christian aid and relief

Missionary distributes aid in Venezuela

2026/08/31/in News, Together

On June 24, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a pair of earthquakes in northern Venezuela that totaled 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude. The earthquakes occurred 40 seconds apart and caused widespread damage throughout Venezuela. More than 6,500 people have been reported dead, more than 225,000 were injured, and tens of thousands are still missing many months later.

WELS’ One Latin America Team sent Missionary Luis Acosta to the affected area in July to provide gospel comfort and to deliver funds from WELS Christian Aid and Relief to the Christians that the team is working with there. Here is the report from Acosta following that trip:

We finally got in Venezuela. The entrance into the country was not trouble free but nothing that the Lord couldn’t solve. The same day we went to Puerto Cabello to visit Nimia Fuentes and her group. We had a devotional/Bible study focused on answering with God’s Word why the earthquake happened and I encouraged them to spread the gospel with a sense of urgency. We also prayed thanking God for the protection and blessings received, along with our petitions for the country and all people affected. The manifestations of deep thankfulness toward God for the humanitarian aid received were overwhelming, not a dry eye in the room. . . .

From Puerto Cabello we traveled to Acarigua and visited Maireli and Jose Toyo’s group. As happened before, we shared God’s Word to the group and provided his much needed encouragement. Here we saw also how timely and needed was the humanitarian aid they received.

The week ended in Guarenas, 40 minutes east from Caracas, with the visit and worship with José Rolando’s group.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief provided $10,000 in aid to help those in Venezuela. Throughout the summer WELS Christian Aid and Relief also helped congregations in the United States that were affected by flooding, tornadoes, and wildfires as well as those in Colombia following a major earthquake and the Hmong Evangelical Lutheran Church in Vietnam following severe flooding. Christian Aid and Relief is also closely monitoring the needs following the deadly flooding in Nepal.

“Every disaster is hard and painful,” notes Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, “but each one is also an opportunity to show hurting people the compassionate love of our Savior.”

Learn more about WELS’ outreach in Latin America at wels.net/latin-america. Learn more about WELS Christian Aid and Relief at wels.net/relief.

Tornado damages WELS church and school

2026/07/28/in News, Together

Around noon on Monday, July 27, a tornado ripped through northeastern Wisconsin, causing damage to Bethel, Menasha, a bilingual WELS church with about 500 members. The tornado also damaged the Menasha location of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Preschool, which is located on Bethel’s property and is a shared ministry of Bethel and Mount Calvary, Harrison.

Watch video: Tornado damage and cleanup in Menasha, Wis.

The National Weather Service has classified the tornado as an EF-3 with sustained winds of 140 miles per hour. The tornado traveled 12.1 miles, significantly damaging property in Menasha, Appleton, and several other nearby communities. No fatalities have been reported.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief is supporting Bethel and area WELS members with recovery efforts and financial aid as needed. About 75 volunteers helped clear fallen trees and clean up properties damaged by the storm. Mount Calvary has served as the relief team’s deployment base and provided food and water for the team.

“The volunteers got an amazing amount of work done,” says Ethan Cherney, pastor at Bethel. “We had so many trees down that it looked like they cleared a small forest. It was so nice to have lots of hands on deck to help.”

Cherney is gradually hearing from members as electricity and cell service are restored, but it’s still not clear how many members were affected by the storm. Many members were able to come together on Sunday, Aug. 2, to worship in a special service at Eternal Love, Appleton, a nearby WELS church. Counselors from Christian Family Solutions, a WELS-affiliated ministry that offers counseling care and services, were available after worship.

Although parts of Bethel’s roof and some trusses were damaged, the interior suffered minimal damage, so Cherney believes that Bethel’s worship services should continue as normal going forward and that Shepherd of the Valley will be able to open for the first day of school at the end of August.

“Overall, we just are filled with gratitude,” says Cherney. “Gratitude to God for the support being offered and gratitude to those who are offering that support.”

For more information on how to support WELS Christian Aid and Relief in these recovery efforts, visit wels.net/relief.

View photos of the impacted areas below:

This is a developing story, and it will be updated as additional information comes to light.

Originally written on July 28, 2026

Most recently updated on August 4, 2026

Storm update

2026/04/21/in CAR, News, Together

Over the past week, severe weather in the Midwest has impacted many WELS congregations as well as their members and neighbors.

Pastor Dan Sims, director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief, is in contact with area district presidents and is assessing the damage in the flooded areas. One of these is New London, Wis., where Emanuel Lutheran Church and School is located.

Once needs are determined, WELS Christian Aid and Relief may issue a call for volunteers for a New London deployment. To be a volunteer, you must be registered via the WELS Disaster Relief website. Registered volunteers will receive more details regarding deployment.

Additionally, monetary donations are being collected for those impacted throughout the Midwest. Donations can be made online to Christian Aid and Relief. Checks can also be mailed to: WELS CMM, Attn: Christian Aid and Relief, N16W23377 Stone Ridge Dr, Waukesha, WI 53188.

Check out the WELS Christian Aid and Relief website for continuing updates, and visit the Disaster Relief Resource Center for additional information and articles.

Texas flooding relief efforts

2025/07/14/in News

I want to update you on our relief efforts for those affected by the terrible flooding in Texas. This morning, I met via Zoom with leaders from the South Central District of WELS and members of the WELS Christian Aid and Relief Commission to discuss options for giving assistance to those who are suffering. Last week we sent an initial gift of $10,000 through Direct Relief to help provide medical assistance to those impacted by the floodings.

Most of the relief work that is being done currently is “above our pay grade” (search and rescue, heavy equipment, recovery of bodies, etc.). It has been our experience that often there is a lot of help right in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, but then that help dwindles as the weeks and months pass. So, we will continue to look for opportunities to help those who “slip through the cracks” or who need extra assistance. We will also continue to communicate with our congregational and district leaders in Texas. If you know of one of our families that has been affected by the flooding and needs assistance, please reach out to me (contact information below).

