June 19, 2005 NEWS FROM TAMPA You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:13-16 NIV). What great theme verses the 3100+ convention attendees studied and experienced. Worship services and Bible study were key parts of each day. There were 72 Young Women Representatives in attendance. They assisted in the "gifts from the heart" area and in the banner processionals as they soaked up the events of the convention. It was heart warming to see so many women participating in the Heart to Heart Sister program. These American women from other cultures truly give LWML a look that reflects what our Lord will see when He comes again. A Mission Goal of $1,625,000 was set for the 2005-2007 biennium. LWML ELECTS NEW OFFICERS Vice President of Christian Life ­ Vivian Ernst from Iowa Vice President of Gospel Outreach ­ Janis McDaniels from North Carolina Vice President of Communication ­ Sandy Hardies from Michigan Recording Secretary ­ Kay Kreklau from North Dakota Pastoral Counselor ­ Rev. Carl Gnewuch from Michigan Nominating Committee ­ Donna Gruel, Chairman, from Massachusetts      Betty Dietrich from Illinois      Janell McKinstry from South Dakota      Ladell McWhirter from Tennessee      Barbara Virus from California Delegates chose Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to be the site of convention in 2013. CONVENTION SPEAKERS Convention attendees heard from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod President, Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick and his wife, Terry; award-winning author and lecturer Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, Synod's Second Vice President and Professor at Western Michigan University; Rev. Dr. Robert Roegner, LCMS World Mission Director, and missionaries Rev. Donald Treglown (Philippines), Rev. Claude and Rhoda Houge (Kenya), Rev. Tim and Rita Nickel (Kyrgyzstan). Bible studies were led by Donna Streufert and music was led Rev. Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor from Redeemer, Bronz, NY. Everyone laughed a lot at the antics of Jan Struck who appeared frequently as "Nita Myhtes Daly" throughout the convention program. The participants showed salt and light while at the convention through various servant events held on-site. They were also shown by the amounts of money given through the four convention offerings and the Joyful Jaunt pledges. #1 - Mission Grant Goal 2005-2007 - $26,201.80 #2 - Papyrus Camp at Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center - $14,880.70 #3 - For the Sake of the Church - $18,688.55 #4 - CALMS - $17,432.88 Joyful Jaunt - $58,816.52 to be used for the 2005-2007 Mission Grant Goal Participants left the convention uplifted, knowing they are salt and light and recognizing the need to share the wonderful message of Jesus Christ to the world. The newly published "Women in League With the Lord" by Marlys Taege Moberg was available for convention attendees and now is available to be ordered from the website. There are many other new products also available to help as you serve in your local areas as "salt and light." THE LUTHERAN WOMEN'S MISSIONARY LEAGUE The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), with a membership of over 250,000, is the official women's auxiliary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The LWML focuses on affirming each woman in her relationship with Christ to enable her to be in ministry among the people of the world. For over 60 years the LWML has been encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to financially support global mission.