wfn.org | Lutherans Rebuild Houses in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

September 15, 1999

LUTHERANS REBUILD HOUSES IN ARKANSAS, KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA
99-230-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutherans continue to make houses livable again
in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma, after 38 tornadoes struck the states
eight months ago.  The tornadoes destroyed 427 homes, severely damaged
900 others, and killed seven people.
     Since Jan. 21 hundreds of volunteers have worked with Lutheran
Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), to assist
survivors, especially families and individuals earning low incomes.
Relief efforts are managed by Lutheran Social Service of Kansas/Oklahoma
in connection with the ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and LCMS Mid-South
District.
     "The church continues to be present and responding, offering help
and hope in the name of Jesus Christ," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst,
director for Lutheran Disaster Response, Chicago.
     Earlier this summer "I met with volunteers, many who traveled at
their own expense to help disaster survivors," said Furst.  Volunteers
"are responding to others with the same love that Jesus Christ has shown
them.  Those who respond to any disaster, with fervent prayers, generous
contributions and with hands-on volunteering are really living out their
faith."

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html