wfn.org | Lutherans Manage Fire Relief Efforts in Southern California

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 29, 2003

Lutherans Manage Fire Relief Efforts in Southern California
03-196-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), is managing relief efforts
in response to wildfire in southern California.
     "We are just beginning to know the needs of the disaster,"
said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster
Response.  "The fires in southern California are still not under
control, and more destruction and heartbreak are sure to come,"
he said.
     The fires caused at least 18 deaths -- 16 in California and
two in Mexico -- and destroyed at least 1,500 homes.  "More than
500,000 acres have burned, about 780 square miles, roughly three-
quarters the area of Rhode Island," said Furst.
     In Claremont, Calif., an ELCA pastor's home was destroyed by
fire, reported the Rev. Dean W. Nelson, bishop of the ELCA
Southwest California Synod.  There may be others in "our Lutheran
community who have evacuated their homes or who have suffered
loss," Nelson said.
     Neighbors, friends and member of several ELCA congregations
in Santa Clarita, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, Calif., face
evacuation, Nelson added.
     Other major areas are still being evacuated, Furst said.
Andrea Muir, disaster response coordinator, Lutheran Disaster
Response Southern California, evacuated when flames appeared
across the street from her home, Furst reported.
     Lutheran Disaster Response is managing this "unfolding
disaster" through Lutheran Social Services of Southern
California.  It is also working with the ELCA Pacifica Synod and
LCMS Pacific Southwest District, as well as with the American Red
Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Church World
Service.
     It may take several days to bring the fires under control,
Furst said.  How long it will take to extinguish them is beyond
speculation.
     "The prayers of God's people are far more powerful than
these roaring fires.  Your prayers will sustain those who do not
know if they will be returning to intact homes or piles of ashes,
destroyed neighborhoods, lost treasured items.	And, they will
sustain firefighters and care providers, those who are
responding, providing a helping hand and words of faith and
encouragement," said Furst.
     Monetary contributions will provide the resources needed to
assist with immediate emergency needs, cleanup provisions, long-
term and unmet needs, as well as spiritual and emotional
counseling, added Furst.

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://www.elca.org/news