Working Together to Support Mission
For over 30 years, Lutheran schools across the Southeastern District have joined together in a special mission project called Hearts for Jesus.
Each year, early childhood centers and K–12 schools designate their chapel offerings—usually in February—to support a ministry beyond our borders. Together, these offerings make an incredible impact in sharing the love of Jesus around the world.
This Year’s Partner: Lutheran Bible Translators
In 2025–2026, our Hearts for Jesus project supports the ministry of Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT)—helping people access God’s Word for the first time in their own language.
This is more than a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity for students to grow in faith, connect with the global church, and experience how God’s Word transforms lives.
How to Get Started
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RSVP to Participate
Let LBT know your school or congregation plans to join in!
Click here – RSVP Form. Schools that RSVP will receive free student engagement materials—bookmarks, bracelets, stickers, and a tracking poster. -
Explore Chapel Resources
Preview the chapel series videos and downloadable materials here: View Chapel Resources -
Collect Offerings
- Online: Use the SED fundraising page to collect offerings digitally:
www.lbt.org/sedheartsforjesus - By Mail:
Lutheran Bible Translators
PO Box 789
205 S. Main Street
Concordia, MO 64020
Be sure to include a note or memo indicating “SED Hearts for Jesus.”
Coming in January
New classroom activities and guided prayer ideas from Visual Faith Ministry will be available—perfect for connecting chapel lessons to what students are learning in class.
Why It Matters
Your participation helps students:
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Grow in understanding God’s mission for all nations.
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See how their offerings change lives.
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Celebrate the gift of Scripture in every language.
Bonus Resources
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Download the LBT Mission Video to share in the chapel or on your website.
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Need a logo or alternate file format? Email info@lbt.org or contact the SED office.
Questions?
Contact Rev. Tom Kolb, Southeastern District Mission Executive, tkolb@se.lcms.org
Prior-Year Hearts for Jesus Projects
2024-25 Hope and Care Outreach
2023-24 Helping Hands – Eastern European Ministries
2022-23 Hurricane Ian Relief
2021-22 Change Your World – World Mission ($5,475.01)
2020-21 LWR Baby Care Kits
2019-20 Bethania Kids, India ($954.46)
2018-19 Seth, Kezia, Amos Comfort Dogs ($1,899.21)
2017-18 Castillo Fuerte, Lima Peru ($9,507.64)
2016-17 Orphan Grain Train, Sewing Machines for Cameroon ($5,701.58)
2015-16 An Ark, Heifer Projects ($10,588.19)
2014-15 Lutheran School in Uganda, Kakiika ($18,545.18)
2013-14 4 the 1: Human Trafficking ($3,920.13)
2012-13 Giving Gardens, WheatRidge Foundation (Schools sent directly to WheatRidge)
2011-12 The Lutheran Malaria Initiative, LWR ($4,202.00)
2010-11 School for Flantown, Liberia ($5,715.00)
2009-10 Mercy Ships ($10,571.28)
2008-09 Faith Comes Hearing ($7,875.00)
Note: Many schools sent their gifts directly to the organization. Figures here show the funds that were sent through the SED.
