A Message about COVID-19 from the LWML BOD
The Board of Directors (BOD) of the LWML continues to give the seriousness of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due consideration. The best way to avoid the spread of COVID-19, or any germs or illnesses, is to follow guidelines issued by state and federal authorities. We encourage all of God’s people to pray for those who have been affected by this, for the resources to combat this illness and provide a vaccine or cure, and for the Lord to open the hearts of His people so all can see the Lord’s hand in the actions of Christians towards their neighbors.
LWML President Debbie Larson issued travel restrictions for the LWML BOD until May 3, 2020. Most LWML districts who were scheduled to hold conventions through the first weekend of May have either cancelled or postponed their gatherings.
As local, zone, and district gatherings are canceled, LWML encourages everyone to continue to collect and send in their mite offerings (and offerings to their local congregations). The needs of His people continue. Giving our mission dollars and praying for grant recipients gives glory to God and takes our minds off of difficulties we may be experiencing. We will also see many people struggle as their income decreases because of lost job opportunities. We encourage women and men who are able, to increase their mission offerings to meet the possible shortfall in mission giving that may happen at this time.
Lutheran Women in Mission can take a proactive approach! Look around you and be of service to those who need help in your church and community. There are those that need help buying groceries, picking up medication, getting their mail, etc. Rally your LWML group to establish a system to identify those in need and reach out to them, pray with them and for them, and offer to run errands.
Luke 12:22 reads, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life … Continuing in verse 25, "And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" Jesus instructs that we not be anxious and He shares exactly what we should do. "Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys" (and dare I say where no virus attacks). For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Luke 12:33-34).
Together, we can meet these current challenges and, with the Spirit’s help, find opportunities that the Lord puts before us as we serve His people and share His Gospel.
God be with each of you as we go through this together. This world is ever changing, but Scripture assures us that our God never changes and is always with us.
Always remember we are Held by HIS Word, Inspired to share Christ’s message, and Surrounded by HIS grace. In every situation, we rest in the knowledge that we are HIS!
Serving Christ, surrounded by HIS grace,
President Debbie Larson and the LWML Board of Directors
