wfn.org | Lutherans Organize Relief Work after Storms, Tornadoes

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 14, 2002

LUTHERANS ORGANIZE RELIEF WORK AFTER STORMS, TORNADOES
02-264-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod (LCMS), is organizing recovery work after storms and
tornadoes brought death and destruction Nov. 10 in several Eastern and
Southern U.S. states.
     "At least 35 people have been killed and more than 100 injured,"
said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director, Lutheran Disaster Response.
     Furst said some of the hardest-hit states are Tennessee and
Alabama.  "In  Tipton County, Tenn., 274 homes were destroyed, and in
nearby Madison Country, 193 homes were destroyed," he said.  In
Abbeville, Ala., 143 homes were damaged or destroyed.
     "At the moment a network of Lutheran Disaster Response
coordinators is busy assessing damage and determining appropriate
responses on behalf of the church.  Interfaith efforts are also
beginning," said Furst.
     Many devastated areas are still inaccessible or closed to relief
workers because of dangerous debris that must be removed, Furst
reported.
     "Lutheran Disaster Response will work closely with affected ELCA
synods and LCMS districts," he said.  Lutheran congregations will be
called upon to provide support for relief efforts.  It is "certain that
major cleanup will be needed, as well as counseling services for those
whose lives have been affected by this destructive weather," Furst said.
     Emergency disaster grants will be provided as specific needs are
assessed.
     "The prayers of God's people are more powerful than these deadly
storms and tornadoes," Furst added.
-- -- --
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, Illinois 60694-1764

Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via Internet: http://www.elca.org/disaster

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