible symbols of God’s extraordinary love for people all over the world who may feel they have been forgotten.

Making the quilts and putting together kits is the first step in this ministry that has been the hallmark of LWR since 1945. The next step is delivering these important materials to the person who needs it most, a long and sometimes complex path. 

LWR’s Quilt and Kit Shipping Fund helps to ensure there are funds available to navigate that path. Thanks to the generosity of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the $80,000 mission grant is supporting the ministry of extending Christ’s love to vulnerable people through the tangible gift of a quilt. This mission grant provides the necessary funds, over the next two years, to deliver more than 35,500 quilts, valued at nearly $675,000, to our neighbors in need around the world. 

Since receipt of the first portion of the mission grant, LWR has sent shipments of quilts and kits to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Peru. In the DRC, we partner with Hope for Angola, which serves the population in and around Angola that lives on an estimated one U.S. dollar per day, per family. 

In Peru, a large shipment of quilts and kits is split between local partner CARITAS and LWR’s country office. CARITAS provides basic necessities as well as other social services to people struggling with poverty in Lima and in remote areas. LWR’s staff distributes items to families participating in ongoing long-term projects, working alongside farming communities to move them from a place of subsistence to a place of sustainability. This shipment will assist nearly 37,500 women, men, and children across Peru.

In 2016, Sabina Carranza received a quilt through LWR’s projects in Peru. Sabina lives high in the Andes mountains, where temperatures can drop to below freezing. She is a weaver, and receiving an LWR quilt from a fellow fabric artist meant so much to her. On average, a blanket takes her up to three weeks to weave, leaving her little to no time to make anything for herself. At the time she received her quilt, it was terribly cold, and she needed five covers to keep warm at night. She particularly loved the leaf pattern in some of the squares on her new quilt, and hoped to find a way to work that design into one of her blankets! You can see more about Sabina and some of her neighbors in our Quilt and Kit Pipeline video at lwr.org/videos/quilt-kit-pipeline.

In every instance, the quilts and kits you help make and ship around the world are a tangible expression of God’s grace and love. Together, each stitch in a quilt, each dollar in a Mite Box is part of God’s kingdom bursting forth in the world every day. Thank you to the LWML for your faithful work, your labors of love, your hopeful endurance that make this ministry vibrant. We truly thank God for all of you! 

Download or print the story.

This story was originally featured in the Winter 2018 Lutheran Woman's Quarterly. Order your subscription here.

For more information about this mission grant, view the individual mission grant page here.

2017–2019 Mission Grant #18: Tanzanian Sewing Center—Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT); $25,000; fully paid
 

View the report with photos here

For more information about this mission grant, view the individual mission grant page here.

Classroom building showing location of the dedication plaque at its base, honoring the contribution of the LWML.

Current day view of the classroom building provided by LWML funds.

View of classroom building in the year of its completion and dedication, 1961.

1960s — Chapel

A decade later in the late 1960s, the LWML once again came to the aid of Holy Hope. At the time, the number of students had increased and the school was in need of a chapel as there was no suitable place to have students worship. With pledged funds from the LWML in 1968-1969, a new chapel was erected and dedicated in 1972.²

Dedication plaque upon entering the front entrance to the chapel: “FUNDS FOR THIS BUILDING WERE PROVIDED IN PART BY THE INTERNATIONAL LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH — MISSOURI SYNOD, 1972”

The chapel can accommodate just over 300 students at one time. Chapel services are conducted during the first school period, four mornings a week: Monday, grades 7-9; Tuesday, grade 10; Wednesday, grade 11; and Thursday, grade 12.

