In November 2016, [The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod](lcms.org), [Luther Academy](lutheracademy.com), and the Lutheran Church in the Philippines hosted a conference. The Rev. Ross Johnson, LCMS Disaster Response, discussed how mercy and the theology of the cross interact. The Rev. Prof. John T. Pless discussed the Two Kingdoms and how it might inform the work of the LCP.

Mercy work must remain connected to Word and Sacrament ministry. Rev. Johnson explains how he works both in the United States and internationally, particularly the Philippines, to show mercy to the world while keeping it firmly rooted in Word and Sacrament ministry.