St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO: A Critical Moment for LCMS Disaster Response

If you have questions about this email or need assistance, please contact LCMS Mission Advancement at 888-930-4438 or mission.advancement@lcms.org.

LCMS Disaster Response | Give to Disaster Relief

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
As most of us gathered with family and friends for Christmas worship and celebrations, cities in Texas and the Deep South were slammed by tornados while historic rainfall poured down on the Midwest. In Texas alone, hundreds of homes were leveled, and record-breaking floodwaters in Missouri and Illinois destroyed or damaged some 2,000 homes and businesses, devastating numerous communities. And it's not over. In the next few days, floodwaters will crest and create more flooding as they make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Many of those affected are members of the LCMS. While we were enjoying Christmas, they experienced the worst events of their lives. Now their homes are in shambles.
I've been at this business of mercy in disaster a long time. Since the beginning of the intensification of World Relief and Human Care disaster work some 15 years ago, we have not faced such a critical moment. Because of the ebb and flow of events and needs, our disaster funds in reserve are critically low. Luther preached, "Jesus has left us a commandment… that we are to render the works of mercy to those afflicted and in a state of calamity… Jesus Christ gave us the brightest example when he descended into our flesh and took on our penalty so that we might be saved."
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through LCMS Disaster Response is working with district leaders, partner organizations and LCMS congregations to reach out with Christ's love and compassion as flood and storm victims recover. As a church body, we stand alongside our districts and congregations as they help victims and their communities begin the long and difficult journey to recovery. You can help.
Our capacity to assist those most affected will depend heavily on you and other LCMS friends whom God empowers to respond to this special emergency appeal.
We are beginning this response effort with existing disaster-relief funds – but we know that these available funds are far below what will be required to initiate and sustain a robust and meaningful response.
Please, as the Lord has blessed you, will you provide an initial donation to support and bolster our Synod's response efforts done in the name of Christ Jesus?

Financial assistance can also be mailed to: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861. Make checks payable to "The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod" (or "LCMS") and write "Disaster Response" on the memo line. Gifts can be made via phone by calling 888-930-4438.
Thank you. God bless you, the support He leads you to provide, and our Synod's response as His baptized children.
Pastor Matthew C. Harrison
President

Our Statement of Gift Utilization
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will utilize all contributions given for "Disaster Response" in the wake of these storms and flooding only for measured, deliberate and effective relief and recovery efforts in partnership with the affected congregations and districts, and reporting of their use back to the church-at-large. Should the total in gifts from God's people exceed what is required in this particular response effort, the remaining funds will be held in a specific and unique account restricted for the exclusive use by LCMS Disaster Response in future relief and response situations, including advance training of local volunteer disaster responders. In accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the Donor Bill of Rights and our fund-raising Code of Ethics, excess disaster gifts will NOT be re-directed to expenditures unrelated to disaster response work.
For more information, please contact LCMS Mission Advancement.