wfn.org | Lutherans Respond to Tornadoes in Arkansas

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

January 29, 1999

LUTHERANS RESPOND TO TORNADOES IN ARKANSAS
98-03-13-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
will help bring relief to the people of Arkansas after 38 tornadoes struck
the state Jan. 21.   Response efforts will be organized through Lutheran
Disaster Response, a ministry of the ELCA and The Lutheran Church-Missouri
Synod (LCMS).
     "There were at least seven fatalities," said the Rev. Gilbert B.
Furst, director for the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and Lutheran
Disaster Response. 
     Initial assessments indicate more than 425 homes were destroyed and
more than 900 were severely damaged.  Among the hardest hit neighborhoods
are Saline and Pulaski County -- the "same area where Lutherans responded
to killer tornadoes two years ago," said Furst.
     Immediate needs and damages are being assessed and interfaith
efforts are beginning, he said.  
     "It is certain that major cleanup will be needed, as well as
counseling services for those whose lives have been affected by this
damaging weather.  Emergency disaster grants will be provided as specific
needs are assessed," said Furst.
     Relief efforts will be managed by Lutheran Social Service of
Kansas/Oklahoma.  Lutheran Disaster Response will work closely with the
ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and the LCMS Mid-South District. 
     A series of tornadoes struck areas near Jackson, Tenn., Jan. 17. 
Eight people were killed and more than 100 others are injured.  
     "Lutheran Disaster Response stands ready to offer assistance when it
is needed," said Furst.  "Local resources appear sufficient for the
needs."
     Interfaith disaster response organizations, including Church World
Service, are providing assistance to survivors in Tennessee.

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:

                  Lutheran Disaster Response
                        P.O. Box 71764
                    Chicago, IL  60694-1764
                         800-638-3522

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html