Just an ordinary day, yes, it was just another day of tending to the sheep for Moses when he saw the burning bush. It was just another day, Friday of the bi-annual LWML CNH convention in Sacramento. I was in my Nikki dress tending the sheep and greeting friends.

SURPRISE! “We are nominating you as President from the floor this afternoon,” I heard. The heat from the conversation penetrated my soul. What was happening? Was this the Lord calling me? Just like Moses, I had my reasons why I could not take this assignment. Me, Bev, the kooky one God created. For 8 years as your vice president of Gospel Outreach, I was Penny, collecting your mighty mites. Now I am Nikki, the happy dancing Ambassador. The doubts came like the waves of the ocean Friday night, all day Saturday, even up until the voting results were announced on Sunday. All day and night I was talking/praying to God, “Who…me?”

When my name was spoken, I had no more doubt; I knew God was choosing me as your President.

God says He will be with me. My prayer is that you will also be with me. Already I have seen God working in our LWML CNH. He answered many prayers before I dried my tears. In this biennium, God has already provided LWML CNH a team of strong faithful women serving on the Board in elected and appointed positions. We have two wise, Godly pastoral counselors guiding us. We are in the process of filling departmental and standing committees. There are positions and roles in all our Zones and groups/societies that need each of you talented ladies. Yes, God has blessed you with more talents than you realize. Continue to share your time, energy, ideas, and mites with LWML CNH. Join me in answering the call to be part of the LWML CNH team in the many opportunities awaiting you. Yes, we need each of you, from being a faithful prayer warrior from your home to serving when asked. You need not wait to be asked if you have felt the heat of the burning bush—act.

It will be my honor to meet each of you as I travel around our district. Come talk to me, tell me your ideas, and share your burden. I look forward to hearing or reading your SURPRISE story of how God called you on just an ordinary day.

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5 ESV

Grant #3, which has just been funded, will help Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN by providing new freezers for the Seminary Student Food Co-op! Currently, they need a walk-in freezer for long-term food storage, and some smaller freezers for immediate food access. Many of the current freezers are over 45 years old and must be replaced. The co-op serves almost 700 people a year and their services are vital for the health and well-being of seminarians and their families.

With 23 mite projects planned for this biennium, we rejoice in the progress made so far. Please continue praying, sharing Jesus, and filling your Mite Boxes.

Can we do it? Absolutely! We are Women in Mission!

Grant #1: Afterschool Engagement Through Faith, Bethany Lutheran, Vacaville – $4,000

Grant #2: Igniting His Children with the Word of God, St. Peter, Lodi – $5,400

Grant #3: Purchase Freezers to Store Food for Seminary Students, CTSFW Food Co-op – $3,000

Grant #4: Bringing Christ’s Hope to the Homeless, Mercy Holistic Ministries – $2,500

The Mary Martha Lutheran Women in Mission group held its annual celebration honoring mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and grandchildren at Christ Lutheran Church in Hilo on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Twenty-seven women joined in the festivities and luncheon, which featured wonderful and unique sandwiches, salads, desserts, and teas.

Group President Teresa Ullman opened the joyful celebration by welcoming everyone. Before lunch, participants stood in a circle on the lanai and introduced themselves by answering the question, “What is your favorite place to be on the Island?” One of the granddaughters replied, “Christ Lutheran Church.” Other responses included a spot at Lili‘uokalani Park where one woman’s husband had proposed to her, “my home,” and the trails at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Following a devotion and prayer, everyone lined up for the buffet luncheon and then gathered at one very long table decorated with white lace tablecloths and colorful teacups. Zone 11 President Susan Hendricks also spoke about the generous mission contributions she delivered during her recent trip to the LWML-CNH District Convention in April. The Lutheran Women in Mission are a vibrant group here in Hawai‘i, and the gathering was both heartfelt and joyful.

Summer is a wonderful time to gather, serve, and grow together in faith. The Women in Mission at St. Luke Lutheran Church have three meaningful activities planned in the coming months that will provide opportunities for hands-on service, fellowship, and time in God’s Word.

Our June meeting will focus on a mission project for Lutheran World Relief (LWR). Together, we will assemble Fabric Kits that provide fabric and thread for vocational training programs around the world. These kits help teach sewing skills and support newly trained tailors as they launch their own small businesses, creating opportunities for self-sufficiency and hope.

In July, we will gather for an early morning breakfast retreat in the beautiful hills of Healdsburg. Following breakfast, participants will be introduced to Bible Journaling, a creative way to engage with Scripture through reflection, art, and note-taking. We look forward to exploring how this practice can enrich our time in God’s Word and deepen our understanding of His promises.

As part of our year-long commitment to support the teen girls served by Our Village Closet (OVC), our August activity will focus on assembling Period Kits for girls in foster care. Located on the St. Luke campus, OVC provides essentials, support, and community connections for youth and families impacted by foster care. Through this project, we hope to remind these young women that they are seen, valued, and cared for by a community that walks alongside them.

Whether through service, fellowship, or outreach, we are grateful for these opportunities to share Christ’s love throughout the summer months.

On May 2, 2026, 48 women gathered at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Cupertino, CA, for the Zone 18 Women’s Spring Event entitled “Speak with Grace: Communication Tools for Meaningful Faith Conversations” based on Colossians 4:5-6.

The morning began with a continental breakfast, followed by an inspirational devotion led by Rev. John Bestul. Elaine Lung, an improvisational and expert speaking coach, then delivered an engaging training session on effective communication tools. Her presentation encouraged participants to respond thoughtfully when caught off guard, stay present in the moment, think on their feet, defuse conflicting ideas, and speak with confidence in group settings.

Marcia Houseworth, LWML CNH Representative, shared information on LWML and highlights from the 2026 LWML CNH Convention.

Singing throughout the event was enjoyed by all! The day was blessed by God!

Share stories about your successful past events and plans for upcoming events. Share what inspires you. We welcome photos!