The 49th annual Lutheran Women's Missionary Society (LWMS) convention, held June 21-24 in Winston-Salem, N.C., gave more than 700 attendees an opportunity to learn more about and rejoice in WELS mission work, both in the United States and abroad.

“This year’s convention theme, ‘Our God Reigns,’ was very apparent,” says Jackie Hieb, president of the LWMS board of directors. “We as Americans have it really good. We don’t have to worry about where or when we go to church to worship. Coming to the convention reminds us of how blessed we really are—we have the freedom to worship. When we hear of the struggles of those who don’t have these religious freedoms, who are truly afraid, we realize there are so many people we need to pray for.”

Presentations from both home and world missionaries enlightened the 723 attendees, 155 of whom came for the first time. Prior to attending the convention, newcomer Jennifer Rooney did not realize the full extent of WELS mission work at home and abroad. “What really surprised me was how touched and how moved I was by the work that we’re doing,” she says. “How it truly is affecting people today and forever, for an eternity!”

At the convention, LWMS organizers presented $144,013 to Home and World Mission administrators for several different mission projects. This includes contributions given throughout the year by the almost 900 congregations that are LWMS members as well as money given through the kids c.a.r.e program. Almost $30,000 also was collected at the convention’s worship services.

The next LWMS convention will be held June 27-30, 2013, in La Crosse, Wis.

Read more about the convention at www.wels.net/missions. Learn more about the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society at www.lwms.org.