As always, we thank you for your concern and compassion, your generosity and support. To God alone be the glory!

Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief
414-256-3204
[email protected]

WELS Christian Aid and Relief provides care through humanitarian aid grants

2025/06/03/in News, Together

To help carry out its ministry of compassion, WELS Christian Aid and Relief announced that it has approved $426,357 to support humanitarian aid projects in WELS mission fields throughout the United States and worldwide for fiscal year 2025-26.

“These grants are huge for our missions,” shares Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief. “They provide an opportunity to show compassion to those who are struggling and lead to many conversations about our compassionate Savior.”

The humanitarian aid projects supported by the grants take many forms, including health care for the sick and dying, borehole drilling to provide clean drinking water, food and warm clothing, school supplies for underprivileged kids, assistance for legal immigrants, scholarships for poor students, mosquito nets, and vocational training.

Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Texas, plans to use grant funds in multiple ways—providing school supplies to kids in need, delivering meals door to door in community neighborhoods, and helping feed those who are homeless.

Hans Thomford, pastor at Amazing Grace, says, “These grants help us to love our community and put ourselves and our new mission around even more people in need of Jesus’ love and forgiveness! The compassion net can really go a great distance with these funds.”

View a complete list of the humanitarian aid projects supported by WELS Christian Aid and Relief through your offerings.

To learn more about the work of WELS Christian Aid and Relief or to support its ministry, visit wels.net/relief.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief cleans up after Wisconsin tornadoes

2025/05/19/in News, Together

This past Saturday, about 40 WELS Christian Aid and Relief volunteers gathered in Juneau, Wis., to clear tree branches and other debris caused by a tornado that touched down in the community on May 15. Using supplies from one of the WELS Christian Aid and Relief disaster relief trailers, along with their own tools, multiple volunteers were able to chop up the tree debris and move it out of the way. They made quick work at the home of one WELS member and then moved on to a few others.

Additional local cleanup efforts were organized, including one by Lakeside Lutheran High School, which helped to clear debris for a family from Lakeside whose farm was heavily damaged. In the midst of these hardships, it’s wonderful to see God’s people reaching out with love and compassion to assist those who are hurting.

Learn more about Christian Aid and Relief and how to volunteer at wels.net/relief.

Update provided by Rev. Daniel Sims, director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Volunteers needed in Juneau, Wis.

2025/05/16/in Uncategorized

We are gathering a small crew to help clean up tornado debris in Juneau, Wis., tomorrow, Sat., May 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We are looking for eight pullers and draggers and two experienced sawyers. Volunteers should be local (can drive home at the end of the workday).

All the information is listed at welsdisasterrelief.org (click on OPPORTUNITIES). You will need to sign up to join this crew.

Please remember all those impacted by this storm in your prayers.

Did you know . . .

WELS Christian Aid and Relief has prepared an online library of resources to assist congregations in preparing for a variety of natural disasters.

View resources

Hope in the California fires

2025/01/21/in News, Together

Over the last two weeks, fires ravaged entire neighborhoods and communities in southern California. The two main blazes, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, destroyed or damaged more than 15,000 structures and displaced nearly 200,000 people, according to a report on nbcnews.com.

We thank God for sparing Hope Lutheran Church, in Los Angeles, which was within 10 miles of the fires. Additionally, there have been no reports of significant loss or damage from members.

But the surrounding devastation left Hope’s neighbors and community in need. By Sat., Jan. 11, Hope partnered with Pali Fire Support to operate a donation and distribution center on the congregation’s campus, which they were able to open that Saturday and Sun., Jan. 12. While providing material aid, such as clothes, toiletries, diapers, and gift cards, the congregation’s members were also providing spiritual and emotional support to those in need.

The congregation and Pali Fire Support opened the center again on Sat., Jan. 18. Rev. Steven Gabb, pastor at Hope, says, “At the same time, ‘pop up’ efforts like ours are naturally giving way to well-established organizations with the infrastructure, manpower, storage space, and experience in providing humanitarian aid on such a large scale. As such, by the end of the day on Saturday (January 18), we had made plans to cease our operation and move our inventory to one of those larger community organizations.”

“Our role, along with countless others throughout Los Angeles,” explains Gabb, “has been to help bridge the gap between the event and the time when insurance and government aid is able to provide more comprehensive support. It has been a humbling privilege to do our part as God’s instruments and voices in our community.”

WELS Christian Aid and Relief provided a $6,000 grant to Hope to help with local efforts and to provide gift cards for people who lost their homes or were displaced. In addition, Christian Aid and Relief gave $5,000 to Direct Relief, an organization that specializes in medical assistance in disaster situations.

Gabb concludes, “Many thanks to WELS members throughout the synod for their prayers and financial donations to support the effort, to WELS Christian Aid and Relief, and to the Lord for the opportunity to show Christian love and to let our Christian light shine in our community.”

As of Sun., Jan. 19, NBC reported that the Palisades Fire was 56 percent contained, and the Eaton Fire was 81 percent contained. We pray that the fires continue to die out and all who have been affected find hope in the Lord’s promises to care for his people.

For future updates, follow WELS Christian Aid and Relief on Facebook at fb.com/WELSChristianAidAndRelief.

Did you know . . .

WELS Christian Aid and Relief has prepared an online library of resources to assist congregations in preparing for a variety of natural disasters.

View resources

Update on California fires – Jan. 13, 2025

2025/01/13/in News

Dear friends in Christ,

I want to give you another update on the situation in California. I spoke with Pastor Steve Gabb of Hope Lutheran in Los Angeles this morning. So far, our congregations and members in the LA area are safe from the fires. We thank God for this good news!

