Support and aid

How many ways does WELS reach beyond the synod to lend support and aid to people in need throughout the world?

The greatest amount of support and aid comes through WELS Christian Aid and Relief. Elsewhere on this website you can find this information: “Christian Aid and Relief continues to work with the WELS Board for World Missions, our WELS Missionaries, our sister congregations of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference around the world, and the Board for Home Missions in funding humanitarian aid projects which reflect Christ’s love to people in need and build bridges to proclaim the gospel.” This link will enable you to read about some of the support and aid given to people in more than a dozen countries.

In addition, the 2019 Book of Reports and Memorials includes this information: “In 2017–18, $327,475 was granted for humanitarian aid projects. For 2018–19, $317,403 has been approved. Major items funded in our world mission fields include borehole drilling to provide clean water, English as a second language (ESL) classes, home-based care for the chronically ill and dying, food assistance to the needy, food and nutrition to orphans, serving people with special needs, skill training and care for women, technology training, and medical equipment and health clinics…We thank our gracious Lord for moving the hearts of WELS members to show how much they care with their prayers and gifts of love” (Page 72).

All this is a way of trying to do what Scripture instructs: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Of course, the greatest need people have is a Savior: Jesus Christ. A healthy percentage of our synod’s ministry plan is allocated for home and world missions. We seek to carry out what Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).