This book presents a rich and insightful look at the deaconess vocation and its blessing to the LCMS. Utilizing primary sources to document the inspiring story of the deaconess movement within the LCMS, it fills a significant gap in the annals of synodical history. Collected in this one volume is a record of events as well as the thoughts and actions of deaconesses during every era of the Synod's history.

Dreams Never Die When You Believe in Them Phoebe Lapp's grandmother was anything but ordinary. Before her death, the eccentric elderly woman purchased three Assateague ponies, seemingly for no reason. But after her passing, Phoebe learns of her beloved grandmother's wish to start an Amish pony farm in a lovely little valley near the Adirondack Mountains for hurting Englisha children. That dream now lies with Phoebe if she decides to fulfill it, but a teaching position is available as well. Which path should she choose? Further complicating her decision, before her passing, Grandma Lapp asked a neighbor, David Fisher, to be involved in running the farm and help Phoebe. David agrees, but his sister Ruth has yet to abandon her rumspringa, and the only reason she hasn't left the church already is because of Grandma Lapp's kindness. Unbeknownst to Phoebe, David has secret hopes of attracting her affection, but Ruth's decision to stay or jump the fence could make things difficult for him. Phoebe knows she has choices to make—whether or not to honor her grandmother's legacy and what to do about David's growing attentions toward her. But she's not alone. God is with her every step of the way.

Phoebe Johnson and Ethan Smith had everything they needed: loving parents, great friends, and admission letters to Ivy League schools they'd be heading to in the fall. If only they knew that they were never going to reach the end of that summer--at least, not in the world they knew. A secret waits to be revealed on the eve of their nineteenth birthday, a secret that is going to change their lives forever when it leads them to a place they never believed existed, love they could never imagine living without, and power they never suspected they possessed. Jess Bowen expertly plunges readers into an imaginative, supernatural world that refuses to bow down to the darkness that's all but taken over. Amidst this adventurous quest for a lost prophecy, Bowen weaves in powerful tales of love that will leave the characters and readers breathless.

Spies, secrets, and sacrifice… The American Revolution has begun, but the deadliest threats may lurk in the shadows. For Phoebe Tredwell, the fight for independence is about to become deeply personal as she uncovers a sinister conspiracy that reaches from the shores of Long Island to the heart of General Washington's army. Aided by a network of brilliant and daring women, Phoebe must use her wit, charm, and courage to navigate a treacherous labyrinth of Loyalist spies, British agents, and a mysterious counterfeit ring. But as she races against time to prevent a devastating plot, she begins to realize that the greatest challenges may lie within her own heart. A gripping tale of intrigue, romance, and revolution that will keep you turning pages late into the night, The Patriot's Daughter is Book One of the Daughters of Liberty, a vivid new historical novel series that illuminates the extraordinary sacrifices and triumphs of the unsung heroines who helped give birth to a new nation.

Day after day Phoebe is subjected to living as a servant in her brother's home, picked on by her hateful sister-in-law, and forced to endure matchmaking schemes influenced by greed. Marriage to an ill-tempered man with several misbehaving children seems to be her lot, and her hope is about to be snuffed out. Could a chance encounter in the woods change the direction of her life and finally introduce her to someone who could care about her?

Maddie Montgomery and her mother, Phoebe meet the charming and mysterious Jack Stone at an expenses-paid weekend getaway. Completely flattered by Jack, Phoebe invites the man to a family gathering in their hometown of Quinn Dixie, Maryland. Not all are as impressed with Jack, especially Adam, a local detective who has recently returned from an undercover assignment. Adam's suspicion uncovers details about Jack that he immediately shares with Maddie. Maddie, who has found herself attracted to Jack, disagrees. Soon Jack's behavior starts to change and causes Maddie to think twice. Using information that Adam has uncovered about the mysterious Jack Stone, Maddie pieces together a puzzle that unveils startling information about Jack, the first having to do with his dead wife, Jennifer. With only the intention of finding the truth, Maddie's discoveries lead her to a startling conclusion that the charming Jack Stone may have devious intentions. Her determination lands her in a face-to-face confrontation with not only Jack Stone, but another victim who is equally dangerous and desperate.