The Food Bank Arch^® Book Program from Concordia Gospel Outreach (CGO) continues to create opportunities for churches to share God’s Word with families in their communities. While each participating location has its own story, a recent conversation with Rev. Dr. Stephen Krenz of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, Illinois, offered a meaningful glimpse into how these books are making an impact.

When Christ the King Lutheran Church and School in Southgate, Michigan, began sharing Arch^® Books at their food pantry, they weren’t sure what to expect. What they’ve seen since has been nothing short of a blessing.

I remember the first time I heard the term “heart language”: June 2010. It was so impactful, I used it as a post title on my missionary blog. Perhaps even now more than then, I can identify. 

The food bank Arch^® Book program of Concordia Gospel Outreach (CGO) has soared to amazing heights in its first full year of operation, now sending 10,000 Christian books to food pantries each week! Keep reading for inspiring mission moments from around the country. 

Since its beginning in 2024, the food bank Arch^® Book program from Concordia Gospel Outreach (CGO) has been picking up speed. This grassroots effort to share Christian children’s books at food banks nationwide has expanded to hundreds of locations. One of them is based at a Lutheran church in southwest Iowa.

On May 16, 2025, a devastating tornado struck the St. Louis area and left substantial destruction in its wake. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in North St. Louis stepped up immediately following the storms to serve their community and offer encouragement to neighbors whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Concordia Gospel Outreach (CGO), CPH’s charitable arm, brought Christ-centered resources into the community to bring the comfort of the Gospel as cleanup efforts began. 

Since Concordia Gospel Outreach launched its Food Bank Arch Book Program in 2024, it has truly come to life, now sending Christian children’s books to dozens of food banks and care programs to be distributed to families in need. Today, we’ll hear from one of our partner food banks—one based at a Lutheran church in Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Food insecurity is a silent battle. You cannot always tell who is struggling with hunger. And too often shame is placed on those who are unable to access food and are under the federal poverty level. Frequently, it isn’t just those under the federal poverty level who experience food insecurity but instead a group known as the ALICE population: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.

Luke 18:17 says, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (ESV).

Every year, Concordia Gospel Outreach partners with Lutheran organizations to provide them with resources and support to continue serving their communities. These nonprofit groups span all across the country, helping to bring the Gospel and love of Christ to those in need.