Engraved Japanese calligraphy artwork adorns an outside wall under the eve of the chapel, quoting Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

2018 — Holy Hope Lutheran School (Seibo Gakuen)

The school now averages a yearly enrollment of around 1200 students in grades 7-12. When the LCMS took over the school in 1951, there were less than 150 students. Currently in the 2018 academic year, a total of 1,156 students are enrolled (junior high, 135; senior high 1,021). Since its founding in 1951, Holy Hope Junior and Senior High School has graduated a combined total of 20,494 Japanese youth. While this figure may seem impressive, the daunting fact is that less than 1% of the Japanese population is Christian. Japan has a culture that is highly resistant to the Gospel. However, God has graciously given the opportunity for seeds to be sown over the years at Holy Hope in cooperation with the LWML. We have God’s own promise that His word does not return empty but accomplishes its own purpose (Isaiah 55:10-11). Had it not been for the early support of the LWML, Holy Hope would not be the school that it is today and thousands of Japanese may not have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel.

Sources:
1 The background story as to how the LCMS obtained Holy Hope is from a piece of oral history related by Rev. James Wiese in 2008 when he visited Japan. Rev. Wiese was an LCMS missionary to Japan and served first as the school’s religious advisor (1964-1969), then as principal (1969-1977), and finally as Chairman of the School Board (1977-1980).

Additional information is found in “A History of the Japan Mission—LCMS,” a personal account by Rev. Richard Meyer who was an LCMS missionary to Japan (1948-1971).

2 Sources for the chapel construction include the above-cited Meyer memoir, common knowledge on site at the school, and the LWML publication, “Mission Grants Resume 1943-2015,” found online at: https://unite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/tenants/lwml/ attachments/66383/1943_2015HistoricalMissionGrantsResumeFinal20160330.pdf

View the printable PDF of this article, Holy Hope Lutheran School: The LWML’s Lasting Contribution.

For more information about this mission grant, view the mission grant history page here.

2017–2019 Mission Grant: RECONNECT to the Body of Christ — Circuit 28 — Texas District, $50,000

RECONNECT to the Body of Christ

The Rio Grande Mission Action Council (RioMAC) had a fruitful year in 2017 and is excited to see the new opportunities God has for His people in the future. By the grace of God, RioMAC hopes to inspire, develop, and equip leaders to serve new and innovative Christian communities through partnerships flowing across the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas and beyond. Thanks to the LWML Mission Grant, we will be able to charge forward with that mission here in the RGV.

The Reconnect to the Body of Christ mission grant intends to reconnect our neighbors in the Rio Grande Valley to the greater Body of Christ. This grant will aid and support the congregations of Texas District Circuit 28 in their outreach efforts to the lost and unchurched in one of the lowest socio-economic metro areas in the United States.

Part of the plan for this grant is to support a traditionally trained church worker in a missional role. This was launched in 2016 when DCE Brenda Segovia was called to serve in this non-traditional missional role. As this project develops, it will eventually offer a new model of ministry for congregations throughout The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Highlights from 2017 include leadership development, spiritual renewals, service opportunities, and new ministry endeavors. One of those efforts was a statewide middle school youth gathering called Crossroads. Youth from across Texas teamed up with our local youth and helped with many mercy projects for the community as they spread the Good News of Jesus. Many lives were touched. This summer’s Crossroads event, held in June 2018, connected our middle school youth with even more families! We hope to continue growing in these and many other ministry opportunities with the help of this mission grant. 

There are many stories of how God impacted lives in 2017. One of the families who inspired us was the Mata family. Ruth is a single mother, raising her three children under difficult conditions. Although the father had abandoned them, God surely did not. A service team connected with them and helped them rebuild flooring and install a new water heater. The muddy ground dried out from the leaking water tank, and the rotting wood was replaced with new lumber. Ruth loved the devotions that we read in Spanish and especially loved going through Luther's Small Catechism. Throughout the rest of the summer, they wanted to be involved in as many youth events, worship opportunities, and service projects as possible. Having received kindness, they poured out great love and kindness to others!

Through monthly youth gatherings and retreats led by our DCE Mission Facilitator Brenda Segovia, new servants received discipleship and new leaders were formed. We have been blessed to see the Holy Spirit working in these new leaders; several have expressed interest in becoming professional church workers, and one has already begun her studies at Concordia University in Texas!

