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Lutherans Assess Damage in Midwest after May 4 Tornadoes


From News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>
Date Wed, 7 May 2003 13:50:27 -0500

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 7, 2003

LUTHERANS ASSESS DAMAGE IN MIDWEST AFTER MAY 4 TORNADOES
03-094-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod (LCMS), are assessing damage in Arkansas, Kansas,
Missouri and Tennessee after storms and tornadoes brought death and
destruction May 4.
     "At least 38 people are known dead and hundreds injured," said the
Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response.  "At
least 10 people were killed in Madison County, Tenn.," he said.
     "Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed.  The hardest-hit
states are Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee," he said.  Some of the worst
damage is along the Kansas-Missouri state line and in south Pierce City,
Mo.  Major damage occurred in Cherokee County and Crawford County, Kan.,
and Lawrence County, Tenn.
     A network of Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators began
assessing the damage and determining appropriate responses for the
church "from the beginning," Furst reported.  Interfaith efforts have
also begun.  "Many devastated areas are inaccessible or closed to relief
efforts because of dangerous debris that must be removed," Furst said.
     Staff of Lutheran Disaster Response is working with staff of
affected ELCA synods and LCMS districts, as they rally congregations to
provide support for recovery efforts, said Furst.
     "It is certain that major cleanup will be needed, as well as
spiritual and emotional care for the children and adults whose lives
have been affected by this destructive weather.  Emergency disaster
grants will be provided as specific needs are assessed," he said.
-- -- --

DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

Editors: When listing organizations receiving funds to aid 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


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