wfn.org | [LCMSNews] LWML brings together 'women of color'

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	June 30, 2005 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 48

	LWML brings together Black, African, Hispanic, Hmong women

	In a two-day meeting just prior to the opening of the Lutheran
Women's Missionary League convention in Tampa, Fla., more than 40
African American, African immigrant, Hispanic, and Hmong women -- most
of them unfamiliar with the LWML -- met to celebrate their diversity and
learn about the Lutheran women's organization through the "Heart to
Heart Sisters Cross-Cultural Gathering."

	It was the second such convention gathering sponsored by the
LWML to reach out to non-white ethnic groups. The first -- held in 2003
in Oklahoma City -- brought together some two dozen African American and
Hispanic women. Delegates to that convention voted to give $50,000 to
this year's expanded program. The grant was used to pay travel and
lodging expenses for participants. LCMS World Mission contributed travel
funds for the African immigrants, since mission staff had asked the LWML
to include them in the Heart to Heart program.

	Addressing Heart to Heart participants the first day, Dr. Robert
Scudieri, associate executive director with LCMS World Mission's
National Mission Team, explained the Synod's "Ablaze!" outreach
initiative and told participants that, as women, they have "great
influence" upon their children, spouses, and congregations. Most LCMS
church workers attribute their career choices to their mother's
encouragement, according to Scudieri.

	"The worst thing that you could do is not to use" that
influence, he said.

	Heart to Heart participants learned about the LWML and each
other, and brainstormed ways to get involved in the organization in
their home congregations. They also attended the four-day LWML
convention.

	Jannie Vang, 21, said she and the other Hmong "Heart to Heart
Sisters" have vowed not only to start a Hmong LWML group but to bring at
least one person each to the next LWML convention in 2007 in Sioux City,
S.D.

	As a non-white Lutheran, did she feel out of place at the
convention? "No, it's like we're all sisters of Christ," she said.
"Everybody is so caring and loving."

	Vang said her faith was "strengthened a lot" at the convention.
"You learn from not only being here but then, too, from other women. You
get to see what they go through and how strong their faith is -- it
helps you to build your own faith."

	****************************************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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