2021–2023 LWML Mission Grant #2
Healing the Invisible Wounds of War through Horses
Spirit Warrior, Central Maine — $95,000
Watch the video about this mission grant!
About This Mission Grant
Maine is among the list of “least churched” states in the nation. It has only three LCMS churches in the entire state and has only five Veteran Administration Chaplains. Deaconess Kim Slininger was called to Hope Lutheran Church to reach out to the extensive veteran and military community in the Bangor area. Deaconess Kim is herself a disabled veteran, and the Spirit Warrior program is an extension of her ministry. Spirit Warrior is a program that addresses the need to provide pastoral/diaconal care using horses, to those who have stood in the face of evil and have returned. Current traditional therapy does not address the care of the spirit. Many veterans/service members want to connect with God and theological discussions take place while caring for the horses. This grant will provide funding for 58 veterans to go through the program.
Mission Grant Resources
featured October 2021
Bulletin Flyer (b/w half page insert, 2 per page)
Equine Therapists and their handlers. From left to right, Emma, Judy
Cross Strehlke, Program Manager, Coal, Fancy and Sue Osgood,
Volunteer. Mt. Katahdin is barely visible in the background.
A cool, crisp Autumn afternoon allows the horses extra time in the pasture.
Approved Resolution at the LWML Convention
WHEREAS, Christ has compassion for suffering people, and His disciples embody Christ and have compassion for those who suffer; and
WHEREAS, deaconesses are called and desire to share that compassion with the suffering assisted by equines; and
WHEREAS, deaconesses are unable to fully fund the cost of Spirit Warrior Equine Experiential Learning; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the delegates of the 2021 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Convention scheduled for Lexington, Kentucky, vote the sum of $95,000 to help fund Healing the Invisible Wounds of War through Horses.
More Mission Grant Photos
Fancy, Coal and Emma are waiting for our guests to arrive for Veterans
Day Open House. Temperature that day was in the 30's.
Deaconess Kim Slininger dressed for the weather. Even during the coldest of weather, the horses still need to be fed and cared for!
Marlena joined us this Spring. A draft cross, she will allow our clients the opportunity to ride.
