wfn.org | Lutherans Support Relief Efforts in Alabama

[news@ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

January 4, 2001

LUTHERANS SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS IN ALABAMA
01-02-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), is participating in recovery efforts in
Alabama after tornadoes struck four counties there last month.
     Tornadoes killed 11 residents of Tuscaloosa County and one
person in Geneva County.  About 200 homes "are severely damaged and
another 455 need repair in Tuscaloosa," said the Rev. Gilbert B.
Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response.
     About 200 buildings were damaged or destroyed in Etowah County,
and many homes were destroyed in Limestone County, Furst said.
"Assessment has been difficult due to closed roads and adverse
weather," he said.
     Lutheran Ministries of Alabama, Montgomery, will manage
Lutheran Disaster Response relief efforts, with staff from the ELCA
Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and LCMS Southern District, New Orleans.
Lutheran congregations in Alabama are distributing emergency supplies
and providing shelter, Furst said.
     Lutheran Disaster Response is also working with the Episcopal
Diocese of Alabama, "a partner in providing recovery efforts after
tornadoes swept through Alabama in 1998," he said.
     "I believe in angels.  They are reaching out in many ways to
people in Alabama who had no homes to celebrate Christmas," Furst
said.  "The angels are ministering   spiritually, financially,
physically and emotionally   bearing the message that God does not
abandon people.  We are a people of hope and new life. Lutherans are
people who care."

-- -- --
DOMESTIC DISASTERS:

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:

ELCA Domestic 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://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html