To Commend and Give Thanks for Synod Work regarding Disaster Response

WHEREAS, Our gracious Heavenly Father richly and daily provides us with all that we need to support this body and life (Small Catechism I) and continues to provide for us, especially in the midst of disaster, through various God-pleasing vocations; and

WHEREAS, God calls us to recognize our neighbors’ needs and to love them by showing mercy; and

WHEREAS, Jesus says, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39); and

WHEREAS, We are blessed that we might bless others, especially in times of disaster; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has for many years focused on supporting its members and all of God’s people during disaster; and

WHEREAS, The Church at large has been faithful in supporting such disaster response across the United States and the world with financial, physical, and spiritual support; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Disaster Response has continued to grow and learn to be more effective in its response from its inception; and

WHEREAS, In the last four years, the LCMS has responded to many disasters nationally and internationally, including Hurricane Dorian; Hurricane Laura; Hurricane Sally; Hurricane Ida; Hurricane Ian; North Alabama spring 2021 tornadoes; DOXOLOGY fire respite in California; medical supplies and clothing for Native American Reservations, Texas/Mexico border missions, and the Appalachians; pantries; food shelters; and Veteran Services; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks for the faithful, diligent, and responsible actions of the church, its auxiliaries, and recognized service organizations (e.g., Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Orphan Grain Train) as it partners in response to disasters with the many different organization and individual congregations; and be it further

Resolved, That LCMS Disaster Response continue to produce training, resources, and grants to serve the Synod and our communities and continue to provide to those in need;

and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its members to continue to support the mercy work of LCMS Disaster Response with prayer for all those who suffer from all manner of disasters, to participate in Lutheran Early Response Team training, to offer volunteer assistance when there is the opportunity, and to provide financial resources to assist those in need, as we show Christ’s love through our acts of mercy