wfn.org | Lutherans Find That Life after Disaster Is Difficult, Not Hopeless

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 2, 2000

LUTHERANS FIND THAT LIFE AFTER DISASTER IS DIFFICULT, NOT HOPELESS
00-180-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "It is difficult but not hopeless," said the
Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, about
the recovery efforts in North Carolina ten months after Hurricane Floyd
destroyed 5,000 homes and damaged about 18,000 others there.  Lutheran
Disaster Response is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
     Furst met July 24-26 with hurricane survivors, disaster relief
coordinators from Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Family
Services in the Carolinas, volunteers, pastors and others helping to
lead recovery efforts in North Carolina.
     Hurricane Floyd killed more than 50 people in an area from the
Bahamas north to the New England area, causing destruction in eight
states in September 1999.
     "It is difficult to put into words the sensation of walking into
an abandoned house next to the Tar River," said Furst.  "It is difficult
to put into words the sad silence of what was once someone's home, to
describe the strong smell of mold and mildew, to characterize hardwood
floors no longer flat but bowed and sunken like the waves that once
covered them.  It is difficult to be here."
     Since Hurricane Floyd, only 10 percent of families and individuals
living in eastern North Carolina have been able to return to their
homes, Furst said.  About 1,255 mobile homes and travel trailers set up
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are still occupied, he said.
"Many others are living with friends or relatives, or in damaged
houses."
     George Strunk, a coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response, said
Lutherans have sent more than 50 teams of volunteers to help provide
recovery efforts in areas like Greenville and Princeville, N.C.
     More than $250,000 in direct cash grants and assistance have been
provided, Furst said.  He said the amount was announced at a local
steering committee meeting held July 25.  The committee is made up of
local pastors; staff from the ELCA North Carolina Synod and LCMS
Southeastern District; and representatives from Aid Association for
Lutherans, a fraternal benefits organization based in Appleton, Wis.,
and Lutheran Brotherhood, a fraternal benefits organization based in
Minneapolis.
     In Greenville, one mile from the Tar River, entire blocks of
houses still stand in disrepair.  Furst reported that one family was
busy hauling moldy insulation and wallboard to the curb.  "Across the
street, the pastor of West Park Church of Christ, Portsmouth, Va., and
44 members of the church were busy repairing walls and ceilings," he
said.
     "There is tremendous need, and recovery will take a long time,"
said Furst.  "It is difficult but not hopeless -- for we are people of
faith, and we can see beyond the death scenario of Good Friday to the
empty resurrection tomb of Easter.  We are committed to be here for the
long haul.  We are committed to offer help and hope in this difficult
situation," he 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