wfn.org | Lutherans Support Relief Efforts after Tornado Hits Mississippi

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

December 5, 2001

LUTHERANS SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS AFTER TORNADO HITS MISSISSIPPI
01-315-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod, is participating in relief efforts after tornadoes
killed 12 people and destroyed homes in the  Delta area of Mississippi,
Nov. 24-25.
     "There are at least 12 confirmed deaths," said the Rev. Gilbert B.
Furst, an ELCA pastor and director for Lutheran Disaster Response.  "It
is estimated that 168 homes have been affected, and more than 40 have
been destroyed.  Assessments of the damage continue," he said.
     An initial $10,000 grant has been provided by Lutheran Disaster
Response to assist with emergency needs, clean up and recovery efforts,
Furst said.  "Many of the affected were poor and elderly, whose houses
were under-insured or uninsured," he said.
     Lutheran Social Ministries of Mississippi will manage Lutheran
Disaster Response recovery efforts there.  The local Episcopal Diocese
is also working with Lutheran Disaster Response, Furst said.
     "Your prayers for the safety and well-being of those affected are
important.  As the church responds, the survivors are aware that, in the
midst of their losses, God loves them and God's people will offer help
and hope," Furst 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, 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