CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "The tears of the people are adding to the height of the river," said James Barclay, president of Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota. April snow, vicious wind-driven rain and ice storms added to the misery of the 1996-1997 record winter snowfalls, according to the Rev. Leon A. Phillips Jr., executive director of Lutheran Disaster Response.
Lutheran Disaster Response, a joint ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is coordinating relief efforts through Lutheran Social Services (LSS) in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Heavy rains and snow complicate an already difficult flooding situation throughout the Dakotas and Minnesota. Cold temperatures, while slowing the melt, hampers flood control efforts.
"The terrible cycle of disasters continues in this country," said the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, in a "disaster-gram" to ELCA congregations. "Victims of the flooding are suffering great economic losses. The horrible burden of cleaning up the mess and trying to start life over again lies ahead," Anderson said.
Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators are now in place to provide emergency response in three states:
+ Bonnie Turner, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Fargo.
+ The Rev. Raymond A. Engh, Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, Sioux Falls.
+ Melanie Josephson, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, St. Paul.
Lutheran Disaster Response will coordinate offers from Lutheran congregations through the Dakotas and Minnesota to provide volunteers and other assistance for casualties of the flooding.
Lutheran Disaster Response will provide counseling services for people who have experienced the trauma of the disaster. Volunteers from local congregations will be trained to be empathetic listeners, care givers and effective referral agents to serve victims of the winter storms and flooding. Lutheran Disaster Response will provide training for volunteers in these service roles and prepare them to recognize emergent mental health issues requiring professional help.
In a disaster situation pastors, who themselves may be personally affected, are called upon to minister to the needs of their congregation members and others in the community. Lutheran Disaster Response will develop support services to help pastors withstand the demands they face now and in the coming months.
"With the long winter, the rising waters and the loss of electric power to many communities, this is a year that will always be remembered," the Rev. Arlen D. Hermodson, bishop for the ELCA's Northwestern Minnesota Synod, Moorhead, Minn., said in a letter to congregations.
"The devastation is beyond comprehension. The losses, in many cases, are overwhelming. Added to this is the burden of stress and mental anguish," Hermodson said. "We hear of great efforts being made by congregations to help others in need. Pastors are trying to minister to the many needs of their flock," he said.
"As one body of Christ, we face these disasters together. As we work to protect homes and property, help those in need, face losses, and other physical, financial and prayerful support, we must remember that we are one body of Christ," Hermodson concluded.
Aid Association for Lutherans has allocated $500,000 in disaster relief to help the victims of flooding and winter storms in North Dakota and Minnesota. The funds will be used to supplement aid money raised locally by members of AAL. The funds may be used to pay for supplies, equipment or food to help those hurt by the weather disaster, mostly through Lutheran Disaster Response. AAL is a fraternal benefit society based in Appleton, Wis.
DOMESTIC DISASTERS
When listing organizations receiving funds for aid to survivors of
major disasters including the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S.
Virgin Islands, please include:
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Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
800-638-3522
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For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
