The shepherds of biblical times carried staffs to guide their flocks in times of danger. The staff was also a formidable weapon when the shepherd used it to defend the flock. Today we think of a staff as a team of people working together.

Both examples suggest the importance of the Shepherd's Staff giving program — a partnership of faithful people God can use to help people in need.

Through LCMS World Relief and Human Care, the work of the Good Shepherd continues. People in need in the United States and worldwide benefit from gifts to LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Many receive help because of this support coming from a committed core of generous people as Shepherd's Staff members.

Make a Difference

LCMS World Relief and Human Care enables God's people to actively demonstrate His love, grace, and compassion to needful people in the United States and internationally, by responding to their immediate needs and enabling them to become self-sufficient.

Perhaps you already knew that, but did you know that LCMS World Relief and Human Care is a worldwide, multi-million dollar ministry that depends entirely on direct contributions to our ministry?

Sustaining contributions from Shepherd's Staff donors -- approximately $1 million every year -- provides LCMS World Relief and Human Care with the certainty to commit to projects that:

• offer medical services to isolated villages
• provide new wells for clean water
• help abandoned and abused children
• counsel and assist immigrants and refugees
• provide congregation-based job training programs
• support community food and clothing banks.

Personalize Your Commitment

Your participation in Shepherd's Staff gives you the flexibility to personalize your commitment. YOU select your giving schedule and the level of giving that is best for you. You may choose to give your commitment annually, quarterly, semi-annually, or monthly. If you prefer a monthly schedule, you will only receive a summary receipt at the end of each calendar year and Shepherd's Staff commitments can be renewed annually. Please consider becoming a sustaining donor to LCMS World Relief and Human Care by making an annual pledge using these six categories as a guide:

Benefits to our members

The goal of the Shepherd's Staff giving program is to share Christ's love with those in need. Committed support enables ongoing funding for self-help projects. But members also receive:

• The joy of stewardship. Shepherd's Staff members know the joy of following the Good Shepherd and helping their fellow human beings.
• More information and fewer solicitations. Shepherd's Staff members receive less mailings from LCMS World Relief and Human Care as they have as they have already made a pledge of their annual support.
• A special newsletter. The Shepherd's Staff newsletter is filled with extra details on projects and other information designed especially for our members to make you a more informed partner in this ministry.
• Sample Third World crafts. Examples of small hand-made crafts from people in developing countries will be sent periodically.
• SHARING newsletter and other materials. Shepherd's Staff members receive the LCMS World Relief and Human Care newsletter, SHARING, with current information on projects and new resource materials.

Enrollment and Renewal

Your ongoing commitment is needed to answer the world's continuing needs. The Shepherd's Staff enables LCMS World Relief and Human Care to feed His hungry lambs and sheep in the context of the Gospel. Won't you consider joining?

To enroll in Shepherd's Staff or Shepherd's Staff Plus giving programs, CLICK HERE.

To continue your commitment to Shepherd's Staff or Shepherd's Staff Plus giving programs for another year, CLICK HERE.

Automatic Giving

Setup your giving with automatic deductions from your bank account, or charges to your credit card.

For more information on the Shepherd's Staff call or e-mail Kathy Wakeman, 1-800-248-1930, Ext. 1648, Kathy.Wakeman@lcms.org.