Lutheran World Relief
About the Lutheran World Relief
History
In 1945, World War II left an estimated one-fifth of the world’s Lutherans homeless. Here in the United States, Lutheran churches in at least 20 states have mobilized to help in Europe through a new agency called Lutheran World Relief.
A lot has changed in nearly 75 years. But in thousands of congregations, in millions of offerings and in countless prayers, American Lutherans continue to support Lutheran world relief work.
Lutheran World Relief existed in the late 1940’s, when 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their homes by the creation of the state of Israel… in the early 1950’s when Hong Kong, Korea, Bangladesh and most of Asia were engulfed in conflict… during The 1970s 1980s, when Africa was plagued by civil wars and drought.
Today, Lutheran World Relief works in East and West Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, helping some of the world’s poorest communities build the resilience they need to thrive.
At Lutheran World Relief, we envision a future where all people in every corner of the world can lead full and dignified lives.
Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of World War II, and grounded in Lutheran theology and building on decades of experience, Lutheran World Relief deals with global poverty by helping people adapt to challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well-being.
We work with people on the basis of need, regardless of race, religion or nationality and do not preach.
We provide emergency assistance and help families get their lives back. We partner with communities to build and grow rural economies. We are breaking the cycle of poverty, so families and communities can thrive.
Our goal is to help people build self-sufficiency and create new, community-owned approaches to problem solving that will last long after our projects are over.
Expedition
To affirm God’s love for all people, we work with Lutherans and partners around the world to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering.
Vision
Thanks to God’s unconditional love for Jesus Christ, we envision a world in which every person, every community, and all generations live in justice, dignity and peace.
Contact
Lutheran World Relief
PO Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA
Headquarters
700 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230 USA
P: 800 597 5972
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Office in Minnesota
413 Wacouta St, Suite 430
St. Paul, MN 55101 USA
P: 800 597 5972
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