LWMS update from Linda Petersen

Linda Petersen represented Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti at the 2018 LWMS convention.  Here's her update:

On June 19, Pam Folkens and I packed up and headed from Roseville, MN to Green Bay, WI for the 55th Annual Convention  of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society.  The opening service was held Thursday evening, with this year's theme being Speak, Oh Lord.
 
As members of Branch Lutheran Schools of Haiti, Inc. we were in charge of setting up a display table which helped to inform attendees of the mission of Branch.  I also set up a Wisconsin Lutheran Synod Missionary table for Missionary Terry Schultz, who is the missionary to Haiti. 
 
Mary and Terry Schultz were unable to attend the convention as planned due to his father's passing on Monday night. They were sadly missed by convention goers, as well as Branch board members and friends. We were pleased to fill in for them as much as possible.  Mary was also supposed to carry in the Haiti flag for the opening service and carry it out at the closing service. It was my privilege and honor to do so.
 
There were approximately 1,440 registered attendees at this convention. I believe that Pam and I, along with Branch treasurer Kathleen Menke met and spoke with most of them over the 3 days the display room was open.  Our husbands, Darryl Folkens, Branch secretary and Lee Petersen, Branch chairman filled in on Saturday as needed.
 
We were able to identify at least 25 groups/individuals who are anxious to sew pencil cases for our expected 500+ students' Christmas gifts which Branch members will hand deliver in December.
 
We also met missionaries and their wives from many countries and heard their inspiring stories of God's great blessings they have experienced on their mission fields.  Apache missions is celebrating their 125th Anniversary this year, and many Apache women attended and sang at this year's convention.  Two Apache pastors were featured speakers at one session and gave a history of the mission, as well as sharing some humor with us.
 
On Sunday, June 24, we attended the closing service and the official end of the 55th convention. Fittingly, the flags were carried out to the hymn Lift High the Cross.
 
We are already planning for next year's convention in Des Moines. Hope to see you there.
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