Kathryn Wolford (KW): What do you value most about the LCMS’s relationship with LWR?
Gerald Kieschnick (GK): Lutheran World Relief has over 60 years of experience and know-how in responding to human need in Christ’s name all over the world. It’s a wonderful way to extend our reach even farther than we could on our own. Some allege that the LCMS does not work with other Christian or even other Lutheran groups. Our partnership with LWR proves those allegations to be untrue. LWR is an avenue whereby the LCMS works with many other Lutherans and various agencies delivering care for the needy. LWR is a great help in allowing the LCMS to be a good world citizen.
KW: We often talk about our work at LWR as embodying “the hands of Christ.” Could you talk a little about that image, and how the work that LWR does complements the work that the church does in global mission?
GK: We realize that LWR is not an organization for evangelization. However, we are very pleased that LWR is increasingly open to partnering with LCMS World Mission, LCMS World Relief and LCMS partner churches. LWR has tremendous capacity to bring material and physical assistance in proximity to LCMS proclamation of the Gospel.
As the “hands of Christ,” LWR provides Christ’s healing presence to people who are suffering: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…. Just as you did it to one of the least of these you did it to me.” While the people who receive these gifts of love may or may not know that such gifts are provided by Lutheran Christians as a witness to God’s love, Christ’s love constrains us to do good to all. Doing so complements the mission work that we, as a church, do in spreading God’s Word.
KW: In your view, what makes LWR’s work distinctly “Lutheran”?
GK: To the extent that those receiving the blessings provided by LWR recognize the connection between its humanitarian relief efforts and the Christian faith motivating these efforts, the Lutheran tradition of care and concern for our neighbor – whether that neighbor lives next door to us or halfway around the world – is recognized. I am absolutely convinced that Lutheran theology has the potential to impact the world in a huge way, and the tradition of sharing Christ’s love through acts of charity and kindness, described in Matthew 25:35-45, has a lot to do with that. The challenge faced by LWR is that of articulating the connection between relief efforts and concern for human beings in need with the verbal articulation that such gestures of love and care are motivated by the love of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world and Lord of the universe.
KW: How would you explain LWR to someone who had never heard of us?
GK: LWR shares Christ’s compassion through emergency relief and helping people help themselves. It is known worldwide as a very effective and efficient relief organization.
Core support from the sponsoring church bodies – including $1.25 million this year from LCMS World Relief & Human Care – helps LWR keep its administrative costs very low.
KW: In talking about our work, we often quote Micah 6:8: “. . . and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?” What does this verse mean to you, and how do you think it relates to LWR’s work?
GK: That verse is central to LWR’s work as well as to the work of the church – and, frankly, all Christians. It’s part of what we all are called to do as Christians – one of the many ways that we express Christian love to our neighbors in need is through loving kindness – food when they are hungry, shelter when they are cold. Those are all things that LWR provides while empowering people to provide for themselves.
KW: Since you’ve been President, is there one example that stands out to you as something LWR has done that Lutherans can really be proud of?
GK: One thing that stands out is the way LWR responded to the food crisis in Niger last summer – the fact that LWR was already responding to the crisis even before it made news, and when it did become a big story, Lutherans could take pride in knowing that through LWR, they were already there helping people in need.
KW: What do you see as the benefit to U.S. Lutherans of LWR as a pan-Lutheran organization?
GK: Lutherans can seize opportunities to do meaningful work in the world together through LWR. We are all called to serve others, and supporting LWR is one way in which we can all do that together.
KW: What does your church’s relationship with LWR mean to your members?
GK: LWR provides opportunity for our people to do hands-on ministry – like the quilting that many of the women’s groups do for LWR. Even though most people may not have the opportunity to travel to parts of the world in need of relief, making a quilt or a health kit or school kit is a very tangible way to express Christian love to people around the world.
KW: What do you see as the importance of the church’s relationship with LWR in the future – to the church as a whole, to your members individually, to the people we serve around the world?
GK: It is very important that we continue building on the successful and meaningful partnership we’ve shared for so many years. Our partnership with LWR is one of the many ways that the church contributes to the overall good of our world. It gives our members an effective and trustworthy outlet to share God’s love with people they will never meet. It’s very important that people in need continue to experience the loving hand of Christ through the work of LWR. In accomplishing relief efforts beyond the reach of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, LWR is a valuable partner in expressing Christ’s love through acts of love, care, and concern.
