LWML Convention Part 2: Mission Impact Stories

Where is the mission field? Wherever Christ is presently not recognized as Lord.

We are exploring how LWML Mites fulfill the goal of the convention held last April in Sacramento as printed in our convention manual: “Because God has given us His Holy Spirit through baptism, we are encouraged to share Jesus as our Passport (the Way, the Truth, and the Life) who will take us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son and out of the darkness of this earth.”

Every mite given in faith becomes part of a larger story—one of lives touched, needs met, and Christ’s love shared around the world.

“Together” is the heart of this grant. Pastor Dan Vang says it connects Lutheran youth across congregations through monthly gatherings for fun, food, and fellowship. United in baptism, confession, and service, they learn there is not “my church” or “your church,” but Christ’s Church. Projects with other congregations broaden their view of ministry and prepare them, by God’s grace, to become future leaders who will pass on the faith.

Mercy Holistic Ministry thanks LWML for more than a decade of faithful partnership. Through prayer, gifts, and encouragement, LWML has helped the ministry serve thousands of vulnerable people in Sacramento. The ministry has provided showers, haircuts, bicycles, Bibles, and practical care that restore dignity and open doors to work, stability, and hope. Just as important, many have experienced the love of Christ through this outreach. Rev. Berhanu Didanu, Executive Director, says every life touched reflects God’s blessing working through faithful partners like LWML.

As more Indian immigrants settle in California, Nevada, and Hawaii, LCMS congregations are building relationships with Hindu neighbors but need Lutheran materials in Indian languages. Lutheran Heritage Foundation translates and publishes books and tracts such as Luther’s Small Catechism and Jesus Never Fails, giving them free to churches and missionaries. These resources help congregations introduce seekers to Jesus in the language they understand. Demand now exceeds supply, so reprinting Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil materials is essential for continued outreach.

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch helps at-risk children and families succeed in the name of Christ through psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care. An LWML CNH grant of $2,072 supports the music ministry on the Minot campus by funding guitars, keyboards, stands, and other equipment. Music gives children a healthy outlet, builds confidence, and teaches perseverance. Through lessons, worship teams, and campus events, kids learn, heal, and discover new gifts. Leaders say music often becomes a lasting way for them to express emotions and grow.

The Disability Ministry Committee (DMC) was announced at the 2026 LWML CNH Convention, as recipient #8 of an LWML grant for Special Needs Buddy Bags to be distributed to district congregations and schools. Each bag includes noise-reducing headphones, sensory tools, and a communication picture card for children and adults with autism, ADHD, and other special needs. These items can help users feel calmer, more comfortable, and better able to participate in worship, classes, and other group settings.

At the June 2024 convention, LWML CNH approved the “Be Thou My Vision” grant for MOST Ministries. The grant helps provide eyeglasses and Gospel-centered care to impoverished people around the world. One recipient in Honduras, Don Porfirio, received strong prescription glasses and, for the first time, clearly saw the boy beside him was his grandson. With gratitude, he thanked God again and again. His story reflects the broader impact of MOST Ministries, which has distributed more than 180,000 pairs of eyeglasses over 37 years.