|
|
|
|
|
When I first heard of LWML in 1962, I really didn't know what it was. At that time, I was fresh out of college and a new teacher at Bethel Lutheran School in St. Louis. All I knew was that this group of friendly, enthusiastic women met once a month in the church basement-and they surely enjoyed what they were doing. "What makes them so happy?" I wondered. One member, Ruth Schuermann, told me of her experiences as director of LWML's first overseas project-emergency relief for war-torn Europe. Besides personally encouraging 19 orphanages, they made layettes, raised funds and sent thousands of pounds of bedding, clothing, medicines and German children's prayer books. What exciting, loving service! I learned more about LWML in July 1966 when my husband Dan and I set out for our first parish in Shawnee, Oklahoma, after his graduation from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Through 13 straight days of over 100-degree temperatures, we waited in the empty parsonage for the moving van to arrive. Having learned that I was expecting a baby, the typically compassionate LWML in that tiny parish raised funds from meager resources to buy and install an air conditioner in that stifling parsonage. That did it for me! LWML kindness had won my love and loyalty. It wasn't long before Talitha Starke, a pastor's wife in our circuit, was after "that new pastor's wife in Shawnee" to serve as Zone Christian Growth Chairman. I pleaded ignorance. "Talitha, I don't even know what a zone is!" Always an encourager, Talitha replied, "You can do it!" I did get involved, and thus began a journey that continues still!
Every opportunity to serve became a wonderful opportunity to learn and to use my gifts. As Oklahoma Christian Growth Chairman, I planned rally and workshop programs. If we needed something, I researched and wrote it, and I learned from the creative struggle. That led to a request from Helen Gienapp to lead an action group on Bible study leadership at the Mobile convention in 1973. "We'll work together on this, Donna," she said. "Will you help me?" But this wonderful mentor let me take the lead, guiding and encouraging and helping me learn. In 1981, as national president, Helen invited me to lead the Bible study at the convention in Milwaukee. Talk about a learning experience! I've often told my friends: "My experience in LWML has equaled a college education!" From the various LWML leaders, I've learned about organization, leadership styles, group process, strategic planning and certainly about faith, life and spirituality. LWML has given me a window to the world and helped me see the urgency of getting God's Word to people in need. More importantly, it has given me an opportunity to be part of the process! In LWML, I have found meaningful relationships. If it were not for LWML, I would not have met some of my very best friends! The love and laughter, the shared prayers and late night talks, and the celebration of unity and diversity have blessed me through all these years. While we share a common faith, we're not all cut of the same cloth. Younger and older women side by side serve the Lord with gladness-the younger ones offering fresh ideas, the older ones offering wisdom and experience, with God using all of them in His special way. No one in LWML sings a solo. Together we are a mighty chorus. President Linda Reiser stresses this often: We are a team; together everyone accomplishes more. And, you and I have the privilege of being part of the team! Men-husbands, counselors and friends-are an important part of LWML, too. Men ... like my husband Dan, who has been there to listen and advise, to travel with me and help out, and to say so many times, "I'm proud of you, Donna!" Men ... like our pastoral counselors, who relate well to women in leadership, who work tirelessly with good humor, and who value and respect the women of the LWML. LWML is a model for the Church of women and men working together in ministry! Serving on the Quarterly staff has been the high point of all my experience. Being able to reach thousands of readers, even in the far corners of the world, with the Good News of Jesus' love is just awesome. Early on, I learned just how precious LWML is. While we were still in Oklahoma, I was asked to write a mite box skit for the 1969 Houston convention. I titled it "Mites Make a Difference." As I searched for examples of people who had been blessed by mite gifts, I checked Ruth Meyer's history of the LWML, Women on a Mission. There I found the surprise of my life! My parents were occasional church-goers, but not committed members, although my brother and I were baptized and sent to Sunday School. When I was about 11, at a time of serious crisis in our family, a tiny mission church in Peoria, Illinois, had a Preaching, Teaching, Reaching evangelism program. Our family, including my aunts, uncles and cousins, were drawn in. Our faith was rekindled and grew. We were all confirmed. The good news of God's love in Christ turned things around for our whole family. How thankful I was for that little church! Years later as I prepared that convention skit, I glanced over lists of LWML district projects. Then I saw it-the name of that little mission church! It had been a Central Illinois project supported by mites. I had been blessed by mites myself! My whole family had! LWML's investment had come full circle! Thank you, LWML. I love you! |
|
|
From the start, LWML women were examples to me-examples
of joy, love, encouragement ... women who drew me in to see the
joy of Christian service. These women gave me a safe place to
be myself because they accepted me, embraced me, listened, encouraged
and inspired me with possibilities.