friday January 23, 2026 Day 6

Deaconess Dr. Chrissie Gillet joined Lutherans For Life in April 2017 to serve as the Director of the Word of Hope ministry. An Air Force Veteran, Chrissie served as a staff psychologist during her military career. She is also a certified deaconess in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, offering a profound understanding of both the secular worldview and a Christ-centered identity. Her vocations as a pastor’s wife and mother of a large family fuel her deep compassion for life. 
 
Chrissie leads the Word of Hope ministry with dedication, overseeing marketing, training, media production, public speaking (accompanied by her service dog, Phoebe), and spiritual support. She is known for listening without personal judgment while responding with Christian truth and love, creating a safe, grace-filled space for those in need. Her commitment extends beyond direct care – she actively connects people with pastors, local services, and natural support systems.  
 
Of all her responsibilities at Word of Hope, Chrissie’s two most valued roles are building relationships with other life-affirming organizations and offering spiritual care to those brokenhearted by life issues.  
 

BIO:  Dr. Todd A. Peperkorn, STM, DMin**, is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He also serves as Vice President of Spiritual Formation and Director of Vicarage (internship). A Lutheran pastor since 1997, he served congregations in Wisconsin and Northern California before joining the seminary faculty in 2021. He is the author of the book, I Trust When Dark My Road: A Lutheran View of Depression, and was also one of the founding pastors of Higher Things