Pastor Gabb and the members of Hope are working with other community organizations to aid those displaced by the fires. They are basing their efforts at the Hope Lutheran campus. WELS Christian Aid and Relief has provided grants totaling $6,000 to be used to purchase gift cards and other supplies to share with those in need.

I have also authorized a gift of $5,000 to Direct Relief, an organization that specializes in medical assistance in disaster situations. You can learn more about what they do by visiting directrelief.org.

If you would like to support our efforts in the LA area, please visit wels.net/cargift and designate your gift for disaster relief. You can also mail a check to:

WELS Christian Aid and Relief
N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188

Please pray for all those impacted by this fire: displaced people, firefighters and other first responders, volunteers, and government leaders. They all have a lot on their plate. Pray also for our WELS brothers and sisters in LA who are sharing the compassion of Christ in both words and actions.

Thanks so much for your prayers and your support! You are a blessing to so many!

In Christ our compassionate Savior,

Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Update on California fires – Jan. 11, 2025

2025/01/13/in News

Dear friends in Christ,

Here is an update on the situation in Los Angeles from local Pastor Steve Gabb:

I was asked by our district president to send an update regarding the fires here in Los Angeles.

First of all, none of our WELS churches have been in any of the fire or evacuation zones. The congregation where I serve (Hope, on the west side of LA) is the closest to any of the fires, as we are located about 7 miles from Pacific Palisades. We aren’t downwind from the fire, so we haven’t been in any immediate danger. We have been downwind from the Eaton fire (Altadena, CA) about 20 miles away, which resulted in very poor air quality for a few days. We canceled school on Wednesday and Thursday, and were open in a limited capacity on Friday morning. Later in the day on Friday, the winds shifted and are now driving the Palisades fire east and north toward the Valley where St. John’s, Tarzana and St. Paul’s First, North Hollywood are located, but they are still not in a fire or evacuation zone. Pray that that continues to be the case.

As far as I know, no members of our WELS congregations have experienced significant loss. However, a number of connections we have here at Hope to preschool families (current and former) are experiencing significant loss, both in terms of homes and businesses.

As you can imagine, it’s been both chaotic and surreal, but nothing compared to those who are experiencing significant, if not total, loss. I have been in touch with Pastor Dan Sims (WELS Christian Aid & Relief) for how we can support those directly impacted by the fires. We are also looking for opportunities to mobilize our Hope members to serve in a variety of ways: 1) Distributing gift cards to victims (with financial support from Christian Aid & Relief); 2) Financial support for individual families connected to our church and/or school to recoup losses; 3) Provide temporary housing for displaced individuals or families; 4) Volunteers to help at donation centers. As of Friday afternoon, our church has partnered with a grass roots effort of Palisades High School parents, operating a donation center out of our church.

We have received inquiries from a number of WELS congregations for how to support to the effort. First of all, please pray. Pray for safety for those in the fire zones, and also for fire fighters and first responders. Pray that weather conditions become more favorable for gaining control of the fires (we’re expecting another increase in wind early next week). Pray that the fires would be fully contained sooner rather than later. Pray that this would allow for opportunities to share the Good News of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

In addition to prayer …

For congregations in the LA area: Let me know if you’d like to be notified of any ‘boots on the ground’ efforts we organize (e.g. volunteer at a donation or evacuation center). At this point, the Palisades HS group is the only effort we’re involved with, and this group already has enough volunteers. However, we may get involved with other groups in the upcoming days and weeks.

For those outside the LA area: Financial donations might be the best way to support the effort (see instructions below).

FYI: We are not taking collections of food or clothing because we’ve heard that many donation centers are already at capacity.

Thank you to those who have reached out to check in and/or to offer support and thank you for your prayers!
Blessings,

Steven Gabb
Hope Lutheran Church | Los Angeles, CA

To give a financial gift through WELS Christian aid and relief visit wels.net/cargift and designate your gift to Disaster Relief. You can also send a check to the following address:

WELS Christian Aid and Relief
N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188

Thanks for all your prayers and support. It means the world to those who are hurting.

In Jesus our compassionate Savior,

Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Christian Aid and Relief responds to Hurricane Helene

2024/10/01/in News, Together

Hurricane Helene roared ashore on the evening of Sept. 26 bringing a huge swath of destruction in her path from the Big Bend region of Florida all the way to southern Appalachia. The death toll from this terrible storm stands at 120 and is rising. Millions are still without power or water.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief has been in contact with district leaders and pastors in the impacted areas to ascertain needs. I am pleased to report that none of our churches experienced major damage and none of our members lost their lives. However, many experienced extensive damages to their properties. Some even lost their homes entirely. Many of our brothers and sisters are in need.

I am working with our pastors to provide immediate financial assistance to those who need it. In addition, our assessment team will soon visit congregations in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee to assess needs before potential deployments to the region.

Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help. Currently, the best way to help is to give a donation through our disaster relief fund. You can do that by visiting wels.net/CARgift. You can also send a check to the following address:

WELS Christian Aid and Relief
N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188-1108

Thank you for your compassion, support, and generosity.

In Christ, our compassionate Savior,
Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief

Update from South Atlantic District President Rev. Charles Westra

Thanks to all of you for your prayers for our brothers and sisters affected by Helene. Our prayers continue for the many affected.

At this point, we still have no reports of loss of life among our WELS congregations. Many of our congregations celebrated “Michael and all angels” last Sunday. We give thanks to our God for his protection among us.

Pastor Paul Zell in Hendersonville, N.C., shared that communication has been very difficult because cell service is spotty at best. He has spoken to most of his members, and all are safe, but there are many in the greater Asheville, N.C., area that are still missing. Widespread flooding and mudslides were a severe threat. Many members suffered significant damage to homes and property. WELS Christian Aid and Relief representatives will be in Asheville on Saturday to do assessment and begin the coordination of assistance.

