This month we want to tell you more about the “Making the Next Generation of Disciples for Life” program of LCMS Life Ministry, recipients of an $92,000 grant from Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM) in the 2019–2021 biennium.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.Jeremiah 1:5

In recent years the sanctity of life, and the family as God designed it, has been under attack in societies across the globe. Our children, from a very young age, are surrounded by media that attack the family as well as Christian values and morals. Even public libraries in some communities have begun offering story hours focused on anti-family concepts. These influences on our children cause devaluation of life, marriage and the family as God designed it.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) continues to stand on the truth of God’s Word, making disciples for life. LCMS Life Ministry is devoted to upholding the sanctity of human life, both in our church body and the culture at large, and working with the LCMS to share Christ’s love and mercy with their neighbors. They share biblical teachings regarding the sanctity of all human life, with a clear Law and Gospel approach, according to the confessional witness of the LCMS.

The resources of this grant will provide accessible information to children and families regarding life and family issues. It was created specifically to be developmentally appropriate for early childhood, young children and elementary aged children and their families. Included will be classroom materials, videos, storybooks and digital books for children and families which focus on providing awareness of sanctity of life concerns throughout all stages of life. These resources will create among children an awareness and respect for life and the family as God designed it, which will have a lasting effect on choices they make as they grow and mature. The resources will also create pro-life educational outreach to children through LCMS congregations and Lutheran schools, child-care centers and preschools as well as other Christian schools and children’s ministries.

This grant will assist parents, teachers, family members and Christian friends to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6), teaching children from a young age that all human life is valuable to God and thus to all of us.

Lutheran Women in Mission (LWM) is the official women’s auxiliary of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Since 1942, LWM has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and by supporting global missions. For more information on each month’s mission focus, visit LWML.org. Saint John’s Lutheran Women in Mission (Mission Guild) meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM in Room 301. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.