Help with Helping the Needy

Q: I am a teenager who wants to help out the needy. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on how I should go about doing this. If you have any charities or organizations that you recommend, I would be truly grateful. Thank you for your time and concern.

A: I don’t know what church you belong to, but many work out of individual congregations as well as in their national or international organizations. The Lutherans have several worthwhile charities, and are usually ranked among the best in the nation at keeping the costs down so most of your donation goes where you intend. One such is The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod’s World Relief board. You can specify what area gets the donation, if you desire, or let them seek the greatest need.

I also support Lutherans for Life and the Vitae Caring Foundation, both of which work to protect the unborn (and their mothers) from the evil of abortion. Remember that you can go beyond your financial support by taking time each day for fervent prayer. You can also often provide “sweat equity,” working as a volunteer for a homeless shelter, a food pantry, a pro-life organization, a group that transcribes into braille, or with others who devote themselves to helping those in need.

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Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book What Do Lutherans Believe.