Pastor Jonathan Neumann in Martinez, Ga., told me this morning that they are on day five without power. A shortage of drinking water is also a problem for many. Extensive cleanup is needed on the church property. Many members have suffered significant damage to homes and property. WELS Christian Aid and Relief will be on site there early next week.

Pastor David Priebe shared that six families at Bay Pines, Fla., have been displaced from their homes on the barrier islands due to the storm surge. Most of the damage was confined to the narrow strip of Pinellas County along the beach. Three families from Living Savior in Valrico, Fla., also suffered significant damage to their homes. Pastor Priebe also reported that two families from Peace in Trinity, Fla., lost all the contents of their homes.

Support for Missionary Steve Witte’s family

2024/07/03/in Christian Aid and Relief Blog, Disaster Relief, News

Dear friends in Christ,

By now, most of you are aware of the terrible tragedy that has befallen the Witte, Kuehl, and Henselin families. We join you in fervent prayer to our heavenly Father for our dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief has been working with synodical leadership to determine the best ways for us to assist the families. We are partnering with Christian Family Solutions to provide counseling to family members and others impacted by this tragedy. In addition, we are exploring other ways that we can help in the coming days and weeks.

Some of you have reached out and asked about donations for the families. The best way to do that is to give directly to the families or to make use of the support pages that have been set up to assist them. Here are the links that we have at this time:

Go Fund Me Page for the Kuehl Family

Give Send Go Page for the Henselin Family

We will share more information about how to support the families as it becomes available.

Thank you all for your care, concern, and compassion. Please continue to remember the families in your prayers.

Jesus lives!

In Jesus, our compassionate Savior,
Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief
wels.net/relief

Mark Vancleave/AP - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/24/us/rapidan-dam-collapse-risk-minnesota/index.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2COm3sUkzdm74cvGCkDU0IhU-EAj_ck0oRAf_9E29aRQjVy_Ph-XCR_7M_aem_B6jsdY-7YWEAMOIOXfrZVg

North Mankato, Minnesota Flooding

2024/07/03/in Christian Aid and Relief Blog, Disaster Relief

Dear friends in Christ,

In recent days the Midwest has been very busy weatherwise: thunderstorms, wind, flooding, tornadoes. We are keeping our eyes on all these situations. One development that we are watching very carefully is the potential collapse of a dam in Mankato, Minnesota, where there are a number of WELS and ELS churches and schools. We are in touch with district leadership in all impacted areas and will post updates as needed.

In the meantime, please join us in prayer: Merciful Father, you are the ruler of weather, wind, and wave. The skies open at your command and the gales blow only where you tell them to. Use your almighty power to protect those who are in the path of storms and floods. Watch over both lives and property. According to your will, minimize damage and loss. Move the hearts of many to help those who are hurting. And protect all first responders who are in harm’s way. We leave all this in your gracious and mighty hands, trusting that your decisions will be for the good of those who love you. Amen.

RECENT UPDATE – 6/27/2024:

Pastor Marques Nelson of St. Paul’s in North Mankato, Minn.: “Thank you all for your prayers! God has certainly been hearing and answering them. We were quite concerned on Monday morning when we heard that the dam was beginning to fail. We are in lower North Mankato, in the Minnesota River Valley. We have a large early childcare ministry, and I was imagining having to go up into the upstairs Sunday School rooms in the church if lower North started to flood. (We have pictures on the walls downstairs of people canoeing through town 70 years ago). Thankfully, the dam didn’t collapse, and the water pressure has been relieved as it goes around the dam. We still had parents come pick up their children early on Monday to be safe! We are so thankful for the careful emergency planning of our city leaders. They worked quickly to create an earthen levee on the lowest spots near the river. We also have high flood walls in town. So far, our church and schools are fine, and we think we have seen the worst of it, but please keep everyone around here in your prayers. The water continues to rise downstream of us in places like St. Peter which also has a church and school. There are still a lot of families farms and businesses dealing with loss of property and certainly wet basements in the area. Keep them in your prayers.”

In Jesus, our compassionate Savior,
Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief
wels.net/relief

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Tornadoes in Mountain Home, Arkansas

2024/07/03/in Christian Aid and Relief Blog, Disaster Relief

On Wednesday, May 29, Pastor Dan Sims, the director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, and Mr. Jim Bublitz, one of CAR’s disaster relief leaders, visited the area surrounding Mountain Home, Arkansas to assess damage from three recent EF-3 tornadoes. Pastor Dan Schmidt of Trinity Lutheran Church served as our guide. While the damage is severe in places, local emergency management and other disaster relief agencies have the clean-up work well in hand. There is no need for WELS CAR to deploy volunteers to the area. However, we will be working with our congregation in Mountain Home to assist families who experienced loss, especially one family that lost their entire home. Please continue to remember those impacted by these storms in your prayers.

In Jesus, our compassionate Savior,
Pastor Dan Sims
Director, WELS Christian Aid and Relief
wels.net/relief

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Prayer: Lord, our compassionate and gracious God, open our eyes to see the needs of people in our communities and move us to show compassion. We thank you that, through the support of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, our churches can do more to help our neighbors in need. May our compassion for others reflect your compassion for them and our trust in you. We pray that your Holy Spirit will use our efforts to communicate that we love because you first loved us. May your gospel move many more to believe in you. Amen.

Texas wildfire update from WELS Christian Aid and Relief

2024/03/05/in Together

Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief (CAR), provided an update to CAR’s Facebook page today regarding the wildfires in Texas:

“This morning, I spoke with Rev. Hans Thomford, pastor of Amazing Grace, a small mission congregation in Amarillo, Texas. We have been working together with him and his congregation and with other district leaders since the Smokehouse Creek Fire broke out. He and members of his congregation have been reaching out to the local community impacted by the fire. With support from WELS Christian Aid and Relief and other local donations, they have been able to give away gift cards to help people with immediate needs and have also provided some cattle feed to help take care of scattered herds until they can be moved to better pasture. They continue to monitor the situation and look for opportunities to assist those in need.