By the Holy Spirit’s leading and power, RioMAC leaders look forward to another exciting year. We can’t wait to watch God change people’s lives for even greater service in His kingdom. We see how God has been gathering and building over the years, and we are so thankful that He has led the RGV ministries to connect with the generous love from the LWML!

Download or print the story.

This story was originally featured in the Fall 2018 Lutheran Woman's Quarterly. Order your subscription here.

For more information about this mission grant, view the individual mission grant page here.

2017 Convention Offering #4: God Cares About You, $33,985.56

At the 2017 LWML Convention, convention offering #4 was designated for God Cares About You. The offering was used to support this mission as it serves a diverse population living in the poorest area in the "International Zone" of the city of Albuquerque, NM. $33,985.56 was given for this offering. Watch the video above to learn more!

2017–2019 Mission Grant: Christ for Veterans and Their Families — LCMS Ministry of the Armed Forces, $27,750

Christ for Veterans and Their Families

By Chaplain Craig Muehler, Director, LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, with Cheri Fish, Mission Editor

We are so grateful for the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and its commitment and outreach to all military-connected people. Because of LWML’s faithful mite offerings, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Ministry to the Armed Forces was able to hold a National Operation Barnabas conference, “Christ for Veterans and Their Families,” in St. Louis on March 15 and 16, 2018.

The purpose of the conference was to share ideas, promote networking, and expand Operation Barnabas ministries into more congregations and districts. Participants represented 20 LCMS districts as well as LWML members working in their congregations. The benefit will grow as participants return home and share with others how we can better care for and support these special people.

Just as Barnabas was St. Paul’s supportive companion on his missionary journeys, Operation Barnabas offers resources to help congregations care for all military-connected people — within their congregations and out in their communities — through intentional outreach.

About 330 of the Synod’s 6,000 congregations are active in the 10-year-old Operation Barnabas program. We would like to see every Synod congregation involved in sharing the veteran-friendly message: “Your service to our nation was honorable, you did your duty and we respect that, you’re welcome here — no matter what you’ve been through — and God loves you and sent Jesus for you.”

One of the main speakers was Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch (U.S. Army, retired), an LCMS Lutheran who wasn’t baptized until he was 32. Lynch, author of Work Hard, Pray Hard: The Power of Faith in Action, spoke of his journey from a religion-free upbringing to his military service to actively sharing his faith in Jesus Christ.

Christie Steffans, LWML Missouri District President, presents a check for $27,750 to LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces Chaplain Craig Muehler, director. Photo courtesy of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod/Frank Kohn

Angela Cook, RN, suicide prevention coordinator for the St. Louis Veterans Administration Medical Center, shared a resounding theme: “Suicide prevention is everybody’s business.” If someone only took the time to listen to a hurting veteran — “and that person could be you … just caring is very important” — more lives might be saved, she said. Cook shared statistics pertaining to the United States: suicide is the 10th leading cause of death; someone attempts suicide every 35 seconds; and veterans account for 18 percent (some 20 per day) of the 42,000 deaths by suicide annually.

Chaplain Rev. Dr. Gary Danielsen, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, called ministries to military families and veterans a “mission field” with “tremendous opportunities for outreach.” Most of those who have served in the military, particularly in combat, tend to trust and confide most readily in others who have served, Danielsen noted. “Many veterans like to tell their story, many are afraid to tell their story,” and, perhaps most important, “many need to tell their story,” he said.

The need to connect with those who are hurting is overwhelming. Numerous ideas to help congregations reach out with Christ to veterans and their families were shared by the Rev. Dr. Michael Morehouse, a 23-year U.S. Army veteran and pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Catalina, Arizona, one of the first congregations to start an Operation Barnabas ministry.

The magnitude of benefits from this conference will continue as Christ’s love is shown to our military veterans and their families. We look forward to how God will work through the conference participants, reaching out with Witness, Mercy, and Life Together.

Download or print the story.

This story was originally featured in the Summer 2018 Lutheran Woman's Quarterly. Order your subscription here.

For more information about this mission grant, view the individual mission grant page here.

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