Thank you for your service, Kathie Wendland!
This January 2023, Kathie Wendland stepped down from the WM Executive Team. Since the formation of WELS WM in 2007, Kathie has served as a mentor, advisor, and conference liaison.
Over the years, Kathie has worked diligently to ensure women have resources and access to doctrinally sound, biblical content. Her fervent prayer is that these would deepen their understanding of Scripture, propel them to spiritual maturity, and give them the confidence to boldly share the message of Jesus with those outside the church walls.
Kathie has also served as a confidant and personal mentor to many women throughout WM. Her input on doctrinal discussions, Bible study materials, WM conference themes, and her sense of humor will be missed.
As much as WM is blessed by her service, we know that the ripple effect of her godly character, servant’s heart, and bold adherence to Scripture will continue to be felt around the world and for generations to come.
All is not lost. We are thankful Kathie will continue to put these gifts to use on the teaching team of WM (Titus 2 Team) and as an influence on the WM conference in 2024.
Join us in thanking God for using the gifts of Kathie Wendland to bless many from the foundational years of WELS Women’s Ministry until now! To God be the glory!
Kathie’s Background
Kathie Wendland grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. She has served in various capacities in three countries on two continents, ranging from secular positions such as US Navy Officer (Nurse Corp); Frontier Nursing Service in Hyden, KY; ICU nurse at Milwaukee County General Hospital; night administrator of nursing at a large hospital in Milwaukee; home health nurse in Milwaukee; in a nurse practitioner role (without the degree and before a degree was required) at both the Canadian High Commission and American Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia; to serving in WELS ecclesiastical positions such as Central Africa Medical Mission assistant “sister in charge” with the Salima Lutheran Mobile Clinic in Salima, Malawi, Africa; relief nurse at Mwembezhi Lutheran Rural Health Centre, Zambia; nurse recruiter and advisor on the WELS Central Africa Medical Mission Committee; and currently as parish nurse for her home congregation in Mishicot, Wis.
Presently Kathie is employed taking care of little calves, about 60-80 of them, on a dairy farm. She’s been privileged to lead women’s Bible studies for over 20 years.
Kathie’s husband, Ernst, served as a missionary in Zambia for 21 years and she was with him for 5 of those years. They were married just short of 25 years when the Lord took Ernst to heaven.
Of the above activities, only the medical mission nursing in Malawi was part of “her plan” for her life and that only sort of. She would say the Lord opened doors and shoved her through them. Some days were great, but most were filled with challenges of some sort. Many days ended in tears. Some started that way.
Kathie knew the world says to put me first and demand my rights, but Paul wrote to the Romans, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Putting this passage into practice has been a life-long challenge for her. One that, by the grace of God, was eased by Christian mentors.
Kathie said, “I’ve always looked for mentors and was richly blessed whenever I found them. Now I’ve come to realize I’m at the age where I am one and need to closely examine Paul’s words, ‘Follow me as I follow the example of Christ’, (1 Cor. 11:1) for guidance in being a Christian mentor—who by the grace of God will be a blessing to others.”
