Res. 3-03 — To Thank God for Work of LCMS Disaster Response and Human Care Partners and To Require Districts to Appoint Disaster Response Coordinators

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2) and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and the Lord calls His Church to works of mercy that flow from His mercy given to us in Christ Jesus; and

WHEREAS, Since its current organizational structure was established in 2005, LCMS Disaster Response has faithfully equipped the church for acts of mercy in times of crisis, trained and coordinated Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers, trained leaders, and supported congregations and districts in times of disaster; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Disaster Response currently works through 104 key leaders across 35 districts and six recognized service organizations (RSO), supporting a network of more than 9,200 trained LERT volunteers and more than 80 pieces of specialized disaster equipment, enabling faithful and compassionate response; and

WHEREAS, In the past triennium, LCMS Disaster Response provided $3,427,748 in national disaster relief grants, mobilized 6,630 LCMS responders who collectively contributed 77,350 hours of service across training and deployment, with 4,755 LCMS responders completing training during this same period (Mary Henrichs, “‘Gospel at the center’: LCMS Disaster Response update ,” Reporter Online, January 28, 2026, reporter.lcms.org/2026/gospel-at-center-disaster-37 response-update); and

WHEREAS, In the past triennium, LCMS Disaster Response and its volunteers have responded to disasters in the United States (including hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other emergencies) and ha ve provided enhancements with new training options for LERT volunteers and trainers, showing Christ’s mercy in tangible acts of service and bringing the comfort of the Gospel with pastoral care to thousands of survivors; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Disaster Response also extended Christ’s mercy internationally in the past triennium, distributing $1,082,873 in international grants, including response to the 2024 floods in Brazil, where eight churches were rebuilt, 200 pastors and lay leaders were trained in disaster response, thousands of confessional materials were replaced, and more than 2,200 families received assistance; and response to the 2024 wildfires in Chile, where construction materials were provided to rebuild homes, over 30,000 meals were distributed, and more than 8,000 people were served through preaching, teaching, mercy care, and spiritual support (ibid.); and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has a rich history of caring for the most vulnerable, and in the past triennium this has included disaster relief and support for legal immigrants and refugees through LCMS Disaster Response and various RSOs; and

WHEREAS, The congregations and members of the Synod have generously contributed their time, resources, and prayers to sustain these vital ministries of mercy; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks and praise to God for His mercy and provision through the ongoing work of LCMS Disaster Response and its human care partners, especially for the witness and service offered through LERT volunteers, districts, and RSOs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage continued support and prayer for those affected by natural disasters, and for legal immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable neighbors, and for those who serve faithfully in times of crisis; and be it further

Resolved, That each district appoint a district disaster response coordinator to work directly with LCMS Disaster Response and offer LERT training modules in the district; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod commend LCMS Disaster Response, its staff, leaders, and volunteers, to the Lord’s continued care, asking Him to strengthen their work in mercy and to bless their proclamation of the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks for these efforts and seek additional ways to extend Christ’s mercy to those in need, so that the church at large may continue to bear witness to the love of Christ through acts of mercy and service; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod joyfully confess that every act of mercy flows from Christ Himself, “who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction” (2 Cor. 1:4), to the glory of God and the comfort of His people.