“As of now, CAR has no plans to deploy volunteers to Texas. However, plans can change. Stay tuned to this page for further updates, and please continue to remember those impacted by this terrible fire in your prayers.”

To stay up to date, follow CAR on Facebook at fb.com/WELSChristianAidandRelief.

Idalia update from WELS Christian Aid and Relief

2023/08/31/in News

WELS Christian Aid and Relief (CAR) has provided a brief update on Hurricane Idalia, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm. Rev. Dan Sims, director of CAR, says, “This was a powerful storm that had the potential to wreak havoc to all in its path, but our merciful God saw fit to minimize damage and loss. Based on communication with our pastors and other leaders, we are pleased to announce that, at this time, our churches and members are all okay.”

As CAR is a church-based disaster relief organization, it deploys volunteers and assistance to areas that have a WELS church, since the congregation serves as base for CAR to support and supply its volunteers. Thankfully, none of the communities where WELS has churches are in need at this time, and CAR will not be deploying volunteers to help with clean-up work.

Sims says, “If you are in need, or have a neighbor in need, please reach out to your pastor and make him aware of the situation. Your pastor will then get in touch with us. Please continue to remember in your prayers all those impacted by this storm as well as all those working hard to help people in need.”

2023 humanitarian aid grants announced

2023/05/16/in Together

At its May 1, 2023, meeting, WELS Christian Aid and Relief approved humanitarian aid grants totaling $702,390 for FY 23/24. WELS home missions will receive $43,498 in assistance; $658,892 will go to support world mission efforts. These are projects developed by WELS home and world missionaries to reflect Christ’s compassion to the people of their communities and build relationships that lead to opportunities to share the gospel.

“Seven hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money, but I believe it is money well spent. These dollars assist our missionaries at home and abroad to reach out in compassion to hurting people and help them. That’s reason enough for such an investment!” says Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief. “But these acts of kindness help to build trusting relationships and lead to many opportunities to share the good news of our Savior.”

Major items include support for health clinics (including the Central Africa Medical Mission), borehole drilling to provide clean water, food for the hungry, warm clothes for widows and orphans, aid for legal immigrants, school supplies for underprivileged kids, education for refugees, scholarships for poor students, smokeless stoves, mosquito nets, vocational training, and many other forms of assistance.

Home missions receiving grants include:

Foundation, Las Vegas, Nev.
Hope, Toronto, Ont., Canada
Shepherd of the Valley, Arvada, Colo.
Living Hope, Commerce City, Colo.
Christ, Denver, Colo.
Carbon Valley, Firestone, Colo.
The Vine, Hayden, Idaho
Christ the Rock, Farmington, N.M.
Living Hope, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Tex.
The Mission, Conroe, Tex.
Christ Our Refuge, Hewitt, Tex.
Christ the Rock, Hutto, Tex.
Abiding Savior, Killeen, Tex.
Divine Peace, Rockwall, Tex.
Faith, Tyler, Tex.
Our Savior, West San Antonio, Tex.

World Mission fields receiving grants include:

Africa: Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda
Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, and others
Europe: Albania
Latin America: Mexico

Learn more about WELS Christian Aid and Relief at wels.net/relief.

Severe storms ravage Malawi

2023/03/21/in Together

In Malawi, where the Lutheran Church of Central Africa–Malawi has many churches and members, floods caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy swept away entire villages earlier this month. Many homes have collapsed. Police officers and soldiers have been digging for victims buried under the mud and rocks as the death toll rose sharply. In the three countries affected (Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar), more than 500 people have been killed and hundreds are still missing. Those numbers will likely rise as information comes in from places that have been cut off from communication.

More than 300,000 people have been displaced. More than 280,000 children have been affected by the storm.

In addition to the destruction of homes and roads, the storm has inundated farmlands and destroyed crops, just as farmers were about to harvest the only crop of the year. This only increases the food crisis in Malawi, where 3.8 million people were already in need of food assistance before the storm.

Many governmental and private relief efforts are already underway to address the immediate needs. No doubt, there will be need for longer term assistance once the immediate crisis has passed.

As of today, we are waiting to hear how the storm has affected the congregations and members of the Lutheran Church of Central Africa–Malawi. There is no doubt that our sister church body has been impacted. As we wait for word, WELS Christian Aid and Relief is ready to provide assistance in whatever way it can. If you would like to help in this effort with a financial gift, you can do so by making a gift online.

Please keep our brothers and sisters in Malawi in your prayers.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

A small book with a big impact

2023/03/21/in Together

Since its inception, WELS Christian Aid and Relief has been delivering hands-on disaster relief and humanitarian aid to communities around the world. During these times of disaster and trauma, WELS missionaries and volunteers aim to provide not only physical relief and assistance, but spiritual nourishment as well. The aim is to help people in their time of need and connect them with a church community for ongoing support.

To help get the gospel in the hands of disaster survivors, WELS Christian Aid and Relief developed a short devotional booklet in 2021 entitled An Ever-Present Help in Trouble. Rev. Daniel Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, explains, “I recognized that we really didn’t have a printed resource that pastors and church members in areas that have been hit by a disaster could use as a tool for ministering to those who have been through the trauma of a disaster.”

So Sims and nine of his colleagues wrote a total of 40 devotions and prayers based on gospel promises that are comforting to people who have lived through a crisis or trauma. “When we have a major disaster situation, one of the first things we do is ship boxes of these devotions down to our churches so that the pastor and the people can begin using and distributing them,” says Sims.

The books were thoughtfully designed with designated space in the front where a church body can place an informational sticker. Above that space it reads, “This little book of devotions is a gift to you from God’s people at . . .” Readers are encouraged to contact the listed congregation for anything they might need.

