wfn.org | Lutherans Respond To Storms in the Midwest

[NEWS@ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 25, 2004

Lutherans Respond To Storms in the Midwest
04-105-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a
ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and
the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), is assessing damage
this week after tornadoes, storms and floods struck Iowa,
Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin.  Parts of northeastern Illinois
are under flood warnings May 25, when the Des Plaines River is
expected to crest.
     "At the moment, a network of LDR coordinators is busy
assessing the damage and determining appropriate responses," said
the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, LDR director.  "Many devastated areas
are still inaccessible or closed to relief efforts because of
dangerous debris that must be removed."
     Furst said 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.  Emergency disaster grants
will be provided as specific needs are assessed."
     LDR is working with ELCA synods and LCMS districts that have
been affected, Furst reported.	They will "rally members and
congregations to provide support for the response efforts."  Once
specific response needs are known, volunteers will be needed for
cleanup and repairs, he said.
     "The prayers of God's people are more powerful than these
deadly storms and tornadoes," Furst said, adding that
"contributions" will "enable the church to respond at once and
make it possible to offer help and hope for the long haul."
_ _ _
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