Title: Lutherans Assess Damage from Feb. 6 Winter Storms, Tornadoes ELCA NEWS SERVICE
February 8, 2008
Lutherans Assess Damage from Feb. 6 Winter Storms, Tornadoes 08-011-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is assessing damage left behind by severe storms and tornadoes that swept across Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee Feb. 6. The storms killed more than 50 people.
Local Lutheran leaders and disaster response partners are collecting information about the situation, particularly the needs of communities affected, said the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, acting director of LDR -- a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).
"While preliminary assessments are being made, it appears as though the impact is significant and widespread," said Massey. Although the full extent of the damage is not yet known, ELCA synods and LCMS districts report that there does not appear to be any structural damage to Lutheran church facilities, he said.
"LDR anticipates involvement with long-term recovery efforts that link individuals, families, and communities with the resources needed to restore their lives and livelihoods, said Massey.
"As we await further information, we pray for those who have been injured or experienced loss in these devastating storms," Massey said.
The Rev. David B. Mattson, Christ by the Lake Lutheran Church, Bull Shoals, Ark., said members of the church are meeting with other congregations in the area in response to the storms. "First responders are cleaning up debris, so right now it's a wait-and-see with what is necessary," 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://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog