Among church work families, the stories of making pennies stretch are both legendary and endless. Sadly, a surprising number of these "Veterans of the Cross" — retired pastors, teachers and their spouses — are now living not only humbly, but also in poverty.

An audio message from Rev. Matthew Harrison, Executive Director, WR-HC To make a donation: Mail gifts marked "Veterans of the Cross" to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861; Call 1-888-930-4438 to make a gift on our secure credit card phone line; Or, click the Give Now button below.

In 1965, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod established a new retirement plan for church workers, the Concordia Retirement Plan. Modest as the monthly benefit is for many workers now retiring, those who retired prior to 1965 as part of the old plan, or shortly thereafter, often receive a pension so small that even with Social Security, it is impossible for these former workers to make ends meet. Those with health or other problems, often have financial needs greater than the old pension could provide.

The problem is complicated by the fact that there are a number of retirees whose employers did not participate in the synodical retirement benefits programs. These former employees receive no Synod pension at all. Some have no family to assist them.

Through the Veterans of the Cross program, LCMS World Relief and Human Care and Concordia Plan Services, provide small, periodic stipends for impoverished, aged pastors, teachers and their families. This assistance is provided so these former church workers can pay for necessities like gas, electricity and food. Today's recipients are not all from the old benefits program, but they all meet the same criteria.

The Veterans of the Cross program is supported by direct donations, as well as by general funds of LCMS World Relief and Human Care – which also come by donation. Your donations of any amount are necessary to continue providing stipends to our retired pastors, teachers, and their families in their times of need.