Attention Ladies!
An exciting new Bible study is available online at lwml.org (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League). Once at the website, scroll down to YOUR STRONG SUIT on the right hand side. Click on the “learn more” link to access the video portion of this 8-week study. While there, check out all the other wonderful resources available. If you have any questions, contact Jeanette Hanson.
A Great Way to Start the Day! Is to read the daily Mustard Seed Devotion from LWML: food for the soul. The devotions are short, to the point, and apply to you. Sign up for the Mustard Seed devotionals at https://www.lwml.org/mustard-seed-devotions.
Mites
Your Mission Mites at Work ~ At the National LWML Convention, the 2023-2025 Mission Grants were voted on that your Mites provide for. In the weeks ahead, we will list them in order of most votes to least as voted by delegates to the convention. The number one grant voted on was: Orphan Grain Train - $100,000 – supports humanitarian service for those experiencing poverty in the U.S. and internationally. The number two grant voted on was: Healing Space for At-Risk Children – Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch - $100,000 – creates an eternal, life-giving impact in lives of children age 10 to 18 who have faced unimaginable trauma of violence, abuse, neglect. The number three grant voted on was: Serving God's Children With Special Needs - $100,000 – at Journeys Lutheran School, ages 8-21, with ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, emotional behavior disorder, to prepare them to become successful Christian members of society. The number four grant voted on was: Lutheran Braille Workers - $100,000 – reach people with visual impairment with the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ through Braille publications. The number five grant voted on was: Disaster Response Team - $50,000 – ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of people affected by severe weather events, through volunteers who share Christ's love in Word and action. The number six grant voted on was: Mobile Kitchen, Forged by Fire Services - $85,000 – to purchase a mobile kitchen trailer to provide meals, bottled water and spiritual care to those in need after a disaster or economic downturn. The number seven grant voted on was: Mental Health Outreach - $96,500 – develop and publish materials/resources to provide training for church workers and lay leaders related to mental health outreach and spiritual care. The number eight grant voted on was: Expanding Gospel Proclamation Worldwide, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis - $100,000 – international students come to Concordia Seminary to complete advanced degrees and return to their country to train pastors to shepherd local churches. What an honor it is for us to pray and give our mites to the furthering of God's kingdom and His glory!
LWML CONVENTION REPORT ~ Over 3,550 women and men gathered in Milwaukee for the 2023 LWML Convention! About 4,000 people attended the opening service—the highlight of the convention for me. Theme of the convention was “Celebrate the Lord of the Nations”, based on Psalm 33:12-13. Each day began with singing, prayer and Bible study. The new Mite Box goal, set at $2,440,000, will fund 31 mission projects in the US and throughout the world this biennium. Eden Keefe was elected President. Servant event participants made 162 fleece blankets for Phil's Friends and A Place of Refuge; 50,000 meals and
566 backpack school kits for Orphan Grain Train; 4,7851 witness bracelets for MOST Ministries; 79 units of blood were donated, as well as other ministries that benefited. Tee Up 4 Mites gifts totaled $35,000, and $100,000 was given for the Mission Walk. Over $107,000 in gifts were given to several charities in four offerings. Attendees heard from a number of mission mite grantees. You can watch the convention activities at our website, lwml.org.