Although the supply here continues to be strong, demand overseas is changing. LWR partner agencies are realizing the benefits of versatility and preparedness. Soap is used overseas in schools, hospitals, clinics, and refugee camps. New soap can be used in all these places. Used soap and home-made soap, as lovely as it is, may not be appropriate for surgical scrub and other sensitive medical uses. In addition, health officials in some countries now ask for new soap.

In the face of these changes, good management and good stewardship require a change: LWR is now asking that soap donations include only new soap--bars of any brand, in original wrappings. Used soap and home-made soap that parishes have already collected are welcome, as usual, while those stocks last. Also, it is fine to wait for the 1999 fall ingathering to ship the soap. From now on, however, please gather only new soap in accordance with this new plan.

We have been and are "Lutherans in a lather." Let's continue to be--reaching out to others with the warm and willing hands of Christ.