wfn.org | Lutherans Support People Affected by Fires in New Mexico

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 12, 2000

LUTHERANS SUPPORT PEOPLE AFFECTED BY FIRES IN NEW MEXICO
00-133-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutherans are providing "prayer and emotional
support" for people in Los Alamos, Espanola and White Rock, N.M., who
are coping with wild fires currently blazing in these areas.
     "Nearly 22,000 residents of Los Alamos, Espanola and White Rock
have been evacuated," 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).
He said the National Weather Service predicted wind gusts of up to 60
miles per hour with lower humidity on May 12.  "Lower humidity dries
brush even more, making it more flammable," Furst said.
     The Rev. Allan C. Bjornberg, bishop of the ELCA Rocky Mountain
Synod, Denver, reported that it is possible that one-quarter to one-
third of the residents of Los Alamos could be homeless by the evening of
May 12, said Furst.
     "This disaster is still very much in the immediate phase.  The
needs of people will be assessed more easily after pastors and members
can return to their homes and communities," Furst said.
     Lutheran Disaster Response is working with the ELCA Rocky Mountain
Synod and the LCMS Rocky Mountain District to contact congregations
affected by the fires to rally support for response and recovery
efforts.  Congregations in the Santa Fe area are setting up "command
posts" to coordinate ministry services to those who have been evacuated,
and pastors from Albuquerque are offering assistance.
     "Lutheran Disaster Response will be present in the days and months
ahead, long after the headlines have been written and forgotten," Furst
said.
_________________________
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