Are you making a difference in someone's life? You may never know how you influence other people. Perhaps someone has made a difference in your life. Right now might be a good time to tell that person.

Lutheran G.A.L.S. in Mission! (or Lutheran G.A.L.S. in Texas!) That's no typo; it's Girl Aggies in Loving Service! Trish Kelm of University Lutheran Chapel in College Station, TX writes, I understand there are not many college-age societies out there. This will let people know there are young ladies who are interested in LWML even at a college-age level. During the spring semester the GALS collected items to fill 20 Mother's Touch boxes to be sent to mothers in Russia. Their enthusiasm for missions encouraged participation of other college-aged members of the congregation. You go, GALS! If your community has a college, perhaps your society/congregation could sponsor a LWML/mission group. What a great opportunity for outreach and fellowship.

Tiffany Rogerts of San Antonio, TX, Texas A&M University with Mother's Touch boxes.

Shhhh! It's a Secret

We're talking about secret pals. The Ladies Aid, St. Paul's, Cullman, AL supports and encourages the confirmation students through a Secret Pal Program. Each student is given a pal who sends cards, small gifts and prayers throughout the year. Before the class ends, the ladies host a "revelation" party. The students and ladies are all blessed. Linda Bailey writes, Pastor Ruland is very supportive of the program. Of course, he has a Secret Pal too.

What a great way to share the love of the Lord and the LWML with young people. Consider a Secret Pal Program in your congregation.

Making A Difference

Do you know these women who make a difference or someone like them? Marge Strachan, St. John Clifton, NJ makes a difference in the lives of children coping with HIV/AIDS. She buys or barters for dolls, blankets and books. One of her great talents is refurbishing old dolls for the children of the Aids Resource Foundation. These children are her second family.

The women of Shepherd of the Valley, Corvalis, OR had a surprise 96th birthday party for Bernice Pratt. When her granddaughter had surgery, Bernice stepped right in, assuming most of the responsibility for the household chores including babysitting, cooking, laundry and general housekeeping. She also helps in the church office, attends a Bible class and goes out to lunch with friends. What an inspiration!

Bernice Pratt, Shepherd of the Valley, Corvalis, OR

We can't ignore the men who make a difference. Glenn Frank is in his 39th year of teaching 6th grade at Trinity Lutheran School in Merrill, WI. Glenn looks for good in every student and enjoys giving individual help to those who need it. Students have said he disciplines with love. If students make a mistake, he helps them learn from it. Doing what he loves to do, Glenn makes a difference!

If someone has made a difference in your life, let him or her know.

Agape at Grace

Agape Circle is new at Grace in Huntsville, AL. This circle is made up of girls in 7th through 12th grade and their moms (if they wish to attend). Rita Lange, Spiritual Growth Chairman, shares this about the new group, They meet in odd months and have as their purpose ... MISSIONS! They will give of their time, talents and mites. A highlight was LWML Sunday in which the girls were ushers, greeters and served cake and punch after the service. In July the group met and learned to make small flower arrangements, which they gave away.

What a great time to teach and encourage young women to serve the Lord with gladness. Plan a service group for your young women; get them involved in serving.