wfn.org | ELCA Supports Relief Efforts Virginia, West Virginia after Storms

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 20, 2001

ELCA SUPPORTS RELIEF EFFORTS VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA AFTER STORMS
01-196-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) are helping to distribute food and provide temporary
shelter for survivors of floods that resulted from severe storms in
Virginia and West Virginia July 8-10.
     The ELCA Domestic Disaster Response provided a $5,000 grant for
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bluefield, W.Va., and the community to help
meet immediate needs, said Johanna Olson, assistant, Domestic Disaster
Response.  Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the ELCA and The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, provided $5,000 to support interfaith
relief efforts," Olson said.
     Two people have died, and more than 1,600 homes in those states
have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the storm, according to
the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Domestic Disaster Response, ELCA
Division for Church in Society.
     "Assessments are difficult because of washed-out bridges and
roads, remote communities and contaminated water systems.  Perhaps as
many as 3,000 homes may have been damaged or destroyed," Furst said.
     "Local volunteers are helping with clean-up efforts.  Other needs
will arise as response continues," said Furst.
     Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church are attending to the needs of
survivors in the community.  On July 13, Furst met with the Rev.
Meredith Patrick Williams, pastor for Immanuel Lutheran Church, who said
the congregation is "busy digging out of the mud."  Williams told Furst,
"Our area is very poor.  There is high unemployment and a lot of elderly
folks."
     Furst also met with the Rev. James F. Mauney, bishop of the ELCA
Virginia Synod, Salem, and the Rev. Kenneth M. Ruppar, pastor for
Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Richmond, Va., and disaster coordinator
for the ELCA Virginia Synod, to develop a strategy for disaster
response.
     The West Virginia Council of Churches will participate in recovery
efforts, Olson said.  The Rev. Ralph W. Dunkin, bishop of the ELCA West
Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, Fairmont, W.Va., a member of the
council, is working to help provide funding for an interfaith disaster
coordinator, she said.

-- -- --
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:

ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764

Credit card gift line: 1-800-638-3522
Credit card gifts via the Web: www.elca.org/disaster

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