The devotions and prayers within An Ever-Present Help in Trouble are brief with simple, straight-forward language. Sims explains that he and the other authors wrote these devotions with two audiences in mind. “One [is an audience] of people who have been through a huge disaster . . . and the other is for people who don’t know much about Jesus.”

These devotion books have already been put to good use in communities facing disasters. For example, after Hurricane Ida hit the Gulf Coast in 2021, a WELS congregation in Louisiana distributed copies of the book along with free meal packets to community members.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief now has partnered with Northwestern Publishing House to make copies available for everyone. Purchase An Ever-Present Help in Trouble at Northwestern Publishing House for personal use or evangelism efforts.

Together Video Update – November 29, 2022

2022/11/29/in Together

Forward in Christ asked and its faithful readers answered! What’s your favorite Christmas hymn and why? Hear from Nicole Balza, Forward in Christ digital communications coordinator, as she invites you to experience a special online feature that highlights WELS’ members most beloved Christmas hymns and the heartfelt stories behind their favorites. Check it out at forwardinchrist.net/favorite-christmas-hymns.

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Together Video Update – November 8, 2022

2022/11/08/in Together

Hear from Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, about the damage that Hurricane Ian caused for WELS congregations and how the recovery process is going. See footage of volunteers in action as they work to help their brothers and sisters in Christ.

For more details, read “WELS Christian Aid and Relief responds to Hurricane Ian” at forwardinchrist.net/hurricane-ian.

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WELS Christian Aid and Relief responds to Hurricane Ian

2022/10/04/in Together

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida on Sept. 28 as a powerful Category 4 storm. Rev. Dan Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, provides an update on how WELS congregations were affected and on current relief efforts in those areas.

On Oct. 3, 2022, a four-person assessment team from WELS Christian Aid and Relief arrived in Sarasota, Fla. They met with Rev. Marty Mielke, the secretary of the South Atlantic District and “point man” for disaster relief operations following Hurricane Ian. Mielke has been in regular communication with the pastors and congregational leaders in the district. He gave the team an overview of the situation in south Florida. The team plans to spend two days visiting WELS congregations in the area; assessing their needs; and planning the best ways to utilize money, volunteers, and other resources to help those who are affected.

Congregations to the north and in the immediate Tampa area received the least damage. WELS churches in Odessa, Tampa, Clearwater, Valrico, Seminole, and Parrish were largely untouched with only a few downed trees and light flooding. Risen Savior in Lakewood Ranch sustained significant roof damage. Ascension in Sarasota has some roof and soffit damage as well as a 40-foot palm tree on the roof.

Congregations and communities farther south were hit the hardest. At Prince of Peace in Englewood, the church’s cupola was breached, causing water to soak the sanctuary and pews. Christ the King in Port Charlotte received roof and water damage, causing part of the ceiling to collapse. Bethany in North Fort Myers is going to need a new roof and has a large amount of downed timber and brush on the property. At Crown of Life in Fort Meyers the roof on the gymnasium was severely damaged and water entered the sanctuary. The church and school at Abiding Love in Cape Coral sustained roof damage; water also penetrated into the offices, hallways, classrooms, kitchen, and fellowship hall. Portions of the ceilings have collapsed.

We are happy to report that among our members, no injury or loss of life has been reported. Praise God for his mercy!

Many offers of help have come in from individuals and organizations across the synod. Thank you so much! Again, we ask for your patience as we prioritize and plan. The best way for you to help at this time is to give a financial gift. You can do that by going to wels.net/CARgift or mailing a check to WELS, N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188, and designating your gift to “Disaster Relief.”

Small, local efforts to provide needed supplies and clear debris have begun. Christian Aid and Relief has already provided $10,000 to the South Atlantic District to purchase supplies, generators, and tarps.

It would be easy to look at this disaster as only that—a terrible storm that caused tremendous damage and loss. If we take a closer look, we will see that the Lord is using Ian to remind us of what’s really important and to give us the opportunity to imitate the compassion of Christ as we love and serve one another and those around us. Please continue to pray.

Humanitarian aid grants announced

2022/07/19/in Together

Rev. Dan Sims, administrator for WELS Christian Aid and Relief, announced its annual grants for humanitarian aid. In contrast to disaster relief, which is given in response to various kinds of disasters when they occur, WELS Christian Aid and Relief also invites Home and World Missions to submit grant requests for various types of humanitarian aid projects as one way to show Christian love and compassion in a variety of ways. Here is his report:

At their May 17, 2022, meeting, members of WELS Christian Aid and Relief approved humanitarian aid grants totaling $628,480 for FY 22-23. This is the highest amount ever approved. These grants support projects developed by WELS home and world missionaries to reflect Christ’s love to the people of their communities. These acts of mercy and compassion regularly lead to opportunities to share the gospel.

Some examples of the compassion ministry being carried out in home and world mission settings include support for legal immigrants; Bibles for foster children and support for their families; books, backpacks, and other school supplies for underprivileged students; horseback riding for disadvantaged and differently abled children; food and personal items for struggling individuals and families; medical clinics; access to clean drinking water; mosquito netting; support for persecuted Christians; education for refugee children; vocational, technological, and agricultural training; scholarships for poor students; smokeless stoves for safer heating and cooking; and warm clothing for widows and orphans.

These Home Missions congregations received grants:

African Chapel of Improvement, Las Vegas, Nev.
Hope, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Christ the Rock, Farmington, N.M.
Christ, Denver, Colo.
Carbon Valley, Firestone, Colo.
Risen Savior, Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Texas
Hope, Houston, Texas
Christ the Rock, Hutto, Texas
Abiding Savior, Killeen, Texas
Living Faith, Midlothian Texas
Our Savior, West San Antonio, Texas

These World Missions fields received grants this year:

Africa–Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, and the Central African Medical Mission
Asia–India, Indonesia, and Thailand
Europe–Albania and Bulgaria

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

Reaching communities with compassion

2022/05/17/in Together

Through its new Community Care & Compassion Matching Grants Program, WELS Christian Aid and Relief is offering matching grants to congregations that want to reach out in their community through a compassion ministry. Grants are available up to $2,500.

