Life’s Challenges Become Treasured Moments

Last September was definitely a September to remember. The medical report read. “Positive for cancer!” I went numb. “Why me?”

A friend shared the Bible account from John 9 where the blind man was healed. The disciples asked, “who sinned…that he was born blind” Jesus answered … “that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:2–3).

Jesus’ own words “that the works of God might be displayed in him” changed my whole attitude. How could my cancer display God’s works? When treatments were going well, cancer gave me an opportunity to witness to God’s healing love. When the going got tough, His promise of heaven through Jesus’ death and resurrection gave me peace.

Was cancer fun? No! But the reality of Jesus as my personal Savior, Lord, and Friend is genuine. My cancer journey was a treasure where I had the unique opportunity to let God’s works shine.

I will donate on September 13 in thanksgiving for God’s love and care, and for the support of LWML sisters.

Shine On!

Susan Brunkow

Vice President of Christian Life
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Treasures of My Heart: Our First Responders

As the events of 9/11 unfolded before the world’s eyes 21 years ago, little did I know that I would not only move to New York, but also would become active in our town’s volunteer fire department. As such, I have been brought into the culture of emergency services, and in particular, the remembrances of 9/11 each year.

It is a blessing to be a small part of the fellowship and service to which these men and women have devoted themselves. The selfless sacrifice of the brave emergency personnel who lost their lives on 9/11 is carried on through the brothers and sisters still serving today. When community members are in terrible circumstances, first responders step in and help, often at great sacrifice to themselves.

These brothers and sisters are a treasure to me and to the communities they serve, and are another way that God cares for His children through the vocations of others. Please pray for them as they serve, and consider a gift during this September to Remember campaign in thanksgiving to God for the treasure of these first responders.

Rev. Brian Noack

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Treasures of My Heart — My Faith Heritage

Today, September 10th, was my parents’ wedding anniversary. They are the treasure of my faith heritage. Neither grew up in the Lutheran faith, but when I was twelve, they chose the theology of the Lutheran church as the faith foundation for our family. They always led by example: worship attendance, Bible study, prayer, and personal faith in action. When they retired and there was not a Lutheran church in that community, they helped to start a congregation that is thriving today.

Their faith led them to serve in many ways over the years. Neither would be surprised to see where my servant path has led me. I follow in the footsteps of the two who groomed me into the faith-filled, servant-hearted woman that I am today.

Because of my parents, I have the greatest treasure: faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through LWML I have been blessed to serve in many ways. Through LWML I help bring His Gospel message to those waiting to hear it, near and far. You can share your faith also, by donating to the LWML Mission Goal on September 13 during our September to Remember Giving Tuesday. What a gift God has given us — to share His love with others!

Karen Morrison

Vice President of Gospel Outreach
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Marie and Donna – 1968


Donna and Marie – 2022

Treasure of my Heart: My Sister Donna

When we were kids, our parents would keep my sister, Donna, and I together. If I had to go somewhere, she would go with me. There was no resentment, from what I remember. It was just a fact of life.

This togetherness must have been in God’s plan since Donna and I live at home with our widowed mother. We run errands on Saturdays together. We go to the same church. We have traveled around the world together through the years. She has been with me during my faith walk and LWML journey. Donna’s faith is a quiet one, but what an example to me! Donna gave me constructive criticism (like wonderful sisters do) during my district presidency and now, has given me advice for tough decisions, and provided me company at LWML district and national conventions, even though I don’t see her until the evenings.

Donna is indeed a treasure of my heart. What is yours? On September 13, our September to Remember, share a treasure of your heart on Facebook, donate toward the LWML Mission Goal in honor or memory of your treasure, and pray for our mission grants.

Marie Chow

Vice President of Organizational Resources
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Teenage Treasures

I grew up in a small Midwest town where the population was mostly Catholic and Baptist. Most of my high school friends were active in the youth program at the Baptist church. I frequently attended activities with them, but I never quite felt like an “insider.”

At my friends’ church, they organized the production of a Christian musical; at my church, we folded the bulletins before church. At my friends’ youth group, I was encouraged to “turn my life over to Jesus”; at my youth group, I was taught that I had been saved by grace … through faith (Ephesians 2:8a).

I treasure the teens from my church who were a support to me. We might not have had the flashy, well-funded youth program that my friends had, but we had many opportunities to search God’s Word, ask questions of our pastor, listen to the wisdom of our parents, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we matured in our faith.

On September 13 you will have the opportunity to give to the LWML Mission Goal so others — young and old alike — will know Jesus and His love.

Deaconess Betty Knapp

Vice President of Special Focus Ministries
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

A Treasured Coat

My mother was an accomplished seamstress. I admit, I did not fully appreciate it as a child — she sewed all the clothing for our family. As young women, she surprised my sister and me with long, wool winter coats one Christmas. I treasure that coat, knowing every stitch was made with love. Now over 45 years old, the coat is kept handy for those occasional Kansas blizzards.

Just as my coat was a gift from Mother’s heart, you can also give from your heart on September 13 — LWML’s Giving Tuesday. Your gifts will touch the lives of children, women, and men with books, Bibles, and hymnals; maternity items and cancer kits; medical care, food, and meals; and much, much more. Most importantly these needed resources are distributed to the LWML mission grant recipients with the beautiful Gospel message of Jesus’s love and salvation for each person.

Love one another with brotherly affection. If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink (Romans 12:10a, 20a).

Brenda Piester

Recording Secretary
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Indiana Friends – Treasures of My Heart

When we were married nearly four years, my husband and I, and our nine-month-old daughter moved to the Indianapolis area. We had no family or support system nearby and we asked God for His guidance in finding a church home.

God provided a wonderful church where we grew in our faith and started attending a small group Bible study. We met monthly in each other’s homes and shared a meal, fellowship, and God’s Word. Over time, we became life-long friends and family to each other. We learned to rely on God’s Word and how to love and care for others.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). These friends have been with us through struggles, losses, joys, and celebrations. Even though we moved back to Nebraska several years ago and don’t see each other often, we have stayed in touch. We continue to pray for each other and our families. What a true blessing and treasure it is to have friends like these!

Would you please join me in recognizing your treasured friends and make a September to Remember donation on September 13 to LWML in their honor? Don’t forget there are matching gifts that will double your donation!

Karla Koehler

Treasurer
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022