"By the Mercies of God," our church shows mercy to others.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom. 12:1).
Over the last few years, God has greatly blessed The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) through the generosity and compassion of people throughout the Synod in a way that has not been seen for quite some time.
An incredible $8.2 million was joyfully given during this time to support the sharing of Christ’s mercy around the world through donations for “LCMS World Relief and Human Care” or “Mercy.”
The LCMS has put those dollars to work through tangible acts of mercy — in the United States, in Kenya, in the Dominican Republic and in locations all around the world.
On behalf of all those who were blessed by this mercy work, thank you for expressing your faith and being a blessing through your ongoing gifts and prayers.
International Stories
Global Safety and Security
LCMS staff utilize industry-leading resources to help keep missionaries safe so they can serve to the best of their ability.
Missionary Care
The LCMS Office of International Mission supports the well-being of missionary families at every stage of their service.
Responding to Emergencies
The LCMS Office of International Mission allocates funds for each region to use when an opportunity arises to demonstrate Christ’s mercy to someone in need.
Flood Recovery in Ethiopia
The LCMS provided assistance following a flood that damaged the seminary of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus.
Construction of a New Project 24 Site in Kenya
The LCMS provided funding for the eighth Project 24 site for vulnerable children in Kenya.
Care for the Disabled in the Dominican Republic
Lutherans in the Dominican Republic are changing attitudes toward people with developmental disabilities.
Outreach Centers in Russia
The LCMS supports two outreach centers in Russia that provide pastoral care, counseling, financial assistance and other services to those in need.
Sending Short-Term Mission Teams
The LCMS Short-Term Mission Program is sending more volunteers on mission trips and filling more field requests than ever before.
Care for Venezuelans
The LCMS is bringing mercy and God’s Word to Venezuelans amid their country’s humanitarian crisis.
National Stories
Church Worker Retreats
The LCMS Office of National Mission has held retreats around the country to care for the Synod’s ordained and commissioned ministers.
Pro-life Educational Materials
Curriculum from LCMS Life Ministry uses ultrasound footage to teach about life in the womb.
Child Protection Training Initiative
The LCMS has provided resources to help Lutheran congregations and schools protect the children in their care.
Adoption and Foster Care Resources
LCMS Life Ministry provides written materials, videos and podcasts on these topics.
Marching for Life
LCMS participation in life marches continues to increase each year, with Lutherans standing up for life at events all around the country.
Soldiers of the Cross Grants
This program delivers emergency support to rostered church workers in crisis.
Resources on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues
The LCMS Office of National Mission has created resources and held events to equip congregations, church workers and parents.
Pregnancy Resource Centers and Maternity Homes
Million Dollar Life Match grants have supported pro-life ministries in Texas and Missouri.
Pro-life Ministry in Nebraska
A Million Dollar Life Match grant supported Forward in Lincoln, Neb.
Pro-life Outreach in Illinois
A Million Dollar Life Match grant supported the Breakfast with Baby program in Carol Stream, Ill.
A New Maternity Home in Illinois
A Million Dollar Life Match grant supported a joint venture between Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries and congregations in northern Illinois.
The Million Dollar Life Match
This unique grant program supports LCMS congregations involved in providing beginning-of-life care in their communities.
Resource
Mercy Booklet Series
In a variety of timely yet timeless essays, Lutheran theologians look at Christ’s mercy and the way in which He showers healing, compassion and forgiveness on His people.
Additionally, within these essays, Christians will also be encouraged to engage in active, joyful lives of mercy in their own homes, workplaces, congregations and communities.
Disaster Response Stories
Rebuilding After the Iowa Derecho
Lutherans organized a collaborative response to care for those impacted by a massive wind storm in Iowa in 2020.
Serving After the Selma Tornado
LCMS Disaster Response and its partners shared Christ’s love through prayer and service in tornado-torn Selma, Ala., in 2023.
Providing Chainsaw Training
LCMS Disaster Response equips LERT volunteers with chainsaw skills so they can better serve after a disaster.
Recovery after Hurricane Ian
After Hurricane Ian hit in 2022, LCMS Disaster Response organized a full-scale recovery effort in conjunction with the affected districts and the LERT volunteer network.
Church Renovation in Panama
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Balboa, Panama, which was once devastated by a series of catastrophic events, welcomed worshipers back to its beautifully restored sanctuary in 2024.
Resource
Grant Opportunities
