I’ve been to LWML Conventions before and have always enjoyed them. But being at the convention in Milwaukee as the President of the LWML Missouri District was a new and wonderful experience. Lutheran Women in Mission celebrated 80 years of mission work, 50 years of YWRs, and 20 years of Heart to Heart Sisters. To celebrate these milestones, districts were given the option of carrying a new or vintage banner in the banner processional. Missouri District chose to carry a banner from 1965, almost 60 years old! As I walked in the processional with our four (4) Young Women Representatives, I wondered if the president who carried this banner before me felt as humbled and blessed as I did to be among women of all ages who have the same desire for mission work. Did the 1,626 attendees at the 11th Biennial Convention in San Diego, California, joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others? Of course they did! As we look back, let’s also look to the future so we can celebrate the next 80 years of God’s grace.

Marian Hoehner
LWML Missouri District President