This picture is compliments of LWML.org
Ruth Koch and Mary Hilgendorf Speak at LWML Convention
The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod held its 33rd Biennial Convention on June 25-28, 2009 in Portland, OR. Ruth Koch, member of the WLI Advisory Board, was invited to give the keynote address, and Mary Hilgendorf, former Director and current Ambassador to the WLI, was invited to be the Bible study leader for over 3,300 people in attendance. The convention theme was “Look to the Hills… God Reigns.”
In her keynote address, Ruth Koch invited convention attendees to take a virtual hike up Mount Cambio, the mountain of change. While change can be daunting, she encouraged women to get acquainted, encourage one another, and tackle the climb together as we follow Jesus in a changing world. Koch’s “Top Ten Lessons I Learned While Hiking Mount Cambio” are:
10. Bunions are no excuse.
9. The lift of the Spirit, the warmth of the Son, the solid footing of the Father made the hike up Change Mountain an experience like no other.
8. Warm up, buckle up, pair up, and start up together.
7. Your limitations are not nearly as important as your companions.
6. Enjoy the challenge and the journey. You can do hard things!
5. What you can't do alone, you can do together.
4. Plan your next hike while you're coming down from the first.
3. Faith trumps fear.
2. When you get to the top, dance!
1. The Lord reigns!
On Friday, June 26, the first of Mary Hilgendorf’s Bible studies focused on Psalm 121: 1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD.” She applied these verses to Naomi’s experience in The Book of Ruth as she traveled on her pilgrimage back to the hills of Bethlehem. Hilgendorf noted, “SO much has changed in women’s lives since Naomi’s day, and yet, NOT much has changed in women’s lives since Naomi’s day.” As Naomi looked to the hills of Bethlehem, she had no idea that the Messiah would come from her descendents. Psalm 121 stands as a pilgrimage song for believers today as we continue our pilgrimage through life until we reach our heavenly home.
On Saturday, June 27, the second of Mary Hilgendorf’s Bible studies focused on Isaiah 52: 7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Our God reigns!’” She applied this verse to Deborah’s experience in Judges 4 and 5 as Deborah stood on Mount Tabor and waited for news of victory in a war with the Canaanites. The Bible study analyzed Deborah’s leadership style as she met the challenges as a leader during a raging battle and the outcome of becoming a “peacemaker.” Hilgendorf noted, “Will we simply ‘keep the peace’ and appease the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh? No, it’s time for battle as we strive to reach the hearts of women in our communities and become ‘peacemakers’ so that they can experience ‘that peace that passes all understanding’ in Jesus Christ.”
Following the convention, Mary Hilgendorf commented, “The LWML does amazing work! In this challenging economy, these women do not waiver. They adopted a record mission goal of $1.825 million for the 2009-2011 biennium. The convention was such an uplifting, faith experience for me. The women of the LWML are outstanding leaders in our church body, and I am in awe of their dedicated work for God’s kingdom.”
Look to the Hills…. God reigns!