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

My Cottage — A Treasure of My Heart

I share ownership of a family cottage in Ontario, Canada. This property has been in my family since the early 1960s. I have many fond memories of spending time at the lake with my family as I grew up. This cottage is one of the treasures of my heart.

Oh, what a joy it was to finally see it again in August 2021 after not being allowed to visit for eighteen months due to the pandemic. Being at the cottage immediately reminds me that God’s creation is perfect. Getting away from the hustle of day-to-day life at home allows me to spend more time reflecting on all He provides and His Word. Every time I look out the window, I am reminded to thank Him.

Thank You, Lord for allowing me to spend time at my cottage and for giving us Your most Precious Treasure — Jesus Christ!

Share the treasures of your heart with all your sisters in Christ on Facebook and consider donating to the LWML Mission Goal on September 13^th, LWML’s September to Remember.

Kathy Pavelock

Vice President of Communication
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

The Narrow Door

Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able (Luke 13:24).

This verse is from the Gospel for Pentecost Eleven this year. We might easily miss the wonder of this statement by Jesus by focusing on ourselves. Instead of taking this as a warning only and thus determining to be much better than we were in the past, we simply let the truth sink in. The truth is that the narrow door is the only one way to enter into heaven and that way is through Jesus, the actual door. Yes, we need to be reminded of our sin and our need for forgiveness. But much more importantly we need to be reminded that Jesus has already opened the door to us through our faith in Him. It’s just that we wait until this life is over and then, through Him, we enter into His joys.

One excellent way to respond to this magnificent gift is to give on September 13, our September to Remember giving day.

Rev. Gary Piepkorn

Junior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

Good Memories are Part of the Treasures of My Heart

… singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart (Ephesians 5:19b).

Often during the Divine Service, I remember my dad as we prepare to sing the Sanctus – “joining with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven”. Dad liked to sing. He had a booming bass voice and could be heard singing in church, while he did chores, or drove the car. One of my treasured memories is accompanying my father on the piano while he sang one of his favorite hymns – he had many favorites. He sang loud enough to cover any mistakes I made.

As we learn how our LWML Mission Grants help bring souls to Christ, it is good for us to shout and sing for joy. We know we will be joining with all the redeemed in heaven to eternally sing the praises of our God. On September 13, you have the opportunity to give to the LWML Mission Goal so others may know Jesus. May there always be a song in your heart as you reflect on God’s unfailing love.

Arlene Naasz

Meeting Manager
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022

I’ve Treasured Your Prayers

In January 2011 I had just finished my term as LWML New Jersey District President. I became very sick. After six months of visits to specialists, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare illness called Cushing’s Disease. My condition worsened. My husband, Bob, said I almost died three times. My spine had nine fractures. My leg was almost amputated. Things were bad. Unbeknownst to me, my LWML sisters and brothers started praying for me — a lot! Prayers were ascending from people I didn’t even know. I’ve met some of them recently and they ask me how I’m doing. Am I better? I say yes, thank you, and thank you for the prayers!

It is difficult to describe how much those prayers meant to me. Even now I praise God for all of those who lifted me up in prayer. Today, I know about all those prayers, and I will be forever grateful. I deeply treasure the women and men of the LWML for their faithfulness in prayer.

During this September to Remember, treasure those who have prayed for you and thank the Lord for each of them. On September 13, consider a donation in honor of your treasure at https://www.lwml.org/givingtuesday

Susan Donnelly

Public Relations Director
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Get ready for GivingTuesday
on Sept. 13, 2022