I have just returned home from the LCMS Convention in Tampa, Florida. I was privileged to address the assembly where I remarked that the convention was a “bit more intense” than the LWML Convention. We also carry out business at our LWML conventions and rejoice, as Lutheran Women in Mission, that we are blessed to focus on inspiring and educating women. Our conventions are filled with mission speakers, mission service, Bible study, and prayer. We rejoice in choosing mission grants that will reach those who need to hear about Jesus.

LWML had an exhibit booth at the LCMS Convention. Vice President of Communication Char Kroemer and Meeting Manager Arlene Naasz spent the week sharing LWML with convention attendees. As people stopped to visit, many thanked LWML for various mission grants they had received and talked of how God worked, and continues to work, through those grants. Char, Arlene, and I accepted thanks on behalf of each of you because you are the women who, by God’s grace, make these grants possible!

One gentleman who stopped by identified himself as the Bishop from Tanzania. With tears in his eyes, Bishop Emmanuel Makala passionately thanked LWML for the $25,000 Tanzanian Sewing Center mission grant from last biennium. “This was a mountain top experience for me,” Arlene said, “and I was humbled and honored to represent LWML.”

I want each of you to know that the money you put in your Mite Box is much more than dimes and dollars. It’s hope, healing, love, and Jesus’ mercy, and it reaches around the world. We’ve been blessed with our faith and we are blessed as we share that with others. 

I want you to know I thank God for each of you. You are our Lord’s hands, feet, and heart as you share His love. I find myself smiling as I pray for you and I believe Jesus is smiling also!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by God’s grace,

Debbie