June 17, 2004

Welcome to the 11th issue of Lutheran Women in Mission e-News! Please forward and share this news and encourage others to stay in touch with LWML by email. The connection among Lutheran women is strong, as we serve and praise our Lord together.

LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION THIS WEEK

A Mission Grant Story:

Almost 8 years ago, a small, frail yet "ornery" boy with 3 friends, walked into the ministry building of The Servant's Heart in Guatemala City. His hair was hanging in his eyes and he was dirty...very dirty. His friends called him "Coca," short for Oscar. The 4 boys asked what we did, and it was explained that we worked with the people from "the dump" area, having Bible studies and other activities on a regular basis. Accepting the invitation to come, all 4 boys became daily visitors. Soon Coca brought his little brother, Eduardo, who had a bleeding ear. Coca showed me Eduardo's back, also oozing blood, and then bared his own back with similar wounds. The boys told me their mother was a very angry woman who sometimes took her anger out on them. They also brought their little sister, Luz Maria.

Today, Luz Maria is a beautiful 8 year old attending our Lutheran Day School as does Eduardo. They are the best students in their classes. Coca is one of our 7 teenagers who will graduate from 12th grade. In January of this year, Coca began to work full time at The Servant's Heart, learning how to administer and manage our Economic Development area. Coca will continue his studies at the university level where someday, that "ornery" little boy hopes to be our ministry physician, a dream he has had for many years.

The annual cost to educate one child is $1000. Your mites to this grant, "Ministry to Impoverished Families in Guatemala City" for $100,000, transforms lives both here and for eternity.

DISTRICT CONVENTION UPDATE

Christian fellowship - mandatory for our hearts and souls. Nothing can take its place. The LWML conventions are gifts from our God to give us those opportunities for Christian fellowship! What a blessing LWML is for each woman of the church - now let's invite them to come to our fellowship and TEAM gatherings!

Once again, 7 more districts have joyfully completed their district conventions. We also have 4 new district presidents.

During the weekend of June 4 in Central Illinois, Betty Dietrich completed her term. The new Central Illinois president is Karen Ruhlig. Eastern - Claire Carlson chaired her first convention in Owego, NY with 179 in attendance, including 8 YWRs. Pacific Southwest ­- Barb Virus chaired her final convention with 551 in attendance as well as 15 YWRs. Exciting milestones for this district were the 20+ Hispanic women attending the convention and the 2 new Hispanic societies that were recognized. The new PSW President is Joann Bradley. Missouri ­ Jennifer Huecker chaired her first convention with 703 in attendance and 32 YWRs.

The weekend of June 11 found a few more district presidents that appreciated your prayers as they met in conventions:

North Dakota District LWML met in Jamestown. Kay Kreklau chaired her last convention, the theme was: Jesus - Our Hope and Anchor. There were 252 participants registered. President Linda attended as LWML representative. Newly elected president is Debbie Larson.

Ohio District LWML met in Fort Wayne, IN. Ida Luebke chaired her last convention, the theme was: His Grace is Sufficient. There were 333 participants registered including 9 YWRs and 8 Teens in Mission. Vice President of Christian Life, Jan Wendorf represented the LWML. The new Ohio district president is Elfrieda Spencer.

Rocky Mountain District LWML met in Aurora, CO.Mary Marten chaired her first convention; the theme was: Rejoice in the Light. Recording Secretary, Shari Miller was the LWML representative. There were 268 in attendance.

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.

If you missed the first issues of LWML e-News, click here. To subscribe, click the link below and follow instructions to add your email to the LWML subscription list under "Mission and Ministry." "Full Text Version" will include LWML graphics and logo. The "Weekly Summary" version comes on Friday in a weekly abbreviated version with links to the entire text without graphics. Refer to your Internet provider about enabling images and links embedded in email