Meet the 2025 -2027 YWRs
• Leilani Beachem, Trinity Lutheran Church, Norman, Oklahoma
• Juliana Muray, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Edmond, Oklahoma
• Victoria Niesel, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Gabbryel Wenneker, Christ Lutheran Church, Mustang, Oklahoma
Leilani Beachem
I was born in 1996 and raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma. I was baptized and raised Lutheran by my mother and grandmother, and I am a fourth-generation LWML member. The church I grew up in was called Hope Lutheran Church and was a mostly black congregation. That church shut down, and a lot of members from Hope Lutheran migrated to First Lutheran Church - that being another location in Muskogee. That is where I became conscious and active in LWML and spent my teenage years in that church.
I grew up with music all around me, my mother was an organist for the Lutheran church for 30 years. I played clarinet, bass clarinet, and alto saxophone in both Hilldale and Muskogee high school bands. I find myself enjoying nature and craving long drives. Most importantly, I enjoy making a connection and serving the Lord with women who share common values with me. I feel seen and I feel heard. I am so excited to be a YWR and grateful for this experience. My mother was a YWR, and as she is late in her years with illness, I find that this is yet another way to always be connected with her.
Juliana Muray
I attend St. Mark Lutheran Church in Edmond, OK. I am a wife, and I have a three-year-old son named Ezra. I work as a Program Coordinator at the Edmond Senior Center, where I have the privilege of serving and connecting with seniors in the community. I also enjoy volunteering at St. Mark Lutheran MDO & Preschool.
I am excited to be a YWR and feel blessed to have the opportunity to attend the National Convention in Omaha. I am looking forward to growing in my faith, learning more about LWML, and building connections with other Sisters in Christ. My favorite bible verse is 1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all that you do be done in love.” I know that being a YWR will help me further share God’s Love with others.
Victoria Niesel
I am a 34 year-old mother of two beautiful daughters, Eleanor and Adeline. I was born and raised in Bethany, Oklahoma. I've been a Lutheran and a member of Immanuel Lutheran OKC for my entire 34 years of life. I enjoy being with my family, singing, and homesteading. I've spent many years dedicated to my craft of singing, dancing, and acting, being in numerous choirs and musicals. Over the last few years, I've dedicated my time to learning gardening and taking care of chickens, turkeys, and ducks. I've also spent many years involved in the church, LWML, and at Camp Lutherhoma in Tahlequah, OK. I'm honored and excited to be a part of this year's YWR's and being at the convention! Looking forward to serving the Lord however best he sees fit.
Gabbryel Wenneker
I can never express my gratitude enough that the Lord has never left my side. I am a lady who’s crazy about her honey and kiddos. Truth is I always wanted a brother growing up, so having two boys was a dream come true. I’m a stay-at-home wife/homeschool mom.
I might have a reading problem. I might be in two book clubs. I might love baked goods but might maybe may it’s all okay.
I felt terrified to begin homeschooling. The Lord truly made it clear to me that He’d guide me the entire time. Four years later my younger son joined us. We are still going strong, learning together thanks to our Lord.
I prayed the Lord would give me peace about where He wanted us to be and settle when looking for our forever home. I’ll admit I began to worry there for a minute. I had never experienced a feeling of complete comfort and ease upon entering a home or church. We had the wonderful pleasure of being confirmed and becoming members of Christ Lutheran Church in Mustang, OK.
My entire life I’ve loved to help others in whatever way I could. From a young age of less than ten, I was helping others. Seems when we understand our gift from the Lord and honor Him in it, He blesses us in return with renewed strength and joy. With the help of two lovely ladies from church, I lead a program called Assemble, which is to bring fellowship to all ages and stages at our church. This year, I will be shadowing the chair who currently leads the fellowship ministry to take over.
I’m quite excited to learn and grow alongside such seasoned and wise women in our church.
More information on what a YWR is and does
The Young Women in Mission Team energizes and mentors younger women to connect and grow in relationships as sisters In Christ. This includes equipping and encouraging young women to become more involved in their congregation and the mission of the LWML. The team also facilitates the Young Woman Representative (YWR) program. A YWR is a young woman 18-35 years of age, a member of LCMS, who has not attended a National Convention as a YWR.
A YWR:
- has enthusiasm for the organization and a commitment to encourage other young women of the LWML.
- has the willingness to commit to the position for two years and is willing to travel to conventions and Board of Director meetings.
- will actively seek to be involved in all aspects of LWML.
At the 2024 LWML Oklahoma District Convention information on young women being mentored was highlighted.
Here is information for Mentees and for those who will Mentor:
LWML Oklahoma District Mentoring Program Power Point
Young Woman Mentee Application Form
Oklahoma LWML Mentor Application
Cookies for Courage Event 2023
The Oklahoma Young Women's group held an event titled, 'Cookies for
Courage" on 25 February 2023 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee
Oklahoma. In attendance were 9 children, 3 young women, 9 LWML members, and
3 helping staff totaling 24 participants. 216 Cookies were decorated and
packaged into 12 bags to be dispersed by each participant to first
responders, police and fire departments, across the state.
Two local polices officers from the Shawnee Police Department spoke on the
local community struggles and ways to support first responders. This
included providing blankets, can openers, shoes and socks directly to local
polices stations enabling officers to hand out these products to those in
need. The officers spoke of local book drives and toy drives held around
Christmas time as well. The event ran smoothly with participants of all
ages helping in the decorating and packaging of cookies. Multiple
participants stated they had a wonderful time and looked forward to the next
Young Women's event.
Resources for Young Women in Mission can be found here:
Follow Young Women in Mission on Facebook
