On December 26, 2004, the world was touched by tragedy. Because of an earthquake, the resulting tsunami destroyed communities in thirteen countries, leaving hundreds of thousands of people dead or homeless.

Americans were not directly touched at home. But we began to hear the stories: One person miraculously saved, while another was swept away. Children survived, but their parents did not. And the tragic suffering goes on.

We Lutherans were motivated and asked what could be done. Our synod's members quickly sent money for tsunami relief to the ELS. In only three months, almost $7,000 has already been collected. These tsunami gifts are being donated to the Wisconsin Synod Tsunami Relief Fund to insure their wise and careful distribution.

The first of four hurricanes struck the southeastern United States late last summer. Soon, three more hurricanes followed. Requests for help from our own ELS congregations in Florida began arriving. Churches and houses needed repairing, families needed help with bills, and trees had to be removed.

ELS congregations throughout the synod graciously responded by sending donations. So far, your Christian Service Board has disbursed $13,500 of this special relief money plus some of last year's Mother's Day offering to members of four churches in Florida. Families have been helped!

One thankful recipient wrote: “I now have a new roof on my house. It has taken a long time, but thanks to your gift of $1,000 and the gifts of others, my new shingles were put on last week. My new roof would not have become a reality without your financial support.”

The parable of the “Good Samaritan” tells us how to treat our neighbors. In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus tells us that a Samaritan, who was from a despised minority, showed love and care for a man in distress.

The Samaritan was the one who had mercy on the injured man. He bandaged the man's wounds, took him to an inn, paid the innkeeper for his stay and offered reimbursement for additional expenses. Wow!

How can we match his example of loving care? If He so loved us, those who believe in Him also are to love their neighbors.

Every year on Mother's Day, we, the members of ELS churches, have a unique opportunity to show our love and compassion just as the Samaritan did. Money given through the World Needs Fund will be dispersed to people in need.

We are never sure what special needs may arise this year. But we do know that disasters of famine, pestilence and diseases are always with us. None of us will escape troubles in this life. Our Christian Service Board uses your generous offerings to help those less fortunate.

The "Mother's Day World Needs Offering" is a wonderful way for our members to show their love for Jesus knowing that their generosity will help relieve pain and suffering. We do this on Mother's Day because of the beautiful example of a mother's love in caring for her children.

The need will always be present. If you forget your envelope that day or are absent from church, bring it another Sunday. Be generous in sharing the gifts God has given you!

May 8 is your day to show that you care!

Mr. Don Heiliger is the chairman of the ELS Board for Christian Service. He lives in Stoughton, Wisconsin.