Mercy forever.

“When I see you, it’s just a wonderful blessing to know that you represent the church’s love for people who are really hurting,” shared LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison. “You are Christ’s mouth, hands and feet to those you serve.”

President Harrison welcomed the 75 congregational and district disaster response and relief volunteers who are attending the LCMS’ fourth National Disaster Response Conference at the International Center in St. Louis, Oct. 8-10, 2012.

“As disasters become epidemic, the need for effective disaster response capabilities becomes obvious,” said the Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, director of the LCMS’ Disaster Response ministry, on the opening day of the conference. “Mercy management is being prepared to do what God has called the Church to do at any time in any circumstance.”

“Forest fires, volcanoes and earthquakes. These are the kinds of natural disasters most likely to affect us in the LCMS California-Nevada-Hawaii District,” said the Rev. Philip Zabell, a District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC) for the CNH District who is attending the National Disaster Response Conference. “I’m looking forward to the remainder of the conference, primarily to learn about the updates to the training program. As we anticipate these kinds of disasters, this training helps all of us DDRCs be more prepared to respond.” Zabell also serves as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Artois, Calif., and First Lutheran Church, Willows, Calif.

Get involved:

• Watch a short video of LCMS Director of Disaster Response Rev. Glenn F. Merritt giving an overview of the LCMS National Disaster Response Conference.
• Please pray for all those gathering in St. Louis Oct. 8-10, for the LCMS National Disaster Response Conference.
• Learn more about the LCMS Disaster Response ministry at www.lcms.org/disaster.