I have had some experience quilting for LWR and have read some of their literature (online and from mailings). My understanding is that Christian and patriotic symbols are not desired on the quilts. The reason is that LWR partners with different agencies in different countries - MANY different agencies. This is in an effort to be efficient with the distribution. In fact, LWR has an excellent rating when it comes to low overhead. Lutheran World Relief is a disaster relief agency that does not care what nationality or religion the recipients are, and it respects the beliefs of the recipients and refugees it serves. It puts a lot of energy into finding partner agencies that it can trust to do fair distribution and that are free of graft.
When LWR receives quilts from donors, it is often in bulk from the trucks that collect blankets. They package for efficient shipping, and as far as I know, they do not do much inspection -- certainly not enough to separate quilts suitable for one ethnic group from another. To me the mission is to provide relief, and the Christian witness is through the giving.
I applaud your involvement! I think you will find it a rewarding experience to be working with others in your church who so lovingly are giving of their time, talent, and materials to help people who are in dire need.
I will follow this thread to see if anyone has heard differently from LWR. I know that the guidelines do change from time to time.
Dayle