Healthy Hearts Respond

"We pledge Him our willing servicewe consecrate our hands to work for Him ..." (selected phrases from the LWML Pledge)

Two things have been said about a healthy heart:

  • A healthy heart can weep for those who do not yet know God's love.
  • A healthy heart can be empathetic and gracious to those who are suffering.

Photo of Reiser and Andrews LWML President Linda Reiser with Orphan Grain Train Vice President Clayton Andrews (Photo courtesy of Orphan Grain Train.)

This type of healthy heart is represented multi-fold by the women of the LWML. From a simple e-mail message, many of you responded to Hurricane Katrina through packaging and shipping evacuee kits. Some found yet other ways to help, but the unity of your effort underscored the words of our LWML Pledge.

Let's do what we can! has always been the response of the LWML. What comes to mind for me: thousands of quilts, clothing donations, support for service agencies and "gifts from the heart" gathered at conventions for people we would never see or know.

Does it make a difference? Most certainly—as people loved by the Lord Jesus, we are moved to love others around us.

How many kits have been made? is a question I'm often asked lately. An exact number is not yet available; many were shipped to Orphan Grain Train, Norfolk, NE others were directed through Trinity Lutheran, Orlando, FL and some were taken directly to the Gulf area by disaster responders from your congregations. At this writing, the estimate is more than 60,000 kits.

I have also been asked, Why did the LWML respond so amazingly to this effort? People who are filled with gladness give that joy to others. Our gladness comes from our wonderful God and the forgiveness, love and eternal life He has given to us. We did not hesitate to reach out with love and help after Hurricane Katrina because we knew we would be doing this together in His Name.

As women in mission, our hearts are open to give, support, pray and help. We thank God for putting this amazing response in the hearts of LWML women! Thank you for responding in love for service and for His Glory!

by Linda Reiser, LWML President