NEWS FROM
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

January 16, 2010

For more information contact Emily Sollie at esollie@lwr.org or 410-230-2802.

In this news release:

1. Lutheran World Relief and Partners Rushing Life-Saving Aid to Haitian Quake Victims
2. Haiti Earthquake: Lutheran World Relief Launches Text-to-Give; Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Announces Member Challenge

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Lutheran World Relief and Partners Rushing Life-Saving Aid to Haitian Quake Victims

Baltimore, January 16, 2010 — Lutheran World Relief and its partners on the ground are rushing to provide water, water purification supplies, food, and shelter items to victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12.

“At this point, water is a critical need on the ground. People have been without access to water for days in warm temperatures. Delivering clean water will help save lives in Haiti,” says LWR president John Nunes.

There are 100,000 people estimated dead following the devastating quake, with millions more affected. The quake hit 10 miles from the capital city of Port-au-Prince, toppling buildings, destroying roads and ports, and leaving most residents homeless. A 4.5 magnitude aftershock today raised fears of further damage to already unstable buildings.

LWR has pledged $1 million to overall relief work in Haiti, and anticipates increasing that commitment as partners work to assess needs on the ground.  LWR will send an initial $150,000 to the Lutheran World Federation immediately, to deliver water containers and purification materials, as well as temporary shelter items. LWR is also coordinating with 400 people on the ground through partnerships with Catholic Relief Services, local partners in Haiti, and other international faith-based organizations.

“Getting aid into Haiti has been challenging. We’ve been asking LWR supporters to please send cash so that we can quickly get aid in,” adds Trevor Knoblich, LWR’s Program Coordinator for Emergency Response.

LWR is also preparing a shipment of layettes and health kits estimated to depart for Haiti on January 19 or 20.

LWR is accepting donations to the “Haiti Earthquake Fund” on its website, www.lwr.org/Haiti, by phone at 800-LWR-LWR-2 and by mail at P.O. Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832. Members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans can get their gifts to LWR matched. Thrivent is giving $1 for every $2 donated. For more information or to have your gift matched, visit www.lwr.org/Haiti.

LWR has also launched a new “text-to-give” service, allowing supporters to quickly and easily text contributions to be billed to their monthly cell phone account. To give, text the keyword "LWR" to 40579 to donate $10. Remember to reply YES to the confirmation. Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:
Editors:  When listing organizations receiving donations for aid
to survivors of major disasters outside the United States,
Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

Lutheran World Relief, www.lwr.org, 1-800-597-5972

Or call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 or mail a donation to:

Lutheran World Relief
Haiti Earthquake
P.O. Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21298-9832
USA

Haiti Earthquake: Lutheran World Relief Launches Text-to-Give; Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Announces Member Challenge

Baltimore, January 16, 2010 — Lutheran World Relief announced today that it is launching a text-to-give campaign to raise funds for its response to the devastating Haiti earthquake. On Friday, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced that they will match members’ gifts to LWR for Haiti, giving $1 for every $2 donated. The $1 million challenge, "Helping Haiti," is expected to generate a total of $3 million for Haiti relief through LWR, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Starting this Sunday, January 17, to support LWR from your cell phone, just text the keyword "LWR" to 40579 to donate $10. Remember to reply YES to the confirmation. It's quick and easy, and the donation will appear on your next cell phone bill. Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

Thrivent Financial members interested in making a financial gift to help earthquake victims in Haiti can make their donation online at www.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti or by phone at 1-800-236-3736 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. When prompted, please say "directory" then enter ext. 83003. Thrivent Financial will add a maximum of $250 per member donation, and donations will be accepted through March 31, 2010.

 "Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti and all those working tirelessly to rescue the thousands of victims," said Bruce Nicholson, Thrivent Financial chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Thrivent Financial and our members want to help in this time of great need. We believe our members throughout the country will give generously to those affected by this catastrophic natural disaster."

"We are so thankful for Thrivent’s generosity, and that of their members," said John Nunes, LWR’s president and CEO. "With each passing day our help is even more critically needed in Haiti, and these gifts will enable us to reach even more people in desperate need."

He continued, "Thrivent’s record of generosity to LWR helped us to mount an effective and comprehensive response to tsunami affected areas while also mobilizing US Lutherans. We look forward to the ways in which this current partnership will do the same."

About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping approximately 2.6 million members achieve financial security and give back to their communities. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial creates and supports national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit www.Thrivent.com.

INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS:
Editors:  When listing organizations receiving donations for aid
to survivors of major disasters outside the United States,
Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, please include:

Lutheran World Relief, www.lwr.org, 1-800-597-5972

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Or call 1-800-LWR-LWR-2 or mail a donation to:

Lutheran World Relief
Haiti Earthquake
P.O. Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21298-9832
USA

WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.