wfn.org | Lutherans Organize Recovery Work in Texas

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 17, 2002

LUTHERANS ORGANIZE RECOVERY WORK IN TEXAS
02-164-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod (LCMS), is organizing recovery work in central and
southern Texas after torrential rains and flooding killed 12 people
earlier this month.
     "For the second time in two years a major disaster has impacted
Texas," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director, Lutheran Disaster
Response.  Early assessment by The American Red Cross indicates that
more than 48,000 houses may have been affected by floods following days
of torrential rains.  The flooding has caused tens of millions of
dollars worth of damage to property, he said.
     In some places rivers have crested as high as 28 feet above flood
stage, reported Furst.  Water levels are beginning to fall in the
affected areas but, as flood waters move toward the Gulf of Mexico,
hundreds of people are being evacuated and more houses will flood.
President George W. Bush has approved federal aid for 13 counties and
Texas Governor Rick Perry has requested that an addition 17 counties be
considered for federal disaster declaration, he said.
     Lutheran Social Services of the South is managing the Lutheran
Disaster Response relief work.  The social service organization has
sustained its own disaster, said Furst.  "Its New Life Children's
Residential Treatment Center received extensive damage when flood waters
topped Canyon Dam," he said.  Based on what has been observed from a
distance, it is believed that at least $2 million is required to rebuild
that facility, Furst said.
     Lutheran Social Services of the South continues to coordinate the
Lutheran Disaster Response recovery work to last year's tropical storm
Allison, which caused major flooding in the Houston area.
     Initial damage assessment on the recent flooding in central and
southern Texas will continue in the next few weeks, Furst said.  "Local
volunteers will assist with cleanup.  Piles of soggy possessions are
already appearing on street sides through the neighborhoods of New
Braunfels, where people are just now returning from their evacuation,"
Furst said.
     Lutheran Disaster Response is preparing to work with the LCMS
Texas District, Austin, and the ELCA Southwestern Texas Synod, Seguin,
and will participate in interfaith efforts as they are organized in
affected communities, Furst said.
     "The prayers of God's people are far more powerful than these
roaring flood waters," he said.  "Prayers will sustain those who are now
returning to mud-filled houses, destroyed neighborhoods, and lost
treasured items. And, they will sustain those who are responding,
providing a helping hand and words of faith and encouragement," 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:

ELCA Domestic 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
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