Mrs. Louise Hartner influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her method led me to say “yes” to serving.

It all happened so many years ago. As a young woman in a new, young congregation, we had an enthusiastic, engaged group of women. We were involved in Bible study and in serving our growing congregation. Some of us did attend zone rallies, but otherwise were not much involved beyond our own group.

Mrs. Hartner (we never used her first name, since we viewed her as very committed, but also very old!) called one day and asked me to meet her at my church on a Sunday afternoon. How could I refuse? We sat near the small fountain in our church courtyard. She asked me to serve as the next zone president. Again, how could I refuse? This committed, respected woman had driven from the other end of our zone to talk to me in person. She spoke convincingly of her perception of my abilities.

Over the years I have been grateful to her. Her asking led to so many possibilities of serving the Lord through Lutheran Women in Mission.

Gloria Edwards

President 1995–1999
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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The late Gerry C. influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her support led me to say “yes” to serving as a local group (society) president in the 1960s.

Gerry in center

Through our church relationship, a friendship developed. Gerry, even though she knew that crafting was not my thing, invited me to help make table decorations for a district LWML convention. Being a friend, I said “yes.” She invited me to an LWML meeting; I joined and served as president. Many other opportunities followed to serve God and His people through the LWML as a result of my saying “yes” to something I did not like to do. It was Gerry who presented me with a bouquet of yellow roses at the 1991 ILWML Convention in Cleveland where I was elected president.

Blessings received from saying “yes” to serving include:

• Prayers and greetings sent to me during times of need and times of celebration;
• LWML national convention attendance by all my immediate family members;
• My daughter’s LWML service to God;
• The opportunity to facilitate the writing of the LWML Mission Statement; and
• The blessings of LWML friendships.

Ida Mall

President 1991–1995
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Mrs. Vicki Davis, the LWML Southern Illinois District President when I served as their district pastoral counselor, influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her support helped me to say “yes” to serving as a pastoral counselor on the zone, district, and national levels.

President Vicki kept the focus on the mission of the LWML, served with joy and conviction, and felt that the ministry of the LWML was important and vital. As I finished my last term, I could hear her whispering in my ear, “How are you going to continue to serve the LWML in the years ahead?” This inspired me for further service. I give thanks for the opportunity to serve under her leadership.

Blessings received:

• Serving three zones in the LWML Southern Illinois District, including one term alongside my wife, Penny, the zone president at the time, which enabled us to work together to grow the zone;
• Learning the strengths and hearing stories of the women with whom I served;
• Realizing the ministry of the LWML reaches far, touching hearts and lives of women around the world; and
• Leading Bible studies, prayer and worship services, and attending rallies and retreats.

Rev. Mitchel Schuessler

Senior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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She is an energetic and creative force, and the biggest cheerleader, all wrapped into one person. When I first met her, she said, “Hi! My name is Honey.”

For the past 18 years I have come to see that no one seems to have a more fitting name. Honey Pabst is very active in the LWML at the group, zone, and district levels. She always has a way of encouraging people to be part of LWML, she comes up with great ways to meet together both for service and fellowship, and she is committed to supporting the work of the LWML and the mission of the Gospel.

She does all of this with a seemingly ever-present smile on her face. She is an inspiration simply by her devotion to LWML and her love for the Lord. I have been blessed to know Honey, and to be continually encouraged by her to this day. Thank you, Honey, for your faithfulness to Christ and for your servant heart!

Pastor Brian Noack

Junior Pastoral Counselor
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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A good friend of mine, Karen Devan, influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her support helped lead me to say “yes” to serving as a Young Woman Representative to the 1994 LWML Eastern District Convention. From that experience, I was intrigued with all the wonderful opportunities there are available through the LWML.

Karen’s encouragement continued through the years, suggesting that I take on leadership roles in my local group, zone, and district. I served as president, vice president, and treasurer for my group, and as president of my zone. In addition, I served as treasurer, vice president of communication, and president of my district, and held the title of Public Relations Director. Currently, I am active at the national level, serving two terms as the LWML Information Technology Committee Chairman.

“Serving the Lord with Gladness” is more than a tagline for the LWML. By saying “yes” to serving, the Lord continues to bestow His blessings, allowing me to joyfully encourage others to spread the Good News near and far.

In His Service,

Kathy Pavelock

Chairman, Information Technology Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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God wisely chose Karen Avenson to serve as LWML Texas District Capitol Zone President in the fall of 1992, and I had the privilege of serving alongside her as secretary-treasurer.

Since our zone was very large, two delegates were sent to the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, LWML Convention in 1993. Our zone's rules at the time stipulated that, along with the president, the secretary-treasurer would attend LWML conventions, serving as the second delegate. I was privileged to attend this pivotal convention with Karen and learned so much.

Throughout our terms, Karen mentored me in her kind, calm, and quiet manner, enabling me to learn my responsibilities and grow in my leadership skills. She taught through example and encouragement, and by delegating tasks in a loving and patient way. Karen made doing LWML work a blessing and a joy for me. She and I have served together on other projects over the years, and she still serves as an advisor to me as needed.

Lois Teinert

Chairman, Leadership Development Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Ida Mall, LWML President 1991–1995, influenced and encouraged my involvement in LWML. Her support helped lead me to say “yes” to serving as LWML Public Relations Director during her presidency.

When I was newly married, my husband’s first pastoral call was to Covington, Louisiana. I had been invited to join the local LWML when I lived in Wisconsin, but I did not attend meetings because I thought the organization was for older women! Now, as the pastor’s wife, I felt obligated to be involved in LWML, but when we were told not to put pennies in the Mite Box because they were too difficult to count, I was convinced again that LWML wasn’t for me.

The Lord had a different plan. Soon, it became our turn to host the zone rally. Ida Mall was our zone president, and at the beginning of the meeting, to my amazement, Ida proceeded to welcome every person (100 or more) by his/her first name! I thought to myself, “Wow! I will be involved in LWML with gifted women like this!”

I’ve participated ever since and am honored to be surrounded by intelligent, creative, and servant-hearted women!

Karol Selle

Chairman, Heart to Heart Sisters Committee
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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