LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2013, Page 109

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Resolutions
2. Mercy
To Commend and Give Thanks for the Work
of LCMS Disaster Response
RESOLUTION 2-01
Report 1-7-CMO (CW, pp. 18, 33)
Whereas, We have been taught to pray that our Father would
rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions, and reputation (SC LP Seventh Petition); and
Whereas, LCMS Disaster Response is designed to carry out a
comprehensive program to those whose times and days are perilous (LSB 766, stanza 7) through a Christian faith-based emergency
relief and long-term assistance effort following natural and manmade disasters, engaging LCMS congregations, districts, and
partner churches in collaborative ministries of mercy, with an
objective of opening doors to the proclamation of the Gospel; and

Committee 2 Chairman David Benke

To Give Thanks and Praise to God for LIRS
75th Anniversary
RESOLUTION 2-02
Overture 2-09 (CW, p. 147)

Whereas, The LCMS awarded 238 national and international
disaster relief grants totaling nearly $11.5 million in the last triennium (e.g., the earthquake in Haiti; the tsunami in Japan; the
flooding in Minot, ND; the tornado in Joplin, MO; Hurricane
Sandy; the mass shooting in Newtown, CT; and the explosion in
West, TX); and

Whereas, In 1939, Lutherans in the United States, committed
to the mercy work of the church, rose up to help Lutheran refugees
from Europe displaced by World War II; and

Whereas, LCMS Disaster Response has an ongoing need for
financial resources to bring healing to disaster victims; therefore
be it

Whereas, Christians are called to welcome the stranger (Deut.
10:18–19; Matt. 25:36), working to protect, embrace, and empower
migrants and refugees through ministries of service and justice;
and

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend and give
thanks for the work of LCMS Disaster Response and all those who
have assisted with the work nationally and internationally; and be
it further
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its members to continue to
support the work of LCMS Disaster Response with prayer for all
those who suffer from all manner of disasters, volunteer assistance
when there is the opportunity, monetary gifts by mail or through
the LCMS Web site, and gift cards that may be used at national
chains to replace food, clothing, and medications.
Action: Adopted (5)
(Res. 2-01 was adopted without debate by show of hands.)

Whereas, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS),
in partnership with Lutheran congregations across the country,
has resettled over 400,000 refugees in its 75 years of ministry; and

Whereas, LIRS in partnership with Lutheran congregations
continues to serve over 10,000 refugees and 20,000 detained torture survivors, victims of trafficking, and unaccompanied children
every year; and
Whereas, The ministry of LIRS is still sorely needed in today’s
war-strewn, conflict-ridden world; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod declare Sunday, June 22, 2014, as Refugee Sunday, in which congregations offer thanks and praise to God
for the 75 years of mercy work for migrants and refugees through
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod invite congregations to tell the stories
of their acts of welcome to refugees and migrants—signs of witness, mercy, and life together; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod utilize its communications mechanisms to share these stories and inspire action throughout the LIRS
75th anniversary year; and be it finally

R e s olu t i on s

2 0 1 3 C o n v e n t io n P r o c e e d i n g s

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