Recognizing that missionary women enjoyed decorating their homes with current styles and colors, WMF women were encouraged to donate money for the “linen room” rather than donating items.  Returning missionaries were now given a gift of money to be able to shop for their own household needs.

 

The yearly World Mission Prayer booklet began, providing a photo and information about each missionary family, with space to write prayer needs, and included in each woman’s convention packet.  

 

Instead of the “pie-shaped” multi-faceted budget of the past, beginning in 1990, projects were chosen from World Missions, Home Missions, and Lutheran Brethren Schools (later Youth Ministries was added, but at the beginning, the “overage” money was designated for YM).  Each year, one ministry received special emphasis, receiving a double portion of money.

 

Many women of the nineties were going back to the workplace as their children grew, and some even with young children at home.  Because of this, local organizations began changing.  Time with their families became more precious, so women were reluctant to spend an evening away from home, unless it was for something special or unusual.  Some groups adapted to this change, and provided Bible studies at various times during the week, accommodating working women’s schedules.  Others changed from monthly meetings, to fewer meetings during the year which were more elaborate, or designed to meet specific needs.  Still others changed nothing, and began to dwindle in size.  Some even disbanded.

 

Recognizing the need to help local groups, the yearly National Convention for several years focused on Leadership training with nationally known speakers such as Daisy Hepburn, and Barbara Francis.

 

Ruth Vallevik wrote an expanded Handbook to help new groups start WMF in their churches.  These were distributed to all churches, and several related workshops were presented.

 

Brainstorming began about the possibility of a Director of Women’s Ministries.