Grants can support any compassion ministry in a community, such as a Christmas toy drive or a Thanksgiving meal at your church. It can also support those who need encouragement, like seniors, veterans, or victims of domestic violence. WELS Christian Aid and Relief Director Rev. Daniel Sims recommends that a good place to start is to determine the particular needs in your community. If there is a local charity working to serve those needs, find ways to assist them.

“When we act with compassion and love, it gains us opportunities to talk about our Savior,” says Sims. “I encourage congregations to find the people who are hurting in your community, formulate a plan to help them, and get in touch with us. Let us help you reach out to them in love.” To learn more and apply for a grant, visit wels.net/relief.

One example of a congregation taking advantage of this new grant program is Bethlehem, Richland Center, Wis. In 2020, this exploratory mission was looking for a ministry space to call home. God provided a perfect fit: a former elementary school that had just come on the market.

The building was more than just a former school. It was also home to a county-run program that provides hot meals each week to senior adults. “We didn’t just purchase a facility,” says Rev. Daniel Lewig, pastor at Bethlehem. “We got a ministry right along with it—and an open door to see where God leads.”

Supported by offerings and a pandemic relief grant from WELS Christian Aid and Relief, Bethlehem members upgraded the former classroom in which the meals are served to make it more welcoming and encourage conversation and connections.

The revitalized dining area also serves as Bethlehem’s fellowship hall, and seniors from the community are invited to all church activities. In addition, Lewig visits with guests each week and leads them in prayer. Bethlehem members help serve the meals or simply spend time getting to know their neighbors.

Once the seniors are in the building, it’s a natural progression to introduce them to the worship space in the gym. Through God’s blessing, several of the seniors have attended worship, and some have taken Bible information classes and become members.

Bethlehem plans to apply for a new Community Care & Compassion Matching Grant through WELS Christian Aid and Relief to offer even more fellowship opportunities for local seniors, like dinners and movie nights.

“It’s not the food that brings them together,” Lewig says. “It’s the connection. Our members help with that connection and connect it to a higher purpose. We created an environment where you’re not just eating a meal for a day but a meal for eternity.”

Sims discussed the Community Care & Compassion Matching Grants Program in last week’s Together video update.

Aid continues to Ukraine

2022/05/03/in Together

We are in constant contact with the bishop (president) of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church (ULC). He reports that thus far no members of the Ukrainian Lutheran Church have lost their lives or been injured. Some of their homes have been damaged or destroyed. None of the ULC churches have been destroyed in the conflict, although three parsonages have been damaged.

The bishop (whose congregation is in the capital city of Kyiv) has been staying outside of Kyiv for safety reasons. Last Sunday he was able to return to Kyiv temporarily to lead worship and to deliver much needed supplies of food and medicine. Yesterday he provided this report: “People were very happy to see each other again especially after recent missile attacks, although we did not have as many people at the worship service as on Easter. Shut-ins also rejoiced to be visited and communed and are grateful for the food aid received. Thank you very much! Many thanks to all brothers and sisters in WELS, to the U.S., and praise to the Lord!”

Generous WELS donors have provided significant funds to enable the ULC to purchase supplies of clothing, food, and medicine. Those supplies are provided to refugees from different places around the country and for the people of the communities in which ULC congregations are located. Our synod has forwarded funds to the ULC upon its request. It’s important to note that these requests are coming to us in amounts that enable the ULC to purchase what is needed and what it can distribute. To date, $66,000 has been requested and sent directly to the ULC. We are ready to send more as soon as the ULC requests it. Another $100,000 has been sent to a reputable agency (Direct Relief) that is assisting Ukrainian refugees in Poland and other countries. We are also making plans to provide funds to our sister church in Bulgaria, which is caring for Ukrainian refugees arriving there.

The synod is also ready to provide help to Ukrainian refugees who are able to come to the United States. Ukrainians who come to the U.S. as refugees need to work with the U.S. State Department, and we are looking for ways to assist in that process.

We are also looking forward to the day when the war is over and resettlement and rebuilding can begin. Because of the generosity of WELS members, we believe that some of the funds already given will be able to be used for those efforts.

Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

WELS Christian Aid and Relief responds to South Central tornadoes

2021/12/21/in Together

On Dec. 10, tornadoes caused devastation across the South Central part of the United States. Rev. Daniel Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, reports: “At this time, we are unaware of any of our WELS congregations or members who have been directly impacted by this storm. Praise God for watching over his people!”

Because no WELS congregations are near the affected areas, WELS Christian Aid and Relief is currently not planning to mobilize volunteers for onsite disaster relief work. “Because we don’t have the deep resources or infrastructure of FEMA or the Red Cross, it’s very difficult to go into areas where we don’t have a congregation nearby to use as our ‘home base’ for volunteers,” says Sims. “However, we will continue to look for opportunities to go to the area and help those in need.”

To support those affected by the tornadoes, WELS Christian Aid and Relief has sent a gift of $10,000 to Direct Relief, which has people on-site and active in providing disaster relief in the form of medical aid.

Sims is thankful for the response from WELS members wanting to help: “We are grateful for your support and your messages of care and concern. Your love for those who are hurting is obvious. May the Lord continue to bless our efforts to ‘do good to all people’ (Galatians 6:10).”

To help those affected by the tornadoes, you can make a financial gift through WELS Christian Aid and Relief’s disaster fund at wels.net/CARgift (designate the gift to “disaster relief”). Stay updated on relief efforts at wels.net/relief.

