Click on Paint the Planet Purple (above) for the Mission Service Activity of the Month and other mission service ideas from LWML.

Mission Service Committee 

Mary Afsharirad, Chairman
Amanda Mahrt

Lutheran World Relief

The LWML Texas District was hard at work the first two weeks of November 2024 organizing three Ingathering (collection sites) in Marion (near San Antonio), Houston, and Plano (Dallas area) for the Lutheran World Relief (LWR) organization. With the donations from our sisters in Christ from the LCMS, ELCA, LCMC and other Lutheran denominations four semi-trucks, filled with quilts and kits were taken to LWR warehouses for distribution, both internally and domestically, to bring hope and care to those suffering from homelessness and despair caused by natural disasters or war. The LWML Texas District thanks the women, men and youth of the Lutheran churches that volunteered and made the ingathering such a success. To God be the glory knowing that the love of Jesus is going out into the world through quilts and kits. The total items were 37,198 which included:

• · 15,307 quilts & blankets
• · 9,360school kits,
• · 10,468 personal care kits
• · 1,593 baby care kits
• · 470 fabric kits

Let’s do it again! Mark your calendars now for the 2025 ingatherings.

Marion (San Antonio area)
St. John Lutheran Church, 600 S. Center Street, Marion, Texas
Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Houston
Epiphany Lutheran Church, 14423 West Road, Houston, Texas
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Plano (Dallas area)
Messiah Lutheran Church, 1801 W. Plano Pkwy, Plano, Texas
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

A listing of kit items and specifics for quilts can be found on the LWR website at lwr.org.

Orphan Grain Train

Orphan Grain Train is a 501c3 Nonprofit Christian volunteer network that shares personal and material resources with needy people in America and around the world. Grain Train volunteers gather donations of clothing, medical supplies, food, Christian literature, and other aid to meet real needs. The Orphan Grain Train movement is a loving response to Jesus Christ’s example as a servant and His love for us. For more information visit their website, ogt.org. For information on how to donate go to www.ogt.org/donate. For a printable wish list of items to donate click HERE.

Orphan Grain Train has a weekly news headliner at ogt.org/publications available for subscribers. There is a quarterly newsletter for subscription and view on the same page. 

Orphan Grain Train Donation Sites

Any questions regarding the LWR ingathering or Orphan Grain Train can be directed to Mary Afsharirad by email.

This page was last updated April 23, 2025. For questions or comments on this site email webmaster.