LCMS World Relief _and Human Care

LCMS WR-HC reaches out in mercy and compassion to those in need, motivated by Christ and His Gospel, according to the Lutheran confession of the faith.

Core Values

Mercy - Demonstrating the unconditional compassion and love of God in Jesus Christ through works of mercy.
Fidelity - Demonstrating faithfulness to Holy Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions and the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Integrity - Honor and accountability in our relationships with partners and donors.
Capacity - Developing and strengthening internal resources to meet human care needs.

Celebrate MERCY Sunday

Please join Lutheran congregations in recognizing Mercy Month and Mercy Sunday, November 17th, 2013, to help share Christ's mercy with people in need worldwide.

For this special Sunday, the LCMS offers these free materials:

Superstorm Sandy LCMS Disaster Response: Bulletin Insert, Prayers, and More
Life Ministry Resources
Health Ministry Resources
Deaconess Ministries
Bible studies
Videos

Our History

Earliest records show the General Relief Board was established in 1905 and expended its first disaster response funding in 1907. The board primarily assisted LCMS employees and provided help for disaster survivors and destitute persons worldwide. Under different names, the board played major roles in relief and recovery efforts following both World Wars. After 1953, as the Board for World Relief, the agency focused its efforts on disaster response and self-help programs.

Today, LCMS World Relief and Human Care is a vibrant ministry of hope, sharing Christ’s mercy with people in need worldwide. In recent years, the agency enhanced relationships with international partners and continues to award grants to domestic and international partners for projects that benefit communities in need.