Teens in Mission at the LWML Ohio District convention gathered
hair accessories and cosmetics for Bethesda Lutheran Home; marked new women’s Bibles for the women’s prison; packed and helped load a truck with the “Gifts from the Heart;” sang with the convention choir; participated in worship and daily Bible study; visited with LWML President Reiser and LWML Ohio District President Spencer; took part in a health walk; attended interest sessions; sang and signed to convention attendees; and talked about mission grants.

Friends Into Serving Him from the Nebraska District South donned costumes representing countries where the LCMS has missionaries. They participated in the opening processional and servant events during their district convention.

Our Readers Ask ...

Teen Talk

Q: This is the first summer I have a boyfriend. I am looking forward to spending more time with him after school is out, just hanging out and having fun. With our parents at work, we’ll have lots of time alone. I know my limits for making sure that we don’t get too serious, but I’m afraid that I’ll get caught up in the moment and do something I’ll regret. What can I do?

A: The great thing about summer is all your friends are out of school too. Make plans to spend time with your boyfriend in a group of his and your friends. The less time you spend alone, the less chance you have of crossing a limit. Talk with your boyfriend about things you have in common and find a way to spend time together volunteering: read stories at the library, visit the shut-ins in your church, run errands for those who are sick or unable to get out — be creative. By helping others together, you will remember
the responsibility you have to treat each other with respect. Finally, let your parents know you are afraid of going too far with your boyfriend. They’ll know what to do to ensure this won’t be a problem for you over the summer.

Topic: Peace

Bible verse: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

Journal Entry: Today in Bible class our pastor asked us to draw peace.“What? Like a piece of pizza?” Jared asked. “No,” Pastor said. “Peace— like calm, peaceful, at ease.” It took me a minute, but I drew a meadow with a big tree and fluffy clouds, some birds and flowers, and me lying on a blanket under the tree. That’s peace.

We went around the room and shared our drawings. Most of them looked like mine, except Janiqua’s. Hers was a picture of a huge storm with lightning and wind, with dark scary looking cliffs with falling rocks. Our first reactions were all like, “I don’t get it. That’s not peaceful.” Then she pointed to a little bird dry and safe in a crack in the rocks.

She said, that is peace — when everything is crazy around you, yet you are kept safe and strong.

She ought to know about life being crazy. Her father died suddenly of a heart attack last fall, her family has had to move to a smaller house, and her mother has had to go back to work. Through it all, Janiqua and her family have been amazingly calm. She admits it hasn’t been easy, but Jesus has seen them through. She says He’s the Rock that keeps them safe. His strength lets her know everything will be okay. Wow, that’s peace!

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for being so strong and rustworthy.
Help me to have the kind of peace that knows Jesus is always in control— even when life gets crazy. Amen.

Questions for consideration: How would you draw peace? Can you think of a time when you felt peace amid the craziness around you? When things go crazy in your life, to whom do you turn for safety? Why?

Do you have ideas you want to share? Do you know what LWML teen groups are doing in your district? Please write us and send original or electronic photos to: Gina Franke, LWQ - Teen LWML, P.O. Box 411993, St. Louis, MO 63141-1993 readersrespond@lwml.org