wfn.org | Lutherans Reach out to Flood Survivors in North Carolina

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 27, 1999

LUTHERANS REACH OUT TO FLOOD SURVIVORS IN NORTH CAROLINA
99-261-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Since the end of August, people in eastern North
Carolina have endured the impact of three hurricanes -- Dennis, Floyd
and Irene -- said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran
Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
     "The lives of thousands have been changed forever by the forces of
widespread destruction," Furst said.  More than 100,000 migrants and
other low-income people who live along the river basins in eastern North
Carolina were made homeless by Hurricane Floyd, he said.
     After Hurricane Floyd, Hurricane Irene produced heavy rain and
added stress to already-water-saturated North Carolina, said Johanna
Olson, assistant for Lutheran Disaster Response.
     Lutheran Disaster Response "has been reaching out to the survivors
of these hurricane-induced floods from the beginning," said Furst.  More
than $100,000 has been made available to provide immediate assistance
after Hurricane Floyd, he said.
     Lutheran Disaster Response efforts are being coordinated by
Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas, along with the ELCA North
Carolina Synod and the LCMS Southeastern District.
     The Southern Province Offices of the Moravian Church in America
gave a $10,000 gift to Lutheran Disaster Response for its recovery
efforts in North Carolina.
     "We Moravians wish to thank Lutheran Disaster Response for
permitting us to work together in the Hurricane Floyd relief effort,"
said the Rev. Robert Rierson, director of the board of evangelism and
home mission, Southern Province Offices of the Moravian Church in
America.  Rierson said the gift is to be "used in alleviating the
suffering caused by floods."
     The 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Denver approved "Following
Our Shepherd to Full Communion," a full communion agreement between the
ELCA and the Moravian Church.
     "Many people from across the country have been contacting Lutheran
Disaster Response and wondering how to reach out to their brothers and
sisters in this time of crisis," Furst said.
     Furst offered three ways to help.  "Prayers are always helpful and
provide a powerful spiritual support to those who are affected and to
those who are providing assistance.  Cash contributions, not material
contributions, help to provide immediate assistance to people, and
enable needed items to be purchased in the disaster areas.  Third,
volunteers can help with the daunting task of clean-up and repairs."
     "Flooded streams, often filled with chemical and organic
pollution, are just now receding.  Rains, which dumped additional inches
of water, have ended.  Dry winds are blowing again in North Carolina,"
said Furst.

DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors
of major disasters inside the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S.
Virgin Islands, please include:

                 Lutheran Disaster Response
                       P.O. Box 71764
                   Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                        800-638-3522

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html