Shining God’s Light in New Ways

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Pastor Mark during a livestreamed devotion

Two men have been “shining lights” to me this past year and I am privileged to share how their service reflected God’s love. Pastor Mark and Pastor Tim serve Mountain View Lutheran in Apache Junction, Arizona. Both are admired for the warm, personal relationships they develop with parishioners. However, when COVID arrived, they needed to find new ways of letting God’s light shine through their service.

They offered Sunday school via Zoom, and a lot of in-depth learning took place over this new platform!

They utilized Facebook to share daily Gospel devotions. Pastor Mark is an early riser; his message was available on my phone in the morning. Pastor Tim delivered his devotion live each afternoon. Twice a day I was given an opportunity to grow in the Lord!

Now that we are worshiping in the sanctuary again, we look back with grateful hearts on the extent to which our pastors were willing to continue “shining the light of Jesus’ love!”

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Shining Light: My Sunday School Teacher

I met Miss Emily when I was seven years old and living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Miss Emily was my Sunday school teacher who made Bible stories come to life! Memorizing Scripture was a given. She even made sure we had a ride to attend Sunday school each week, even after we left the neighborhood.

I was nine when my family and I moved to Seattle, Washington. Since I had attended Sunday school before, my parents gave their okay when a schoolmate invited me to attend Sunday school at her Lutheran church. The rest is history!

I have kept in touch with Miss Emily all these years through written letters; she shares her faith, tells me her news, and offers encouragement. The latest tidbit was her confidence in Jesus Christ as her Savior when doctors found a plum-size tumor in her brain. She had no fear and only asked God to use her for His service. (By the way, she’s recovered nicely!)

What a shining light!

Marie Chow

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Firstfruits

I caught her one morning with her head bowed, standing in front of her dresser, praying. She placed something in an envelope and went about her day.

She was providing housing for me during my deaconess internship. A humble, faith-filled servant of God of meager means, she was a loving mother, grandmother, volunteer, and active member of the church.

I couldn’t get the picture of her praying out of my mind, so I just had to ask what she was doing. Her response was, “Giving thanks to God for all He has given me. I was filling my offering envelopes so I could pay my bills. First setting aside a portion of what God has blessed me with helps me prioritize things.”

It was an important message I needed to learn. Her firstfruits giving has been an example for me these forty-plus years. Garnette was, and still is, a shining light in my life. Who has been that shining light for you? Consider remembering that person with a special gift to the LWML during our September to Remember campaign.

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce (Proverbs 3:9).

Deaconess Betty Knapp

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Check! It’s Finished!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

As a new church plant, we had the opportunity to begin an LWML group. What shall we name it? We decided on WinGS — Women in God’s Service.

Does a family need a funeral meal? “Check.” Should cards be mailed or a prayer shawl delivered to a shut in? “Done!” Shall we collect for the food bank? “I’ll bring boxes.” Who is on this month’s altar committee? “It’s finished.” Who has snacks for the midweek service? “Already signed up!”

At each turn and every situation, this WinGS group inspires me. They lift each other up. They encourage others. They are welcoming. They are enthusiastic. They “let their lights shine” through their kindness, service, and care for others. Oh, that we could all be like them as they give wholeheartedly, reflecting God’s love to their church and community!

God’s blessings as you let your light shine!

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

My Shining Light — Kaja Gade

Kaja

I was four years old when I met Kaja Gade — my first Sunday school teacher. She gently “corralled” a rambunctious class of eight boys and two girls, patiently and quietly teaching us songs like “Jesus Loves Me” and “The B-I-B-L-E”. She kept us focused and always shared the Gospel.

Kaja was the first adult I met who wasn’t a family member and she always made me feel like we were part of God’s family. She showed compassion and love, and taught me how to pray, be thankful, and to serve others. She showed me how to be a light for Christ.

Kaja taught Sunday school for 55 years. I am grateful for her servant heart and willingness to share her faith. She touched many lives and , after 98 years of life here on earth, Kaja is now at home with her Savior, Jesus.

Honor someone who shared the light of Christ with you by donating to the mission of LWML on September 14!

Karla Koehler

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

A Faithful Teacher and Encourager

Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches (Galatians 6:6).

There was a nervousness in me when, as a 6th grader, I began my time in confirmation at church. Mrs. Hafer taught the basics of the faith and the meaning of grace. My nervousness quickly evaporated into ease as she patiently taught our class. At the end of the year, Mrs. Hafer pulled me aside and encouraged me to look for a sign that God might be calling me into ministry, because that might be God’s plan. I mentally laughed it off at the time, having other dreams, but that conversation stayed with me. Her encouragement kept open the possibility of pastoral ministry, and this year, I began my 17th year serving the saints of God in Christ’s Church. Her encouragement continues as she sends messages to support me along the path she helped send me upon.

Thank you, Amanda Hafer, for your faithfulness in teaching God’s children, and for your encouragement to me and many others. You truly shine the light of Christ and have been a blessing to me and to the Church!

Rev. Brian Noack

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021

Lighting up the Whole Sky

The number of people who have been “shining lights” in my life light up the whole sky! They provided light to me by encouraging, challenging, and prompting me; they poked and pushed me. All were used by the Spirit to bring me to a reasonable level of spiritual maturity.

There are those who truly stand out above others, some common to all believers, such as parents, pastors, and friends. My list also includes seminary professors and local pastoral associates. My dad, although not outspoken, was a shining light through his enduring and continuing faithfulness to me. Several pastors encouraged me to enter the seminary.

But my dear Judy tops them all. As my wife, she never waivers, always encourages, and, when needed, gently corrects. I cannot be more pleased and thankful.

Now, more recently, the many outstanding LWML leaders I’ve come to know are in a league of their own, routinely encouraging me to develop a closer oneness with the Savior.

I am exceedingly thankful for these many shining lights in my life!

Pastor Gary Piepkorn

Junior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 14, 2021