Árdís - 01.01.1958, Síða 35

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
33
they can go anywhere in Canada or the United States, to give one
full year of their lives completely to church service. This means
professional women and business women who will take a one-year
leave-of-absence from their present positions; homemakers now
free from all family responsibilities; and college students wanting
to explore further before deciding upon their careers. The United
Lutheran Church is challenging the girls and women of our church
to give just ONE YEAR of their lives to the needs of our institu-
tions, social agencies, and parishes.
The four deaconesses who came to America with Pastor Flied-
ner performed a great task. They began a great work which was to
fill a great need within the Christian church. The need is just as
great today as when Dr. Passavant stood on the dock waiting for
the boat which carried Rev. Fliedner and those four deaconesses.
Today the Church needs Christian women, who, because Christ
first loved them, are willing to give their lives and be dedicated to
the Master’s Service. Christ has not withdrawn His command.
What He commanded for the first days of the Church, so it is today.
He set the example while on earth and His teachings clearly states
that He wants His followers to be Messengers of Peace. His com-
mands will remain as long as there is need for ministering hands
of the Christian worker. Yes, God is calling women today to His
Service, — Women, who are concerned about the spiritual and
temporal needs of their fellow-men, — Women who are willing to
wholeheartedly serve Christ wherever He leads — Women who are
concerned about God’s Will — “Not what I will, but what thou
wilt, Lord!” Women who are willing to lose themselves in service
for His sake — servants for Jesus’ sake.
Will you encourage some young girl in your congregation to
be willing to help Christ extends His arms of love around the
world? Will you encourage some woman in your congregation to
respond to the AIDS program — associates in Diaconate Service?