Lutheran World Action.

The National Lutheran Council (NLC) initiated its Lutheran World Action program in 1940 as a means to combat World War II devastation in Europe. Established as the Council's fund-raising organ, LWA directed its appeals toward Lutherans in the U.S. through printed publicity, films, rallies, and conferences. The LWA collected food, clothing, and medicine as well as funds for reconstruction and relief. Paul C. Empie served as director (1941-1977) and Rollin G. Shaffer as assistant director (1950- 1966). In 1966, when the NLC became the Lutheran Council in the U.S.A., the direction of LWA activities was transferred to the U.S.A. National.

Committee of the Lutheran World Federation. The LWA was administered by this body until 1977.