Providing care through humanitarian aid grants

2021/07/20/in Together

WELS Christian Aid and Relief announced it has approved $470,882 for humanitarian aid projects in WELS mission fields throughout the United States and worldwide for fiscal year 2021-22.

Projects are developed by WELS home and world missionaries, who continually look for opportunities to serve hurting people in their communities with ongoing basic needs, like food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Rev. Daniel Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief, says, “When our missionaries can assist people in this way, it also helps to build trust and leads to many opportunities to then share the life-changing news of the gospel.”

The humanitarian aid granted through WELS Christian Aid and Relief takes many forms, including providing smokeless stoves to safely heat homes in Asia, medical clinics, assistance for legal immigrants, vocational training, and backpacks and school supplies for underprivileged kids.

One of the most recent aid projects was supporting the digging of five boreholes in Zambia to provide clean and safe drinking water. “Here in the United States, we take fresh drinking water for granted, but in Africa access to fresh, clean water is often severely limited,” says Sims. “These boreholes, which are often built near our churches, provide our missionaries a point of contact and an opportunity to talk to people about Jesus. The care and compassion shown by the gift of the borehole means that many are more willing to listen.”

Sims continues to be thankful for God’s blessings on these projects, which are supported through the generosity of God’s people. “Even though our ministry is not part of the synodical budget, we are able to carry out this vital ministry of compassion. God’s people, moved by his love, are generous.”

WELS members can support the work of WELS Christian Aid and Relief through prayers and offerings. In addition to humanitarian aid grants, the organization also provides disaster relief and medical financial emergency grants to people in need.

View a complete list of humanitarian aid projects supported by WELS Christian Aid and Relief through your offerings.

JD Test EZ

2021/05/12/in

Dear friends in Christ, In recent days the Midwest has been very busy weatherwise: thunderstorms, wind, flooding, tornadoes. We are keeping our eyes on all these situations. One development that […]

New opportunities to offer pandemic relief

2021/02/02/in Together

WELS Christian Aid and Relief has set aside $200,000 to help WELS congregations offer pandemic relief to their communities. Congregations can receive up to $2,500 in matching grant money to provide aid to those who are struggling in their neighborhoods.

“Like no other time in most of our lives, people are hurting—both in our churches and in our communities. And we can help them,” says Rev. Daniel Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief. “God has blessed us with an abundance of daily bread and with the good news of the Bread of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a tremendous opportunity to bring relief to those struggling during this challenging time.”

WELS Christian Aid and Relief already has distributed pandemic relief funding this year when it teamed up with WELS Home Missions to offer more than $160,000 in matching grant money to 24 mission congregations.

These home missions were creative with their ideas, offering plans to provide food and supplies to families in need and counseling and support groups for those struggling with their mental health. Many are partnering with other community organizations, working closely with local homeless shelters and schools in their area.

“We’re glad this grant program came up—not only for the resources—but just to spur us on to come up with an idea to help our community,” says Mr. Mark Hartman, lay member at Hope in the Heights, a home mission in Houston, Texas, that received one of the grants.

WELS Christian Aid and Relief will offer these new matching grants to congregations until June 1 or when designated funds run out.

“What an opportunity to shine the light of Christ’s love into our communities,” says Sims. “May God bless our efforts in his saving name.”

Learn more about WELS Christian Aid and Relief and these grant opportunities at wels.net/relief.

Mission congregations offer aid during the pandemic

2021/01/19/in Together

WELS Christian Aid and Relief and WELS Home Missions have teamed up to offer more than $160,000 in pandemic relief matching grants to 24 mission congregations that are offering aid to those in their communities who are struggling. Grants were allocated in January.

“Our mission is to relieve suffering, to reach out to those who have been hit hard by something and help them through it, while we reflect the love of Jesus and gain opportunities to share the good news of Jesus as their Savior,” says Rev. Daniel Sims, director of WELS Christian Aid and Relief. “It’s easy to look at the pandemic as a problem—and it is—but it’s also a tremendous opportunity to do exactly what our mission is set to do.”

These home missions were creative with their ideas, offering plans to provide food and supplies to families in need and counseling and support groups for those struggling with their mental health. Many are partnering with other community organizations, working closely with local homeless shelters and schools in their area.

Hope in the Heights, Houston, Texas, a home mission that started in 2019, is supporting its local Chamber of Commerce’s Adopt-a-Teacher program, which provides teachers with needed supplies, personal gifts, support, and prayers during these trying times. “With all the stress that teachers have been under, we thought it would be a nice thing to help them out,” says Mr. Mark Hartman, a lay member at Hope. The congregation decided to support teachers from two of the schools in the congregation’s target area.

Besides helping the teachers, Hope asked each teacher to nominate two families who are struggling because of the pandemic so that Hope could provide groceries to those families.

Hope was so excited about the program that it decided to get started even before the grant money came through. “I just bought groceries for our 18th family since we started [last November],” says Hartman. “We’re glad this grant program came up—not only for the resources—but just to spur us on to come up with an idea to help our community.”

He continues, “When a program like this comes along, it gives you the opportunity to say, ‘I don’t have to worry about my budget, I can just go and bless these people in my community.’ ”

And people are appreciative of that help. One local elementary teacher e-mailed, saying, “I have had the pleasure of hearing the cheerful stories from my students that you purchased groceries for. I wish you could see the look on their faces! I wanted to thank you for your generosity and kindness. This is definitely what this world needs more of.” Another said, “I am truly humbled and blessed that a church and its congregation wanted to help teachers—and especially me.”

Learn more about Christian Aid and Relief at wels.net/relief. Learn more about Home Missions at wels.net/missions.

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

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Watch video: Tornado damage and cleanup in Menasha, Wis.

Update from South Atlantic District President Rev. Charles Westra

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